cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decreased N-acetylaspartate in children with familial bipolar disorder.

Abstract Background Relatively low levels of brain N-acetylaspartate, as measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, may indicate decreased neuronal density or viability. Dorsolateral prefrontal levels of N-acetylaspartate have been reported to be decreased in adults with bipolar disorder. We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate dorsolateral prefrontal N-acetylaspartate levels in children with familial bipolar disorder. Methods Subjects were 15 children and adolescents with bipolar disorder, who each had at least one parent with bipolar disorder, and 11 healthy controls. Mean age was 12.6 years for subjects and controls. Subjects were allowed to continue current medications. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 3-Tesla was used to study 8 cm3 voxels placed in left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Results Bipolar subjects had lower N-acetylaspartate/Creatine ratios only in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (p Conclusions Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder may have decreased dorsolateral prefrontal N-acetylaspartate, similar to adults with BD, indicating a common neuropathophysiology. Longitudinal studies of at-risk children before the onset and during the early course of bipolar disorder are needed to determine the role of prefrontal N-acetylaspartate as a possible risk marker and/or indication of early bipolar illness progression.
Constructing representations of arguments

Three experiments were conducted to test whether presentation order affects the reading and later recall of simple two-clause arguments. Participants read arguments in a claim-first order or in a reason-first order. Three experiments found that arguments were read faster when claims preceded reasons and this effect was independent of whether the reason began with a subordinating conjunction. Shorter reading times were observed for claims when they occurred in the initial position. Claims were also recalled better than reasons and claim-first arguments were recalled more accurately than reason-first arguments. Experiments 3a and 3b showed that readers identified claims by the presence of markers (e.g., modals and qualifiers) and that arguments with modals are read more quickly and recalled better in a claim-first order. These results suggest that readers use a claim-centered argument schema to guide the processing of persuasive prose.
Perihelion evolution of observed new comets implies the dominance of the galactic tide in making Oort cloud comets discernable

Abstract For an Oort cloud comet to be seen as a new comet, its perihelion must be moved from a point exterior to the loss cylinder boundary to a point interior to observable limits in a single orbit. The galactic tide can do this continuously, in a non-impulsive manner. Near-parabolic comets, with specific angular momentum H∝ q , will most easily be made observable. Therefore, to reduce the perihelion distance H must decrease. Since weakly perturbed comets are, in general, more numerous than strongly perturbed comets, we can anticipate that new comets made observable by a weak tidal torque will more likely be first observed when their slowly changing perihelion distances are approaching their minimum osculating values under the action of the tide, rather than receding from their minimum values. That is, defining ΔHtide as the vector change due to the galactic tidal torque during the prior orbit, and Hobs as the observed vector, the sign S≡Sign(Hobs·ΔHtide) will more likely be −1 than +1 if a weak galactic tidal perturbation indeed dominates in making comets observable. Using comet data of the highest quality class (1A) for new comets (a>10,000 AU), we find that 49 comets have S=−1 and 22 have S=+1. The binomial probability that as many or more would exhibit this characteristic if in fact S=∓1 were equally likely is only 0.0009. This characteristic also persists in other long-period comet populations, lending support to the notion that they are dominated by comets recently arrived from the outer Oort cloud. The preponderance of S=−1 also correlates with weakly perturbed (i.e., smaller semimajor axis) new comets in a statistically significant manner. This is strong evidence that the data are of sufficiently high quality and sufficiently free of observational selection effects to detect this unique imprint of the tide.
A HECT Domain E3 Enzyme Assembles Novel Polyubiquitin Chains

Abstract Although polyubiquitin chains linked through Lys29 of ubiquitin have been implicated in the targeting of certain substrates to proteasomes, the signaling properties of these chains are poorly understood. We previously described a ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase (E3) from erythroid cells that assembles polyubiquitin chains through either Lys29 or Lys48 of ubiquitin (Mastrandrea, L. D., You, J., Niles, E. G., and Pickart, C. M. (1999)J. Biol. Chem. 274, 27299–27306). Here we describe the purification of this E3 based on its affinity for a linear fusion of ubiquitin to the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcH5A. Among five major polypeptides in the affinity column eluate, the activity of interest was assigned to the product of a previously cloned human cDNA known as KIAA10 (Nomura, N., Miyajima, N., Sazuka, T., Tanaka, A., Kawarabayasi, Y., Sato, S., Nagase, T., Seki, N., Ishikawa, K., and Tabata, S. (1994) DNA Res. 1, 27–35). The KIAA10 protein is a member of the HECT (homologous to E6-APcarboxyl terminus) domain family of E3s. These E3s share a conserved C-terminal (HECT) domain that functions in the catalysis of ubiquitination, while their divergent N-terminal domains function in cognate substrate binding (Huibregtse, J. M., Scheffner, M., Beaudenon, S., and Howley, P. M. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 92, 2563–2567). Recombinant KIAA10 catalyzed the assembly of both Lys29- and Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chains. Surprisingly, the C-terminal 428 residues of KIAA10 were both necessary and sufficient for this activity, suggesting that the ability to assemble polyubiquitin chains may be a general property of HECT domains. The N-terminal domain of KIAA10 interacted in vitro with purified 26 S proteasomes and with the isolated S2/Rpn1 subunit of the proteasome's 19 S regulatory complex, suggesting that the N-terminal domains of HECT E3s may function in proteasome binding as well as substrate binding.
Dispersal and inbreeding avoidance

