cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does The Frequency of Enzymatic Replacement Therapy Influence Patients’ Level of Adaptive Functioning?

Background Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of rare inherited metabolic disorders that result from defects in lysosomal function. LSDs are generally multisystemic diseases with reduced life expectancy. Enzymatic replacement therapy (ERT) is available for some LSDs and has led to an improvement of many somatic symptoms of some metabolic disorders. To our best knowledge no study has explored the impact of ERT frequency on adaptive functioning in this unique pediatric population. We hereby present a pilot study. Methods The parents of 27 patients with LSDs, aged between six months and 16 years (mean age 9 years 4 months), were asked to complete the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) Survey Form interview to measure children’s functional outcomes within four domains: communication, daily living, socialization and motor ability. Disorders present amongst the sample included MPS (N=13; I, I H-S, I H, I S, II, IV-Morquio, VI) Gaucher (N=6; types I and III) and Pompe (N=8; infantile and late onset forms). Data collection took place during patients’ visits to the Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital in Rome (Italy) for ERT treatment. Results The total sample obtained significantly lower scores ( When considering only children with an IQ in the normal ranges (>85; N=21), no significant differences were found comparing children’s adaptive functioning by splitting the sample into high and low ERT frequency (high=once a week; low=fortnightly). However, 58% of patients undergoing ERT once a week and 43% of patients undergoing ERT fortnightly presented with scores below the normal ranges ( Discussion Despite children with good cognitive capacities who did not differ significantly on level of adaptive functioning based on high or low ERT frequency, results suggest that higher frequency of treatment was associated with a higher occurrence of scores below the normal ranges in the adaptive behavior in this sample. Investigating this tendency could be of crucial importance in understanding whether lower scores in the daily living skills domain of the VABS and, more in general, maladaptive functioning might be associated with ERT frequency. Finally, a clearer understanding of the role of treatment frequency in this population’s adaptive functioning can lead to an improvement of both patients and families’ health outcomes.
Actuator curve embedding - An advanced actuator line model

This article describes an actuator curve embedding (ACE) concept to model arbitrary lifting lines using body forces within large-eddy simulation (LES). The new method removes some inconsistencies in body-force projection of the actuator line model (ALM) commonly used to represent wind turbine blades in atmospheric boundary-layer simulations. The concept and algorithm of ACE are presented followed by selected results for various blade planform and tip shapes that signify both the predictive capability and the advantages of the ACE concept. Examples include an elliptic wing, the NREL Phase VI rotor in parked and rotating conditions, and the NREL 5-MW turbine.
COMPARING MYOCARDIAL FIBROSIS QUANTIFICATION METHODS FOR RISK STRATIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED MYOCARDITIS USING CARDIAC MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Although the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a significant discriminator of events in patients with suspected myocarditis, no data is available on the optimal LGE quantification method. 670 consecutive patients (mean age 48 ± 16 years
The efficacy of 90-minute versus 60-minute sessions of prolonged exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder: Design of a randomized controlled trial in active duty military personnel.

Objective Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have devastating effects on multiple aspects of functioning. Thus, it is imperative to increase access to evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE) has extensive empirical support and is one of the first-line PTSD treatments included in civilian, veteran, and military clinical practice guidelines. However, the standard 90-min PE session format can constitute a significant barrier to its adoption in routine clinical care settings, which typically schedule 60-min appointment sessions. If the length of PE sessions could be reduced from 90 to 60 min without compromising treatment efficacy and efficiency, this would remove a major barrier to PE adoption. Method This paper describes the rationale and methods of a randomized controlled noninferiority trial comparing 90-min versus 60-min PE sessions (including 40- vs. 20-min imaginal exposures, respectively) among 160 active duty military personnel with PTSD. The aims of this study are to: (1) examine the efficacy and efficiency (i.e., rate of symptom improvement) of 90- versus 60-min PE; (2) assess change in psychophysiological markers of treatment response across conditions; and (3) test mechanisms of change underlying the efficacy of PE. Results/conclusions The results of this study will inform dissemination efforts in military, veteran, and civilian sectors. Further, identifying mechanisms of therapeutic change will answer important theoretical questions about how PE works, in order to refine and increase the efficacy and efficiency of PE to better meet the needs of individuals with PTSD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
Evaluation of the placement and maintenance of central venous jugular catheters in critically ill dogs and cats

