cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The economic and social conditions of the solar corridor cropping system

Abstract Current cropping systems in the American heartland have developed within a specific set of social, economic, and ecological conditions. Corn and soybean cropping systems are shaped by consolidated markets for inputs, processing, and trading, while the development of large-scale livestock enterprises have limited options for diversified farming. The industrialization and resulting specialization of crop and livestock systems has arisen from a productivist outlook in American agriculture which has often had negative economic and social impacts on farmers and communities as well as on natural resources such as soil and water. The current structure of food and agriculture is also proving to be vulnerable to disruption in a changing climate. By diversifying income streams, the solar corridor cropping system may provide a bridge for commodity farmers to contribute to new forms of civic agriculture that build community capitals and enhance resilience in the American heartland.
New optically active camphor-derived cyclopalladated complexes with an asymmetric carbon bonded to the metal

Abstract N,N-Dimethylhydrazone of D-camphor 1 was obtained as the single E isomer in 80% yield by treating the enantiopure ketone with N,N-dimethylhydrazine in the presence of an equimolar amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid in ethanol. Direct cyclopalladation of hydrazone 1 was accomplished at the C(3)H2 group using [Pd(MeCN)2Cl2] and NaOAc in MeCN at the reflux temperature. The product of the reaction, dinuclear cyclopalladated complex 2, was isolated in 89% yield as a mixture of diastereoisomers, which differ by the absolute configuration of the chiral carbon bound to the metal. Compound 2 was converted to the mononuclear complexes 3 and 4 by treating the dimer with PPh3 and Na(acac), respectively. Compounds 3 and 4 were also mixtures of two diastereomers with the Pd atom either in endo or exo position at the new chiral center in the norbornane moiety. Isomers of complex 3 were partly separated by column chromatography to obtain samples of (1S,2S,4R)-3 and (1S,2R,4R)-3 with 96% and 86% de, respectively. The structures of all new compounds were supported by 1H, 13C{1H}, and 31P{1H} spectra as well as 1D NOE experiments. X-ray crystallographic data of complexes 2, (1S,2S,4R)-3 and (1S,2R,4R)-3 supported the cyclopalladation at the C(3)H2 group of the ligand and the absolute configuration of the Pd-bound chiral carbon in both endo and exo palladacycles.
Regional Resilience: Building Adaptive Capacity and Community Well-Being Across Louisiana’s Dynamic Coastal–Inland Continuum

Increasing community resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change is critical for Louisiana’s coastal and inland communities. Sea level rise coupled with land subsidence and marsh erosion is leading to dramatic coastal change and a need for interventions at the architectural, neighborhood, and community scales as called for in Louisiana’s Comprehensive Master Plan for a Sustainable Coast (2017 Coastal Master Plan). Design and planning principles explored through a resilience thinking lens can inform a science-based but socially grounded program to increase adaptive capacity, but are not without their challenges. This work explores the effectiveness of the Master Plan to address community resilience needs and how alternative community planning and design frameworks such as the National Disaster Resilience Competition (NDRC) are supporting resilience and adaptation in coastal Louisiana. The Inland from the Coast research program builds community resilience in the greater Baton Rouge region – a place where coastal displacement and encroaching coastal processes are resulting in unplanned development, ecological damage, and increased vulnerability. A review and synthesis of adopted community planning documents and processes suggest that disparate planning frameworks and agencies are addressing physical and social environmental needs, but a more holistic approach to adaptation is needed.
Family-centeredness of childhood obesity interventions: psychometrics & outcomes of the family-centered care assessment tool

Incorporating family-centered care principles into childhood obesity interventions is integral for improved clinical decision making, better follow-through, and more effective communication that leads to better outcomes and greater satisfaction with services. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of a modified version of the Family Centered-Care Assessment (mFCCA) tool and to assess the family-centeredness of two clinical-community childhood obesity interventions. Connect for Health was a randomized trial testing the comparative effectiveness of two interventions that enrolled 721 children, ages 2–12 years, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 85th percentile. The two arms were (1) enhanced primary care; and (2) enhanced primary care plus contextually-tailored, health coaching. At the end of the one-year intervention, the mFCCA was administered. We used Rasch analyses to assess the tool’s psychometrics and examined differences between the groups using multiple linear regression. 629 parents completed the mFCCA resulting in an 87% response rate. The mean (SD) age of children was 8.0 (3.0) years. The exploratory factor analysis with 24 items all loaded onto a single factor. The Rasch modeling demonstrated good reliability as evidenced by the person separation reliability coefficient (0.99), and strong validity as evidenced by the range of item difficulty and overall model fit. The mean (SD, range) mFCCA score was 4.14 (0.85, 1–5). Compared to parents of children in the enhanced primary care arm, those whose children were in the enhanced primary care plus health coaching arm had higher mFCCA scores indicating greater perception of family-centeredness (β = 0.61 units [95% CI: 0.49, 0.73]). Using the mFCCA which demonstrated good psychometric properties for the assessment of family-centered care among parents of children with obesity, we found that individualized health coaching is a family-centered approach to pediatric weight management. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02124460.
Extremal spectral gaps for periodic Schrödinger operators

