cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in Aerosols

Aerosols of Listeria monocytogenes were generated in 0.1 % reconstituted nonfat dried milk, 0.1% peptone water, and distilled water. Suspensions of L. monocytogenes Scott A and L. monocytogenes V37CE were prepared in three population ranges: high, between 108-109 CFU/ml; intermediate, between 105-106 CFU/ml; and low, between 103-104 CFU/ml. Aerosols were generated into an enclosed hood by pressurized Freon. Prepoured petri plates containing tryptic soy agar with 0.6% yeast extract (Difco, Detroit, MI) were spread out in the bottom of the hood. Fallout was collected by removing the lids of randomly selected plates and leaving the lids off for selected time periods. The time periods used for collecting fallout varied and were based on the initial populations of the solutions that were aerolized. Fallout was reported as CFU/cm2 at each time interval. Results showed that high populations of L. monocytogenes Scott A and L. monocytogenes V37CE survived in aerosol suspensions generated under these conditions for 210 min.
Spatial and Nonspatial Neural Mechanisms Underlying Tactile Spatial Discrimination

This paper is concerned with a series of psychophysical and neurophysiological investigations aimed at understanding tactile spatial discrimination and its underlying neural mechanisms. Two aspects of those studies are discussed here. They are (i) the differentiation of surface feature discrimination into two categories, one based on spatial neural coding mechanisms and one based on nonspatial mechanisms, and (ii) the identity of the afferent population(s) that carry the critical spatial information. Because our objective is the study of parallel processing within the somatosensory system, emphasis is placed on identifying and studying those aspects of feature discrimination that are based on spatial (parallel) patterning in the afferent discharge. For this reason, particular attention is given to the interpretation of spatial discrimination as measured in psychophysical experiments and to the criteria that must be satisfied by the neuronal populations that carry the spatially distributed information. The populations considered are the Pacinian (PC), slowly adapting (SA), and quickly adapting (QA) cutaneous mechanoreceptive afferents.
Human Factors in Classification and Certification

Since the 18 century, Classification Societies have served the public interest by promoting the security of life, property, and the natural environment. This has been accomplished primarily through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction, and maintenance of marine facilities, however, new insights gained over the past decade have motivated maritime safety organizations to better address the contribution of the human element to maritime casualties and accidents.
A genetic variant brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphism interacts with hostile parenting to predict error-related brain activity and thereby risk for internalizing disorders in children

The error-related negativity (ERN) is a negative deflection in the event-related potential occurring when individuals make mistakes, and is increased in children with internalizing psychopathology. We recently found that harsh parenting predicts a larger ERN in children, and recent work has suggested that variation in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene may moderate the impact of early life adversity. Parents and children completed measures of parenting when children were 3 years old (N = 201); 3 years later, the ERN was measured and diagnostic interviews as well as dimensional symptom measures were completed. We found that harsh parenting predicted an increased ERN only among children with a methionine allele of the BDNF genotype, and evidence of moderated mediation: the ERN mediated the relationship between parenting and internalizing diagnoses and dimensional symptoms only if children had a methionine allele. We tested this model with externalizing disorders, and found that harsh parenting predicted externalizing outcomes, but the ERN did not mediate this association. These findings suggest that harsh parenting predicts both externalizing and internalizing outcomes in children; however, this occurs through different pathways that uniquely implicate error-related brain activity in the development of internalizing disorders.
Strengthening of Alpha Titanium by the Interstitial Solutes C, N, and O

The experimental data on the strengthening of α-Ti by the interstitial solutes C, N, and O are reviewed and compared with the two principal models for solid solution strengthening, namely the Fleischer-Friedel and the Mott-Nabarro models as recently modified by Labusch. Furthermore, the nature of the interactions between the moving dislocations and the interstitial solute atoms is considered. It is concluded that the strengthening due to the interstitial solutes for prism slip in single crystals and for the plastic flow of polycrystals is described reasonably well by an interaction on the first-order prism planes according to the Fleischer-Friedel model. The experimentally derived interaction energy is in accord with that calculated for the combined effect of the size misfit and the modulus mismatch or that for the breaking of chemical bonds between the interstitial solutes and the surrounding Ti atoms.
“It's Worth the Fight!”: Women Resisting Rape

Abstract Is it worthwhile to fight back in response to a would-be rapist? On the basis of decades of research dedicated to the subject, we assert that resistance is associated with increased likelihood of rape avoidance and may confer benefits in other ways as well. Whereas the benefit of resistance is becoming clearer based on the empirical research, efforts to increase rape resistance education are often met with criticism, particularly because of concerns about how women’s resistance might lead to escalation of offender violence or victim injury. Accordingly, this chapter provides an overview of the research documenting the effectiveness of self-defense/rape resistance strategies, discusses what is effective and what is not, explains the benefits and potential drawbacks of resistance, and explores the factors that facilitate and limit the use of resistance. Finally, the chapter concludes with a discussion of the future directions of research on the efficacy of victim resistance and self-defense training and on the ways to increase women’s knowledge and usage of effective resistance strategies.
Arctic Impact Assessment: Setting the Stage

