cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Traumatic Events Among Treatment-Seeking, Alcohol Dependent Women and Men without PTSD

Women and men with trauma histories comprise a significant proportion of the population seeking treatment for alcohol and other substance use disorders (Ouimette, Kimerling, Shaw, & Moos, 2000; Rice, et al., 2001). Although findings vary somewhat depending on the patient population, type of trauma examined, diagnostic criteria, and the measurement approaches employed, trauma exposure rates among substance abusers remain considerably higher than the general population (Briere & Elliott, 2003; Hyman, Paliwal, & Sinha, 2007). Much of the research in this area has focused either exclusively on women or men, or on a heterogeneous population with comorbid alcohol, other substance use disorders, and stress-related conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Back, Sonne, Killeen, Dansky, & Brady, 2003; Ouimette, et al., 2000). Studies that have compared women and men have found mixed results (Dansky, et al., 1996; Farley, Golding, Young, Mulligan, & Minkoff, 2004; Rice et al., 2001), with some studies demonstrating gender differences in traumatic exposure (Farley et al., 2004; Rice et al., 2001) and trauma outcomes (Danielson et al., 2009), and others finding more similarities than differences between women and men in treatment for alcohol and cooccurring drug addictions (Dansky et al., 1996). In order to address several gaps in the existing literature, we examined self-reported prevalence rates of exposure to traumatic life events in treatment-seeking women and men with alcohol dependence and other substance use disorders who did not have a current or lifetime diagnosis of PTSD. We also examined childhood and lifetime exposure to a wide range of traumatic events, thus, providing a more comprehensive assessment of trauma exposure than typically reported. Finally, we examined whether co-addiction (i.e., abuse or dependence) to cocaine and other stimulant drugs and gender have interactive effects on trauma exposure, as there are reports that these relationships may be substance-specific (Back, Sonne, Killeen, Dansky & Brady, 2003).
Adrenoceptor subtypes involved in neurally evoked sympathetic vasoconstriction in the anterior choroid of cats.

Abstract Electrical stimulation of the preganglionic cervical sympathetic nerve produced ocular vasoconstrictor responses as measured from the anterior choroid of anesthetized cats using laser-Doppler flowmetry. Ipsilateral nictitating membrane contractions were simultaneously measured as an established index of neural sympathetic activation. The frequency-response relationships for both effectors were nearly linear from 0·125-32 Hz. When elicited at 2-min intervals, submaximal evoked responses of both systems were stable for more than 1 hr. Ocular vasoconstrictor and nictitating membrane responses were blocked in a dose-dependent fashion by intravenous treatment with the non-selective α-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine (0·1-3·0 mg kg-1) and with phenoxybenzamine (3·0 mg kg-1) as well as with the selective α1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (10-300 μg kg-1). In contrast, neither evoked response was antagonized by α2-adrenoceptor blocker, yohimbine (10-300 μg kg-1), nor with rauwolscine (500 μg kg-1). No significant alteration in magnitude of ocular vasoconstriction was seen with blockade of either muscarinic (atropine, 1 mg kg-1) or β-adrenergic (propranolol, 1 mg kg-1) receptors. These results demonstrate the usefulness of laser-Doppler flowmetry in studies of the choroidal circulation and suggest that, as previously established for the nictitating membrane, adrenergic neurogenic vasoconstriction in the anterior segment of the eye is mediated almost exclusively by α1-adrenoceptor mechanisms.
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated human herpesvirus-8 encodes homologues of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 and interleukin-6

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) has been detected in Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) lesions of all types (AIDS-related, classical and endemic), in body-cavity-based B-cell lymphomas (BCBLs) and in le-sions of multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). We have identified a major gamma-herpesvirus-divergent locus (DL-B) in HHV-8 DNA encoding several HHV-8 unique open reading frames (ORFs), including a homologue of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and two homologues of macrophage inflammatory protein MIP-1. We show that the HHV-8-encoded IL-6 homologue (vlL-6) shares functional properties with endogenous IL-6 proteins and that both vlL-6 and vMIP-1 transcripts are present at high levels following butyrate induction of an HHV-8+ BCBL cell line. Low amounts of constitutive vlL-6, but not vMIP-1, mRNA were also detected. The presence of a functional IL-6 homologue encoded by HHV-8 may provide a mechanistic model for the hypothesized role of HHV-8 in KS, MCD and BCBL that involves the mitogenic effects of vlL-6 on surrounding cells. MIP-1 proteins may enhance these effects through the chemotactic recruitment of endogenous cy-tokine-producing cells into affected tissues and could potentially influence HIV disease progression in coinfected individuals through interactions with the HIV co-receptor CCR-5.
Response of the monkey cholinergic septohippocampal system to fornix transection: A histochemical and cytochemical analysis

