cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Symptom burden of patients with dry eye disease: a four domain analysis.

Purpose To determine which sensory (symptom persistence and intensity) and reactive (activity and affective interference) domains of symptom analysis are essential for assessing symptom burden in dry eye disease (DED) patients. Methods A symptom domain tool was developed to investigate all four symptom domains in DED. In a cross-sectional pilot study, we administered the symptom burden tool and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire to 48 DED patients. Total and domain scores from the symptom burden tool and the OSDI were normalized to achieve comparability. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the relationship between domains and subscales. Agreement between the symptom burden tool and OSDI was assessed by Bland-Altman plot. Assigned treatments were compared by symptom burden to determine whether treatment aggressiveness is linked to symptom intensity. Results There was high agreement between the symptom burden tool and the OSDI. Symptom persistence had a stronger correlation with affective interference (r = 0.62 for the symptom burden tool and r = 0.73 for the OSDI) than activity interference (r = 0.58 for the symptom burden tool and r = 0.60 for the OSDI). Symptom intensity correlated weakly with affective interference (r = 0.38) and activity interference (r = 0.37) in the symptom burden tool (OSDI does not have a subscale for intensity). In patients with equal persistence of symptoms, those having high symptom intensity were receiving more aggressive treatment (66.7%) than those with lower symptom intensity (33.3%). Conclusions Persistence of symptoms correlates better with affective interference than activity interference. Intensity of symptoms may be important for treatment decisions.
Latino Interests in Education, Health, and Criminal Justice Policy

n many ways, America, as a nation, is becoming "Latinoized." In significant parts of the country, breakfast tacos are preferred to biscuits and gravy, futbol to football, and salsa to ketchup. At the same time, Latino artists like Carlos Santana, Ricky Martin, and Gloria Estefan have recently reigned over the pop charts. Latinos like Bill Richardson, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Henry Cisneros are recognized as influential Washington politicos and many Latinos and Latinas, representing diverse constituencies, serve prominently in the U.S. Congress. Despite the ascendency of Latino culture, few Americans understand how the growth in the size and influence of the U.S. Latino population might potentially influence important policy decisions. To begin to address this deficiency, we briefly highlight how current policies in education, health, and crimi-
A flexible composite as a coating for metallic implants microvascular and histological studies

The laboratory technique of microangiography and correlated histology has demonstrated the ingrowth of well vascularized tissue into Proplast, an inert, porous, and flexible composite of Teflon and pyrolytic graphite. After implantation into the long-bones of mature dogs it was invaded by osseous tissue at its margins, thereby achieving fixation to host bone. Centrally within the implant, the Proplast contained only loose fibrous tissue in its pores, and therefore retained its flexibility. Proplast can be readily and firmly bonded to the surface of metals as a coating. In our experiments, Proplast-coated intramedullary rods produced excellent osseous union of canine ulnae after osteotomy. Whereas exposed metal in the tissues becomes covered by an unattached fibrous capsule, Proplast does not. A Proplast coating becomes permanently fixed by tissue ingrowth. It also remains slightly flexible, like the periodontal membrane around the root of a tooth. A partial coating of Proplast on the stems of hipreplacement prostheses will obviate the use of acrylic cement, which we have shown to be deleterious in the subtrochanteric region of the canine femur. A prosthetic stem of special contour is required, to provide immediate metal-to-bone fixation while tissue is growing into the Proplast coating for enduring fixation.
Analysis of heat and mass transfer in porous sorbents used in rotary regenerators

Abstract A new dimensionless formulation, that locally accounts for heat conduction and mass diffusion in solid sorbent materials occurring in either enthalpy exchangers or desiccant wheels has been developed. Governing equations were fully normalized using classical dimensionless groups for heat and mass transfer. The model was validated using previously published results, including experimental data. The proposed equations are easily adaptable to incorporate additional features such as the influence of a supporting structure or the effects of flow entrance regions. Finally, results of a test-case are presented, indicating a possible optimization to wheel construction and compactness by reducing the felt thickness.
Death and the "life review" in Halakhah.

Coping with old age involves resolving the task of “integrity versus despair,” which demands a nondefensive confrontation with the inevitability of death. Halakhah (Jewish ethics) also considered this task critical in later years of life, spoke of death's inevitability, and attempted to discourage denial of death. The Jewish approach seems compatible with Butler's concept of “life review” as a reconciliation with death and a reintegration of one's identity that occurs throughout later years. While the Eriksonian goal is confronting old age with a certain capacity for “wisdom,” the rabbis maintained that such wisdom must culminate in the creative act of repentance.
Calcium-dependent block of ryanodine receptor channel of swine skeletal muscle by direct binding of calmodulin.

