cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Process utility and help seeking: What do people want from experts?

Abstract This study explores the range and robustness of the motivational power of process utility by examining its importance in the case of help seeking from service providers. Three studies examine whether people’s choices about help seeking are shaped by the “process utility” of the helping procedure itself. Studies one and two examine choices between experts who provide advice that maximizes: (1) material outcome utility or (2) process utility. Study three considers when people seek help from service providers. The results suggest that in each of these contexts process utility influences help seeking choices. These findings suggest that people’s utilities extend beyond financial and material resources, even in settings traditionally viewed as framed by economic outcomes.
Pregnancy loss in the first in vitro fertilization cycle is not predictive of subsequent delivery in women over 40 years

Objective To determine if there is an association between first IVF cycle outcome and subsequent delivery rate for women over 40 years. Design Retrospective data analysis. Setting Large, private academically affiliated IVF center. Intervention(s) Patients over 40 years of age undergoing IVF. Main Outcome Measure(s) Delivery rate compared between patients with a pregnancy loss versus a negative β-hCG in their first cycle. Additional factors including subsequent pregnancy losses, total number of IVF cycles, and delivery rates per cycle were also analyzed. Result(s) Among women who underwent their first IVF cycle over age 40, 8% of women had a pregnancy loss and 82% had a negative β-hCG in their initial IVF cycle. In the pregnancy loss and negative β-hCG groups, 17.9% and 21.9%, respectively, had a successful delivery in a future cycle. There were no further pregnancies leading to delivery after the fourth treatment cycle for the pregnancy loss group and the sixth treatment cycle for the negative β-hCG group. The average number of cycles and the number of subsequent pregnancy losses were similar in both groups. Conclusion(s) Outcome of initial IVF cycle is not prognostic of future delivery for women over the age of 40 years.
Sequence of the 3'-noncoding region of the luteinizing hormone receptor gene and identification of two polyadenylation domains that generate the major mRNA forms.

Abstract We present 6.2 kb of the 3′-noncoding region sequence of the rat luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) gene and identification of two functional polyadenylation (pA) domains, H1 (nt 2368–2491) and H2 (nt 5579–5768) responsible for 3′-end processing of the 2.6 2.3 kb and the 5.8 kb LHR mRNA, respectively. Two identical copies of pA elements AAUAUA in H1 and of AAUAAA in H2 account for micro-heterogeneous poly(A) addition at each of the two pA regions. Both LH holoreceptor and major splice variant form B (lacking the first 266 bp of exon 11) are identified in H1-terminated (2.6 kb and 2.3 kb) and H2-terminated (5.8 kb) mRNA transcripts. A rodent repetitive DNA LINE R domain 3′ of H1 within the major 5.8 kb species and a B2 element downstream of H2 were identified. Alignment of the 3′-noncoding region of LHR with TSH, FSH and β2-adrenergic receptors indicate that H1 pA signal is unique to the LHR and may represent an insertion domain.
Single infusion of myeloid progenitors reduces death from Aspergillus fumigatus following chemotherapy-induced neutropenia

Hematopoietic progenitors committed to the myeloid lineage, the common myeloid and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (CMP/GMP), have been shown to protect against opportunistic pathogens following myeloablative radiation; however, the efficacy of this approach has not been studied in the setting of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. In this mouse model, the infusion of CMP/GMP on the day after 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) administration (D+1) resulted in a significant increase in the number of splenic neutrophils by D+8 when compared with 5-FU–only controls (P = .02), the majority of which were CMP/GMP-derived (54%). Moreover, 19% and 28% of neutrophils in the blood and bone marrow, respectively, were CMP/GMP-derived. Survival following intranasal challenge with the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus was significantly higher in CMP/GMP-infused mice than the controls (56% and 33% respectively; P = .019). Thus, a single infusion of CMP/GMP enhances tissue neutrophil content and increases survival against a lethal challenge with A fumigatus in the setting of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
Status of Cherenkov ring imaging systems

Abstract Cherenkov ring imaging is briefly introduced, and the problems or choices of designing such a counter are discussed. Recent results from the DELPHI and SLD prototype programs are presented and compared to the expected performance.
Exact criteria for uniqueness and multiplicity of an nth order chemical reaction via a catastrophe theory approach

