cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A pilot randomized controlled trial of Dialectical Behavior Therapy with and without the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Prolonged Exposure protocol for suicidal and self-injuring women with borderline personality disorder and PTSD

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the efficacy of integrating PTSD treatment into Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for women with borderline personality disorder, PTSD, and intentional self-injury. METHODS: Participants were randomized to DBT (n = 9) or DBT with the DBT Prolonged Exposure (DBT PE) protocol (n = 17) and assessed at 4-month intervals during the treatment year and 3-months post-treatment. RESULTS: Treatment expectancies, satisfaction, and completion did not differ by condition. In DBT + DBT PE, the DBT PE protocol was feasible to implement for a majority of treatment completers. Compared to DBT, DBT + DBT PE led to larger and more stable improvements in PTSD and doubled the remission rate among treatment completers (80% vs. 40%). Patients who completed the DBT PE protocol were 2.4 times less likely to attempt suicide and 1.5 times less likely to self-injure than those in DBT. Among treatment completers, moderate to large effect sizes favored DBT + DBT PE for dissociation, trauma-related guilt cognitions, shame, anxiety, depression, and global functioning. CONCLUSIONS: DBT with the DBT PE protocol is feasible, acceptable, and safe to administer, and may lead to larger improvements in PTSD, intentional self-injury, and other outcomes than DBT alone. The findings require replication in a larger sample. Language: en
Action spectrum and electrophysiological responses correlated with the photophobic response of Stentor coeruleus.

Abstract— The blue-green ciliate. Stentor coeruleus, is found predominantly in shady places. This concentration occurs because stentor responds when swimming from a shaded area to a lighted area by reversing the direction of its ciliary beat and reorienting its swimming direction until it once again is in the shaded area. A graded receptor potential is recorded from microelectrodes in vacuoles of stentor when the animal is photically stimulated. For all but very weak stimuli this receptor potential is sufficient to elicit a regenerative transmembrane response of variable amplitude in a swimming animal. Suprathreshold electrical stimuli also elicit this regenerative response. In turn the regenerative response is coupled to ciliary reversal. Thus ciliary reversal appears to be produced whenever the photic receptor potential crosses the threshold for elicitation of the regenerative response. Using the threshold for production of ciliary reversal as a criterion response, an action spectrum was obtained. This action spectrum correlates well with the absorption spectrum of the major pigment of S. coeruleus, stentorin. Stentor bleached of pigment also have an elevated threshold for ciliary reversal. Thus stentorin seems to be the photosensitive pigment in stentor responsible for its photophobic behavior.
A man with a 30-year history of oral lesions

70-year-old man was admitted to the clinical service with a complaint of oral lesions that had been present intermittently for more than 30 years. The mucosal changes had begun without specifically known triggering factors and had gradually involved several regions of the oral cavity, including the left and right buccal mucosa, the attached gingiva throughout all regions of his dentate mouth, part of the hard palate, and on the lateral borders of his tongue. Changes had not occurred in the tissue of the floor of the mouth, soft palate, or lips. His symptoms were mild and normally consisted of only slight discomfort during ingestion of salty, spicy, or acidic foods. Over the years, clinical assessment by his dentists had never demonstrated a significant or alarming progression of the lesions. His consultation with a local oral surgeon established a clinical diagnosis of erosive oral lichen planus (OLP), which was confirmed by means of a tissue biopsy. He was then followed up periodically. The patient described many episodes of flares and complete remission of the lesions over the years. In 1992, prior to being admitted to our service, changes on the maxillary attached gingiva in the region of tooth numbers 12 and 13 were observed and biopsied, and a histopathologic diagnosis of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia was established for that lesion. No evidence of malignant transformation was detected in the tissue samples, although mild dysplasia was noted. Clinical and pathologic diagnoses, 1992: erosive lichen planus of the gingiva, palate, tongue and buccal mucosa, and proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) of the maxillary gingiva.
Institutional collaboration and competition in community-based education

We sought to determine whether competition for community-based training sites exists among health professions schools, and to examine faculty and senior administrators' perspectives on institutional collaboration for community-based education. Eight academic health centers (AHCs) in the USA were selected by objective criteria for their significant community involvement. Chief executive officers, vice chancellors, deans, and the individuals responsible for community-based education, research and community service responded to written surveys. The overall response rate was 79% (n = 91). Responses were subjected to quantitative and qualitative analyses. Leaders of community-based education reported that ‘competition for community-based training sites’ is a barrier to community involvement. ‘Competition for community-based training sites’ was positively related to ‘call for increasing percentage of graduates to enter primary care careers’ (0.30, p < 0.01) and negative related to ‘collaboration exists between ...
What Lessons Have We Learned in the Past 40 Years