Transection of the fimbria-fornix pathway is a paradigm that has been richly exploited in rats to assess the structural and functional correlates of cognitive behavior, neural grafting, and growth factor administration. Principally, the degeneration of cholinergic neurons within the septal/diagonal band region has received detailed attention following this manipulation. In contrast, no studies have examined the response of the cholinergic septal/diagonal neurons following axotomy in nonhuman primates. This study examined the neuronal and glial responses within the septal region to selective fornix transection (without cingulate gyrus ablation) in four Cebus apella monkeys. One month following unilateral transection of the fornix by means of an open microsurgical approach, a comprehensive loss of acetylcholinesterase [AChE]-containing fibers was observed throughout the hippocampal formation and dentate gyrus ipsilateral to the lesion. Decreases in AChE fiber densities were also observed within the entorhinal cortex ipsilateral to the lesion. No such changes in AChE-fiber density were consistently observed within the subicular region. The decrease in hippocampal AChE-positive fibers was paralleled by a 49.5% reduction in cholinergic medial septal neurons as revealed by Nissl stains and immunohistochemical staining for the receptor for nerve growth factor, a marker of cholinergic basal forebrain neurons in primates. In contrast, no significant changes in the number of neurons within the vertical limb of the diagonal band were noted. Following the transection, a relatively intense reactive gliosis was observed within the dorsal half of the septal region ipsilateral to the transection and within the overlying transected corpus callosum. These data provide the foundation in nonhuman primates on which novel therapeutic factors can be evaluated in paradigms relevant to the study of Alzheimer's disease.
Fidelity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) shows extensive genetic variation and undergoes rapid evolution. The fidelity of purified HIV-1 reverse transcriptase was measured during DNA polymerization in vitro by means of three different assays. Reverse transcriptase from HIV-1 introduced base-substitution errors in DNA from the bacteriophage phi X174 amber3 at estimated frequencies of 1/2000 to 1/4000. Analyses of misincorporation rates opposite a single template adenine residue showed that HIV-1 reverse transcriptase catalyzed nucleotide mismatches with a specificity of A:C much greater than A:G greater than A:A. The high error rate of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in vitro translates to approximately five to ten errors per HIV-1 genome per round of replication in vivo. This high error rate suggests that misincorporation by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase is, at least in part, responsible for the hypermutability of the AIDS virus. The specificity of misincorporation may provide a basis for the systematic construction of antiviral nucleosides.
Nitrogen-15 NMR coordination shifts of β-alanine and glycine in cobalt(III) complexes

Abstract 15 N NMR chemical shifts of/g-alaninato chelates in cobalt(III) complexes were investigated in comparison to that of glycinato chelates, for the effect of trans influence and chelate ring size on amine nitrogen NMR coordination shifts. The coordination shifts of both chelates are found to be about 20 ppm larger for an amine group trans to the oxygen ligator than for one trans to the nitrogen ligator in a complex. It is also found that β-alanine exhibits on average 10 ppm smaller coordination shifts. Both effects may be considered as a consequence of NCo bond strength changes.
Alterations in the distribution of high-energy phosphates during ischemia in a canine model of reperfusion-induced ventricular fibrillation

High-energy phosphate metabolites of the canine heart were analyzed before coronary artery occlusion and after 15 minutes of ischemia, and the results were then correlated with the occurrence of ventricular fibrillation upon reperfusion (RVF). Animals which developed VF upon reperfusion after 15 minutes of ischemia had lower levels of creatine phosphate and endocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and increased accumulation of the catabolites of ATP metabolism, inosine and hypoxanthine. Animals which developed RVF also had lower levels of regional myocardial blood flow in the center of the ischemic zone during the period of coronary occlusion. Occluded bed size was the same in dogs which did and did not develop RVF. These data suggest that VF upon reflow is associated with more severe ischemia and an increase in high-energy phosphate catabolism during the period of ischemia.
Food or Fuel: Rising Gasoline Prices and Food Access Among WIC Families in Non-Metropolitan Southwest Michigan

In 2007 and early 2008 retail gasoline prices rose nearly 75% along with rising food prices. We investigated grocery shopping attitudes and behavior of 69 families receiving Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program benefits in non-metropolitan southwest Michigan and 8 local food retailers during this period. Interviews covered food buying habits and the impact of rising gasoline prices. Analysis revealed heightened concern about household food budgets, decreased shopping frequency, compromised food quality (fewer fresh foods), and, in several cases, likely food insufficiency. Retailers confirmed customer concerns and changes in shopping habits. Findings suggest that food insecurity risk among this population may increase when gasoline prices rapidly rise.
The lean manufacturing enterprise: An emerging sociotechnological system integration

