cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The PrEP Care Continuum and Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Scoping Review of Published Data on Awareness, Uptake, Adherence, and Retention in PrEP Care

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has demonstrated high efficacy to reduce HIV infections, however, racial/ethnic HIV disparities continue among black MSM. The purpose of this review was to assess available data to inform interventions to increase PrEP awareness, uptake, and adherence among black MSM. Of the 3024 studies retrieved, 36 met final inclusion criteria and were categorized into the PrEP care continuum: (1) awareness (n = 16), (2) uptake (n = 9), and (3) adherence (n = 12). Only 26 of the studies presented analytical findings by race/ethnicity. Key barrier themes included cost, HIV-related stigma, and fear of potential side effects. A key facilitator theme identified by black MSM included gaining PrEP awareness from social and sexual networks. There are significant gaps in research on black MSM and PrEP utilization, especially regarding PrEP uptake and adherence. These data are needed to inform interventions to address current inequities in PrEP services, to help improve care outcomes for black MSM.
The Treatment of Coccydynia and Headache with Transrectal OMT: A Case Report

Author(s): Nourani, Bobby; Gilbert, Ross; Rabago, David | Abstract: Abstract Coccydynia is debilitating pain of the coccyx that substantially impacts quality of life. Although most cases resolve with conservative therapy, pain can become chronic and involve other anatomical areas. Treatment options include physical therapy, manual medicine, injection, and surgery with mixed results. Manual medicine options vary depending on provider and physical exam findings. Little is known about transrectal therapy. We present a case of a 21-year-old female with coccydynia and subsequent headaches that failed conventional work-up and conservative therapy but resolved with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
Mechanism of adrenergic Ca V 1.2 stimulation revealed by proximity proteomics

Increased cardiac contractility during the fight-or-flight response is caused by β-adrenergic augmentation of CaV1.2 voltage-gated calcium channels1–4. However, this augmentation persists in transgenic murine hearts expressing mutant CaV1.2 α1C and β subunits that can no longer be phosphorylated by protein kinase A—an essential downstream mediator of β-adrenergic signalling—suggesting that non-channel factors are also required. Here we identify the mechanism by which β-adrenergic agonists stimulate voltage-gated calcium channels. We express α1C or β2B subunits conjugated to ascorbate peroxidase5 in mouse hearts, and use multiplexed quantitative proteomics6,7 to track hundreds of proteins in the proximity of CaV1.2. We observe that the calcium-channel inhibitor Rad8,9, a monomeric G protein, is enriched in the CaV1.2 microenvironment but is depleted during β-adrenergic stimulation. Phosphorylation by protein kinase A of specific serine residues on Rad decreases its affinity for β subunits and relieves constitutive inhibition of CaV1.2, observed as an increase in channel open probability. Expression of Rad or its homologue Rem in HEK293T cells also imparts stimulation of CaV1.3 and CaV2.2 by protein kinase A, revealing an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that confers adrenergic modulation upon voltage-gated calcium channels. An in vivo approach to identify proteins whose enrichment near cardiac CaV1.2 channels changes upon β-adrenergic stimulation finds the G protein Rad, which is phosphorylated by protein kinase A, thereby relieving channel inhibition by Rad and causing an increased Ca2+ current.
Using a Family Systems Approach to Treat Tobacco Use among Cancer Patients

Tobacco use treatment is an essential component of cancer care. Family members play a significant role in smoking behavior, but more research is needed regarding the development, implementation, and impact of family-based interventions in cancer care. The UNC Tobacco Treatment Program conducted an 18-month pilot study to examine the feasibility of implementing a family systems approach to treat tobacco use among patients at the North Carolina Cancer Hospital and to measure the impact of such an approach on patient abstinence. Implementation included four phases: (1) modifying the electronic health record and monthly report generated from the electronic health record; (2) training Tobacco Treatment Specialists to provide family counseling; (3) integrating family members into patients' treatment; and (4) conducting six-month follow-up calls. During the course of the study, 42% (N = 221/532) of patients had family members integrated into their tobacco use treatment. Only 21 patients (4%) had family members present but not integrated into the treatment plan. At the six-month follow up time point, the seven-day point-prevalence quit rate for patients with family integration was 28% (N = 56/200), compared to 23% (N = 67/291) (p = 0.105) for patients without family integration. Integration of family members is clearly possible in an academic medical center's oncology tobacco treatment program. Although pilot results were not statistically significant at 6 months, a potentially higher quit rate suggests a need for expanded research on methods to integrate family members in oncology settings for patients with tobacco-related cancers.
Colonial Virginia's paper money regime, 1755–74: A forensic accounting reconstruction of the data

ABSTRACTIn this article, the author reconstructs the data on Virginia's paper money regime using forensic accounting techniques. He corrects the existing data on the amounts authorized and outstanding, and reconstructs yearly data on previously unknown aspects of Virginia's paper money regime, including printings, net new emissions, redemptions and removals, denominational structures, expected redemption tax revenues, and specie accumulating in the treasury for paper money redemption. These new data form the foundation for narratives written on the social, economic, and political history of Virginia, as well as for testing models of colonial paper money performance.
ON THE MAIN LEVELS OF ACADEMIC CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS

In the article on the basis of the overview of historical sources were generalized the levels of competence, which correlate or influence national strategic cultures. The first level is awareness, as a result of self-education or extra education, which is described as non-critical. The highest level of competence is “mastering”, which allows to advantages and disadvantages of the extra-military scholarship, and to employ them in the most pragmatic way.
State boredom results in optimistic perception of risk and increased risk-taking.

