cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Manipulator and object tracking for in-hand 3D object modeling

Recognizing and manipulating objects is an important task for mobile robots performing useful services in everyday environments. While existing techniques for object recognition related to manipulation provide very good results even for noisy and incomplete data, they are typically trained using data generated in an offline process. As a result, they do not enable a robot to acquire new object models as it operates in an environment. In this paper we develop an approach to building 3D models of unknown objects based on a depth camera observing the robot's hand while moving an object. The approach integrates both shape and appearance information into an articulated Iterative Closest Point approach to track the robot's manipulator and the object. Objects are modeled by sets of surfels, which are small patches providing occlusion and appearance information. Experiments show that our approach provides very good 3D models even when the object is highly symmetric and lacks visual features and the manipulator motion is noisy. Autonomous object modeling represents a step toward improved semantic understanding, which will eventually enable robots to reason about their environments in terms of objects and their relations rather than through raw sensor data.
Ready or not, here we come: Preparing psychology graduate students for academic careers

In this article, we present data that reflect the extent to which graduate students in psychology perceive themselves as prepared for different activities that they would have to undertake as faculty. Results indicate a large and statistically significant gap between the level of rated importance and the level of training received in the following areas relevant to an academic career: psychology content, research training, class management, academic life, and ethical issues. We provide specific training recommendations for psychology departments that wish to prepare their graduate students for careers in academia.
Thyroid hormones regulate anxiety in the male mouse.

Abstract Thyroid hormone levels are implicated in mood disorders in the adult human but the mechanisms remain unclear partly because, in rodent models, more attention has been paid to the consequences of perinatal hypo and hyperthyroidism. Thyroid hormones act via the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) α and β isoforms, both of which are expressed in the limbic system. TR's modulate gene expression via both unliganded and liganded actions. Though the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) knockouts and a transgenic TRα1 knock-in mouse have provided us valuable insight into behavioral phenotypes such as anxiety and depression, it is not clear if this is because of the loss of unliganded actions or liganded actions of the receptor or due to locomotor deficits. We used a hypothyroid mouse model and supplementation with tri-iodothyronine (T3) or thyroxine (T4) to investigate the consequences of dysthyroid hormone levels on behaviors that denote anxiety. Our data from the open field and the light–dark transition tests suggest that adult onset hypothyroidism in male mice produces a mild anxiogenic effect that is possibly due to unliganded receptor actions. T3 or T4 supplementation reverses this phenotype and euthyroid animals show anxiety that is intermediate between the hypothyroid and thyroid hormone supplemented groups. In addition, T3 but not T4 supplemented animals have lower spine density in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and in the central amygdala suggesting that T3-mediated rescue of the hypothyroid state might be due to lower neuronal excitability in the limbic circuit.
Follistatin antagonizes Activin signaling and acts with Notum to direct planarian head regeneration

Animals establish their body plans in embryogenesis, but only a few animals can recapitulate this signaling milieu for regeneration after injury. In planarians, a pluripotent stem cell population and perpetual signaling of polarity axes collaborate to direct a steady replacement of cells during homeostasis and to power robust regeneration after even severe injuries. Several studies have documented the roles of conserved signaling pathways in maintaining and resetting axial polarity in planarians, but it is unclear how planarians reestablish polarity signaling centers after injury and whether these centers serve to influence identity decisions of stem cell progeny during their differentiation. Here we find that a planarian Follistatin homolog directs regeneration of anterior identity by opposing an Activin/ActR-1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Follistatin and Notum, a Wnt inhibitor, are mutually required to reestablish an anterior signaling center that expresses both cues. Furthermore, we show that the direction of cells down particular differentiation paths requires regeneration of this anterior signaling center. Just as its amphibian counterpart in the organizer signals body plan and cell fate during embryogenesis, planarian Follistatin promotes reestablishment of anterior polarity during regeneration and influences specification of cell types in the head and beyond.
Effect of anion and ligand ratio in self-assembled silver(I) complexes of 4-(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine and their derivatives with bipyridine ligands