The interaction of the Ca2+ binding protein calmodulin (CaM) with the ryanodine receptor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of pig skeletal muscle was investigated by [3H]-ryanodine binding, planar bilayer recordings, and rapid filtration of 45Ca2+-loaded SR. Inhibition of [3H]-ryanodine binding by CaM was phosphorylation-independent, had an IC50 of approximately 0.1 μM and was optimal at 10 μM Ca2+. CaM also inhibited [3H]-ryanodine binding to CHAPS-solubilized and purified ryanodine receptors, suggesting a direct CaM-ryanodine receptor interaction. In single channel recordings, CaM blocked Ca2+ release channels in a Ca2+-dependent manner by decreasing the number of open events per unit time without affecting the mean open time or unitary channel conductance. Rapid filtration of 45Ca2+ passively loaded into SR vesicles showed that CaM blocked Ca2+ release within milliseconds of exposure of SR to a Ca2+ release medium containing 10 μM CaM. In controls, an increase in extravesicular Ca2+ from 7 nM to 10 μM resulted in a release of 47 ± 10% of the 45Ca2+ in 20 ms. CaM reduced the release to 23 ± 12% in the same period. These results are compatible with a direct mechanism of Ca2+ release channel blockade by CaM and suggest that CaM could play a significant role in the inactivation of SR Ca2+ release during excitation-contraction coupling.
Mesoscale to Submesoscale Transition in the California Current System. Part II: Frontal Processes

This is the second of three papers investigating the regime transition that occurs in numerical simulations for an idealized, equilibrium, subtropical, eastern boundary, upwelling current system similar to the California Current. The emergent upper-ocean submesoscale fronts are analyzed from phenomenological and dynamical perspectives, using a combination of composite averaging and separation of distinctive subregions of the flow. The initiating dynamical process for the transition is near-surface frontogenesis. The frontal behavior is similar to both observed meteorological surface fronts and solutions of the approximate dynamical model called surface dynamics (i.e., uniform interior potential vorticity q and diagnostic force balance) in the intensification of surface density gradients and secondary circulations in response to a mesoscale strain field. However, there are significant behavioral differences compared to the surface-dynamics model. Wind stress acts on fronts through nonlinear Ekman transport and creation and destruction of potential vorticity. The strain-induced frontogenesis is disrupted by vigorous submesoscale frontal instabilities that in turn lead to secondary frontogenesis events, submesoscale vortices, and excitation of even smaller-scale flows. Intermittent, submesoscale breakdown of geostrophic and gradient-wind force balance occurs during the intense frontogenesis and frontal-instability events.
Situational Moral Disengagement: Can the Effects of Self-Interest be Mitigated?

Self-interest has long been recognized as a powerful human motive. Yet, much remains to be understood about the thinking behind self-interested pursuits. Drawing from multiple literatures, we propose that situations high in opportunity for self-interested gain trigger a type of moral cognition called moral disengagement that allows the individual to more easily disengage internalized moral standards. We also theorize two countervailing forces—situational harm to others and dispositional conscientiousness—that may weaken the effects of personal gain on morally disengaged reasoning. We test our hypotheses in two studies using qualitative and quantitative data and complementary research methods and design. We demonstrate that when personal gain incentives are relatively moderate, reminders of harm to others can reduce the likelihood that employees will morally disengage. Furthermore, when strong personal gain incentives are present in a situation, highly conscientious individuals are less apt than their counterparts to engage in morally disengaged reasoning.
On eigenvalues of symmetric (+1, −1) matrices

To every symmetric matrixA with entries ±1, we associate a graph G(A), and ask (for two different definitions of distance) for the distance ofG(A) to the nearest complete bipartite graph (cbg). Letλ1(A),λ1 (A) be respectively the algebraically largest and least eigenvalues ofA. The Frobenius distance (see Section 4) to the nearest cbg is bounded above and below by functions ofn −λ1 (A), wheren=ord A. The ordinary distance (see Section 1) to the nearest cbg is shown to be bounded above and below by functions ofλ1 (A). A curious corollary is: there exists a functionf (independent ofn, and given by (1.1)), such that |λ i (A) | ≦f(λ1(A), whereλ i (A) is any eigenvalue ofA other thanλ i (A).
Laboratory Calibration Of Field Reflectance Panels

A method used for calibrating field reflectance panels in the visible and shortwave infrared wavelength range is described. The directional reflectance factor of painted barium sulfate (BaSO4) panels is determined. The reference for this method is the hemispherical reflectance of pressed polytetrafluoroethylene (halon) powder prepared according to National Bureau of Standards (NBS) directions. The panels and a radiometer are mounted on rotation stages to measure the reflectance factor at different incidence and view angles. The sensor can be any laboratory or field filter radiometer small enough to mount on the apparatus. The method is used to measure the reflectance factors of halon and BaSO4 panels between 0.45 and 0.85 micrometers. These reflectance factors are compared to those measured by a field apparatus. The results agree to within 0.013 in reflectance at incidence angles between 15 and 75 degrees.
Arrestin-2 interacts with the ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase atrophin-interacting protein 4 and mediates endosomal sorting of the chemokine receptor CXCR4.