The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA) report to the Arctic Council in 2004 was the “first” comprehensive assessment of climate change in the Arctic. It delivered dramatic messages to the world on the changes in the Arctic climate and the critical role of this region for the future development of the global climate. These messages were confirmed in the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2007. Hence, this chapter seeks to summarize the findings of the ACIA that are increasingly viewed as foundational security issues for a sustainable future for the Arctic region and a bellwether of change for the rest of the world. Further, there follows a discussion of the Arctic Council assessments that followed the ACIA as well as an outline of a potential comprehensive follow-on assessment that is designed to assess the many elements of change, many of which have security implications for the eight Arctic countries, the peoples of the north, and for the world at large.
The Best Approximation Method: Applications

The theory of generalized Fourier Series as utilized in the Best Approximation Method can be applied to the approximation of linear operator relationships. To demonstrate the computational results in using this approach, several example problems where analytic solutions or quasi-analytic solutions exist are considered. Applications include two-dimensional problems involving the Laplace and Poisson equations,tests for variation in results due to inner product weighting factors, and applications to nonhomogeneous domain problems.
Lung omics signatures in a bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension-like murine model

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the most common chronic lung disease in infants, is associated with long-term morbidities, including pulmonary hypertension (PH). Importantly, hyperoxia causes BPD...
Two-year prevalence of dysphagia and related outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors: An updated SEER-Medicare analysis

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to examine prevalence of dysphagia at the population level in head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. METHODS Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare claims among 16 194 patients with HNC (2002-2011) were analyzed to estimate 2-year prevalence of dysphagia, stricture, and aspiration pneumonia, and derive treatment- and site-specific estimates. RESULTS Prevalence of dysphagia, stricture, pneumonia, and aspiration pneumonia was 45.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 44.5-46.1), 10.2% (95% CI: 9.7-10.7), 26.3% (95% CI: 25.6-26.9), and 8.6% (95% CI: 8.2-9.1), respectively. Dysphagia increased by 11.7% over the 10-year period (P < .001). Prevalence was highest after chemoradiation and multimodality therapy. CONCLUSION Comparing to published rates using similar methodology the preceding decade (1992-1999), prevalence of dysphagia based on claims data was similar in 2002-2011 in this study. These results suggest persistence of dysphagia as a highly prevalent morbidity, even in the decade in which highly conformal radiotherapy and minimally invasive surgeries were popularized.
The Role of History and Ethics of Anatomy in Medical Education

While time spent on anatomical education in medical school curricula has been diminishing over the last decades, the recognized role of anatomical dissection has expanded. It is perceived by many students and faculty not only as the means of learning the structure and function of the human body, but also as an opportunity for the acquisition of professional competencies such as team work, patient-doctor interaction, medical epistemology, self-awareness, and an understanding of medical ethics. This viewpoint article proposes that this learning process can be supported effectively through studying examples from the history of anatomy, as insights from this history can help illuminate contemporary ethical issues in anatomy and medicine. Anatomical education can thus provide not only the opportunity of gaining awareness of ethical questions, but also a chance to practice these new insights within the protected environment of the laboratories, in interaction with the dead and the living. Consequently, a new role has developed for anatomists, which includes the interweaving of the scholarly exploration of the history and ethics of anatomy with the practical application of research results into a reframed concept of anatomical education. Anatomy, as a foundational discipline in the medical curriculum, can thus provide a first step on the educational path of empathetic and humane medical caregivers.
Is there a prospect for mass drug administration of azithromycin to reduce child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa?

Commentary on: Keenan JD, Bailey RL, West Sk, et al . Azithromycin to reduce childhood mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. N Engl J Med 2018;378:1583–92. A recent study by Keenan and colleagues found positive effects of mass distribution of azithromycin (MDA) in children aged 1–59 months in reducing mortality rates in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa.1 Ending preventable child death remains an important goal for a sustainable development in low/middle-income countries. Effective strategies for accelerated reduction in child mortality are needed. The MDA for elimination of trachoma provided hints on possible effectiveness of the strategy in reducing child mortality. Keenan and his colleagues designed a community trial to test the strategy within few districts in Malawi, Niger and Tanzania. The study used a blinded cluster randomised trial with MDA in intervention area and placebo in control area in one district in Malawi, and two districts in Niger and in Tanzania. The primary outcome was pooled mortality rate among children aged 1–59 months across the three countries. A total of 1533 communities were randomised into 767 intervention and 766 control areas. Average cluster size in children aged 1–59 months was higher in Malawi (259 vs …
An Initial Implementation of Libfabric Conduit for OpenSHMEM-X