Sur l'exemple de diverses especes de singes on montre qu'il peut y avoir dispersion sans que la cause en soit l'evitement de la consanguinite mais il est possible que la dispersion des mâles a partir du site natal soit un mecanisme d'evitement d'une consanguinite a un degre de parente tres proche; six points sont precises concernant les travaux de l'auteur
Auctions of Divisible Goods: On the Rationale for the Treasury Experiment

We compare a sealed-bid uniform-price auction (the Treasury's experimentalformat) with a sealedbid discriminatory auction (tbe Treasury'sformat beretofore), assuming the good is perfectly divisible. We show that the auction theory thatprompted the experiment, which assumes single-unit demands, does not adequately describe the bidding game for Treasury securities. Collusive strategies are self-enforcing in uniform-price divisible-good auctions. In these equilibria, the sellers expected revenue is lower than in equilibria of discriminatory auctions.
The stress conjugate to logarithmic strain

Abstract A stress S is said to be conjugate to a strain measure E if the inner product S · E is the power per unit volume. The logarithmic strain In U , with U the right stretch tensor, has been considered an interesting strain measure because of the relationship of its material time derivative (ln U )· with the stretching tensor D . In a previous article ( Int. J. Solids Structures 22 , 1019–1032 (1986)) a formula for (ln U )· was obtained in direct notation for the cases where the principal stretches are repeated, as well as for the case where they are all distinct. Here the formula for (ln U )· and the definition of conjugate stress are used to derive an explicit, properly invariant expression for the stress conjugate to the logarithmic strain.
The effect of field modulation on a simple resonance line shape

The Lorentzian line shape is the most basic line shape found in field swept continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW EPR). CW EPR employs Zeeman field modulation for detection purposes. The absorption signal at the first harmonic of modulation is the standard CW EPR signal. Under weak modulation conditions the first harmonic in-phase absorption signal is equivalent to the derivative of the unmodulated Lorentzian line shape. When the field modulation amplitude is appreciable, the distorted first harmonic absorption line shape can still be expressed by a simple analytic formula, as long as the modulation frequency is sufficiently low. We state this often-overlooked formula for the first harmonic signal, and exhibit its extension to arbitrary harmonics. Certain commonly used properties of the weak modulation (derivative Lorentzian) spectrum, such as the peak-to-peak height dependence on microwave power, are also stated in a form that fully takes account of the modulation amplitude. These analytic expressions are compared to numerical simulations of a version of the Bloch equation that contains modulation explicitly. A simple experimental example of overmodulation is also provided to show how the analytic formulas quantitatively account for the effects of modulation amplitude. The impact of modulation on the interpretation of EPR spectra is important given the frequent use of overmodulation when sample concentrations are low, such as in biological EPR studies. The simple analytic formulas demonstrated here are limited by the same physical considerations that limit applicability of the Lorentzian line shape. However, because the Lorentzian line shape is often appealed to in the interpretation of EPR spectra, its simple extension to the regime of appreciable modulation offers valuable insight. For example, the observation that the doubly integrated intensity of the first harmonic absorption spectrum has microwave power dependence that is insensitive to modulation amplitude is demonstrated explicitly. In contrast, the standard formula for the microwave power dependence of the first harmonic peak-to-peak absorption height is modified in a nontrivial way when the modulation amplitude is included. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 23A: 38–48, 2004
Patriline composition of worker populations in honeybee (Apis mellifera) colonies headed by queens inseminated with semen from African and European drones

Honeybee queens with either European or African maternity were mated to African and European drones to determine rates of sperm utilization. The first month after the queens were inseminated, they produced equal proportions of workers with African and European paternity. However, for the next 3-4 months, more than 70% of the workers produced by queens of either matriline had African paternity. Overall, the queens produced a majority of workers with African paternity during the six-month study period. The possible impact that a higher rate of sperm utilization from African drones might have on the Africanization process is discussed. Apis mellifera / Apis mellifera scutellata / sperm utilization / Africanization process
Towards a meta-model for representing organizational memory