OBJECTIVE: To describe problems noted during central venous jugular catheter (CVJC) placement, conditions associated with unsuccessful catheterization, and CVJC maintenance complications. DESIGN: Prospective observational study from September 2014 to September 2015. SETTING: University veterinary teaching hospital. ANIMALS: Twenty‐seven dogs and 20 cats hospitalized in a veterinary ICU. Patients were excluded if previously hospitalized with a CVJC or lacked sufficient data. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Ninety‐one percent of indwelling CVJCs were placed successfully (43/47, 95% CI: 80%, 98%). Procedural‐related difficulties that resulted in the inability to place a CVJC totaled 18/63 (28.6%, 95% CI: 18%, 41%) and included the inability to puncture the vessel (10), hematoma (6), malposition (1), and dislodgement (1). Procedural complications occurred in 24/47 patients (51%, 95% CI: 36%, 66%) and included cardiac dysrhythmias (13), hematoma (6), CVJC placement failure (4), and malposition (1). Risk factors associated with multiple catheterization attempts included increased age (7.5 years [± 4.2] vs 10.6 years [± 4.1], P = 0.04), smaller size (8.0 kg [0.6–51.9 kg] vs 4.4 kg [2.6–6.8 kg], P < 0.01) and thinner body condition score (median 5/9 [2/9–9/9] vs 4/9 [2/9–7/9], P = 0.04). The risk factor associated with dysrhythmias was smaller patient size (6.8 kg [2.6–51.9 kg] vs 4.8 kg [0.6–29.5 kg], P = 0.04). Eighteen indwelling complications occurred in 14 patients and included mechanical obstruction (7), skin irritation (6), malposition (4), and inflammation (1). Risk factors for indwelling complications included longer dwell time (5 days [2–30] vs 3 days [1–10], P < 0.01) and the administration of an irritant medication (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Complications were documented in the placement and maintenance of CVJCs in critically ill patients with a low incidence of life‐threatening sequelae. Risk factors associated with both unsuccessful CVJC placement and indwelling CVJC complications were identified.
Reduced-Rank Regression Models With Two Sets of Regressors

In Chapter 2 we have demonstrated the utility of the reduced-rank model for analyzing data on a large number of variables. The interrelationship between the dependent and independent variables can be explained parsimoniously through the assumption of a lower rank for the regression coefficient matrix. The basic model that was described in Chapter 2 assumes that the predictor variables are all grouped into one set and therefore, they are all subject to the same canonical calculations. In this chapter we broaden the scope of the reduced-rank model by entertaining the possibility that the predictor variables can be divided into two distinct sets with separate reduced-rank structures. Such an extension will be shown to have some interesting applications.
For better or worse: the case of marital rape

The small amount of literature on marital rape compared to the rather large amount of literature on stranger rape suggests that the former is viewed as a less serious crime. This conclusion is supported, in part, by the way marital rape is minimized by the law. This paper is a review of the existing literature on marital rape. It combines the material on the history of marital rape, the legal issues involved with marital rape, when marital rape is likely to occur, the effects of marital rape, and societal views of the marital rape victim in a single comprehensive paper. The intent is to provide a synthesized examination of marital rape, as well as to encourage research on marital rape. It is concluded that marital rape is a pressing problem that tends to be minimized by society and researchers need to devote greater attention to marital rape issues.
Back to the Future: An Approximate Solution for N Out of M Soft-Call Option

In convertible bond market, it is very common to protect the conversion privilege from being called away too soon by using soft-call constraint, or to protect the bond being converted too soon by using provision convert constraint. The first option will protect the bond holder; the second will be benefit to bond issuer. Both constrains have the common feature that the option can be exercise only when the underlying stock closes above a pre-set barrier for any n or more days over m consecutive trading days up to the exercise day. This feature brings challenge for pricing. This paper will propose an approximation solution by Looking Backward (LB) method. In order to illustrate the idea more clearly, I will focus on the Black model stock dynamic using binomial tree based on Cox-Ross-Rubinstein scheme. The results are compared with the exactly solution given by the author in [1]. The extension to other numerical method such as PDE with more general stock dynamic will also be discussed, and the numerical scheme will be laid out. The idea of the method can be applied to the pricing of other path dependent instruments in general.
The Impact of Electronic Medical Record Implementation on Labor Cost and Productivity at an Outpatient Orthopaedic Clinic

Background:Widespread adoption of electronic medical record (EMR) systems is increasing. EMR implementation can be costly and typically requires workflow redesign. To our knowledge, no studies to date have examined the impact of EMR implementation using advanced cost accounting methods or the impact
Response of Pseudoperonospora cubensis to Preventative Fungicide Applications Varies by State and Year

A cucumber bioassay to assess the response of Pseudoperonospora cubensis to preventative applications of fungicides is a useful, rapid method to determine which fungicides are most likely to be eff...
Protocol for the Emory University African American maternal stress and infant gut microbiome cohort study.

