cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Worry on Responses to a Discrimination Learning Task.

The current study examined the impact of both the tendency to worry (trait worry) and the process of worry (state worry) on subsequent behavioral responding in a schedule discrimination learning task. High and low trait worriers were randomly assigned to a state worry or relaxation incubation condition and completed a test of executive functioning and a dual contingency learning task that utilized neutral discriminative cues over the course of 2 contingency phases. Although state and trait worry did not impact executive functioning, the state worry condition was associated with diminished sensitivity to learning task contingencies over the course of the first contingency learning trials in comparison to the relaxation condition. This relationship was unique to the state worry condition above and beyond shared variance with subjective anxiety level. Results suggest that state worry may lead to a decrement in selective behavioral responding to neutral discriminative cues in the environment. The findings suggest that the process of worry may lead to less adaptive responding to neutral cues and interfere with adaptive behaviors, which may thereby contribute to and maintain anxiety.
TNF-α differentially regulates Ia antigen expression and macrophage tumoricidal activity in two murine macrophage cell lines

We have assessed tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production and its autocrine effects on activation in two murine macrophage cell lines which have distinct responses to the activation stimuli interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and compared these responses to those observed in thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages. IFN-gamma induced TNF-alpha production in RAW 264.7 cells and this induction was regulated at the transcriptional level. IFN-gamma did not stimulate TNF-alpha production in either WEHI-3 cells or peritoneal macrophages, although MHC class II antigen expression was induced. LPS stimulated TNF-alpha production in the RAW 264.7 cell line and peritoneal macrophages; however, no TNF-alpha was detected in WEHI-3 cells activated with LPS. We also assessed the ability of endogenous TNF-alpha to serve as an autocrine regulator of two aspects of IFN-gamma-mediated macrophage activation, namely, induction of antibody-independent tumoricidal activity and induction of MHC class II antigen expression. These studies revealed that TNF-alpha could act synergistically or antagonistically with IFN-gamma in the regulation of these two functions, depending on both the macrophage population used and the function assessed. The results of our experiments suggest that the mechanism of induction of TNF-alpha production by IFN-gamma or LPS, and the ultimate autocrine contribution of such TNF-alpha to a given activation response, is dependent on the activated macrophage target population under analysis. The WEHI-3 and RAW 264.7 cell lines provide a model system for comparative exploration of the mechanistic basis of this differential regulation.
Abnormalities in position of left ventricular papillary muscles in congenital aortic stenosis

Abstract Subclinical structural abnormalities may accompany some congenital cardiovascular abnormalities. Echocardiographic observations led us to hypothesize that the positions of the left ventricular papillary muscles are abnormal in hearts with aortic valvar stenosis. To test this hypothesis, we examined 6 normal heart specimens and hearts with congenital cardiovascular malformations, including 5 with pulmonary atresia and an intact ventricular septum, 6 with tetralogy of Fallot and 5 with aortic valvar stenosis. We marked the papillary muscles and the mitral commissures, X-rayed the hearts, and measured the angular positions of the papillary muscles using the midpoint of a chord drawn between the mitral commissures as a reference point. The direction from the midpoint to the lateral commissure was designated as 0°. The data (mean ± SEM) were analyzed using a computer program (ANOVA). In normal hearts, the anterolateral and posteromedial papillary muscles were positioned, respectively, at 43 ± 19° and 126 ± 26°. The positions of the papillary muscles were similar to normal in the hearts with pulmonary atresia (62 ± 38° and 128 ± 27°) and tetralogy of Fallot (40 ± 13° and 130 ± 37°). In aortic stenosis, the locations of the papillary muscles (− 76 ± 42° and 71 ± 25°) were significantly different from normal ( P P
“Flat‐Venus Society” organizes

This is a call for the formation of a Flat-Venus Society. In the face of a media blitz that conveys the impression that Venus is characterized by soaring mountains and deep canyons, a dedicated group is needed to promote the fact that our sister planet is mostly flat, rolling plains. The beautiful and widely publicized “three-dimensional images” and video “flyovers” of Venus released by NASA and the Magellan Project at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory all have a vertical exaggeration of 23:1. This distortion greatly exceeds that normally used even by geologists.
Theory of 2-structures. Part I: clans, basic subclasses, and morphisms

Abstract The notion of a 2-structure is more general than the notion of a graph and less general than the notion of a relational structure . This paper develops the theory of 2-structures, and in particular it demonstrates that each 2-structure can be constructed from (decomposed into) three sorts of “basic” 2-structures. This result is obtained through a (hierarchical) representation of 2-structures by trees.
The potential impacts of climate variability and change on air pollution-related health effects in the United States.

