cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parenting Wisely Six Months Later: How Implementation Delivery Impacts Program Effects at Follow-Up

We evaluated the effectiveness of the Parenting Wisely (PW) program 6 months post intervention and assessed differences based on delivery format. Using a quasi-experimental design, parents (N = 311) participated in the PW program in one of five formats (i.e., parents-only intensive workshop, parents-only 5-week group, parents and adolescents 5-week group, parent and adolescent online, and parent-only online format). An additional 53 parents served as a comparison group. We used the McMaster Family Assessment Device, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Violent Behavior Checklist to measure family functioning, parenting, and adolescent behavior. Relative to the comparison group, at 6 month follow-up parents who participated in PW reported increases in confidence in their parenting skills, decreases in conflicts with their adolescents, and decreases in adolescent externalizing and violent behavior. Mechanisms of change analyses supported the conceptual model that program effects were related to child behavior changes by influencing positive parenting and decreasing negative family dynamics. PW effectiveness did not vary substantially by delivery format, except for the intensive workshop format, which was less effective than other formats. These findings extend research on PW to include evidence of sustained program effects on adolescent externalizing and violent behaviors in an ethnically diverse, socioeconomically disadvantaged sample. Study findings are relevant to agencies and clinicians who are seeking to implement an evidence-based, flexible parent-training program.
Her Beauty Captivated His Mind and the Sword Severed His Neck! The Changing Depiction of Judith Beheading Holofernes from the Pre-Renaissance Era to Contemporary Society

This study examines artistic depictions of the story of Judith beheading Holofernes in the Book of Judith from different historical eras. The goal of these case studies is to bring attention to how art has reflected ideas about women in the past using sexist stereotypes. This article treats these ideas and the production of artwork as historically contingent in order to question the misogyny displayed through the history of art. Using historical research and stylistic analysis, this article will argue that Judith was portrayed differently during each era in response to how women were viewed at the time.
Assessment of Mood Disorders

The literature on the assessment of mood disorders in children and adolescents is reviewed. The importance of obtaining information from several informants over time is emphasized. The differences between parent and child reports are examined. Developmental issues in interviewing children are noted. Pertinent structured interviews, rating scales, projective tests, and biologic tests are described.
Ethics and End-of-life Care

Because of the severity of illness of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), the ICU is a setting where death is common. Approximately 20% of all deaths in the U.S. occur in the ICU [1]. Although this proportion varies greatly in different countries, death is relatively common in most ICUs because of the severity of illness of these patients. Optimal palliative care of outpatients and patients in the acute care and long-term care settings and judicious use of the ICU for those with terminal or life-limiting illness may prevent many terminal ICU admissions. Nonetheless, the ICU will likely remain an important setting for endof-life care both because of the severity of illness of critically ill patients and because many patients with chronic, life-limiting diseases and their families opt for a trial of intensive care if there is a reasonable chance that patients may have an extension of their life with a reasonable quality of life [2]. This chapter addresses the ethical issues and challenges that arise in providing high quality care to patients who ultimately die in the ICU. Several studies have documented important shortcomings to end-of-life care in the ICU. For example, one study of six hospitals in the US showed that many patients die with moderate or severe pain [3], physicians are unaware of patients’ preferences regarding end-of-life care [4] and the care patients receive is often not consistent with their treatment preferences [3]. Another US study demonstrated signifi cant burden of symptoms among patients with cancer in the ICU [5]. Studies from the U.S. and Europe show that ICU clinicians frequently do not communicate adequately with family members [6–8]. For all these reasons, improving the quality of end-of-life care in the ICU is an ethical imperative. Perhaps one of the best ways to improve quality of end-of-life care in the ICU is to clarify the goals of care in advance of critical illness and avoid the ICU altogether when ICU-based life-sustaining therapies are unwanted or unlikely to provide benefi t. In the 1980s, many U.S. experts believed advance directives would allow patients to inform their physicians about the care they want at the end of life and to avoid technologic life-sustaining therapies at the end of life [9, 10]. Unfortunately, advance directives have not signifi cantly affected the aggressiveness or costs of ICU care [11, 12] nor have they changed end-of-life decisionmaking [13, 14]. Nonetheless, advance care planning prior to hospitalization is likely to be an important component for improving end-of-life care in the ICU [15]. However, even with excellent communication, improved prognostication, Ethics and End-of-life Care
A rare case of endobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the lung presenting as non-resolving pneumonia