Abstract An efficient procedure for the synthesis of the novel bidentate ligand 4-(diphenylphosphinomethyl)pyridine (PMP-41, 1) has been developed and its coordination behavior with Ag(I) has been studied. Reaction of the PMP-41 ligand with the silver(I) salts of tetrafluoroborate ( BF 4 - ) , trifluoromethanesulfonate (Otf−), and trifluoroacetate (tfa−) produces discrete molecules and polymeric structures that depend on the varying degrees of interaction of the corresponding anion with the metal centers. When the proportion of ligand to metal is 1:1, a bimetallic box conformation is obtained with AgBF4 and AgOtf (2 and 5, respectively). Varying the ratio to 2:1, a polymeric chain of bimetallic boxes is constructed when the BF 4 - salt is used (3). With Agtfa two distinct structural motifs are formed (8A and 8B), arising from the crystallization process of using two different solvent systems. Further reaction of the AgBF4/PMP-41 and AgOtf/PMP-41 adducts with the chelating 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine or the bridging 4,4′-bipyridine ligands affords dimeric and bridged structural motifs, depending upon the coordination ability of the corresponding bipyridine fragment. Addition of the 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligand to a solution containing AgBF4 and PMP-41 results the capping of the silver atoms by the bipyridine fragment 4, and the disruption of the bimetallic box in the AgOtf(PMP-41) structure to generate an infinite chain in a 1:1:1 ratio of the reactants 6. As expected, the 4,4′-bipyridine acts as a bridging ligand by connecting [AgOtf(PMP-41)]2 molecules, which results in the formation of compound 7. Low-temperature luminescence spectra were also collected for all compounds and are compared.
Preventing burnout: the effects of LMX and mentoring on socialization, role stress, and burnout

Halbesleben and Buckley's (2004) review of burnout research suggested a lingering need to examine the relationship between social support and burnout. We address that need by investigating Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and mentoring as sources of workplace social support. We used data from 422 employees in a health care setting to test three structural models investigating the direct and indirect effects of LMX, supervisory mentoring, and nonsupervisory mentoring on organizational socialization, role stress, and burnout. Results suggest that high-LMX supervisors and nonsupervisory mentors serve as resources that minimize emotional exhaustion through increased socialization and decreased role stress. This study advances the literature on burnout by clarifying the effects of different types of social support in reducing burnout. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Network Analysis and the Law: Measuring the Legal Importance of Precedents at the U.S. Supreme Court

We construct the complete network of 26,681 majority opinions written by the U.S. Supreme Court and the cases that cite them from 1791 to 2005. We describe a method for using the patterns in citations within and across cases to create importance scores that identify the most legally relevant precedents in the network of Supreme Court law at any given point in time. Our measures are superior to existing network-based alternatives and, for example, offer information regarding case importance not evident in simple citation counts. We also demonstrate the validity of our measures by showing that they are strongly correlated with the future citation behavior of state courts, the U.S. Courts of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. In so doing, we show that network analysis is a viable way of measuring how central a case is to law at the Court and suggest that it can be used to measure other legal concepts.
Deposition of Highly Conductive n + Silicon Film for a-Si:H Thin Film Transistor

Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of phosphorus-doped n + silicon film over a wide range of process conditions has been studied. The deposited films were characterized with SIMS, Raman, and XRD. An unusually abrupt change of resistivity over a small SiH 4 (1% PH 3 ) flow rate has been observed and was correlated to the variation of the film's morphology from amorphous to micrycrystalline. The grains are less than 50 A in size and has strong orientation. Amorphous silicon thin film transistors with microcrystalline n + source and drain contacts have consistently good device characteristics. However, the contact resistance is comparable to the channel resistance when the channel length approaches 1 micrometer.
Analysis of arterial intimal hyperplasia: review and hypothesis

Background Despite a prodigious investment of funds, we cannot treat or prevent arteriosclerosis and restenosis, particularly its major pathology, arterial intimal hyperplasia. A cornerstone question lies behind all approaches to the disease: what causes the pathology?
Impact of QRS Duration on Clinical Event Reduction With Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is effective in reducing clinical events in patients with heart failure and prolonged QRS interval. Studies using surrogate measures and subgroup analysis of large trials suggest that only patients with severely prolonged QRS benefit from CRT. Our objective was to determine whether the effect of CRT on adverse clinical events (eg, death, hospitalizations) is different in patients with moderately (ie, 120-149 milliseconds) vs severely (ie, ≥150 milliseconds) prolonged QRS duration. Methods Searches of MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases were conducted for randomized controlled CRT trials. Trials reporting clinical events according to different QRS ranges were identified. Five randomized trials fulfilling the inclusion criteria (total patients, n = 5813) were included in the meta-analysis. Results In patients with severely prolonged QRS, there was a reduction in composite clinical events with CRT (risk ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53-0.67) (P Conclusions Cardiac resynchronization therapy was effective in reducing adverse clinical events in patients with heart failure and a baseline QRS interval of 150 milliseconds or greater, but CRT did not reduce events in patients with a QRS of less than 150 milliseconds. These findings have implications for the selection of patients for CRT.
Resonance light scattering (RLS) detection of nanoparticle separations in a microelectrical field-flow fractionation system

In this study, resonance light scattering (RLS) is demonstrated as a detection methodology for real-time visualization of the electrical field-flow fractionation process. On-column RLS was used to monitor the fractionation of a bolus sample containing 40-, 60-, and 80-nm-diameter RLS Particles into individual particles and bands of particles. Optical detection using the RLS system was correlated to an on-chip electrical conductivity detector. Particle concentrations as low as 1.08/spl times/10/sup -12/ M (1 RLS Particle/1.54 pL) were detected using both the optical and electrical detection systems.
Effects of long-term fungicide applications on microbial properties in tallgrass prairie soil