Climate change may affect exposures to air pollutants by affecting weather, anthropogenic emissions, and biogenic emissions and by changing the distribution and types of airborne allergens. Local temperature, precipitation, clouds, atmospheric water vapor, wind speed, and wind direction influence atmospheric chemical processes, and interactions occur between local and global-scale environments. If the climate becomes warmer and more variable, air quality is likely to be affected. However, the specific types of change (i.e., local, regional, or global), the direction of change in a particular location (i.e., positive or negative), and the magnitude of change in air quality that may be attributable to climate change are a matter of speculation, based on extrapolating present understanding to future scenarios. There is already extensive evidence on the health effects of air pollution. Ground-level ozone can exacerbate chronic respiratory diseases and cause short-term reductions in lung function. Exposure to particulate matter can aggravate chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, alter host defenses, damage lung tissue, lead to premature death, and possibly contribute to cancer. Health effects of exposures to carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide can include reduced work capacity, aggravation of existing cardiovascular diseases, effects on pulmonary function, respiratory illnesses, lung irritation, and alterations in the lung's defense systems. Adaptations to climate change should include ensuring responsiveness of air quality protection programs to changing pollution levels. Research needs include basic atmospheric science work on the association between weather and air pollutants; improving air pollution models and their linkage with climate change scenarios; and closing gaps in the understanding of exposure patterns and health effects.
The influence of stress on the menstrual cycle among newly incarcerated women.

Objective We sought to estimate the association of stressful life events on menstrual function in incarcerated women. Methods Project CONNECT is a study of reproductive health needs of incarcerated women conducted between June 2002 and December 2003. This analysis examines menstrual function in 446 women from this cohort who were under the age of 45. Regularity was defined as menses between 26 and 35 days long. Amenorrhea was defined as ≥90 days since last menstruation. Measures included stressful experiences and deprivation (e.g., physical or sexual abuse, stressful living conditions, exchanging sex for drugs or money, or having had an incarcerated parent). Results Menstrual dysfunction was common in this population. Nine percent reported amenorrhea, and 33% reported menstrual irregularity. A number of stressors were associated with menstrual irregularity, including having a parent with history of alcohol or drug problems (relative risk [RR] = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.80), childhood physical or sexual abuse (RR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.03–2.13), or any sexual abuse (RR = 1.49; 95% CI, 1.03–2.14) after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, and recent drug use. These effects were attenuated somewhat when excluding women who had reported any hormonal contraceptive use in the past 3 months. Conclusion Incarcerated women have high rates of amenorrhea and menstrual irregularity and the prevalence may be associated with certain stresses. Further research on the causes and consequences of menstrual dysfunction in this underserved population is needed.
Small sample comparison of Thompson’s estimator to some common bioassay estimators

For a variety of reasons, bioassay experiments are frequently conducted with small sample sizes. However, the statistical literature offers little comparative information for small sample sizes among the analytical procedures most typically applied in vertebrate studies for chemical registration. A simulation study was performed to compare several traditional analytical procedures for estimating the median lethal dose (LD50). These estimation procedures include probit analysis with maximum likelihood estimation, logit analysis with maximum likelihood and minimum chi-square estimation methods, and analysis by a nonparametric moving average procedure. The simulation results indicate the conditions under which each analytical method appears most useful. Recommendations are tentatively made for minimally adequate designs for bioassay studies.
Degradation of modulation and noise characteristics of semiconductor lasers after propagation in optical fiber due to a phase shift induced by stimulated Brillouin scattering

Here we demonstrate theoretically that stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) can induce a phase shift of the optical carrier relative to its sidebands due to the waveguiding effect of the optical fiber on the acoustic wave. This causes conversion of frequency modulation to intensity modulation, which results in an increase in the relative intensity noise and degradation of the modulation response of directly modulated lasers after propagation in an optical fiber, in agreement with our experimental observations. Suppression of SBS can be achieved at low frequencies and high modulation powers due to the laser adiabatic chirp.
Evolution of larval foraging behaviour in Drosophila and its effects on growth and metabolic rates

The evolution of foraging in Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) is stud- ied using outbred populations that had been differentiated using laboratory selection. The foraging behaviour of Drosophila larvae is measured using the foraging path length of 72-h-old larvae. The foraging path length is the distance travelled by foraging larvae over 5 min. Populations of Drosophila selected for rapid development show significantly greater path lengths than their controls. Populations of Drosophila selected for resistance to ammonia and urea in their larval food have shorter path lengths than their controls. Individuals in the ammonia-resistant populations are smaller than those in the control populations, but the size-adjusted metabolic rates are not significantly different. A simple model is proposed suggesting that changes in larval foraging behaviour may be a means for Drosophila larvae to adapt to new environments that require add- itional maintenance energy. In the ammonia-selected populations, crucial tests of these ideas will have to be conducted in environments with ammonia.
Events occurring near the time of synapsis during transformation in Diplococcus pneumoniae.