Abstract The development of a simple, generalized technique for the exact determination of regions of unique and multiple solutions to certain nonlinear equations via a catastrophe theory-implicit function theorem approach, is presented. The application of this technique to the nth order chemical reaction in the nonadiabatic and adiabatic CSTR yields exact, explicit bounds for all n ≥ 0. To our knowledge, this is the first report of exact, explicit bounds for these systems, except for n = 0, 1 for the adiabatic CSTR, and n = 1 for the nonadiabatic CSTR. For the nonadiabatic CSTR, these bounds show that the higher the reaction order, the smaller the region in parameter space for which multiplicity can occur for all γ and x2c, (dimensionless activation energy and coolant temperature, respectively). This behavior is similar to that reported by Van den Bosch and Luss[1] for the adiabatic CSTR. The zeroth order reaction in the nonadiabatic CSTR exhibits more complex behavior and assumes characteristics of both high and low reaction orders insofar as increasing and/or decreasing the uniqueness space, in comparison to all other n > 0. An exact implicit bound between regions of uniqueness and multiplicity is also derived for the nth order reaction in a catalyst particle with an intraparticle concentration gradient and uniform temperature, and is fully demonstrated for the first order reaction. In addition, explicit criteria, sufficient for uniqueness and multiplicity of the catalyst particle steady state, stronger than those of Van den Bosch and Luss, are also developed by combining the present technique with bounds suggested by these authors.
Toward Sustainable Post-Katrina Recovery: Lessons Learned From African American Neighborhoods

This article reports on data from focus groups conducted in low-income African American neighborhoods in post-Katrina New Orleans. Findings indicate 7 domains identified by research participants as central to neighborhood revitalization: (a) physical space/environment; (b) crime and safety; (c) housing; (d) health and social services; (e) children, youth, and family; (f) education and employment; and (g) community and social capital. Findings reveal that the domains are mutually dependent. The author employs sustainable recovery and assets approaches to discuss the meaning of the data and to offer implications for disaster policy and practice.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Birthweight of Offspring: A Critical Review and Analysis of the Epidemiological Literature:

Forty papers on the association between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure of the mother and low birthweight of offspring were examined from the point of view of experimental design, criteria for ETS exposure, sample size, methods of statistical analysis, individual confounders considered, spe cific endpoints, and outcome. An approximately equal number of studies employed either the prospective or retrospective design, with very few using the case-control design. The vast majority of studies used a surrogate for ETS exposure (mainly paternal smoking), without verification of such exposure with a biochemical marker. The sample sizes of the studies ranged from under 100 subjects to almost 25,000 subjects. Most studies employed regression analysis. A considerable variation from study to study was noted in the treat ment of potential confounding variables and most studies considered relative ly few of these. Most of the individual confounding variables were considered in a relatively small proportion ...
A bridging model for parallel computation

The success of the von Neumann model of sequential computation is attributable to the fact that it is an efficient bridge between software and hardware: high-level languages can be efficiently compiled on to this model; yet it can be effeciently implemented in hardware. The author argues that an analogous bridge between software and hardware in required for parallel computation if that is to become as widely used. This article introduces the bulk-synchronous parallel (BSP) model as a candidate for this role, and gives results quantifying its efficiency both in implementing high-level language features and algorithms, as well as in being implemented in hardware.
Nearfield Hydrodynamic Interactions of Ships in Shallow Water

The hydrodynamic interactions of two vessels moving at the same speed in nearfield is considered by applying the slender-body theory. It is shown that, for a water depth that is the same order as the beam of the vessel, the problem reduces to a sequence of inner problems in the cross-flow plane. This reduction to strip-theory allows one to obtain the solution without the necessity of solving an outer problem. Applications were made to two pairs of ship models. Theoretical predictions generally are high as compared with available experimental measurments, but offer a fairly satisfactory qualitative description of the interaction phenomenon when the length of the overlap of the vessels is large as compared with the separation.
STRESS IN CASINO FLOOR EMPLOYEES

Many workers claim that their occupation is higldy stressful, but rarely are data provided to back up this claim. Casino floor employees (those who work as dealers and slot machine attendants) are among those who say their occupations are highly stressful. To test this claim, the scores of 130 casino floor employees (76 men and 54 women; Ma,, = 33.3 yr., SD = 6.7 yr.) on the stress profile provided by Girdano and Everly (1979) were compared with the scores of 503 workers in other occupations (268 men and 235 women; M,,, = 39.4, SD = 10.7 yr.), all of whom had participated in training workshops on management of stress. The two groups did not differ in recent stressful life events (Ms 179.0 and 175.9; tG32 = 0.27): frustration level (Ms 26.2 and 25.9, t 634 = 0.64), lack of self-confidence (Ms 18.0 and 18.3, = 0.63, Type A behavior (Ms 24.2 and 24.5, t ~ 3 4 = 0.54), or anxious reactivity (Ms 23.3 and 23.4, $633 = 0.27). The casino employees had lower scores on work-overload (Ms 21.2 and 22.3, t034 = 2.35, two-tailed f = 0.02), lower boredom/loneliness scores (Ms 21.5 and 23.5, tC34 = 4.43, p < 0.001), and higher poor-nutrition scores (Ms 17.8 and 15.7, t 033 = 7.60, p < 0.001). However, all of the mean scores of both groups were in the normal range or below average on the norms provided by Girdano and Everly (1979). There was no evidence that casino floor employees are experiencing higher levels of stress than workers in other occupations.
Reproduction in the slender loris (Loris tardigradus malabaricus)