As a representative of Partitioned Global Address Space models, OpenSHMEM provides a variety of functionalities including one-sided communication, atomic operations, and collective routines. The communication layer of OpenSHMEM-X plays a crucial role for its functionalities. OFI Libfabric is an open-source network library that supports portable low-latency interfaces from different fabric providers while minimizing the semantic gap across API endpoints. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of OpenSHMEM-X communication conduit using Libfabric. This Libfabric conduit is designed to support a broad range of network providers while achieving excellent network performance and scalability. We have performed an extensive set of experiments to validate the performance of our implementation, and compared with the Sandia OpenSHMEM implementation. Our results show that the Libfabric conduit improves the communication bandwidth on the socket provider by up to 42% and 11%, compared to an alternative OpenSHMEM implementation for put and get operations, respectively. In addition, our implementation of atomic operations has achieved similar latency to that of the Sandia implementation.
A hedonic pricing method to estimate the value of waterfronts in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Open spaces, including waterfront areas, are publicly-or-privately owned landscapes that provide numerous benefits and services such as opportunities for recreational activities, ecological benefits, and economic development. However, with rapidly growing populations, development pressure on these areas has been increasing, often leading to conflicts between proposed land uses. Information on the monetary value of environmental amenities provided by these spaces would help decision-makers account for their importance to quality of life. This study estimated the monetary value associated with waterfronts using the hedonic pricing method (HPM) and real estate sales data for the coastal cities of Mobile and Daphne in Alabama, USA. The price of houses sold during 2001 to 2015 was used as the dependent variable and house structural and neighborhood attributes and presence of environmental amenities served as independent variables. Results showed that coastal residents considered proximity to waterfronts as one of the most important factors when buying a house and paid higher prices for houses located near most waterfront types. In Mobile, marginal implicit prices of proximity to waterfronts ranged from $2490 to $3530 per km, whereas in Daphne, the price ranged from $9250 to $15,460 per km. Findings can help guide future decisions related to development of coastal areas, land-use planning, urban forestry, and open space preservation by balancing opportunities for urban and commercial development as well as providing public access to open space environmental amenities with close proximity to residential areas.
Comments on “Reconstruction of the Gulf Stream from 1940 to the Present and Correlation with the North Atlantic Oscillation”

AbstractThe path of the Gulf Stream as it leaves the continental shelf near Cape Hatteras is marked by a sharp gradient in ocean temperature known as the North Wall. The latitude location of the Gu...
Basket designs: Statistical considerations for oncology trials

Progress in the areas of genomics, disease pathways, and drug discovery has advanced into clinical and translational cancer research. The latest innovations in clinical trials have followed with ma...
Ritual and pluralism: Incommensurable values and techniques of commensurability in contemporary urban Chinese funerals:

The default funeral in Shanghai today consists of religious variations of a secular socialist civil ritual. Within this ritual, however, is a clear paradox: how can one create religious “variations...
Cholinergic Synaptic Homeostasis Is Tuned by an NFAT-Mediated α7 nAChR-Kv4/Shal Coupled Regulatory System.

Summary Homeostatic synaptic plasticity (HSP) involves compensatory mechanisms employed by neurons and circuits to preserve signaling when confronted with global changes in activity that may occur during physiological and pathological conditions. Cholinergic neurons, which are especially affected in some pathologies, have recently been shown to exhibit HSP mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In Drosophila central neurons, pharmacological blockade of activity induces a homeostatic response mediated by the Drosophila α7 (Dα7) nAChR, which is tuned by a subsequent increase in expression of the voltage-dependent Kv4/Shal channel. Here, we show that an in vivo reduction of cholinergic signaling induces HSP mediated by Dα7 nAChRs, and this upregulation of Dα7 itself is sufficient to trigger transcriptional activation, mediated by nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), of the Kv4/Shal gene, revealing a receptor-ion channel system coupled for homeostatic tuning in cholinergic neurons.
Quantitative Modeling and Analysis of Argumentation Polarization in Cyber Argumentation