The microbial population of the human gut (the gut microbiome) is an integral cog in the bidirectional communication axis that exists between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. African American infants disproportionately experience multiple, overlapping vulnerabilities such as preterm birth and formula rather than breast feeding that may disrupt the development of the infant microbiome. African American infants also are more likely to have mothers affected by chronic stress both pre- and post-natally. Perhaps relatedly, African American offspring are disproportionately affected by neurodevelopmental delays. Taken together, these findings suggest that one important mechanism that may link prenatal and postnatal stress and African American infant brain development is the composition of the infant microbiome. In our ongoing longitudinal study, Maternal Stress and the Gut-Brain Axis in African American Infants (R01MD009746), we investigate associations between maternal prenatal and postnatal stress and the composition of the infant gut microbiome, in relation to cognitive and social-emotional development. We aim to recruit 300 African American mother-infant dyads, contingent on the mother’s previous participation in an associated prenatal cohort study: Biobehavioral Determinants of the Microbiome and Preterm Birth in Black Women (R01NR014800). Following enrollment, we assess infants at 1-week, and 3-, 6-, 12-and 18-months to collect: standardized assessments of infant neurocognitive and social-emotional development; questionnaire measures of infant feeding and health; observational data on maternal-infant interactions; maternal reports of postnatal stress; blood and saliva samples to evaluate maternal and infant psychoneuroimmunologic (PNI) function; and infant stool samples to characterize acquisition and trajectory of gut microbiome composition. Genetic variants of the major histocompatibility complex that may influence gut microbiome composition are also being evaluated. This rich data set will allow future consideration of risk and protective factors that influence neurodevelopment in African American infants who are exposed to varying levels of prenatal and early life stress. Evidence for a mechanistic role of the microbiome would provide a framework for future clinical evaluations of preventative interventions (e.g., probiotics, culturally-appropriate breastfeeding campaigns) that could potentially improve the health and development of African American children in infancy and across the lifespan.
Effects of monoamine depletion on the ketamine-induced locomotor activity of preweanling, adolescent, and adult rats: Sex and age differences.

Abstract Ketamine significantly increases the locomotor activity of rodents, however this effect varies according to the sex and age of the animal being tested. To determine the role monoamine systems play in ketamine’s locomotor activating effects: (a) male and female preweanling, adolescent, and adult rats were pretreated with vehicle or the monoamine depleting agent reserpine (1 or 5 mg/kg), and (b) the behavioral actions of ketamine (20 or 40 mg/kg) were then compared to d- amphetamine (2 mg/kg) and cocaine (10 or 15 mg/kg). The ability of reserpine to deplete dorsal striatal dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) in male and female rats was determined using HPLC. Ketamine caused substantial increases in the locomotion of preweanling rats and older female rats (adolescents and adults), but had only small stimulatory effects on adolescent and adult male rats. When compared to cocaine and d- amphetamine, ketamine was especially sensitive to the locomotor-inhibiting effects of monoamine depletion. Ketamine-induced locomotion is at least partially mediated by monoamine systems, since depleting DA and 5-HT levels by 87–96% significantly attenuated the locomotor activating effects of ketamine in male and female rats from all three age groups. When administered to reserpine-pretreated rats, ketamine produced a different pattern of behavioral effects than either psychostimulant, suggesting that ketamine does not stimulate locomotor activity via actions at the presynaptic terminal. Instead, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that ketamine increases locomotor activity through a down-stream mechanism, possibly involving ascending DA and/or 5-HT projection neurons.
A Review of the Theoretical Framework of Culture and Value Applied to Nursing

Culture is a unique component of each patient, and nurses are charged with caring for the whole patient while in their care.Â Cultural competence is an important tool that guides the practice of the nurse while providing care to the patient. Understanding the theory behind culture and the nursesâ€™ cultural competence. The Purnell Model of Cultural Competence (PMCC) is a valid framework to apply to the application of culture and values.Â As health care in the US is changing, it is important to note the impact that culture plays in health outcomes.Â This article explores the use of the PMCC to culture and values as it applies to health care. The intent is to provide an overview of the theory, relate the theory to the concepts, discuss the existing research, recommendations from the existing research, and application to future research recommendations.
Self-efficacy is associated with better sleep quality and sleep efficiency in adults with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Abstract Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) survivors often experience sleep disturbances. Self-efficacy for managing chronic disease may impact sleep for SAH survivors; however, little is known about the relationship between self-efficacy and subjective and objective sleep measures. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations among self-efficacy and subjective (nighttime sleep quality and daytime sleepiness) and objective (total sleep time [TST], wake after sleep onset [WASO], and sleep efficiency [SE]) sleep measures in SAH survivors. A cross-sectional study with a convenience sample of 30 SAH survivors was conducted. Self-efficacy was assessed with the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease scale. Nighttime sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, respectively. SAH survivors wore a wrist actigraph for 7 days to estimate TST, WASO, and SE. Analyses revealed that, within 3 months post-SAH, 73% of SAH survivors experienced poor sleep quality and 27% reported excessive daytime sleepiness. In addition, 41.4% of the participants slept on average either 9 h. Self-efficacy was correlated with nighttime sleep quality (r = -0.394, p = .031) and SE (r = 0.412, p = .026), but not with daytime sleepiness (r = -0.257, p = .170), TST (r = 0.137, p = .447), or WASO (r = -0.223, p = .246). Sleep disturbances are prevalent in SAH survivors. Targeted interventions focused on self-efficacy and self-management behaviors in this population may improve sleep and lead to better health.
It Looks a Bit Like This: Prototyping in an Academic Library