The spectrum of a Schrodinger operator with periodic potential generally consists of bands and gaps. In this paper, for fixed m , we consider the problem of maximizing the gap-to-midgap ratio for the m th spectral gap over the class of potentials which have fixed periodicity and are pointwise bounded above and below. We prove that the potential maximizing the m th gap-to-midgap ratio exists. In one dimension, we prove that the optimal potential attains the pointwise bounds almost everywhere in the domain and is a step-function attaining the imposed minimum and maximum values on exactly m intervals. Optimal potentials are computed numerically using a rearrangement algorithm and are observed to be periodic. In two dimensions, we develop an efficient rearrangement method for this problem based on a semi-definite formulation and apply it to study properties of extremal potentials. We show that, provided a geometric assumption about the maximizer holds, a lattice of disks maximizes the first gap-to-midgap ratio in the infinite contrast limit. Using an explicit parametrization of two-dimensional Bravais lattices, we also consider how the optimal value varies over all equal-volume lattices.
Analyses of the excited 5f1 optical spectra of Th3+ compounds

Abstract The electronic structure of Th(Cp″)3 (Cp″ = η5-C5H3(SiMe3-1,3), a molecule which has a 6d1 ground configuration and an excited 5f1 configuration beginning approximately 14,000 cm−1 higher, is reexamined. The ground state of the 6d1 configuration in a crystal field of D3h symmetry is shown to be an orbitally quenched 2A1ʹ state, best described as a pure 2D1/2 state. Electric dipole selection rules from this state to the states for the 5f1 configuration in a D3h crystal field result in the 5f1 truncated optical spectrum observed. The optical spectrum of the square planar Th3+ compound [Li(THF)4][Th(OAr′)4], where (OAr′ = OC6 H2tBu2-2,6-Me-4), is discussed.
Electric bicycles and cargo bikes—Tools for parents to keep on biking in auto-centric communities? Findings from a US metropolitan area

Despite a marked increase in electric bicycle (e-bike) research, few studies have looked at how parents or caretakers use e-bikes specifically to transport children. This is a missed opportunity, a...
Enhancing the Capacity of Local Health Departments to Address Birth Equity: The Institute for Equity in Birth Outcomes.

Significant and persistent racial and ethnic disparities exist related to infant mortality and other birth outcomes. Few models exist that aim to prepare organizations to implement essential features, such as community engagement or intervening on social determinants of health. Between 2013 and 2015, teams from seven local health departments participated in the Institute for Equity in Birth Outcomes (EI) with the goals of building capacity and implementing changes to address equity in birth outcomes. Four of the teams enrolled in the first cohort (2013–2015), and three enrolled in cohort two (2014–2015). To examine the EI effort and its impact on capacity and implementation of changes, two types of assessments were completed. Capacities of the teams in specific key areas were assessed using “Best Change Process” instruments at the completion of participation in the EI. Teams also documented on an ongoing basis implementation of interventions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation tests. Best Change Process capacity scores were higher in the first cohort than in the second and were highly correlated with implementation of changes (Pearson’s Correlation = 0.838, p = 0.037). Collectively, the teams implemented about 32 new programs, policies, practices, and systems changes aimed at addressing equity in birth outcomes. Most interventions were based on scientific recommendations and local epidemiologic data. The results of the study suggest the EI is a promising approach that may result in strong capacity and ability to implement interventions aimed at addressing equity in birth outcomes.
O-antigen structure and surface hydrophobicity determines aggregate assembly type in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bacteria live in spatially organized aggregates during chronic infections, where they adapt to the host environment, evade immune responses and resist therapeutic interventions. Although it is known that environmental factors such as polymers influence bacterial aggregation, it is not clear how bacterial adaptation during chronic infection impacts the formation and spatial organization of aggregates in the presence of polymers. Here we show that in an in vitro model of cystic fibrosis (CF) containing the polymers eDNA and mucin, O-antigen is a major factor in determining the formation of two distinct aggregate assembly types of Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to alterations in cell surface hydrophobicity. Our findings suggest that during chronic infection, interplay between cell surface properties and polymers in the environment may influence the formation and structure of bacterial aggregates, which would shed new light on the fitness costs and benefits of O-antigen production in environments such as CF lungs.
Average concurrence and entanglement swapping