While models considering the relationship between emotion and risk differ, many agree that emotions should affect risk in accordance with the adaptive function of the emotion. The function of bored...
The Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Approach to Working with Families

Family therapies are effective for a wide variety of concerns and presentations for families seeking treatment. Though developed as a therapeutic approach to working with individuals, rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) has been expanded for use with families (REBT-F). This chapter describes how the theory, principles, values, and strategies of traditional REBT can be and have been applied to families. The REBT approach of examining and changing irrational, disturbance-causing beliefs to more rational, adaptive beliefs in the context of families is presented. Although there is substantial research supporting the use of REBT for individuals and cognitive behavioral therapy for families, unfortunately empirical work on the effectiveness of REBT-F is limited. The implications for both theoretical and practical applications of REBT-F are discussed.
Systemic Ventricular Strain Predicts Transplant Free Survival in Fontan Patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Background: Despite improvements in the clinical management of hypoplastic left heart syndrome patients with Fontan palliation, this patient population is highly vulnerable to complications and mortality. Many will require heart transplant due to either inefficiencies of systemic ventricular dysfunction. Limited data exists to help determine an appropriate time for transplant referral. This study aims to determine if systemic ventricular strain by echocardiography would predict transplant free survival. Methods: Hypoplastic left …
Evolution of a Qualifying Examination from a Timed Closed-Book Format to an Open-Book Collaborative Take-Home Format: A Case Study and Commentary

Objective: Our master's program in biostatistics requires a qualifying examination (QE). A curriculum review led us to question whether to replace a closed-book format with an open-book one. Our goal was to improve the QE. Methods: This is a case study and commentary, where we describe the evolution of the QE, both in its goals and its content. The result was a week-long, open-book, collaborative, take-home examination structured around the analysis of two types of studies commonly encountered in biostatistical practice. Our evaluation of the revised format includes its fairness, student performance, and student feedback. Results: The new format has a number of advantages: (1) it has a specific educational goal; (2) it provides sufficient time for students to produce their best work; (3) it encourages students to review elements of the first-year curriculum as needed; and (4) it can be administered remotely, even during a pandemic. Potential concerns pertaining to cheating and rigor can be adequately addressed. The results of our evaluation of the examination have been encouraging. The QE is intended to be a "fair" examination that covers important material which is beneficial to students, and does so in a way that is transparent and puts everyone in a position to perform their best work. Conclusions: An examination using this format has much to recommend it. When designing an examination, it is important to (a) match its format with clearly specified educational goals; and (b) distinguish between the distinct constructs of difficulty and rigor.
Horizontal Outsourcing and Price Competition: The Role of Sole Sourcing Commitment

Previous studies on horizontal outsourcing between competing duopolists emphasize cost factors such as economies of scale and/or variable cost advantages in Cournot markets as potential explanations. This paper studies horizontal outsourcing when two competing ﬁrms engage in Bertrand competition, and highlights the important role of sole sourcing commitment. We adopt the framework of a duopolistic multi-stage game that comprises of an incumbent and an entrant. The incumbent has the technology know-how to make a key component in-house, and the entrant, who is a rival of the incumbent in the downstream market, can source the component either from the incumbent or from a supplier that does not participate in the end product market. We ﬁnd that if the entrant commits to sole sourcing, horizontal outsourcing can occur when the incumbent has a component cost advantage or even a small cost disadvantage over the alternative supplier. Speciﬁcally, if the component cost gap is small, horizontal outsourcing may soften downstream market competition and beneﬁt both ﬁrms at the expense of inducing higher prices for the consumers. If the incumbent has a signiﬁcant cost advantage, horizontal outsourcing may lead to increased downstream price competition by expanding the total supply of end products. Without sole sourcing commitment, horizontal outsourcing occurs only if the incumbent has a cost advantage, and it always strengthens downstream price competition and beneﬁts the consumers. In contrast, when the ﬁrms engage in downstream Cournot competition, sole sourcing commitment has no impact on the adoption of horizontal outsourcing, and the entrant sources from her rival only when the incumbent enjoys a signiﬁcant component cost advantage. Finally, we also study various model extensions to conﬁrm the robustness of our main results to key model assumptions.
User Engagement and Usability of Suicide Prevention Apps: Systematic Search in App Stores and Content Analysis.