Cyber argumentation platforms offer specially designed environments for users to discuss and debate their stances and viewpoints on important issues. However, argumentation polarization often occurs in discussions and debates on these cyber argumentation platforms. Several researchers investigated argumentation polarization qualitatively in the past, but none of them have developed a quantitative model for measuring the degree of argumentation polarization. We addressed this important and challenging issue by developing an innovative argumentation polarization model to measure argumentation polarization by incorporating four important attributes of argumentation polarization: 1) the total number of argumentation poles; 2) the population size of the argumentation poles; 3) similarity within argumentation poles; and 4) the dissimilarity between argumentation poles. Its baseline model was derived from an economic polarization model proposed by Esteban and Ray, which measures polarization using three features: 1) homogeneity within each group; 2) heterogeneity across groups; and 3) a small number of significant groups. We adapted their model by incorporating population sizes for poles, normalizing for population size, and normalizing for parameter selection, to fit our formulation of argumentation polarization. This model was evaluated using an empirical study conducted using our cyber argumentation platform, the intelligent cyber argumentation system (ICAS). This model was evaluated with two other distribution-based opinion polarization models that were applied in online discussion contexts, both analytically and empirically, since there are no existing argumentation polarization models. The analytical and empirical evaluations indicate that our model performs more effectively in terms of the definition of argumentation polarization and the four attributes.
David Oliver: The story of covid in care homes-neither mystery nor melodrama.

On 26 May, Dominic Cummings, the prime minister’s former chief adviser, gave oral evidence to the all party select committees on health and science. One of his claims was that England’s health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock, had repeatedly assured him, the prime minister, and the Cabinet that patients in acute hospitals would not be transferred back or admitted to care homes without negative covid tests and that care homes would be protected.12 We now know that many hospital patients in March and April 2020 were discharged without covid testing, or with positive tests, or with care homes not being notified of test results.3 Predictably, Cummings’s testimony was weaponised by the media and by critics of Hancock and the government as evidence of incompetence, cover-up, and dishonesty. Equally predictably, Hancock mounted a bullish defence in parliament the following day, saying that testing capacity had …
Concentrating in a Loud Crowd: Sonographer Perceptions of Policies to Limit Distractions in Obstetric Sonography Examinations:

ObjectiveThe objective was to identify sonographer perceptions of distractions and policies for improving obstetric sonography examinations (OBUS).Materials and MethodsA survey, with closed- and op...
The Oxcel Endowment and Socially Responsible Investing

College trustees are considering investing a portion of the endowment in a socially responsible investment fund. Recent market events and the poor performance of the endowment have caused the trustees to question their decisions regarding the managers employed by the endowment and the policies and procedures of the endowment itself. To help with the decision, the board examines return data for three investment funds. Excerpt UVA-F-1659 Rev. Nov. 30, 2011 The Oxcel Endowment and Socially Responsible Investing The trustees of the Oxcel College endowment were scheduled to meet on November 20, 2009, to consider investing a portion of the endowment in a socially responsible investment fund. Recent market events and the abysmal performance of the endowment had caused the trustees to question their decisions regarding both the managers employed by the endowment and the investment policies and procedures of the endowment itself. Given the changes the board was now considering, the head of the trustees, Max Davis, believed the time was right to consider the issue. Over the previous five years, the voices of alumni suggesting, requesting, and demanding that the college's endowment commit to a program of socially responsible investing had grown dramatically. Almost every one of the trustees had received a personal request regarding the matter from alumni they knew well. While none of the trustees was excited about the possibility of meeting just before the Thanksgiving holiday, they all agreed that the reason for their meeting was an important one. In establishing the asset allocation policy for the endowment, the board had set a target of 30% to be invested in domestic equities with the S&P 500 as the benchmark for this asset class. As a starting point for its socially responsible investment program, the endowment was considering investing a portion of its domestic equity allocation in one or more of three funds: the Abbe Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Fund, the Winslow Green Growth Fund, and the Calvert Social Investment Equity Fund. A description of investment focus of each fund is given in Exhibit 1, and summary data for the funds is given in Exhibit 2. . . .
The 'Hierarchy of Resort' Reexamined: Status and Class Differentials as Determinants of Therapy for Eye Disease in the Egyptian Delta

Treatment of trachoma and other blinding eye dis- eases in a rural Egyptian village occurs through a hierarchical, three-tiered system, consisting of: (1) treatment within the family; (2) treatment by traditional healers; and (3) treatment by biomedi- cai physicians. Status differentials occurring within the extended family, based on gender and age, determine the various "hierarchies of resort" for eye disease, or the sequences by which some, but not all, individuals pass through this therapeutic system. Class-based status differentials occurring between a government physician and his rural clientele also prevent some villagers from seeking low-cost eye care, diverting their resources instead to more expensive private physicians. Nevertheless, vil- lagers' belief in biomedicai therapies remains high, despite widespread acceptance of traditional (and lack of understanding of biomedicai) etiologies of eye disease. This suggests that "explanatory models" and other cognitively based approaches, which are widely utilized in medical anthropology, are insufficient 151
Cellular Interactions and the Survival and Maintenance of Neurons During Development