We study the role of average concurrence in entanglement swapping in quantum networks. We begin with qubit pure states, and there is a very simple rule governing the propagation of average concurrence in multiple swaps. We find a similarly simple rule for average concurrence when creating a Greenberger-Horne-Zeilinger state from three entangled pairs. We look at examples of mixed qubit states and find that the relation for pure states gives an upper bound on what is possible with mixed states. We then move on to qudits, where we make use of the I-concurrence. Here the situation is not as simple as for qubits, but in some cases relatively straightforward results can be obtained.
Why archaeology's relevance to global challenges has not been recognised

Archaeologists are increasingly publishing articles proclaiming the relevance of our field for contemporary global challenges, yet our research has little impact on other disciplines or on policy-making. Here, the author discusses three reasons for this impasse in relevance: archaeologists do not understand how relevance is constructed between fields; too little of our work follows a rigorous scientific epistemology; and we are confused about the target audiences for our messages concerning our discipline's relevance. The author suggests two strategies for moving forward: transdisciplinary collaborative research and the production of quantitative scientific results that will be useful to scientists in disciplines more closely involved in today's global challenges.
Chromogenic Factor X Assay for Monitoring Warfarin Anticoagulation in a Child With a Prosthetic Mitral Valve.

Abstract Mechanical mitral valve replacement in infants and young children is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Lifelong anticoagulation is required, with all the accompanying challenges of maintaining levels in infants and children whose dietary input continually changes. Even with careful control of all aspects that can perturb the coagulation cascade, these patients have a substantial lifelong risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications that can also affect the durability of the valve. Anticoagulation is usually achieved utilizing warfarin with the degree of anticoagulation measured via the international normalized ratio (INR). Unfortunately, in some cases, the INR can be falsely elevated and lead to inappropriate reassurance. We describe a 4-year-old patient with complex congenital heart disease palliated via a single ventricular pathway with a mechanical atrioventricular valve replacement. The patient experienced acute valvular thrombosis while receiving warfarin with INR at target levels. Chromogenic factor X (CFX) levels were discordant with INR measurements, suggesting a subtherapeutic level of anticoagulation despite maintaining the standard INR target. Therefore, CFX levels were used to interpret INR measurements and guide an individualized approach to anticoagulation. We propose a new role of CFX: to verify and guide warfarin anticoagulation in high-risk pediatric patients including those undergoing mechanical mitral valve replacement.
Adaptive content delivery on mobile Internet across multiple form factors

Summary form only given. In the PC+ era, a variety of new mobile devices, such as Web-enabled watch, Smartphone, Pocket PC, Tablet PC, etc, are making a population boom. As most of current documents and multimedia contents are designed for applications on desktop PC, we are facing a big challenge - the problem of multiple form factors resulted from the diverse set of emerging new devices. For example, browsing conventional Web pages on Pocket PC is a pain. Browsing a large picture on Smartphone (e.g. picture messaging application) is no different to a thumbnail view, even though the users are now able to capture high-resolution pictures on the latest models of camera-equipped cell phones. Furthermore, enterprise software applications have been aiming to take the advantage of ubiquitous network connection by mobile Internet to increase the productivity of information workers. As the current document-related applications are highly desktop-PC focused, to unleash the power of mobile Internet in the PC+ era, we need to innovate more aggressively and develop a new generation of document and content technologies to cope with the problem of multiple form factors. In this paper, we briefly review the past research and development on adapting multimedia content for heterogeneous device capability, user context and network environment, including the MPEG-7 standard. Then, we focus on the challenge of limited display and input capability in mobile devices, we believe that in order to successfully tackle this challenge, we need to (a) develop new content representation which is scalable and adaptable, (b) develop content analysis techniques to structure content for the new representation, (c) develop corresponding rendering algorithms and innovative user interfaces to maximize the information throughput of the content on small devices, and (d) make content adaptation service part of mobile Internet architecture. We also introduce some specific research works that we have been conducting towards this direction in Microsoft Research Asia. These works include Scalable Web Document which is a new Web content representation for various display sizes, Smart Picture which uses image attention model to facilitate the browsing of large pictures on mobile devices, and Media Companion which uses proxy augmentation on the edge of mobile Internet to construct a content service overlay for dynamic adaptation and value-added services.
Cigarette smoking and mortality

Abstract Methods. The relationship of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation to mortality was investigated among men screened for the MRFIT, cigarette smoking was an important risk factor for all-cause, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and cancer mortality. These risks, on the log relative scale, were strongest for cancers of the lung, mouth, and larynx. The excess risk associated with cigarette smoking was greatest for death from CHD. Overall, approximately one-half of all deaths were associated with cigarette smoking. Among the 12,866 randomized participants, weak positive associations with duration of cigarette smoking habit and tar and nicotine levels were found with all-cause mortality. For both SI and UC men, substantial differences in subsequent CHD (34–49%) and all-cause (35–47%) mortality were evident for men who reported cigarette smoking cessation by the end of the trial compared with those continuing to smoke. There was no evidence that lung cancer death rates were lower among cigarette smokers who quit compared with those who continued to smoke in this 10-year follow-up period. Conclusion. The data are consistent with results of previous epidemiologic studies indicating that the benefits of smoking cessation on CHD are rapid, while for lung cancer, the benefit is not evident in a 10-year follow-up period.
Analysis of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor and a novel trypsin inhibitor, pre-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, from human plasma. Polypeptide chain stoichiometry and assembly by glycan.

