cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Distress and self-care among chaplains working in palliative care.

BackgroundThe prevalence of burnout and distress among palliative care professionals has received much attention since research suggests it negatively impacts the quality of care. Although limited, research suggests low levels of burnout or distress among healthcare chaplains; however, there has been no research among chaplains working in specific clinical contexts, including palliative care.ObjectiveThis study explored the distress, self-care, and debriefing practices of chaplains working in palliative care.MethodExploratory, cross-sectional survey of professional chaplains. Electronic surveys were sent to members of four professional chaplaincy organizations between February and April 2015. Primary measures of interest included Professional Distress, Distress from Theodicy, Informal Self-care, Formal Self-care, and debriefing practices.ResultMore than 60% of chaplains working in palliative care reported feeling worn out in the past 3 months because of their work as a helper; at least 33% practice Informal Self-care weekly. Bivariate analysis suggested significant associations between Informal Self-care and both Professional Distress and Distress from Theodicy. Multivariate analysis also identified that distress decreased as Informal and Formal Self-care increased.Significance of resultsChaplains working in palliative care appear moderately distressed, possibly more so than chaplains working in other clinical areas. These chaplains also use debriefing, with non-chaplain palliative colleagues, to process clinical experiences. Further research is needed about the role of religious or spiritual beliefs and practices in protecting against stress associated with care for people at the end of life.
Communicating and Managing Communication in a Project Environment—A Practitioner's View

I have been involved in managing a variety of projects, or consulting on this issue. There are many experiences that exist; I am glad to take this opportunity to write about some communication issues I've seen faced in the field. It is concluded that communication is critical to all project management dimensions. Projects have many different pieces of information either to be or not to be shared with different stakeholders. Each stakeholder has specific needs, methods, and frequency of communication. The project manager must understand this basic fact. They need to strategically cognizant of these characteristics in their project planning. The project manager must decide on the mode of communication— bi-directional or not. When deciding on their model and approach, they need to know their audience and the needs of the audience. They need to understand the stakeholders, context, and technical demands of the audience in order to strategically incorporate communication into their project management activities. The need to avoid wasted effort and for timely project completion leads to conscious project managers who are engaged with the project cycle to communicate strategically. As one can see, the strategy is dynamic and sensitive to complexity. Managers must consider the context, technical specifications, and the stakeholders when selecting channels and types of communication.
Extracranial-to-Intracranial Bypass for Refractory Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency.

Background Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, especially after failure of first-line medical and/or endovascular therapies. Although the optimal therapeutic strategy for refractory VBI remains unclear, surgical bypass represents a potentially life-saving treatment in this patient subset. Methods A multi-institution retrospective database review was performed to identify patients with symptomatic refractory VBI over a 4-year period (July 2014 to July 2018). Surgical treatments, as well as clinical and neurologic outcomes were recorded. Results Five patients were identified with refractory VBI (average age 55 ± 11.0 years). All 5 patients had clinically significant posterior circulation strokes on presentation. Three patients underwent superficial temporal artery-to-superior cerebellar artery bypass based on significant acute perfusion mismatches or progressive strokes despite maximal medical therapy; 1 surgical patient (33%) experienced punctate perioperative strokes and there were no significant bypass related complications. Functional outcomes in the 3 surgical patients were correlated with preoperative stroke burden. The remaining 2 patients experienced rapid neurologic declines after presentation that precluded bypass, and died shortly thereafter. Conclusions Refractory VBI has high morbidity, with cerebral bypass representing a safe and potentially efficacious treatment for selected patients. Long-term post-bypass outcomes are dependent on the level of irreversible preoperative neurologic injuries.
An Interleaved 6-Level GaN Bidirectional Converter for Level II Electric Vehicle Charging

On-board battery chargers are a key component of electric vehicles of all types. Conventionally, they may be used to recharge a vehicle’s battery pack, but as they are connected to the grid, they can also be used to provide ancillary grid services, such as reactive power support and longer-term battery-to-grid backup. On-board chargers also represent a potentially significant portion of a vehicle’s weight and can take up considerable volume. This paper discusses the design and implementation of a high power density Level II charger converting between 400 V DC and 240 V AC , utilizing two interleaved flying-capacitor multilevel converter stages combined with a full H-bridge unfolder or active rectifier. The focus of this work is the ac-dc/dc-ac power stage, with the goal of high efficiency and power density. Thus, power factor correction (PFC) control and twice-line-frequency buffering are not discussed or implemented in this work. Experimental results show a peak system efficiency of greater than 98.9%, a power output of 7 kW, and an effective switching frequency at the inductor switch nodes of 720 kHz.
What Do Former Residents Say About Their Nondesignated Preliminary Year? A Survey of Prelims’ Experiences in a General Surgery Residency Program