A marker-specific and strongly temperature-dependent reaction was observed to occur at a time during transformation in Diplococcus pneumoniae after the donor deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) had acquired single-strand properties and immediately preceding the integration of these strands into the recipient chromosome. Operationally, it was observed as the prevention of an intracellular inactivation process, also described in this paper, which is specific for low molecular weight or for damaged DNA, and which occurs if the recipient cells are held at suboptimal temperatures after the DNA has entered. Brief exposure of the cells to a higher temperature stabilized the DNA against this inactivation, in a two step process. It is the first step which has a strong temperature dependence (ΔH‡ = 70 kcal/mole, ΔS‡ = 160 entropy units), is marker specific, and which appears to be reversible. The second step is much less temperature-dependent and overlaps in time the start of integration. The enthalpy and entropy of activation are both consistent with those needed to open a loop of six to eight base pairs in a DNA duplex. It is suggested that these observations may reflect, and provide an assay for, the kinetics of synapsis, which on this model is limited in rate by the appearance of unpaired regions on the recipient duplex.
Three-dimensional echocardiographic evaluation of an incidental quadricuspid aortic valve

Background Quadricuspid aortic valve is one of the rare forms of congenital cardiac valvular disease. Its diagnosis is often missed, even with the transthoracic echocardiogram. Many of these patients progress to aortic incompetence later in life requiring surgical intervention. In addition, quadricuspid aortic valve can be associated with other congenital cardiac deformities. Hence early recognition and follow-up is critical in these patients. Case presentation We report a patient with quadricuspid aortic valve identified on intraoperative transesophageal 3-D echocardiography. This 66-year-old male presented with the features of congestive heart failure. The preoperative transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) disclosed, moderately severe aortic valve insufficiency along with severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, but failed to reveal the quadricuspid anomaly of the aortic valve. Interestingly, this patient had undergone transthoracic echocardiography on two previous occasions during the past seven years for the evaluation of his valvular heart disease, which all failed to document this anomaly. Intraoperatively, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) displayed an aortic valve composed of three medium and one small cusps. Conclusion Our patient's case demonstrates the usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography in detection of this uncommon congenital malformation.
Vertical profiles of biospheric and fossil fuel-derived CO2 and fossil fuel CO2: CO ratios from airborne measurements of Δ14C, CO2 and CO above Colorado, USA

Measurements of Δ 14 C in atmospheric CO 2 are an effective method of separating CO 2 additions from fossil fuel and biospheric sources or sinks of CO 2 . We illustrate this technique with vertical profiles of CO 2 and Δ 14 C analysed in whole air flask samples collected above Colorado, USA in May and July 2004. Comparison of lower tropospheric composition to cleaner air at higher altitudes (>5 km) revealed considerable additions from respiration in the morning in both urban and rural locations. Afternoon concentrations were mainly governed by fossil fuel emissions and boundary layer depth, also showing net biospheric CO 2 uptake in some cases. We estimate local industrial CO 2 :CO emission ratios using in situ measurements of CO concentration. Ratios are found to vary by 100% and average 57 mole CO 2 :1 mole CO, higher than expected from emissions inventories. Uncertainty in CO 2 from different sources was ±1.1 to ±4.1 ppm for addition or uptake of −4.6 to 55.8 ppm, limited by Δ 14 C measurement precision and uncertainty in background Δ 14 C and CO 2 levels. DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0889.2009.00421.x
Development and usability testing of FOCUS: a smartphone system for self-management of schizophrenia.

Objective: Mobile Health (mHealth) approaches can support the rehabilitation of individuals with psychiatric conditions. In the current article, we describe the development of a smartphone illness self-management system for people with schizophrenia. Methods: The research was conducted with consumers and practitioners at a community-based rehabilitation agency. Stage 1: 904 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder completed a survey reporting on their current use of mobile devices and interest in mHealth services. Eight practitioners completed a survey examining their attitudes and expectations from an mHealth intervention, and identified needs and potential obstacles. Stage 2: A multidisciplinary team incorporated consumer and practitioner input and employed design principles for the development of e-resources for people with schizophrenia to produce an mHealth intervention. Stage 3: 12 consumers participated in laboratory usability sessions. They performed tasks involved in operating the new system, and provided “think aloud” commentary and post-session usability ratings. Results: 570 (63%) of survey respondents reported owning a mobile device and many expressed interest in receiving mHealth services. Most practitioners believed that consumers could learn to use and would benefit from an mHealth intervention. In response, we developed a smartphone system that targets medication adherence, mood regulation, sleep, social functioning, and coping with symptoms. Usability testing revealed several design vulnerabilities, and the system was adapted to address consumer needs and preferences accordingly. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Through a comprehensive development process, we produced an mHealth illness self-management intervention that is likely to be used successfully, and is ready for deployment and systemic evaluation in real-world conditions.
Regulation of retrotranslocation by p97-associated deubiquitinating enzyme ataxin-3.