Lean production represents a change in production system paradigm that calls for integration of the human and technological practices. This article reviews previous models of lean production that concentrated mainly on some distinct features of its philosophy, organization, and techniques and presents a framework of lean production as a sociotechnological system. The proposed framework provides an integrated view based on the interactions of human and technological elements. The lean enterprise is viewed as a dynamic process that translates its goals (zero waste, flow, and pull) into combined techniques that should be implemented throughout the entire organization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 14: 285–306, 2004.
Differential Nucleolar Staining of Malignant and Benign Tissues with Pontacyl Dark Green B1

Eighteen acid textile dyes were evaluated as histological stains with emphasis on nucleolar staining. A solution composed of 1 ml of 2 N HCI added to 100 ml of 2% Pontacyl dark green B stained the nucleolus of bronchiogenic, prostatic and squamous cell carcinoma, of melanoma, and of osteogenic and chondrosarcoma cells intensely. In benign hyperplasia, epithelial cell nucleoli were stained lightly. The epithelial cells of normal tissue adjacent to squamous cell carcinoma, and those of leukoplakia, showed deeply stained nucleoli.
Myostatin knockout in mice increases myogenesis and decreases adipogenesis.

Growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8), or Myostatin, plays an important inhibitory role during muscle development. Since muscle and adipose tissue develop from the same mesenchymal stem cells, we hypothesized that Myostatin gene knockout may cause a switch between myogenesis and adipogenesis. Male and female wild type (WT) and Myostatin knockout (KO) mice were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age. The gluteus muscle (GM) was larger in KO mice compared to WT mice at 8 (P < 0.01) and 12 (P < 0.001) weeks. At 12 weeks, KO mice had decreased fat depots (P < 0.01). Compared to 12-week-old WT mice, serum leptin concentration in KO mice was lower (P < 0.001) and leptin mRNA expression was decreased (P < 0.01) in inguinal adipose tissue. CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-alpha (C/EBPalpha) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) levels in adipose tissue were significantly lower in KO mice compared to WT mice. Thus, increased muscle development in Myostatin knockout mice is associated with reduced adipogenesis and consequently, decreased leptin secretion.
Personal Health Records for Patients with Chronic Disease

Background: Personal health records (PHRs) connected to a physician’s electronic health record system hold substantial promise for supporting and engaging patients with chronic disease. Objectives: To explore how U.S. health care organizations are currently utilizing PHRs for chronic disease populations. Methods: A mixed methods study including semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire was conducted. A purposive sample was developed of health care organizations which were recognized as exemplars for PHRs and were high performers in national patient satisfaction surveys (H-CAHPS or CAHPS). Within each organization, participants were health IT leaders or those managing high-risk or chronic disease populations. Results: Interviews were conducted with 30 informants and completed questionnaires were received from 16 organizations (84% response rate). Most PHRs allowed patients to access health records and educational material, message their provider, renew prescriptions and request appointments. Patient generated data was increasingly being sought and combined with messaging, resulted in greater understanding of patient health and functioning outside of the clinic visit. However for chronic disease populations, there was little targeted involvement in PHR design and few tools to help interpret and manage their conditions beyond those offered for all. The PHR was largely uncoupled from high risk population management interventions and no clear framework for future PHR development emerged. Conclusion: This technology is currently underutilized and represents a major opportunity given the potential benefits of patient engagement and shared decision making. A coherent patient-centric PHR design and evaluation strategy is required to realize its potential and maximize this natural hub for multidisciplinary care co-ordination.
Sustainability and the Office of CyberInfrastructure

The National Science Foundation’s Office of CyberInfrastructure (OCI) supports a broad set of infrastructure, including hardware, software, and services to enable computational science in a variety of disciplines. Issues of sustainability and reusability in this context have become a priority. This paper addresses several approaches to sustainability, and how they OCIs task forces are addressing this critical need.
Using the Media Independent Information Service to Support Mobile Authentication in Fast Mobile IPv6

We explore the use of the Media Independent Information Service (MIIS) in the IEEE 802.21 Media Independent Handover (MIH) framework to improve handover performance for Fast Mobile IPv6 by providing Authentication information. We explore the tradeoffs of Pre-Authentication before joining a new network versus authentication after connecting to a new network during a Fast Mobile IPv6 handover. We discuss our implementations of services available from the MIIS in simulation using the ns-2 simulation system and evaluate their performance.
Anti-Icing Operations with Prewetted Fine-Graded Salt

The Kansas Department of Transportation and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in cooperation with the Brown and Columbia County Highway Departments conducted a 2-year study of various gradations of road salt used during winter storm events in an anti-icing application. The objectives of the study were to document the advantages of two finer gradations of prewetted salt used during anti-icing operations and to evaluate the ability of current salt spreader equipment to distribute various gradations of salt. The four-task study consisted of laboratory and field testing of various prewetting rates for the different gradations of salt, field observations and documentation of actual winter maintenance activities, analysis of data collected during actual storm events, and reporting of results. Results and conclusions from the 2 years of data collection were limited because only a minimal number of storm events could be documented. The finer gradation of salt did produce a faster salt brine reaction on the pavement, but it did not last as long as the standard gradation of salt, which resulted in more frequent reapplication of the finer gradation of salt.
A minimal relativistic model for the three nucleon system