OBJECTIVE The nondesignated preliminary (NDP) position in general surgery (GS) offers a 1-year surgical training opportunity for medical school graduates prior to obtaining categorical residency positions. Given that there is little long-term follow-up on the experiences of NDP residents, we sought to determine how NDPs felt about their intern year in GS. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of all NDP GS interns from 1993 to 2018. SETTING Academic, tertiary care center with a large GS residency program (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN). PARTICIPANTS NDP GS interns (n = 151). RESULTS Two-hundred and four surveys were emailed and 151 (62%) former NDP residents responded. Exposure to diverse pathology (85%), opportunity to work with experts (85%) and operative experience (72%) were the top 3 positive experiences from the NDP year. The uncertainty of being an NDP resident (78%) and experience compared to categorical counterparts (32%) were cited as the top 2 negative experiences. While 73% (n = 110) considered their NDP year to have laid a “strong” foundation for their future career, most respondents felt that the year was stressful and suggested improving mentoring and support for preliminary residents. Eighty-two percent (n = 124) of respondents stated that, they would be willing to redo their preliminary year. Fifty-four percent (n = 82) of respondents stated that they might have preferred a categorical position at a smaller institution versus a preliminary year. Forty percent of respondents (n = 60) reported fewer interviews and 24% (n = 36) reported a similar number of interviews offered when applying to the Match as a PGY1 prelim resident. CONCLUSIONS Pursuing the NDP year is difficult, given the uncertainty that looms and the immense pressure to perform well. While the vast majority of our NDPs obtained categorical residency spots following their 1 year of training, feedback from this survey using 25 years of experience suggests that we can and should do more to mentor, support, and assist these residents.
Isolated adrenocorticotrophic hormone deficiency in a patient treated with checkpoint inhibitor therapy

Treatment of advanced melanoma has significantly improved with the advent of checkpoint inhibitor therapy. With the widespread use of these agents, side effects are being increasingly recognized, including immune-related adverse events. We report the onset of adrenal insufficiency in a patient with advanced melanoma who was exposed to two checkpoint inhibitors: ipilimumab and nivolumab. His symptoms initially resolved with steroid replacement but he was unable to be weaned off hormone replacement and required long-term oral hydrocortisone treatment.
Norepinephrine Induces Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cell Death by NADPH Oxidase-Dependent Activation of Caspase-3.

Norepinephrine (NE) is the naturally occurring adrenergic agonist that is released in response to hypotension, and it is routinely administered in clinical settings to treat moderate to severe hypotension that may occur during general anesthesia and shock states. Although NE has incontestable beneficial effects on blood pressure maintenance during hypotensive conditions, deleterious effects of NE on endothelial cell function may occur. In particular, the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NADPH oxidase (Nox) on the deleterious effects of NE on endothelial cell function have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of NE on ROS production in rat lung microvascular endothelial cells (RLMEC) and its contribution to cell death. RLMEC were treated with NE (5 ng/mL) for 24 hours and ROS production was assessed by CellROX and DCFDA fluorescence. Nox activity was assessed by NADPH-stimulated ROS production in isolated membranes and phosphorylation of p47phox; cell death was assessed by flow cytometry and DNA fragmentation. Caspase activation was assessed by fluorescent microscopy. Nox1, Nox2, and Nox4 mRNA expression was assessed by real-time PCR. NE increased ROS production, Nox activity, p47phox phosphorylation, Nox2 and Nox4 mRNA content, caspase-3 activation, and RLMEC death. Phentolamine, an α1-adrenoreceptor antagonist, inhibited NE-induced ROS production and Nox activity and partly inhibited cell death while β-blockade had no effect. Apocynin and PEGSOD inhibited NE-induced caspase-3 activation and cell death while direct inhibition of caspase-3 abrogated NE-induced cell death. PEG-CAT inhibited NE-induced cell death but not caspase-3 activation. Collectively, these results indicate that NE induces RLMEC death via activation of Nox by α-adrenergic signaling and caspase-3-dependent pathways. NE has deleterious effects on RLMECs that may be important to its long-term therapeutic use.
Abstract TP485: Aortic Stiffness Detrimental Effect in Brain Blood Flow Autoregulation

Background: Cerebral hemodynamic dysfunction is associated with brain small artery disease and poorer cognition. With aging, systemic arteries stiffen, magnifying the spread of pulsatility to dista...
The Court is in Recession: On the Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Indigent Defense Spending

What is the likely effect of the recession brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic on indigent defense budgets in the United States? To look forward, we look backward. We examine data on county-level spending on indigent defense in Texas during the Great Recession of 2007-2009. Redistributive policies – those which use tax payer funds to support individuals who themselves pay little or no tax – are particularly susceptible to cuts during times of fiscal stress. Yet our analysis shows indigent defense policy, measured in terms of spending and access to counsel rates, was generally stable through the Great Recession years, even in counties hit hardest. We attribute this apparent stability to two general explanations. First, certain factors made Texas unique: expenditures on indigent defense were already relatively low prior to 2007 and legal changes in the state shored up the mandate to supply representation. And second, the characterization of indigent defense itself as redistributive seems faulty. Indigent defense policy is also, in an important sense, a set of mutually-beneficial transactions between lawyers and judges, occurring with comparatively little oversight. The resilience of indigent defense services during times of scarcity suggests it is not only a policy which allocates funds to help the poor, but also is a policy which allocates funds in support of another clientele – the lawyers.
Evaluation of Network-Level Data Collection Variability and its Influence on Pavement Evaluation Utilizing Random Forest Method:

The use of pavement condition data to support maintenance and resurfacing strategies and justify budget needs becomes more crucial as more data-driven approaches are being used by the state highway...
Microrna-15a-5p Regulates Multiple Components of GPVI-Mediated Platelet and Megakaryocyte Activation Pathway

Abstract Introduction : Platelet activation by collagen is a major effector ofnormal hemostasis. Mutations in GPVI, the major collagen signaling receptor, cause platelet-type bleeding. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in GPVI have been identified as risk factors for myocardial infarction. Elevated levels of GPVI have been reported in patients with coronary syndromes. GPVI and its signaling pathway components for platelet activation have become potential antithrombotic targets. Reports have indicated microRNAs (miRs) regulate platelet activation, but none have considered the mechanisms involving miR-mRNA associations regulating the GPVI-mediated platelet activation pathway. Aims : To identify and characterize miRs regulating GPVI-mediated megakaryocyte (MK) integrin activation. Methods : Candidate miRs were identified via a platelet function association study. miR function was assessed by knockdown or overexpression studies in MKs derived from umbilical cord blood (CB) CD34+ stem cells. MK αIIbβ3 activation was measured by flow cytometric quantification of PAC-1 binding after collagen-related peptide (CRP) stimulation. miR and mRNA quantification were performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results : Our P latelet R NA A nd e X pression (PRAX1) study identified 20 miRs associated with CRP-induced platelet aggregation (p 4). In miR-15a-5p overexpressed CBMKs, transcript levels of FYN, FCER1G and PRKCQ were decreased compared to EV (Fig 1D) (all p Conclusions : miR-15a-5p negatively regulates GPVI-mediated MK integrin activation. miR-15a-5p appears to act as a ‘master-miR’ regulating multiple components of GPVI-mediated platelet and MK activation. As miRs are increasingly becoming clinical therapeutic targets, miR-15a-5p overexpression shows potential for treating thrombosis, whereas its inhibition could be effective in bleeding disorders. Download : Download high-res image (166KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Tandem Mass Spectrometry Screening for Inborn Errors of Metabolism in Newborns and High-Risk Infants in Southern China: Disease Spectrum and Genetic Characteristics in a Chinese Population

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) often causing progressive and irreversible neurological damage, physical and intellectual development lag or even death, and serious harm to the family and society. The screening of neonatal IEMs by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is an effective method for early diagnosis and presymptomatic treatment to prevent severe permanent sequelae and death. A total of 111,986 healthy newborns and 7,461 hospitalized high-risk infants were screened for IEMs using MS/MS to understand the characteristics of IEMs and related gene mutations in newborns and high-risk infants in Liuzhou. Positive samples were analyzed by Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing. The results showed that the incidence of IEMs in newborns in the Liuzhou area was 1/3,733, and the incidence of IEMs in high-risk infants was 1/393. Primary carnitine deficiency (1/9,332), phenylketonuria (1/18,664), and isovaleric acidemia (1/37,329) ranked the highest in neonates, while citrullinemia type II ranked the highest in high-risk infants (1/1,865). Further, 56 mutations of 17 IEMs-related genes were found in 49 diagnosed children. Among these, HPD c.941T > C, CBS c.1465C > T, ACADS c.337G > A, c.1195C > T, ETFA c.737G > T, MMACHC 1076bp deletion, PCCB c.132-134delGACinsAT, IVD c.548C > T, c.757A > G, GCDH c.1060G > T, and HMGCL c.501C > G were all unreported variants. Some related hotspot mutations were found, including SLC22A5 c.51C > G, PAH c.1223G > A, IVD c.1208A > G, ACADS c.625G > A, and GCDH c.532G > A. These results show that the overall incidence of IEMs in the Liuzhou area is high. Hence, the scope of IEMs screening and publicity and education should be expanded for a clear diagnosis in the early stage of the disease.
Stochastic Adversarial Koopman Model for Dynamical Systems.