Misfolded proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum undergo retrotranslocation to enter the cytosol where they are degraded by the proteasome. Retrotranslocation of many substrates requires an ATPase complex consisting of the p97 ATPase and a dimeric cofactor, Ufd1-Npl4. We report that efficient elimination of misfolded ER proteins also involves ataxin-3 (atx3), a p97-associated deubiquitinating enzyme mutated in type-3 spinocerebellar ataxia. Overexpression of an atx3 mutant defective in deubiquitination inhibits the degradation of misfolded ER proteins and triggers ER stress. Misfolded polypeptides stabilized by mutant atx3 are accumulated in part as polyubiquitinated form, suggesting an involvement of its deubiquitinating activity in ER-associated protein degradation regulation. We demonstrate that atx3 transiently associates with the ER membrane via p97 and the recently identified Derlin–VIMP complex, and its release from the membrane appears to be governed by both the p97 ATPase cycle and its own deubiquitinating activity. We present evidence that atx3 may promote p97-associated deubiquitination to facilitate the transfer of polypeptides from p97 to the proteasome.
Fourier transform coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (FTCARS) microscopy

We demonstrate Fourier transform coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering (FTCARS) microscopy and show that an external field combined with the signal can overcome detector dark noise. We discuss conditions for obtaining shot-noise-limited detection and compare the S/N of FTCARS with other methods.
Thermal stress characteristics of two-level Al(Cu) interconnect structure

Thermal stress characteristics of single-level and two-level Al(Cu) interconnects passivated with tetraethyl orthosilicate oxide were measured using x-ray diffraction. Thermal stresses of the second-level metal lines were deduced from the experimental data based on an analysis of the x-ray absorption in a two-level interconnect structure. The confinement effect from the substrate on the stress characteristics of metal lines at different interconnect levels was investigated. Thermal stress behavior of the second-level lines indicated that the confinement effect from the Si substrate is reduced compared to the single-level lines, resulting in reduced levels of hydrostatic and shear stresses.
Characteristic Infrared Absorption Frequencies of the Enol Group of 1,3-Dicarbonyl Compounds

Infrared spectra of several 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds from different organic chemical classes have been recorded. Assignments of characteristic enol frequencies have been made, and group frequency ranges developed. In most cases, the ranges are reasonably narrow considering the great changes in overall structure of the examples studied. The enol structure affects to a significant degree the absorption frequencies of certain modes.
Randomized Clinical Trials of Pregabalin for Neuropathic Pain: Methods, Results, and Implications

Key words : diabetic peripheral neuropathy, neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, pregabalin, randomized clinical trials, spinal cord injury. Introduction and Overview Neuropathic pain is caused by lesions or diseases affecting somatosensory pathways within the peripheral or central nervous system (IASP Special Interest Group on Neuropathic Pain, 2006; Merskey & Bogduk, 1994). Chronic neuropathic pain is common in clinical practice, and patients with conditions such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), HIV sensory neuropathy, and spinal cord injury suffer from neuropathic pain that impairs their health-related quality of life, causing physical disability and emotional distress (Jensen et al ., 2007). The distinction between neuropathic pain and non-neuropathic inflammatory or musculoskeletal pain is important because it reflects at least partially distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms and somewhat different patterns of treatment efficacy. Neuropathic pain can be diagnosed based on a medical history of a nervous system lesion or disease consistent with the patient's report of pain and neurological examination findings of negative and positive sensory phenomena in the same area innervated by damaged nervous system pathways (Dworkin et al ., 2003a). Chronic neuropathic pain is more common than generally appreciated, with as many as three million patients with painful DPN (Schmader, 2002) and one million patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) (Bowsher, 1999) in the United States. Until relatively recently, there were few treatments available with established efficacy for patients with chronic neuropathic pain. On the basis of results from randomized placebo-controlled trials published within the past several years (Dworkin et al ., in press; Finnerup et al ., 2005), an evidence-based treatment approach for patients with chronic neuropathic pain is now possible.
Computing research: a looming crisis

On June 11, Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn received computing's highest prize, the A.M. Turing Award, from the Association for Computing Machinery. Their Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), created in 1973, became the language of the Internet.In the May 6 issue of Science [1], we used this as the "news hook" for an invited editorial on the current state of computer science research in the United States. "Where will the next generation of groundbreaking innovations in IT arise?" we asked. "Where will the Turing Awardees 30 years hence reside?" Our conclusion: "Given current trends, the answers to both questions will likely be 'not in the United States.'"We take this opportunity to explore in greater depth the issues we raised in that editorial. What are the trends that concern us? What can all of us, as computer scientists, do to reverse them?
The effects of Brazelton intervention: A review