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is rapidly targeted for lysosomal degradation by the E3 ubiquitin ligase atrophin-interacting protein 4 (AIP4). Although it is known that AIP4 mediates ubiquitination and degradation of CXCR4 and that perturbations in these events contribute to disease, the mechanisms mediating AIP4-dependent regulation of CXCR4 degradation remain poorly understood. Here we show that AIP4 directly interacts with the amino-terminal half of nonvisual arrestin-2 via its WW domains. We show that depletion of arrestin-2 by small interfering RNA blocks agonist-promoted degradation of CXCR4 by preventing CXCR4 trafficking from early endosomes to lysosomes. Surprisingly, CXCR4 internalization and ubiquitination remain intact, suggesting that the interaction between arrestin-2 and AIP4 is not required for ubiquitination of the receptor at the plasma membrane but perhaps for a later post-internalization event. Accordingly, we show that activation of CXCR4 promotes the interaction between AIP4 and arrestin-2 that is consistent with a time when AIP4 co-localizes with arrestin-2 on endocytic vesicles. Taken together, our data suggest that the AIP4·arrestin-2 complex functions on endosomes to regulate sorting of CXCR4 into the degradative pathway.
Wave propagation in aggregation fields of the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum

A mathematical model developed earlier to describe adaptation, relay and oscillation in the cellular slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum is used here to study various aspects of wave propagation in aggregation fields. We first show that travelling waves of cyclic AMP do not result from Turing (diffusive) instabilities. We then display the numerically computed dispersion relation for travelling periodic waves in one space dimension, and compare the results with the experimentally measured relation. Numerical results on phase locking in axisymmetric fields are also presented and the failure of propagation at low cell densities is discussed. Finally, we demonstrate that this model supports spiral waves whose wavelength and speed agree well with the experimental observations.
Misidentifications of Stars in NGC 4755 (κ Crucis)

Erroneous cross‐identifications appearing in the literature and in the SIMBAD database for stars in the Jewel Box cluster, NGC 4755, are corrected. These errors concern mistaken cross‐references for CPD, Bright Star Catalog, and Luminous Stars in the Southern Milky Way numbers to stars identified in the analysis of this cluster carried out by Arp & van Sant.
Genetic Relationships among Eight Species of Eptesicus and Pipistrellus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Genetic relationships among eight species of Eptesicus and Pipistrellus were analyzed by use of horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis. It has been suggested that a 2n = 50 and FN = 48 karyotype defines the genus Eptesicus , and that related forms of differing karyotype should be placed in the genus Pipistrellus . Three species of Eptesicus with 2n = 50 and FN = 48, three species with lower diploid numbers, and two species of Pipistrellus were assayed in this study. The results show that the species of Eptesicus with 2n = 50 and FN = 48 form a homogeneous group with high similarity values, despite the included taxa coming from two continents. Species with lower diploid number show a lesser degree of similarity.
Geographic analysis of low birthweight and infant mortality in Michigan using automated zoning methodology

Infant mortality is a major public health problem in the State of Michigan and the United States. The primary adverse reproductive outcome underlying infant mortality is low birthweight. Visualizing and exploring the spatial patterns of low birthweight and infant mortality rates and standardized incidence and mortality ratios is important for generating mechanistic hypotheses, targeting high-risk neighborhoods for monitoring and implementing maternal and child health intervention and prevention programs and evaluating the need for health care services. This study investigates the spatial patterns of low birthweight and infant mortality in the State of Michigan using automated zone matching (AZM) methodology and minimum case and population threshold recommendations provided by the National Center for Health Statistics and the US Census Bureau to calculate stable rates and standardized incidence and mortality ratios at the Zip Code (n = 896) level. The results from this analysis are validated using SaTScan. Vital statistics birth (n = 370,587) and linked infant death (n = 2,972) records obtained from the Michigan Department of Community Health and aggregated for the years 2004 to 2006 are utilized. For a majority of Zip Codes the relative standard errors (RSEs) of rates calculated prior to AZM were greater than 20%. Spurious results were the result of too few case and birth counts. Applying AZM with a target population of 25 cases and minimum threshold of 20 cases resulted in the reconstruction of zones with at least 50 births and RSEs of rates 20–22% and below respectively, demonstrating the stability reliability of these new estimates. Other AZM parameters included homogeneity constraints on maternal race and maximum shape compactness of zones to minimize potential confounding. AZM identified areas with elevated low birthweight and infant mortality rates and standardized incidence and mortality ratios. Most but not all of these areas were also detected by SaTScan. Understanding the spatial patterns of low birthweight and infant deaths in Michigan was an important first step in conducting a geographic evaluation of the State's reported high infant mortality rates. AZM proved to be a useful tool for visualizing and exploring the spatial patterns of low birthweight and infant deaths for public health surveillance. Future research should also consider AZM as a tool for health services research.
Molybdenum/graphene – Based catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction synthesized by a rapid photothermal method