Background: People with suicidal thoughts are more inclined to seek technology-delivered interventions than in-person forms of treatment, making mobile apps for suicide prevention an ideal platform for treatment delivery. This review examines apps designed for suicide prevention, with a specific focus on user engagement. Objective: This study aims to update the literature and broadly evaluate the landscape of mobile health apps for suicide prevention; examine apps with key features and primary approaches to suicide prevention; and systematically evaluate the engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information of the apps. Methods: All apps related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors were identified in the Google Play and iOS app stores and were systematically reviewed for their content and quality. The mobile app rating scale (MARS) was used to evaluate app usability and engagement. Results: Of the 66 apps identified, 42 (64%) were specifically designed for people with suicidal ideation, and 59 (89%) had at least one best practice feature for suicide risk reduction. The mean overall MARS score of all apps was 3.5 (range 2.1-4.5), with 83% (55/66) of apps having a minimum acceptability score of 3. The total MARS score was not associated with the user app rating (r=−0.001; P=.99) or the number of features (r=0.24; P=.09). Conclusions: This study identified many usable and engaging apps in app stores designed for suicide prevention. However, there are only limited apps for clinicians. Thus, mobile apps for suicide prevention should be carefully developed and clinically evaluated.
Shear wave elastography assessment and comparison study of the Achilles tendons in optimally conditioned asymptomatic young collegiate athletes.

To assess the functional parameters of the Achilles tendons among asymptomatic college level athletes using shear wave elastography (SWE) and to describe the relationship to athlete demographics and anthropometric lower extremity measurements. Sixty-five athletes were included in this IRB-approved study. SWE measurements were made on two tendon positions (neutral state and active maximum dorsiflexion) with two different probe orientations (longitudinal and transverse). Associations were assessed with BMI, tibial/foot length, type of sports, and resting/maximal dorsiflexion-plantar flexion angles. Thirty-five (53.8%) males and 30 (46.2%) females with an overall mean age of 20.9 years (± 2.8), mean height of 176 cm (± 0.11), and mean weight of 74.1 kg (± 12) were studied. In the neutral state, the mean wave velocity of 7.5 m sec−1 and the mean elastic modulus of 176.8 kPa were recorded. In active maximum dorsiflexion, the mean velocity was 8.3 m sec−1 and mean elastic modulus was 199 kPa. On the transverse view, the mean velocity and elastic measurements were significantly lower (p = 0.0001). No significant differences in SWE parameters were seen between male and female athletes regardless of probe orientation (p < 0.05) with SWE values being higher in the running group vs non-running group (p < 0.05). In neutral state, longitudinal SWE measurements correlated with the tibia-foot length whereas transverse measurements correlated with the tendon diameter and ankle resting angle (ARA) (p < 0.005). SWE can distinguish functional differences in Achilles tendon stiffness between athletes engaged in running-intensive sports compared with other athletes.
Promoting “Orderly and Sound Growth”: 1960s Debates Over Administering Public Transportation in Service of Mobility or Regional Planning:

This article reconstructs debates within the Kennedy and Johnson administrations regarding the management of U.S. public transportation. Should transit be treated as a component of the mobility sys...
Forensic anthropology casework performance: Assessing accuracy and trends for biological profile estimates on a comprehensive sample of identified decedent cases.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy rates and trends in forensic anthropology casework concerning the estimation of the biological profile (sex, age, ancestry, and stature). Identified cases from the Forensic Anthropology Database for Assessing Methods Accuracy (FADAMA; n = 359) were analyzed to explore the following: accuracy rates per biological profile component, case-level performance in assessing the biological profile, and factors related to inaccuracy rates. Accuracy rates for the four biological profile components ranged from 83% to 98%, with sex estimation performing the best and stature performing the poorest. While the overall sex estimation inaccuracies were the lowest of any biological profile component, we found that females are missexed approximately ten times more often than males. Inaccurate age estimates were more frequently the result of overestimation than underestimation, while the trends are reversed for stature estimation. Regarding ancestry estimation performance, African American/Black and White decedents had the lowest inaccuracy rates, while Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander decedents demonstrated greater inaccuracy rates. When examining accuracy rates for each case, 81% of cases had no inaccurate biological profile estimates, while 17% and 2% inaccurately estimated one and two biological profile components, respectively. The demographic trends of identified forensic anthropology cases reflect the national unidentified decedent demographics. Biological profile accuracy rates were generally comparable to previous studies. The findings highlight the current status of forensic anthropologists' casework performance, with a greater amount of case-level inaccuracy rates than previously thought, and demonstrate the potential methodological and sampling strategies that could improve accuracy rates.
564-P: Long-Term Follow-up of Glycemic Excursion Minimization (GEM) Compared with Weight Loss in Management of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)

