cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of exercise with smoking-related symptomatology, smoking behavior and impulsivity in men and women.

Abstract Introduction Despite extensive efforts to develop effective smoking cessation interventions, 70–85% of American cigarette smokers who quit relapse within one year. Exercise has shown promise as an intervention; however, many results have been equivocal. This study explored how exercise is associated with smoking-related symptomatology, smoking behavior and impulsivity in male and female smokers. Methods Participants were recruited throughout the United States using the on-line crowdsourcing platform, Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. They completed a survey with self-report measures assessing exercise, smoking-related symptomatology, smoking behavior and impulsivity. Differences between men and women were tested using t- and chi-square tests. Regression analyses tested for associations between exercise and smoking-related symptomatology, smoking behavior and impulsivity. Results Participants (N = 604) were, on average, 32 (SD = 6.2) years old, mostly Caucasian, with at least some college education and approximately half were women. Women exercised slightly less than men and had more negative affect, craving, physical symptoms and withdrawal. Women smoked more cigarettes per day, had greater nicotine dependency and more years of smoking. Positive affect was positively associated with exercise for both men and women; however, this association was significantly stronger in women. Negative affect and withdrawal were inversely associated with exercise for women only. Impulsivity was inversely associated with exercise for both men and women. Conclusion Exercise was significantly associated with several smoking-related symptomatology, smoking behavior and impulsivity variables for both men and women, suggesting that exercise may be a useful intervention for smoking cessation. Future prospective research should determine how exercise directly impacts smoking cessation.
Thermocapillary instabilities in a horizontal liquid layer under partial basal slip

We investigate the onset of three-dimensional hydrothermal waves in a low-capillary-number liquid layer of arbitrary depth, bounded by a free liquid–gas interface from above and a partial slip, rigid surface from below. A selection of two- and three-dimensional hydrothermal waves, longitudinal rolls and longitudinal travelling waves, form the preferred mode of instability, which depends intricately on the magnitude of the basal slip. Partial slip is destabilizing for all modes of instability. Specifically, the minimal Marangoni number required for the onset of instability follows for each mode, where and is the slip parameter. In the limit of free slip, longitudinal travelling waves disappear in favour of longitudinal rolls. With increasing slip, it is common for two-dimensional hydrothermal waves to exchange stability in favour of longitudinal rolls and oblique hydrothermal waves. Two types of oblique hydrothermal waves appear under partial slip, which exchange stability with increasing slip. The oblique mode that is preferred under no slip persists and remains near longitudinal for small slip parameters.
Colorectal cancer screening use among insured adults: Is out-of-pocket cost a barrier to routine screening?

Colorectal cancer screening use among insured adults: Is out-of-pocket cost a barrier to routine screening?
Where does the air go? Anatomy and functions of the respiratory tract in the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)

Air is a limited resource under water. Pressure changes during diving and ascent further affect buoyancy and sound production/transmission by changing air volumes, densities, and shapes of air spaces and vibration pathways. This paper will focus on how humpback whales use air, and the respiratory tract adaptations that help overcome these challenges. These highly modified respiratory tract tissues function to shunt air to increase oxygenation for extending breath-hold time, conserve and recycle air, maintain hearing at depth, generate sound for communication and navigation, transmit vibrations to water, mitigate noise, support air spaces from collapsing, regulate chamber volumes, produce bubbles as visual signals, control air release as a tool to trap prey, modify center of gravity, regulate buoyancy, and reduce energy expenditure during locomotion. The humpback whale is able to utilize air in an aquatic environment in ways that allow it to support a wide range of unique behaviors. Resume L’air est une ressource limitee sous l'eau. Les changements de pression au cours de la plongee et de la remontee affectent la flottabilite et la production / transmission des sons en changeant les volumes d'air, les densites et les formes des espaces aeriens et des voies de vibration. Cet article se penche sur la facon dont les baleines a bosse utilisent l'air ainsi que les adaptations des voies respiratoires qui participent au processus. Les tissus des voies respiratoires sont hautement modifies et fonctionnent de maniere a shunter l’air pour augmenter l'oxygenation afin de prolonger le temps d'apnee, de conserver et de recycler l'air, de maintenir l'audition en profondeur, de generer des sons pour la communication et la navigation, de transmettre des vibrations a l'eau, d'attenuer le bruit, d’empecher les espaces devant contenir l'air de s'effondrer, de reguler les volumes des chambres, de produire des bulles servant de signaux visuels, de reguler la liberation de l'air qui servira d’outil pour pieger des proies, de modifier le centre de gravite, de reguler la flottabilite, et enfin de reduire les depenses d'energie lors de la locomotion. La baleine a bosse utilise l'air dans un milieu aquatique de maniere a assurer une multitude de comportements uniques.
Impact of bariatric surgery on outcomes of patients with celiac disease: a nationwide inpatient sample analysis, 2004-2014.