AbstractPrototyping is an incremental process that facilitates those looking to make changes in products, services, or resources. Originating in industrial fabrication process, prototyping can be a...
Mental distress among adolescent and young adult (AYA) and adult cancer survivors.

e19116Background: Mental distress is associated with poor treatment adherence and adverse psychosocial outcomes, and cancer survivors, especially adolescent and young adults (AYA), may experience g...
Environmental Sustainability and Human Capital Development

This study utilizes a multiple log regression model to examine how markers of environmental wellbeing are able to explain disparities in human capital globally. This paper utilizes data from The World Bank to examine relationships between emissions, air pollution, land and water conservation, renewable energy reliance, development status, and human capital levels. The results find that carbon emissions and particulate matter air pollution are the largest environmental predictors of human capital index scores, and that the positive relationship between carbon emissions and human capital level all but disappears amongst developed nations. This study fills a gap in the literature, providing a non-geographically isolated examination of particularly relevant explanatory variables, as opposed to solely utilizing index scores.
The global unmet need of congenital cardiac care: a quantitative analysis of the global burden of disease.

Background: CHDs are one of the most frequent congenital malformations, affecting one in hundred live births. In total, 70% will require treatment in the first year of life, but over 90% of cases in low- and middle-income countries receive no treatment or suboptimal treatment. As a result, CHDs are responsible for 66% of preventable deaths due to congenital malformations in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the unmet need of congenital cardiac care around the world based on the global burden of disease. Materials and methods: CHD morbidity and mortality data for 2006, 2011, and 2016 were collected from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation Global Burden of Disease Results Tool and analysed longitudinally to assess trends in excess morbidity and mortality. Results: Between 2006 and 2016, a 20.7% reduction in excess disability-adjusted life years and 20.6% reduction in excess deaths due to CHDs were observed for children under 15. In 2016, excess global morbidity and mortality due to CHDs remained high with 14,788,418.7 disability-adjusted life years and 171,761.8 paediatric deaths, respectively. In total, 90.2% of disability-adjusted life years and 91.2% of deaths were considered excess. Conclusion: This study illustrates the unmet need of congenital cardiac care around the world. Progress has been made to reduce morbidity and mortality due to CHDs but remains high and largely treatable around the world. Limited academic attention for global paediatric cardiac care magnifies the lack of progress in this area.
Grief and Loss Associated With Stroke Recovery: A Qualitative Study of Stroke Survivors and Their Spousal Caregivers.

Despite a focus on physical and cognitive outcomes, stroke survivors are also impacted by emotional and mental health challenges. Additionally, their caregivers may experience decreased well-being ...
A Self-Synchronized Maximum-Power-Point Inductively Coupled Wireless Battery Charger for Embedded Microsensors

Embedded microsensors are critical in today's fast-growing Internet of things, as they provide an interface between the physical and digital worlds. An inductively coupled power receiver can replenish the onboard batteries and extend the microsensor's lifetime. Among all power receivers, the switched resonant half-bridge receiver outputs the highest power, as it can operate beyond the circuit's breakdown adjust power transfer for maximum power point (MPP). However, switch synchronization and practical power transfer control remain two challenges. this article presents a self-synchronization technique and an MPP adjustment control scheme for the switched resonant half-bridge wireless charger. The charger senses the high oscillation voltage without limiting the breakdown. Moreover, it can adjust the energy transfer frequency to reach and stay at the MPP when coupling varies. A prototype wireless charger is fabricated with 180 nm CMOS technology. The prototype charger, operating at 110 kHz, receives a power up to 38 mm with a pair of 11.7 × 3.5 × 2.6 mm3 coils. Measurements show the charger outputs up to 89% of the available power across a 0.067%–7.9% coupling range. The output power (in the percentage of available power) and coupling range are 1.3× and 13× higher than the comparable state-of-the-arts.
Random Forest–Based Covariate Shift in Addressing Nonstationarity of Railway Track Data

AbstractThe multimodal transportation network in which freight rail plays an essential role continues to enhance the United States’ contributions in the global market. For years, track geometry def...
Baby Doe and Beyond: Examining the Practical and Philosophical Influences Impacting Medical Decision-Making on Behalf of Marginally-Viable Newborns