Abstract Several studies investigating the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in plant communities have included manipulations of AM fungal symbiosis using the fungicide benomyl. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential non-target effects of benomyl on soil biota and nutrient cycling in tallgrass prairie and to determine how mycorrhizae may influence these belowground properties. To accomplish these objectives, soil samples were collected during the 1996–1997 growing seasons from long-term benomyl-treated plots established on tallgrass prairie (Manhattan, KS) in 1991, and the following measurements were made: total bacterial and fungal biomass; abundance of nematodes; microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen; substrate-induced respiration; and potentially mineralizable C and N. Long-term benomyl applications resulted in an 80% reduction in mycorrhizal root colonization. By reducing root colonization, benomyl applications resulted in significant decreases in total bacterial biomass and abundance of fungal-feeding and predatory nematodes (20, 12 and 33% reductions compared to control, respectively). Total microbial potential activity (i.e., substrate-induced respiration) increased by 10% with benomyl treatment, whereas the relative contribution of fungi to total microbial activity decreased significantly with benomyl applications. In addition, microbial biomass C increased from 1364 (± 51.2 SE) to 1485 (± 51.2 SE) with benomyl treatment, and total carbon increased significantly (∼8%) only in annually burned soils treated with benomyl. The magnitude of benomyl effects on soil components and processes were small (
Memory and Faces: Pictures Help You Remember Who Said What:

Does having the pictures of political candidates help you remember the candidates' various positions on issues? The answer from three experiments was yes. Encoding specificity was ruled out because the pictures need not be present at the memory test for the benefit to accrue. Visual distinctiveness was ruled out because the benefit appears only for faces, not other distinctive visual stimuli. The data suggest that people use pictures to generate rough personality schemas (e.g., kindly), which are then used to help organize memory for the position statements. This account was supported by demonstrating that when asked, subjects generated a greater number of characteristics for candidates whose positions were accompanied by pictures than for candidates whose positions were unaccompanied by pictures. There was also a correlation between the number of characteristics generated and memory for the candidates' positions but only when the positions were accompanied by pictures (i.e., only when the putative schema...
MODELS OF THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION THEORY AND PRAXIS

This paper explores the theory and practice of using theological reflection in teaching theology. Specific models of theological reflection, teaching methodologies, and learning outcomes are analyzed and discussed.
A study of thermal effects in RF-MEM-switches using a time domain approach

A thermal analysis of RF-MEM-switches based on the heat conduction is presented. The heat equation Is solved by employing a Forward Time Centered Space (FTCS) difference scheme. For the electromagnetic (EM) characterization, the standard FDTD method is used which provides the dissipated RF power in the MEMS metal structure for a subsequent separate heat analysis. The computed temperature distribution In the switch was utilized as an input to a mechanical simulator for a mechanical analysis. This analysis has shown that when the MEMS switch operates under high power, a temperature gradient develops on the structure that strongly affects stress distribution on the switch. This stress redistribution impacts operation and affects switch lifetime. The accuracy of the presented method is demonstrated by comparing the theoretically computed and experimentally verified thermal profile of a patch antenna.
Defective autophagy in neurons and astrocytes from mice deficient in PI(3,5)P2

Mutations affecting the conversion of PI3P to the signaling lipid PI(3,5)P2 result in spongiform degeneration of mouse brain and are associated with the human disorders Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We now report accumulation of the proteins LC3-II, p62 and LAMP-2 in neurons and astrocytes of mice with mutations in two components of the PI(3,5)P2 regulatory complex, Fig4 and Vac14. Cytoplasmic inclusion bodies containing p62 and ubiquinated proteins are present in regions of the mutant brain that undergo degeneration. Co-localization of p62 and LAMP-2 in affected cells indicates that formation or recycling of the autolysosome is impaired. These results establish a role for PI(3,5)P2 in autophagy in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and demonstrate that mutations affecting PI(3,5)P2 can contribute to inclusion body disease.
Spain in the European Union A qualitative study of national identity

This article focuses on Spanish interpretations of the European integration process. Based on extensive use of primary sources and interviews, the article examines perceptions of national identity, nationalism and people’s cultural attachment to the European Union (EU). It discusses the diversity of opinions among the different political parties, labor unions, business leaders and lay citizens regarding the organization of the EU. The study is located in the cultural studies approaches that attempt to describe the complexity and interdependence of political, economic and ideological structures. It shows that the EU is as much about representation and cultural meanings as it is about political economy. In addition, this research shows that national identity is reconstituted, maintained, internalized and reproduced in social processes that involve confrontations and competing interests in the EU. Finally, it reveals that the EU has thus far not contributed to superseding the prominence of the nation-state a...
Prenatal exposure to testosterone impairs oxidative damage repair efficiency in the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus)