Abstract Background Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumor, and MECs of the lung are rare, accounting for 0.1–0.2% of malignant lung tumors. Pulmonary MECs are commonly found in the segmental or lobar bronchi, rarely presenting as endobronchial lesions. Case presentation Here we describe the case of a 21-year-old female with no comorbid conditions who presented at the emergency room with a cough, yellow phlegm, pleuritic chest pain, and a subjective fever. These symptoms had been present for approximately one week prior to the patient's arrival at the hospital. A chest X-ray revealed right lower lobe alveolar infiltrate and computed tomography of the chest showed dense consolidation of the right lower lobe with ovoid intraluminal density in the right main stem bronchus. Upon fiber optic bronchoscopy, an endobronchial lesion was found in the right main stem sparing the right upper lobe uptake. Endobronchial biopsy results was consistent with MEC of the lung. The patient underwent a bilobectomy with complete resection of the tumor. Conclusion Endobronchial MEC is a rare type of salivary gland tumor. Patients with low-grade MECs have a good prognosis, whereas those with high-grade MECs, which are aggressive and associated with metastatic disease, have a poor prognosis. However, early identification and surgical resection can result in a good prognosis.
Is the Supraorbital Notch a Reliable Landmark to Avoid the Frontal Sinus

Background When performing a craniotomy involving the orbital bar, the supraorbital notch is a potential landmark to localize the lateral extent of the frontal sinus. Avoidance of the frontal sinus is important to reduce the risk of postoperative surgical site infection, epidural abscess formation, and mucocele development. Objective To determine the reliability of the supraorbital notch as a marker of the lateral location of the frontal sinus. Methods Cadaveric dissections were used with image guidance software to define the relationship between the frontal sinus and supraorbital foramen. Results The supraorbital notch was located 2.54 cm from midline and the lateral extent of the frontal sinus extended 2.84 mm lateral to the supraorbital notch. When performing a craniotomy extending medially to the supraorbital notch at a perpendicular angle, the frontal sinus was breached in 65% of craniotomies. When the craniotomy ended 10 mm lateral to the supraorbital notch, the rate of frontal sinus breach decreased to 10%. Conclusion When performing a craniotomy involving the supraorbital notch, a lateral to medial trajectory that ends 15 mm to the supraorbital notch will minimize the risk of frontal sinus violation.
Abstract IA37: Enhancing the function of CAR T cells via a universal vaccine strategy

We recently developed a strategy to target peptide vaccines to lymph nodes, by linking peptide antigens to albumin-binding phospholipid-polymers. Small peptides are normally rapidly dispersed in the bloodstream following parenteral injection, but binding of amphiphile-peptides to endogenous albumin, which constitutively traffics from blood to lymph, retargeted these molecules to lymph nodes. However, these lipid-polymer conjugates bind to albumin with a relatively low affinity, and these molecules can also partition into cell membranes. We hypothesized that by attaching a small molecule, peptide, or protein ligand for a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to the same polymer-lipid tail (forming an “amph-vax” molecule), CAR ligands could be delivered efficiently to lymph nodes by albumin and subsequently partition into membranes of resident antigen presenting cells (APCs), thereby co-displaying a CAR T cell ligand from the cell surface together with native cytokine/receptor costimulation. In syngeneic mouse models of adoptive cell therapy, we demonstrated that this approach effectively concentrates CAR T ligands on the surfaces of dendritic cells in lymph nodes, leading to profound expansion of amph-vax-boosted CAR T cells in vivo. Amph-vax boosting safely increased the polyfunctionality of CAR T cells in parallel with T cell expansion. In a syngeneic model of melanoma, this converted a CAR T treatment that had no impact on tumor progression to a therapy that strongly delayed tumor outgrowth and enhanced survival. We have reduced to practice three different strategies to generalize this approach to any CAR of interest. This concept provides a strategy to regulate the expansion and function of CAR T cells directly in vivo to enhance adoptive cell therapy of cancer. Citation Format: Darrell J. Irvine. Enhancing the function of CAR T cells via a universal vaccine strategy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; Sept 30-Oct 3, 2018; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2019;7(2 Suppl):Abstract nr IA37.
Diarrhea-associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Adults: Two Case Reports and Review of the Literature.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a type of thrombotic microangiopathy syndrome (TMA) defined as a triad of non-immune microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Shiga toxin (Stx) or diarrhea-associated HUS is one of the major categories of secondary HUS, which is seen predominantly in children and is regarded as a rare entity in the adult population. We present two cases of sporadic Stx or diarrhea-associated HUS in adult females. Our first case is a 74-year-old Caucasian woman who presented to the emergency department with nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea for five days. The patient reported a history of consuming meatloaf from a local store three days prior to the onset of symptoms. On presentation, laboratory workup was consistent with hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Thrombocytopenic purpura was ruled out with normal ADAMTS13 activity. The patient’s kidney function improved and the platelet count recovered to normal with supportive measures and did not require renal replacement therapy. In the second case, we describe a 79-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of metastatic lung cancer who presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. History was positive for consuming meat from a local restaurant a day prior to the onset of symptoms. Initial laboratory work showed severe thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic process, and acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy. Due to the unfavorable prognosis of her metastatic lung cancer, the patient and the family members decided to opt for hospice care and she was subsequently transferred to the inpatient hospice. Diarrhea-associated HUS or Stx-HUS is a relatively underreported entity among the adult population. The treatment of typical or Stx-HUS is mainly supportive, but it is critical to rule out other causes of TMAs, especially thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), as it is a medical emergency that requires prompt plasmapheresis.
Is Gibrat’s “Economic Inequality” lognormal?