For each of the stakeholders involved in complex organizational processes, some useful support can be provided by recording in some structured fashion relevant portions of organizational memory (OM). For this purpose, components of OM should include rich contextual information not only to provide detailed viewpoints of individual decision makers, but also to identify interdependencies among differing perspectives and viewpoints. An effective scheme for the capture and use of OM includes both formal and informal information. We describe a meta-model that can be used to represent comprehensive OM schemes. We describe the capabilities of a prototype OM system that provides a variety of facilitates for the capture, maintenance and use of OM.
Application of traffic movement display system to wall map display in ITS

The Nara Prefectural Police HQ developed and began operating a traffic movement display system. Unlike the conventional method of traffic condition display on a wall map which extracts traffic volume or flow data in time series and expresses its changing conditions from moment to moment as a quantity, this new system enables the spatiotemporally continuous expression of traffic volume or traffic flow. This paper introduces the traffic movement display system which is considered to be an effective means for an intelligent transport system (ITS) and discusses its applications to the wall map display including the identification and display of specific vehicles such as buses and trucks by making the best use of this system of information obtainable from infrared beacons which also perform a part of the ITS.
State of charge estimation of cells in series connection by using only the total voltage measurement

The voltage of lithium ion batteries is usually monitored to prevent overcharge and overdischarge. For battery packs consisting of hundreds of cells, monitoring the voltage of every single cell adds significant cost and complexity to the battery management system (BMS). Reducing voltage sensing by only measuring the total voltage of multiple cells in series connection is desirable if the state of charge (SOC) of individual cells can be correctly estimated. Such goal cannot be achieved by an extended Kalman filter, because the cell SOCs are not observable in the linearized battery string model. In this paper, an observer based on solving simultaneously multiple nonlinear equations along the trajectory of SOC evolution is used for the estimation problem. Existence of the solution depends on the nonlinearity of the battery voltage-SOC relationship. The observer is applied to a LiFePO4/graphite battery string with 2 cells, where the individual cell SOCs are observable in low and high SOC ranges. Experimental results show good convergence of SOC and voltage estimation, indicating that this new methodology can be applied to, at least, halve the voltage sensing in a battery pack.
New Evidence of Improvements in Dilemma Zone Protection by Detection-Control System

This research conducted a field evaluation of the detection-control system (D-CS) at eight sites located in four states. D-CS is similar to a traditional advance detector system in that it uses information from detectors located upstream of the intersection to extend the green. However, it differs from traditional advance detector systems because it monitors individual vehicles on the intersection approach on a lane-by-lane and on a vehicle length basis. It then uses this information to predict the best time to end the major-road through phase. The D-CS software continuously evaluates and updates this prediction in real time. The prediction is based on the number of vehicles currently in, or predicted to soon arrive in, the dilemma zone as well as the number of conflicting phases with a call for service. On the basis of the findings to date, D-CS is successful in improving crash surrogate measures of effectiveness. Findings from a regression analysis for 1-h periods indicated that the "after" study period...
Walking Strategies During the Transition Between Level and Hill Surfaces

Healthy young adults transition between level and hill surfaces of various angles while walking at fluctuating speeds. These surface transitions have the potential to decrease dynamic balance in both the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to analyze modifications in temporal-spatial parameters during hill walking transitions. We hypothesized that in comparison with level walking, the transition strides would indicate the adoption of a distinct gait strategy with a greater base of support. Thirty-four participants completed level and hill trials on a walkway with a 15-degree portable ramp apparatus. We collected data during 4 transition strides between level and ramp surfaces. In support of our hypothesis, compared with level walking, the base of support was 20% greater during 3 out of the 4 transition strides. In short, our results illustrate that healthy young adults did adopt a distinct gait strategy different from both level and hill walking during transitions strides.
Optimization of synthetic jet cooling for microelectronics applications [VCSEL array example]

A synthetic jet actuator has been proposed and built for the cooling of a one-dimensional VCSEL array. The design has been optimized in this work using a two-dimensional fluid dynamics simulation of the prototype coupled with an optimization routine. The optimum design calls for the jet orifice to be located near the upper corner of the array and angled about 29/spl deg/ with respect to the top surface. In this design, the jet moves back and forth along the top surface of the array and provides significant cooling on both the suction and blowing strokes of the actuator. The procedures used for the optimization and the results are discussed in detail.
Effects of an Obesity Prevention Program on the Eating Behavior of African American Mothers and Daughters

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in the United States. Obesity is highly related to CVD risk, especially in African American women. This study explored the efficacy of a culturally specific obesity prevention program. Designed for low-income, inner-city African American girls and their mothers, the program addressed the importance of eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and increasing activity. Mother-daughter dyads were randomly assigned to a 12-week treatment or an attention placebo group. Participants were assessed at pre- and posttreatment on dietary intake, including daily fat intake, daily saturated fat intake, percentage of daily calories from fat, and daily cholesterol intake. Results showed significant differences between the treatment and control mothers for daily saturated fat intake and percentage of calories from fat. Differences among treatment and control groups were also noted for the daughters on percentage of daily calories from fat. Implications of the findings for developing culturally specific health risk reduction programs are discussed.
A Methodology for Determining the Proper Point Size for Display Type on Packaging by Means of the Package's Proportions