Background While patients with celiac disease have increasingly developed an atypical pattern of weight gain and obesity, the role of bariatric surgery remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on clinical outcomes among hospitalized patients with celiac disease. Methods The United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried for discharges with co-diagnoses of morbid obesity and celiac disease between 2004 and 2014. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included renal failure, urinary tract infection, malnutrition, sepsis, pneumonia, respiratory failure, thromboembolic events, strictures, micronutrient deficiency, length of stay, and hospitalization costs. Using Poisson regression, adjusted incidence risk ratios (IRR) were derived for clinical outcomes in patients with prior bariatric surgery compared to those without bariatric surgery. Results Among 1499 patients with a discharge diagnosis of celiac disease and morbid obesity, 126 patients (8.4%) underwent bariatric surgery. Despite an increase in morbid obesity over the study period, the proportion of morbidly obese patients with celiac disease who had bariatric surgery declined by 18.5% (Ptrend<0.05). On multivariable analysis, bariatric surgery did not influence mortality (P=0.98), but was associated with a lower risk of renal failure, pneumonia, sepsis, urinary tract infection and respiratory failure (all P<0.05). Bariatric surgery increased the risk of vitamin D deficiency (IRR 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-7.7; P=0.002) and post-operative strictures (IRR 3.3; 95%CI 1.5-7.5; P=0.004). Conclusion Despite the underutilization of bariatric surgery in morbidly obese celiac disease patients, the procedure is safe and appears to significantly reduce morbidity.
Are Geriatric Patients Who Sustain High-Energy Traumatic Injury Likely to Return to Functional Independence?

OBJECTIVES To evaluate physical function and return to independence of geriatric trauma patients, to compare physical function outcomes of geriatric patients who sustained high-energy trauma with that of those who sustained low-energy trauma, and to identify predictors of physical function outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective. SETTING Urban Level I trauma center. PATIENTS Study group of 216 patients with high-energy trauma and comparison group of 117 patients with low-energy trauma. INTERVENTION Injury mechanism (high- vs. low-energy mechanism). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS PF) patient-reported outcome measure, and change in living situation and mobility. RESULTS Physical function outcomes and return to independence differed between patients with high-energy and low-energy injuries. High-energy geriatric trauma patients had significantly higher PROMIS PF scores compared with low-energy geriatric trauma patients (PROMIS PF score 42.2 ± 10.4 vs. 24.6 ± 10.4, P < 0.001). High-energy geriatric trauma patients were able to ambulate outdoors without an assistive device in 67% of cases and were living independently 74% of the time in comparison with 28% and 45% of low-energy geriatric trauma patients, respectively (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that low-energy mechanism injury was independently associated with a 13.2 point reduction in PROMIS PF score (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Geriatric patients greater than 1 year out from sustaining a high-energy traumatic injury seem to be functioning within the expected range for their age, whereas low-energy trauma patients seem to be functioning substantially worse than both age-adjusted norms and their high-energy cohorts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Predatory bacteria can protect SKH-1 mice from a lethal plague challenge

With the rise of antimicrobial resistance, novel ways to treat bacterial infections are required and the use of predatory bacteria may be one such approach. Bdellovibrio species have been shown in vitro to predate on a wide range of other Gram-negative bacteria, including CDC category A/B pathogens such as Yersinia pestis. The data reported here show that treatment of SKH-1 mice with Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus HD100 provided significant protection from a lethal challenge of Yersinia pestis CO92. This is the first report of protection conferred by predation in vivo against a systemic pathogen challenge. However, this protective effect was not observed in a preliminary study with Balb/c mice. Therefore the effects of the predatory bacteria are complex and may be dependent on immune status/genetics of the host. Overall, predatory bacteria may have utility as a therapeutic modality but further work is required to understand the predator-host interaction.
Self-Timed Adaptive Digit-Serial Addition

A fundamental operator in modern computational systems has a multitude of highly optimized implementations. In general-purpose systems, the width has grown to 128 bits, putting pressure on designers to use sophisticated carry lookahead or tree adders to maintain throughput while sacrificing area and energy. However, the typical workload mostly exercises the lower 10–15 bits. This leaves many devices on and unused during normal operation, reducing the overall performance. We hypothesize that bit- or digit-serial implementations for arbitrary-length streams represent an opportunity to decrease the overall energy usage while increasing the throughput/area efficiency of the system and verify this hypothesis by constructing an asynchronous digit-serial adder for comparison against its bit-parallel counterparts.
Abduction − the context of discovery + underdetermination = inference to the best explanation

The relationship between Peircean abduction and the modern notion of Inference to the Best Explanation (IBE) is a matter of dispute. Some philosophers, such as Harman (Philos Rev 74(1):88–95, 1965) and Lipton (Inference to the best explanation, Routledge, London, 1991, p. 58; 2004, p. 56), claim that abduction and IBE are virtually the same. Others, however, hold that they are quite different (Hintikka in Trans Charles S. Peirce Soc 34(3):503, 1998; Minnameier in Erkenntnis 60(1):75–105, 2004) and there is no link between them (Campos in Synthese 180(3):419–442, 2009). In this paper, I argue that neither of these views is correct. I show that abduction and IBE have important similarities as well as differences. Moreover, by bringing a historical perspective to the study of the relationship between abduction and IBE—a perspective that is lacking in the literature—I show that their differences can be well understood in terms of two historic developments in the history of philosophy of science: first, Reichenbach’s distinction between the context of discovery and the context of justification—and the consequent jettisoning of the context of discovery from philosophy of science—and second, underdetermination of theory by data.
The Impact of Paternal Alcohol Consumption on Offspring Brain and Behavioral Development