Dynamical systems are ubiquitous and are often modeled using a non-linear system of governing equations. Numerical solution procedures for many dynamical systems have existed for several decades, but can be slow due to high-dimensional state space of the dynamical system. Thus, deep learning-based reduced order models (ROMs) are of interest and one such family of algorithms along these lines are based on the Koopman theory. This paper extends a recently developed adversarial Koopman model (Balakrishnan \& Upadhyay, arXiv:2006.05547) to stochastic space, where the Koopman operator applies on the probability distribution of the latent encoding of an encoder. Specifically, the latent encoding of the system is modeled as a Gaussian, and is advanced in time by using an auxiliary neural network that outputs two Koopman matrices $K_{\mu}$ and $K_{\sigma}$. Adversarial and gradient losses are used and this is found to lower the prediction errors. A reduced Koopman formulation is also undertaken where the Koopman matrices are assumed to have a tridiagonal structure, and this yields predictions comparable to the baseline model with full Koopman matrices. The efficacy of the stochastic Koopman model is demonstrated on different test problems in chaos, fluid dynamics, combustion, and reaction-diffusion models. The proposed model is also applied in a setting where the Koopman matrices are conditioned on other input parameters for generalization and this is applied to simulate the state of a Lithium-ion battery in time. The Koopman models discussed in this study are very promising for the wide range of problems considered.
Free Rural Clinics: City Folk Making a Difference in Rural America

Rural areas face many barriers to healthcare access and resources despite harboring a fair portion of the U.S. population. These disparities can be especially prevalent in relation to specialty care. The history of free clinics is reviewed to help the reader understand the current goals, characteristics, and importance of this form of health care delivery. There are two prominent free clinic models highlighted in this chapter, both created to alleviate heath disparities for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Free clinics across the United States show promise in providing specialty care, such as dermatology, to rural areas and other places with limited healthcare resources. The state of dermatology beyond the U.S. is also explored through the discussion of international dermatological needs and medical mission trips.
Error Correcting Codes

The problem of adding reliability to data has already been mentioned in Section 2.12. This appendix discusses general methods for detecting and correcting errors. Reliability is, in a sense, the opposite of data compression since it is achieved by increasing data redundancy. Nevertheless, many practical situations call for reliable data, so a good data compression program should be able to use codes for increased reliability, if necessary.
Micromechanics for Performance Simulation

The manner in which mechanics should be used to describe strength is not firmly established for homogeneous materials, and is less well understood for composite materials. Moreover, if one wishes to describe the degradation of strength over long periods of time (say, during the engineering use of such materials) this fundamental weakness precludes definitive systematic use of mechanics for that purpose as well.
Thought Experiments And The Epistemology Of Laws

The aim of this paper is to show how thought experiments help us learn about laws. After providing examples of this kind of nomic illumination in the first section, I canvass explanations of our modal knowledge and opt for an evolutionary account. The basic application is that the laws of nature have led us to develop rough and ready intuitions of physical possibility which are then exploited by thought experimenters to reveal some of the very laws responsible for those intuitions. The good news is that natural selection ensures a degree of reliability for the intuitions. The bad news is that the evolutionary account seems to limit the range of reliable thought experiment to highly practical and concrete contexts. In the fifth section, I provide reasons for thinking that we are not as slavishly limited as a pessimistic construal of natural selection suggests. Nevertheless, I promote the idea that biology is a promising source of predictions and diagnoses of thought experiment failures.
Disparity-Based Coding of Three-Dimensional Surface Orientation by Macaque Middle Temporal Neurons

Gradients of binocular disparity across the visual field provide a potent cue to the three-dimensional (3-D) orientation of surfaces in a scene. Neurons selective for 3-D surface orientation defined by disparity gradients have recently been described in parietal cortex, but little is known about where and how this selectivity arises within the visual pathways. Because the middle temporal area (MT) has previously been implicated in depth perception, we tested whether MT neurons could signal the 3-D orientation (as parameterized by tilt and slant) of planar surfaces that were depicted by random-dot stereograms containing a linear gradient of horizontal disparities. We find that many MT neurons are tuned for 3-D surface orientation, and that tilt and slant generally have independent effects on MT responses. This separable coding of tilt and slant is reminiscent of the joint coding of variables in other areas (e.g., orientation and spatial frequency in V1). We show that tilt tuning remains unchanged when all coherent motion is removed from the visual stimuli, indicating that tilt selectivity is not a byproduct of 3-D velocity coding. Moreover, tilt tuning is typically insensitive to changes in the mean disparity (depth) of gradient stimuli, indicating that tilt tuning cannot be explained by conventional tuning for frontoparallel disparities. Finally, we explore the receptive field mechanisms underlying selectivity for 3-D surface orientation, and we show that tilt tuning arises through heterogeneous disparity tuning within the receptive fields of MT neurons. Our findings show that MT neurons carry high-level signals about 3-D surface structure, in addition to coding retinal image velocities.
Effect of Gender on Communication of Health Information to Older Adults