Abstract The polypeptide chain composition of protein material referred to in the literature as "inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor" was investigated. The material was found to consist of distinct proteins of 125,000 and 225,000 Da, each of which contained more than one polypeptide chain. The links that assemble each protein were found to be stable to various strong denaturants, but susceptible to treatment with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid or hyaluronidase, indicating a glycan nature. The 225,000-Da protein migrated with inter-alpha mobility on agarose gel electrophoresis and is designated inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor, whereas the 125,000-Da protein migrated with pre-alpha mobility, and we designate it pre-alpha-trypsin inhibitor. Analysis of the proteins, the separated chains, and proteolytic derivatives thereof revealed that each protein contained a single, identical, trypsin-inhibitory chain of 30,000 Da. Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor contains noninhibitory heavy chains of 65,000 and 70,000 Da, whereas pre-alpha-trypsin inhibitor contains a heavy chain of 90,000 Da. Our data allow identification of several recently reported cDNA clones and clarify the confusion surrounding the composition of plasma proteins referred to as inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor.
Trust, distrust and trustworthiness.

The study of trust in healthcare is growing, paralleling its rise in other applied arenas1–6 and in more theoretical disciplines like sociology and philosophy.7–11 Studying trust and trustworthiness in the healthcare context, as illustrated by 4 papers in this issue, is imperative for several reasons. First, the ill are vulnerable emotionally, physically, spiritually, and, often, financially. The trusting patient is placed, sometimes unwillingly, in a position of vulnerability and grants, sometimes reluctantly, discretionary power to doctors, other clinicians, and numerous organizations in order to achieve something the patient desires, usually better health or even the preservation of his/her life.12 An imbalance of knowledge and power characterizes health care relationships to a unique extent, while the importance of health to achieve one's life goals13 makes vulnerability greater and the choice to trust rhetorical.14 To pursue the patient's good, the patient must trust the physician (or clinician, or organization) with private information and with his/her body.15 Trust in the healer is essential to healing itself.16 Trust, at least to some minimal extent, is undoubtedly a prerequisite to seeking care at all.17–19
Oscillations of Charged Helium II Drops

We report on an experimental study of the shape oscillations of charged helium drops levitated with a magnetic field. Shape oscillations are excited with an AC electric field. Many different modes of oscillation of the drop are observable. The resonant frequencies of the drops are found to be a function of amplitude. Quantitative measurements of the damping of shape oscillations are made by using a laser beam focused through the drop. The observed damping of shape oscillations is found to be greater than the damping due to the viscosities of the liquid and the surrounding vapor. Other mechanisms possibly responsible for this damping are discussed. We also report experiments on drops with angular momentum.
Atrial fibrillation hospitalization is not increased with short-term elevations in exposure to fine particulate air pollution.

Background: Previous studies have observed that short-term exposure to elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM) air pollution increases risk of acute ischemic heart disease events and heart failure hospitalization, alters cardiac autonomic function, and increases risk of arrhythmias. This study explored the potential associations between short-term elevations in PM exposure and atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: A case-crossover study design was used to explore associations between fine PM (PM2.5, particles with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm) and 10,457 AF hospitalizations from 1993 to 2008 of patients who lived on Utah's Wasatch Front. Patients were hospitalized at Intermountain Healthcare facilities with a primary diagnosis of AF. Concurrent day exposure and cumulative lagged exposures for up to 21 days were explored and the data were stratified by sex, age, and previous or subsequent admission for myocardial infarction. Although the estimated associations between PM2.5 and AF hospitalizations for the various lag structures and strata were consistently positive suggestive of risk, they were not statistically significant and they were extremely small compared to previously observed associations with ischemic heart disease events and heart failure hospitalizations. Further, we observed no additive risk between PM2.5 and AF hospitalization in those with respiratory disease or sleep apnea. Conclusions: Unlike previously observed associations with ischemic heart disease events and heart failure hospitalizations using similar study design and approaches, this study found that hospitalization for AF was not significantly associated with elevations in short-term exposure to fine PM air pollution. (PACE 2011; 34:1475–1479)
Reversal of the exercise-induced increase in muscle permeability to glucose