This article reviews research that has used the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS; Brazelton, 1984) as an intervention. It discusses separately the various effects NBAS intervention has been found to have in areas such as parent-infant interaction, infant development, temperament, and parental attitudes and satisfaction. Inconsistent findings are noted in each of these areas. This article then addresses issues that may play a role in the effectiveness of NBAS intervention, including the risk status of the population, the intensity of the intervention, and the receptivity of the parent. It concludes by suggesting that realistic goals be set concerning the expectations for early, short-term intervention such as the NBAS. Cet article passe en revue les recherches qui ont utilise L'tchelle d'evaluation du comportement neonatal de Brazelton (“Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale” abrege NBAS; Brazelton, 1984) en tant qu'intervention. Il examine separement les differents effets que L'on a attribues a L'intervention NBAS dans des domaines comme l'interaction parent-nourrisson, le developpement du nourrisson, le temperament, et les attitudes et les satisfactions parentales. Des resultats presentant des contradictions sont notes dans chacun de ces domaines. L'article examine ensuite des problemes qui pourraient jouer un rǒle dans l'efficacite de L'intervention NBAS, tels que, par exemple, le statut a risque de la population, l'intensite de L'intervention et la receptivite du parent. Nous concluons en suggerant que des objectifs realistes soient fixes en ce qui concerne ce que L'on attend d'une intervention precoce a court-terme, en utilisant des outils comme la NBAS.
An open-source algorithm to detect onset of arterial blood pressure pulses

In this paper, we present an effective algorithm for detecting the onset of arterial blood pressure (ABP) pulses. The algorithm employs a windowed and weighted slope sum function (SSF) to extract ABP waveform features. Adaptive thresholding and search strategies are applied to the SSF signal to detect ABP pulses and to determine their onsets. Two evaluation procedures were employed. First, pulse detection accuracy was evaluated by comparing the algorithm's pulse detections with reference ECG annotations using the MIT-BIH Polysomnographic Database. The algorithm detected 99.31% of the 368,364 beats annotated in the ECG. Second, the accuracy of pulse onset determination was established using a newly created, manually-edited reference ABP signal database. For 96.41% of the 39,848 beats in the reference database, the difference between the manually-edited and algorithm-determined ABP pulse onset was less than or equal to 20 ms. The C source code of the algorithm has been contributed to PhysioToolkit and is freely available from the PhysioNet website (http://www.physionet.org).
31P[180] NMR Kinetic Analysis of 180 Exchange Reaction between P, and H20 Catalyzed by Na,K-ATPase

Publisher Summary Na, K-ATPase from various sources has been shown to catalyze a rapid Mg 2+ - and K + -dependent exchange between the oxygens of medium inorganic phosphate (P i ) and water, a P i ↔ HOH exchange, which most probably arises through dynamic formation and collapse of the K + -complexed phosphoenzyme. The P i ↔ HOH exchange reaction is the most rapid reaction known to be catalyzed by the Na, K-ATPase, with exchange capacities approaching 20–50 times the maximal rate of ATP hydrolysis. The presence of this exchange has provided a potent means of assessing a discrete portion of the overall catalytic sequence of the ATP hydrolysis reaction and elements of the cooperative interactions occurring during catalysis; the sidedness of K + interactions; and the steps associated with K + uptake, K + /K + exchange, and P i dissociation. The extent of water oxygen incorporation into medium inorganic phosphate in the past has been determined by the measurement of the total 18 O present in isolated P i by conversion of the inorganic phosphate oxygens to CO 2 and measurement of the mass 46/44 ratio. Pi ↔ HOH exchange reaction catalyzed by the medium Na, K-ATPase isolated from electroplax or porcine and canine renal outer medulla has been assessed by using the 18 O shift of the 31 p nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal of P i .
The Influence of Cognitive Simplification Processes on the CEO Succession Decision

This paper addresses the inconsistencies in the outsider/insider CEO succession literature by conceptualizing the CEO succession decision as a complex strategic process. Our model integrates a set of variables which have not been previously considered in CEO succession literature but which, due to their demonstrated prevalence in strategic decision making may be important. Our propositions are predicated on the fact that selecting a new CEO is a complex and ambiguous process where decision makers, in order to navigate uncertainty, draw upon simplification processes, and thereby construct a simplified model of reality. Our paper identifies the influence of organizational memory, organization culture, media framing, recency effects, and operational reach on decision makers, and specifically their role in constructing simplification heuristics within the CEO selection process.
Variability May Be the “Law of Life,” but Blood Pressure Variability May Forebode a Shorter Life

Genetic, phenotypic, and physiologic variability complicate the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of almost all disease states. Historically, blood pressure (BP) variations across clinic visits were viewed as random fluctuations without clinical or prognostic significance. However, emerging evidence suggests that these long-term fluctuations, termed BP visit-to-visit variability, portend a range of adverse health events in the general and kidney disease populations. 2-4 Higher BP visit-to-visit variability has been associated with acute myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and left ventricular dysfunction. 5 Such adverse clinical outcomes have proved particularly difficult to modify among patients with chronic kidney disease due to the complex interplay of traditional and kidney disease–specific risk factors involved in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. The prospect of long-term BP visit-to-visit variability as a novel modifiable cardiovascular risk factor has generated enthusiasm among some because it potentially represents a new therapeutic target through which to improve patient outcomes.
Knochenwachstum in porösen, keramischen Implantaten beim Hund