Infants born at twenty-seven weeks of gestation or less, or weighing less than 1000 grams, are considered to be extremely premature. These newborns teeter on the cusp of viability; it is only with aggressive medical intervention applied to virtually every bodily system that they have any chance of survival. If these marginallyviable newborns do, in fact, survive, they likely will experience a lifetime of severe physical, mental, and emotional handicaps-often as a direct result of the medical treatment they received. Consequently, this population represents one of the most contested treatment groups in medicine. Advances in technology and medical education in the past century have allowed doctors to save some of these extremely premature newborns who previously would have most certainly died. However, the philosophical, ethical, and legal concerns raised by attempting to preserve these infants are being weighed by an increasing number of decision makers. Whereas, prior to the 1970s, decisions regarding the infant's treatment plan were primarily in the hands of the parents and physicians-that is no longer the case. What was once a private decision made by these grief-stricken parents with the advice of their physicians has since become a matter for the public domain. These fragile infant's outcomes are now being debated by parents, * Research Professor, University of Houston Law Center, Health Law & Policy Institute, LL.M. (Health Law), University of Houston Law Center, J.D. Syracuse University College of Law. The author would like to thank William Winslade, Leslie Griffin, Nathan Andersen, and Anne Kimbol for their advice, guidance, and support during the writing of this article. Most importantly, the author wishes to thank his wife, Sarai, and their son, Harrison, for their love and support while he was pursuing his LL.M. and throughout the writing of this article.
Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) inhibits myofibroblast differentiation and lung fibrosis

Matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12) is implicated in pathogenesis of emphysema; however its role in lung fibrosis is controversial. C/EBPβ represses MMP12 expression in lung fibroblasts, while C/EB...
On Computing Metric Upgrades of Projective Reconstructions Under the Rectangular Pixel Assumption

This paper shows how to upgrade the projective reconstruction of a scene to a metric one in the case where the only assumption made about the cameras observing that scene is that they have rectangular pixels (zero-skew cameras). The proposed approach is based on a simple characterization of zero-skew projection matrices in terms of line geometry, and it handles zero-skew cameras with arbitrary or known aspect ratios in a unified framework. The metric upgrade computation is decomposed into a sequence of linear operations, including linear least-squares parameter estimation and eigenvalue-based symmetric matrix factorization, followed by an optional non-linear least-squares refinement step. A few classes of critical motions for which a unique solution cannot be found are spelled out. A MATLAB implementation has been constructed and preliminary experiments with real data are presented.
Radiologic Evaluation of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Radiologic imaging is useful at several stages during the evaluation of the pediatric patient with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition to conventional plain radiographs and contrast studies, cross-sectional imaging techniques such as ultrasound (US), computer tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used at the time of initial presentation to help establish the diagnosis and to assess the location, extent, inflammatory activity, and severity of disease. These modalities are also very important for disease monitoring during and after treatment, in selecting appropriate treatment options, planning surgical strategies, and for assessing complications of disease and effects of therapeutic interventions. This chapter will discuss the current role of these various modalities in the clinical management of pediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), and review some of the emerging techniques that may yield more detail and improve on the accuracy of current methods.
The Scope of the General Utilities Repeal

More than a quarter of a century ago, Congress repealed the General Utilities doctrine, authorizing Treasury to issue regulations to prevent circumvention of the repeal. Although Treasury has issued several sets of regulations in response, it has never systematically defined the scope of the repeal. Instead, the regulations and other administrative guidance more selectively attack concerns raised by the repeal, almost all of which arise because of the dual nature of stock: A corporate shareholder can choose to treat a subsidiary’s stock as a separate asset or, in certain cases, as an indirect interest in subsidiary assets, a choice facilitated by § 332, the consolidated return regulations, the reorganization provisions, and the interplay of Subchapter C and pass-thru regimes. Unchecked, that choice would allow corporations to readily avoid the repeal, but the choice has been severely restricted by Congress and Treasury.This article considers the extent to which the response should be further developed and refined. It concludes that Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") should adopt a general rule to implement the repeal. It also concludes that they should simplify the uniform loss rules under § 1.1502-36 and bring final Prop. § 1.337(d)-3 with some modifications. This article first considers the scope of the General Utilities repeal before considering how the repeal should be implemented. It ends with a brief conclusion.
Catecholamines, Adiponectin, and Insulin Resistance as Measured by HOMA in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