Abstract Catalysis of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is important in the development of an energy economy based on clean hydrogen gas. In this work, we report a new catalyst material for the generation of hydrogen via hydronium reduction. The new material, which consists of MoO 2 , sulfur, and graphene, was prepared by co-reduction of molybdenum salt and graphite oxide in air in the presence of focused solar radiation. The potential utility of this material for HER catalysis was evaluated by cyclic and linear-sweep voltammograms and compared against a Pt/C commercial catalyst. The MoO 2 /graphene hybrid nanocomposite exhibits a Tafel slope of 47 mV/dec and hydrogen evolution at a potential only ∼120 mV more negative than the standard Pt/Carbon catalyst at 10 mA/cm 2 current density. The hydrogen gas generated by the catalytic material was measured using gas chromatography. The simple synthesis and low overpotential suggests that this hybrid composite has potential as an HER catalyst.
Diverse forms of stress results in changes in cellular levels of osteonectin/SPARC without altering mRNA levels in osteoligament cells

The osteonectin/SPARC gene has been shown to possess motifs for a heat shock element and metal responsiveness. Also, the expression of the protein has been associated with culture stress in endothelial cells. In the present study, osteoligament (OL) cells derived from the patellar ligament were subjected to diverse forms of stress that included (a) exposure to sodium arsenite, (b) heat shock, (c) cadmium ion, and (d) the amino acid analog, AZC. Osteonectin/SPARC levels in OL cells were determined by Western blot analyses, and immunoprecipitation using antiosteonectin antibodies. Expression of osteonectin/SPARC mRNA was determined by Northern analysis using a 1.5 kb EcoRI restriction fragment of bovine osteonectin cDNA. These studies reveal that osteonectin/SPARC is produced following diverse forms of stress, however, the levels are lower than observed in unchallenged OL cells. In all instances, the mRNA levels were comparable to control cells. These studies indicate that expression of osteonectin/SPARC mRNA is tightly controlled in OL cells and that the protein may be regulated at the level of protein translation.
Comparison of indices of regional lung function from 4-D X-ray CT: Jacobian vs. strain of deformation

In the literature, a widely adopted approach for assessing the regional lung function in patients undergoing radiation therapy for lung cancer from 4-D X-ray CT data is the Jacobian of deformation. The Jacobian which describes regional lung volume changes however lacks consideration of directional length changes during respiration. Previously, we proposed the use of strain for measurement of regional deformation in the Lung [1]. In this paper, we perform physiologic validation of lung strain and compare the results with those from the Jacobian measure. Lung deformation fields were computed through application of a recently proposed 3-D optical flow technique (MOFID) [2] to 4-D X-ray CT data sets collected in seven subjects diagnosed with non-small cell primary lung cancer. In addition to 4-D CT data, both SPECT ventilation (VSPECT), and SPECT perfusion (QSPECT) data were acquired in all subjects. For each case, voxel-wise statistical correlation of the Jacobian as well as principal strains of deformation (CT-derived pulmonary function images) with both ventilation and perfusion SPECT was performed. The results indicate that the maximum principal strain has a higher correlation with both SPECT ventilation and SPECT perfusion than other indices including the Jacobian.
Micropunching lithography for generating micro- and submicron-patterns on polymer substrates

Conducting polymers have attracted great attention since the discovery of high conductivity in doped polyacetylene in 19771. They offer the advantages of low weight, easy tailoring of properties and a wide spectrum of applications2,3. Due to sensitivity of conducting polymers to environmental conditions (e.g., air, oxygen, moisture, high temperature and chemical solutions), lithographic techniques present significant technical challenges when working with these materials4. For example, current photolithographic methods, such as ultra-violet (UV), are unsuitable for patterning the conducting polymers due to the involvement of wet and/or dry etching processes in these methods. In addition, current micro/nanosystems mainly have a planar form5,6. One layer of structures is built on the top surfaces of another layer of fabricated features. Multiple layers of these structures are stacked together to form numerous devices on a common substrate. The sidewall surfaces of the microstructures have not been used in constructing devices. On the other hand, sidewall patterns could be used, for example, to build 3-D circuits, modify fluidic channels and direct horizontal growth of nanowires and nanotubes. A macropunching method has been applied in the manufacturing industry to create macropatterns in a sheet metal for over a hundred years. Motivated by this approach, we have developed a micropunching lithography method (MPL) to overcome the obstacles of patterning conducting polymers and generating sidewall patterns. Like the macropunching method, the MPL also includes two operations (Fig. 1): (i) cutting; and (ii) drawing. The "cutting" operation was applied to pattern three conducting polymers4, polypyrrole (PPy), Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophen)-poly(4-styrenesulphonate) (PEDOT) and polyaniline (PANI). It was also employed to create Al microstructures7. The fabricated microstructures of conducting polymers have been used as humidity8, chemical8, and glucose sensors9. Combined microstructures of Al and conducting polymers have been employed to fabricate capacitors and various heterojunctions9,10,11. The "cutting" operation was also applied to generate submicron-patterns, such as 100- and 500-nm-wide PPy lines as well as 100-nm-wide Au wires. The "drawing" operation was employed for two applications: (i) produce Au sidewall patterns on high density polyethylene (HDPE) channels which could be used for building 3D microsystems12,13,14, and (ii) fabricate polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars on HDPE substrates to increase the contact angle of the channel15.
Methodology for the iterative evaluation of prototype head-mounted displays in virtual environments: visual acuity metrics