A breeding colony of slender lorises (Loris tardigradus malabaricus) was studied to obtain data for comparison with other prosimian species, to contribute reproductive information for improving management of captive lorises, and to resolve some uncertainties in the literature regarding reproduction in the slender loris. At the Duke University Primate Center, a female slender loris reached sexual maturity at approximately ten months of age and conceived at one year of age. The length of the estrous cycle was 29-40 days, with copulation occurring over two consecutive days during estrus. Gestation length was 166-169 days. Litter size for each six births was one. Conception did not occur during an immediate post-partum estrus, but four months after birth, resulting in a 9 1/2-month interbirth interval. There was no evidence of reproductive seasonality. Lactation lasted between five and seven months. Reproductive rates of slender lorises are among the lowest of primates less than 500 g. Differences in reproductive parameters may exist between different subspecies of slender lorises.
Dairy Consumption and Insulin Resistance: The Role of Body Fat, Physical Activity, and Energy Intake

The relationship between dairy consumption and insulin resistance was ascertained in 272 middle-aged, nondiabetic women using a cross-sectional design. Participants kept 7-day, weighed food records to report their diets, including dairy intake. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA). The Bod Pod was used to measure body fat percentage, and accelerometry for 7 days was used to objectively index physical activity. Regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which mean HOMA levels differed across low, moderate, and high dairy intake categories. Results showed that women in the highest quartile of dairy consumption had significantly greater log-transformed HOMA values (0.41 ± 0.53) than those in the middle-two quartiles (0.22 ± 0.55) or the lowest quartile (0.19 ± 0.58) (F = 6.90, P = 0.0091). The association remained significant after controlling for each potential confounder individually and all covariates simultaneously. Adjusting for differences in energy intake weakened the relationship most, but the association remained significant. Of the 11 potential confounders, only protein intake differed significantly across the dairy categories, with those consuming high dairy also consuming more total protein than their counterparts. Apparently, high dairy intake is a significant predictor of insulin resistance in middle-aged, nondiabetic women.
Flexible Circuit Materials for Use as Interconnections in High Speed Digital Systems

The increasing use of high switching speed systems in both microwave electronics and high speed logic devices has created the need for printed circuit boards which are based on low dielectric constant and low loss materials. In addition, these circuit materials must be capable of withstanding elevated temperatures typical of hostile service environments and of board fabrication processes. Such low dielectric constant rigid boards are commercially available from a few sources. However, there is a growing demand for low dielectric constant flexible printed circuit boards for interconnecting rigid boards or in rigid/flex applications where high speed, fast rise times, controlled impedance and low crosstalk are important. A new family of thin laminates which are suitable for fabrication of flexible low dielectric constant printed circuit boards have been developed by Rogers Corporation. These circuit materials are called ROhyphen;2500 laminates and offer flexible interconnections in high speed electronic systems. RO‐2500 circuit materials are based on microglass reinforced fluorocarbon composites and have a typical dielectric constant of 25. The transmission line properties of these materials have been evaluated by the IPC‐FC‐201 test method. The results indicated that these circuit materials improve the propagation velocity by about 10% and the rise time by about 30% when compared with the same geometry, polyimide film based, flexible PCs in stripline constructions. Also, dimensional stability of these laminates after etch and heat ageing is improved over that of the standard flex circuit materials based on polyimide film. RO‐2500 laminate properties have been evaluated by the IPC‐TM‐650 test methods, which are widely accepted by the flexible PCB industry.
Dynamic models of a railroad track system

A continuum model with microstructure is presented for a railroad track system. The track is represented as a laminated structure with two layers continuously supported by springs and dampers. The differential equations advanced by Sun 24 for a composite system are used in the formulation. Solutions for deflections of the track system subjected to a moving wheel load are obtained in a close form using complex Fourier transforms for both damped and undamped foundations. Comparisons are made with the results obtained from quasi-static models of the track, which simulate the track as a single equivalent homogeneous beam on an elastic foundation with an effective modulus suggested by Voigt. 31 Results of the model are compared with experimental data in limiting cases. Critical velocities are calculated for the track system with conventional rails. The influence of foundation modulus on critical velocity is analysed in some detail. Critical velocities are also computed for an equivalent homogeneous track system using equations advanced by Kerr 10 for a beam. The results of this study agree quite well with those obtained using the continuum model with microstructure.
Note on variation in germinability among early-maturing soybean populations