In the seminal book “Les Inegalites Economiques,” Gibrat (Les Inegalites Economiques, Librairie du Recueil Sirey, Paris, 2013) proposed the law of proportional effect and claimed that a variety of empirical size distributions—such as income, wealth, firm size, and city size—obey the lognormal distribution. Gibrat’s law went on to become a stylized result stimulating a voluminous subsequent research that has contributed to our understanding of stochastic growth processes and a statistical regularity of the size distribution. However, many of the motivating examples used by Gibrat in his original work were subject to various data issues, and Gibrat’s reasoning of lognormal fit was based solely on graphical analysis. In this paper, we revisit the original 24 data sets considered by Gibrat (Les Inegalites Economiques, Librairie du Recueil Sirey, Paris, 2013) and show that in the majority of cases, the Pareto-type distribution actually provides a better fit to the data than lognormal. We show that Gibrat’s erroneous conclusion is partly due to data binning, truncation, and failure to weight data points properly.
Epilogue: Who Am I?

The first few chapters of this chronicle were drafted quite a few years ago, and Appendix B on The Wertheimer Times was written several months later. Then I looked at a fairly recent CV, intending to start writing about the post-Wesleyan years, but got distracted by thoughts about all the various names that I’ve been called during my long life, and how these names have been associated with my identity, with who I am. Like probably almost every other human being, I have in some way been many different people, depending on circumstances, environment, setting, and with whom I’m interacting.
Abstract WP400: Causes of Death in a Longitudinal Analysis of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage Survivors

Introduction: With improvements in acute care, more patients are surviving a first-time spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In the growing survivor population, little is known about effecti...
Effectiveness and Functional Mechanism of a Multicomponent Sanitizer against Biofilms Formed by Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Five Salmonella Serotypes Prevalent in the Meat Industry

Biofilm formation by Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica at meat processing plants poses a potential risk of meat product contamination. Many common sanitizers are unable to completely eradicate biofilms formed by these foodborne pathogens because of the three-dimensional biofilm structure and the presence of bacterial extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). A novel multifaceted approach combining multiple chemical reagents with various functional mechanisms was used to enhance the effectiveness of biofilm control. We tested a multicomponent sanitizer consisting of a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), hydrogen peroxide, and the accelerator diacetin for its effectiveness in inactivating and removing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica biofilms under meat processing conditions. E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella biofilms on common contact surfaces were treated with 10, 20, or 100% concentrations of the multicomponent sanitizer solution for 10 min, 1 h, or 6 h, and log reductions in biofilm mass were measured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to directly observe the effect of sanitizer treatment on biofilm removal and bacterial morphology. After treatment with the multicomponent sanitizer, viable E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella biofilm cells were below the limit of detection, and the prevalence of both pathogens was low. After treatment with a QAC-based control sanitizer, surviving bacterial cells were countable, and pathogen prevalence was higher. SEM analysis of water-treated control samples revealed the three-dimensional biofilm structure with a strong EPS matrix connecting bacteria and the contact surface. Treatment with 20% multicomponent sanitizer for 10 min significantly reduced biofilm mass and weakened the EPS connection. The majority of the bacterial cells had altered morphology and compromised membrane integrity. Treatment with 100% multicomponent sanitizer for 10 min dissolved the EPS matrix, and no intact biofilm structure was observed; instead, scattered clusters of bacterial aggregates were detected, indicating the loss of cell viability and biofilm removal. These results indicate that the multicomponent sanitizer is effective, even after short exposure with dilute concentrations, against E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica biofilms.
Few Cycle EUV Continuum Generation via Thin Film Compression

Generation of an extreme ultraviolet continuum (33 eV to 72 eV) by a multi-millijoule, few-cycle (7 fs) laser pulse produced by the Thin Film Compression technique.
Updating and Optimizing Anatomic Atlases for Elective Radiation of Para-Aortic Lymph Nodes in Cervical Cancer.