Exercise is associated with an increase in permeability of muscle to glucose that reverses slowly (h) in fasting rats during recovery. Previous studies showed that carbohydrate feeding speeds and carbohydrate restriction slows reversal of the exercise-induced increase in glucose uptake. This study was designed to evaluate the roles of glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, and protein synthesis in the reversal process in rat epitrochlearis muscle. In contrast to recovery in vivo, when muscles were incubated without insulin in vitro, the exercise-induced increase in muscle permeability to sugar reversed rapidly regardless of whether glucose transport or glycogen synthesis occurred. Inhibition of protein synthesis did not prevent the reversal. Addition of 33% rat serum or a low concentration of insulin to the incubation medium markedly slowed reversal in vitro. We conclude that 1) prolonged persistence of the increased permeability of mammalian muscle to glucose after exercise requires a low concentration of insulin, and 2) reversal of the increase in permeability does not require glucose transport, glycogen synthesis, or protein synthesis.
User Preference Modeling for Customised Dynamic Electronic Catalogs Generation Based on Web Shoppers’ Brain Hemisphericity/Cognitive Style

This study examined the impact of online shoppers’ brain hemisphericity/ (cognitive style) on their preference for different aspects of information presentation via electronic catalogs. Two instruments were used to measure participants’ cognitive styles/brain orientations. Pearson’s correlation indicates that verbal and visual scores obtained by using two different questionnaires are congruent. One e-commerce survey instrument was used to measure user preferences for different features of electronic catalogs. One-way ANOVA analysis has been conducted to find out whether different VARK (visual, auditory, read/write, and kinesthetic) score groups differ significantly based on their preference for different aspects of information presentation via electronic catalogs. ANOVA results indicate that Web shoppers’ preference for text-oriented catalogs, visually-oriented catalogs, audio enabled catalogs, customisable animated catalogs, virtual trial, and online shopping differs significantly. In addition to ANOVA, regression analysis has also been conducted to reaffirm the findings of the ANOVA analysis. As expected, most of the findings in regression analysis are inline with the ANOVA results.
The use of mouse pituitary fragments to study LH secretion.

This work evaluated a perifusion system for studying LH secretion from the anterior pituitary (AP) of female mice. Pituitary fragments were challenged with LHRH, and the effluents assayed for LH. In general, the tissue exhibited augmented release to repeated stimulation. In the doseresponse study, the amount of LHRH required to produce maximum and half maximum responses dropped almost 10 fold by the 3rd stimulus. In response to various pulse frequencies LH release increased with the frequency of the 100 nM LHRH dose, but the tissue became refractive to constant nonpulsatile stimulation. Other preparations, subjected to high-frequency 10 nM LHRH pulses, released LH in two distinct episodes. All but the first hour of the response was blocked by cycloheximide, confirming the role of protein synthesis in the sustained release of LH. By varying both the pulse frequency and amplitude, a LHRH protocol was found that produced a proestrous-like surge. Lastly, rat and mouse tissues responded similarly to pulsatile ...
Hydrogen-bonded multilayers of poly(carboxybetaine)s

Using a layer-by-layer (LbL) sequential adsorption technique, we studied the construction of hydrogen-bonded multilayers of a weak polycarboxybetaine (poly-N-ω-carboxypentyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromide (PCB5)) with poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL). Self-assembly occurred at low pH values where carboxylic groups of PCB5 units were protonated and capable of binding with hydrogen-accepting groups of PVCL. Multilayers could not be constructed, however, in 0.01 M buffer solutions at pH 2.5, and potassium halide salts were required to promote multilayer deposition. Concentrations of halide salts at which deposition of PCB5/PVCL multilayers occurred decreased in the series KCl > KBr > KI, following the Hofmeister series for binding of anions with PCB5 chains. Using a N-vinylcaprolactam copolymer which contained amino groups (PVCL-NH2), PCB5/PVCL-NH2 multilayers were constructed and covalently cross-linked, producing surface-attached hydrogels. The hydrogels showed typical polyelectrolyte salt-induced contraction at...
Evidence of HIV Transmission Risk in Barebacking Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men: Cases from the Internet

SUMMARY The purpose of this ethnographic study was to conduct an exploratory research investigation examining the phenomenon of bare-backing among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) on the Internet. The researchers selected a case sample of 100 MSM advertisers on an Internet bareback sex site to assess HIV transmission risk as related to HIV serostatus, partner selection, and sexual risk-taking. The data suggest that while intentionally seeking to transmit or contract HIV was extremely rare, a small proportion of advertisers appeared to be relatively indifferent to HIV transmission. However, the great majority of advertisers for bareback sex appeared to practice “sero-sorting” or sero-concordant behavior by HIV status with potential sexual partners as a strategy to minimize HIV transmission risk.
Practice patterns of male and female dentists