In a recent randomized clinical trial, we compared 6 hours of conventional weight loss (WL) training to an equivalent amount of Glycemic Excursion Minimization (GEM) that is a paradigm-shift in lifestyle management for adults with T2D. GEM focuses on diminishing post-nutrient BG excursions by: 1) minimizing BG upsurge by reducing net carbohydrate ingestion, and 2) hastening BG recovery by increasing routine and post-meal physical activity.1 We now present the 13-month follow-up data, with no further training or contact, to evaluate the relative durability of these interventions. All of the WL and 97% of GEM participants who completed 3-month post-assessment also completed 13-month follow-up. At 13 months, WL participants sustained the improvement in BMI they showed at 3 months, while GEM participants continued to significantly benefit from lower HbA1c (p 1BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, 8:e001795. doi: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001795. Disclosure D. Cox: Research Support; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Dexcom, Inc. M. A. Moncrief: Research Support; Self; Abbott Diabetes, Dexcom, Inc. A. L. Mccall: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (DK108957)
Implications of Interparticle Forces on Resilient and Shear Modulus of Unsaturated Compacted Kaolinite

AbstractThe mechanical behavior (strength, stiffness, and volume change) of soils depends on the stress state, which for unsaturated soils is controlled by interparticle forces in addition to the s...
The Spanish Redemption: Heritage, Power, and Loss on New Mexico’s Upper Rio Grande

List of Maps Preface Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Hispano Fortunes in New Mexico, 1598--1900 2. The Race Issue and the "Spanish-American" in Party Politics, 1900--1920 3. Mission Architecture and Colonial Civility, 1904--1920 4. Discovering "Spanish Culture" at the Santa Fe Fiesta, 1919--1936 5. The Revival of Spanish Colonial Arts, 1924--1936 6. Regionalism and the Literature of the Soil, 1928--1938 Conclusion: The Coronado Cuarto Centennial and the Depletion of Spanish Heritage Notes Bibliography
Clinical Sport Psychology Services Based in a Doctoral Training Clinic

Sport psychology has become an increasingly popular area of interest for psychologists and psychology students. In addition, it has become an integral part of many collegiate and professional organizations that rely on psychological services for both performance enhancement purposes as well as mental health services. A model for delivering sport psychology services through a doctoral training clinic from a practitioner-scientist perspective will be discussed, as well as the challenges that are faced from an organizational and professional perspective.
Great Promise, but Poor Performance: Understanding the Collapse of Venezuela’s Causa Radical

Rising meteorically to national prominence amidst the collapse of Venezuela’s ossified two-party system, the leftist Radical Cause (LCR) seemed poised to ease the country’s crisis of representation and win the presidency in 1993. Instead, it imploded, paving the way for radical populist Hugo Chavez. How can the poor performance of a party with such great promise be explained? This article explains LCR’s initial success and eventual failure through the party’s adoption of internally democratic mechanisms. Its highly participatory approach attracted progressive groups, helping LCR’s early “meteoric” success. But it also sowed the seeds of LCR’s collapse: the absence of formalized decision-making rules and hierarchical leadership hindered the resolution of a political impasse. Internal democracy proved harmful to institutional growth and prevented the party from confronting factional conflict and instituting much-needed reforms in the long run. It is not only a heavy hierarchy and bureaucracy that prevent political change, but also the opposite in a base democracy.
Effects of dietary blueberry on cognition and in vivo and in vitro inflammatory status.

Chronic inflammation is thought to play a role in age-related cognitive decline. Previous studies from our laboratory have shown that dietary intervention with darkly pigmented berry fruit can redu...
Enablers and constraints to knowledge creation, sharing and use

Purpose – This paper aims to develop and validate a framework about the enablers and constraints to the creation, sharing and use of knowledge, by analyzing how enablers and constraints in a particular information environment – advocacy networks – impact each of the phases of the knowledge process.Design/methodology/approach – The setting chosen for this research is a group of leading international non‐governmental organizations (INGOs), and their NGO partners in a developing country, pursuing a policy advocacy strategy in the context of an international donors conference. The qualitative research follows an embedded case study design with two levels of data collection and analysis: intra‐organizational: an individual INGO; and inter‐organizational: the advocacy network to which this INGO belongs.Findings – Most enablers and constraints are internal to organizations and focus on the phases of knowledge use. Constraints associated with organizations' cultures, individuals' information‐processing preference...
Modeling the coexistence of LTE and WiFi heterogeneous networks in dense deployment scenarios

Rapid increases in mobile data demand and inherently limited RF spectrum motivate the use of dynamic spectrum sharing between different radio technologies such as WiFi and LTE, most notably in small cell (HetNet) scenarios. This paper provides a analytical framework for interference characterization of WiFi and LTE for dense deployment scenarios with spatially overlapping coverage. The first model developed is for single LTE and single WiFi access points separated by a specified distance. Results obtained for that model demonstrate the fact that WiFi is significantly degraded by a nearby LTE system, while LTE degradation is minimal as long as the WiFi system is within carrier sense range. A second model for multiple WiFi and multiple LTE systems further demonstrates the fact that LTE causes significant degradation to WiFi and that overall system throughput first increases and then decreases with growing density. Intra- and inter- system channel coordination schemes are considered as a means of improving system performance, and results are presented showing 4-5x gains in system capacity over comparable no coordination cases.
Workshop report for the 3rd international workshop on peer-to-peer systems (IPTPS 2004)