Background Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) describe the wide array of long-lasting developmental abnormalities in offspring due to prenatal alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) exposure via maternal gestational drinking. Although the teratogenic consequences of prenatal EtOH exposure, are apparent, the effects of preconception paternal EtOH exposure (PatEE) are still unclear. Previous research suggests that PatEE can induce molecular changes and abnormal behavior in the offspring. However, it is not known whether PatEE impacts the development of the neocortex and behavior in offspring as demonstrated in maternal consumption models of FASD (J Neurosci, 33, 2013, 18893). Methods In this study, we utilized a novel mouse model of PatEE where male mice self-administered 25% EtOH for an extended period prior to conception, generating indirect exposure to the offspring through the paternal germline. Following mating, we examined the effects of PatEE on offspring neocortical development at postnatal day (P) 0 and evaluated several aspects of behavior at both P20 and P30 using a battery of behavioral assays. Results PatEE resulted in significant impact on neocortical development, including abnormal patterns of gene expression within the neocortex at P0 and subtle alterations in patterns of intraneocortical connections. Additionally, PatEE mice exhibited a sex-specific increase in activity and sensorimotor integration deficits at P20, and decreased balance, coordination, and short-term motor learning at P30. This suggests that PatEE may generate long-lasting, sex-specific effects on offspring behavior. Conclusions These results demonstrate that the developmental impact of preconception PatEE is more harmful than previously thought and provide additional insights into the biological mechanisms that may underlie atypical behavior observed in children of alcoholic fathers.
Assessment of the effectiveness of connected vehicle weather and work zone warnings in improving truck driver safety

Abstract Improving work zone safety remains a prime challenge for the transportation sector in the United States. In particular, the frequency and severity of work zone crashes involving large trucks in rural freeways are alarming. Lack of compliance with the instructions provided at work zones results in increased crash risk. In-vehicle advanced warning systems enabled by Connected Vehicle (CV) technology have the potential to prompt appropriate driver response, make navigation more predictable, and improve overall work zone safety. This study falls under the umbrella of the WYDOT Connected Vehicle Pilot Program and seeks to investigate the impacts of the Pilot's real-time weather and work zone notifications on the behavior of truck drivers in rural freeway work zone settings under poor visibility. Twenty professional truck drivers participated in this simulator study. The driving scenarios were designed to mimic the driving conditions experienced on Wyoming Interstate 80. Findings suggest that exposure to the CV notifications has promising safety benefits manifested in improved driver behavior and response. Furthermore, both the weather and work zone notifications acquired high approval from the participants in terms of usefulness and ease of understanding. Nonetheless, the display of multiple work zone warnings on the Human Machine Interface may had introduced little to moderate distraction for some participants. Overall, this study brings forth valuable lessons that are being funneled to support informed decision making to enhance the Pilot's existing Human Machine Interface design.
The Transformation of a Young Continent: Dimensions of Africa Rising

In the past, there has been agreement across board concerning Africa’s malaise. Therefore, winds of change that have been occurring over the last two decades are noticeable, and a new narrative has been replacing the earlier jaded perspective. A light is being focused on the new generation of Africans driving technology, culture, education, and entrepreneurship among other areas, shifting the continent from earlier marginalized perspectives, to a new world which other regions are courting for business opportunity. What is the nature of the transformation that has given a boost to the continent? Broadly, this newly reinvigorated perspective is referred to as Africa rising. It is a conversation that is still taking shape. This paper contributes to the discourse by outlining the changes that have occurred. It begins by exploring the continent’s jaded historical background, explores change in the political space since the 1990s, which in turn created an environment that intersected with the revolution in information technology to enable an economic turnaround. Lastly, the paper explores the ongoing demographic transition, with a particular emphasis on the continent’s young population as the vital driving force into the future of the continent. Key-words: Africa, social change, youth, technology.
Ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in very low birth weight premature infants.