The point size of display text on a package was evaluated relative to package proportion with the use of a preference test. This test involved 150 participants examining packaging images showing the product name in various point sizes and being asked their preference. A cascading presentation method modelled after the binary search algorithm was used to determine the exact point size preference for each participant. Participants also completed a survey intended to gather information regarding their motives for their choice. This study was developed to determine the optimal display type size of a package on the basis of its relationship with the package's proportions. It was hypothesized that this proportion would be related to the golden ratio (a ratio of about two-thirds) that has been suggested to be a particularly aesthetic proportion throughout nature and human history. The results of the study showed that the preferred ratio was actually greater than the golden ratio, equaling 10/12 of the package's width. These results were found to be further influenced by the participant's gender and the packaging structure on which the display type is applied. Although the results are not generalizable to all demographics and products, the methodology used is easily extensible to arbitrary product types. We propose that this methodology for evaluating type size on packages be used by designers as part of the package creation process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A more reliable reduction algorithm for behavioral model extraction

In this paper we are concerned with developing more reliable model reduction algorithms. We have focused on less common, but real, examples that fail to be effectively reduced by almost all of the currently popular model reduction methods. The failure of these popular methods is due to the fact that they all separately examine controllability and observability. We then present a new method based on several modifications and extensions of the recently developed AISIAD algorithm. The modified AISAID method is demonstrated on a wide variety of examples, including electrical interconnect, micromachined devices, and heat flow to show that the method is reliable. Our modified AISAID method is either nearly equivalent or far superior to any of the other reduction methods suitable for large scale problems.
An Educational Intervention to Improve Internal Medicine Interns' Awareness of Hazards of Hospitalization in Acutely Ill Older Adults

Hospitalized older adults are susceptible to complications termed �hazards of hospitalization� (HOH), which collectively result in poor patient outcomes. Previous research has shown that residents are not aware of their patients' risk factors for HOH. This study investigated the effect of an educational intervention to increase internal medicine interns' knowledge and self-efficacy of HOH and to improve their care of hospitalized older adults as measured by their documentation of HOH. Targeted learners were internal medicine interns on their geriatrics rotation at a large academic hospital in 2011 to 2012. The intervention covered 10 specific HOH: delirium, pressure ulcers, urinary incontinence and retention, functional decline, falls, suboptimal prescribing, dehydration and malnutrition, infection, depression, and inappropriate interventions. Knowledge and self-efficacy were measured before and after training. HOH documentation rates of interns who did and did not complete the training were compared over a preset 8-week period. Forty-two of 43 eligible interns completed the curriculum. After training, knowledge was significantly greater (approximately 1 more correct question out of 3, P < .001). Self-reported confidence in managing each hazard also significantly increased (13 questions on two 5-point Likert scales, P < .001). Trained interns had significantly more-frequent documentation of patients' activities of daily living, gait, and plan for functional decline prevention than interns who were not trained (P < .05). Conversely, documentation of instrumental activities of daily living was more frequent among interns who were not trained (P < .01). Implementation of an educational intervention was successful in improving educational and behavior change outcomes regarding HOH.
Sunitinib (Sutent®): A novel agent for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma:

Objective. To provide a review of the clinical data supporting the use of sunitinib (Sutent®), a multitargeted, small molecule, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with focus on its approved indication for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma in patients with metastatic disease requiring drug therapy.Data sources. A MEDLINE search of the medical literature was conducted using the terms ‘sunitinib’ and ‘SU11248’. References from the articles were reviewed and relevant sources were included. Data summary. The introduction of dual tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors is a novel approach to treating advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) by preventing angiogenesis and tumor growth. Based on its ability to inhibit several targets involved in angiogenesis and endothelial cell proliferation, sunitinib offers patients with mRCC an alternative for treatment. A recent Phase III study evaluating sunitinib as first-line therapy showed a significant difference when compared to interferonalfa (IFN-α) for a pro...
Six Or So Things You Can Do with a Bad Model

Many models used in policy or systems analysis either cannot be validated in any fully adequate sense, such as by comparing them with actual data, or could adequately be validated but have not been. For example, in the area of combat analysis, the central models are arguably almost entirely unvalidated and most will never be susceptible to adequate validation. Nevertheless, such models are often used and can be used fruitfully, even though we have no theory for how to use them or how to interpret and place value on the results they produce. This paper takes a step toward providing such a theory by focusing on the logic that should govern the use of inadequately validated models and the costs and benefits of using them. To this end, it identifies and evaluates six legitimate uses to which such models can be put.
Regulation of L-selectin and CD18 on bovine neutrophils by glucocorticoids: effects of cortisol and dexamethasone