Head-mounted display design is an iterative process. As such, a standardized user-centered assessment protocol of head-mounted performance during each phase of prototype development should be employed. In this paper, we first describe a methodology for assessing prototype head-mounted displays and virtual environments using visual performance metrics. We then present an application of the methodology using a prototype of a projection head-mounted display and the first module of our assessment: resolution visual acuity as a function of contrast. To evaluate the total system, we also used three different light levels and two different types of projection materials. Results from both studies indicate that the visual acuity metric resolution accurately identified reductions in user visual acuity caused by parameters of the projection display and those of the phase conjugate material. Results further support the need for benchmark metrics that allow comparison of prototype head-mounted performance through each stage of design.
739. Bioluminescent Virion Shells: A Novel Tool for Visualization of Viral Vectors in Animal Tissue

Top of pageAbstract Current technologies for visualizing the infectious pathway of viruses and viral vectors are primarily focused on fluorescent protein fusion constructs that are not ideally suited for non-invasive live animal imaging. We have engineered bioluminescent Gaussia luciferase-tagged Adeno-Associated Viral (gLuc-AAV) capsids to visualize the spatio-temporal dynamics of vector distribution within mammalian tissue in vivo. Gaussia luciferase, the smallest known luciferase (19.9kD), displays enzymatic activity several orders of magnitude higher than Renilla and Firefly luciferase(s) and was incorporated into recombinant AAV capsids by fusion to the N- terminus of the VP2 capsid subunit. Mosaic gLuc-AAV capsids were morphologically and functionally indistinguishable from wild type AAV vectors. The kinetics of cell surface binding and internalization of gLuc-AAV type 2 vectors in vitro was determined using luminescence spectroscopy. Following intramuscular administration, bioluminescent gLuc-AAV type 2 vectors were easily visualized in mouse skeletal muscle subsequent to systemic or intramuscular injection of the luciferase substrate, coelenterazine. The novel technology described herein will be particularly useful in understanding vector spread and uptake within different tissues and establishing the safety of viral vectors for gene therapy.
Early-Onset Psychiatric Disorders and Male Socioeconomic Status

We seek to integrate economic, sociological and psychological models by examining whether early-onset psychiatric disorders predict adult male socioeconomic status. Unlike most status attainment studies, we include information on major psychiatric disorders. We use data from the National Comorbidity Survey, the first survey to administer a structured psychiatric interview to a national probability sample in the U.S. Our sample includes men between the ages of 25 and 54. We find that disorders that occur before age 16 reduce educational attainment and the probability of being currently married and increase the probability of having a recent disorder, each of which is a predictor of adult male unemployment. We also find that these early-onset disorders have a direct negative effect on male employment. The estimated magnitudes of these effects are often as large as those of family background variables, suggesting that research on adult male SES should pay greater attention to mental health issues.
Reaction of palladium 1,5-cyclooctadiene alkyl chloride with norbornene derivatives: Relevance to metal-catalyzed addition polymerization of functionalized norbornenes

The insertions of norbornene, bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-endo-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-exo-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, and bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-enyl-endo-2-methyl acetate into the palladium−methyl bond of (η4-cycloocta-1,5-diene)chloromethylpalladium(II) were found to proceed at similar rates, with the product in every case being derived from insertion through the exo face.
Dynamic Assessment of the Endothelialization of Tissue-Engineered Blood Vessels Using an Optical Coherence Tomography Catheter-Based Fluorescence Imaging System

Background: Lumen endothelialization of bioengineered vascular scaffolds is essential to maintain small-diameter graft patency and prevent thrombosis postimplantation. Unfortunately, nondestructive imaging methods to visualize this dynamic process are lacking, thus slowing development and clinical translation of these potential tissue-engineering approaches. To meet this need, a fluorescence imaging system utilizing a commercial optical coherence tomography (OCT) catheter was designed to visualize graft endothelialization. Methods: C7 DragonFly™ intravascular OCT catheter was used as a channel for delivery and collection of excitation and emission spectra. Poly-dl-lactide (PDLLA) electrospun scaffolds were seeded with endothelial cells (ECs). Seeded cells were exposed to Calcein AM before imaging, causing the living cells to emit green fluorescence in response to blue laser. By positioning the catheter tip precisely over a specimen using high-fidelity electromechanical components, small regions of the spe...
Lithium Carbonate - Is It Successful?