BACKGROUND Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is frequently encountered in premature infants. Optimal management of PDA remains undefined. We aim to assess the national trend for PDA ligation over 18 years and evaluate mortality and associated morbidities. METHODS We used data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) and KID of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) from 1998 to 2015. All infants with gestational age 24-32 weeks and birth weight <1500 g were included. Patients with PDA were classified into two groups: those who did and did not receive surgical ligation. Associated mortality and morbidities were compared. RESULTS A total of 429,900 neonatal admissions were identified. Of them, 149,473 (34.8%) infants had PDA. PDA-ligated infants were 27,364 (6.4%). PDA ligation was more likely in those with smaller gestational age and with birth weight <1000 g. A steady decline in PDA ligation was noticed since 2004. The mortality rate in PDA-ligated infants was less than in PDA-non-ligated infants (7.5% vs. 8.9%; OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.78-0.86; p < 0.001). However, the prevalence rates of pulmonary hemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were greater in PDA-ligated infants (OR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.49-1.67; p < 0.001, and OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.26-1.38; p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Ligation of PDA has been steadily declining since 2004. Despite higher morbidities, PDA-ligated infants had less mortality.
Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide-Mediated Hepatic Uptake of Glucuronide Metabolites of Androgens.

We previously established that androgen glucuronides are primarily effluxed by MRP2 and MRP3 in liver and intestine. However, no data exist on the mechanism of hepatic uptake of these metabolites. To fill this knowledge gap, the first goal of this study was to explore the role of hepatic uptake transporters and characterize transport kinetics of glucuronides of testosterone (TG), dihydrotestosterone (DHTG), androsterone (AG), and etiocholanolone (EtioG) using cell-lines overexpressing organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and OATP2B1). Using quantitative proteomics-guided approach, we then estimated the relative contribution (ft) of individual OATPs in hepatic uptake of the androgen glucuronides. The transport screening assays revealed that the glucuronides were primarily influxed by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3. The Km values for OATP1B1-mediated uptake were low for EtioG (6.2 µM), followed by AG, TG, and DHTG (46.2, 56.7, and 71.3 µM, respectively). Whereas, the Km value for OATP1B3-mediated uptake for EtioG, AG, DHTG, and TG were 19.8, 29.3, 69.6, and 110.4 µM, respectively. Both OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 exhibited highest transport rate toward AG as compared to other glucuronides. When adjusted for transporter abundance in human livers, EtioG and DHTG were transported equally by OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, whereas TG and AG were preferentially (>68%) transported by OATP1B3. Collectively, this is the first report that elucidate mechanisms of hepatic uptake of androgen glucuronides. Perturbation in these processes by genetic polymorphisms, disease conditions or drug-interactions can lead to changes in enterohepatic recycling of androgen. The apparent higher selectivity of OATP1B3 towards TG and AG can be leveraged for establishing these metabolites as clinical biomarkers of OATP1B3 activity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This is the first study to elucidate the mechanism of hepatic uptake of androgen glucuronides and estimate the relative contribution (ft) of individual OATPs using quantitative proteomics. Our results show that both OATP1B1 and OATP1B3 are responsible for the hepatic uptake of major circulating testosterone glucuronides. The apparent higher selectivity of OATP1B3 towards testosterone glucuronide and androsterone glucuronide can be leveraged for establishing these metabolites as clinical biomarkers of OATP1B3 activity.
Constructing PCM with architecturally distinct higher-order assemblies

Pericentriolar material (PCM) present around a pair of centrioles functions as a platform for various cellular processes, including microtubule (MT) assembly. While PCM is known to be an electron-dense proteinaceous matrix made of long coiled-coil proteins and their client molecules, the molecular mechanism underlying PCM organization remains largely elusive. A growing body of evidence suggests that PCM is constructed in part by an interphase cylindrical self-assembly and the mitotic mesh-like architectures surrounding it. In this review, we will discuss how these higher-order structures are constructed to achieve the functional proficiency of the centrosome.
Interfacial interactions between urea formaldehyde and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) of varying chemical composition and their impact on particle boards manufacture (PBs)

Wood-based panels are commonly used as building materials for interior and exterior purposes. Their production and utilization have increased in recent decades due to the useful properties that they present. Adhesive-bonded products comprise up to 80% of the wood alternatives on the global market, and of that, urea–formaldehyde (UF) makes up approximately 81% of the resins used. To improve UF performance, the utilization of microfibrillated cellulose has been demonstrated to be effective. However, further understanding of the mechanisms of the interactions is of relevant importance. In this work, we studied interfacial interactions between UF with bleached (BCNFs) and unbleached (LCNFs) cellulose nanofibrils using Quartz Crystal Microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) technique, observing the superior performance of lignin-containing CNFs. Additionally, the surface free energies were investigated using contact angle (CA) measurements, showing a decrease of the values mainly when utilizing LCNFs, which was later correlated with the wettability properties of the PBs. PBs with different adhesive/CNF formulations were produced, showing larger improvements when adding LCNF in terms of modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and internal bonding (IB). To gain a better understanding of the interactions between CNFs and UF, both CNFs were fully characterized in terms of morphology, chemical composition, charge density, as well as thermal and colloidal stability.
Adjuvant pembrolizumab in genomically selected high-risk patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

IntroductionPatients with muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer post neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy with pathologic advanced disease (ypT3, ypT4, ypN+) at radical cystectomy have a si...
BestFIT Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial Results: A SMART Approach to Developing Individualized Weight Loss Treatment Sequences.