The responsiveness of bovine neutrophil L-selectin and CD18 to in vivo glucocorticoid administration was characterized by flow cytometric analysis. Blood was sampled intensively from dairy cows treated for 3 days with placebo, cortisol, or dexamethasone. Immunostaining was performed on whole blood (100 microliters) that was left unstimulated or was stimulated with platelet-activating factor (PAF; 1 microgram/ml blood) prior to incubation with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated monoclonal antibodies against L-selectin and CD18. Results were expressed as the percentage of positive-staining cells and as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of those cells. Total leukocyte count and leukocyte differentials were also performed on all blood samples. Dexamethasone caused nearly complete down-regulation of L-selectin (P < .01) on the surface of gated cells and reduced to half the MFI of CD18 (P < .01). Compared with values for the placebo group, dexamethasone began to cause L-selectin down-regulation within 8 h after the first injection and these effects persisted until 48 h after the third injection. This was correlated in time with an acute reduction in the proportion of cells that stained positive for L-selectin (from 98% before dexamethasone injections to a low of 17% by 40 h after the first injection). Dexamethasone also caused leukocytosis and neutrophilia during this time interval. In contrast, CD18 down-regulation was delayed until 16 h after the second dexamethasone injection and persisted for roughly 8 days. However, at no time during the experiment did dexamethasone influence the proportion of gated cells staining positive for CD18 (always 100%). Effects of cortisol were generally similar in pattern to those of dexamethasone but were more subtle and more readily detected when PAF was added to blood prior to immunostaining. These results strongly suggest that one mechanism of the anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids is to induce dramatic down-regulation of L-selectin and CD18 adhesion molecules on blood neutrophils.
Transitory Corpus Callosum Axons Projecting throughout Developing Rat Visual Cortex Revealed by Dil

Anatomical tracing was used to determine the extent and distribution of CC axons in mammalian visual cortex. Postnatal development of rat CC was studied by in vitro callosal labeling with the lipophilic carbocyanine dye Dil in 59 rats. Solid Dil crystals were placed in the mid-sagittal region of the CC in aldehyde-fixed brain slabs. Coronal sections through visual cortex were photographed and reconstructed to show the overall distribution of Dil-labeled callosal projections as well as the locations of individual callosal axons and their presumed synaptic boutons. During postnatal weeks 1 and 2, CC axons were found to project to layer I throughout the entire mediolateral extent of areas 17, 18a, and 18b. Numerous varicosities on callosal axons are located en passant and at axon terminals in layer I. During postnatal week 3 the tangential density of callosal projections was significantly reduced, so that fewer callosal axons extended to layer I throughout areas 17, 18a, and 18b than in younger postnatal rats. However, at this age some CC axons could still be found extending to layer I throughout the mediolateral extent of areas 17, 18a, and 18b. By postnatal week 4 the tangential distribution of callosal projections was greatly restricted; most callosal axons projecting to layer I were located at the borders of the visual cortical areas. Nevertheless, there were still callosal axons projecting into cortex and terminating in supragranular and infragranular layers in areas 17, 18a, and 18b; this was most pronounced in area 18a. Thus, in the rat there are many elaborately formed transitory CC axons projecting throughout visual cortex for several weeks postnatal. These projections extend to layer I and have varicosities in all cortical layers. With increasing age, fewer axons extended to layer I; subsequently most axons not at cytoarchitectonic borders fail to extend to layer I. If some of the varicosities on the transitory rat callosal axons were to form synapses, there would be extensive opportunities for the CC to provide input to all layers of visual cortical areas while cortical microcircuitry is being established. The same type of study in the cat has shown similar results during early postnatal development. Cat CC axons project to all parts of primary and association visual cortical areas; even in regions found to be acallosal in the adult, the neonatal callosal axons extend through all layers of cortex to reach layer I (Elberger, 1993).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Genetic Alterations Affecting Cholesterol Metabolism and Human Fertility

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) represent genetic variations among individuals in a population. In medicine, these small variations in the DNA sequence may significantly impact an individual's response to certain drugs or influence the risk of developing certain diseases. In the field of reproductive medicine, a significant amount of research has been devoted to identifying polymorphisms which may impact steroidogenesis and fertility. This review discusses current understanding of the effects of genetic variations in cholesterol metabolic pathways on human fertility that bridge novel linkages between cholesterol metabolism and reproductive health. For example, the role of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) in cellular metabolism and human reproduction has been well studied, whereas there is now an emerging body of research on the role of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) in human lipid metabolism and female reproduction. Identifying and understanding how polymorphisms in the SCARB1 gene or other genes related to lipid metabolism impact human physiology is essential and will play a major role in the development of personalized medicine for improved diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
Oral naluphine in postpartum pain

