cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prior treadmill exercise promotes resilience to vicarious trauma in rats.

Abstract Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychological condition, which can develop both from physically experiencing and also from witnessing traumatic events. There is evidence that physical exercise can have a positive impact on the symptoms of PTSD. Relevant to this, in our previous pre-clinical work, beneficial effects of treadmill exercise were reported on PTSD-like behaviors in a social defeat paradigm, a rat model of direct physical trauma. However, the role of exercise on vicariously acquired PTSD-like phenotype was not examined. Objective In this study, we utilized a rodent PTSD model, which mimics both the physical as well as the witness experience of trauma, and examined the impact of moderate treadmill exercise in mitigating vicariously acquired PTSD-like behaviors in rats. Methods Our PTSD model is a modified social defeat paradigm, which involves aggressive encounters between a large Long-Evans male rat (resident) and a smaller Sprague-Dawley male rat (intruder), resulting in intruder social defeat. The cage mate of the intruder is positioned to witness intruder defeat. Rats were grouped as control (CON), social defeat (SD), exercise (EX), trauma witness (TW), and exercise prior to trauma witness (EX-TW). After acclimatization for 7 days, the exercised groups were subjected to a daily 30-min treadmill exercise regimen for 14 days. On day 21, the SD group was exposed for 7 days of social defeat, while the TW groups witnessed social defeat. On days 28–34, behavioral and cognitive tests including short-term (STM) and long-term (LTM) memory function, anxiety- and depression-like behaviors were conducted. Results TW and SD rats demonstrated the highest levels of anxiety- and depression-like behaviors, while EX-TW rats did not exhibit anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. TW and SD rats showed no impairments in STM. However, TW and SD rats showed impairments in LTM, and exercise rescued LTM impairments in EX-TW rats. Conclusions This study demonstrates that rats subjected to direct experience or witness of social defeat exhibited PTSD-like behaviors, while moderate treadmill exercise prevented trauma witness-induced behavioral impairments. These studies have important translational value suggesting that prior treadmill exercise might provide resilience to stressful stimuli and perhaps mitigate the witnessing effects of traumatic events.
How Do Older Persons Define Constipation

This study examined the relation between bowel-related symptoms and self-report of constipation in 10,875 subjects aged 60 years and over, who participated in the 1989 National Health Interview Survey. Subjects reporting constipation "always" or "mostly" over the past 12 months (n = 594) were compared with those who reported never having the symptom (n = 4,192). Straining (adjusted odds ratio 66.7; 95% confidence interval 31.5, 142.4) and hard bowel movements (25.6; 16.7, 38.7) were most strongly associated with self-report of constipation. These findings suggest that treatment for constipation in the older population should be directed as much or more at facilitating comfortable rectal evacuation, as increasing bowel movement frequency.
Rescuing cells from apoptosis after induction in cells protected by Toxoplasma infection (MPF7P.720)

CTLL-2, a cell line commonly used to quantify IL-2 levels, undergo apoptosis when IL-2 is not present. We previously demonstrated that infection with Toxoplasma gondii prevents this programmed cell death. We also demonstrated that Toxoplasma infection prevents apoptosis induced by beauvericin. In this study, we undertook to determine whether the protection from apoptosis provided by Toxoplasma infection is partial and only protects to the level of our assay determination, or whether it is complete and the cells could continue to grow once the apoptotic inducer is removed. Of course this is an artificial system since the parasite would normally quickly kill the cell. However, the results could be relevant when cytotoxic T lymphocytes are killing infected cells when at the same time Toxoplasma treatment drugs are employed. More importantly, the information gained from this study will help us better understand inhibition of apoptosis by Toxoplasma and of apoptotic mechanisms. Since apoptosis is involved in so many processes, understanding and potentially being able to modulate its occurrence could be valuable. Here we present the fate of cells that had apoptosis induced, were treated to prevent Toxoplasma from killing the cells, and then maintained under normal conditions.
Supersonic Cavity Response to Open-Loop Forcing