Background State-of-the-art behavioral weight loss treatment (SBT) can lead to clinically meaningful weight loss, but only 30-60% achieve this goal. Developing adaptive interventions that change based on individual progress could increase the number of people who benefit. Purpose Conduct a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial (SMART) to determine the optimal time to identify SBT suboptimal responders and whether it is better to switch to portion-controlled meals (PCM) or acceptance-based treatment (ABT). Method The BestFIT trial enrolled 468 adults with obesity who started SBT and were randomized to treatment response assessment at Session 3 (Early TRA) or 7 (Late TRA). Suboptimal responders were re-randomized to PCM or ABT. Responders continued SBT. Primary outcomes were weight change at 6 and 18 months. Results PCM participants lost more weight at 6 months (-18.4 lbs, 95% CI -20.5, -16.2) than ABT participants (-15.7 lbs, 95% CI: -18.0, -13.4), but this difference was not statistically significant (-2.7 lbs, 95% CI: -5.8, 0.5, p = .09). PCM and ABT participant 18 month weight loss did not differ. Early and Late TRA participants had similar weight losses (p = .96), however, Early TRA PCM participants lost more weight than Late TRA PCM participants (p = .03). Conclusions Results suggest adaptive intervention sequences that warrant further research (e.g., identify suboptimal responders at Session 3, use PCMs as second-stage treatment). Utilizing the SMART methodology to develop an adaptive weight loss intervention that would outperform gold standard SBT in a randomized controlled trial is an important next step, but may require additional optimization work. Clinical trial information ClinicalTrials.gov identifier; NCT02368002.
Maximum-Entropy Multi-Agent Dynamic Games: Forward and Inverse Solutions.

In this paper, we study the problem of multiple stochastic agents interacting in a dynamic game scenario with continuous state and action spaces. We define a new notion of stochastic Nash equilibrium for boundedly rational agents, which we call the Entropic Cost Equilibrium (ECE). We show that ECE is a natural extension to multiple agents of Maximum Entropy optimality for single agents. We solve both the "forward" and "inverse" problems for the multi-agent ECE game. For the forward problem, we provide a Riccati algorithm to compute closed-form ECE feedback policies for the agents, which are exact in the Linear-Quadratic-Gaussian case. We give an iterative variant to find locally ECE feedback policies for the nonlinear case. For the inverse problem, we present an algorithm to infer the cost functions of the multiple interacting agents given noisy, boundedly rational input and state trajectory examples from agents acting in an ECE. The effectiveness of our algorithms is demonstrated in a simulated multi-agent collision avoidance scenario, and with data from the INTERACTION traffic dataset. In both cases, we show that, by taking into account the agents' game theoretic interactions using our algorithm, a more accurate model of agents' costs can be learned, compared with standard inverse optimal control methods.
Stability Analysis of NAO Humanoid Robot Using a Fuzzy Petri net Model

A Place/Transition Petri net (PTPN) is a graphical and mathematical tool used to represent and simulate complex systems. Many different situations can be modeled with a PTPN, but some situations exist that require a higher level of complexity to accurately represent the conditions present in the system. One high-level Petri net combines a Petri net with fuzzy logic, which forms a Fuzzy Petri net (FPN) that allows for the modeling of undefined scenarios. Humanoid robot stabilization is both complex and indefinite requiring a means of modeling its complexity. The stabilization infrastructure of the NAO robot's R-HipRoll actuator has been evaluated while the NAO robot steps onto a scaled platform. This dynamic movement has been modeled using an FPN and the Core-Support based Stability Control (CSSC) algorithm has been proposed to improve the likelihood of the NAO Robot completing the stepping sequence.
Gratitude and the Good Life: Toward a Psychology of Appreciation

Chapter 1. Introduction: Why a Science of Gratitude.- Part I. The "What" of Gratitude.- Chapter 2. What is Gratitude and How can it be Measured?.- Chapter 3. What Causes Gratitude?.- Chapter 4. What Good is Gratitude? Gratitude and Well-Being.- Chapter 5. What are Grateful People Like? Characteristics of Grateful People.-Part II: The "How" of Gratitude: How is Gratitude Related to Well-Being?.- Chapter 6. Does Gratitude Enhance Present Experience?.-Chapter 7. Does Gratitude Enhance Experience of the Past?.-Chapter 8. Does Gratitude Enhance Social Well-Being?.- Chapter 9. Does Gratitude Enhance Coping Ability?.- Chapter 10. Does Gratitude Prevent Negative Affectivity?.- Chapter 11. How Does Gratitude Develop?.- Chapter 12. What Inhibits Gratitude?.- Chapter 13. How can Gratitude Interventions Be Used to Enhance Well-Being?.- Chapter 14. Conclusion: Explaining Gratitude.
Achieving development outcomes : the millennium challenge