Many soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growers in the midsouthern USA have in recent years shifted to an early-season production system. Germination of seed produced in this system is often low. Little is known about genetic variation in early-maturing soybean for seed quality traits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of early maturity on germinability in several soybean breeding populations, and identify parents that may confer improved seed quality on progeny. Nine soybean breeding populations were developed providing a total of 630 F2 derived lines. Seed from these lines were sown in April (early) in 1995 and 1996 at Stoneville. Maturity date was recorded for each line and seed were harvested less than 1 week after reaching maturity. Standard germination tests were performed on each line. There was a small positive correlation in 1995 (r = 0.34), and 1996 (r = 0.31) between germination and maturity date, i.e., later lines generally had better germination and populations differed in germination means indicating the existence of genotypic differences in seed quality. Among the 84 earliest-maturing lines in the study, 9 had germinations greater than 80% in both years, suggesting potential for improvement of this trait.
Pore strain behaviour of collagen-glycosaminoglycan analogues of extracellular matrix

Mechanical properties of a highly porous collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) analogue of extracellular matrix were investigated. The stress-strain behaviour of the matrices displayed the typical concave-up shape characteristic of porous materials and soft tissues. Deformation behaviour of the material was further investigated using novel methodology to determine material strains at the micrometre level. Central to the methodology was the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with a digital image analyser. The method for strain determination at the micrometre level was verified by comparison with measurement of surface strain using an optical method. An unexpected finding in these materials is that Poisson's ratio varies with engineering strain. A geometrical/mathematical model was developed to explain this behaviour. These results encourage further investigation of the mechanical properties of these materials, in order to provide important insights into the physical microenvironment in which cells reside.
Enhancing parent–provider communication in ambulatory pediatric practice

Abstract Objective To address the need for interventions to enhance parent–provider communication, the present study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief intervention to enhance interpersonal communication skills by pediatric and internal medicine/pediatric residents with parents of children seen in ambulatory practice. Methods In a within-subjects, repeated measures research design, residents (N = 28) participated in a 1–1 1 2 h intervention designed to increase the use of effective communication skills with their patients’ families (N = 92). Three pediatric visits (one prior to and two following the intervention) were audio-taped and coded using Roter's Interaction Analysis System. Parents’ perceptions of residents’ communication skills and satisfaction with care were gathered. Results Residents used more effective interpersonal communication skills following the intervention (p Conclusion These findings suggest that a relatively brief intervention shows promise in improving the quality of care provided within a pediatric ambulatory care setting. Practice implications Training residents to increase their use of praise, empathy, and collaboration with families can be done within a brief intervention and may be associated with increased parental satisfaction with care.
Interleukin-11 Receptor Expression in Primary Ovarian Carcinomas

Abstract Objectives. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) the frequency of expression of the interleukin-11 receptor α subunit (IL-11Rα) and its signal transducing subunit, gp130, among primary ovarian carcinomas; (2) the frequency of expression of IL-11 in ovarian carcinomas; and (3) the potential role IL-11 might have in ovarian cancer cell biology. Methods. An immunohistochemical assay was used to determine the expression of IL-11Rα and the gp130 cofactor among primary ovarian carcinomas; the expression of IL-11 in ovarian malignancies was determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The ability of IL-11 to stimulate [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation in IL-11R-expressing ovarian carcinoma cell lines (OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3) and/or abrogate cell death mediated by apoptosis-inducing agents using an ELISA assay that quantitates DNA fragmentation was also studied. Results. IL-11Rα was expressed in the malignant epithelial cells of 45 of 48 (93.8%) primary ovarian carcinoma samples studied. In 45 primary ovarian carcinoma samples where both components of the IL-11 receptor (IL-11Rα and gp130) were examined, coexpression was observed in 42 (93.3%). Expression of the IL-11 receptor components was also found in the stromal layer. Coexpression of IL-11Rα and gp130 was commonly observed in both benign ovarian tumors and in the epithelial layer of normal ovaries. In contrast, IL-11 mRNA was expressed in only 3 of 21 malignant samples studied (14.3%). Recombinant human IL-11 was unable either to stimulate [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation or to block cell death effected by paclitaxel or Fas-activating antibodies in in vitro assays using OVCAR -3 or SKOV-3 cells. Conclusions. The IL-11 receptor system is commonly expressed in both malignant and nonmalignant ovarian tissues, although its function in ovarian epithelial cell biology remains unclear.
Laparoscopic Surgical Robot for Remote In Vivo Training

The Laparobot is a tele-operated robot designed specifically for training surgeons in advanced laparoscopic techniques. The Laparobot allows a student to practice surgery on a remotely located animal. The system uses standard laparoscopic tools for both the student's control interface and for performing the in vivo surgery, thereby providing a realistic training platform for non-robotic laparoscopic surgery. By allowing students to practice surgery remotely, animal models become more accessible and less expensive, and can replace learning on human patients. The Laparobot addresses problems inherent in designing a low-cost, tele-operated robot.
Viewpoint: China and Space War

In January of 2007, China knocked one of its weather satellites out of orbit, and threw the international community into panic. Some figured the satellite-killer test was the harbinger of a future war in space that could cripple a technology-dependent United States military. This viewpoint examines the possibilities of a Chinese assault on American satellites.
Microelectronic very large-scale integrated systems for adaptive optics and advanced imaging