Elevated levels of maternal androgens in avian eggs affect numerous traits, including oxidative stress. However, current studies disagree as to whether prenatal androgen exposure enhances or ameliorates oxidative stress. Here, we tested how prenatal testosterone exposure affects oxidative stress in female domestic chickens (Gallus gallus) during the known oxidative challenge of an acute stressor. Prior to incubation, eggs were either injected with an oil vehicle or 5 ng testosterone. At either 17 or 18 days post-hatch, several oxidative stress markers were assessed from blood taken before and after a 20 min acute stressor, as well as following a 25 min recovery from the stressor. We found that, regardless of yolk treatment, during both stress and recovery all individuals were in a state of oxidative stress, with elevated levels of oxidative damage markers accompanied by a reduced total antioxidant capacity. In addition, testosterone-exposed individuals exhibited poorer DNA damage repair efficiencies in comparison with control individuals. Our work suggests that while yolk androgens do not alter oxidative stress directly, they may impair mechanisms of oxidative damage repair.
Effects of Sensory Precision on Mobile Robot Localization and Mapping

This paper will explore the relationship between sensory accuracy and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) performance. As inexpensive robots are developed with commodity components, the relationship between performance level and accuracy will need to be determined. Experiments are presented in this paper which compare various aspects of sensor performance such as maximum range, noise, angular precision, and viewable angle. In addition, mapping results from three popular laser scanners (Hokuyo’s URG and UTM30, as well as SICK’s LMS291) are compared.
Chronic alcohol consumption and intestinal thiamin absorption: effects on physiological and molecular parameters of the uptake process

Thiamin is essential for normal cellular functions, and its deficiency leads to a variety of clinical abnormalities. Humans and other mammals obtain the vitamin via intestinal absorption. The intestine is exposed to two sources of thiamin, a dietary and a bacterial (i.e., normal microflora of the large intestine) source. Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with thiamin deficiency, which is caused (in part) by inhibition in intestinal thiamin absorption. However, little is known about the physiological and molecular aspects of the intestinal thiamin uptake process that are affected by chronic alcohol use. To address these issues, we used rats fed an alcohol-liquid diet and human intestinal epithelial HuTu-80 cells chronically exposed to ethanol as model systems. The results showed that chronic alcohol feeding to rats led to a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated thiamin transport across both the jejunal brush-border membrane and basolateral membrane domains. This was associated with a significant reduction in level of expression of thiamin transporter-1 (THTR-1), but not THTR-2, at the protein and mRNA levels. Level of expression of the heterogenous nuclear RNA of THTR-1 in the intestine of alcohol-fed rats was also decreased compared with their pair-fed controls. Chronic alcohol feeding also caused a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated thiamin uptake in rat colon. Studies with HuTu-80 cells chronically exposed to ethanol also showed a significant inhibition in carrier-mediated thiamin uptake. This inhibition was associated with a reduction in level of expression of human THTR-1 and THTR-2 at the protein, mRNA, and transcriptional (promoter activity) levels. These studies demonstrate that chronic alcohol feeding inhibits intestinal thiamin absorption via inhibition of the individual membrane transport event across the polarized absorptive epithelial cells. Furthermore, the inhibition is, at least in part, mediated via transcriptional mechanism(s).
Low-voltage, high-performance InAs/AlSb HEMTs with power gain above 100 GHz at 100 mV drain bias

Ultra-low power circuits require transistors with usable RF gain at low bias voltages and currents. In the present paper, we report 100 nm gate-length InAs/AlSb HEMTs with f/sub /spl tau// and f/sub max/ both exceeding 100 GHz at a mere 100 mV of drain bias. The devices also show excellent peak value for f/sub /spl tau// of 235 GHz and, to the best of our knowledge, a record f/sub max/ of 235 GHz at a higher drain bias of 300 mV.
Assessing post-adoption utilisation of an information technology within a supply chain management context

Information Technology (IT) has generated profound effects on Supply Chain Management (SCM) activities related to problem-solving, information sharing, and cost reduction initiatives. The influences of individual-level antecedents on post-adoption utilisation of a specialised IT within an SCM context were examined. Data were collected from 272 first-tier supply chain members of the second largest US automotive service-parts logistics operation using a new supply chain technology. Twelve hypotheses were tested through a structural equation model. The results suggest that in supply chains where usage is mandated, individual-level determinants can increase utilisation. Study implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Certification trails and software design for testability

This paper investigates design techniques which may be applied to make program testing easier. We present methods for modifying a program to generate additional data which we refer to as a certification trail. This additional data is designed to allow the program output to be checked more quickly and effectively. Certification trails have heretofore been described primarily from a theoretical perspective. In this paper, we report on a comprehensive attempt to assess experimentally the performance and overall value of the certification trail method. The method has been applied to nine fundamental, well-known algorithms for the following problems: convex hull, sorting, huffman tree, shortest path, closest pair, line segment intersection, longest increasing subsequence, skyline, and voronoi diagram. Run-time performance data for each of these problems is given, and selected problems are described in more detail. Our results indicate that there are many cases in which certification trails allow for significantly faster overall program execution time than a two-version programming approach, and also give further evidence of the breadth of applicability of this method. >
Lacosamide: An Adjunctive Agent for Partial-Onset Seizures and Potential Therapy for Neuropathic Pain:

Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of lacosamide, a new agent for use as adjunctive treatment in partial-onset seizures and a potential agent for treatment of neuropathic pain.Data Sources:A MEDLINE search (1966–July 2009) was conducted using the key words lacosamide, harkoseride, SPM-927, ADD-234037, epilepsy, anticonvulsant, and neuropathic pain. Bibliographies of all articles retrieved were also reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All studies including humans and published in English with data describing lacosamide for the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures and for treatment of neuropathic pain were reviewed.Data Synthesis:Lacosamide is a functionalized amino acid molecule that selectively enhances the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels and interacts with the collapsin-response mediator protein-2. With its bioavailability of approximately 100%, minimal protein binding, and few drug–drug interactions, lacosamide has a favorab...
Impact of adjuvant therapy on locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

Abstract From 1975 to 1988, 120 consecutive patients with locally advanced (T3T4 or N1N2) adenocarcinoma of the stomach underwent attempted curative resection. Seventy patients were treated with surgery alone while 50 patients also received adjuvant therapy consisting of either chemotherapy (5-FU/FAM) alone, radiation therapy alone, or chemotherapy + radiation therapy. Adjuvant therapy was tolerated relatively well with only one patient experiencing a grade 3 (RTOG/EORTC) toxicity, and none experiencing grade 45 toxicity. In patients with T3T4 tumors, the median survival was 10 months for surgery alone as compared to 18 months for the adjuvant treatment group, and a 5-year survival of 10% versus 24% in the adjuvant therapy group ( p = .01). In patients with lymph node positive disease, the median survival was 10 months in patients treated with surgery as compared to 15 months for those treated with adjuvant therapy, and a 5-year survival of 8% for surgery alone versus 16% for the adjuvant therapy group ( p = .04). Patients having both T3T4 tumor and positive lymph nodes had a median survival of 9 months with surgery versus 13 months for the adjuvant therapy group, and a 5-year survival of 4% versus 22% ( p = .03) for the adjuvant group. Seventy-four patients were evaluable for pattern of relapse. Thirty developed locoregional recurrence; 17 of 38 (45%) in the surgery alone group and 13 of 36 (36%) in the adjuvant therapy group. The improvement in local control in the adjuvant group was totally accounted for by the group receiving both chemotherapy and radiation therapy, in which the recurrence rate was 19%. Statistically significant improvement in the 2-year local control rate was limited to patients with negative surgical margins who received radiation, 93%, versus those who did not, 55% ( p = 0.03). The modest improvement in survival seen in patients receiving adjuvant therapy appears to be related to improved local control. No improvement in the rate of distant failure was seen. Chemotherapeutic regimens used seem to be critical in enhancing the effects of radiation in improving local control and survival. Results may be further improved by the extended use of intraoperative radiation.
Rethinking Research Dichotomies.

Much discussion concerning the research process has been conceptualized as either/or representations of complex issues. Research abstractions of insider/outsider perspectives, objectivity/subjectivity, and quantitative/qualitative methods have been unnecessarily dichotomized in the process. Pronouncements of absolutes and construction of hierarchies of methods have resulted, limiting both the kinds of questions that can be asked and the kinds of answers that can be found. The authors argue that dichotomies in family research do not exist and that by conceptualizing research abstractions as points on continua, a more flexible conceptualization of these methodological issues will result. This, in turn, will serve to increase the understanding offamilies andfamily process.
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and psychological distress among Hispanics/Latinos: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

Studies show that cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are correlated with psychological distress, yet research examining these relationships among Hispanic/Latinos is lacking. The population-based Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos enrolled a cohort of Hispanic/Latino adults (N=16,415) 18-74years of age at the time of recruitment, from four US metropolitan areas, between March 2008 and June 2011. Psychological distress (i.e., 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, 10 item Spielberger Trait Anxiety Scale, and a combined depression/anxiety score), socio-demographics (i.e., age, education, income, insurance, sex, and Hispanic/Latino background), acculturation (i.e., country of birth and language preference), and traditional CVD risk factors (i.e., dyslipidemia, obesity, current cigarette smoking, diabetes, and hypertension) were assessed at baseline. Associations between CVD risk factors and psychological distress measures by sex were examined using multiple linear regression models, accounting for complex survey design and sampling weights and controlling for socio-demographic and acculturation covariates. In adjusted analyses, all three psychological distress measures were significantly related to smoking. For females, greater psychological distress was significantly related to obesity and current smoking. For males, diabetes and current smoking were associated with psychological distress. For males and females, dyslipidemia and hypertension were not associated with psychological distress after adjusting for other factors. Elevated depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with CVD risk factors for Hispanic/Latino men and women. However, these results were not consistent across Hispanic/Latino groups. As promoted by the integrative care model, psychosocial concerns should be considered in research on CVD risk and chronic disease prevention.
Avaliação dos aspectos analíticos, práticos e criativos da inteligência em alunos do ensino médio numa perspectiva da teoria triárquica de Robert Sternberg