Before 1970, there was no journal devoted to cerebral vascular disease. Only hypertension had been identified as a potentially treatable risk factor for stroke, and there were no established specific therapies for preventing or treating stroke. Imaging was limited to x-ray or x-ray with contrast (angiography, pneumoencephalography, or ventriculography) and very primitive ultrasound. In 1970, the journal Stroke was born and during the next 40 years many advancements occurred. CT, MRI, positron emission tomography, and ultrasound were introduced and further perfected as extremely effective diagnostic instruments. For the first time, we could visualize the nervous system and measure its function in vivo. The major risk factors were identified, and the significant effectiveness of preventive treatment was established for hypertension, tobacco use, lipidemia, and other potentially treatable risk factors. The value and the indications have been defined for platelet antiaggregating agents, thrombolytic therapy, statins, anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation, carotid endarterectomy, and coiling for aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations. Genetics became a major tool in the investigation of cerebrovascular disease. Vascular dementia and its relationship to other dementias have been better identified. The lack of effectiveness of extracranial–intracranial bypass procedures in most ischemic vascular disease has been shown. Steady progress is being made in the understanding of the mechanisms of brain injury, repair, and plasticity. All these and more have been added to our knowledge. These are not the lessons, but they are the results of the lessons we have learned. To address these lessons, we need to go back even further than the past 40 years. Although I cannot equal Dr Barnett’s 65 years, my 56 years as a physician have led to similar conclusions. So, forgive us if we overlap. Like most of the older people in the field, our acceptance and crusade for the “lessons” were initiated and reinforced …
The fine structure of local lesions induced by tobacco mosaic virus in tobacco.

Abstract Seven days after inoculation of Samsun NN tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), small pieces of leaf tissue were excised from the necrotic lesions, from the narrow band of surrounding tissue, from areas more distant than 2 mm from the lesion, and from uninoculated plants. Thin sections of appropriately prepared mesophyll tissue cut parallel to the leaf surface were examined in the electron microscope. Cells within the mature lesions were collapsed and devoid of vacuoles and of most identifiable membrane-bounded organelles, but contained numerous dispersed thylakoidal elements, ribosomes, and starch grains. Abundant TMV particles were seen in most cells of all lesions examined following fixation in acrolein or acrolein plus glutaraldehyde, but not in lesion tissue fixed in glutaraldehyde alone. Mesophyll cells in a narrow band surrounding the lesion showed structural features suggestive of metabolically active tissues. The changes were most marked in cells nearest the lesion edge but were evident in cells about 10 cell diameters beyond the lesion, where there was a gradation into normal-appearing tissue. Compared to normal mesophyll cells, cells within this zone had smaller vacuoles, more cytoplasm, more ribosomes and membrane-bounded organelles, and a very marked system of extensive, continuous elements of endoplasmic reticulum with which many of the ribosomes were associated. Spherosomes in normal mesophyll cells were always devoid of internal structure, but many of those in the zone peripheral to a lesion contained a single well-ordered crystalline body (minimal mean lattice spacing of 68 A). Compared to chloroplasts in normal mesophyll cells, those in this zone were more ameboid, had more ribosomes, were invested with large starch grains and lipid globules, and were more numerous. An occasional dividing chloroplast was seen in this area. It is suggested that the structural alterations in this band encircling a lesion are reflections of induced physiological changes related to the known capacity of these cells to resist virus encroachment.
Freshwater bivalves (Unionidae), disequilibrium isotopic fractionation, and temperatures

A one-year study of two ponds and one river in Rhode Island was implemented to determine whether Recent freshwater bivalves (Unionidae: Elliptio complanata) secrete aragonite in oxygen isotopic equilibrium with the water in which they grow. Water samples and animals were retrieved from each locality at two-week intervals for one year. The oxygen and carbon stable isotopic composition of the youngest growth increment of the shells (shell edge) and the oxygen isotopic composition of water were measured and compared with the temperatures recorded during sampling, via published equilibrium, fractionation relationships
Hormesis and the Antiaging Action of Dietary Restriction

Hormesis refers to the often encountered phenomenon of a beneficial biological action from a factor or agent that is generally viewed as detrimental. Beneficial actions that have been observed include life span extension. It is proposed that life span extension in rodents by dietary restriction is an example of hormesis and that sustained moderate hyperadrenocorticism underlies this life prolongation. Evidence supporting this concept is presented. The possibility is also suggested that whenever hormesis leads to an extension of mammalian life span, it is likely that moderate hyperadrenocorticism plays a major role.
The decay of 133Pm and the structure of 133Nd

Abstract The decay of 133 Pm to 133 Nd has been studied with mass-separated sources from the UNISOR facility. Multiscaled spectra of γ-rays, X-rays, and conversion electrons, as well as γγt-, Xγt-, eγt-, and eXt-coincidences were obtained. The half life of 133 Pm was measured to be 15±3 s. A decay scheme has been constructed consisting of 51 excited states and 106 transitions in 133 Nd. Isomers decaying by M3 and E1 transitions are established in 133 Nd. The low-lying levels are discussed in terms of the particle-plus-triaxial-rotor model and the onset of deformation in the region bounded by Z ⩾ 58, N ⩽ 76.
Newly Synthesized RNA and Intranuclear Strain Measurements in Living Cells Maintained Within Native Tissue