THE METABOLIC SYNDROME DESCRIBES THE COMPLEX OF HYPERINSULINEMIA, ABDOMINAL OBESITY, AND DYSLIPIDEMIA.1 IT HAS BEEN LINKED TO diabetes,2 cardiovascular disease, and increased mortality,3 highlighting the alarming nature of estimates that it affects 20% to 25% of the US population.4 Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been associated with the metabolic syndrome in adults. Deciphering the relationship between OSA and the metabolic syndrome is complicated since obesity is a risk factor for both disorders, even in children.5–7 However, after adjusting for obesity, studies in adults found OSA to be an independent risk factor for insulin resistance and hypertension.8–11 Increased sympathetic output due to hypoxemia and repetitive arousals during sleep is purported to be causal in insulin resistance and elevated blood pressure.11 However, the mechanisms linking OSA and the metabolic syndrome remain poorly understood. A possible link may be adiponectin. Adiponectin, an insulin sensitizing hormone secreted by adipose tissue, decreases hepatic glucose output and increases fatty acid oxidation by muscle. Low serum adiponectin concentrations have been associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension.12 Both mutations and polymorphisms of the adiponectin gene have been found in type 2 diabetes and in states of impaired glucose tolerance.13–16 In vitro, catecholamines suppress adiponectin secretion/production.17 Thus, the increased sympathetic output associated with OSA may suppress serum adiponectin, potentially contributing to insulin resistance. The data in adults with respect to OSA and adiponectin are conflicting.18–23 Until recently, few studies have examined OSA and its contribution to the metabolic syndrome in the pediatric population.24–26 Preliminary studies in children with OSA have found increased diastolic blood pressure,25 increased blood pressure variability with loss of the normal circadian rhythm in blood pressure,27 and increased fasting insulin,24 but not necessarily a direct association between OSA and insulin resistance or adiponectin.26,28 The disparate results may arise from differences in study populations and analytical approaches as well as failure to account for puberty,24,26,28 a period marked by insulin resistance.29 The obesity epidemic and parallel debut of type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents30–32 demand that factors, including OSA, that may contribute to the development of diabetes in this population be explored. We hypothesized that OSA-related hypoxemia and repeated arousals would lead to excess catecholamine release, thereby suppressing secretion of adiponectin, and increasing insulin resistance.
Dangerous Places: Health, Safety, and Archaeology

Dangerous Places: Health, Safety,and Archaeology. David A. Poirier and Kenneth L. Feder. eds. Westport, CT and London: Bergin and Garvey, 2001. + 249 pp.
Late Pregnancy Sleep: Does Altitude Effect Length of Labor and Cesarean Rates?

Poster Presentation Objective To ascertain whether the quality and quantity of sleep in late pregnancy were associated with length of labor or mode of delivery (vaginal/cesarean) for women living at moderate altitude. Design A prospective, descriptive study based on the symptom management theory, the theory of integral nursing, and Lee's conceptual model of impaired sleep. Setting Flagstaff, Arizona (elevation 6910 ft.) February to July 2011. Sample Convenience sample of 50 nulliparous women who completed 35 gestational weeks of pregnancy. Methods Institutional Review Board and Committee on Human Research approvals were obtained, and all participants signed informed consent. Sleep booklets were completed during the last 5 weeks of pregnancy. Participants were contacted by phone 2 to 4 weeks postdelivery to collect birth information. Analyses included Pearson product–moment correlation coefficient, hierarchical multiple regression to explore relationships between sleep and length of labor, and logistic regression to predict mode of delivery from sleep parameters. Results After controlling for infant birth weight (beta = .315, R2 change=8.0%, p Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice This is the first research conducted at moderate altitude focused on late pregnancy sleep to explore relationships with perinatal outcomes. Because greater sleep disturbance and sleep onset latency were related to poor quality of sleep, obstetric care providers should advise women in late pregnancy to practice healthy sleep hygiene measures.
Organo transition-metal metallocarboranes. 11. Chromium tricarbonyl .eta.6-complexes of nido-2,3-(PhCH2)2C2B4H6: metal complexation and oxidative fusion

Etude des consequences de la coordination des groupes Cr(CO) 3 au η 6 -phenyl, sur la chimie du C,C'-dibenzylcarborane
SPIN-ORBIT FORCE AND A NEUTRAL VECTOR MESON

The coefficient of $({\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{1}+{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{2})\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\stackrel{^}{n}$ in the $\mathrm{pp}$ scattering amplitude at 310 Mev can be completely accounted for by a strongly interacting neutral vector meson (or a sharp three-pion resonance in the $T=0$, $J=1$ state) of mass $\ensuremath{\approx}3{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}\ensuremath{-}4{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}$.
Canvasser Affect and Voter Response: Results From National Focus Groups:

The experimental literature on voter mobilization establishes the efficacy of canvassing as a tool of voter mobilization. However, the current literature gives scant attention to the question of whether some types of canvassers may be more effective than others. This article takes the first step toward developing a positive theory of effective or ineffective canvassing. Using descriptive, qualitative data from 10 focus groups conducted in 2006, I find that voters have preferences for the types of campaign representatives they want to visit them. The results of these focus groups lay the groundwork for further experimental study and provide guidelines for practitioners instituting get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts.
A method for distance determination in proteins using a designed metal ion binding site and site-directed spin labeling: evaluation with T4 lysozyme

The use of molecular genetics to introduce both a metal ion binding site and a nitroxide spin label into the same protein opens the use of paramagnetic metalnitroxyl interactions to estimate intramolecular distances in a wide variety of proteins. In this report, a His-Xaa3-His metal ion binding motif was introduced at the N terminus of the long interdomain helix of T4 lysozyme (Lys-65 --> His/Gln-69 --> His) of three mutants, each containing a single nitroxide-labeled cysteine residue at position 71, 76, or 80. The results show that Cu(II)-induced relaxation effects on the nitroxide can be quantitatively analyzed in terms of interspin distance in the range of 10-25 A using Redfield theory, as first suggested by Leigh [Leigh, J.S. (1970) J. Chem. Phys. 52, 2608-2612]. Of particular interest is the observation that distances can be determined both under rigid lattice conditions in frozen solution and in the presence of motion of the spins at room temperature under physiological conditions. The method should be particularly attractive for investigating structure in membrane proteins that are difficult to crystallize. In the accompanying paper, the technique is applied to a polytopic membrane protein, lactose permease.
‘SLABBER’: a useful device for subsampling box cores