The response of a supersonic cavity to open-loop forcing with a pulsed-blowing actuator is explored experimentally. It is shown that excitation at frequencies near the Rossiter modes are amplified, while frequencies between the first two Rossiter modes are attenuated. The results clearly demonstrate that the Rossiter modes in the supersonic cavity are weakly damped (not self-excited) modes. The supersonic modes are not saturated, and do not show the kind of nonlinear interactions with the forcing modes observed in subsonic flow. These differences between supersonic and subsonic flows are consistent with previously developed models of cavity oscillations, and the results suggest that linear techniques for the design of closed-loop controllers may be particulary effective for supersonic flows. For the flow regime studied, the oscillatory component of open-loop forcing does not play a significant role in the suppression mechanism in supersonic cavity flows.
Acceptance Sampling Plans Based on the Hypergeometric Distribution

A FORTRAN program is presented which deals with acceptance sampling plans in the case of sampling from the hypergeometric distribution (finite lot size). The program can generate and analyze sequential test plans, allowing the user to specify values for the minimum and maximum number of observations. Program output includes exact values and plots of both the operating characteristic and average sample number functions, along with information regarding the distribution of the decisive sample number. The program can also analyze user-specified fixed sample size and double sampling plans.
Spatiotemporal variability of snow cover on Tibet, China using MODIS remote-sensing data

Snow cover is an important component of the cryosphere, and the study on spatial and temporal variations of snow cover is essential for understanding the consequences and impacts of climate change ...
The Influence of Arctic Amplification on Mid-latitude Weather and Climate

The rapidly warming Arctic climate may affect weather in middle latitudes, but controversies remain as to mechanisms and robustness. Here, I synthesize recent advances in this rapidly changing field and summarize recommendations on paths forward. Initial “black-and-white” debates about whether Arctic amplification (AA) affects mid-latitude circulation have evolved toward a more nuanced perspective awash in gray. Recent research has demonstrated myriad ways in which AA can influence weather remotely and explored whether any Arctic-based signal is significant against the backdrop of natural variability. The popularity of and controversies surrounding this topic have spurred a multitude of approaches and often-conflicting studies that have widened the envelope of our understanding but hindered a scientific consensus. This messy but necessary exploratory phase of independent investigations is benefiting from recent efforts by the research community to self-organize through workshops, working groups, and coordinated experiments.
Functional Genomics of Oxidant-Induced Lung Injury

Our underlying hypothesis is that gene-environmental interactions control individual susceptibility to oxidant-induced acute lung injury. Although genetic pre-disposition is likely to be important in many lung diseases, this presentation focuses on acute lung injury, which is characterized by compromised gas exchange following macrophage activation, surfactant disruption, and epithelial perturbation (Lewis and Jobe, 1993). Activated macrophages release cytokines, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that disrupt endothelial function. Together these events bring about the key clinical manifestations of this syndrome, pulmonary edema, cellular infiltration, and airway collapse (Pittet et al., 1997). We reasoned that because mortality varies between individuals classified with equivalent severity, persons could vary innately in their ability to withstand oxidative injury during periods of severe stress.
FKBP Co-Chaperones in Steroid Receptor Complexes

Molecular chaperones are critical for cell survival by assuring proper protein folding in general, but chaperones, in particular the Hsp90 machinery, are also important for the activity of multiple specific client proteins involved in cellular signal transduction pathways. One class of extensively studied Hsp90 client is the steroid receptor subfamily of nuclear receptors. Chaperones are required for folding and stabilizing steroid receptors in a functionally competent state for hormone binding, and chaperones can also modulate steroid receptor responsiveness to hormone binding. In this chapter, we review recent advances in understanding the biochemical and physiological functions of a class of co-chaperones, the Hsp90-binding peptidylprolyl isomerases, that populate steroid receptor complexes.
Chapter 6.1 Genes and human behavior: scientific and ethicalimplications of the human genome project

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the scientific and ethical implications of the human genome project. From the applications of gene cloning techniques so successfully pursued by the biotechnology industry to the mapping and characterization of genes for many human diseases, these accomplishments have emphasized the importance of genes in human life and health. The chapter focuses on three aspects of this increasing belief in the power of genes in determining human behavior. The first is to emphasize the significant social impact that reports of human behavior genetic studies can have. Second, cover some of the problematic aspects of the current research into genetics of human behavior. Finally, the chapter discusses how the discordance between the public impressions of this science and the actual state of the science of human behavior genetics can be reconciled. The chapter described a picture of emerging complexity of expression of disease genes and it explains the difficulties being encountered in attempts to find genes associated with various human behaviors.
Evidence that punctate intracerebral administration of 6-hydroxydopamine fails to produce selective neuronal degeneration. Comparison with copper sulfate and factors governing the deportment of fluids injected into brain.