The nucleus is a regulation center for cellular gene expression 1. Mechanical forces transfer to the nucleus directly and indirectly through cellular cytoskeletal structures and pathways 2, 3. The transmitted strains often cause nuclear deformation which is thought to trigger mechanosensitive gene expression within the nucleus 4. Protein dynamics inside the nucleus are additionally important for maintaining the nuclear structure and in facilitating gene expression at the transcription level 5. Probing spatiotemporal relationships between mechanical forces and localized gene expression (i.e. biophysical and biochemical factors) in the nuclei of cells is important in order to clarify variability observed in large and heterogeneous cell populations within complex tissues. This requires the development of innovative methods for intranuclear strain measurements of cells in situ, and the further capability to quantify associated biochemical responses. This abstract describes a method combining the simultaneous measurement of newly synthesized RNA with spatiotemporal intranuclear strain mapping in single cells embedded in native tissue.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Angiographic ablation of mediastinal parathyroid adenomas: Local experience and review of the literature

Abstract purpose: To evaluate local experience with a modified technique for angiographic ablation of mediastinal parathyroid adenomas. patients and methods: Three patients with likely mediastinal parathyroid adenomas that had single feeding arteries underwent attempted arteriographic ablation with a slow continuous infusion of contrast medium. Patients were closely monitored for symptoms and calcium dynamics immediately postprocedure and then on a long-term outpatient basis. results: All three patients were cured (follow-up 22 to 68 months) with no long-term complications. conclusion: Percutaneous angiographic ablation with contrast medium is a reasonable alternative for patients with hyperparathyroidism due to a mediastinal adenoma who can be treated in centers with well-trained interventional radiologists.
Effect of duration of ischaemia on reduction of myocardial infarct size by inhibition of neutrophil accumulation using an anti-CD18 monoclonal antibody.

Abstract 1. Neutrophil accumulation is a characteristic feature of the inflammatory response in myocardial tissue which has undergone a period of ischaemia. The aim of this study was to examine whether inhibition of myocardial neutrophil infiltration, using an antibody to the CD18 leukocyte adhesion molecule, was effective in reducing infarct size in anaesthetized rabbits. 2. Anaesthetized rabbits underwent coronary artery occlusion (CAO) for periods of 30 or 45 min followed by reperfusion for 3 h. Animals were treated intravenously 10 min prior to reperfusion with IB4, a monoclonal antibody to CD18 (1 mg kg-1) or saline (1 ml kg-1). In one group undergoing 45 min CAO, a control antibody, OKMI (1 mg kg-1) was given. 3. Following either 30 or 45 min of CAO, administration of IB4 resulted in a < 75% inhibition in neutrophil accumulation in the area at risk myocardium (AR) compared with control animals. 4. With the 30 min occlusion period, IB4 significantly reduced myocardial infarct size, 27.2 +/- 3.2% vs 67.4 +/- 5.6% in the saline control group (n = 5 P < 0.01). In contrast, IB4 did not reduce infarct size following a 45 min period of ischaemia. 5. In the same animals administration of IB4 significantly inhibited oedema formation in skin elicited by intradermal administration of the neutrophil chemoattractant f-Met-Leu-Phe, but had no effect on coronary microvascular plasma protein leakage in the AR. 6. Our results indicate that infiltrating neutrophils exacerbate tissue injury following a relatively short, 30 min period of myocardial ischaemia in the rabbit.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Basic CT parameters.

Received March 26, 2013; accepted without revision April 1, 2013. at a high kilovoltage setting—that is, in the 120to 140-kV range. The kilovoltage setting was high because x-ray output increases with increasing kilovoltage and the highest rate of x-ray production possible was helpful to obtain optimal image quality and minimal scanning time. In the modern era, there are some circumstances when the improved contrast at lower kilovoltage settings is helpful. The two most important situations are when imaging pediatric patients and when increasing iodine contrast, especially in perfusion imaging.
Immune system of channel catfish: An overture on immunity to Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract Edwardsiella ictaluri is a gram negative rod that causes enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC). The E. ictaluri disease complex includes acute and chronic ESC. One of the most economically important diseases of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus , ESC is difficult to control. Although the bacterium is usually susceptible to antibiotics, resistant strains are emerging. Immunization is a more attractive approach to control. Vaccine efficacy is not well documented, in part due to a lack of basic information about immune system components and their interactions after E. ictaluri infection. Channel catfish vaccinated by immersion in E. ictaluri bacterin are only partly protected against ESC. Specific antibody responses are poor in the vaccinates. E. ictaluri infection causes both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. A vaccine that stimulates both types of immunity may provide better ESC immunity. Diagnosis of E. ictaluri infection is accomplished by detection of specific antibody. Recently the discovery of an immunodominant E. ictaluri exoantigen is allowing the development of accurate and rapid diagnostic tests that can detect infection before clinical ESC occurs. Health management programs for food animals depend on serological tests to detect early infections and carriers; the value of these tests is now realized in the channel catfish industry. This review documents factors that influence the immune responses of channel catfish. These factors include the influence of water temperature, seasons, stressful conditions, diet, and E. ictaluri carrier status.
Spectral Estimation from Time Series Models with Relevance to the Southern Oscillation