A Teoria Triarquica da Inteligencia Humana procura explicar, de maneira integrativa, a relacao entre a inteligencia e o mundo interno do individuo. A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo apresentar os resultados encontrados na aplicacao do Teste das Capacidades Triarquicas de Sternberg instrumento utilizado para comparar os aspectos analiticos, criativos e praticos em alunos do Ensino Medio. A aplicacao do teste foi realizada de forma coletiva, num tempo 90 minutos. A amostra era composta por 166 participantes. O resultado foi: os alunos obtiveram uma media de 64,18 no resultado geral do teste; no dominio analitico, a media foi de 25,96; no dominio criativo, a media foi de 20,80; no dominio pratico a media foi 17,42. O melhor desempenho se deu nas questoes analiticas e a maior dificuldade encontrada foi na parte pratica. Educar para a inteligencia triarquica e dar ao individuo a possibilidade de maximizar suas potencialidades, garantindo assim o sucesso academico e na vida.
Nanoporosity-Enhanced Catalysis on Subwavelength Au Nanoparticles: a Plasmon-Enhanced Spectroscopic Study

Using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to monitor catalytic reactions in real time on Au nanocatalysts has been a significant challenge because plasmon-enhanced spectroscopies require the utilization of subwavelength Au nanostructures as substrates while heterogeneous catalysis requires small Au nanoparticles in the sub-5 nm size regime. Here, we show that subwavelength Au nanoparticles with nanoscale surface porosity represent a unique bifunctional nanostructure that serves as both high-performance SERS substrates and efficient surface catalysts, allowing one to unravel the kinetics and pathways of surface-catalyzed reactions with unprecedented sensitivity and detail through time-resolved plasmon-enhanced spectroscopic measurements. The origin of the nanoporosity-enhanced catalytic activity can be interpreted as a consequence of high abundance of undercoordinated surface atoms at the steps and kinks on the highly curved surfaces of Au porous nanoparticles. By measuring SERS signals from the mon...
Foods and dietary strategies of prairie-nesting ruddy ducks and redheads

Par analyse des contenus œsopphagiens d'individus captures lors de la saison de reproduction, les regimes alimentaires de mâles et de femelles, avant et apres la ponte, sont compares chez deux especes Oxyura jamaicensis et Aythya americana. De plus, les problemes que posent, les strategies alimentaires de ces individus sont discutes dans le cadre de la sauvegarde de ces especes
Heme oxygenase induction. A possible factor in aluminum-associated anemia.

The effect of repeated parenteral administration of aluminum (Al) was investigated to determine if a relationship exists between the severity of anemia and increase in hepatic heme oxygenase activity. Female Swiss Webster mice were dosed for 11 d with 50 mg Al/kg, as Al lactate, and sodium lactate was given to control mice. On d 12, hematocrit, hemoglobin, blood smears, hepatic heme oxygenase activity, and cytochrome P450 levels were assessed. Significant decreases in hematocrit (39.1±0.7 vs 43.1±0.3% in controls) and hemoglobin (13.1±0.4 vs 14.2±0.2 g/dL in controls) were produced by Al administration. Blood smears from Al-treated mice consistently showed smaller, more irregular red cells. Cytochrome P450 content was significantly decreased (0.443±0.043 vs 0.665±0.055 nmol/mg) whereas hepatic heme oxygenase activity was significantly increased (2.75±0.34 vs 1.66±0.20 nmol/mg/h) in Al-treated animals. The production of mild anemia by parenteral aluminum correlated significantly with the increase in heme oxygenase activity, which, although only 66% greater than in control, preceded a significant loss of cytochrome P450. The increased heme oxygenase activity, with subsequent increased destruction of heme and/or heme proteins is discussed as a possible mechanism for the microcytic, hypochromic anemia associated with Al overload.
Clinical study on therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture treatment for NASH

Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture treatment for NASH. Methods 60 cases were randomly chosen as the electroacupuncture group, treated with electroacupuncture on Zu Sanli acupoint and Feng Long acupoint 10 minutes daily. They rested one day after 6 days in a row. And the treatment lasted 8 weeks. 48 cases were randomly chosen as the control group and treated with Glucrolactone 0.2 g, Tid, PO and Pravacol 10mg, qd, PO for 8 Weeks. Results The electroacupuncture group could improve the clinical syndromes of patients with NASH, decrease significantly serum ALT, GGT, PCⅢ, LN, HA, CⅣ, comparing to the control group the differentiation had obviously significance (P 0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion Electroacupuncture therapy may improve the clinical syndromes of NASH with early hepatocirrhosis, improve liver function, reduce liver fat and lower heppatocirrhosis markers such as PCⅢ, LN, HA and CⅣ. It is an effective way to prevent and treat NASH.
Current Status of Early Rice Breeding in Jiangxi Province