Various doses of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and copper sulfate were injected into brain regions having a different composition of monoamine-containing neurons: The red nucleus, substantia nigra-ventral tegmental area, caudate-putamen nucleus, and thalamus. Brains were subsequently histochemically processed for acetylcholinesterase and NADH-diaphorase activities and for cupric ion; traditional histology was also performed. A maximum of four regions of neuropathology was observed occurring successively in relation to the cannula: (1) A zone of complete absence of neural, glial, and vascular elements due to tissue displacement by the cannula, (2) an area consisting of a dense layer of glia cells 0.05–0.2 mm thick immediately surrounding the cannula tract, (3) a region exhibiting virtually complete loss of neural elements accompanied over time by extensive gliosis, and (4) a zone of neuronal loss probably occurring as a function of retrograde degeneration and/or reaction to other injury processes. Intracerebral insertion of the cannula without fluid infusion or injections of the respective vehicles of CuSO4 and 6-OHDA produced Zone 1 and 2 degeneration at all sites tested; Zone 4 damage was also seen but reliably only in the red nucleus and substantia nigra. Injection of solutions of 6-OHDA and CuSO4 produced Zone 1, 2, and 3 degeneration at all target areas tested. Zone 3 damage was the most prominent neuropathology, and Zone 4 cell loss was observed only in relation to the special anatomical characteristics of the neurons in the brain region infused. It was found that the degree of myelination of a particular brain region markedly influenced the nature and extent of Zone 3 damage.
Pharmacotherapy for Weight Management

Overweight and obesity have become a major health problem in this country and worldwide. Excess body fat and consequent adiposopathy increase the risk for and exacerbate many chronic health conditions, in particular type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), dysmetabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Weight loss decreases inflammation and improves insulin resistance, glucose control, blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. Endocrinologists are the experts in the management of metabolic syndrome. Consequently, endocrinologists are particularly suited to take the lead in the management of obesity as a chronic disease. With several new pharmacologic agents available in recent years, it is essential that endocrinologists familiarize themselves with the treatment options and become comfortable with the pharmacologic as well as lifestyle approach to chronic weight management.
Under Pressure: How Incorporating Time-Pressured Performance Tests Prepares Students for the Bar Exam and Practice

“Houston, we have a problem.” In 1970, an explosion on board the Apollo 13 spacecraft’s flight to the moon damaged the air filtration system, causing carbon monoxide to build up in the cabin. The astronauts on board would be dead in mere hours if the system could not be fixed or replaced. NASA’s Mission Control in Houston, Texas called for engineers, scientists, and technicians to work with a set of materials identical to those on the spacecraft to build a filtration system under extreme time pressure. The result may have been ugly, inelegant, and far from perfect, but it saved the astronauts’ life. The Apollo 13 situation may be a dramatic example of problem solving, creativity, and completing a task under extreme time pressure with life or death consequences; however, lawyers also work in stressful environments, under time pressure, while juggling multiple tasks involving life, liberty, or millions of dollars. How do recent law school graduates perform when facing a time-sensitive task when the stakes are high, when they are accustomed from law school of having several weeks or more, with feedback along the way, to complete that type of assignment? To prepare students for the bar exam and teach them the fundamental lawyering skills needed for legal practice, legal education should incorporate, into the law school curriculum, performance tests consisting of time-pressured assessments. While time-pressured performance assessments may push students out of their comfort zone, they are realistic to legal practice and necessary to help students develop the competencies needed for success on the bar exam and high-stakes legal practice, such as rapid cognitive processing, application, synthesis, and effective articulation. This Article offers such an initiative to help law students, law schools, and the legal profession. At a time of declining bar passage rates, the adoption of the Uniform Bar Exam, a majority of jurisdictions incorporating a Multistate Performance Test component, a competitive legal job market, and an expectation of practice-ready law graduates, the time is urgent to adequately prepare law students.
A photochemical route to a square planar, ruthenium(iv)-bis(imide).