Abstract The theoretical spectra of certain parametric time series models with relevance to the Southern Oscillation (SO) are determined and compared with those based on a frequency-domain approach. Consistent spectral estimates are found for the two models selected in our earlier studies of the SO. All these results yield larger power at low frequencies and a dominant peak around 3–4 yr. Some reasons are offered for the slightly different behavior of the spectra as derived from the time-domain and frequency-domain approaches. For the sake of comparison, the spectra of other simpler time series models are also calculated. While larger power is found at low frequencies, no spectral peak exists in these simpler models. Some implications of the quasi-periodic behavior found in the more complex models (i.e., an intermediate peak in the spectrum) are discussed in the context of the persistence and forecasting of the SO.
Open-ended microstrip lines coupled through an arbitrary aperture in a thick common ground plane

The spectral domain analysis (SDA) is extended to characterize open-ended microstrip lines coupled through an aperture in a common ground plane of finite conductor thickness. In this approach, the coupling aperture is allowed to have any size, shape, and thickness. The effects of surface wave and radiation are also taken into accounts via the exact Green's function formulation in the spectral domain. Numerical results of the S-parameters generated using this method are presented for different aperture thicknesses.
The successful use of alternative routes of vascular access for performing pediatric interventional cardiac catheterization.

Objective The objective of this study is to examine the safety/efficacy of alternative routes of vascular access (ARVA) for successful performance of interventions. Background Complex interventional catheterizations may be required in children with limited vascular access, vascular constraints relative to size, and hemodynamic instability. Our approach has been to utilize ARVA in selected cases. Methods ARVA pertains to any vessel excluding femoral, jugular/subclavian veins, or umbilical access. A retrospective review performed on patients with an intervention utilizing ARVA between August 1995 and January 2004 was performed. Patients were divided by clinical status: critically ill/emergent (A), elective cases (B). Procedural success was based on previously published criteria. Results Sixty-four interventions were performed in 50 patients using 54 ARVA. ARVA utilized: radial (1), axillary (2), brachial (2), carotid arteries (25); brachial (2) hepatic (9) veins; and open chest/direct cardiac puncture (13). ARVA provided successful access to target lesions. Interventions included stents (30), valvuloplasty (16), angioplasty (14), and one each of vascular occlusion, septal occlusion, accessory pathway ablation, and septostomy. Group A patients were smaller (P Conclusions ARVA may provide a strategic advantage that may be safely applied to a variety of interventions regardless of patient size or degree of illness. These techniques may further extend the scope of successful interventions in children.
Three distinctive new genera of Baetidae (Insecta, Ephemeroptera) from South America

Trois genres nouveaux de Baetidae (Ephemeroptera) sont decrits a partir de larves recoltees en Amerique du Sud. Adebroms Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty, n.gen., et son espece type, A. amazonicus Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty, n.sp., proviennent de la province Amazonas, Bresil. Le genre possede de nombreux caracteres uniques sur les pieces buccales, incluant un labre avec des protuberances marginales anterieures, une mandibule gauche dont les incisives internes sont orientees perpendiculairement au plan de la mandibule, une mandibule droite avec un grand denticule dans la region molaire moyenne, des galealaciniae de forme originale avec des soies pectinees distalement, et un labium de morphologie inusitee. Tomedontus Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty, n.gen. et son espece type, T. primus Lugo-Ortiz & McCafferty, n.sp., proviennent des provinces Amazonas et Para, Bresil. Le genre possede un labre trapezoidal depourvu d'indentation mediane anterieure, un hypopharynx portant un processus mediodistal sur les superlinguae, des mandibules dentelees lateralement ainsi que des maxilles et un labium de formes inusitees. Walizoyphius McCafferty & Lugo-Ortiz, n.gen., et son espece type, W. fasciatus McCafferty & Lugo-Ortiz, n.sp., proviennent d'Amazonas et Para, Bresil, ainsi que du departement de Paraguari, Paraguay. Le genre se caracterise par ses maxilles ne possedant que des denticules falciformes sur les galealaciniae, son labium de morphologie inusitee et son mesostemum porteur d'un eperon median.
Mothers' Implicit Theories of Early Literacy Instruction: Implications for Children's Reading and Writing.

Subjects in this exploratory study were 19 five‐ to six‐year‐old children and their mothers. Mothers completed surveys of family literacy practices and beliefs about early reading Instruction and children's emergent literacy skills were assessed. Results showed that one group of mothers held implicit theories that resembled whole language models of literacy Instruction. A second group of mothers held views that resembled a phonics orientation, while a smaller group of mothers had more varied and idiosyncratic beliefs. Mothers’ implicit theories were associated with their modeling of literacy behaviors, helping their children write, and with their children's independent exploration of writing and current levels of literacy skill. Results point to the importance of parents’ implicit developmental theories and the heed to understand how parental belief systems affect the roles that families play in literacy acquisition.
Chemical and sensory changes during storage of witch flounder glyptocephalus cynoglossus in ice