We show that custom adaptive very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit controllers can directly control commercially available wavefront phase correctors. These controllers achieve real-time wavefront compensation under conditions of strong intensity scintillations. Their control strategy is based on the optimization of a measurable performance index. Optimization is carried out using parallel perturbative stochastic gradient descent. We describe VLSI image-plane processors designed to compute a variety of application specific performance metrics in real-time.
Numerical Simulation of Fluid-Induced Vibration and Wall Shear Stress in Fusi/Form Cerebral Aneurysm: Newtonian and Non-Newtonian Fluid

Vascular techniques have been used for curing the aneurysm, but the reason for the occurrence of aneurysms can not be known using these techniques. These techniques are usually used for preventing a significant situation such as rupture of an aneurysm. In our study, blood flow effects with or without vascular techniques inside an aneurysm were analyzed with computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Important hemodynamic quantities like wall shear stress and pressure in vessel are difficult to measure in-vivo. Blood flow is assumed to be Newtonian fluid. But it actually consists of platelets, so it is also considered a non-Newtonian fluid in this study. Results of the numerical model were used to compare and analyze fluid characteristics with experimental data. Using the flow characteristics (wall shear stress (WSS), wall shear stress gradient (WSSG)), the rupture area was identified to be located in the distal area. However, the rupture area, in vivo studies, was observed to be present at a different location. During pulsatile flow, vibration induced by flow is implicated by weakening of the artery wall and affects more than shear stress. After adapting the fluid-induced vibration, the rupture area in aneurysm is found to be located in the same area as the in-vivo result. Since smaller inflow and low WSS provide the effect of the distal neck, the vibration provides more effects in dome area. In this study it has been found that the effect of shear stress on the rupture of aneurysm is less than the effect of vibration. In the case of non-Newtonian fluid, vibration induced by flow also has more effects than WSS and WSSG. The simulation results gave detailed information about hemodynamics under physiological pulsatile inlet condition.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
SEARCHING FOR NOVEL TARGETS.

Ss can search for “any unfamiliar symbol” in a list of letters as rapidly as for “any numeral,” but less rapidly than for a fixed and familiar symbol. This suggests that “novelty” is not an immediately given property of stimuli, but one outcome of a particular kind of pattern processing.
Development of responsiveness to glucocorticoid hormones.

Summary Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones induce the activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) in the neural retina. This function of the hormone is mediated by the glucocorticoid receptors (GR), which upon binding the GC translocate from the cytosol to the nucleus, bind to specific acceptor sites in chromatin and evoke a differential increase in tissue-specific gene transcription, ultimately leading to high GS activity. The competence to respond to GC hormones is acquired in the neural retina of the chick embryo during the second week of embryogenesis. However, high levels of GRs, capable of translocating to the chromatin, are available to the retina at earlier stages of development. The mechanism(s) which endow the tissue with competence to respond to the hormonal signal are as yet unknown. Our studies were directed toward the elucidation of this biological phenomenon. We have shown that: (A) Acquisition of responsiveness is dependent on DNA synthesis and apparently requires a certain number of cell cycles before the cells gain competence to express this function. (B) Responsiveness is correlated with a loss of two-thirds of the specific Cortisol binding sites, as shown by binding studies. We show that this is a developmental event which correlates with the age-dependent acquisition of responsiveness. This process requires the milieu of the intact cell (concentrated cytosol, 0.15 M KCl), and apparently reflects an early step in GR activation. The binding studies raised the working hypothesis that the GRs of the embryonic neural retina are heterogeneous in structure and function and react differently to the binding of the inducing ligand. The transformation of one GR form to the active regulator appears to be dependent on the inactivation (loss of binding) of another GR form acting as an inhibitory control unit. This working hypothesis is supported by studies on the molecular characterization of the GRs of the responsive retina: analytical Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) revealed that the GRs in the cytosol are dimers (or higher oligomers), made of nonidentical GR units; one of 108,000 M r designated GR-B and another, not yet characterized, designated GR-X. GR-B is cleaved in the cytosol to the 61,000 Mr form designated GR-C. Isoelectric focusing of the unactivated, molybdate stabilized cytosol revealed two forms of inactive GRs, I and II. Activation (1 h at 30°C, in the presence of [ 3 H]-triamcinolone acetonide and 0.15 M KCl) inactivates GR-I (loss of binding) and transforms GR-II to a basic nuclear binding protein, GR-III. The formation of GR-III correlates with the inactivation of GR-I. GR-I is an acidic protein, sensitive to isotonic KCl, and may be equivalent to GR-X, which has to date eluded characterization by PAGE. (C) The expression of the cellular functions involved in acquisition of responsiveness to GC hormones is correlated with the withdrawal of the cortisol-target cells from cell cycling.
Localization and Expression of Messenger RNAs for the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in Ovarian Tissue from Naturally Cycling and Pseudopregnant Rats