Definiert porose zylindrische (Radius 2,5 mm) und halbzylindrische (Radius 6,5 mm) Implantate aus resistenter Aluminiumoxidkeramik mit den Porendurchmessern 0,4 bis 0,6 mm, 0,6 bis 0,8 mm, 0,8 bis 1,0 mm und 1,0 bis 1,2 mm wurden in die Tibia von Hunden implantiert. In den Poren bildete sich in zunehmendem Mase Knochengewebe, und nach einer Verweilzeit von 7 Monaten enthielten fast alle Poren vorwiegend Knochen-gewebe. In zylindrischen Implantaten aus Calciumphosphat (Radius 2,5 mm) mit 0,8 bis 1,0 mm Porendurchmesser erfolgte die Knochenbildung innerhalb der zweimonatigen Verweilzeit deutlich schneller als in vergleichbaren Implantaten aus A1203 und in Implantaten aus Calciumphosphat-Calciumaluminat mit 0,8 bis 1,0 mm Porendurchmesser. Zwischen Knochen und Calciumphosphat-Implantat entstand eine direkte Verbindung ohne erkennbaren Bindegewebssaum. Zwischen Knochen und Al2O3-Keramik hingegen war ein schmaler, zwischen Knochen und Calciumphosphat-Calciumaluminat ein vergleichsweise breiter Bindegewebssaum vorhanden. Die Gewebevertraglichkeit war bei Calciumphosphat optimal. In der Umgebung von Al2O3 traten nach mehrwochiger Verweilzeit geringgradige Fremdkorperreaktionen auf, in der Umgebung von Calciumphosphat-Calciumaluminat nach 2 Monaten starke Fremdkorperreaktionen.
Rancid Flavor of Edible Oils. II.

This study aims at to elucidate the nature and chemical component of rancid flavor of oils which are differently oxidized and also to discuss the effect on such rancidities by the different fatty acid composition of oils and by the different extent of the oxidation.The flavors of rancid soybean, corn and olive oil were evaluated by the organoleptic method and the natures of their flavors were described. Although the difference in the quality of rancid flavor in these oils was small, the flavor of each oil was rather characteristic; namely the “green” and “fishy” flavor were predominant in rancid soybean oil, “haylike” flavor in rancid corn oil, and socalled “heavy” flavor in rancid olive oil.The chromatographic analyses on the volatile components of these rancid oils showed that these fractions were mainly composed of the degradation products of linoleic acid. A considerable amount of the decomposition products of linolenic acid were seen in the volatiles of rancid soybean oil, while a small amount of the decomposition products of oleic acid, which were scarcely found in other oils, were detected in the volatiles of rancid olive oil.Slight difference in rancid flavor of these oils appears to depend on the difference in the quantity of volatile compounds and also on the difference in the fatty acid composition of original oils. The intensity of rancid flavor in these oils seems to correlate with their peroxide value and is independent of their fatty acid composition.
A three dimensional model of wound healing: Analysis and computation

This paper is concerned with a three-dimensional model of wound healing. The boundary of the wound is a free boundary, and the region surrounding it is viewed as a partially healed tissue, satisfying a viscoelastic constitutive law for the velocity v. In the partially healed region the densities of several types of cells and the concentrations of several chemical species satisfy a coupled system of parabolic equations, whereas the tissue density satisfies a hyperbolic equation. The parabolic equations include advection by the velocity v and chemotaxis/haptotaxis terms. We prove existence and uniqueness of a smooth solution of the free boundary problem, for some time interval $0\leq t\leq T$, $T>0$. We also simulate the model equations to demonstrate the difference in the healing rate between normal wounds and chronic (or ischemic) wounds.
Interactions between pluripotency factors specify cis-regulation in embryonic stem cells

We investigated how interactions between pluripotency transcription factors (TFs) affect cis-regulation. We created hundreds of synthetic cis-regulatory elements (CREs) comprised of combinations of binding sites for pluripotency TFs and measured their expression in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. A thermodynamic model that incorporates interactions between TFs explains a large portion (72%) of the variance in expression of these CREs. These interactions include three favorable heterotypic interactions between TFs. The model also predicts an unfavorable homotypic interaction between TFs, helping to explain the observation that homotypic chains of binding sites express at low levels. We further investigated the expression driven by CREs comprised of homotypic chains of KLF4 binding sites. Our results suggest that KLF homologs make unique contributions to regulation by these CREs. We conclude that a specific set of interactions between pluripotency TFs plays a large role in setting the levels of expression driven by CREs in ES cells.
Research on dephasing PWM control of inverter spot-welding power supply based on DSP