Witch flounder from an inshore stock were caught by gill-net and their storage life in ice was determined by sensory analysis. Chemical analyses were made of ATP, hypoxanthine, lactic acid, and trimethylamine. ATP breakdown occurred at a slower rate than in most fish, and after 18 days storage, the major components of the nucleotide degradation were still intermediates as production of hypoxanthine was low. Glycogen levels at death were low, and this metabolite degraded in the manner expected from past experience. The relationship between pH and lactate was highly significant (P ≤ 0.01). Trimethylamine values depended on whether KOH or K2CO3 was used during the analysis, and discrepencies between these two methods are discussed. Analysis of sensory and chemical results indicated that trimethylamine was a good indicator of quality (P ≤ 0.01), and that while hypoxanthine correlated well with quality, its quantity was such that it was unlikely to have any effect on sensory evaluation.
Concerted action of Msx1 and Msx2 in regulating cranial neural crest cell differentiation during frontal bone development.

Abstract The homeobox genes Msx1 and Msx2 function as transcriptional regulators that control cellular proliferation and differentiation during embryonic development. Mutations in the Msx1 and Msx2 genes in mice disrupt tissue–tissue interactions and cause multiple craniofacial malformations. Although Msx1 and Msx2 are both expressed throughout the entire development of the frontal bone, the frontal bone defect in Msx1 or Msx2 null mutants is rather mild, suggesting the possibility of functional compensation between Msx1 and Msx2 during early frontal bone development. To investigate this hypothesis, we generated Msx1−/−;Msx2−/− mice. These double mutant embryos died at E17 to E18 with no formation of the frontal bone. There was no apparent defect in CNC migration into the presumptive frontal bone primordium, but differentiation of the frontal mesenchyme and establishment of the frontal primordium was defective, indicating that Msx1 and Msx2 genes are specifically required for osteogenesis in the cranial neural crest lineage within the frontal bone primordium. Mechanistically, our data suggest that Msx genes are critical for the expression of Runx2 in the frontonasal subpopulation of cranial neural crest cells and for differentiation of the osteogenic lineage. This early function of the Msx genes is likely independent of the Bmp signaling pathway.
A general approach in multilayer optical system design for SAXS

An approach to using multilayer optics for SAXS is discussed. The approach consists of employing a two-dimensional multilayer focusing optic to monochromatize and intensify the x-ray beam, and a pinhole system to further shape the beam. Depending on the sample scattering power, different pinhole systems can be used. With a two-pinhole system, high flux can be achieved but with non-blocked parasitic scattering from the pinholes and scattering from multilayer reflectors. With a three-pinhole system, parasitic scattering and scattering from multilayer are completely shielded beyond certain angular range for weak scattering samples. Using ray-tracing method, the performances of the proposed systems are compared to the most commonly used graphite-pinhole system and found to provide a factor 10 more flux for similar resolution and background requirements.
Wire length prediction-based technology mapping and fanout optimization

In modern VLSI systems early wire optimization is essential in achieving required performance, routability, and power. The cost functions optimized during traditional logic synthesis do not capture interconnect effects, which may lead to sub-optimal designs. In this paper, we propose a method for applying pre-layout wire-length prediction techniques in logic synthesis, targeting wiring cost and ways to minimize congestion. Specifically, we focus on technology mapping and fanout optimization. Experimental results show that our wire-length-prediction-based technology mapping (WP-Map) and fanout optimization (WP-Fanout) result in 8.7% improvement in average congestion, 17.2% improvement in peak congestion, and 3.3% improvement in timing performance.
Computer Modeling of Internal Targets in Electron Storage Rings

The effect of thin (1-50 ?gm/cm2) internal targets on beam quality in electron storage rings is evaluated. The internal target is modeled assuming that scattering is the result of elastic collisions between the beam electrons and the target nuclei. A screened coulomb potential is used and single and plural scattering mechanisms are included. A storage ring particle tracking code, DIMAT, was modified to include the internal target model and used to obtain the results discussed. Beam particle loss distributions and beam envelope "growth times" are given and discussed in light of damping mechanisms inherent in electron storage ring designs.
The chemisorption of H2O, HCOOH and CH3COOH on thin amorphous films of Al2O3

Investigation of the irreversible chemisorption of water, formic acid and acetic acid on a thin amorphous aluminum oxide film, using inelastic tunneling spectroscopy. All of the tunnel junctions employed were Al-Al2O3-Pb junctions with the adsorbate on the Al2O3 surface between the Al2O3 and the Pb electrode. The results obtained include the finding that all Al2O3 surfaces prepared by oxidation of Al have free CH groups present on them.
Levels and Risks of Depression and Anxiety Symptomatology Among Diabetic Adults