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of gender on three key elements of communication with elderly individuals: effectiveness of the communication, perceived relevance to the individual, and effect of gender-stereotyped content. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: University of Connecticut Health Center. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three subjects (17 female); aged 69 to 91 (mean±standard deviation 82±5.4). MEASUREMENTS: Older adults listened to 16 brief narratives randomized in order and by the sex of the speaker (Narrator Voice). Effectiveness was measured according to ability to identify key features (Risks), and subjects were asked to rate the relevance (Plausibility). Number of Risks detected and determinations of plausibility were analyzed according to Subject Gender and Narrator Voice. Narratives were written for either sex or included male or female bias (Neutral or Stereotyped). RESULTS: Female subjects identified a significantly higher number of Risks across all narratives (P=.01). Subjects perceived a significantly higher number of Risks with a female Narrator Voice (P=.03). A significant Voice-by-Stereotype interaction was present for female-stereotyped narratives (P=.009). In narratives rated as Plausible, subjects detected more Risks (P=.02). CONCLUSION: Subject Gender influenced communication effectiveness. A female speaker resulted in identification of more Risks for subjects of both sexes, particularly for Stereotyped narratives. There was no significant effect of matching Subject Gender and Narrator Voice. This study suggests that the sex of the speaker influences the effectiveness of communication with older adults. These findings should motivate future research into the means by which medical providers can improve communication with their patients.
Ceramics in Archaeology

Ceramics, among the oldest and most significant technological innovations in the history of humankind, are ubiquitous in many archaeological contexts, and provide archaeologists with one of their main categories of empirical data. Studies of variation in ceramic production, style, and use have assisted archaeologists both in the construction of chronologies and in the interpretation of ancient societies. Four main areas of archaeological study of ceramics are reviewed: (a) the classification of pottery; (b) the use of ceramics in chronology construction and dating; (c) the characterization and sourcing of pottery; and (d) ethnoarchaeological studies of traditional pottery-making industries.
Snuff use and smoking in U.S. men: implications for harm reduction.

Abstract Background: Encouraging smokers to switch to snuff may have unintended public health implications. This study examined the associations between snuff use and smoking in a representative sample of U.S. men. Methods: Subjects were males aged ≥18 years in the National Health Interview Survey (N=13,865). The data analysis was conducted between August 2001 and April 2002. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to examine the association between using snuff and quitting smoking. Results: In 1998, 26.4% of U.S. men smoked, 3.6% used snuff, and 1.1% used both products. Adjusting for age and race/ethnicity, current smoking was most prevalent among males who used snuff on some days (38.9%) and lowest among those who used snuff every day (19.2%). Daily snuff users were significantly more likely than never-users to have quit smoking in the preceding 12 months (odds ratio [OR]=4.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.16–8.28). However, U.S. men were more likely to be former snuff users who currently smoked (2.5%) than to be former smokers who currently used snuff (1.0%). Occasional snuff users (some day users) were more likely than never users to have tried to quit smoking in the preceding year (OR=1.69; 95% CI=1.04–2.76) but tended to be less likely to succeed (OR=0.50; 95% CI=0.19–1.33). Conclusions: Some men may use snuff to quit smoking, but U.S. men more commonly switch from snuff use to smoking. Some smokers may use snuff to supplement their nicotine intake, and smokers who also use snuff are more likely than nonusers to try to quit smoking but tend to have less success.
Goal theory in physical education classes: Examining goal profiles to understand achievement motivation

Abstract From the social cognitive perspectives of achievement motivation, goal orientation can be recognized as a critical element in student learning. Goal theory, asserting the existence of task‐ and ego‐oriented dimensions of goals, has provided a useful theoretical framework to understand motivational processes, but recently researchers have suggested we need to consider a multidimensional view of achievement goals, and that was the purpose of this study. High school students (N=278) completed a survey about their goal orientations in physical education, including items addressing task, ego, social, and work avoidant goals. Cluster analysis techniques were used to generate goal profiles representative of the students. Field observations of classes were conducted, and students representative of the clusters of goal profiles were interviewed. The results of this study support the use of goal theory as a framework for understanding achievement motivation in schools and provide new information concerning...
Beyond spheroids and discs: classifications of CANDELS galaxy structure at 1.4 < z < 2 via principal component analysis

To understand the processes driving galaxy morphology and star formation, we need a robust method to classify the structural elements of galaxies. Important but rare and subtle features may be missed by traditional spiral, elliptical, irregular or S ersic bulge/disc classications. To overcome this limitation, we use a principal component analysis of non-parametric morphological indicators (concentration, asymmetry, Gini coecient, M20, multi-mode, intensity and deviation) measured at rest-frame B-band (corresponding to HST/WFC3 F125W at 1.4 10 10 M ) galaxy morphologies. Principal component analysis (PCA)
Association of Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome Among US Adults With Osteoarthritis