The square planar, ruthenium(IV) bis(imide) trans-Ru(NAr)2(PMe3)2 can be prepared photochemically from a Ru(II) tetrazene. Additionally, we report reactivity of the Ru(IV) bis(imide) species, similar to that of the osmium derivative. Attempts to change both imide group and phosphine substituents are presented, which led to alternative reactivity.
Reducing Readmissions Following Radical Cystectomy: Moving Beyond Enhanced Recovery.

Objective To assess readmission outcomes of a traditional ER pathway as well as a targeted postdischarge intervention aimed at reducing hospital readmissions following RC. Methods A prospectively maintained clinical database was used to identify patients undergoing RC before and after implementation of an ER protocol at our institution. An additional intervention aimed at reducing hospital readmission included close postdischarge follow-up and outpatient intravenous hydration (ER+). Inpatient length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates were compared between groups using Wilcoxon Rank Sum and chi-square, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with hospital readmission. Results A total of 320 patients underwent RC, including 111 and 209 patients before and after ER implementation. Median (IQR) LOS decreased from 8.0 (6.0-11.0) days to 5.0 (4.0-7.0) days following ER implementation (P Conclusion ER protocols consistently demonstrate reductions in LOS, and should be the standard of care following RC. In order to reduce readmissions, the urologic community must expand beyond traditional ER pathways. We report significant reductions in hospital readmission among RC patients receiving a targeted postdischarge intervention beyond traditional ER alone.
The Use of Grafts from HCV+ Patients in Transplantation: Are we There Yet?

Use of organs from donors previously or currently infected with hepatitis C virus is gaining interest in the transplantation realm. Here we will outline the historical perspectives for discarding such organs, review the reasons for revitalized interest in their use, and highlight available data on the use of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic grafts in transplantation. We will summarize arguments supporting and against such practices and offer our recommendations. HCV can now be safely and effectively treated post transplantation with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Several reports are highlighted in which HCV-viremic organ donation was performed, followed by DAA treatment. However, opinions abound on the appropriateness of this practice. Use of viremic organs requires further study and additional larger-scale data with longer-term follow-up, but overall appears safe. It is a viable method to expand the donor pool in both liver and non-liver organ transplantation, but must be carefully weighed with the risks.
An update on characteristics of dual PharmD/MBA programs in the United States: 2016-2017.

Abstract Introduction This study was conducted to update current literature on the characteristics of dual doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) and master of business administration (MBA) programs in the United States. Methods After a preliminary search of institutions' websites for public information regarding PharmD/MBA programs, an email was sent to representatives of each school requesting additional promotional or program information that was not found online. After the data was collected and organized, an electronic survey was sent to each representative. Characteristics obtained include those related to program history, student and school demographics, enrollment requirements, and program structure. Results Sixty-six schools of pharmacy were included in the study and asked to complete an electronic survey, and 36 (54%) programs responded. The oldest program was established 29 years ago, while most of the programs (43%) have been active for 11 to 20 years. Programs were similar in enrollment requirements, point of entry, and time to dual degree completion. Programs varied in the program structure, including how dual degrees are awarded. Conclusions This study provides updated information about the characteristics of dual PharmD/MBA programs across the United States. This information may be useful to programs interested in developing or modifying existing dual programs and to students deciding whether to pursue a dual PharmD/MBA.
Medicare reimbursement of lower extremity bypass does not cover cost of care for most patients with critical limb ischemia.