Abstract Structural and functional development of the corpus luteum (CL) involves tissue remodeling, angiogenesis, lipid metabolism, and steroid production. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) have been shown to play a role in these as well as in a multitude of other cellular processes. To examine the expression of mRNA corresponding to the PPAR family members (α, δ, and γ) in luteal tissue, ovaries were collected from gonadotropin-treated, immature rats on Days 1, 4, 8, and 14 of pseudopregnancy and from adult, cycling animals on each day of the estrous cycle. Ovaries were processed for in situ hybridization or RNA isolation for analysis by RNase protection assay. The expression of PPARγ mRNA was abundant in granulosa cells of developing follicles during both pseudopregnancy and the estrous cycle and was low to undetectable in CL from pseudopregnant rats. However, luteal tissue in cycling animals, especially CL remaining from previous cycles, had high levels of PPARγ mRNA. The PPARα m...
The Troodos Massif, Cyprus and other Ophiolites as Oceanic Crust: Evaluation and Implications

Many Alpine ophiolite complexes characteristically display a pseudostratiform sequence of ultramafics, gabbro, diabase, pillow lava and deep-sea sediments. These masses resemble the known rock suite from the ocean floor. They are either fragments of old oceanic crust and mantle caught up in deformed belts, or results of diapiric emplacement of partly molten mantle material on or near the sea bottom. Such complexes are widespread in the Tethyan mountain system and have been recognized also from the circumPacific region. The Troodos Massif, Cyprus, consists of a pseudostratiform mass of harzburgite, dunite, pyroxenite, gabbro, quartz diorite, diabase and pillow lava arranged in a dome-like manner. The diabase forms a remarkable dyke swarm, trending mostly north-south in which 100 km of extension is indicated over 100 km of exposure. Such a feature suggests formation by sea-floor spreading. Layering of pyroxenite, harzburgite and dunite generally is perpendicular to subhorizontal rock unit contacts. The harzburgite and dunite are tectonites and probably represent uppermost mantle. Pyroxenite, gabbro, quartz diorite and diabase may represent the products of partial fusion of mantle material or of fractional crystallization of such partial fusion products. Chemical compositions of mafic intrusive and extrusive rocks do not fit well with oceanic tholeiite compositions, but resemble greenstones and associated rocks recently reported from the oceans. The massif probably formed about an old Tethyan ridge. Some pillow lavas may be crust added after the main spreading episode. A fault zone active during emplacement of the lower units of the complex may represent a fossil transform fault. Complex chilled margins in the dyke swarms and mutually contradictory cross-cutting relations between dykes and plutonic mafic rock suggest formation of ocean crust by multiple intrusion of small portions of liquid. Uneven top surface of the dyke swarm and some conjugate dyke systems suggest independently varying rates of magma supply and extension. Other Tethyan ophiolites, particularly in Greece and Italy, exhibit internal structure parallel to, rather than perpendicular to, major rock units, and some show much less diversity in mafic rock type. If these masses are fragments of ocean floor and mantle, such differences in internal structure may be due to differences in spreading processes—perhaps differences in spreading rate.
Eat Smart, Live Strong Intervention Increases Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Low-Income Older Adults

This study evaluated the impact of a four-session interactive nutrition education program—Eat Smart, Live Strong (ESLS)—on the consumption of fruit and vegetables by low-income older adults. A pre–post quasi-experimental design study was conducted with a longitudinal sample of 614 low-income Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants and those eligible for SNAP, aged 60 to 80 years, in 17 intervention and 16 comparison senior centers in Michigan. The study compared participants’ self-reports of their consumption of fruit and vegetables using a modified version of the University of California Cooperative Extension Food Behavior Checklist. ESLS increased participants’ average daily consumption of fruit by 0.2 cups (P < 0.05) and vegetables by 0.31 cups (P < 0.01). ESLS, a four-session, cognitive-behavioral nutrition education program is an effective curriculum for helping low-income older adults eat more fruit and vegetables.
Outcomes and health care resource utilization in super-elderly trauma patients.

Background. Few studies have compared the post-injury outcomes of super-elderly patients to elderly patients. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1320 multi-trauma geriatric patients treated at a level I trauma center from 2003 through 2007. The outcomes of Super-Elderly (≥80 years old; n = 422) and Elderly (60―79 years old; n = 898) patients were compared after adjustment for patient gender, mechanism of injury, Glasgow coma scale, injury severity score, and admission vital signs. Results. Super-elderly patients had significantly higher risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality compared with elderly patients [13.4% versus 7.7%, adjusted odds ratio = 1.94 (95% CI 1.14, 3.31), P = 0.015]. Of patients surviving hospitalization, super-elderly patients experienced shorter intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, but were more likely to require non-routine discharge (AOR 3.78 (2.75, 5.28), P < 0.0005). Super-elderly patients were more likely than elderly patients to die during hospitalization as a result of withdrawal of medical support (9.5% versus 5.5%, P = 0.007). Conclusions. Super-elderly patients have significantly greater risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rates than elderly patients after injury, and are more likely to require non-routine discharge if they survive such injury.
Multiple births are a risk factor for postpartum maternal depressive symptoms