The "bottom line" for the World Bank is its development effectiveness. The independent Operations Evaluation Department (OED) tracks the Bank's development performance, analyzing the effectiveness of Bank projects, programmes and processes; draws lessons of operational experience; and provides advice to the Board based on evaluations at the project, country, sector and thematic levels. The 2002 review assesses how the World Bank's country, sector and global programmes are helping clients work toward the Millennium Development Goals and related targets. It finds that while continuity is called for in some areas of the Bank's work, there is need for far greater emphasis in others, and perhaps even changes and innovations in yet other Bank practices and priorities.
A 12 b 20 MS/s ripple-through ADC

The characteristics of a 12 b 20 MS/s ripple through analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are described. The one-bit-per-stage ripple-through architecture used in this 12-b ADC requires only 21 comparators and one track and hold for 12-b resolution, resulting in a smaller die (18 mm/sup 2/) and 7 to 14 dB better signal to noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) than previous 10-b converters. >
Geodesic structure of five-dimensional nonasymptotically flat 2-branes

We study the geodesics of a five-dimensional nonasymptotically flat dilatonic 2-brane. Although the metric's warp function diverges logarithmically in the far field region of the transverse space, the curvature does not. The brane has two naked singularities, the usual central singularity and a circular singularity at the radius where the warp function vanishes. This creates two causally disconnected regions of the transverse space. Using the methods of energy conservation and effective potentials, we study the null and timelike orbital and radial geodesics in both regions and show that they exhibit opposing energy requirements.
Pediatric aspects of hemophilia.

The bleeding tendency in hemophilia is due to a congenital and hereditary lack of thromboplastinogen which causes an incomplete conversion of prothrombin and an insufficient production of thrombin. The diagnosis should be based on the correlation of clinical data, history of heredity and the results of certain laboratory tests, of which the coagulation time, the clotting time of recalcified plasma, the prothrombin time and the prothrombin consumption time are most significant. Important in therapy are: first, protection against injury; second, local and systemic measures to stop bleeding; and third, the preparation of the hemophilic patient for an emergency operation.
Population pharmacokinetics of ampicillin and sulbactam in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia: evaluation of the impact of renal impairment

Aims The aims of this study were to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model of ampicillin and sulbactam, to identify patient characteristics influencing the PK, and to explore the relationship between dose regimen and degree of renal impairment with exposure and time above minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Methods This analysis was performed on PK data for ampicillin and sulbactam and MIC data from a clinical trial in Japanese patients with community acquired pneumonia. Simulations were performed to investigate the effects of different dosing intervals on exposure and time above MIC in various degrees of renal impairment. Results The plasma concentrations from 47 patients were adequately described by a two compartment model with simultaneous fit of ampicillin and sulbactam PK data, where creatinine clearance on clearance and body weight on volume in the peripheral compartment were identified as covariates for both drugs. Creatinine clearance contributed to reducing inter-individual variability of clearance by 16%. Mean clearance (inter-individual variability) for ampicillin and sulbactam was estimated to be 10.7 l h−1 (14.8%) and 10.4 l h−1 (15.2%), respectively. The time above MIC for each pathogen was generally > 50% of the treatment period. Simulations for exposure and time above MIC supported currently recommended dose adjustments. Conclusions This study provided a PK model for ampicillin and sulbactam, the time above MICs for identified pathogens and associated simulation results. These findings provide useful information and augment evidence for the established dosage regimens in patients with various degrees of renal impairment.
Schneider's apraxia and the strained relation between experience and description

Borrett, Kelly and Kwan [(2000) Phenomenology, dynamical neural networks and brain function, Philosophical Psychology, 13, 000-000] claim that unbiased, self-evident, direct description is possible, and may supply the data that brain theories account for. Merleau-Ponty's [(1962) Phenomenology of perception, London: Routledge] description of Schneider's apraxia is offered as a case in point. According to the authors, Schneider's apraxia justifies brain components of predicative and pre-predicative experience. The description derives from a bias, however, that parallels modularity's morphological reduction. The presence of biasing presuppositions contradicts the goal of direct description. Moreover, the authors' brain account is not necessary to explain Schneider's apraxia, and morphological reduction is not sufficient to explain emergent phenomena of motor control.
Non-biological reduction of nitrite in soil.

CHEMICAL decomposition of nitrite in soil1–7 resembles microbial denitrification by producing gaseous end-products, N2 and N2O (refs. 8–11). NO and N2 are formed in sterile soil over a wide pH range12, and N2 is also formed in sterile aqueous solutions containing nitrite and iron13,14. We show here that NO, N2 and N2O are products of non-biological nitrite decomposition in soil.
Amphetamine and negative symptoms of schizophrenia

The purpose of this study was to assess further the effect of amphetamine on negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Thirty-seven schizophrenic males meeting DSM-III criteria were rated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Abrams and Taylor Scale, and the Abnormal Involuntary Movements Scale before and after double-blind administration of either amphetamine (n = 26) or placebo (n = 11). Our results indicated that amphetamine administration generally did not improve negative symptoms, even when accounting for changes in positive symptoms. However, greater baseline negative symptoms were associated with a modest diminution after amphetamine treatment. Therefore, amphetamine may modestly improve negative symptoms in those schizophrenics in whom this symptomatology is more severe.
Regulation of the Phosphorylation State of Rhodopsin by Dopamine