Abstract Objective Lower extremity bypass surgery remains an important treatment option for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), but is resource intensive. We sought to evaluate the cost and Medicare reimbursement for lower extremity bypass surgery in patients with CLI. Methods Hospital cost accounting systems were queried for total technical and professional costs incurred and reimbursement received for patients with CLI undergoing lower extremity bypass at our center between 2011 and 2017. Patients were identified by assignment to Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) 252, 253, or 254 (other vascular procedure with major complication/comorbidity, with complication/comorbidity, and without complication/comorbidity, respectively). Additional clinical data were incorporated from the Vascular Quality Initiative clinical registry. For non-Medicare patients, reimbursement was indexed to Medicare rates. Contribution margins (reimbursement minus cost) from technical and professional services were analyzed for each patient and summarized by DRG. We compared technical, professional, and total costs; reimbursement; and contribution margins across DRGs using univariate statistics and evaluated factors associated with total contribution margin using median quantile regression. Results We analyzed 68 patients with hemodynamically confirmed CLI (46% rest pain, 54% tissue loss), of whom 25% received a prosthetic graft. Mean age was 66.1 ± 11.6 years, 69% were male, 49% diabetic, 44% current smokers, and 4% on dialysis. In general, total infrainguinal bypass cost was adequately compensated for patients assigned only the most complex DRG 252 (median, $2490; interquartile range [IQR], −$1,621 to $10,080). In the majority of patients with less complex DRG 253 (median, −$3,100; IQR, −$8499 to $109) and DRG 254 (median, −$4902; IQR, −$9259 to $1059), reimbursement did not cover the cost of care. Both technical costs and professional costs varied significantly with the complexity of DRG. Although reimbursement from technical services increased alongside increasing complexity of DRG, there was insignificant variation in professional reimbursement as DRG complexity increased. On multivariable modeling, longer length of stay (−$2547 per additional day) and preoperative dialysis (−$5555) were significantly associated with negative margins. Conclusions For the majority of patients with CLI, current Medicare reimbursement does not adequately cover the cost of providing care after open bypass surgery. As commercial insurers move toward Medicare reimbursement rates, more granular risk stratification profiles are needed to ensure open surgical care for patients with CLI remains financially sustainable.
The dream revisited: contemporary debates about housing, segregation, and opportunity: edited by Ingrid Gould Ellen and Justin Peter Steil, New York: Columbia University Press, 2019, xi + 372 pp., $35.00 (paperback), ISBN 978-0231183635

The Dream Revisited is an innovative book comprised of twenty-five discussions examining segregation, broadly defined. Each discussion consists of an essay and three responses written by preeminent...
Direct detection of dark matter substructure in strong lens images with convolutional neural networks

Strong gravitational lensing is a promising way of uncovering the nature of dark matter, by finding perturbations to images that cannot be accounted for well by modeling the lens galaxy without additional structure, be it subhalos (smaller halos within the smooth lens) or line-of-sight (LOS) halos. We present results attempting to infer the presence of substructure from images without requiring an intermediate step in which a smooth model has to be subtracted, using a simple convolutional neural network (CNN). We find that the network is only able to infer the presence of subhalos with greater than 75% accuracy when they have masses of greater than or equal to $5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{9}{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ if they lie within the main lens galaxy. Since less massive foreground LOS halos can have the same effect as higher-mass subhalos, the CNN can probe lower masses in the halo mass function. The accuracy does not improve significantly if we add a population of less massive subhalos. With the expectation of experiments such as Hubble Space Telescope and Euclid yielding thousands of high-quality strong lensing images in the next years, having a way of analyzing images quickly to identify candidates that merit further analysis to determine individual subhalo properties while preventing extensive resources being used for images that would yield null detections could be very useful. By understanding the sensitivity as a function of substructure mass, nondetections could be combined with the information from images with substructure to constrain the cold dark matter scenario, in particular if the sensitivity can be pushed to lower masses.
Methodologic approaches in studies using real-world data to measure pediatric safety and effectiveness of vaccines administered to pregnant women: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE This scoping review aims to map studies using real-world data (RWD) to measure pediatric safety and effectiveness of vaccines administered to pregnant women. INTRODUCTION In the United States, two vaccines are recommended for all pregnant women to prevent illness in the infant: inactivated influenza vaccine (recommended since 2004) and the combined tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine (recommended since 2013). Because of the ethical constraints in conducting randomized clinical trials to measure the effects on the infant, there is great interest in using electronic health care data or administrative claims data to study the effects of maternal immunization on the infant's health, and it is anticipated that such studies may be submitted to support regulatory decision-making. This scoping review will map the studies conducted to date that address these questions and provide a context for considering the regulatory issues that may arise in the future. INCLUSION CRITERIA Studies that report on pregnant women receiving immunization and the effectiveness or safety outcomes in their infants will be included. Study participants may be from any population or country, of any reproductive age, and with any health status. Studies will be included if they use real-world data (from electronic health records, administrative claims, pharmacy benefit records, or registries). METHODS An electronic search of PubMed and Embase will identify citations for screening. The search will be limited to studies published in English during the preceding 10 years. Two reviewers will screen citations in a two-step process (titles and abstracts, then full-text articles), and two reviewers will extract data for summary and synthesis.
Approach to Acute Weakness