Abstract Purpose Previous studies have proposed 2 different contouring guidelines for the prophylactic radiation of para-aortic lymph nodes (PANs) for locally advanced cervical cancer. Because PAN-mapping atlases in current literature are limited to small patient samples and nodal populations, we updated the PAN atlas with a large data set of positron emission tomography (PET)–positive PANs on PET/computed tomography (CT) from patients with cervical cancer. Methods and Materials We identified 176 PET-positive PANs on pretreatment PET/CT of 47 patients with diagnosed International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IB to IVA cervical cancer. PANs were classified as left-lateral para-aortic (LPA), aortocaval (AC), or right paracaval (RPC). PAN clinical target volume (CTV) contours were drawn for all patients based on previously published guidelines by Takiar (CTV-T) and Keenan (CTV-K) and nodal volumetric coverage was assessed. Results We identified 94 LPA nodes (54%), 71 AC nodes (40%), and 11 (6%) RPC nodes. CTV-T had improved nodal center coverage of 97.6% compared with 85.0% for CTV-K (P Conclusions We have updated the PAN anatomic map of 176 PET-positive nodes from 47 patients and demonstrated that CTV-T has significantly better PAN coverage over CTV-K for posterior LPA and retrocaval regions for our data set. Additionally, we suggest a modification that includes a blend of CTV-T and CTV-K to provide optimal coverage for the mapped nodes anterior to the great vessels in our data set.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD refers to a group of chronic inflammatory lung diseases that cause airflow obstruction from the lungs, and most commonly include emphysema. chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Bronchiectsis and its common causes are also discussed in this chapter.
Do internet resources align with exercise training and physical activity guidelines for people with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundExercise training and lifestyle physical activity have been identified as evidence-based approaches for improving symptoms and quality of life among persons with multiple sclerosis (MS). ...
Megakaryocytes Mimicking Metastatic Breast Carcinoma A Potential Trap in the Interpretation of Sentinel Lymph Nodes

False-positive diagnosis of lymph nodes occurs when a benign element in a lymph node, or in its capsule, is interpreted as metastatic carcinoma. This report describes a patient with breast carcinoma who had megakaryocytes in axillary sentinel lymph nodes mimicking metastatic carcinoma. The patient had no history of a hematologic disease, and we found no evidence of a concurrent hematopoietic disorder. The megakaryocytes were reactive for CD31, CD61, and von Willebrand factor, but not for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3). Megakaryocytes should be added to the list of benign histologic abnormalities that may simulate metastatic carcinoma in a sentinel lymph node.
Comparison of 4 tests' utility for predicting need for emergency department care in patients with alcohol-related complaints.

Abstract Introduction Intoxication is a common presenting complaint in emergency departments (ED), but many patients with intoxication do not need emergency care. Three screens (BLINDED, Brown, and San Francisco) attempt to determine which intoxicated patients can be triaged to a lower level of care. Methods Observational multi-center cohort study of patients presenting to one of three ED with complaints consistent with acute intoxication. When a qualifying patient was brought to the emergency department, a team member interviewed the triaging provider. Interviews covered all three screens and the provider's gestalt. Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine which screen performed best. Cases were reviewed to determine need for emergency care. Results Of the 199 subjects studied, 91% (181/199) were male and were 50 years old on average (SD = 12 years). Of the 55 subjects tested (28%), their average alcohol level was 251 mg/dL (SD = 146 mg/dL). Only 117 subjects (59%) had complete information for inclusion in the final comparison of screens. Provider gestalt performed best (AUC = 0.69), but there were no meaningful differences between any of the screens (AUC = 0.62–0.66, p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Inability to sit up was sensitive for needing emergent care (88%), but it was non-specific (17%). Similarly, signs of trauma were specific (99%) for ED care, but insensitive (18%). Conclusions The three formal screens and provider gestalt performed similarly.
Matching Patients with Surgeons: Heterogeneous Effects of Surgical Volume on Surgery Duration

We study the heterogeneous effects of surgical volume on surgery duration and address the challenges of matching patients with surgeons to improve hospitals’ operational efficiency. Using abdominal surgery as the clinical setting, we first provide empirical evidence that the effect of surgical volume on surgery duration is heterogeneous across patients. We then apply the causal forest approach to generate patient-specific information that captures the heterogeneous volume effects for different patients. We find the effect of surgical volume varies widely across different patients. More specifically, surgical volume has a significant effect on surgery duration for 88% of patients but not for the remaining 12%. Among the patients with significant effects, the largest effect is around 10 times larger than the smallest effect. Finally, we develop an optimization model to compare the same hospital’s operational efficiency with and without patient-specific information. We find patient-specific information can reduce the total duration of surgeries by 3% to 18%, depending on the mix of patients and surgeons. The results of this study are useful to researchers and policymakers because we provide empirical evidence that the effect of surgical volume is heterogeneous, and address the challenges of estimating the heterogeneous effects for different patients. The results are also useful to hospital administrators because we show a hospital can improve its operational efficiency by using patient-specific information to match patients with surgeons.
Creative Arts, Education, and Culture in Global Perspective