Perhaps the most fundamental organizing principle of the developing nervous system is the role of cell and tissue interactions in regulating the countless steps leading from the zygote to the adult. Virtually nothing in the entire field of neuroembryology makes much sense if viewed from a perspective that is devoid of an appreciation of the pervasiveness of cell-to-cell inter-relationships. Starting with the origins of the nervous system during primary induction and continuing up to the final stages of neurobehavioral development no stage or event in neurogenesis is ever entirely independent of the influence of cellular interactions.
A role for cAMP in regeneration during development and after injury.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents evidence to support that neuronal cAMP levels are a key element dictating the regenerative capacity of neurons. First, exposure of neurons to neurotrophins prior to their encounter with myelin inhibitors overcomes the inhibition, and this is mediated by elevation of neuronal cAMP levels. Second, there is a developmentally regulated decrease in the endogenous neuronal cAMP levels, which marks the developmental loss of the regenerative capacity of neurons. Finally, transaction of sciatic nerve leads to an elevation of the cAMP levels in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, which underlies the molecular mechanism of the conditioning effect. Cyclic AMP levels in younger neurons are high but these levels decrease with age. This decrease in cAMP levels parallels the developmental loss of regenerative capacity of the neuron. In adult neurons, an elevation in cAMP results in increased growth capacity and overcomes the inhibition by MAG and myelin. Thus, manipulation of neuronal cAMP levels is likely to have significant therapeutic implications in improving nerve regeneration in the adult central nervous system (CNS) after injury.
Injunction in Defamation Cases

Is an injunction a permissible remedy in a defamation case? The traditional answer is that equity will not enjoin a defamation, but an increasing number of courts have imposed injunctions in defamation actions. The issue was presented to the United States Supreme Court in Tory v. Cochran, but ultimately, was not decided. The plaintiff in the suit, renowned attorney Johnnie Cochran, died a week after oral argument and the Supreme Court resolved the case on narrow grounds without resolving the question presented as to whether injunctions are permissible in defamation cases. The issue is now pending before the California Supreme Court in Balboa Island Village Inn v. Lemen. The issue is sure to recur across the country. Individuals defamed in a blog or on the internet are likely to turn to the courts and seek injunctions. Perhaps damages will be unavailable as the defendant will not have assets or maybe the plaintiff will just want the false, injurious speech to stop. Can a court issue an injunction? That is the focus of this article. In addressing this question, the first part of the article recounts the facts of Tory to provide a context for analyzing the issue. The second part of the article explains why injunctions never should be allowed as a remedy in defamation cases.
Experimental Identification of Electrostatic Plasma Waves Within Ion Conic Acceleration Regions

The identification of electrostatic modes in the ionospheric and magnetospheric plasma is a difficult process. Some success has been achieved with electrostatic hydrogen cyclotron waves where Doppler broadening is insignificant and with zero-frequency turbulence where the spectrum is entirely Doppler shifted. However, it is not yet possible to identify specific modes in regions of transverse ion acceleration. If the modes are assumed to exist, some limits can be placed on their electric field amplitudes. An experimental technique to measure wavelength directly, thereby circumventing problems created by Doppler shifting, is reviewed.
A Hysteresis Based Approach for Quality, Frame Rate, and Buffer Management for Video Streaming Using TCP

In today's Internet, the primary transport mechanism for video streams is the UDP protocol, either congestion sensitive or not. In this paper, we propose a mechanism that supports the high quality streaming and adaptation of stored video across best-effort networks using the TCP transport protocol. Our proposed approach has a number of useful features. First, it is built on top of TCP, which effectively separates the adaptation and streaming from the transport protocol. This makes the question of TCP-friendliness, the behavioral property of a flow that allows fair-sharing of bandwidth with other flows, much easier to answer. Second, it does not rely on any special handling or support from the network itself, although any additional support from the network itself will indirectly help increase the video quality. Finally, we show through experimentation that this approach provides a viable alternative for streaming media across best-effort networks.
A phospholipase linkAGE to SARS susceptibility

![Figure][1] Insight from John Schoggins During the aging process, immune functions decline, rendering the host more vulnerable to certain viruses. The mechanisms underlying this age-dependent susceptibility to infection are an active area of research. In this issue, [Vijay et al.][2] show
An Imperfect Fit: Obesity, Public Health, and Disability Anti-Discrimination Law

Over the past several years, "obesity activists," as well as many disability rights and critical legal theorists, have increasingly argued for the inclusion of obesity as a "disability" under anti-discrimination law, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At the same time, public health leaders, both inside and outside the legal field, continue to promote active interventions to combat the growing prevalence of obesity in America, which they see as a major health problem. These two campaigns are not complementary, and in many ways are antithetical to one another. This article explores the inherent tensions between a campaign to reduce obesity in the American population and the calls of obesity activists to "normalize" their weight, particularly through the protection of disability anti-discrimination law. After examining how obesity fails to qualify as a disability under existing federal law, the article examines why making obesity a protected class may have negative public health outcomes for the population.
A Measure of Text Formality as a Human Construct