One hundred twenty-one patients with postpartum pain caused by uterine cramp or episiotomy pain were the subjects of a randomized, double-blind, single-dose study of oral nalbuphine (N), 15 mg (N = 39); codeine (C), 60 mg (N = 42); and placebo (N = 40) for analgesia. Observations were made over 6 hr. There were significant differences for sum of pain intensity differences and total pain relief between the active drugs and placebo but not between N and C. Time to onset of analgesia favored N (mean = 0.65 min) over C (mean = 0.74 min), but the analgetic effect of N diminished more rapidly at this dose. Results were the same for both uterine cramp and episiotomy pain. Adverse effects were of the narcotic type and of the same incidence for the two active drugs. Two new parameters for determining analgetic effect are introduced: number of dropouts per dose and number of subjects with zero analgetic effect.
Perceptions Concerning College Student Suicide: Data from Four Universities

The issue of suicide, including prevention, intervention, and postvention, continues to be a problem on college campuses. For this study, data concerning a variety of issues related to college student suicide were collected from 1,865 students at four different universities. Incidence, risk factors, and potential solutions are described, as well as implications for mental health professionals in university settings.
Computer-Based Cognitive Retraining for Adults with Chronic Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a computer-based cognitive retraining (CBCR) program on improving memory and attention deficits in individuals with a chronic acquired brain injury (ABI). Twelve adults with a chronic ABI demonstrating deficits in memory and attention were recruited from a convenience sample from the community. Using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design, a significant improvement was found in both memory and attention scores postintervention using the cognitive screening tool. This study supported the effectiveness of CBCR programs in improving cognitive deficits in memory and attention in individuals with chronic ABI. Further research is recommended to validate these findings with a larger ABI population and to investigate transfer to improvement in occupational performance that supports daily living skills.
Lumbopelvic parameters and the extent of lumbar fusion.

Following lumbar fusion, sacroiliac (SI) joint pain has been regarded as a form of adjacent segment disease. Prior studies suggest increased stress to the SI joint and pelvis with lumbar fusion. Limited studies have evaluated the relationship between the extent of lumbar fusion and its potential influence on lumbopelvic parameters, which may provide the insights to persistent back pain.Three hundred fifty-five patients underwent lumbar fusions at our institution between fall 2010 and winter 2012; 80 patients met criteria for the study. Inclusion criteria included appropriate imaging available (preoperative and postoperative lateral films), follow-up >1-year, fusion where the rostral extent was up to L1 and the caudal extent was at most S1. Exclusion criteria included prior lumbar fusion, history of SI joint syndrome, follow-up <1-year, fusion involving thoracic levels, and inadequate films (inability to visualize appropriate anatomy). The patients were divided into groups based on the extent of fusion. The patients were evaluated based on age, sex, diagnosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and sacral slope. The preoperative values were compared among the groups, the postoperative values were compared among the groups, and the pre- and post-operative values were compared within each group.There were no statistically significant differences between pre- and post-operative lumbopelvic parameters within each fusion group.The results imply that the extent of instrumentation, including the involvement of the sacrum, may not alter lumbopelvic parameters. This appears to argue against the idea that longer fusion constructs induce more stress on the pelvis and SI joint.
Transnational Media Coverage of the ISIS Threat: A Global Perspective?

This study examines elements of what has been defined as global journalism and compares online news stories of Al Jazeera English and CNN regarding the ISIS threat. The empirical inquiry presents the similarities and differences in transnational news outlets’ coverage of a global crisis. The results of a quantitative content analysis ( N = 320) suggest that different transnational news outlets share some features in their news coverage of a global challenge but still differ significantly. CNN mostly cites governmental official sources, whereas Al Jazeera English relies more on information from other news media. In addition, CNN mainly adopts a geopolitics frame focusing on the strategies of dealing with ISIS, whereas Al Jazeera English uses the dominant frame of existential threat. Results further indicate that elements of global journalism do not go beyond human rights issues. .
Examination of several Oklahoma bat hibernacula cave soils for Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of White-Nose Syndrome

Abstract White-nose syndrome is an often lethal fungal infection of bats that is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, formerly Geomyces destructans. The fungal spores can persist for extended periods of time in the soil and on surfaces in caves where it might be found even after the bats depart. In 2010, a single bat, Myotis velifer, from a western Oklahoma gypsum cave, was initially diagnosed by the U.S. Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center, as “suspect white-nose syndrome.” Based on this, we decided to examine soil samples from various bat caves across Oklahoma for the presence of P. destructans. We used Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction to analyze 83 soil samples from 17 caves in Oklahoma. None of the soil samples were found to contain genetic material from P. destructans. We postulate that P. destructans has not yet reached Oklahoma because of the negative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction results, because a National Wildlife Health Center reexamination of the original b...
Development and implementation of a transitions of care elective course.