A wide lens on the world of Greater China offers a breathtaking view of the rich diversity of cultural expressions that spread across a continent and its outer island nations. In reverse, close-up images reveal the details of the nature of the creative spirit that constitutes much of the Sinophone world. A compendium of chapters that sample the expressive practices in music and the visual arts in Greater China bring attention to the dichotomy of diversities and commonalities present within a cultural region, and offer prospects for the study of multiple variations within a larger and more unified cultural perspective. Greater China’s multiple artistic communities serve as a reminder of ways in which many broad geographic regions share a measure of history, heritage, language, and cultural values. We need only to look at much of Central America, or southern Africa, or South Asia, to recognize similar dynamics of cultural commonalities that run parallel to multiple distinctive cultural expressions as well. This chapter will take a broad view of some of the processes and practices of the creative arts in Greater China, and in other world regions, and will reflect upon important principles of multiculturalism, of new awakenings to cultural and artistic identities that may be in part shared across a region and yet also distinctive of a particular location or group. The organization of the book into sections on (a) arts, culture, and education and (b) issues of cultural transmission and transformation offers possibilities and prompts for this writer to delve into cross-cultural examination of these matters on a wider scale, in other regions, as the potential universal principles that may be apparent and worthy of consideration as a means of finding relevance for a readership of these chapters beyond Greater China as well as within it.
Landmarks in the History of Hypnosis: An Examination of the Concepts

Although medical hypnosis is considered to have had its beginnings with the Viennese physician Franz Anton Mesmer (1774) in the latter half of the eighteenth century, most modern writers take pains to explain that hypnosis, or something very similar, has been practiced by religious and other healers in various ways since the dawn of civilization.
Inactivation of Escherichia Coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Enterica on Blueberries in Water Using Ultraviolet Light.

UNLABELLED Ultraviolet light (UV) has antimicrobial effects, but the shadowing effect has limited its application. In this study, a novel setup using UV processing in agitated water was developed to inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on blueberries. Blueberries were dip- or spot-inoculated with E. coli or Salmonella. Blueberries inoculated with E. coli were treated for 2 to 10 min with UV directly (dry UV) or immersed in agitated water during UV treatment (wet UV). E. coli was most easily killed on spot-inoculated blueberries with a 5.2-log reduction after 10-min wet UV treatment. Dip-inoculated blueberries were the most difficult to be decontaminated with only 1.6-log reduction after 10-min wet UV treatment. Wet UV treatment generally showed higher efficacies than dry UV treatment, achieving an average of 1.4 log more reduction for spot-inoculated blueberries. For dip-inoculated blueberries, chlorine washing and UV treatments were less effective, achieving <2 log reductions of E. coli. Thus, the efficacy of combinations of wet UV with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), levulinic acid, or chlorine was evaluated. Inoculated blueberries were UV-treated while being immersed in agitated water containing 100 ppm SDS, 0.5% levulinic acid or 10 ppm chlorine. The 3 chemicals did not significantly enhance the wet UV treatment. Findings of this study suggest that UV treatment could be used as an alternative to chlorine washing for blueberries and potentially for other fresh produce. PRACTICAL APPLICATION A novel UV light system for decontamination of blueberries in water was developed and evaluated. Results demonstrated that the decontamination efficacy of this system was generally as effective as chlorine washing, indicating that it could potentially be used as an alternative to chlorine washing for blueberries and other fresh produce.
Sulfate and phosphate analysis in glycoproteins and other biologic compounds using ion chromatography. Application to glycoprotein hormones and sugar esters.

Abstract An ion chromatography procedure was devised for the simultaneous determination of phosphate and sulfate in the same sample. In order to eliminate interference from zwitterionic compounds (particularly amino acids and peptides) generated during hydrolysis of the phosphate- or sulfate-containing compounds a pretreatment step with a cation-exchange column was required. The detection of sulfate is approximately twice as sensitive as phosphate on a molar basis. The useful working range for sulfate was 200 pmole to 35 nmole with the ion chromatography employed; the range for phosphate was 400 pmole to 65 nmole. Linearity in this range was very satisfactory. Representative analyses are presented for hydrolyzates of several glycoprotein hormones and sugar sulfates and phosphate esters. Replicate analyses were ±3.0% or better. The glycoprotein hormone analyses for sulfate did not indicate whole integers per mole, suggesting mixtures of isohormones as has been found by others using chromatofocusing or isoelectric focussing and immunoassay.
Can Droplets and Bubbles Think

Bubbles flowing through narrow channels can be encoded with information and made to perform logic operations like those in a computer.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction: An Intervention to Enhance the Effectiveness of Nurses' Coping With Work-Related Stress

Purpose This critical literature review explored the current state of the science regarding mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as a potential intervention to improve the ability of nurses to effectively cope with stress. Methods Literature sources include searches from EBSCOhost, Gale PowerSearch, ProQuest, PubMed Medline, Google Scholar, Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, and reference lists from relevant articles. Findings Empirical evidence regarding utilizing MBSR with nurses and other healthcare professionals suggests several positive benefits including decreased stress, burnout, and anxiety; and increased empathy, focus, and mood. Conclusions Nurse use of MBSR may be a key intervention to help improve nurses' ability to cope with stress and ultimately improve the quality of patient care provided.
Rectal absorption from aspirin suppositories in children and adults.