Weakness has a broad differential diagnosis. A paradigm for organizing possibilities is to consider what part of the nervous system is involved, ranging from brain, spinal cord, nerve roots, and peripheral nerves to the neuromuscular junction. The clinician can consider internal versus external causes. Some neurologic conditions have subtle presentations yet carry a risk of short-term decompensation if not recognized. It is helpful to consider whether an emergency department presentation of weakness is a new disease process or represents an exacerbation of an established condition. Emergency presentations of weakness are challenging, and one must carefully consider potential serious causes.
Sectoral Development in Southeast Asia: Agriculture, Non-Renewable Natural Resources, Manufacture, and Services

This paper discusses the development of four production sectors of the economies in Southeast Asia since the end of the Second World War: agriculture, non-renewable natural resources, manufacturing, and services. First, although Southeast Asia has experienced sectoral transformation toward manufacturing and service sectors, agriculture and natural resources remain important for this region, providing employment, foreign exchange, and raw material to resource-based manufacturing industries. Second, structural transformation in Southeast Asia is not only the change from agriculture to manufacturing and services, but there are also intra-sectoral changes. Third, one common factor that influences the development of agricultural, manufacturing, and service sector is the advent and growth of production fragmentation and tradability that allow each process of production to be performed in different locations. Finally, Southeast Asian economies became more diversified in the early stage of development before reversing to more concentration in the later stage. At the center of this dynamic is openness to trade and finance with the global economy.
Mechanism Design: A Linear Programming Approach

Mechanism design is an analytical framework for thinking clearly and carefully about what exactly a given institution can achieve when the information necessary to make decisions is dispersed and privately held. This analysis provides an account of the underlying mathematics of mechanism design based on linear programming. Three advantages characterize the approach. The first is simplicity: arguments based on linear programming are both elementary and transparent. The second is unity: the machinery of linear programming provides a way to unify results from disparate areas of mechanism design. The third is reach: the technique offers the ability to solve problems that appear to be beyond solutions offered by traditional methods. No claim is made that the approach advocated should supplant traditional mathematical machinery. Rather, the approach represents an addition to the tools of the economic theorist who proposes to understand economic phenomena through the lens of mechanism design.
Regulation of DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase in rat pancreas: I. Glucocorticoid Control in Young Animals☆

Abstract Glucocorticoid mediated changes in DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase activities were superimposed on the age-dependent changes in DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase activities in the pancreas of actively growing female rats. DNA synthesis was measured by estimating the amount of radioactive thymidine incorporated into DNA in vivo . The DNA polymerase was assayed by determining the amount of [ 3 H]TTP polymerized in vitro into the acid insoluble fraction in the presence of activated calf thymus DNA. The age-dependent increase in the DNA content and subsequent cessation of the increase are intimately related to the synthesis of DNA, and the changes in the DNA synthesis accompany corresponding changes in the tissue level of DNA polymerase activities. Glucocorticoid has a biphasic effect on DNA synthesis, first an initial inhibition of synthesis then a stimulation of synthesis. The inhibition and stimulation of DNA synthesis mediated by the steroid are attended by concomitant decrease and increase, respectively, of the tissue levels of the polymerase activities.
Processing and Characterization of PZT and PLZT Thick Films

Ferroelectric thin and thick films are being considered for numerous applications including micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), transducers and actuators. Processing of ferroelectric films in the thickness range of 1 to 100 microns have already been attempted by various research groups, but failed in most of the cases due to extensive cracking problems during firing. For the past two years, we have worked on this problem and developed a process to fabricate thick films of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) and lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramics that were crack free, low in porosity with good ferroelectric properties. In our approach, sub-micron size powders of PZT and PLZT were synthesized via gelation of the precursor solutions. PZT and PLZT powders were then mixed with the same precursor solutions and ball-milled. Thick films of PZT and PLZT in the range of 5 to 20 μm were deposited via spin-coating technique on platinized Si substrates. The films were sintered at temperatures between 775 to 800 °C. Film thickness and surface roughness were characterized using SEM and profilometer. The surface and cross-sectional areas of the films appear to be crack free and homogeneous. Ferroelectric properties of some of these films are reported here.
Recent progress toward understanding the physiological function of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that are being clinically explored as regenerative therapeutics. Cultured MSCs secrete various modulatory factors, which contribute to the immunosuppressive effects of transplanted MSCs as a therapy. Although the in vitro phenotype of MSCs has been well characterized, identification of MSCs in vivo is made difficult by the lack of specific markers. Current advances in murine MSC research provide valuable tools for studying the localization and function of MSCs in vivo. Recent findings suggest that MSCs exert diverse functions depending on tissue context and physiological conditions. This review focuses on bone marrow MSCs and their roles in haematopoiesis and immune responses.
An Electron Microscopic Radioautographic Identification of the APUD Endocrine Cells in the Rat Gastric Pyloric Glands