.A start is made on disentangling relativistic kinematic effects from “three body forces” by presenting a minimal relativistic model in which the internal mesonic degree of freedom is treated on the same footing as the nucleonic degrees of freedom. The meson is not allowed to appear asymptotically, specifying the two-nucleon “off shell” amplitudes which can be used to calculate the three nucleon problem. The results are identical to those obtained from the same model starting from three nucleons and one meson. In effect we have discovered a “relativistic potential model” which does not generate “three body forces”.
Pilot study of a prototype minimally invasive intradermal continuous glucose monitor.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to assess point accuracy, rate-of-change accuracy, and safety of a prototype, minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device over a 12 h in-clinic study. The CGM system consisted of a wireless electronics module with a disposable glucose sensor attached to the bottom. The electronics module was affixed to the abdomen using an adhesive pad on the bottom of the disposable sensor housing.
Quick reconfiguration in clustered micro-sequencer

This paper presents a micro-sequencer based reconfigurable system. We introduce the concept of quick reconfiguration and compare it with existing "full reconfiguration" schemes. In a typical scenario, reconfiguring a system from one application to another does not require a "full" reconfiguration. Instead we can exploit similarities among various applications to save on reconfiguration time. We show that a significant speedup is gained by using quick reconfiguration on a set of image processing benchmarks, which takes seconds versus hours in traditional FPGA reconfigurations. We evaluate the flexibility, the performance and the parallelism of this architecture with customized functional units. Furthermore, a method was proposed for customizing clustered datapath to improve the throughput of the system. This method accelerates the system by 13 times on average compared to the case where the same algorithm is running on a modern processor. We also map various applications directly onto FPGAs and measure the silicon area and the power consumption and compare to the case where the applications are implemented on micro-sequencers. On average, micro-sequencer takes 31% more area and consumes 23% more power. However, the reconfiguration time is decreased to less than one second on average while for applications directly mapped onto FPGAs, it is near 3000 seconds.
Preparation and characterization of several group 12 element (Zn, Cd)- bis (thiolate) complexes and evaluation of their potential as precursors for 12–16 semiconducting materials

Compounds of the general formula M(SR)2 (M = Zn, Cd; R = i-Pr, t-Bu, Bz) have been prepared and explored as potential unimolecular starting materials for the preparation of binary group 12 metal sulfides. These new compounds have been characterized by IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Chemical derivatization of these insoluble metal-bis(thiolate) compounds by complexation with N-CH3 -imidazole renders them more soluble. These adducts were investigated by elemental analysis. Thermolytic decompositions of both the parent and derivatized compounds have been carried out both in the solid state and by heating a suspension of the appropriate metal-bis(thiolate) compound in an inert high boiling hydrocarbon medium. The thermolysis products have been studied by GC/MS (liquids) and x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and particle size determination (solids).
A Microwave Occultation Observing System Optimized to Characterize Atmospheric Water, Temperature, and Geopotential via Absorption

A new remote sensing concept extrapolated from the GPS occultation concept is presented in which the signal frequencies are chosen to determine atmospheric water, temperature, and the geopotential of atmospheric pressure surfaces. Using frequencies near the 22- and 183-GHz water lines allows not only the speed of light to be derived as a GPS occultation but also derivation of profiles of absorption caused by atmospheric water. Given the additional water information, moisture and temperature as well as the geopotential of pressure surfaces can be separated and solved for. Error covariance results indicate that the accuracies of individual water profiles will be 0.5%‐3% extending from roughly 1‐75-km altitude. Temperature accuracies of individual profiles will be sub-Kelvin from ;1- to 70-km altitude depending on latitude and season. Accuracies of geopotential heights of pressure will be 10‐20 m from the surface to 60-km altitude. These errors are random such that climatological averages derived from this data will be significantly more accurate. Owing to the limb-viewing geometry, the along-track resolution is comparable to the 200‐300 km of the GPS occultation observations, but the shorter 22- and 183-GHz wavelengths improve the diffraction-limited vertical resolution to 100‐300 m. The technique can be also used to determine profiles of other atmospheric constituents such as upper-tropospheric and stratospheric ozone by using frequencies near strong lines of that constituent. The combined dynamic range, accuracy, vertical resolution, and ability to penetrate clouds far surpass that of any present or planned satellite sensors. A constellation of such sensors would provide an all-weather, global remote sensing capability including full sampling of the diurnal cycle for process studies related to water, climate research, and weather prediction in general.
Perspectives on Percutaneous Penetration of Nanomaterials