Abstract Background To develop and implement a transitions of care (TOC) course, assess students׳ knowledge, participation and communication skills during in-class activities, and obtain students׳ perspectives and feedback on the course. Educational Activity—this was a two-credit elective course offered to third professional year Doctor of Pharmacy students (P3) at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy at the University of the Sciences. It was designed using an interactive, hands-on approach through the use of patient cases, simulation, interprofessional education, student presentations, and a capstone project. The content of the course included TOC concepts relevant to pharmacists practicing within different health care settings. Several assessments were used to evaluate the students using various rubrics and self-reflection. Quantitatively, the students achieved high grades on individual assignments ranging from B to A+. Critical analysis of the educational activity overall, the students described the course as a “great experience” based on the qualitative thematic analysis. Conclusion Developing and implementing a TOC elective provided P3 students with an opportunity to learn about pharmacists׳ role during various points of the TOC process and may have future implications in their performance on rotation and career choice.
Size Control and Photophysical Properties of Quantum Dots Prepared via a Novel Tunable Hydrothermal Route

The use of quantum dot (qdot) nanomaterials in aqueous media for biosensing, imaging, and energy conversion typically requires multistep phase transfer routes based on tailoring surface chemistry. Such surface modification can lead to instability, and increased hydrodynamic diameters, which affect utility. Thus, the ability to synthesize qdots under aqueous conditions with improved photophysical properties that are comparable to the state of the art would be very beneficial. One limitation to this is the availability of high temperature aqueous protocols, which limits size control and crystalline annealing. Here, we show the ability to fabricate highly emissive CdSe, CdSe/CdS, and CdSe/CdS/ZnS qdots under fine-tuned hydrothermal conditions. The novelty of this approach is the use of a synthetic microwave reactor for dielectric heating that provides both kinetic control, and in situ monitoring of temperature and pressure. Results indicate the dramatic improvement for core and core−shell qdot luminescence a...
Insights into the structure–activity relationship of the anticancer compound ZJ-101, a derivative of marine natural product superstolide A: A critical role played by the conjugated trienyl lactone moiety

Compound ZJ-101, a structurally simplified analog of the marine natural product superstolide A, was previously developed in our laboratory. In the subsequent structure-activity relationship study, two new analogs, ZJ-105 and ZJ-106, were designed and synthesized to probe the importance of the conjugated trienyl lactone moiety of the molecule by replacing the C2-C3 double bond in ZJ-101 with a single bond and switching the geometry of the C4-C5 double bond in ZJ-101 from Z to E, respectively. Biological evaluation showed that ZJ-105 completely loses antiproliferative activity whereas ZJ-106 is significantly less active against cancer cells in vitro than ZJ-101, suggesting that the conjugated trienyl lactone moiety of the molecule is critical for its anticancer activity.
THE ROLE FOR SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE MANAGED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM: A MODEL FOR EMPIRICALLY BASED PSYCHO-SOCIAL INTERVENTIONS

The health care industry is changing rapidly, and with it will come changes to managed health care as it is now known. This article addresses a fundamental paradigm shift with far reaching implications for the effectiveness of health care, the cost-efficiency of health care systems, and the service integration of systems (Masia, Anderson, McNeil, & Hawkins, 1997). These changes are affecting previously segregated delivery systems, specifically those of health and mental health. Increased costs and proposed budget cuts are forcing segregated systems into an overall integrated delivery system. Successful therapeutic outcomes in psycho-social treatment depend on a number of variables. In this manuscript, the author outlines worker characteristics that are recommended based on various research studies and general outcomes of behavioral change. Issues discussed include the similarity of client and worker characteristics, attributes of professionals versus paraprofessionals, and many common factors of worker ef...
Associations between somatic mutations and metabolic imaging phenotypes in non-small cell lung cancer