Today, more women are choosing to enter the dental profession than ever before. This article uses an ADA survey to study gender-related similarities and differences in practice patterns of US dentists. The 1985 American Dental Association Survey of Dental Practice was analyzed to determine the similarities and differences in the practice, patient, and productivity characteristics among male and female dentists who graduated from dental school in or after 1915. Additional analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of two productivity variables: number of hours in practice per week and number of patients treated per week.
On the orientation of nonspherical particles at solid surfaces. A method of analysis

Abstract The relation between the projected and true linear measures of nonspherical particles at solid surfaces is discussed in terms of an orientation distribution function. It is shown that this function can be determined by a geometric method, which is tested on spheroidal bacterial spores.
Psychotherapy and combined psychotherapy/pharmacotherapy for late life depression

Over the past 20 years, numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of psychotherapy for treating late life depression and, to a lesser degree, the efficacy of psychotherapy combined with antidepressant medication. Of the intervention studies, cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy combined with antidepressant medication have the largest base of evidence in support of their efficacy for late life depression. To a lesser degree, there is support for stand-alone interpersonal psychotherapy, brief dynamic therapy, and life review treatments. The purpose of this review is to present data on the acute and long-term effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, brief dynamic therapy, and combined antidepressant medication and psychotherapy to discuss the generalizability of these interventions, and to discuss future research directions and the need for increased opportunities for this area of research.
Activities of some enzymes involved in lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, glycolysis and glycogen metabolism in chicks (Gallus domesticus) from day of hatch to adulthood☆

Abstract 1. 1. Activities of some enzymes involved in lipogenesis, gluconeogenesis, glycolysis and glycogen metabolism were studied in the chick ( Gallus domesticus ) from day 1 to adulthood. Malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were negligible at day 1 and increased significantly during the first week and the declined, G-6-PDH showed great variability. 2. 2. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase were high at day 1 and then decreased. Fructose diphosphatase increased significantly during the first 2 weeks and remained high. 3. 3. Glutamic oxaloacetic transminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase were also high at day 1 and then decreased. Both GOT and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase showed a rise again at 14 weeks, possibly indicating a second phase of gluconeogenesis. 4. 4. Phosphorylase and phosphoglucomutase increased during the first week and then dropped, whereas liver glycogen stayed high for 3 weeks before it started to drop. Thus possibly phosphorylase is increased before glycogenolysis starts.
E-rosette formation of fresh versus frozen-thawed lymphocytes from leukemic patients and normal individuals

Abstract Peripheral blood lymphocytes from normal individuals and patients with ALL, AML, CLL, CML and Hodgkin's disease were compared in the fresh and frozen-thawed states. The cells were frozen in DMSO by either a controlled (1 °C/min) or uncontrolled rate freezing process and stored in liquid nitrogen (−196 °C) for 1 day to 12.5 years. No significant difference was found between fresh and frozen-thawed cells of normal or leukemic subjects in the observed percentage of spontaneous E-rosette formation. Leukemic cells frozen by the controlled rate method and preserved in liquid nitrogen for 12.5 years were found to be fully capable of rosette formation, and when stained with Trypan Blue, the majority (> 70%) were found to be viable.
Discrete task switching in overload

We describe a computational multi-attribute decision model that predicts the decision aspect of sequential multitasking. We investigate how people choose to switch tasks or continue performing an ongoing task when they are in overload conditions where concurrent performance of tasks is impossible. The model is based on a meta-analytic integration of 31 experiments from the literature on applied task switching. Consistent trends from the meta-analysis, to avoid switching, and to switch to tasks lower difficulty, along with greater salience, priority and interest are used to set polarity parameters in the mathematical model. A decision model of multi-task attention switching is presented.The model posits that task switching is based on attractiveness attributes of alternative tasks, related to salience, difficulty, interest and priority.A fundamental bias against task switching is included.The weights and polarity of these attributes are based on two meta-analyses of applied task switching data, which are presented.
Oxidative stress in fish cells:In vitro studies

Bluegill sunfish BF-2 fibroblasts were used in the neutral red (NR) cytotoxicity assay to discern the toxicities of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and paraquat as indicated by their abilities to induce oxidative stress. The toxicity of H2O2 was markedly enhanced in BF-2 cells treated with the glutathione depleting agents, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), maleic acid, and chlorodinitrobenzene; similar treatments did not sensitize the BF-2 cells to paraquat, a redox cycling xenobiotic. BSO treated BF-2 cells, however, were sensitized to nitrofurantoin, also a redox cycling chemical. Diethyldithiocarbamate, an ihibitor of superoxide dismutase, only weakly enhanced the sensitivity of the BF-2 cells to H2O2 and paraquat. 1,10-Phenanthroline, a chelator of Fe2+, reduced the cytotoxicity of H2O2 and paraquat, presumably by preventing hydroxyl radical formation in the Fenton reaction. Quin 2 AM, an intracellular chelator of Ca2+, markedly lessened the toxicity of H2O2, but not of paraquat; EGTA, an extracellular chelator of Ca2+, had no effect on the toxicity of H2O2 or paraquat. Apparently, perturbation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis is involved in H2O2 toxicity. For comparative purposes, some studies were performed with fathead minnow FHM epithelioid cells, BALB/c mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, and human HepG2 hepatoma cells. The BF-2 fibroblast/NR cytotoxicity red assay was shown to be a suitable model to study oxidative stress in fish.
Hematopoiesis from embryonic stem cells: lessons from and for ontogeny