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are regulated by kinases and phosphatases that control their phosphorylation state. Here, the possibility that the state of GPCR phosphorylation could be affected by paracrine input was explored. We show that dopamine increased the rate of dephosphorylation of rhodopsin, the light receptor, in intact frog retinas. Further, we found that rod outer segments from dopamine-treated retinas contained increased rhodopsin phosphatase activity, indicating that this effect of dopamine on rhodopsin was mediated by stimulation of rhodopsin phosphatase. Dopamine is a ubiquitous neuromodulator and, in the retina, is released from the inner cell layers. Thus, our results identify a pathway for feedback regulation of rhodopsin from the inner retina and illustrate the involvement of dopamine in paracrine regulation of the sensitivity of a GPCR.
Fever of Unknown Origin Caused by Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an important cause of fever of unknown origin. Travel, age, dialysis, diabetes, birth in a country with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, and immunoincompetence are among the most salient risks. Associated physical findings, radiologic evaluation, and hematologic and endocrinologic abnormalities may provide clues to the diagnosis. Both noninvasive and invasive diagnostic modalities are reviewed. Because diagnosis may be elusive, therapeutic and diagnostic trials of antituberculous therapy should be considered in all patients with fever of unknown origin who defy diagnosis.
Garden of the Family Life Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan

SUMMARY Landscape architects are often asked to design and install outdoor space for older adults with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This paper explores behavioral issues and the process of outdoor design for dementia, from the perspective of a landscape architect focused on therapeutic use of outdoor gardens. Specific design recommendations are followed by a case study of an exemplary garden, with experiential descriptions of usage by residents, staff and families.
PLATO curriculum structure

PLATO is a computer-assisted instruction medium. It uses graphics, animation, response judging, and text presentation to present material and explain it to students. Tests and quizzes over the material record student progress for the instructor's use. Student activities recorded give valuable diagnostic feedback to the instructor concerning each student's weaknesses and those of the class as a whole. This information is tailored by the instructor to his needs and is completely current.Student operations are governed by a router which presents the curriculum selected by the instructor. S/he decides what order these lessons may be approached by the student and makes an index page for the student to see when s/he signs on.Each lesson contains several areas of study. These can be presented in a rigid sequence or with an index for selective use. Help sequences, review capability, and questions over the area are valuable to the student and to the instructor, who can pinpoint areas needing emphasis.The instructor decides what information is needed about student activities. A datafile collects the information selected and presents it. The instructor may check such factors as the number of hours each student has spent on the system and the number of lessons each has completed or attempted. Information may also be collected for individual questions: times attempted score, whether help requested. All these point out student needs to the instructor.
The risk-sharing role of Japanese keiretsu business groups: evidence from restructuring in the 1990s

Abstract One of the most commonly cited motives for the keiretsu business groups is risk sharing. This paper examines the restructuring of the keiretsu groups over the 1990s along four dimensions: size, diversification, monitoring, and resource shifting. Most data patterns are consistent with a risk-sharing motive.
Expression of CEA, Tag-72, and Lewis-Y antigen in primary and metastatic lesions of ovarian carcinoma

Ovarian carcinoma has a high mortality rate, because most ovarian carcinomas are detected at a late stage. Traditional therapies, such as surgical debulking and chemotherapy, have not been successful in improving the long-term survival of these patients. Alternative therapies targeting various biomarkers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Tag-72, and Lewis-Y antigen, have been developed to treat patients with advanced ovarian cancers. To ensure that therapies targeting these biomarkers are effective, it is imperative to determine whether there is any differential expression of these targeted biomarkers between primary and metastatic ovarian carcinomas. In the present study, primary and metastatic lesions from 68 and 58 patients, respectively, including primary and matched metastatic lesions from 31 patients, were evaluated for cytoplasmic and membranous expression of CEA (clone Col-1), Tag-72 (clone CC-49), and Lewis-Y antigen (clone BR-96) by immunohistochemistry. No significant differences were observed with cytoplasmic and membranous expression of Tag-72 (CC-49) and Lewis-Y antigen (BR-96) in the primary and metastatic, matched and unmatched lesions (Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Although there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of CEA (Col-1) between primary and metastatic lesions, 5 of 11 (45%) cases with positive staining with CEA (Col-1) demonstrated discordant results between primary and metastatic lesions. There was a moderate positive correlation of the cytoplasmic and membranous expression of Tag-72 (CC-49), as well as cytoplasmic expression of BR-96 between primary and metastatic ovarian carcinomas. There was a weak negative correlation between the membranous expression of CEA (Col-1) and that of Lewis-Y antigen (BR-96); however, the difference was not statistically significant. No correlation was observed with other combinations of biomarkers. Our findings suggest that samples from either primary or metastatic ovarian carcinomas can be used for the evaluation of the expression of Tag-72 (CC-49) and Lewis-Y antigen (BR-96) to identify targets for novel therapies in patients with disseminated ovarian carcinomas. CEA (Col-1), due to its low expression and variation in phenotypic expression between primary and metastatic lesions, should be evaluated carefully in metastatic lesions before targeting the CEA antigen with CEA (Col-1)-like antibodies.
Magnetic Scattering of Neutrons from Rare Earth Ions