Objective To investigate the association between objectively measured physical activity and metabolic syndrome among adults with osteoarthritis (OA). Methods Using cross-sectional data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we identified 566 adults with OA with available accelerometer data assessed using Actigraph AM-7164 and measurements necessary to determine metabolic syndrome by the Adult Treatment Panel III. Analysis of variance was conducted to examine the association between continuous variables in each activity level and metabolic syndrome components. Logistic models estimated the relationship of quartile of daily minutes of different physical activity levels to odds of metabolic syndrome adjusted for socioeconomic and health factors. Results Among persons with OA, most were women average age of 62.1 years and average disease duration of 12.9 years. Half of adults with OA had metabolic syndrome (51.0%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 44.2%–57.8%), and only 9.6% engaged in the recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate/vigorous physical activity. Total sedentary time was associated with higher rates of metabolic syndrome and its components, while light and objectively measured moderate/vigorous physical activity was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome and its components. Higher levels of light activity were associated with lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (quartile 4 versus quartile 1: adjusted odds ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.24–0.84, P for linear trend < 0.005). Conclusion Most US adults with OA are sedentary. Increased daily minutes in physical activity, especially in light intensity, is more likely to be associated with decreasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome among persons with OA.
Review of the 2012 Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Outbreak in Domestic Ruminants in the United States

An unusually large number of cases of Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) were observed in United States cattle and white-tailed deer in the summer and fall of 2012. USDA APHIS Veterinary Services area offices were asked to report on foreign animal disease investigations and state diagnostic laboratory submissions which resulted in a diagnosis of EHD based on positive PCR results. EHD was reported in the following species: cattle (129 herds), captive white-tailed deer (65 herds), bison (8 herds), yak (6 herds), elk (1 herd), and sheep (1 flock). A majority of the cases in cattle and bison were found in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Iowa. The majority of cases in captive white-tailed deer were found in Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, and Missouri. The most common clinical sign observed in the cattle and bison herds was oral lesions. The major observation in captive white-tailed deer herds was death. Average within-herd morbidity was 7% in cattle and bison herds, and 46% in captive white-tailed deer herds. The average within-herd mortality in captive white-tailed deer herds was 42%.
Genetic control of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase isozymes in the diploid plant Stephanomeria exigua and its allotetraploid derivative.

The multiple forms of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase in the annual diploid plant Stephanomeria exigua (Compositae) are controlled by three unlinked gene loci with two, four, and five alleles, respectively. All alleles are codominant, and heterozygotes for any pair of them produce a more darkly staining enzyme with intermediate mobility, suggesting that the enzymes have a dimeric subunit structure. In natural populations, the same allele is predominant or fixed at each locus. Stephanomeria elata, the allotetraploid derivative of S. exigua and the closely related S. virgata, produces multiple enzyme variants coded by one pair of its duplicated loci which are identical in electrophoretic mobility to those of diploid individuals heterozygous at this locus. The formation of multiple enzyme variants in all individuals of the tetraploid may provide a degree of biochemical versatility that contributes to its ability to colonize disturbed habitats.
Modeling sediment resuspension and transport induced by storm wind in Apalachicola Bay, USA

Sediment is an important environmental factor for aquatic ecosystem and oyster productivities of Apalachicola Bay located in Florida, USA. Based on the data analysis in this study, surface wind speed is highly correlated to the turbidity of water column, which results from sediment resuspension and transport in the Apalachicola Bay. In this paper, an application of a 3D sediment transport model to predict the wind-induced sediment transport in Apalachicola Bay is described. The sediment model is coupled with a 3D hydrodynamic module in the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) model that provides information on estuarine circulation and salinity transport under normal temperature conditions. The hydrodynamic model was calibrated with field observations of water levels and salinity. The sediment transport model solves the transport equation with sources and sinks terms to describe sediment deposition and resuspension. The coupled hydrodynamic and sediment transport models were used to investigate wind-induced total suspended sediments (TSS) resuspension and transport in the bay. For the period June 1-July 30, 2005 two storm events with strong winds gave model results of TSS concentrations that compared well with the field observations. Model simulations reasonably reproduce the sudden increase of sediment concentrations during the storm events. Maximum sediment concentrations in the bay during the two storm events were 10 times or more than those in the pre-storm conditions. Spatial sediment transport from model simulations indicate active sediment resuspension and transport near areas of highly productive oyster beds. The model predictions of TSS and salinity can be used as inputs to an oyster dynamic model (Wang, H., Huang, W., Harwell, M., Edmiston, L., Johnson, E., Hsieh, P., Milla, K., Christensen, J., Stewart, J., Liu, X., 2008. Modeling eastern oyster population dynamics in response to changing environment in Apalachicola Bay, Florida. Journal of Ecological Modeling 211, 77-89) to support the ecological study of oyster growth and mortality in the aquatic ecosystem of Apalachicola Bay.
Characteristics of Effluents from Baitfish Holding Sheds in Central Arkansas

Abstract This study characterized effluents from commercial baitfish holding sheds in central Arkansas, the source of about half of U.S. farm-raised baitfish. Nutrient and solid concentrations in effluents were relatively dilute compared with other aquaculture effluents because fish are not fed while in vats. Total phosphorus concentrations, however, were relatively high (median of 0.52 mg/L in spring, 0.32 mg/L in fall), but source water contributed from 83% to 96% of the total phosphorus concentration in baitfish holding shed effluents. Concentrations of total phosphorus similar to those found in study source waters have been documented for other waters from the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer. Daily variations in effluent quality generally overshadowed other temporal variation, with the exception of higher total ammonia concentrations in the spring. Higher loading rates are common in vats in the spring owing to increased baitfish sales. Daily flushing resulted in brief spikes in concentration...
Frequency of invasive cancer in surgically excised vulvar lesions with intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN 3).