Cellular therapies derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells have acquired new interest and urgency with the demonstration that embryonic stem cells can be established from human blastocyst-stage embryos. Our ability to derive therapeutic cells from differentiating ES cell cultures will ultimately depend on our understanding of the embryonic developmental processes that direct the differentiation of pluripotent cells into transplantable lineage-specific stem cells, and on our ability to recapitulate these processes in vitro. In this review, we evaluate the work that has been done to date on the hematopoietic differentiation of ES cells, and discuss this in the context of what is known about the embryonic origin of the hematopoietic stem cell.
Meteoritic debris from the Southern California desert

Abstract During an examination of magnetic material from California desert sand, two meteoritic particles were found. One was a typical cosmic spherule consisting of nickel-iron with an iron-oxide shell; that is, it was an iron oxide spherule with a metallic inclusion or nucleus. The other contained 85 per cent magnesium-iron silicate and 15 per cent nickel-iron. Both particles were analysed with an electron microprobe, and their meteoritic character wasnoted.
Reconstruction Of The Subsurface Structure Of The Marquez Impact Crater In Leon County, Texas, Usa, Based On Well-Log And Gravity Data

Abstract— In Leon County, Texas, USA, the Marquez Dome, an approximately circular 1.2 km diameter zone of disturbed Cretaceous rocks surrounded by shallow dipping Tertiary sediments, has been interpreted by Gibson and Sharpton (1989) and Sharpton and Gibson (1990) as the surface expression of a buried complex impact crater. New gravity and magnetic anomaly data collected over the Marquez Dome have been combined with well-log and seismic reflection information to develop a better estimate of the overall geometry of the structure. A three-dimensional model constructed to a depth of 2000 m from all available information indicates a complex crater 13 km in diameter with an uplift in the center of at least 1120 m. The zone of deformation associated with the cratering event is limited to a depth of <1720 m. No impact breccias were recovered in drilling at two locations, 1.1 and 2 km from the center of the structure, and the central uplift may be the only prominent remnant of this impact into unconsolidated, water-rich sediments. The magnetic anomaly field shows no correlation with the location and extent of the structure.
Sequencing Hydroxyethylamine-Containing Peptides via Edman Degradation

Hydroxyethylamine-containing peptides can be sequenced by automated Edman degradation to provide sequence information for peptide segments on either side of the peptide backbone modification.
Endpoints in clinical trials: What do patients consider important? A survey of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

ABSTRACT Objective In order to understand the patient's perspective in regards to meaningful surrogate clinical trial endpoints and the impact of treatment-related toxicity, and quality of life, we surveyed women with gynecological cancers to ascertain their preferences. Methods A 28-question anonymous online survey was posted on the OCNA website (www.ovariancancer.org). Survey questions included demographic factors, tumor data, and patients' preference regarding side effects and therapy endpoints. Data was analyzed for frequency and percentage of each response. Student t-test, Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon rank sums were preformed. Results There were 1413 survey responses. Participants reported that for a new agent to be meaningful, the minimum extension of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) should be five or more months, 77% and 85% of the time, respectively. Most subjects (55%, n=612) were interested in an agent that would keep tumor growth relatively static without change in OS. Addressing the impact of adverse aspects from a hypothetical new agent as a function of response, there was significant migration (p Conclusions Herein, we show that magnitude of outcome is a desired effect, even given the prospect of significant toxicity and cost. However, these preferences appear to differ between those with primary and recurrent disease.
Improvement in Finite Element Meshes: Heat Transfer in an Infinite Cylinder

An extension of a structural finite element mesh improvement technique to heat conduction analysis is presented. The mesh improvement concept was originally presented by Prager in studying tapered, axially loaded bars. It was further shown that an improved mesh can be obtained by minimizing the trace of the stiffness matrix. These procedures are extended and applied to the analysis of heat conduction in an infinitely long hollow circular cylinder.
Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis caused by Septata intestinalis in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Purpose To examine and treat a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who had mildly hyperemic conjunctiva and epithelial keratopathy in both eyes. Methods The patient underwent conjunctival biopsy. The specimen was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Results Septata intestinalis was demonstrated to be the cause of keratoconjunctivitis in the patient. The keratoconjunctivitis resolved after three weeks of therapy with topical fumagillin. No organisms were seen on repeat conjunctival biopsy. Conclusions Microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in patients with AIDS can be caused by S. intestinalis. This condition appears to respond to topical fumagillin.
Surface boundary-layer variability off Northern California, USA, during upwelling