The differential cross section for the magnetic scattering of thermal neutrons by paramagnetic rare earth ions is derived theoretically assuming that the ions have Russell Saunders coupling and are in the Hund ground state. Satisfactory agreement with the measured cross sections of ${\mathrm{Er}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and ${\mathrm{Nd}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ is obtained using hydrogenic radial wave function with $Z\ensuremath{-}S\ensuremath{\approx}23 \mathrm{and} 20$ for ${\mathrm{Er}}^{+++}$ and ${\mathrm{Nd}}^{+++}$, respectively.
Dex/CRH test cortisol response in outpatients with major depression and matched healthy controls.

Summary Background The dexamethasone/corticotropin releasing hormone (Dex/CRH) test has been proposed as a potential tool for identifying endophenotypes relevant to mood disorders. An exaggerated cortisol response to the test during major depressive episodes has been demonstrated for inpatients with melancholic or psychotic features. A diminished hormone response has been observed in chronically depressed outpatients. Methods Following a battery of self-report and interview assessments, 68 adults completed the Dex/CRH test. Thirty-four met structured interview criteria for current major depressive disorder and 34 age- and sex-matched control subjects had no current or lifetime DSM-IV depressive disorder. Effect of diagnosis on cortisol response to the Dex/CRH test was examined in a repeated measures general linear model. Results The matched groups were equivalent with regard to childhood adversity. Cortisol response to the Dex/CRH test among subjects with current MDD was not significantly different from that seen in matched healthy controls. Independent of diagnosis, an exploratory analysis showed a trend-level association between maltreatment history and diminished cortisol response; no interactive effects with depression diagnosis were detected. Conclusions The results do not support the hypothesis that elevated cortisol response to the Dex/CRH test represents a marker for major depressive episodes.
Human haem oxygenase-1 induction by nitro-linoleic acid is mediated by cAMP, AP-1 and E-box response element interactions.

Nitro-fatty acid products of oxidative inflammatory reactions mediate anti-inflammatory cell signalling responses. LNO 2 (nitrolinoleic acid) induces expression of HO-1 (haem oxygenase-1), an enzyme that catabolizes haem into products exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory properties. In the present manuscript, the molecular mechanisms underlying HO-1 induction by LNO 2 were examined in HAEC (human aortic endothelial cells), HEK-293 (human embryonic kidney 293) cells, and in transcription factor-deficient MEF (mouse embryonic fibroblasts). LNO 2 induced HO-1 expression in Nrf2 [NF-E2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2)-related factor 2]-deficient MEF and in HEK-293 cells transfected with Nrf2-specific shRNA (small-hairpin RNA), supporting the fact that LNO 2 -mediated HO-1 induction can be regulated by Nrf2-independent mechanisms. LNO 2 activated expression of a ―4.5 kb human HO-1 promoter construct, whereas a - 4.0 kb construct with deletion of 500 bp from the 5' region was unresponsive. Site-directed mutagenesis of a CRE (cAMP-response element) or of a downstream NF-E2/ AP-1 (activating protein-1) element, individually, within this 500 bp region modestly reduced activation of the HO-1 promoter by LNO 2. Mutations of both the CRE and the NF-E2/AP-1 site also attenuated LNO 2 -mediated HO-1 promoter expression, whereas the addition of a third mutation in the proximal E-box sequence completely abolished LNO 2 -induced HO-1 expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed CREB (CREbinding protein)-1 binding to the CRE (located at ― 4.0 kb) and E-box regions (located at ― 44 bp) of the human HO-1 promoter. A 3C (Chromosome Conformation Capture) assay of intact cells showed LNO 2 -induced interactions between the CRE- and E-box-containing regions. These observations indicate that regulation of human HO-1 expression by LNO 2 requires synergy between CRE, AP-1 and E-box sequences and involves the participation of CREB-1.
Sensitivity Analysis in Perceptual Evaluation of System Module Concepts

Selecting optimum concepts for a system and its subsystems in the conceptual design stage involves uncertainties due to imperfect information about customer preferences (market shares), cost of the system developed from each concept, and feasibility of new technology used in the new system. When analytical relationships between system performance and system inputs or parameters are unknown in the early system development stage, one approach to quantify the goodness of a concept is to use rating scales. This paper studies the effects of variations (precisions) in rating scales and in cost estimation for evaluating the goodness of system module concepts (e.g., sub-systems, assemblies, subassemblies, and parts). This paper presents a global sensitivity analysis (GSA) in perceptual concept evaluation, three probability measures for evaluating and selecting optimum concepts in GSA, and one-set-of-factors-at-a-time GSA to identify the sets of factors that cause significant variations in concept evaluation outcomes.© 2007 ASME