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of invasive cancer found from specimens removed by surgical excision on patients with diagnosis of VIN 3. Methods. Seventy-eight patients with biopsy-proven vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (VIN 3) were treated by surgical excision. Results. Sixteen patients (20.5%) were found to have invasion in the excised surgical specimen. Superficial invasion was seen in 7 patients (9%), 9 were noted to have >1 mm invasion (11.5%), and 1 patient had in situ Paget's disease (1.3%). Conclusion. Surgical excision should be considered a preferable method in management of patients with VIN 3.
Vacancies ordered in screw form (VOSF) and layered indium selenide thin film deposition by laser back ablation

Abstract Indium selenide thin films are important due to their applications in non-volatile memory and solar cells. In this work, we present an initial study of a new application of deposition-site selective laser back ablation (LBA) for making thin films of In2Se3. In vacuo annealing and subsequent characterization of the films by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicate that control of substrate temperature during deposition and post-deposition annealing temperature is critical in determining the phase and composition of the films. The initial laser fluence and target film thickness determine the amount of material deposited onto the substrate.
Physiological suppression of Bacillus subtilis conditional sporulation phenotypes: RNA polymerase and ribosomal mutations

The temperature-sensitive sporulation phenotype (Spots) of Bacillus subtilis RNA polymerase, ribosomal and protein synthesis elongation factor G mutations can be corrected by supplementing the growth medium with carbohydrates such as ribose or glycerol, or with synthetic lipids such as Tween 40. The data suggest that these mutations affect a single common aspect of developmental cell function. It is proposed that these lesions prevent sporulation by disturbing the regulation of sporulating cell metabolic balance.
In-situ MBE growth of epitaxial CuO films with a source of activated oxygen

Abstract The growth of superconducting oxides in vacuum conditions compatible with molecular beam epitaxy is a challenge, since these materials decompose under UHV conditions and at high temperatures. For this experiment, epitaxial CuO films were grown on heated MgO(100) and Y-stabilized Zr02 (YSZ) (100) substrates in an oxygen background pressure of 6 × 10−6 Torr. Cu was evaporated from a conventional effusion cell, and the in-situ oxidation was performed with an RF plasma oxygen source. X-ray diffraction and RHEED results show that CuO grows epitaxially in the [111] direction on MgO and in the [020] direction on YSZ, although in both cases epitaxial conditions are only satisfied along one particular substrate direction.
Age-dependent effects of initial exposure to nicotine on serotonin neurons.

Abstract Adolescence is a critical vulnerable period during which exposure to nicotine greatly enhances the possibility to develop drug addiction. Growing evidence suggests that serotonergic (5-HT) neurotransmission may contribute to the initiation and maintenance of addictive behavior. As the dorsal raphe (DR) and median raphe (MnR) nuclei are the primary 5-HT source to the forebrain, the current study tested the hypothesis that there are age-dependent effects of acute nicotine administration on activation of 5-HT neurons within these regions. Both adolescent (Postnatal day 30) and adult (Postnatal day 70) male Sprague–Dawley rats received subcutaneous injection of either saline or nicotine (0.2, 0.4, or 0.8 mg/kg). Subsequently, the number of 5-HT cells that were double-labeled for Fos and tryptophan hydroxylase was counted in seven subregions within the DR and the entire MnR. The results show that acute nicotine injection induces Fos expression in 5-HT neurons in a region-specific manner. In addition, adolescents show broader regional activations at either a lower (0.2 mg/kg) and a higher (0.8 mg/kg) dose of nicotine, displaying a unique U-shape response curve across doses. In contrast, 5-HT cells with activated Fos expression were restricted to fewer regions in adults, and the patterns of expression were more consistent across doses. The results reveal dose-dependent effects of nicotine during adolescence with apparent sensitization at different ends of the dosage spectrum examined compared to adults. These data indicate that initial exposure to nicotine may have unique effects in adolescence on the ascending 5-HT system, with the potential for consequences on the affective-motivational qualities of the drug and the subsequent propensity for repeated use.
Prevention of ventricular remodeling.