The skin may be an unintended route for localized and systemic exposure to nanoparticles released during the manufacture, use, and disposal of nanomaterials. Percutaneous absorption is a dynamic process and there are many components with which a penetrant interacts before possibly gaining systemic access. Here, the classic ten steps of percutaneous penetration are expanded to 15 perspectives. These are issues considered from the perspective of nanoparticles and the potential risks of dermal exposure. Although much remains to be done in the field of dermatotoxicology of nanomaterials, uncertainties regarding the impact of nanoscale materials would be helped by greater consistency in methodologies used to assess health risks. Without extensive validation of highly standardized and well-controlled test systems, in vitro data alone cannot be used in place of in vivo data.
AN UNUSUAL TYPE OF SIBLING AGGRESSION IN BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERONS

Abstract Sibling aggression varies with brood size, nestling age disparities, and food characteristics. We observed feeding and fighting within two broods of Black-crowned Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) in Minnesota. In one nest, on two different days, a senior chick swallowed the head of its smallest sibling, immobilizing it until it seemed near death. Occasional fights also occurred in this nest only. Senior chicks in both nests gained more food than juniors. We discuss possible functions of head-swallows, including how this behavior, as well as fighting and other factors, may have enhanced the feeding advantage of seniors.
Hybrid Active Learning Situations

Background. I explore the use in undergraduate classes of active learning situations ALSs that model the structure of common pool resources. I respond to critiques of the usefulness of ALSs for use in classrooms by reviewing their ability to convey important concepts and theories and to facilitate student acquisition of policy details. Aim. I examine how learning efficiency is enhanced by choosing the right form of ALS - ranging from abstract games to detailed simulations. The learning efficiency of using games or simulations in the classroom, or something in between, likely depends on the instructor's purposes - conveying general theories applicable to many cases or the details and dynamics of particular policies. Method. I discuss use of a hybrid example of a common pool resource ALS to illustrate use of the ALS to help achieve the purposes of a course on the Rise and Decline of Human Civilizations. Conclusion. Descriptions of the content of debriefing sessions for six courses taught in the US and China provide support for the usefulness of this ALS in achieving purposes that focus on conveying knowledge about abstract features of common pool resource challenges confronting past societies, the climate change problem confronting contemporary global society, and how to avoid tragic outcomes in each case.
The Limited Liability Company and the Search for a Bright Line Between Corporations and Partnerships

Despite the potential loss in tax revenue, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is making it easier and easier to avoid corporate taxes. Witness the advent of limited liability companies and the proposed check-the-box regulations. This article takes a look at the real distinctions between -- and policy supporting -- pass-through and entity level taxation and draws the conclusion that entity level taxation will probably become limited to publicly traded entities only.
The Effects of Leadership Style and Workload on Team Alarm Reaction Performance and Team Satisfaction

Previous research has indicated that flight crew communication problems cause the majority of human errors in aircraft cockpits. Such problems may further degrade reaction decisions to unreliable alarm signals. In this research we examine how leadership style and workload affect collective reactions to unreliable alarms. Seventeen psychology student dyads from Old Dominion University were randomly assigned to act as pilots or copilots while performing complex psychomotor and alarm response tasks. Dyad leaders (pilots) were assigned to exhibit autocratic or participative leadership behaviors. Dyads reacted to ten alarms in each condition and were randomly assigned to a low or high psychomotor task workload group. Results indicated that dyads in the low workload group reacted to alarms significantly faster than dyads in the high workload group. Also, copilots indicated higher leadership satisfaction in the participative style. These findings suggest that alarm designers consider workload when implementing a...
An Evolving Understanding of the Genetic Causes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Disease.

Abstract Aneurysms of the abdominal aorta (AAA) are relatively common - affecting as many as 8% of men and 1% of women over the age of 65. AAAs are characterized by a 50% increase in the diameter of the aneurysmal aorta compared with the normal vessel. Degeneration of structural components of the aortic wall is believed to be central in the pathogenesis of AAAs. The exact mechanism of degeneration is not well characterized, although degradation of elastin and collagen has been clearly shown. At least six genetic variants have been associated with AAA in genome-wide association studies: CDKN2BAS1, DAB2IP, LDLR, LRP1, SORT1, and IL6R. These variants reach genome-wide significance; however, they have not been replicated in multiple cohorts, nor have they been clearly shown to be disease causative. AAA is a challenging disease for investigation because it is most often asymptomatic and generally has a late disease onset, making it difficult to diagnose. Determination of the genetic mechanism behind aneurysm formation, progression, and rupture crosses disciplines requiring input from multiple fields of study, larger patient cohorts, and the evolving modalities of genetic testing.
Measuring hassles in adults with congenital heart disease