Shiding Lin, Qiao Lian, Ming Chen, and Zheng Zhang, A Practical Distributed Mutual Exclusion Protocol in Dynamic Peer-to-Peer Systems. Presented by Zheng Zhang.
c-MYC interacts with INI1/hSNF5 and requires the SWI/SNF complex for transactivation function

Chromatin organization plays a key role in the regulation of gene expression1,2. The evolutionarily conserved SWI/SNF complex is one of several multiprotein complexes that activate transcription by remodelling chromatin in an ATP-dependent manner3,4,5. SWI2/SNF2 is an ATPase whose homologues, BRG1 and hBRM, mediate cell-cycle arrest6,7; the SNF5 homologue, INI1/hSNF5, appears to be a tumour suppressor8,9. A search for INI1-interacting proteins using the two-hybrid system10,11 led to the isolation of c-MYC, a transactivator12,13. The c-MYC-INI1 interaction was observed both in vitro and in vivo. The c-MYC basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and leucine zipper (Zip) domains and the INI1 repeat 1 (Rpt1) region were required for this interaction. c-MYC-mediated transactivation was inhibited by a deletion fragment of INI1 and the ATPase mutant of BRG1/hSNF2 in a dominant-negative manner contingent upon the presence of the c-MYC bHLH-Zip domain. Our results suggest that the SWI/SNF complex is necessary for c-MYC-mediated transactivation and that the c-MYC-INI1 interaction helps recruit the complex.
Failure of lysosome clustering and positioning in the juxtanuclear region in cells deficient in rapsyn.

ABSTRACT Rapsyn, a scaffold protein, is required for the clustering of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at contacts between motor neurons and differentiating muscle cells. Rapsyn is also expressed in cells that do not express AChRs. However, its function in these cells remains unknown. Here, we show that rapsyn plays an AChR-independent role in organizing the distribution and mobility of lysosomes. In cells devoid of AChRs, rapsyn selectively induces the clustering of lysosomes at high density in the juxtanuclear region without affecting the distribution of other intracellular organelles. However, when the same cells overexpress AChRs, rapsyn is recruited away from lysosomes to colocalize with AChR clusters on the cell surface. In rapsyn-deficient ( Rapsn −/− ) myoblasts or cells overexpressing rapsyn mutants, lysosomes are scattered within the cell and highly dynamic. The increased mobility of lysosomes in Rapsn −/− cells is associated with a significant increase in lysosomal exocytosis, as evidenced by increased release of lysosomal enzymes and plasma membrane damage when cells were challenged with the bacterial pore-forming toxin streptolysin-O. These findings uncover a new link between rapsyn, lysosome positioning, exocytosis and plasma membrane integrity.
Lipid Phase Transitions and Regulation of Membrane Fluidity in Prokaryotes

Publisher Summary Normal cell function requires fluid membrane bilayers. In addition to selecting mixtures that form stable bilayers for their membrane lipids, prokaryotes maintain their membranes in a fluid state under varying environmental conditions. This chapter discusses the reason for the cells requirement of fluid membranes; and presents some of the strategies they use to maintain their membranes in a fluid state. The roles different lipid classes play in membrane function is considered from the perspective of their physical behavior. The properties of membrane lipids in water are also described. Because of the hydrophobic effect, lipid molecules aggregate in water to minimize the contact of nonpolar regions with water while allowing the contact of head groups with water. The membrane bilayers of most organisms are entirely or mostly fluid at physiological temperatures, but at lower temperatures undergo a major reversible change of state. Membrane bilayers are composed of many different lipids and melt over a wide range of temperatures. Membranes from a variety of prokaryotes crystallized at lower than physiological temperature. The lipid molecules act to keep bilayers in a stable state despite changes in environmental conditions, but are not themselves bilayer formers. The functions of the membrane bilayer as acceptors and sinks are interrelated; and the two functions provide a sensitive, unified means to control the fatty acid composition and hence the physical state of biological membranes, whether fatty acids are supplied exogenously in the growth medium or are endogenously biosynthesized by the organism.
Public Internet‐connected cameras used as a cross‐continental ground‐based plant phenology monitoring system