Objective The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between multiple births and maternal depressive symptoms measured 9 months after delivery. Methods Data were derived from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, a longitudinal study of a nationally representative sample of children born in 2001. Depressive symptoms were measured at 9 months by using an abbreviated version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to study the association between multiple births and maternal depressive symptoms, with adjustment for demographic and household socioeconomic characteristics and maternal history of mental health problems. A total of 8069 mothers were included for analyses. Results The prevalence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms at 9 months after delivery was estimated to be 16.0% and 19.0% among mothers of singletons and multiple births, respectively. Only 27.0% of women who had moderate/severe depressive symptoms reported talking about emotional or psychological problems with a mental health specialist or a general medical provider within the 12 months before the interview. The proportions of women with depressive symptoms who were receiving mental health services did not vary according to plurality status. Conclusions Mothers of multiple births had 43% greater odds of having moderate/severe, 9-month postpartum, depressive symptoms, compared with mothers of singletons. Greater attention is needed in pediatric settings to address maternal depression in families with multiple births.
Surface Thermodynamics of Liquid Polymers: Theory

A generalized density gradient theory of interfaces has been combined with a compressible lattice theory of polymers. This yields a unified theory of bulk and surface thermodynamic properties. A unique feature of this theory is that it is parameterless. The only parameters required to calculate a surface tension are obtained from pure component thermodynamic properties. Since the theory is a mean field theory, it is only applicable to non-polar and slightly polar liquids. For such systems, surface tensions can be accurately calculated. The temperature and molecular weight dependence of the surface tension for the n-alkanes is correctly predicted and is shown to be related to the dependence of liquid density on chain length. Polymer liquid surface tensions satisfy a corresponding states principle and can be estimated for many polymers with an error of less than 10%. This method of estimating polymer surface tensions appears to be the most accurate that is available.
Exploiting Unused Spare Columns to Improve Memory ECC

Spare columns are often included in memories for the purpose of allowing for repair in the presence of defective cells or bit lines. In many cases, the repair process will not use all spare columns. This paper proposes an extremely low cost method to exploit these unused spare columns to improve the reliability of the memory by enhancing its existing error correcting code (ECC). Memories are generally protected with single-error-correcting, double-error-detecting (SEC-DED) codes using the minimum number of check bits. In the proposed method, unused spare columns are exploited to store additional check bits which can be used to reduce the miscorrection probability for triple errors in SEC-DED codes or non-adjacent double errors in single adjacent error correcting codes (SEC-DAEC) codes.
Contribution of Hepatic Lipase, Lipoprotein Lipase, and Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein to LDL and HDL Heterogeneity in Healthy Women

Hepatic lipase (HL) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) have been independently associated with low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) size in different cohorts. These studies have been conducted mainly in men and in subjects with dyslipidemia. Ours is a comprehensive study of the proposed biochemical determinants (lipoprotein lipase, HL, CETP, and triglycerides) and genetic determinants (HL gene [LIPC] and Taq1B) of small dense LDL (sdLDL) and HDL subspecies in a large cohort of 120 normolipidemic, nondiabetic, premenopausal women. HL (P<0.001) and lipoprotein lipase activities (P=0.006) were independently associated with LDL buoyancy, whereas CETP (P=0.76) and triglycerides (P=0.06) were not. The women with more sdLDL had higher HL activity (P=0.007), lower HDL2 cholesterol (P<0.001), and lower frequency of the HL (LIPC) T allele (P=0.034) than did the women with buoyant LDL. The LIPC variant was associated with HL activity (P<0.001), HDL2 cholesterol (P=0.034), and LDL buoyancy (P=0.03), whereas the Taq1B polymorphism in the CETP gene was associated with CETP mass (P=0.002) and HDL3 cholesterol (P=0.039). These results suggest that HL activity and HL gene promoter polymorphism play a significant role in determining LDL and HDL heterogeneity in healthy women without hypertriglyceridemia. Thus, HL is an important determinant of sdLDL and HDL2 cholesterol in normal physiological states as well as in the pathogenesis of various disease processes.
Remote access to crystallography beamlines at SSRL: novel tools for training, education and collaboration