Absorption of salicylate was determined by means of urinary excretion techniques after rectal administration of a commercial aspirin suppository to eight children and four adults. The absorption of drug from the suppository was exceedingly slow; perhaps an order of magnitude slower than that observed after oral administration of conventional tablets. The amount of drug absorbed was highly dependent on the time between insertion and the first defecation (retention time ). Retention times as long as four to five hours resulted in only about 60% of the dose being absorbed. In our judgment the use of aspirin in the form of rectal suppositories provides the clinician with little control over drug therapy.
Properties of quadratic covariance bounds

We investigate the properties of quadratic covariance bounds for parametric estimators. The Cramer-Rao, Bhattacharyya (1946), and Barankin (1949) bounds have this quadratic structure and the properties of these bounds are uniquely determined by their respective score functions. We enumerate some characteristics of score functions which generate tight bounds. We also introduce projection operator and integral/kernel representations for this class of quadratic covariance bounds. These representations are useful as analysis and synthesis tools. We also address the issue of efficiency for this class of bounds. >
Magnetic bead-based label-free electrochemical detection of DNA hybridization

Magnetic bead capture has been used for eliminating non-specific adsorption effects hampering label-free detection of DNA hybridization based on stripping potentiometric measurements of the target guanine at graphite electrodes. In particular, the efficient magnetic separation has been extremely useful for discriminating against unwanted constituents, including a large excess of co-existing mismatched and non-complementary oligomers, chromosomal DNA, RNA and proteins. The new protocol involves the attachment of biotinylated oligonucleotide probes onto streptavidin-coated magnetic beads, followed by the hybridization event, dissociation of the DNA hybrid from the beads, and potentiometric stripping measurements at a renewable graphite pencil electrode. Such coupling of magnetic hybridization surfaces with renewable graphite electrode transducers and label-free electrical detection results in a greatly simplified protocol and offers great promise for centralized and decentralized genetic testing. A new magnetic carbon-paste transducer, combining the solution-phase magnetic separation with an instantaneous magnetic collection of the bead-captured hybrid, is also described. The characterization, optimization and advantages of the genomagnetic label-free electrical protocol are illustrated below for assays of DNA sequences related to the breast-cancer BRCA1 gene.
Imaginary Companions and Young Children's Coping and Competence

Imaginary companions (ICs) are purported to bolster children's coping and self-competence, but few studies address this claim. We expected that having/not having ICs would distinguish children's coping strategies and competence less than type of companion (i.e., personified object or invisible friend) or quality of child–IC relationship (i.e., egalitarian or hierarchical). We interviewed 72 three- to six-year-olds and their mothers about children's coping strategies and competence; teachers rated competence. Mothers reported ICs. IC presence and type did not differentiate coping strategies, but children with egalitarian relationships chose more constructive/prosocial coping strategies, and teachers rated them more socially competent than children with hierarchical child–IC relationships. Mothers related ICs to cognitive competence. Findings highlight (1) modest relations between imaginary relationships and coping/competence; (2) distinctions between mothers' perceptions and IC functions; and (3) that ICs parallel real relationships in that different dimensions (presence, type/identity, and relationship quality) might be unique contributors to children's socioemotional development.
Pattern formation of nanoflowers during the vapor liquid solid growth of silicon nanowires

Abstract Pattern formation of nanoflowers during the vapor–liquid–solid growth of Si nanowires is reported. Using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectrometer analysis, we show that the flower consists of an Au/SiO x core–shell structure. Moreover, the growth of flower starts at the interface between the gold catalyst and the silicon nanowire, presumably by enhanced oxidation at this interface. The pattern formation can be classified as dense branching morphology (DBM). It is the first observation of DBM in a spherical geometry and at the nanoscale. The analysis of the average branching distance of this pattern shows that the pattern is most likely formed during the growth process, not the cooling process, and that the curvature of the gold droplet plays a crucial role in the frequency of branching.
Temperature induction of bacteriophage λ mutants in Escherichia coli