OBJECTIVE To determine levels of depression and anxiety symptoms among adults with diabetes and identify factors associated with increased risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study administered self-report symptom inventories to patients at the beginning (n = 634) and end (n = 578) of an outpatient diabetes education program. Subjects (n = 246) contacted by mail 6 months later completed the same instruments. RESULTS Rates of disturbance for depression (41.3%; 95% CI: 37.4–45.2%) and anxiety (49.2%; 95% CI: 45.3–53.1%) were higher than those typical in the general population (10–20%). Probability of disturbance ranged from 5–7% for those with the lowest risk profile to 82–92% for those with the highest risk profile. Diabetes-related complications were the only disease factor associated with significantly increased risk of disturbance. Women and those with less education were at much higher risk. Only 13% of those followed for 6 months were disturbed at all three time-points. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes is associated with increased risk of psychological disturbance, especially for those with more diabetes-related complications. Sociodemographic factors account for much of the risk differential among people with diabetes.
Family Partnerships and Joint Ventures in the Venetian Republic

Corporations have been the big basic units of recent American business; in the Venetian Republic the basic units of business life were family partnerships. To be sure, since a Venetian family partnership was not an organization formed for business purposes only, it did not correspond exactly to a corporation. There were in the Venetian economy during the Later Middle Ages some enterprises which required the use of so much capital that normally several families banded together to spread the risks and for such occasions they formed joint ventures. From some points of view these joint ventures, rather than the family partnerships, corresponded in Venetian economy to the corporation in modern economy; for they were organized for strictly business purposes, they involved large capitals, and their ownership was divided into shares. But the joint ventures lacked the permanence of the modern corporation and they had quite limited objectives. They lasted only for the duration of a voyage or until a cargo had been sold. Moreover, they did not have so large capital funds as did the family partnerships which created them. Venetian business enterprise, having been fathered by the state and mothered by the family, remained subordinated to these older and stronger institutions. This fact is not surprising, for when viewed in historical perspective the modern corporation appears a parvenu of uncertain future. In most societies, at most times, it has been the great family which by its wealth, power, prestige, and presumption of permanence has been the outstanding institution in private economic enterprise.
Storage using BDM or Blebbistatin Preserves Functional Measures of Unloaded Cardiomyocytes

Intact isolated cardiomyocytes are used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of contraction and to screen new therapeutic compounds. Typically, these studies require either daily isolation or culture of cardiomyocytes, which either costs investigators time and animals or alters myocyte function and morphology. Recently, investigators reported preserving canine cardiomyocyte function using N-benzyl-p-toluene sulphonamide (BTS), a skeletal muscle myosin ATPase inhibitor. We investigated the preservation of rat cardiomyocyte function using the common cardiac cross-bridge inhibitors 2,3-Butanedione monoxime (BDM), a phosphatase, and Blebbistatin, a selective myosin ATPase. We isolated cardiomyocytes from 6 mo old female Sprague Dawley rats. The isolate was divided for use over multiple days and storage conditions. Functional measurements (calcium transients and sarcomere length (SL) twitches) were obtained in a Tyrodes solution at 25°C beginning on the day of isolation (Day 0). Cells used on Days 1-4 post isolation were stored in a HEPES buffered solution with 0.5mM Ca⊥(2+) at 4°C: (1) without additional cross-bridge inhibitors (control), (2) +10mM BDM, and (3) +3µM Blebbistatin. Control (inhibition-free) cells showed reduced SL (<1.7µm diastolic), membrane blebbing, and altered functional measurements (calcium transients and SL twitches) within 24 hours. Cells stored in BDM maintained function for 24 hours but exhibited reduced diastolic SL and significant blebbing at 48 hours. Cells stored in blebbistatin showed excellent maintenance of diastolic SL and cell membrane quality more than 4 days post isolation. Calcium transients did not change after 4 days of storage in blebbistatin, but SL shortening was attenuated after 24 hrs. UV light exposure deactivated blebbistatin inhibition and restored SL shortening back to Day 0 magnitudes. Storage of rodent cardiomyocytes may help investigators reduce, replace, or refine experiments by allowing extended use of cardiomyocytes from single isolations.
Architecture for memristor-based storage structures

Rapid data growth nowadays makes it more critical to reduce search time to improve the performance of search-intensive applications. However, huge data size makes it more difficult to efficiently perform search operations. Representative conventional approaches to reduce search time, such as CAM and in-memory databases, are no longer efficient because of the data explosion: CMOS-based CAM has low capacity which cannot be increased through CMOS scaling, and in-memory databases have performance degradation as data size increases. As a result, we have to exploit emerging nanotechnologies to accelerate search. Among emerging nanotechnologies, memristors have become promising candidates to build storage structures because of high capacity, short switching time and low power consumption. However, the benefit we can obtain from these storage structures is limited by low endurance of memristors. In order to utilize the computation ability of memristors and deal with the endurance problem, we explore the design space of memristor-based storage structures. We first propose MemCAM/MemTCAM, a configurable memristor-based CAM/TCAM design, in which we use memristors as both memory latches and logic gates. Computation ability of memristors makes it possible to perform range search and high density of memristors provides an opportunity to build MemCAM/MemTCAM with large capacity and small area. We use SPICE to model the memristor and analyze power and performance at different temperatures. The results show that it is feasible to build MemCAM and MemTCAM which have high capacity and can reduce total search time and energy consumption for search-intensive applications with huge data size. We then propose four hybrid memristor-based storage structures, Hash-CAM, T-tree-CAM, TB+-tree, and TB+-tree-CAM, to solve the endurance problem. We use an analytical model to evaluate and compare the performance and lifetime of two software-implemented memory-based T-trees and these four hybrid storage structures. The results show that hybrid storage structures can utilize range search abilities, achieve better performance than memory-based T-trees, and improve lifetime from minutes to longer than 60 years. Furthermore, TB+-tree-CAM, a hybrid memristor-based storage structure combining T-tree, B+-tree and CAM, manages to balance between performance and lifetime and can outperform other storage structures when taking both performance and lifetime into consideration.
Olfactory functions scale with circuit restoration in a rapidly reversible Alzheimer's disease model.