PET-based radiomics have been used to noninvasively quantify the metabolic tumor phenotypes; however, little is known about the relationship between these phenotypes and underlying somatic mutations. This study assessed the association and predictive power of 18F-FDG PET-based radiomic features for somatic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Methods: Three hundred forty-eight non-small cell lung cancer patients underwent diagnostic 18F-FDG PET scans and were tested for genetic mutations. Thirteen percent (44/348) and 28% (96/348) of patients were found to harbor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or Kristen rat sarcoma viral (KRAS) mutations, respectively. We evaluated 21 imaging features: 19 independent radiomic features quantifying phenotypic traits and 2 conventional features (metabolic tumor volume and maximum SUV). The association between imaging features and mutation status (e.g., EGFR-positive [EGFR+] vs. EGFR-negative) was assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The ability of each imaging feature to predict mutation status was evaluated by the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) and its significance was compared with a random guess (AUC = 0.5) using the Noether test. All P values were corrected for multiple hypothesis testing by controlling the false-discovery rate (FDRWilcoxon, FDRNoether) with a significance threshold of 10%. Results: Eight radiomic features and both conventional features were significantly associated with EGFR mutation status (FDRWilcoxon = 0.01-0.10). One radiomic feature (normalized inverse difference moment) outperformed all other features in predicting EGFR mutation status (EGFR+ vs. EGFR-negative, AUC = 0.67, FDRNoether = 0.0032), as well as differentiating between KRAS-positive and EGFR+ (AUC = 0.65, FDRNoether = 0.05). None of the features was associated with or predictive of KRAS mutation status (KRAS-positive vs. KRAS-negative, AUC = 0.50-0.54). Conclusion: Our results indicate that EGFR mutations may drive different metabolic tumor phenotypes that are captured in PET images, whereas KRAS-mutated tumors do not. This proof-of-concept study sheds light on genotype-phenotype interactions, using radiomics to capture and describe the phenotype, and may have potential for developing noninvasive imaging biomarkers for somatic mutations.
Understanding the Relationship between Red Wine Matrix, Tannin Activity, and Sensory Properties

One major red wine mouthfeel characteristic, astringency, is derived from grape-extracted tannins and is considered to be a result of interaction with salivary proteins and the oral mucosa. To improve our understanding of the role that the enthalpy of interaction of tannin with a hydrophobic surface (tannin activity) has in astringency perception, a chromatographic method was used to determine the tannin concentration and activity of 34 Cabernet Sauvignon wines, as well as sensory analysis done on 13 of those wines. In addition, astringency-relevant matrix parameters (pH, titratable acidity, ethanol, glucose, and fructose) were measured across all wines. Tannin activity was not significantly correlated with any matrix variables, and the perception of drying and grippy was not correlated with tannin concentration and activity. However, ethanol content was well related to mouthfeel attributes and appeared to drive perceived drying. Although fructose and glucose content were well correlated, they did not dri...
CapCam: Enabling Rapid, Ad-Hoc, Position-Tracked Interactions Between Devices

We present CapCam, a novel technique that enables smartphones (and similar devices) to establish quick, ad-hoc connections with a host touchscreen device, simply by pressing a device to the screen's surface. Pairing data, used to bootstrap a conventional wireless connection, is transmitted optically to the phone's rear camera. This approach utilizes the near-ubiquitous rear camera on smart devices, making it applicable to a wide range of devices, both new and old. CapCam also tracks phones' physical positions on the host capacitive touchscreen without any instrumentation, enabling a wide range of targeted interactions. We quantify the communication performance of our pairing approach and demonstrate data transmission rates up to four times faster than prior camera-based techniques. To demonstrate the unique capability and utility of our system, we built a series of example applications, highlighting different interaction techniques CapCam enables.
Multi-nuclear ( 119 Sn and 65 Cu) NMR and Raman spectroscopy to probe secondary phases in Cu 2 ZnSnS 4

Raman spectroscopy is combined with X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to probe several phases in the Cu-Zn-Sn-S system, including Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 , Cu 4 Sn 7 S 16 and Cu 2 SnS 3 powders. 119Sn and 65Cu spectra reveal at least one other Cu-containing phase present in all samples. Most of these phases were not easily observed in x-ray diffraction or the Raman spectra. Also, contrary to previous work, the Cu in these CZTS powders was shown to exist in three unique lattice sites. Thus, NMR spectroscopy is potentially useful as a complimentary technique to traditional characterization methods due to its ability to probe secondary phases that might otherwise be undetectable.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Ca14NbxIn1-xAs11 (x ≈ 0.85)

Single-crystals of the new compound Ca14NbxIn1–xAs11 have been obtained from a solid-state reaction in a sealed Nb ampoule. The initial experiment had been set up with the aim to investigate the effect of electron doping (via In) on the crystal structure and physical properties of Ca14MnAs11. Subsequent single-crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis work suggested that instead of Ca14MnxIn1–xAs11, the major product of the reaction is the phase Ca14NbxIn1–xAs11. This supposition was corroborated when the title compound was synthesized from a reaction of Ca, In and As in a sealed Nb ampoule, proving that, 1) Mn metal is not included in the structure, and 2) that the inadvertent side reaction of As with the walls of the Nb container is the source of the niobium. The overall structure is isotypic with the tetragonal Ca14AlSb11 structure type (space group I41/acd), although some marked differences between the two must be noted. Current ongoing work is focused on the synthesis of phase pure polycrystalline samples and determination of the physical properties of this unusual transition metal Zintl phase.