In this paper,TMS320LF2407A Demo module is used to generate drive pulse for full-bridge zero-voltage spot-welding inverter circuit.The frequency,dephasing angle and delay time of the PWM pulse can be set and revised conveniently by a program.Based on the analysis of the principle to generate PWM output pulse by TMS320LF2407A DSP chip,a new idea that generates the dephasing angle of the PWM output square pulse by fixing the initial value of T1CNT register and keep changing the initial value of T3CNT register is put forward,furthermore,the formula to calculate the output current's value changing with the phase-shifting angle is built.The new idea and the formula are verified by the experimental test.
Cultural competence and social desirability among practitioners: A systematic review of the literature

Abstract There is increased awareness that practitioners (e.g., teachers, school counselors, social workers, and school psychologists) need additional training to work effectively with diverse populations. However, there has been limited consideration of measurement challenges related to assessing this type of competence. Specifically, there are growing concerns that self-report measures of cultural competence may be biased by social desirability. To address these gaps, we conducted a systematic review of the literature on cultural competence and social desirability bias. We identified 15 studies focused on issues related to cultural competence and social desirability bias that met our search criteria. Our review and analysis of these studies suggested that cultural competence is positively correlated with social desirability bias, but the strength of this association varies as a function of the cultural competence scale used. Furthermore, race, gender, sexual orientation, years of experience, and training experiences were also significantly associated with cultural competence and/or social desirability. Implications for future research and professional development related to cultural competence are discussed.
Measurement analysis in uncertainty space

Abstract Uncertainty due to measurement repetition is quantified by transforming data from measurement space to uncertainty space using transition equations. Measured data is fit with a reference function that serves as the basis for the envelope used in uncertainty space to quantify measurement uncertainty. This method’s sampling criterion which prevents information loss also uses the reference function. The method quantifies uncertainty in terms of the random effects associated with a measurement system and the uncertainty associated with the finite resolution capabilities of the measurement system. Uncertainties calculated using the proposed method were equal to expanded uncertainties (k = 2) calculated using the standard method. This nonparametric method for uncertainty analysis quantifies uncertainty due to measurement repetition and establishes that the uncertainty due to data discretization is the minimum achievable uncertainty.
Thin-slots Machining of Compliant Needles for Vibration-assisted Medical Insertion

Abstract This paper presents a geometric analysis modeling and control of micro-slots manufacturing for compliant needles fabrication and biomedical applications. In medical applications, the insertion accuracy of medical needles is closely related with the insertion forces encountered during the relative motion between needle and tissue. This paper presents a new design of compliant needle featured by 4-bevel tip and shaft slots for vibratory needle insertion, whose capability in reducing insertion force has been demonstrated in our earlier works. The effects of the design variables of the slots on needle tip vibration pattern are studied using harmonic analysis with a focus on slot width and slot depth. This paper presents a method of using harmonic analysis to identify the effects of the design variables of the slots on needle tip vibration pattern with a focus on slot width and slot depth. Based on the analysis results, an analytical model is presented and validated for accurate calculation of slot depth in the EDM-based (electrical discharge machining) fabrication process. To use slot width to fine tune the tip vibration, a methodology involving additional electrode motions after initial slot cutting is proposed to increase slot width. This paper provides practical design and manufacturing guidance for vibration-assisted medical insertion devices. Examples and experimental results are presented in the paper for demonstration and validation. The presented geometric analysis model and manufacturing techniques can be used for micro-slots fabrication and biomedical applications.
Taxonomy and Paleoecology of a New Species of Sphenia (Bivalvia; Myidae) from the Pleistocene of Florida

The new species, Sphenia tumida, is described from the Pleistocene of Flagler County, Florida, an occurrence believed to represent the last known appearance of the genus in the western Atlantic waters immediately adjacent to the North American continent. Taxonomic characters of the genus are reviewed, as are the geographic distribution and ecology of living species and the geologic distribution of fossil species in eastern North America. Paleoecological inferences drawn from this occurrence suggest a progressive shallowing of the Pamlico embayment or lagoon in Flagler County, with a proportional increase in the amount of sand being transported to the depositional site.
Florida ecotype Elliott's lovegrass (Eragrostis elliottii) germination testing for use in non-optimal restoration sites: the role of season and seed vigor

Elliott's lovegrass ( Eragrostis elliottii S. Watson [Poaceae]) is an early successional perennial bunchgrass native to the southeastern US. It is a common species in several frequently restored ecosystems including flatwoods, dry prairies, and sandhills. The germination ecology of E. elliottii is largely unknown. Furthermore, practitioners seek reliable information on potential differences in vigor between seedlots. Knowledge of these factors may influence future use of this species in restoration projects. Germination ability of Elliott's lovegrass was tested with simulated seasonal alternating temperatures (33/24, 29/19, 27/15, 22/11 °C [91/75, 84/66, 81/59, 72/52 °F]) for 28 d. Final germination was high ( 80%) for seeds exposed to early spring/late fall (27/15 °C [81/59 °F]), summer (33/24 °C [91/75 °F]), or early fall/late spring (29/19 °C [84/66 °F]) temperatures. Seeds exposed to summer temperatures displayed more rapid and higher germination (89%) than did seeds exposed to cooler temperatures ( P P E. elliottii can occur throughout the year, but seed vigor differences are present between lots. Tyler T, Reinhardt Adams C, MacDonald G, Perez H. 2017. Florida ecotype Elliott's lovegrass ( Eragrostis elliottii ) germination testing for use in non-optimal restoration sites: the role of season and seed vigor. Native Plants Journal 18(2):114–125.
Image and Video Analysis