Formality has long been of interest in the study of language and discourse, and different measures of formality have been developed to predict genre variation. However, it is unclear to what extent these formality metrics are similar to the formality construct perceived by humans. This study first investigated what linguistic features predicted the text formality as humans constructed, then developed a weighted formality model, and finally tested this measure in different approaches. The corpus of this study consisted of 390 excerpts in TASA corpus with three genres: language arts, social studies and science. The five Coh-Metrix dimensions were used to develop the weighted formality model. Results showed the weighted model perceived by humans was constructed by five dimensions as theories constructed, but each dimension contributed differently to formality construct. This formality model was evaluated through comparisons between human construct of formality, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and genres. All results showed the weighted formality scores had much higher correlations with human judgments of formality than non-weighted formality scores.
Telephonic case-finding of major depression in a Medicaid chronic disease management program for diabetes and heart failure.

Abstract Objective Major depression is common in low-income and chronically ill persons and is a barrier for effective chronic disease care. We evaluated a Medicaid-sponsored strategy for detecting depressive symptoms in adults with diabetes or congestive heart failure. Methods Using a two-item screening tool, 890 adults enrolled in the Indiana Chronic Disease Management Program were assessed by telephone for depressive symptoms between December 2003 and March 2004. A subset of 386 participants also completed the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) depression measure. Antidepressant use was examined using pharmacy claims. Results Depressed mood or anhedonia was reported by 51% of participants. About one in four participants had a PHQ-8 score indicating a high risk for major depression (score ≥10). The two-item screen was 96% sensitive [95% confidence interval (CI), 89–99%] and 60% specific (95% CI, 54–65%) for identifying members at high risk for depression by the full PHQ-8 instrument. Only half of participants with high-risk PHQ-8 scores had a pharmacy claim indicating that an antidepressant medication was filled within 120 days of the depression screening. Conclusions A two-stage, telephonic approach involving the PHQ-8 instrument for Medicaid members with either depressed mood or anhedonia could identify two clinically depressed persons for every nine members screened.
Structural changes in the C‐terminus of Ca2+‐bound rat S100B(ββ) upon binding to a peptide derived from the C‐terminal regulatory domain of p53

S100B(beta beta) is a dimeric Ca2+-binding protein that interacts with p53, inhibits its phosphorylation by protein kinase C (PKC) and promotes disassembly of the p53 tetramer. Likewise, a 22 residue peptide derived from the C-terminal regulatory domain of p53 has been shown to interact with S100B(beta beta) in a Ca2+-dependent manner and inhibits its phosphorylation by PKC. Hence, structural studies of Ca2+-loaded S100B(beta beta) bound to the p53 peptide were initiated to characterize this interaction. Analysis of nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) correlations, amide proton exchange rates, 3J(NH-H alpha) coupling constants, and chemical shift index data show that, like apo- and Ca2+-bound S100B(beta beta), S100B remains a dimer in the p53 peptide complex, and each subunit has four helices (helix 1, Glu2-Arg20; helix 2, Lys29-Asn38; helix 3, Gln50-Asp61; helix 4, Phe70-Phe87), four loops (loop 1, Glu21-His25; loop 2, Glu39-Glu49; loop 3, Glu62-Gly66; loop 4, Phe88-Glu91), and two beta-strands (beta-strand 1, Lys26-Lys28; beta-strand 2, Glu67-Asp69), which forms a short antiparallel beta-sheet. However, in the presence of the p53 peptide helix 4 is longer by five residues than in apo- or Ca2+-bound S100B(beta beta). Furthermore, the amide proton exchange rates in helix 3 (K55, V56, E58, T59, L60, D61) are significantly slower than those of Ca2+-bound S100B(beta beta). Together, these observations plus intermolecular NOE correlations between the p53 peptide and S100B(beta beta) support the notion that the p53 peptide binds in a region of S100B(beta beta), which includes residues in helix 2, helix 3, loop 2, and the C-terminal loop, and that binding of the p53 peptide interacts with and induces the extension of helix 4.
Fractal dimension and unscreened angles measured for radial viscous fingering.