According to the statistical data from the regional trials of early rice varieties during 1999~2008 in Jiangxi province,this paper analyzed the current status of early rice breeding in Jiangxi province from the aspects of grain yield,rice quality and resistance,and studied the correlations among the main agronomic characters of rice varieties with the highest yearly yield in the regional trials of early rice varieties in Jiangxi province,and put forward the idea plant-type model of super-high-yielding early rice variety in Jiangxi.
Firefly Algorithm for Structural Search

The problem of computational structure prediction of materials is approached using the firefly (FF) algorithm. Starting from the chemical composition and optionally using prior knowledge of similar structures, the FF method is able to predict not only known stable structures but also a variety of novel competitive metastable structures. This article focuses on the strengths and limitations of the algorithm as a multimodal global searcher. The algorithm has been implemented in software package PyChemia (https://github.com/MaterialsDiscovery/PyChemia), an open source python library for materials analysis. We present applications of the method to van der Waals clusters and crystal structures. The FF method is shown to be competitive when compared to other population-based global searchers.
Ureteral Stenting During Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy: Help or Hindrance?

AbstractWe retrospectively reviewed the outcome of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with renal calculi less than 3cm. in size who were treated at a large multi-user lithotripsy center. Patients in whom indwelling ureteral stents were placed before lithotripsy treatment were subjected to higher levels of total power (shocks times voltage), yet the rate free of stones did not differ from those treated without a stent. In addition, the patients with internal ureteral stents experienced a significantly higher incidence of urinary urgency (43 versus 25 per cent) and hematuria (40 versus 23 per cent) than nonstented patients, respectively (p less than 0.05). Also, the duration of bladder discomfort was longer for stented patients (26 versus 13 per cent) as was the duration of urinary frequency (31 versus 16 per cent), compared to nonstented patients (p less than 0.05).The results suggest that use of an indwelling ureteral stent may not contribute to a higher rate free of stones for the treatmen...
NMR Studies Of Pesticides: An Introduction

The use of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in solving pesticide problems has increased considerably in recent years. There are now two review articles (1,2) available on this subject. Although the sensitivity of this technique is less than that of gas chromatography and mass-spectrometry it offers certain advantages, such as its versatile nature and the ease of interpretation of the spectra. NMR has now successfully been employed in studying the photochemical reaction of pesticides, determining the structure of pesticides, and monitoring the interaction of pesticides with biological polymers and surfaces.
Resurrecting ancestral structural dynamics of an antiviral immune receptor: adaptive binding pocket reorganization repeatedly shifts RNA preference

Although resurrecting ancestral proteins is a powerful tool for understanding the molecular-functional evolution of gene families, nearly all studies have examined proteins functioning in relatively stable biological processes. The extent to which more dynamic systems obey the same ‘rules’ governing stable processes is unclear. Here we present the first detailed investigation of the functional evolution of the RIG-like receptors (RLRs), a family of innate immune receptors that detect viral RNA in the cytoplasm. Using kinetic binding assays and molecular dynamics simulations of ancestral proteins, we demonstrate how a small number of adaptive protein-coding changes repeatedly shifted the RNA preference of RLRs throughout animal evolution by reorganizing the shape and electrostatic distribution across the RNA binding pocket, altering the hydrogen bond network between the RLR and its RNA target. In contrast to observations of proteins involved in metabolism and development, we find that RLR-RNA preference ‘flip flopped’ between two functional states, and shifts in RNA preference were not always coupled to gene duplications or speciation events. We demonstrate at least one reversion of RLR-RNA preference from a derived to an ancestral function through a novel structural mechanism, indicating multiple structural implementations of similar functions. Our results suggest a model in which frequent shifts in selection pressures imposed by an evolutionary arms race preclude the long-term functional optimization observed in stable biological systems. As a result, the evolutionary dynamics of immune receptors may be less constrained by structural epistasis and historical contingency.
Association Between Mental Health Staffing Level and Primary Care-Mental Health Integration Level on Provision of Depression Care in Veteran’s Affairs Medical Facilities

We examined the association of mental health staffing and the utilization of primary care/mental health integration (PCMHI) with facility-level variations in adequacy of psychotherapy and antidepressants received by Veterans with new, recurrent, and chronic depression. Greater likelihood of adequate psychotherapy was associated with increased (1) PCMHI utilization by recurrent depression patients (AOR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00, 1.03); and (2) staffing for recurrent (AOR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01, 1.06) and chronic (AOR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00, 1.03) depression patients (p < 0.05). No effects were found for antidepressants. Mental health staffing and PCMHI utilization explained only a small amount of the variance in the adequacy of depression care.
Dietary intake is associated with respiratory health outcomes and DNA methylation in children with asthma