The paper presents temperature induction in Escherichia coli cells with phage lambda on the target-protein production and cell growth. Replicated lambda-DNA particles in the Q- and S- mutants remain naked for a longer time by preventing DNA packaging and cell lysis, and therefore the expression of the foreign genes is high. However, the parasitic infection of phage-lambda causes on significant losses of host cell viability in the induction phase. The temperature effects on cell growth and targeted-gene product formation were investigated. Gene amplification was found to be growth phase dependent for both Qam73 (Q mutation) and Sam100 (S mutation) mutants. Maximum induction occurs in the early exponential phase and under the optimal cell density. The total beta-galactosidase activity at this optimal induction condition increases roughly 8-10-fold with respect to that without thermal induction. To maximize the induction efficiency for the gene-product beta-galactosidase activity, several operating parameters were investigated. In this study, temperature induction is strongly dependent upon the population density of 'susceptible' cells at which time the temperature is shifted to 38-42 degrees C. This may be due to the 'threshold' population density to regulate the infection of lambda to hosts and control the productivity of target gene expression.
A platform for rapid exploration of aging and diseases in a naturally short-lived vertebrate

Summary Aging is a complex process that affects multiple organs. Modeling aging and age-related diseases in the lab is challenging because classical vertebrate models have relatively long lifespans. Here, we develop the first platform for rapid exploration of age-dependent traits and diseases in vertebrates, using the naturally short-lived African turquoise killifish. We provide an integrative genomic and genome-editing toolkit in this organism using our de-novo-assembled genome and the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We mutate many genes encompassing the hallmarks of aging, and for a subset, we produce stable lines within 2–3 months. As a proof of principle, we show that fish deficient for the protein subunit of telomerase exhibit the fastest onset of telomere-related pathologies among vertebrates. We further demonstrate the feasibility of creating specific genetic variants. This genome-to-phenotype platform represents a unique resource for studying vertebrate aging and disease in a high-throughput manner and for investigating candidates arising from human genome-wide studies. Video Abstract
Advantages of seed selection in wheat aneuploid studies.

Aneuploid studies in wheat often involve progenies which segregate for monosomics and disomics. In situations where only monosomics are needed, data are presented to show that their frequency can be increased by selecting wrinkled seeds for planting. Conversely, a higher proportion of disomics results from using the plumpest seeds from a cross- or self-pollination involving a monosomic parent.
Bounds on Multichannel Scattering Parameters

Using the projection techniques recently developed in the formal theory of reactions, it is shown that a bound on the exact reactance matrix K is provided by the close-coupling reactance-matrix approximation K/sup P/; that is, K-K/sup P/ is, in a sense that can be made precise, a positive definite operator. This is of more than formal interest since the numerical solution of the finite number of coupled equations that arise when the target system is excited to only a restricted number of virtual states, and the determination of K/sup P/, is feasible for a variety of three-body problems that include, of course, three-body model problems. Furthermore, K/sup P/ improves monotonically as one includes more and more virtual states. The recognition of this monotonicity property is useful in self-consistency analyses during the course of numerical calculations and provides a more precise meaning for the numerical results obtained. Choosing a particular representation, the bound on K generates bounds on the appropriately defined eigenphase shifts. The question of the absolute definition of phase shifts and of eigenphase shifts is discussed in some detail, and it is shown that the presently used definition has serious deficiencies. (auth)
Prescription Opioid Analgesics Increase the Risk of Depression

BACKGROUND Prescription opioid analgesic use has quintupled recently. Evidence linking opioid use with depression emanates from animal models and studies of persons with co-occurring substance use and major depression. Little is known about depressogenic effects of opioid use in other populations.
Astrocytes, but not microglia, are activated in oxaliplatin and bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy in the rat

Spinal microglia are widely recognized as activated by and contributing to the generation and maintenance of inflammatory and nerve injury related chronic pain; whereas the role of spinal astrocytes has received much less attention, despite being the first glial cells identified as activated following peripheral nerve injury. Recently it was suggested that microglia do not appear to play a significant role in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), but in contrast astrocytes appear to have a key role. In spite of the generalizability of astrocyte recruitment across chemotherapy drugs, its correlation to the onset of the behavioral CIPN phenotype has not been determined. The astroglial and microglial markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and OX-42 were imaged here to examine glial reactivity in multiple models of CIPN over time and to contrast this response to that produced in the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model. Microglia were strongly activated following SNL, but not activated at any of the time points observed following chemotherapy treatments. Astrocytes were activated following both oxaliplatin and bortezomib treatment in a manner that paralleled chemotherapy-evoked behavioral changes. Both the behavioral phenotype and activation of astrocytes were prevented by co-administration of minocycline hydrochloride in both CIPN models, suggesting a common mechanism.
Temperature Effects on Pacemaker Generation, Membrane Potential, and Critical Firing Threshold in Aplysia Neurons