• Lithium carbonate as a specific psychopharmacologic agent in the treatment of manic-depressive illness has been known for over 20 years but was not approved by the F.D.A. until 1970. The general historical course followed by a drug initially offering clinical promise can be divided into four stages: 1) enthusiastic response immediately after discovery; 2) verifying reports by other investigators; 3) application of the drug outside the originally discovered area of effectiveness with reported favorable results; and 4) increasing criticism, resulting in more critical investigations to delineate the limits of efficacy of the drug. It appears that lithium is presently in this fourth stage.
Coagulation Factor Activity in Platelet Concentrates

Coagulation factor activity in platelet concentrates stored under different condtions was investigated. At both 22 C and 4 C, coagulation factors, II, VII, IX, X, XI, and XII and fibrinogen were well maintained up to 72 hours. Factor V activity declined slightly in platelet concentrates stored at 4 C (to 78% at 72 hours), but fell to 47 per cent activity in platelets stored at 22 C. Factor VIII activity declined to approximately 68 per cent of normal activity by 72 hours at both 22 C and 4 C. Agitation did not make a difference in levels of coagulation factors. While the decline in Factor V was clearly more pronounced in platelet concentrates than in platelet-poor plasma from the same units, the decline in Factor VIII was decreased by the presence of platelets. Platelet concentrates are a source of coagulation factor activity which should be considered in a component program.
Robotic platform for photography applications

In order for a wildlife photographer to capture high-quality photos from a safe distance, an expensive, long zoom lens is typically used. Without the use of a high magnification lens, the photographer must approach the wildlife, potentially creating an unsafe situation. Additionally, close proximity to wildlife can compromise an authentic, natural photograph. The goal of this project is to enable photographers to obtain close-up, high-quality photographs of wildlife while maintaining the safety of the photographer and the equipment as well as eliminating the need for expensive high powered lenses. The final prototype is a remote controlled robotic vehicle intended to move a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera closer to an intended subject using a standard 50 mm lens. The robot is designed to navigate dry terrain typical of the Shenandoah area, including dirt, grass, loose gravel, and pavement, and traverse slopes of ±15°. An additional camera relays video feedback to a wireless device, allowing the user to drive the vehicle and position the DSLR camera from up to fifty feet away. A custom made elevation system on the robot enables the user to raise the camera to a height of 2.5 feet off of the ground. The robot has a runtime of over two hours and is rechargeable. The ultimate purpose of this robot is to provide close-up photographs at a lower cost than that of high magnification lenses. Viewing wildlife from short distances using a remote-controlled robot will also increase photographer safety and minimize adverse effects of human intrusion into animals' territory.
Effect of Enrollment Length in Migrant Head Start on Children's Weight Outcomes

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the length of children's enrollment in Migrant Head Start affects children's weight outcomes. Children in the Michigan Migrant Head Start program were classified depending on years of enrollments: one year (n = 638), two years (n = 293), and three or more years (n = 426). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether the probability of children having overweight or obesity differed depending on years of enrollment. There is a lower obesity rate among children who attended Head Start for multiple years than in those who attended for one year. Among children who attended for one year, those who enrolled for more weeks were more likely to be overweight than those who enrolled for fewer weeks. Children with special needs, those with more siblings, and those on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) had a lower obesity rate. Although the primary goal of the Head Start Program is school readiness rather than health improvement, migrant and seasonal farmworkers' children might need more years of comprehensive intervention, such as Head Start, to prevent obesity by making full use of the beneficial nutrition programs. SNAP access and other culturally competent practices could also reduce the obesity rate.
The effects of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of large-joint osteoarthritis: a systematic review.

AbstractContext: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common and costly condition with both operative and nonoperative treatments available. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is emerging as a treatment option for a variety of musculoskeletal pathologies, including OA. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular PRP injection in the treatment of large-joint OA. Data Sources: PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database were searched. The references of all articles that met the inclusion criteria were manually searched for additional articles. Study Selection: English studies that enrolled human participants were included, with level of evidence I to IV. Results: Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria: 12 focused on knee OA, and 1 on hip OA. All studies showed statistically significant improvement in patient outcome scores with PRP. Platelet-rich plasma has a statistically significant benefit in knee OA when compared with hyaluronic acid. The benefit from PRP appears to last between 6 and ...
On temperature planarization effect of copper dummy fills in deep nanometer technology

The continuous increase in interconnect joule heating and the advent of low-k ILD materials poses serious thermal challenges for multilevel interconnects in deep nanometer technologies. Vertical heat sinking paths are severely constrained by the limited via-density of the upper metal layers and poor thermal conductivity of the inter-layer dielectric. The lack of adequate vertical thermal conduction can lead to formation of `heat-traps` in the metal-layers affecting both performance and reliability of structures in the vicinity. We propose the usage of dummy metal-fills as horizontal thermal conduits to planarize hotspots generated in thermally isolated zones. The metal fills which are an integral part of the CMP planarization process can improve the effective thermal conductivity of the metal layers and can be used to carry out controlled heat re-direction. We have performed 3-D thermal simulations using an FEM solver and validated our scheme for different metal layers. With a pattern-density overhead of <=5%, the temperature differences across measurement points can be reduced by 50?70%. We have evaluated the efficacy of different metal shapes, sizes and orientation in terms of their heat-spreading capability.
FURTHER STUDIES ON THE STIMULATION OF ADRENAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS BY ACTH: AN EFFECT ON MICROSOMES AND RIBOSOMES.