Neural circuits maintain a precise organization that is vital for normal brain functions and behaviors, but become disrupted during neurological disease. Understanding the connection between wiring accuracy and function to measure disease progression or recovery has been difficult because of the complexity of behavioral circuits. The olfactory system maintains well-defined neural connections that regenerate throughout life. We previously established a reversible in vivo model of Alzheimer9s disease by overexpressing a humanized mutated amyloid precursor protein (hAPP) in olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Using this model, we currently show that hAPP is present in the OSN axons of mutant mice, which exhibit strong caspase3 signal and reduced synaptic protein expression by 3 weeks of age. In the olfactory bulb, we show that glomerular structure is distorted and OSN axonal convergence is lost. In vivo functional imaging experiments further demonstrate disruption of the glomerular circuitry, and behavioral assays reveal that olfactory function is significantly impaired. Because OSNs regenerate, we also tested if the system could recover from hAPP-induced disruption. We found that after 1 or 3 weeks of shutting-off hAPP expression, the glomerular circuit was partially restored both anatomically and functionally, with behavioral deficits similarly reversed. Interestingly, the degree of functional recovery tracked directly with circuit restoration. Together, these data demonstrate that hAPP-induced circuit disruption and subsequent recovery can occur rapidly and that behavior can provide a measure of circuit organization. Thus, olfaction may serve as a useful biomarker to both follow disease progression and gauge potential recovery.
Standard and controlled-release levodopa/carbidopa in patients with fluctuating Parkinson's disease on a protein redistribution diet. A preliminary report.

• Ten patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with motor fluctuations that responded to a protein redistribution diet were studied. All 10 patients were receiving standard Sinemet (levodopa/carbidopa). Five randomly selected patients were changed from standard Sinemet to a controlled-release form of Sinemet. The other five patients continued to receive standard Sinemet. To maintain the same degree of control of PD in the five patients switched to the controlled-release form of Sinemet, the daily levodopa intake increased. While receiving optimal therapy (standard Sinemet or controlled-release Sinemet) and a protein redistribution diet, all 10 patients then underwent hourly videotaping and blood sampling (for plasma levodopa levels) during 2 consecutive days. Videotapes were blindly reviewed for PD disability, dyskinesia, and the time required to walk a measured distance. Comparing the two groups, standard Sinemet with controlled-release Sinemet, respectively, mean levodopa requirements were 505 and 1895 mg, plasma levodopa levels were 6.1 and 17.6 μmol/L, and abnormal involuntary movement scale scores were 14 and 26. Their mean PD disability scores did not differ statistically or clinically. Also no statistically significant differences were noted in either their mean walking times or their mean daily dose frequencies.
Current Understanding and Management of Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) typically accounts for 3%-4% of all thyroid cancers. Although the majority of MTCs are sporadic, 20% of cases are hereditary. Hereditary MTC can be found in multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A or 2B or as part of familial MTC based on a specific germline mutation in the RET proto-oncogene. This article discusses the current approaches available for the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of patients and their family members with suspected MTC. The disease is predominantly managed surgically and typically requires a total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection. A review of recent guidelines on the extent and timing of surgical excision is discussed. There are not very many effective systemic treatment options for MTC, but several emerging therapeutic targets have promise.
Towards understanding the increase in strength of thermotropic polyesters with heat treatment

Thermotropic copolyester fibers of oxynaphthoate and oxybenzoate have been subjected to conditions that promote solid-state polymerization as well as annealing. The annealing process causes the crystals to perfect with a simultaneous increase in heat of fusion and melting temperature. Solid-state polymerization, a reaction rate-controlled process, causes the polymer viscosity average molecular weight to increase by chain extension from about 14,000 g/mole to more than 87,000 g/mole with a simultaneous impressive increase in tenacity from about 10 g/d (1.2 GPa) to almost 30 g/d (3.7 GPa). To understand the changes in mechanical properties, we have modeled the fiber structure as short rod-like molecules poorly bonded to a continuous matrix of parallel molecules. Lengthening of the reinforcing molecules facilitates better transfer of load from matrix to molecules, resulting in higher tenacity fibers. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hybrid neural network modeling of anion exchange at the interfaces of mixed anion III-V heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy

A hybrid neural network model is constructed by characterizing the growth of GaAs/sub 1-y/P/sub y/-GaAs superlattices (SLs) grown on [001] GaAs substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. These heterostructures are formed by the P/sub 2/ exposure of an As-stabilized GaAs surface, and ex situ high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) is performed to determine the phosphorus composition at the interfaces. A first-order kinetic model is then developed to describe the mechanisms of anion exchange, surface desorption, and diffusion. A semi-empirical hybrid neural network is used to estimate the parameters of the kinetic model and analyze the microscopic processes occurring at the interfaces of the mixed anion III-V heterostructures. The phosphorus diffusion process in GaAs is estimated to have a diffusion coefficient of D=1.4/spl times/10/sup -14/exp(-0.11 eV/k/sub B/T/sub s/) cm/sup 2//spl middot/s/sup -1/ for samples with P/sub As4/=4/spl times/10/sup -6/ torr and exhibits enhanced phosphorus intermixing for samples with lower As-stabilizing fluxes.
Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Patients with Normal Ventricular Systolic Function Referred for Exercise Echocardiography

Background Exercise testing is often normal despite the presence of exertional symptoms. We hypothesized that left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony might occur in some patients in the absence of ischemia, LV dysfunction, or wide QRS, and might contribute to exertional symptoms and diminished exercise capacity. Methods Echocardiographic parameters were assessed before and with exercise in 40 patients (age 62 ± 8 years, 27 with exertional symptoms). All had normal clinically indicated exercise echocardiograms and narrow QRS. The time to peak systolic velocity (Ts) was measured in 12 segments to calculate the standard deviation (Ts-SD) and the maximal difference (Ts-diff). Results At rest, 25 patients (63%) had dyssynchrony by Ts-SD. With exercise, mean Ts-SD did not increase significantly (34.9 ± 19.3 ms vs 39.5 ± 27.2 ms, P = .28). However, Ts-SD increased by greater than 40% in 15 patients (37.5%), remained stable in 19 patients (47.5%), and decreased by greater than 40% in 6 patients (15%). Similar responses were observed for Ts-diff. Patients with exercise-induced dyssynchrony were not more likely to have symptoms. Exercise capacity was inversely correlated with resting Ts-SD ( r = −0.37, P = .02) and resting Ts-diff ( r = −0.38, P = .02), but not with exercise-induced changes in dyssynchrony. Patients with resting dyssynchrony had higher resting heart rate (73 ± 12 vs 63 ± 11 beats/min, P = .02). Conclusion LV dyssynchrony may occur more frequently than previously thought and may develop with exercise in the absence of ischemia. Exercise-induced LV dyssynchrony was not related to exertional symptoms or exercise capacity. Patients with dyssynchrony at rest had a higher resting heart rate and achieved a lower workload; this may indicate early myocardial impairment.
Transsplenic portal scintigraphy using 99mTc-mebrofenin in normal dogs

Transsplenic portal scintigraphy using sodium pertechnetate is superior to per-rectal portal scintigraphy due to improved visualization of the portal vasculature with decreased patient and personnel exposure. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of 99mTc-mebrofenin, the radiopharmaceutical of choice for the evaluation of hepatic function, in place of pertechnetate for transsplenic portal scintigraphy in normal dogs. Sixteen juvenile dogs underwent transsplenic portal scintigraphy using 37-130 MBq 99mTc-mebrofenin in a 0.2-0.5 ml volume. After the initial dynamic acquisition obtained at 4 frames/s in right lateral recumbency, static right lateral, and ventral views were obtained at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min. A nuclear angiogram of the splenic and portal veins was visible in all dogs, followed by rapid distribution of the radiopharmaceutical in the liver. Hepatic morphology was more easily defined than with pertechnetate. Transit time could not be calculated due to the high hepatic extraction of 99mTc-mebrofenin. Mean +/- SD shunt fraction was 0.8 +/- 0.8%. Time to peak liver activity was 3.1 +/- 1.1 min, and hepatic excretion T1/2 was 19.4 +/- 6.3 min. No visible blood pool and cardiac activity was seen after 5 min. The mean +/- SD time to visualization of defined biliary activity was 8.8 +/- 2.9 min. Absorption from the spleen was significantly higher than that reported for pertechnetate (87.9 +/- 8.2%, vs. 52.5 +/- 19.1%). 99mTc-mebrofenin can be used in place of pertechnetate for transsplenic portal scintigraphy, with the advantage of combining quantitative parameters of liver function with the already known advantage of transsplenic portal scintigraphy.
Computational design of photovoltaics with silicon nanowire

This paper introduces two computational electromagnetic (EM) modeling tools to simulate the photovoltaics with Silicon nanowire array and compares the results from them. It will also present a justification for the requirement of a computation EM tool and discuss techniques of measuring absorption with the EM modeling tool. A simulation of the entire nanowire array would be memory intensive, so the periodic structure of the array is leveraged to obtain a unit cell with periodic boundary conditions. The unit structure is simulated from 400 to 800 THz because solar energy spectrum is from 380 to 800 nm. The simulation results are analyzed and compared to the references for accuracy.
Novel role of endothelial BKCa channels in altered vasoreactivity following hypoxia

The systemic vasculature exhibits attenuated vasoconstriction following hypobaric chronic hypoxia (CH) that is associated with endothelium-dependent vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cell hyperpolarizat...