Abstract A five-element mooring array is used to study surface boundary-layer transport over the Northern California shelf from May to August 2001. In this region, upwelling favorable winds increase in strength offshore, leading to a strong positive wind stress curl. We examine the cross-shelf variation in surface Ekman transport calculated from the wind stress and the actual surface boundary-layer transport estimated from oceanic observations. The two quantities are highly correlated with a regression slope near one. Both the Ekman transport and surface boundary layer transport imply curl-driven upwelling rates of about 3×10 −4 m s −1 between the 40 and 90 m isobaths (1.5 and 11.0 km from the coast, respectively) and curl-driven upwelling rates about 1.5×10 −4 m s −1 between the 90 and 130 m isobaths (11.0 and 28.4 km from the coast, respectively). Thus curl-driven upwelling extends to at least 25 km from the coast. In contrast, upwelling driven by the adjustment to the coastal boundary condition occurs primarily inshore of the 40-m isobath. The upwelling rates implied by the differentiating the 40-m transport observations with the coastal boundary condition are up to 8×10 −4 m s −1 . The estimated upwelling rates and the temperature–nitrate relationship imply curl-driven vertical nitrate flux divergences are about half of those driven by coastal boundary upwelling.
TU‐EE‐A2‐02: New Field Splitting Algorithms for Intensity‐Modulated Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To develop new algorithms/softwares that optimally split any intensity‐modulated fields of large widths into multiple subfields under the MLC maximum leaf spread constraint such that the total beam‐on time for delivering the resulting subfields is minimized. Methods and Material: Due to the maximum leaf spread (MLS) constraint of MLCs, intensity‐modulated fields used in IMRT whose widths exceed a given threshold must be split into multiple subfields. This results in increased beam‐on time of the treatment. We studied two versions of the field splitting problems: 1) Splitting a large field into non‐overlapping subfields along paths that are orthogonal to the MLC leaf motion direction (this is a generalization of field splitting along straight lines); (2) splitting with overlapping, allowing adjacent subfields to overlap with each other. We developed two new field splitting algorithms (called FSMP and FSO) for these two problem versions, which mathematically guarantee to minimize the total beam‐on time of the splitting. Our algorithms are based on graph algorithmic techniques in computer science and linear programming tools in operations research. Results: We implemented our new algorithms, and experimented with them on 58 large intensity‐modulated fields for 11 clinical cases obtained from the Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland Medical School. We conducted comparisons with CORVUS 5.0, and with a recent field splitting algorithm (denoted by FSSL), which splits along straight lines. For every tested field, the total beam‐on times of the four methods, CORVUS 5.0, FSSL, FSMP, and FSO, are always in decreasing order. Comparing with CORVUS 5.0 and FSSL, our new algorithms showed considerable improvements (on average, 21% and 12%, respectively) in the total beam‐on time. Conclusion: We developed two new field splitting algorithms under the MLS constraint of MLCs to minimize the total beam‐on time. Our algorithms improved the previous field splitting approaches considerably.
Intravaginal rings: controlled release systems for contraception and prevention of transmission of sexually transmitted infections

Intravaginal rings (IVRs) are a dosage form used to locally or systemically deliver drugs in the vagina. They are capable of releasing one or more drugs over an extended period of time (from several weeks to a year or longer). Contraceptive IVRs are currently gaining popularity due to the success of the contraceptive product NuvaRing®. Delivery of contraceptives from IVRs should promote compliance/adherence, and they also provide effective cycle control and symptom relief (menorrhagia, dysmenorrheal, and polycystic ovarian syndrome). Vaginal delivery of proteins from IVRs was first explored in an attempt to deliver IgG2a antibody intravaginally to neutralize herpes simplex virus 2. More recently, IVRs capable of releasing antibodies and recombinant proteins potentially along with low molecular weight microbicides are under investigation for prevention of HIV-1 transmission. Vaginal delivery of microbicides has been studied with several drugs most notably the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor dapivirine. Another drug capable of blocking transmission of HIV-1 when released from IVRs is tenofovir. Finally, combinations of drugs with different indications (i.e., multipurpose prevention technologies) are actively being pursued.
Explosively produced megagauss fields and recent solid state applications

Abstract Large magnetic fields may be generated by compression of an initial magnetic flux generated over a large area at relatively low magnetic field into a region of smaller area. Following a discussion of flux compression principles, we discuss megagauss field systems in use at Los Alamos where chemical explosives are used to compress the flux. Their use in some solid state experiments will be discussed briefly, including a planned set of experiments on YBCO to be done jointly with a Russian team, whose aim is to determine the low temperature, critical magnetic field of YBCO.