Abstract Objectives Medical professionals who care for young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) provide not only medical care, but also address psychosocial issues unique to this patient population. Still, little is known about the daily stressors encountered among adults with CHD. The present study investigated daily stressors within the adult CHD population. Design A prospective, cross-sectional study of daily Hassles was conducted in patients ≥18years in our adult CHD clinic. Participants completed surveys to assess demographics, CHD severity, lifestyle behaviors and psychological distress using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Perceived stress was measured by the Hassles portion of the Combined Hassles and Uplifts scale. Results Of the 128 patients enrolled in the study (48% men; median age 29years (23–38 IQR), severe CHD complexity (45.8%) most were ≤NYHA-FC II (87.6%). Financial hassles were greater in those reporting annual household income less than $40,000. A moderate inverse relationship was detected between depression and level of education ( p =0.022). The level of depression was associated with income level ( p =0.001). Conclusions Commonly encountered stressors in adults with CHD include unemployment and lower annual household income. This was compounded by an inverse correlation between depression and employment status/household income. Given the impact of depression on cardiovascular disease, this may now justify screening in this population. Identification of these psychosocial factors may become an essential method to identify the ‘at-risk' patient and target preventive efforts.
The effect of locus ceruleus lesion on water, sodium and potassium content of the rat cerebral cortex

AbstractLocus ceruleus lesion decreases the density of ouabain binding sites, and presumably Na+, K+-ATPase, in brain microvessels. To determine if this decrease affects the transport of Na+, K+ or water across the blood-brain barrier, we studied the influence of unilateral locus ceruleus lesion on Na+, K+ and water content of the ipsilateral cerebral cortex. Unilateral locus ceruleus lesion depleted norepinephrine in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex but had ho effect on tissue Na+, K+ or water under steady-state conditions. When the Na+/K+ exchange pump of the blood-brain barrier was stressed by hyperkalaemia, K+ content in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex rose to higher levels than in the contralateral cortex, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Locus ceruleus lesion also did not cause significant differences in the cerebral cortical content of water; Na+ or K+ in hyponatraemia. The results suggest that brain water and ion homeostasis are tightly controlled, probably by multiple mec...
Big Boys and Chinese Walls

In most modern bankruptcy cases under Chapter 11, creditors and sophisticated investors trade in the claims against the debtor. Treating these claims like securities, various parties—including creditors serving on creditors’ committees—buy and sell bank debts, trade debts, tort claims, and other obligations the debtor incurred in the course of business. Amid an unstable judicial and academic consensus that the securities laws do not apply to trading in these claims, courts have developed a set of bankruptcy-specific remedies for abusive claims trading, including for situations that resemble insider trading. Courts generally allow creditors on committees to trade claims as long as they have in place a “Chinese Wall” 1 separating their committee activity from their trading activity. But although Chinese Walls effectively prevent harms arising from violations of fiduciary duty, they are inappropriate guards against harms arising from insider trading itself. The crucial distinction between liability based on fiduciary duties and liability based on insider trading proper means that courts should accept the use of “big boy letters”—essentially nonreliance letters in which each party agrees to accept the possibility that the other has undisclosed inside information relevant to the trade—as an independent defense to insider trading liability. This Comment thus argues that, together, big boy letters and Chinese Walls respond to the harms that animate the bankruptcy remedies. Chinese Walls address the harms involved in fiduciary duty liability, though they have certain practical deficiencies. Big boy letters, for their part, guard against the harms associated with insider trading liability. This core insight—that Chinese Walls address one source of liability and big boy letters the other—suggests that bankruptcy courts should incorporate Chinese Walls and big boy letters into their claims trading regulations, and thereby realign the remedies for insider claims trading along the division between fiduciary duty liability and insider trading liability proper.
NADPH Oxidase–Derived Superoxide Provides a Third Signal for CD4 T Cell Effector Responses

Originally recognized for their direct induced toxicity as a component of the innate immune response, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can profoundly modulate T cell adaptive immune responses. Efficient T cell activation requires: signal 1, consisting of an antigenic peptide-MHC complex binding with the TCR; signal 2, the interaction of costimulatory molecules on T cells and APCs; and signal 3, the generation of innate immune-derived ROS and proinflammatory cytokines. This third signal, in particular, has proven essential in generating productive and long-lasting immune responses. Our laboratory previously demonstrated profound Ag-specific hyporesponsiveness in the absence of NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide. To further examine the consequences of ROS deficiency on Ag-specific T cell responses, our laboratory generated the OT-II.Ncf1(m1J) mouse, possessing superoxide-deficient T cells recognizing the nominal Ag OVA323-339 In this study, we demonstrate that OT-II.Ncf1(m1J) CD4 T cells displayed a severe reduction in Th1 T cell responses, in addition to blunted IL-12R expression and severely attenuated proinflammatory chemokine ligands. Conversely, IFN-γ synthesis and IL-12R synthesis were rescued by the addition of exogenous superoxide via the paramagnetic superoxide donor potassium dioxide or superoxide-sufficient dendritic cells. Ultimately, these data highlight the importance of NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in providing a third signal for adaptive immune maturation by modulating the IL-12/IL-12R pathway and the novelty of the OT-II.Ncf1(m1J) mouse model to determine the role of redox-dependent signaling on effector responses. Thus, targeting ROS represents a promising therapeutic strategy in dampening Ag-specific T cell responses and T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes.
Evolving Trends Towards Minimally Invasive Surgery for Solid-Pseudopapillary Neoplasms.

Solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms are rare pancreatic neoplasms with low malignant potential that predominantly arise in young women. We sought to characterize this population and the evolving trend at our institution towards laparoscopic management. We identified all patients at our institution that were surgically treated for solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm from 2008-2015. Demographic and clinical information were queried from the medical record, and descriptive statistics were performed. Student’s t test and chi-square analysis were used for comparison where appropriate. We identified 11 women and 1 man (average age 26 years; range 14–48 years) who were surgically treated for solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms; 5 with distal pancreatectomy (4 open, 1 laparoscopic), 6 with pancreaticoduodenectomy (3 open, 3 laparoscopic), and 1 open enucleation. From 2008 to 2013, seven of eight (87 %) procedures were performed open. Since 2014, three of four (75 %) procedures have successfully been completed laparoscopically (see video clips). Length of stay was similar for patients who had open versus laparoscopic procedures (8 vs. 9 days, p = 0.61). Two-thirds of patients (5/8) who had open procedures experienced postoperative complications compared with half (2/4) of patients who had laparoscopic procedures (p = 0.28). There have been no recurrences. Minimally invasive surgical management of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasms is becoming more popular, can be performed safely, and appears to have comparable outcomes to an open approach. Quality of life is an important metric for this relatively young population and may be improved with a laparoscopic approach, which warrants further investigation.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Definitions and Epidemiology

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most common complications of prematurity that results from abnormal lung development and impaired lung function. Multiple diagnostic criteria have been developed over the years to define BPD and determine its severity and long-term prognosis. This chapter provides an update on the changes in epidemiology of BPD, describes the rationale behind different definitions, and discusses their advantages and limitations in face of the changing epidemiology of BPD.
A hybrid distributed slot assignment TDMA channel access protocol

A distributed hybrid channel access protocol for a network of partially connected tactical users is presented. The protocol defines a random access time slotted nonpersistent carrier-sense multiple access (CSMA) protocol for rapid network access for low-volume bursty traffic and a reservation time-division multiple processor (TDMA) protocol for efficient forwarding of high-volume periodic traffic. The TDMA protocol organizes the network users into communications groups (CGs) of fully connected nodes and allocates slots to be shared by CG members using a variation of the mini-slotted alternating priorities (MSAP) protocol to provide hidden terminal collision-free communication between the members of a CG. A node may be a member of several overlapping CGs to support efficient relaying of traffic. Both protocols use a mechanism for higher priority traffic to capture a channel slot by preempting the transmission of lower priority traffic. >
Meaning Violation and Restoration Following Trauma: Conceptual Overview and Clinical Implications

This chapter presents a meaning making model to conceptualize survivors' adjustment following trauma and the implications of this model for assessment and treatment delivery. The meaning making model is described and the current literature regarding this model is reviewed. This model focuses on both global and situational levels of meaning and considers trauma as arising when global and situational meaning are discrepant. Meaning making processes help to reduce discrepancies by either reappraising the meaning of the traumatic event and its implications or shifting one's global beliefs or goals. Meaning making restores harmony within an individual's meaning system, leading to healing. The implications of this model for clinical work are explored in terms of assessment and therapeutic approaches, including specific tools and techniques.
Teacher Configurable Coding Challenges for Block Languages

COPPER (CustOmizable Puzzle Programming EnviRonment) is a meta-configurable tool for creating coding puzzles on a grid using a blocks-based programming language, similar to puzzles in Code.org's Hour of Code. COPPER has the potential to increase student interest and engagement by allowing a teacher to customize levels for individual classes or students. Teachers can create characters for specialized puzzles by uploading pictures to customize their appearance and using the block-language to design the character's behavior. They can then place these characters onto a grid, and arrange them into a puzzle for their students to solve. A teacher can specify the goal of each coding puzzle, as well as restrict which blocks a student may use, allowing a teacher to gradually introduce programming concepts. For example, an elementary school teacher could highlight concepts from a history lesson by building a customized grid where characters from a historical context navigate around objects relevant to the topic being studied. COPPER uses Google's Blockly framework to eliminate the mental overhead of memorizing textual syntax, allowing students to focus on building computational thinking skills. Block-based languages have been shown to be more effective than text-based languages when teaching programming to first-learners. Combined with customization, COPPER has the potential to lead to higher student interest and comprehension of programming concepts in a customized context. This poster will also summarize results obtained through initial experimentation through collaboration with K-8 teachers and their students.
A critical analysis of the computer graphic art of Japan using six case studies