Plant phenology is highly sensitive to changes in environmental conditions and can vary widely across landscapes. Current observation methods are either manual for small-scale, high precision measurements or by satellite remote sensing for large-scale, low spatial resolution measurement. The development of inexpensive approaches is necessary to advance large scale, high precision phenology monitoring. The use of publicly available, Internet-connected cameras, often associated with airports, national parks, and roadway conditions, for detecting and monitoring plant phenology at a continental scale can augment existing ground and satellite-based methodologies. We collected twice-daily images from over 1100 georeferenced public cameras across North America from February 2008 to 2009. Using a test subset of these cameras, we compared modeled spring 'green-up' with that from co-occurring remote sensing products. Although varying image exposure and color correction introduced noise to camera measurements, we were able to correlate spring green-up across North America with visual validation from images and detect a latitudinal trend. Public cameras had an equivalent or higher ability to detect spring compared with satellite-based data for corresponding locations, with fewer numbers of poor quality days, shorter continuous bad data days, and significantly lower errors of spring estimates. Manual image segmentation into deciduous, evergreen, and understory vegetation allowed detection of spring and fall onset for multiple vegetation types. Additional advantages of a public camera-based monitoring system include frequent image capture (subdaily) and the potential to detect quantitative responses to environmental changes in organisms, species, and communities. Public cameras represent a relatively untapped and freely available resource for supporting large-scale ecological and environmental monitoring.
Factors influencing the interfacial width of copper gradients on gold produced by spatiotemporal control of the in-plane electrochemical potential distribution: electrode geometry and plating solution composition

Injecting an in-plane current through a thin Au film results in the formation of a linear electrochemical potential gradient at the surface of the electrode. Coupling the surface potentials to a redox species in solution then effects spatially dependent redox chemistry. This strategy has been used to map the electrochemical deposition of Cu0 onto the surface of Au. Because the local electrochemical potential, V(x), varies spatially in the plane of the electrode, a transition region is established on the surface in an area corresponding to the anodic peak (strip-out) potential. The width of this transition region is of both technological and theoretical interest, and the effects of electrode geometry and plating solution modifiers on the interfacial width of electrochemically deposited thin Cu films have been investigated. Careful calibration of the surface electrochemical potential gradient shows that the Au–Cu transition occurs at a spatial location corresponding to V(x)=125±14 mV in agreement with the observation of an anodic peak potential centered at ca. 125 mV vs. Ag|AgCl from cyclic voltammetry. Interfacial widths are dramatically affected by different solution modifiers, with l-(+)-tartaric acid and NaCl producing much sharper transitions and different morphologies in comparison to Cu gradients prepared in the presence of citric acid or malonic acid. Data reported here strongly support the notion that nucleation/growth, not electrical effects, play the dominant role in determining interfacial width and final morphology of the deposited film.
Glycoproteins in foetal and adult cattle aortas.

INVESTIGATIONS of glycoproteins from connective tissue of the aorta have been concerned with isolation, identification and structure1–5. Berenson et al.6 demonstrated that glycoproteins isolated from the matrix of human aortas vary between individuals. Two components were correlated with race and sex. Our observations suggest that the glycoprotein composition of cattle aortas changes during foetal development and varies with age and sex throughout adult life.
Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Treat Depression in HIV-Infected Persons: The Outcomes of a Feasibility Study

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a novel non-invasive neuromodulatory method that influences neuronal firing rates and activity on dopaminergic and serotoninergic circuits. TDCS has been shown to relieve Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in the general population, suggesting its potential for other vulnerable -populations with high MDD prevalence. Aims: This study evaluated l feasibility, safety, acceptability and clinical outcomes of a two-week tDCS antidepressant treatment in HIV-MDD co-diagnosed patients, and the feasibility of collecting serum and saliva for analysis of immunity-biomarkers.. Methods: Ten enrolled patients underwent baseline evaluation and started the tDCS treatment (Mon-Fri for two weeks) delivered with Phoressor II 850 PM for 20 min at 2 mA at each visit, using 2 electrodes (36cm2 ) placed over F3 position of EEG 10-20 system and the contralateral supraorbital region. Outcome-measures were collected at baseline, after the last tDCS and two weeks later. A quantitative microarray (Ray Bio Tech Inc) for TH1/TH2 cytokines was used for saliva and blood analysis. Results: Analyzable outcome-data were obtained from 8 subjects. Depression scores significantly decreased (p<.0005) after the treatment. No serious adverse events occurred. Several transient minor AEs and occasional changes of blood pressure and heart rate were noted. Mini-mental status scores remained unchanged or increased after the treatment. All subjects were highly satisfied with the protocol and treatment results and described the desire to find new treatments for HIV-MDD as motivating participation. Conclusions: F indings support feasibility and clinical potential of tDCS for HIV-MDD patients, and justify larger-sample, sham-controlled trials.
In vitro modulation of macrophage functions by 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH): Possible mechanism for UDMH-induced immuno-enhancement.