For the past five years, the Structural Molecular Biology group at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) has provided general users of the facility with fully remote access to the macromolecular crystallography beamlines. This was made possible by implementing fully automated beamlines with a flexible control system and an intuitive user interface, and by the development of the robust and efficient Stanford automated mounting robotic sample-changing system. The ability to control a synchrotron beamline remotely from the comfort of the home laboratory has set a new paradigm for the collection of high-quality X-ray diffraction data and has fostered new collaborative research, whereby a number of remote users from different institutions can be connected at the same time to the SSRL beamlines. The use of remote access has revolutionized the way in which scientists interact with synchrotron beamlines and collect diffraction data, and has also triggered a shift in the way crystallography students are introduced to synchrotron data collection and trained in the best methods for collecting high-quality data. SSRL provides expert crystallographic and engineering staff, state-of-the-art crystallography beamlines, and a number of accessible tools to facilitate data collection and in-house remote training, and encourages the use of these facilities for education, training, outreach and collaborative research.
Evaluation of FilmArray and Verigene Systems for Rapid Identification of Positive Blood Cultures

ABSTRACT The Verigene tests for Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms in blood culture and the FilmArray blood culture identification panel were assessed for their ability to identify pathogens from positive blood cultures. Both platforms correctly identified bacteria in 92% of monomicrobial cultures analyzed, with times to identification that were significantly shorter than those for identification from subcultures.
Surface engineering and patterning using parylene for biological applications

Parylene is a family of chemically vapour deposited polymer with material properties that are attractive for biomedicine and nanobiotechnology. Chemically inert parylene “peel-off” stencils have been demonstrated for micropatterning biomolecular arrays with high uniformity, precise spatial control down to nanoscale resolution. Such micropatterned surfaces are beneficial in engineering biosensors and biological microenvironments. A variety of substituted precursors enables direct coating of functionalised parylenes onto biomedical implants and microfluidics, providing a convenient method for designing biocompatible and bioactive surfaces. This article will review the emerging role and applications of parylene as a biomaterial for surface chemical modification and provide a future outlook.
Traumatic Tricuspid Valve Rupture Presenting as Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block

Abstract Background Cardiac valve injury after blunt chest trauma is extremely rare, and the tricuspid valve is most commonly affected because of the anterior location of the right ventricle. Tricuspid valve insufficiency can range from a subclinical presentation to acute cardiac failure. Objective Diagnosis is difficult in trauma patients because hypotension is usually attributed to hemorrhage and anatomical cardiac injuries might be overlooked. Case Report This is a case of a 70-year-old patient with a history of rheumatic heart disease who suffered a complete rupture of her papillary muscles leading to tricuspid insufficiency after a motor vehicle collision. She presented with third-degree atrioventricular block. Conclusions Consideration of screening for anatomical heart injuries in blunt trauma patients with new onset dysrhythmias is recommended to explain hypotension not attributable to hemorrhage.
Depressive Mood, Anger, and Daily Cortisol of Caregivers on High- and Low-Stress Days

Objectives. This study examines the association of daily cortisol with depressive mood and anger. Method. Depressive mood, anger and 2 markers of cortisol, area under the curve (AUC), and cortisol awakening response (CAR) were examined for caregivers (N = 164) of individuals with dementia (IWDs) across 8 days, some of which IWDs attended an adult day service (ADS) program. Caregivers were primarily female (86.7%) with a mean age of 61.99. First, multilevel models were run with CAR and AUC each as separate covariates of anger and depressive mood. A second set of models examined contextual factors of caregivers (i.e., care-related stressors and amount of ADS use) were added to the models for anger and depressive mood (Model 2). Results. On days where caregivers had AUCs below their average they expressed higher anger scores. However in Model 2, anger was associated with more care-related stressors, but not ADS use or daily cortisol. Caregivers who on average had smaller CARs were more likely to be depressed. In Model 2, depressed mood was associated with more care-related stressors and a low average CAR. Discussion. We found that hypocortisol patterns, reflective of chronic stress experienced by caregivers, are associated with negative mood.
Multimodal Regulation of E2F1 Gene Expression by Progestins

An analysis of mRNA expression in T47D breast cancer cells treated with the synthetic progestin R5020 revealed a subset of progesterone receptor (PR) target genes that are enriched for E2F binding sites. Following up on this observation, we determined that PR-B acts in both direct and indirect manners to positively upregulate E2F1 expression in T47D cells. The direct effects of PR on E2F1 expression were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis, which indicated that the agonist-bound receptor was recruited to several enhancer elements proximal to the E2F1 transcript. However, we also noted that cycloheximide partially inhibits R5020 induction of E2F1 expression, indicating that the ligand-dependent actions of PR on this gene may involve additional indirect regulatory pathways. In support of this hypothesis, we demonstrated that treatment with R5020 significantly increases both hyperphosphorylation of Rb and recruitment of E2F1 to its own promoter, thus activating a positive feedback loop that further amplifies its transcription. Furthermore, we established that PR-mediated induction of Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), which can bind to GC-rich DNA within the E2F1 promoter, is required for maximal induction of E2F1 expression by progestins. Taken together, these results suggest a new paradigm for multimodal regulation of target gene expression by PR.