Temperature increases cause a regular and reproducible increase in the frequency of generation of pacemaker potentials in most Aplysia neurons specialized for this type of activity which can only be explained as a direct stimulating effect of temperature upon the ionic mechanisms responsible for pacemaker potentials. At the same time all cells in the visceral ganglion undergo a membrane potential hyperpolarization of approximately 1–2 mv/°C warmed. In spite of the marked variation in resting membrane potential the critical firing threshold remains at a constant membrane potential level at all temperatures in the absence of accommodative changes. The temperature-frequency curves of all types of cells are interpreted as a result of the interaction between the effects of temperature on the pacemaker-generating mechanism and resting membrane potential. Previous observations on the effects of temperature on excitability of mammalian neurons suggest that other types of neurons may undergo similar marked shifts in resting membrane potential with temperature variation.
Characterization of a red beet protein homologous to the essential 36-kilodalton subunit of the yeast V-type ATPase

V-type proton-translocating ATPases (V-ATPases) (EC 3.6.1.3) are electrogenic proton pumps involved in acidification of endomembrane compartments in all eukaryotic cells. V-ATPases from various species consist of 8 to 12 polypeptide subunits arranged into an integral membrane proton pore sector (V0) and a peripherally associated catalytic sector (V1). Several V-ATPase subunits are functionally and structurally conserved among all species examined. In yeast, a 36-kD peripheral subunit encoded by the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) VMA6 gene (Vma6p) is required for stable assembly of the V0 sector as well as for V1 attachment. Vma6p has been characterized as a nonintegrally associated V0 subunit. A high degree of sequence similarity among Vma6p homologs from animal and fungal species suggests that this subunit has a conserved role in V-ATPase function. We have characterized a novel Vma6p homolog from red beet (Beta vulgaris) tonoplast membranes. A 44-kD polypeptide cofractionated with V-ATPase upon gel-filtration chromatography of detergent-solubilized tonoplast membranes and was specifically cross-reactive with anti-Vma6p polyclonal antibodies. The 44-kD polypeptide was dissociated from isolated tonoplast preparations by mild chaotropic agents and thus appeared to be nonintegrally associated with the membrane. The putative 44-kD homolog appears to be structurally similar to yeast Vma6p and occupies a similar position within the holoenzyme complex.
Seeking Clarity in a Linguistic Fog: Moderators of the Workplace Aggression-Strain Relationship

This study used cross-sectional data from 579 nurses to examine main and interaction effects of workplace aggression and theoretical nuances on employee strain. Perceived intensity of aggression and intention attributions by the target, power of the perpetrator in relation to the target, and perceived visibility of aggression by the target all served to exacerbate various relationships of workplace aggression with depression, physical symptoms, job satisfaction, and accidental contagious disease exposure. Three-way interactions reveal that these moderators may have complex roles in workplace aggression–strain research. This research supports a model where workplace aggression and its distinct moderators jointly impact employee strain and provide clarity to questions left unanswered due to term fragmentation and measurement overlap that currently obscure how mechanisms underlying workplace aggression constructs impact employee strains.
Maneuver Based Design of Passive-Assist Devices: A Comparison of Parallel and Serial Systems

A comparison of serial, parallel, and dual Passive Assist Devices (PADs) designed using energy minimization based on a known maneuver is presented. Implementation of a PAD can result in an improvement in system performance with respect to efficiency, reliability, and/or safety. In previous work we demonstrated this concept experimentally on a single link robot arm augmented with a torsional spring in parallel. Here we show that the concept can extended to serial and dual systems as well. To make the optimization converge more quickly we introduce a new initial design using a weighted force displacement curve fit. We provide engineering insight into why different types of PADs perform differently depending on the maneuver and offer guidelines on how to select a specific type based on the application. Finally, we demonstrate this design process and selection procedure on a 3-link manipulator arm and show that a combination of parallel and dual PADs could reduce energy consumption by up to 78%.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Differential geometric construction of the gauged Wess-Zumino action

A general expression for the gauged Wess-Zumino effective action is obtained by differential geometry methods. This expression is evaluated without the use of a “trial and error” method, and its dependence on the gauge fields is in the form of a finite polynomial. Our result is compared with that previously obtained by Witten.
Volatile constituents of Cupressus stephensonii heartwood

Abstract Nonpolar volatile extractives of Cupressus stephensonii heartwood amounting to 1·3% (drywood weight basis) were analyzed for their constituents and the main component was found to be carvacrol (78%). Tropolones (17%) were composed largely of β-thujaplicin and nootkatin with γ-thujaplicin in secondary quantities. Acids were low (1·7%). Neutral constituents (3·4%) contained α-pinene (8%), 4-terpinenol (27%), and methyl 4- trans -dehydrogeranate (45%).