The effects of ACTH administration on in vitro incorporation of 14C-glycine into protein in cell-free systems of the rat adrenal have been studied. When incubated with 105,000 ×g supernatant (from control or ACTH-stimulated adrenals) in an amino acid incorporating system, the microsomes from ACTH-stimulated adrenals were more active for 14C-glycine incorporation than equivalent amounts of control microsomes. This effect was also demonstrable in ribosomes isolated by desoxycholate extraction of microsomes, indicating that the effect of ACTH on adrenal microsomes is due to changes in the ribosomal fraction. Ribosomes from ACTH-stimulated adrenals were more active than control ribosomes when compared either on a gramequivalent basis or in terms of ribosomal- RNA. These results indicate that ACTH administration enhances the capacity of adrenal microsomes for incorporation of 14C-glycine into protein by induction of an increased amount and activity of ribosomal-RNA. (Endocrinology 74: 579, 1964)
Task effects, performance levels, features, configurations, and holistic face processing: A reply to Rossion

A recent article in Acta Psychologica ("Picture-plane inversion leads to qualitative changes of face perception" by Rossion [Rossion, B. (2008). Picture-plane inversion leads to qualitative changes of face perception. Acta Psychologica (Amst), 128(2), 274-289]) criticized several aspects of an earlier paper of ours [Riesenhuber, M., Jarudi, I., Gilad, S., & Sinha, P. (2004). Face processing in humans is compatible with a simple shape-based model of vision. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London B (Supplements), 271, S448-S450]. We here address Rossion's criticisms and correct some misunderstandings. To frame the discussion, we first review our previously presented computational model of face recognition in cortex [Jiang, X., Rosen, E., Zeffiro, T., Vanmeter, J., Blanz, V., & Riesenhuber, M. (2006). Evaluation of a shape-based model of human face discrimination using FMRI and behavioral techniques. Neuron, 50(1), 159-172] that provides a concrete biologically plausible computational substrate for holistic coding, namely a neural representation learned for upright faces, in the spirit of the original simple-to-complex hierarchical model of vision by Hubel and Wiesel. We show that Rossion's and others' data support the model, and that there is actually a convergence of views on the mechanisms underlying face recognition, in particular regarding holistic processing.
Wolverine Ecology and Conservation in the Western United States

Successful conservation of rare species requires an understanding of the niche, knowledge of the scale over which a viable population exists, and a system that provides adequate funding to take the necessary actions. I radio-marked wolverines in the Yellowstone Ecosystem and examined spatial ecology and reproductive chronology from an evolutionary perspective to better define the wolverine niche. I used a resource selection function to map habitat suitable for survival, reproduction, and dispersal; make a rough estimate of population capacity; and develop conservation priorities at the metapopulation scale. I developed an index of metapopulation dispersal potential to identify areas most valuable for connectivity and discuss the steps needed to conserve wolverines through the 21st century. Wolverines were limited to high elevations where temperatures were low, structure was abundant, and deep snow exists during winter. Persistence in these relatively unproductive habitats required large home ranges that were regularly patrolled, a social system that provided exclusive access to resources, low densities, and low reproductive rates. These characteristics are prevalent across the species range, suggesting wolverines are adapted to exploit a cold, low-productivity niche. Caching during all seasons in cold, structured microsites to inhibit competition with insects, bacteria, and other scavengers is likely a critical behavioral adaptation. Habitat features that facilitate caching/refrigeration may be crucial for reproductive success and distribution. In the western U.S., primary wolverine habitat exists in island-like fashion and is capable of holding an estimated 580 wolverines distributed across a 10 state area. I estimated current population size to be approximately half of capacity. Wolverines exist as a small, inherently vulnerable metapopulation that is dependent on successful dispersal over a vast geographic scale. Priority conservation actions include: 1) maintaining connectivity, particularly in the Central Linkage Region of western Montana; 2) restoration to areas of historical distribution that are robust to climate change, e.g., Colorado; and 3) development of a collaborative, multi-state/province monitoring program. These actions will require significant funding. The viability of the wolverine in the contiguous United States, a candidate endangered species threatened by indirect, habitat-related impacts caused by all of society, depends on a fundamental shift in the way conservation of non-game wildlife and habitat are financed.
Interior Design Education in the 21st Century: An Educational Transformation

PREAMBLE We propose that the time is right to consider a transformation of Interior Design education. As Interior Design educators, administrators, practitioners, and leaders, we have been active participants in the progress made by the profession and the evolution of Interior Design education. With this in mind, and ever conscious of our continued commitment to the future of Interior Design, we present this treatise for consideration.
MAPS: an international market entry planning system