Abstract Despite the major advances in our understanding of the process of ventricular remodeling, many issues remain unresolved. Some relate to the ongoing question of which signals are important in initiating structural changes in the myocardium. Specifically, a better understanding of infarct zone healing may allow for reduced regional and global remodeling after infarction and potentially reduce the frequency of acute myocardial rupture or delayed aneurysm formation. Similarly, a better understanding of the factors that are critical for stimulating remodeling in the viable myocardium would allow for the development of potentially more-effective therapies and a more complete inhibition of this process. The prognostic importance of an enlarged ventricle has been clearly established. However, how this fact should be used in the day-to-day management of patients with ventricular dysfunction remains unknown. Should routine analysis of ventricular structure be a regular component of the clinical follow-up of these patients, and if so, what techniques are best suited for this, and what structural parameters should be analyzed? Moreover, if structural change is ongoing but the patient is otherwise clinically stable, should therapy be altered in an attempt to halt remodeling, and if so, in what manner? Finally, can the structural changes of remodeling undergo regression, and—given the prognostic importance of remodeling—should attempts be made to achieve this? However, despite these unresolved issues, the increasing awareness of the prognostic importance of remodeling has provided us with a further insight into the pathophysiology of ventricular dysfunction and heart failure and hopefully will allow for more effective management of these conditions, which remain a major therapeutic challenge in modernday cardiovascular medicine.
The hemolysin response in rabbits immunized during low-level cobalt-60 gamma irradiation.

Eleven groups of rabbits were gamma irradiated at the rate of 11 r during 16 consecutive hours out of every 24 hr until they received from 77 to 16l7 r during the course of 7 to 147 days. They were then injected with sheep red-bloodcell stromata and were kept under the same schedule of irradiation for 5 more weeks (385 r) while the hemolysin responses were studied. The hemolysin responses in these irradiated groups did not differ from those of the nonirradiated control group with respect to the mean length of the induction period, the mean rate of the first and most rapid rise of antibody, and the mean log peak titer; but, with increasing irradintion dose. peak titer tended to be reached later at a decreasing average rate. This shift was probably caused by a relative depression of early splenic hemolysin formation and by an increased and later production of hemolysin in one or more nonsplenic sites. (auth)
Quantum efficiency measurements in Nd-doped materials

Quantum efficiency of the Nd 4F3/2 manifold is measured in 10 Nd-doped systems. Luminescence decay in these Nd-doped materials is nonexponential. Evidence for correlation between the nonexponential decay and reduced quantum efficiency is presented.
Rapid-scanning constant-energy synchronous fluorescence spectrometer as a liquid chromatographic detector

Abstract A rapid-scanning fluorimeter based on constant-energy synchronous scanning is described. It is used as a liquid chromatographic detector for polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The computerized system scans at a rate of 200 nm s−1 and collects data in the forward and reverse directions. Data are processed in real time. The system is tested for 3-component and 9-component mixtures of PAHs. A synchronous fluorescence spectrum is obtained for each PAH being eluted in the chromatogram. The spectral peaks observed in the rapid scan correspond to the absorption/fluorescence transitions of the PAHs with an overall vibrational energy loss equal to the Δν value chosen. Limits of determination for the PAHs are in the pg to low ng range. The system provides a reduced signal/noise ratio compared to the variable-wavelength fluorescence system for most PAHs examined.
Removal of Silicone Oil From Intraocular Lens Using Novel Surgical Materials

PURPOSE To design, fabricate, and evaluate novel materials to remove silicone oil (SiO) droplets from intraocular lenses (IOL) during vitreoretinal surgery. METHODS Three different designs were fabricated using soft lithography of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), three-dimensional (3D) inverse PDMS fabrication using water dissolvable particles, and atomic layer deposition (ALD) of alumina (Al2O3) on surgical cellulose fibers. Laboratory tests included static and dynamic contact angle (CA) measurements with water and SiO, nondestructive x-ray microcomputer tomography (micro-CT), and microscopy. SiO removal was performed in vitro and ex vivo using implantable IOLs and explanted porcine eyes. RESULTS All designs exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity and oleophilicity. Static CA measurements with water ranged from 131° to 160° and with SiO CA approximately 0° in 120 seconds following exposure. Nondestructive x-ray analysis of the 3D PDMS showed presence of interconnected polydispersed porosity of 100 to 300 μm in diameter. SiO removal from IOLs was achieved in vitro and ex vivo using standard 20-G vitrectomy instrumentation. CONCLUSION Removal of SiO from IOLs can be achieved using materials with lower surface energy than that of the IOLs. This can be achieved using appropriate surface chemistry and surface topography. Three designs, with enhanced hydrophobic properties, were fabricated and tested in vitro and ex vivo. All materials remove SiO within an aqueous environment. Preliminary ex vivo results were very promising, opening new possibilities for SiO removal in vitreoretinal surgeries. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE This is the first report of an instrument that can lead to successful removal of SiO from the surface of IOL. In addition to the use of this instrument/material in medicine it can also be used in the industry, for example, retrieval of oil spills from bodies of water.