The ‘SLABBER’, a plexiglass device designed for subsampling box cores, was used at sea with excellent results. The SLABBER allowed visual inspection of any existing sedimentary features, and also provided storage, when necessary for subsamples. When the features were present, X-radiography of the SLABBER subsamples clearly showed sediment layering, evidence of bioturbation and orientation of shell material, all with apparent minimal disturbance of these structures.
A model for bidirectional community-academic engagement (CAE): overview of partnered research, capacity enhancement, systems transformation, and public trust in research.

The University of Maryland’s Office of Policy and Planning in collaboration with urban and rural community partners, planned and implemented a model for community-academic engagement (CAE) in partnered research and programs. The model addressed health disparities, cancer and tobacco-related diseases, and public trust in research. Environments have flourished that resulted in bidirectional community-academic interactions, and led to transformation of the academic environment and community capacity to identify and address health issues. This collaborative model produced: • enhanced public trust in research; and • enhanced community and Academic Health Center (AHC) capacity to address community health needs as partners. A unique feature of this model is AHC’s shared grant funding with community partners serving diverse and medically underserved communities for predetermined roles in research, policy and educational programs. Over $18 million in grant funding was provided to community organizations. This paper presents an overview of this model as a case study.
Transfer of functional insulin receptors to receptor-deficient target cells.

Purified human insulin receptors incorporated into phospholipid vesicles have previously been shown to retain insulin binding as well as insulin-stimulated β-subunit autophosphorylating activity. These vesicles were used as a vehicle to transfer receptors to the insulin receptor-deficient Madin- Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. Fusion of control [14C] dioleoylphosphatidylcholine-labeled phospholipid vesicles with MDCK cells was found to be dependent on both the amount of time and the concentration of polyethylene glycol used for fusion. Optimal insulin receptor transfer, as determined by recovery of [125I]insulin binding, occurred when MDCK cells were incubated for 45 min at 37 C in the presence of 15% polyethylene glycol plus receptor-containing vesicles. Scatchard analyses for insulin receptor binding before and after vesicle fusion demonstrated no postfusion alteration in insulin receptor affinity and a 10-fold increase in the number of insulin receptors present in the MDCK cells. Fusion transfer ...
Ajulemic acid, a synthetic cannabinoid acid, induces an antiinflammatory profile of eicosanoids in human synovial cells.

Abstract Aims To better understand mechanisms whereby Ajulemic acid (AjA), a synthetic antiinflammatory cannabinoid, promotes resolution of acute and chronic inflammation in animal models, we investigated its influence on cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expression and eicosanoid production in human fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS). Main methods FLS isolated from tissue obtained at joint replacement surgery or cultured from synovial fluid were treated for 60 min with AjA (10–30 μM), then stimulated with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). COX2 mRNA was measured by hybridization/colorimetric assay of whole cell lysates collected 4 h after stimulation. To determine effects on arachidonic acid release, FLS were incubated with 14C-arachidonic acid for 20 h then treated with AjA (8–32 μM). Arachidonic acid release was measured by scintillation counting. Prostaglandins (PG) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cell supernatants collected 4 and 24 h after stimulation. Key findings AjA increased the steady state levels of COX2 mRNA in and arachidonic acid release from FLS. Treatment of FLS with AjA increased 15-deoxy-delta12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2) production in a concentration dependent manner, but did not affect PGE2 production significantly. Significance The capacity of AjA to increase selectively and markedly 15d-PGJ2, an eicosanoid which facilitates resolution of inflammation, suggests that AjA may have value as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other diseases characterized by acute and chronic inflammation.
Premixed turbulent flame blowoff velocity correlation based on coherent structures in turbulent flows

A correlation for the blowoff velocity of premixed turbulent flames stabilized by bluff bodies is devloped using a simple model for coherent structures in turbulent flows. The correlation shows the correct trends for variations in equivalence ratio, free stream pressure and temperature, flameholder characteristic size, and turbulent Reynolds number, and good agreement with published experimental data is obtained.
Design Methodology for the Micronozzle-Based Electrospray Evaporative Cooling Devices