Abstract The in vitro effects of 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) on prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) synthesis, chemiluminescence, phagocytosis, microbicidal activity and chemotaxis in murine enriched-macrophage populations were evaluated. PGE 2 synthesis by resident peritoneal macrophages and chemiluminescence by activated macrophages were markedly suppressed in the presence of UDMH; phagocytosis and microbicidal activity were slightly to moderately suppressed, and chemotaxis was not affected. Two of these functions (PGE 2 synthesis and chemiluminescence) reflect macrophage immunoregulatory properties, and the UDMH-induced abrogation of these functions may be related to the previously reported immuno-enhancing effects of UDMH.
Micropatterns of Matrigel for three-dimensional epithelial cultures

Three-dimensional (3D) epithelial culture models are widely used to promote a physiologically relevant microenvironment for the study of normal and aberrant epithelial organization. Despite the increased use of these models, their potential as a cell-based screening tool for therapeutics has been hindered by the lack of existing platforms for large-scale 3D cellular studies. Current 3D standard culture does not allow for single spheroid or 'acinus' analysis required for high-throughput systems. Here, we present general strategies for creating bulk micropatterns of Matrigel that can be used as a platform for 3D epithelial culture and cell-based assays at the single acinus level. Both buried and free-standing micropatterns of Matrigel were created using modified soft lithography techniques such as microtransfer molding (microTM) and dry lift-off technique. Surface modification of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) with oxygen plasma followed by treatment with poly(2-hydroxy-ethylmethacrylate) (poly-HEMA) was sufficient to promote deformation-free release of Matrigel patterns. In addition, a novel dual-layer dry lift-off technique was developed to simultaneously generate patterns of Matrigel and poly-HEMA on a single substrate. We also demonstrate that the micropatterned Matrigel can support 3D culture originating from a single normal human mammary epithelial (MCF-10A) cell or a human breast cancer cell (MDA-MB-231) with comparable phenotypes to standard 3D culture techniques. Culture of normal MCF-10A cells on micropatterned Matrigel resulted in formation of structures with the characteristic apoptosis of centrally located cells and formation of hollow lumens. Moreover, the carcinoma cell line showed their characteristic formation of disorganized invasive cellular clusters, lacking the normal epithelial architecture on micropatterned Matrigel. Hence, micropatterned Matrigel can be used as a 3D epithelial cell-based platform for a wide variety of applications in epithelial and cancer biology, tissue engineering, as well as gene/drug screening technology.
The Synergistic Effect of Treadmill Running on Stem-Cell Transplantation to Heal Injured Skeletal Muscle

Muscle-derived stem-cell (MDSC) transplantation presents a promising method for the treatment of muscle injuries. This study investigated the ability of exercise to enhance MDSC transplantation into the injured muscle. Mice were divided into four groups: contusion + phosphate-buffered saline (C + PBS; n = 14 muscles), C + MDSC transplantation (n = 12 muscles), C + PBS + treadmill running (C + PBS + TM; n = 17 muscles), and C + MDSC + TM (n = 13 muscles). One day after injury, the TM groups began running for 1 or 5 weeks. Two days after injury, muscles of C + MDSC and C + MDSC + TM groups were injected with MDSCs. One or 5 weeks later, the number and differentiation of transplanted MDSCs, myofiber regeneration, collagen I formation, and vascularity were assessed histologically. In vitro, MDSCs were subjected to mechanical stimulation, and growth kinetics were quantified. In vitro, mechanical stimulation decreased the MDSC population doubling time (18.6 +/- 1.6 h) and cell division time (10.9 +/- 0.7 h), compared with the controls (population doubling time: 23.0 +/- 3.4 h; cell division time: 13.3 +/- 1.1 h) (p = 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). In vivo, 5 weeks of TM increased the myogenic contribution of transplanted MDSCs, compared with the controls (p = 0.02). C + MDSC, C + PBS + TM, and C + MDSC + TM demonstrated decreased fibrosis at 5 weeks, compared with the C + PBS controls (p = 0.00, p = 0.03, and p = 0.02, respectively). Results suggest that the mechanical stimulation favors MDSC proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo, and that exercise enhances MDSC transplantation after injury.
Lime effect on forage legume growth and mineral composition in an acid subsoil

Abstract Six legume species and several varieties within the species were grown in a greenhouse pot experiment using the Bt horizon of a Lily (Typic Hapludult) soil. Lime treatments were 0 and 2.2 g Ca(OH)2/kg soil. Liming increased the soil pH from 4.6 to 6.2. The species and varieties responded differentially to lime. Both shoot and root growth of legumes showed a significant species and lime interaction effect. Based on tolerance index groups for shoot growth, alfalfa varieties were classified as very sensitive, red clovers and white clovers as sensitive and Essex soybean and Carroll birdsfoot trefoil as tolerant to the acid soil. The remaining legumes were grouped as moderately tolerant to the acid soil. Liming increased shoot concentrations of Ca in all the legumes and reduced concentration of Mg, K, and Zn. Species and varieties within species differed significantly in concentrations of all mineral elements studied except Mg. Further significant differences in elemental composition were observed due...
A Note on Family Situation and Global Happiness