This paper describes an international marketing expert system that helps managers make strategic decisions regarding market entry. The system is called MAPS, for market-entry planning system. MAPS is being developed using a combination of AI knowledge representations (i.e. rules, semantic networks, text-analysis techniques) and multi-attribute decision models for judgment and evaluation. Previous research by the author and colleagues resulted in several components of MAPS, developed largely as stand-alone products. These components were developed using a shell called CEVAL (Candidate Evaluator). CEVAL is currently being used to integrate the components into a comprehensive system that addresses many major issues facing international market planners. This system serves both an educational purpose and a decision support purpose. >
Visceral Leishmaniasis in Renal Transplant Recipients: Successful Treatment with Liposomal Amphotericin B (AmBisome)

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a rare disease in renal transplant recipients. Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) is known to be effective against VL. However, previously there has been no experience with administration of such treatment to renal transplant recipients. We report herein four patients with VL complicating renal transplantation who were treated successfully with liposomal amphotericin B (total dose, 23-40 mg/kg). Neither adverse reactions nor clinical relapses of VL were observed.
COLCHICINE INHIBITION OF NERVE FIBER FORMATION IN VITRO

Inhibition of nerve fiber (neurite) formation by colchicine and Colcemid was studied in monolayer cultures of dissociated spinal ganglia of the chick. Replica cultures were fixed after appropriate incubation and alkaloid treatment. Quantitative estimates of the mean total neurite length per neuron (MNL) were made by use of camera lucida tracing. MNL values plotted against time of incubation gave control curves with an initial lag period, a phase of rapid increase, and a final phase in which MNL increase was retarded. Colchicine at 0.01–0.05 µg/ml (2.4 x 10-8-1.2 x 10-7 M) caused reversible, concentration dependent, inhibition of the increase in MNL when applied during the lag period or phase of rapid increase. At the highest concentration there was a net decrease in MNL. The effect of Colcemid at 0.05 µg/ml was similar to that of colchicine, but more rapidly reversible. In most experiments there was no loss of neurons during the period of inhibition of MNL increase by colchicine or Colcemid. Therefore selective destruction of neurons was not involved in the inhibition of neurite growth. Prolonged incubation after treatment with the highest concentration used resulted in a 50% loss of neurons, in part through detachment of viable cells. Quantitative radioautography of the alkaloid-treated neurons with leucine-14C indicated little or no inhibition of incorporation into protein during inhibition of MNL increase. The results strongly suggest that inhibition of neurite growth involves a specific effect of colchicine, presumably the disruption of microtubules. They are thus consistent with the hypothesis that the polymerization of microtubules is essential to the formation of nerve fibers.
Cytokine production in children with tuberculous infection and disease

To determine if the manifestations of initial infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis reflect changes in the balance of T cell cytokines, we evaluated cytokine production by M. tuberculosis-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 24 children with tuberculosis and 22 children who were healthy tuberculin reactors. PBMCs from patients with tuberculosis had lower production and mRNA expression of interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) than did PBMCs from healthy tuberculin reactors. IFN-gamma production was most severely depressed in patients with moderately advanced and far-advanced pulmonary disease and in malnourished patients. Production of IL-12, IL-4, and IL-10 was similar in tuberculosis patients and healthy tuberculin reactors. These results indicate that, during the initial immune response to M. tuberculosis, development of tuberculosis is associated with diminished IFN-gamma production, which is not due to reduced production of IL-12 or enhanced production of IL-4 or IL-10.
Research Update: Childhood-onset Schizophrenia: Implications of Clinical and Neurobiological Research

Childhood-onset schizophrenia is a rare, clinically severe form of schizophrenia, which is associated with disrupted cognitive, linguistic, and social development well before the appearance of frank psychotic symptoms. This disruption of multiple developmental domains signals the important opportunity these patients present for examining neurodevelopmental and other etiologic hypotheses of schizophrenia. The present research update reviews studies of the phenomenology and neurobiology of childhood-onset schizophrenia conducted since 1994. Findings from these studies indicate that children can be diagnosed with schizophrenia using unmodified DSM-III, -IIIR, and -IV criteria, and that the atypical neuroleptic clozapine is an effective medication for this treatment refractory group. Neuropsychologic and neurobiologic studies generally support continuity with adult-onset schizophrenia, with evidence of more severe premorbid impairment. Longitudinal studies show preliminary evidence of progressive ventricular enlargement and more prolonged deterioration in intellectual function than is seen in the adult-onset disorder. If replicated, these observations, together with the insidious onset of this disorder, would suggest that the pathologic underpinning of childhood-onset schizophrenia is not a single static lesion or event but may be a continuous or multi-event process.
Distance courses quality: a learner's view

Distance course quality is considered as a vector of its characteristics from a learner's viewpoint. Course metadata should incorporate descriptions that may be matched to the learner's requirements, thus quality measure is user-specific and reflect didactic, technical, interaction features together with accommodation and purpose correspondence. Suggested methods of cumulative quality estimation based on resource's quality vector may be used for individual selection of learning resource.