Thermal management of microelectronics demands higher heat flux removal capabilities due to the rapid increase in component and heat flux densities generated by integrated circuits (ICs). Electrospray evaporative cooling (ESEC) is a potential package-level thermal management solution for the next generation of microelectronics. In this paper, a design methodology is presented using numerical electrostatic field modeling to indirectly design proof-of-concept, micronozzle-based ESEC chambers. The results of the numerical modeling and heat transfer experiments indicate that the potential distribution near the micronozzle tip of the ESEC chamber dominates the heat transfer performance of ESEC cooling devices. The surface charge density at the micronozzle tips has a minor impact on the heat transfer performance. The maximum enhancement ratio of 1.87 was achieved by the 8-nozzle ESEC chamber at the lowest heat flux investigated, indicating that the heat transfer capability of ESEC chambers declines as the heat source density increases. The study demonstrates that increasing the number of micronozzles and decreasing the flow rate per nozzle may not effectively improve the heat transfer performance of ESEC devices.
Form-Drag Instability, Multiple Equilibria and Propagating Planetary Waves in Baroclinic, Orographically Forced, Planetary Wave Systems

A two-layer baroclinic model is used to study the planetary-scale motions of a thermally driven atmosphere in the presence of topography, and in doing so to extend previous results obtained with a barotropic model. Highly truncated spectral equations are used to obtain multiple wavelike stationary equilibrium states, to examine the instabilities that produce them, and to study the instabilities that feed on them and give rise to traveling planetary waves. Although the equilibria cannot exist without orography, their energy comes from the potential energy of the mean flow, not from kinetic energy transfer via the mountain torque. Low-index (blocking) equilibria as well as high-index equilibria require a large thermal driving and are associated with both orographic and baroclinic instability of the Hadley circulation. It is suggested that blocking in nature is a quasi-stable circulation arising from orographic instability with strong thermal driving; and that observed low-frequency, propagating planetary waves are due to instabilities of the quasi-stationary, topographically forced equilibria.
Native avian c-erbB gene expresses a secreted protein product corresponding to the ligand-binding domain of the receptor

Abstract A primer-directed cDNA library was used to obtain cDNA clones corresponding to the 5' end (i.e., the ligand-binding domain) of the avian c-erbB gene. Bacterial c-erbB fusion proteins were synthesized and used to obtain polyclonal antisera specific for the ligand-binding domain of the avian receptor. These antisera and antisera specific for the carboxyl terminal domain of the chicken c-erbB gene product have been used to study the native protein products of the c-erbB locus in primary cell cultures by in vivo labeling and immunoprecipitation. Our studies reveal that three c-erbB gene products of Mr 300,000, Mr 170,000, and Mr 95,000 are synthesized in uninfected chicken embryo fibroblasts. Only the Mr 300,000 and Mr 170,000 species can be precipitated by using antisera specific for the cytoplasmic domain of the c-erbB product. The 95,000 species is not recognized by the antiserum directed against the carboxyl-terminal domain of c-erbB and is specifically released into the culture medium. Northern transfer studies reveal a lower molecular weight transcript of approximately 2.6 kilobases that selectively hybridizes to the ligand-binding domain of the avian c-erbB gene product but does not hybridize with probes specific for the cytoplasmic kinase domain of c-erbB. An additional cDNA clone corresponding to this transcript has been isolated, and its sequence suggests it may arise via alternative processing. Together, these data suggest that a truncated form of this growth factor receptor--i.e., a Mr 95,000 species--is synthesized from a low molecular weight c-erbB transcript that exclusively encodes the ligand-binding domain of the receptor. Secretion of truncated growth factor receptors has been reported recently in several systems, and our results are discussed in the light of these findings.
Sarcoidosis of the Heart

Myocardial involvement in sarcoidosis occurs in about 27% of patients. Clinical manifestations include ventricular arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and sudden death. Diagnosis requires clinical suspicion and may be supported by electrocardiography, echocardiography, thallium imaging, gallium-67 scanning, and myocardial biopsy. Steroids seem to be beneficial in the treatment of myocardial sarcoidosis. Those who do not respond to medical treatment may benefit from cardiac transplantation.
A traffic light food labeling intervention increases consumer awareness of health and healthy choices at the point-of-purchase

Abstract Objective We surveyed customers in a hospital cafeteria in Boston, Massachusetts before and after implementation of traffic light food labeling to determine the effect of labels on customers' awareness and purchase of healthy foods. Methods Cafeteria items were identified as red (unhealthy), yellow (less healthy), or green (healthy). Customers were interviewed before (N = 166) and after (N = 223) labeling was implemented. Each respondent was linked to cash register data to determine the proportion of red, yellow, and green items purchased. Data were collected from February–April 2010. We compared responses to survey questions and mean proportion of red, yellow, and green items per transaction between customers interviewed during baseline and customers interviewed during the intervention. Survey response rate was 60%. Results Comparing responses during labeling intervention to baseline, more respondents identified health/nutrition as an important factor in their purchase (61% vs. 46%, p = 0.004) and reported looking at nutrition information (33% vs. 15%, p Conclusion Traffic light food labels prompted individuals to consider their health and to make healthier choices at point-of-purchase.