Recent evidence from one U.S. national survey (the Quality of Life Survey) indicates that being married very likely contributes, in the aggregate, to the psychological well-being of both men and women but that the presence of children may tend to lower the satisfaction of both sexes (Campbell; Campbell et al.).' The evidence on marital status and psychological wellbeing is corroborated by data from several other studies (e.g., Bradburn; Bradburn and Caplovitz; Glenn, a; Gurin, Veroff, and Feld; Knupfer et al.) and thus a zero-order association of being married with feelings of wellbeing in the United States in the recent past is hardly in doubt. There is no conclusive evidence that the relationship is not spurious, but Glenn (a) argues on the basis of data for different age levels that it is quite improbable that the relationship results entirely from selection of superior, more adaptable persons for marriage. The evidence from the Quality of Life Survey for negative effects of presence of children is much more tenuous than the evidence for the effects of marriage. Weak estimated effects in the data from one survey may well result from sampling error; and Campbell et al. base most of their discussion on zero-order relationships and report little analysis conducted to test for spuriousness. Furthermore, other evidence on the topic is inconsistent. Although the findings of several studies suggest a negative effect of children on marital happiness or satisfaction (e.g., Feldman; LeMasters; Renne), there could be typical gratifications from parenthood which offset any negative effects on global happiness through quality of marriage. Studies of the effects of the last child's leaving home on the psychological well-being of parents consistently fail to provide evidence of large typical negative effects (see Axelson; Clausen; Deutscher; Glenn, b), but most of the studies also fail to indicate substantial positive effects. The ambitious
On the Decision Relevance of Stochastic Oil Price Models: A Case Study

Stochastic price models may aid decision making when accurate project valuations are important. However, little consideration has been given to their usefulness in decision contexts that are concerned primarily with project rankings. In this article, we distinguish between valuation decisions and ranking decisions and quantify the degree to which differing stochastic oil price models result in different portfolio choices. We show that, within the confines of our example, differing models can result in very different valuations while at the same time having little impact on decision making.
Correlations between the ascorbate-glutathione pathway and effectiveness in legume root nodules

Legume root nodules use the ascorbate-glutathione pathway to remove harmful H2O2. In the present study. effective and ineffective nodules from soybean and alfalfa were compared with regard to this pathway. Effective nodules had higher activity of all 4 enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, EC 1. 11. 1. 11: monodehydroascorbate reductase, EC 1. 6. 5. 4: dehydroascorbate reductase, EC 1. 8. 5. 1: and glutathione reductase, EC 1. 6. 4. 2). The concentration of thiol tripeptides (primarily homoglutathione) was about 1 mM in effective nodules – a level 3–4-fold higher than in ineffective nodules. Effective nodules contained higher levels of NAD+. NADP+ and NADPH. but not of NADH or ascorbate. The increased capacity for peroxide scavenging in effective nodules as compared to ineffective nodules emphasizes the important protective role that this pathway may play in processes related to nitrogen fixation.
Fourier Reconstruction Techniques In Radio Astronomy: A Review

The Fourier synthesis technique of image formation has been in use in radio astronomy since the 1950's. Interferometric measurements provide values of the complex Fourier transform of a brightness distribution at a finite set of spatial frequencies, and it is required to reconstruct the brightness distribution. Originally, the reconstruction consisted simply of computing the inverse transform with the values at all unmeasured spatial frequencies set to zero. With good spatial frequency coverage, this often gives a satisfactory result. However, observations are often made with limited coverage. Also, the increasing sensitivity of radio telescopes has led to a demand for larger dynamic range in the images. There has therefore been an effort to develop improved imaging techniques; these are reviewed here.
A comparison of order-of-magnitude and numerical analyses of flow phenomena in czochralski and magnetic czochralski systems

Abstract Order-of-magnitude estimations of the velocity field are carried out for a Czochralski (CZ) system with and without magnetic fields. The results for the case of axially oriented magnetic field are compared with those obtained from a full numerical solution of the governing equations. The latter results are also compared with established asymptotic ones for the local heat-transfer coefficients along the crystal surface.
Echocardiography: An overview

In the past 25 to 30 years echocardiography has become a basic examination in clinical cardiology. Thus, it is becoming increasingly necessary for clinicians to be able to utilize it intelligently. Like all medical procedures echocardiography has advantages and limitations, and physicians need to know both. Some of the limitations are being minimized with advances in examination techniques and instrumentation, but many still exist. One limitation is that the ability to satisfactorily educate and train persons in the various ultrasonic techniques has not kept pace with the worldwide popularity of the examination. As a result, quality control will remain a problem at least in the immediate future. New developments in echocardiography as invasive and noninvasive tools are exciting and indicate that ultrasonic examination of the heart should play an increasingly important role in clinical cardiology.
An experimental investigation to the transient build-up of fire in a room-corridor geometry

An experimental study of the transient build-up of a methane fire located in an in-line room corridor small scale test facility has been conducted. The data is specifically designed to be used for evaluation and development of transient field models as well as global models which predict these flows. Local temperature and velocity data were taken at the center line of the facility at various axial locations along with flow visualizations using smoke injection techniques. The data are presented in two forms which show the transient development of floor to ceiling profiles as well as the time history at single points. It was found that the data for the first minute after ignition of the methane flame were adequate to characterize conditions when adiabatic walls are assumed. The data of this study show some significant differences from previously published studies.