We have examined fractal patterns formed by the injection of air into oil in a thin $(0.127\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mm})$ layer contained between two cylindrical glass plates of $288\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mm}$ diameter (a Hele-Shaw cell), for pressure differences in the range $0.25\ensuremath{\leqslant}\ensuremath{\Delta}P\ensuremath{\leqslant}1.75\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{atm}$. We find that an asymptotic structure is reached at large values of the ratio $r∕b$, where $r$ is the pattern radius and $b$ the gap between the plates. Both the driving force and the size of the pattern, which reaches $r∕b=900$, are far larger than in past experiments. The fractal dimension ${D}_{0}$ of the pattern for large $r∕b$ is $1.70\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02$. Further, the generalized dimensions ${D}_{q}$ of the pattern are independent of $q$, ${D}_{q}\ensuremath{\simeq}1.70$ for the range examined, $\ensuremath{-}11lql17$; thus the pattern is self-similar within the experimental uncertainty. The results for ${D}_{q}$ agree well with recent calculations for diffusion-limited aggregation (DLA) clusters. We have also measured the probability distribution of unscreened angles. At late times, the distribution approaches a universal (i.e., forcing and size-independent) asymptotic form that has mean 145\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and standard deviation 36\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. These results indicate that the distribution function for the unscreened angle is an invariant property of the growth process.
Far-infrared observations of M17SW - The clumpy structure of the photodissociation region

Forbidden O I 63-micron and forbidden Si II 35-micron fine-structure line emission in M17SW was mapped, and the intensities of the forbidden O I 63 and 146 microns, forbidden Si II 35 microns, and forbidden C II 158 microns were measured at four positions. New 50- and 100-micron continuum maps of the M17SW cloud at comparable resolution to the FIR line observations are presented. Analysis in terms of a homogeneous model yields an incident UV field of 56,000 habings, a density of 30,000 cu cm, and a temperature of about 300 K for the atomic gas. It is concluded that the M17SW photodissociation region is clumpy in nature. The observed forbidden Si II and high-J CO imply the presence of high-density clumps. The clumps dominate the emission in the forbidden O I, Si II, and high-level CO lines, while the forbidden C II, C I, and low-level CO arise mostly in the interclump gas. The extended (about 15 pc) forbidden C II and forbidden C I emission is attributed to the halo gas.
Plug pattern optimization for gamma knife radiosurgery treatment planning

Abstract Purpose: To develop a novel dose optimization algorithm for improving the sparing of critical structures during gamma knife radiosurgery by shaping the plug pattern of each individual shot. Method and Materials: We first use a geometric information (medial axis) aided guided evolutionary simulated annealing (GESA) optimization algorithm to determine the number of shots and isocenter location, size, and weight of each shot. Then we create a plug quality score system that checks the dose contribution to the volume of interest by each plug in the treatment plan. A positive score implies that the corresponding source could be open to improve tumor coverage, whereas a negative score means the source could be blocked for the purpose of sparing normal and critical structures. The plug pattern is then optimized via the GESA algorithm that is integrated with this score system. Weight and position of each shot are also tuned in this procedure. Results: An acoustic tumor case is used to evaluate our algorithm. Compared to the treatment plan generated without plug patterns, adding an optimized plug pattern into the treatment planning process boosts tumor coverage index from 95.1% to 97.2%, reduces RTOG conformity index from 1.279 to 1.167, lowers Paddick's index from 1.34 to 1.20, and trims the critical structure receiving more than 30% maximum dose from 16 mm 3 to 6 mm 3 . Conclusions: Automated GESA-based plug pattern optimization of gamma knife radiosurgery frees the treatment planning team from the manual forward planning procedure and provides an optimal treatment plan.
Analysis of Factors Influencing Hydration Site Prediction Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Water contributes significantly to the binding of small molecules to proteins in biochemical systems. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation based programs such as WaterMap and WATsite have been used to probe the locations and thermodynamic properties of hydration sites at the surface or in the binding site of proteins generating important information for structure-based drug design. However, questions associated with the influence of the simulation protocol on hydration site analysis remain. In this study, we use WATsite to investigate the influence of factors such as simulation length and variations in initial protein conformations on hydration site prediction. We find that 4 ns MD simulation is appropriate to obtain a reliable prediction of the locations and thermodynamic properties of hydration sites. In addition, hydration site prediction can be largely affected by the initial protein conformations used for MD simulations. Here, we provide a first quantification of this effect and further indicate that similar conformations of binding site residues (RMSD < 0.5 A) are required to obtain consistent hydration site predictions.
Common delivery systems for enhancing in vivo bioavailability and biological efficacy of nutraceuticals

Abstract Nutraceuticals are an emerging food category defined as dietary elements which can provide health benefits beyond the basic nutritional values. As more compounds have been identified to provide biological benefits, their efficacies are often limited due to insufficient dose efficiency after oral administration. Starting from the mouth, nutraceuticals begin their journey through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract where they are subjected to various physiochemical transformations, from which they may lose their bioactivities completely. To improve the oral efficacy, many edible delivery systems have been developed to enhance the bioavailability of nutraceuticals through various mechanisms. In this article, we first provide a brief overview on biological fate of nutraceuticals in various segments within human GI tract and possible strategies to overcome factors that lead to low bioavailability. A literature review which confirmed the usefulness of different delivery systems to enhance the in vivo oral bioavailability and efficacy of nutraceuticals was also provided.
GSTARS computer models and their applications, Part II: Applications