Asthma is an increasingly common chronic disease among children, and data point toward a complex mechanism involving genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA hypo- or hyper-methylation have been shown to occur in response to environmental exposures including dietary nutrients. Within the context of the asthma randomized trial of indoor wood smoke (ARTIS) study, we investigated relationships between diet, asthma health measures, and DNA methylation. Asthma health measures included a quality of life instrument, diurnal peak flow variability (dPFV) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1). Dietary intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Methylation levels of LINE-1 repetitive element and two promoter CpG sites for interferon gamma (IFNγ, -186 and -54) from buccal cell DNA were measured using pyrosequencing assays. Data were collected on 32 children with asthma living in western Montana who were recruited to the ARTIS study. Selenium and several methyl donor dietary nutrients were positively associated with the asthma quality of life measure. Intake of methyl donating nutrients including folate was positively associated LINE-1 methylation and negatively associated with IFNγ CpG-186. Higher levels of LINE-1 methylation were associated with greater dPFV. We identified several nutrients that were associated with improved quality of life measures among children with asthma. The IFNγ promoter CpG site -186 but not -54 was associated with the intake of selected dietary nutrients. However, in this small population of children with asthma, the IFNγ promoter CpG sites were not associated with respiratory health measures so it remains unclear through which epigenetic mechanism these nutrients are impacting the quality of life measure. These findings add to the evidence that dietary nutrients, particularly foods containing methyl donors, may be important for epigenetic regulation as it pertains to the control of asthma. Trial registration ClincialTrials.gov NCT00807183. Registered 10 December 2008
Observation of coherent perfect absorption in a short-length weakly absorbing fiber

We predict and experimentally confirm that a moderately-doped few-centimeter-long fiber can completely absorb an incoming beam, if the fiber is placed in a properly-designed cavity that satisfies the requirements for coherent perfect absorption.
Recent Advances in Iron Catalyzed Oxidation Reactions of Organic Compounds

Iron-catalyzed oxidation reactions have been increasingly investigated in the past two decades and have seen a major increase in research activity. This review article demonstrates the vigorous research activities in the field based on examples from the most recent literature. Catalyst systems are discussed that are active in the oxygenation of alkanes and alkenes to obtain alcohols, ketones or epoxides. Iron-catalyzed oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding carbonyl units are also included. Enantioselective and heterogeneous catalyst systems are presented as well, and a brief overview of mechanistic pictures is given.
Accurate real time localization tracking in a clinical environment using Bluetooth Low Energy and deep learning

Deep learning has started to revolutionize several different industries, and the applications of these methods in medicine are now becoming more commonplace. This study focuses on investigating the feasibility of tracking patients and clinical staff wearing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tags in a radiation oncology clinic using artificial neural networks (ANNs) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The performance of these networks was compared to relative received signal strength indicator (RSSI) thresholding and triangulation. By utilizing temporal information, a combined CNN+ANN network was capable of correctly identifying the location of the BLE tag with an accuracy of 99.9%. It outperformed a CNN model (accuracy = 94%), a thresholding model employing majority voting (accuracy = 95%), and a triangulation classifier utilizing majority voting (accuracy = 95%). Future studies will seek to deploy this affordable real time location system in hospitals to improve clinical workflow, efficiency, and patient safety.
Barriers to Enhanced Recovery after Surgery after Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Background Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols lead to expedited discharges and decreased cost. Bariatric centers have adopted such programs for safely discharging patients after sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on the first postoperative day (POD1). Despite pathways, some bariatric patients cannot be discharged on POD1. Study design We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing LSG, from 2013 through 2016, in a center of excellence, using a standardized enhanced recovery pathway. Patient variables and perioperative factors were analyzed, including multivariate regressions, for predictors of early discharge. Results There were 573 patients who underwent LSG (83% female, mean age of 46.3 ± 11.7 years, and BMI of 46.0 ± 6.6 kg/m2). Mean hospital stay was 1.7 days ± 1.0 SD. Early discharge occurred in 38.2% of patients. Independently, early operating room start times and treated obstructive sleep apnea were associated with earlier discharge (p 1.5 mg/dL, ejection fraction Conclusions Several clinical and operative factors affect early discharge after LSG. Knowing factors that enhance the success of ERAS as well as the causes and corrections for failed implementation allow teams to optimally direct care pathway resources.
Discrimination and the Health of African Americans: The Potential Importance of Intersectionalities:

Research examining associations between self-reported experiences of discrimination overall (e.g., potentially due to race, gender, socioeconomic status, age) and health—particularly among African ...