The human visual system is much more than a camera—most of the visual system is dedicated to analyzing the imagery captured by our eyes. We perceive the world both as scenic imagery and as our understanding of those scenes—people, objects, and places. Digital cameras have allowed us to move photography beyond imaging to image understanding. A camera does not need to take a picture—it can report on what it sees.
Randomized adaptive spatial decoupling for large-scale vehicle routing with time windows

In recent years, the size of combinatorial applications and the need to produce high-quality solutions quickly have increased steadily, providing significant challenges for optimization algorithms. This paper addresses this issue for large-scale vehicle routing problems with time windows, a class of very difficult optimization problems involving complex spatial and temporal dependencies. It proposes a randomized adaptive spatial decoupling (RASD) scheme for vehicle routing with time windows in order to produce high-quality solutions quickly. Experimental results on hard instances with 1,000 customers and 90 vehicles show that the RASD scheme, together with large neighborhood search, significantly improves the quality of the solutions under time constraints. Interestingly, the RASD scheme, when allowed to run longer, also improves the best available solutions in almost all the tested instances.
Fosphenytoin and phenytoin in patients with status epilepticus : Improved tolerability versus increased costs

Tonic-clonic status epilepticus (TCSE) is the most common neurological emergency and affects approximately 60 000 patients each year in the US. The risk of complications increases substantially as TCSE lasts longer than 60 minutes. Ideally, drugs used to treat this condition should be well tolerated when administered as rapid intravenous infusions and should not interfere with patients’ state of consciousness or cardiovascular and respiratory functions. Because of its efficacy, absence of sedation or respiratory suppression, intravenous phenytoin has largely replaced phenobarbital (phenobarbitone) as the second agent of choice (following the administration of a benzodiazepine) in the treatment of TCSE. While the efficacy of phenytoin in the treatment of acute seizures and TCSE is well established, the parenteral formulation of phenytoin has several inherent shortcomings which compromise its tolerability and limit the rate of administration. Intravenous phenytoin has been associated with fatal haemodynamic complications and serious reactions at the injection site including skin necrosis and amputation of extremities.
What You Sketch Is What You Get: Quick and Easy Augmented Reality Prototyping with PintAR

Augmented Reality(AR) tools are currently primarily targeted at programmers, making designing for AR challenging and time-consuming. We developed an interactive prototype, PintAR, that enables the authoring and rapid-prototyping of situated experiences by allowing designers to bring their ideas to life using a digital pen for sketching and a head-mounted display for visualizing and interacting with virtual content. In this paper, we explore the versatility such a tool could provide through case studies of a researcher, an artist, a ballerina, and a clinician.
Distributed System of Mobile Passive Tensegrity Structures

A study on the application of spherical tensegrity structures to a passively mobile tumbleweed-like concept was developed and tested. Parameterized sizing tools were developed to understand environmental and geometrical sensitivities and maintain the ability to apply the concept to various environments. The sensitivity studies were then used to inform the design, and then a prototype model for an Earth environment was built to correlate the sizing tool outputs with experimental data. This prototype underwent testing in order to understand performance of the structure in more controlled (wind tunnel testing) environments and more realistic (field testing) environments. This paper will describe the design derivation and sensitivity studies performed along with the test results of the prototype structure.
A Sensory Memory to Preserve Visual Representations Across Eye Movements

During eye movements, the continuous flow of visual information is frequently disrupted due to abrupt changes of the retinal image, yet our perception of the visual world is uninterrupted. In order to identify the neuronal response components necessary for the integration of perception across eye movements, we developed a computational model to trace the changes in the visuospatial sensitivity of neurons in the extrastriate cortex of macaque monkeys with high temporal precision. Employing the model, we examined the perceptual implications of these changes and found that by maintaining a memory of the visual scene, extrastriate neurons produce an uninterrupted representation of the visual world. These results reveal how our brain exploits available information to maintain the sense of vision in the absence of visual information.
Targeting the oncogenic activity of TCF3-HLF in leukemia

The oncogenic fusion transcription factor TCF3-HLF identifies an aggressive subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. TCF3-HLF imposes a malignant program by activation of lineage-specific oncogenic enhancers. Among critical cofactors of the TCF3-HLF complex we identified EP300, which functional inhibition results in potent anti-leukemic activity by interference with the specific gene expression.