Abstract In part 1 of this two-paper series, a brief summary of the basic concepts and theories used in developing the Generalized Stream Tube model for Alluvial River Simulation (GSTARS) computer models was presented. Part 2 provides examples that illustrate some of the capabilities of the GSTARS models and how they can be applied to solve a wide range of river and reservoir sedimentation problems. Laboratory and field case studies are used and the examples show representative applications of the earlier and of the more recent versions of GSTARS. Some of the more recent capabilities implemented in GSTARS3, one of the latest versions of the series, are also discussed here with more detail.
Intramedia Moderation, Electoral Ambivalence, and Electoral Decision Making

The majority of political communication research either studies a single media outlet in isolation of other outlets or focuses on the competing effects of multiple outlets. This study uses 2004 National Annenberg Election Survey data to go beyond these typical approaches to show the moderation-based complementary effects of two-sided messages (e.g., network TV news) relative to one-sided oriented outlets (e.g., FOX News) on attitudinal ambivalence. In addition, this study places ambivalence within a larger communicative process and shows that ambivalence mediates the relationship between consumption of political media and when citizens decide who to support during elections.
Two Classes of Elliptic Discrete Fourier Transforms: Properties and Examples

This paper analyzes the block structure of the matrix of the N-point discrete Fourier transform (DFT) in the real space R 2N . Each block of this matrix corresponds to the Givens transformation, or elementary rotation describing the multiplications by twiddle coefficients. Such rotations around the circle can be substituted by other kinds of rotations, for instance rotations around ellipses, while reserving the block-wise representation of the matrix and main properties of the DFT. To show that, we present two classes of the elliptic discrete Fourier transforms (EDFT), that are defined by different types of the Nth roots of the identity matrix 2×2, whose groups of motion move points around different ellipses. These two classes (the N-block EDFT of types I and II) are parameterized and exist for any order N. Properties and examples of application of the proposed elliptic EDFTs in signal and image processing are given.
Oppositional identities and rhetoric in divorce

Using data gathered through participant observation and in-depth interviews, this article considers the phenomenon of non-mutual divorce in terms of the oppositional identities that divorcing partners establish through discourse. Divorcing partners describe feelings of mutual ambivalence prior to divorce, but they almost always transform themselves into “dumpers” (initiators/leavers) and “dumped partners” once their divorces begin. Most importantly, divorcing people establish these identities by invoking a cultural rhetoric of individualism on one side and a cultural rhetoric of commitment on the other. Although the two identities and their associated rhetorics are transitional, emerging only at the moment when one partner declares “I want out” and subsiding once the divorce is accomplished, they are significant means by which divorcing partners resolve ambivalence, account for their divorces, and impose a general sense of order onto the dissolution process.
Sacchamn effects on the urinary physiology and urothelium of the rat when administered in diet or drinking water

Three groups of 4 rats each were given 5% saccharin in the diet, 4% saccharin in the drinking water, or control diet, and were observed for changes in urinary physiology and pathology. Rats receiving saccharin in the water showed a significantly increased urinary osmolality over control values. Rats receiving saccharin in the diet showed significant increases in food and water consumption, urine elimination, and urinary sediment. Only the latter rats exhibited histopathological changes consisting of two instances of mild hyperplasia and one instance of mild cellular vacuolization.
Hydrology, Community Structure, and Productivity Patterns of a Dystrophic Carolina Bay Wetland

A shallow, 5.4-ha dystrophic Carolina bay wetland was studied between 1974 and 1978 to test the premise that biomass and production are constrained by the stagnant hydrology and dilute, acidic chemistry of bay wetlands. Our objectives were to evaluate: (1) surface and subsurface hydrology, (2) sources of production, (3) community change along a depth gradient, and (4) seasonal community patterns. The hydrology study compared surface water levels to groundwater levels in four adjacent wells. A cylinder enclosure and total harvest procedure and 24-h dissolved oxygen curves were used for 2 yr in a 1-ha sampling area to measure spatial and temporal biomass patterns and organic production of community components.
A Plea for Incremental Work in IoT Security

In arenas like IoT where there are a lot of unanswered questions it's often tempting to tackle the problem holistically-- developing a radically new trust model, or expanding an arcane cryptographic primitive into the root of a new architecture. But I'll argue that in IoT there's also a huge amount of lower-hanging fruit: problems which we basically know how to solve, and which when unsolved threaten to undo the security gains we've made in the last quarter century. In this talk, I'll highlight why I believe this is especially true for IoT, propose a sample of those problems and some benchmarks for how we know when we've solved them, and try to convince you of both the novelty and enduring value of pursuing these evolutionary gains.