In this study, six individual computer graphic artists of Tokyo are selected as case studies to represent Japanese contributions to the fine arts in this new medium. The six artists are: Yoichiro Kawaguchi, Ryoichiro Debuchi, Masaki Fujihata, Naoko Motoyoshi, Naoko Tosa, and Ikuro Choh. They are interviewed to investigate their ideas, background, possible influences, perceptions of their own work, and personal philosophies on computer art. Some of the artists' peers, colleagues and critics are also interviewed to establish the context for the study. The artists' computer animated films, stills and other art forms are reviewed using descriptive, interpretative, and evaluative methods of art criticism, and the chronological development of each artist's works is documented to relate his or her stylistic development to external influences. Some of the computer animations produced by artists who work for production companies incorporate traditional Japanese imagery, which may give an international audience the impression of a "Japanese style." Ironically, this may result from an effort to produce work that appeals to a Western audience. Other artists create computer algorithms as a form of personal expression, and the computer graphic imagery that results form the primary elements of their artwork. This expressive style may be more closely related to traditional Japanese forms of expression in which personal style evolves unconsciously from the artist's knowledge and practiced familiarity with technique. There are parallels between Japanese computer graphic art and contemporary Japanese sculpture. There are similarities in artists' interest in nature, natural growth, intuitive expression, and approaches to form and space. Like other forms of contemporary art in Japan, there is rarely a political or social narrative. There are differences in the overall complexity of computer graphics when compared with the simplicity of form and materials in contemporary Japanese sculpture. Like contemporary Japanese sculpture, the computer graphic art of Japan, has a rich variety of influences. It is a mixture of modern electronic media with contemporary as well as traditional ideas. It is an example of the tensions and balance between high technology and tradition, the old and the new, the indigenous and the international in postmodern Japan.
Theory for Crossflow Microfiltration

In this chapter, recent theories describing crossflow microfiltration behavior are presented. First, the use of macroscopic balances to describe the overall behavior of various microfiltration module configurations is briefly reviewed. A major portion of this chapter is then devoted to recent models that predict the steady-state and transient permeate flux for crossflow microfiltration. These models are summarized in a brief section that describes the predicted dependence of the permeate flux on the material properties of the suspensions and the operating conditions of the filter. The focus is on the use of microporous membranes, which accomplish the desired separation using the sieving mechanism of surface filtration. The ssumption is made that the membrane completely rejects the particles reaching its surface. The chapter concludes with a review of cross-flow filtration experiments and their comparison with theory.
Directionally Convolutional Networks for 3D Shape Segmentation

Previous approaches on 3D shape segmentation mostly rely on heuristic processing and hand-tuned geometric descriptors. In this paper, we propose a novel 3D shape representation learning approach, Directionally Convolutional Network (DCN), to solve the shape segmentation problem. DCN extends convolution operations from images to the surface mesh of 3D shapes. With DCN, we learn effective shape representations from raw geometric features, i.e., face normals and distances, to achieve robust segmentation. More specifically, a two-stream segmentation framework is proposed: one stream is made up by the proposed DCN with the face normals as the input, and the other stream is implemented by a neural network with the face distance histogram as the input. The learned shape representations from the two streams are fused by an element-wise product. Finally, Conditional Random Field (CRF) is applied to optimize the segmentation. Through extensive experiments conducted on benchmark datasets, we demonstrate that our approach outperforms the current state-of-the-arts (both classic and deep learning-based) on a large variety of 3D shapes.
Short-term load forecasting based automatic distribution network reconfiguration

In a traditional dynamic network reconfiguration study, the optimal topology is determined at every scheduled time point by using the real load data measured at that time. The development of the load forecasting technique can provide an accurate prediction of the load power that will happen in a future time and provide more information about load changes. With the inclusion of load forecasting, the optimal topology can be determined based on the predicted load conditions during a longer time period instead of using a snapshot of the load at the time when the reconfiguration happens; thus, the distribution system operator can use this information to better operate the system reconfiguration and achieve optimal solutions. This paper proposes a short-term load forecasting approach to automatically reconfigure distribution systems in a dynamic and pre-event manner. Specifically, a short-term and high-resolution distribution system load forecasting approach is proposed with a forecaster based on support vector regression and parallel parameters optimization. The network reconfiguration problem is solved by using the forecasted load continuously to determine the optimal network topology with the minimum amount of loss at the future time. The simulation results validate and evaluate the proposed approach.