The rat stomach was shown some years ago to contain numerous endocrine cells with APUD abilitycells that could take up the amino acids l-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) or l-dihydroxyphenylolanine (l-DOPA) and could decarboxylase them to their respective amines, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) and dopamine, by means of the enzyme DOPA-decarboxylase. In a recent study, most of the APUD endocrine cells in the rat oxyntic mucosa were shown by electron microscopic radioautography to be the enterochromaffinlike cells, while the A-like cells were shown to lack APUD ability. To identify the APUD cells in the pyloric mucosa, pieces of rat pylorus were incubated in organ culture with 3 H-5-HTP and were processed for light microscopic and electron microscopic radioautography. Additional specimens were incubated with 3 H-5-HTP and carbidopa, an inhibitor of DOPA-decarboxylase, used to block the decarboxylation of 3 H-5-HTP to 3 H-5-HT, or with 3 H-5-HT, used to determine where exogenous 3 H-5-HT localizes in the pyloric mucosa. The 3 H-5-HTP labeled all three types of endocrine cells identified within the pyloric glands-the G, enterochromaffin, and D cells. As this labeling was inhibited by carbidopa, and as exogenous 3 H-5-HT labeled these cells only lightly, the labeling must have resulted from the uptake and intracellular conversion of the 3 H-5-HTP to 3 H-5-HT. Thus despite their morphologic differences, all rat pyloric endocrine cells possess APUD ability, a property shared by many, but not all, of the peptide-and amine-producing endocrine cells located throughout the body.
Laminar and regional distributions of neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease: a quantitative study of visual and auditory cortices

The number of Thioflavine S-positive neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and neuritic plaques (NP) was determined in visual and auditory cortical regions of 8 patients with Alzheimer's disease. On both a regional and laminar basis, NFT exhibited very distinctive and consistent distribution patterns. The mean (+/- SEM) number of NFT in a 250-micron-wide cortical traverse was very low in area 17, primary visual cortex (0.9 +/- 1.0), increased 20-fold in the immediately adjacent visual association cortex of area 18 (19.7 +/- 3.6), and showed a further doubling in area 20, the higher-order visual association cortex of the inferior temporal gyrus (35.5 +/- 8.8). Similar differences in NFT number were present between primary auditory (1.6 +/- 0.5) and auditory association (18.9 +/- 5.4) regions. On a laminar basis, NFT were predominantly present in layers III and V, although there were striking regional differences in the proportion of NFT in these 2 layers. Layer III contained 79% of the NFT in layers III and V in area 18, 41% in area 20, and only 27% in area 22. In contrast, NP showed different, and less specific, regional and laminar distribution patterns. Total NP number was similar in the 3 visual areas, although there were marked regional differences in the type of NP present. Nearly 80% of the NP in area 17 was of the NPc type (i.e., contained a dense, brightly fluorescent core), whereas over 70% of the NP in both areas 18 and 21 was of the NPnc type (i.e., lacked a dense, brightly fluorescent core). NP were present in every cortical layer but were most numerous in layers III and IV. The distinctive distribution patterns of NFT are very similar to the regional and laminar locations of long corticocortical projection neurons in homologous regions of monkey neocortex. This association suggests that NFT reside in the cell bodies of a subpopulation of pyramidal neurons, namely, those that furnish long corticocortical projections. In contrast, the distribution patterns of NP suggest that multiple neuronal systems contribute to their formation.
Intraday analysis of currency ETFs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to find if erosion of value exists in grantor trust structured exchange traded funds. The author examines the performance of six currency exchange traded funds’ tracking errors and pricing deviations on intradaily-one-minute interval basis. All of these exchange traded funds are grantor trusts. The author also studies which metric is of more importance to investors in these exchange traded funds by examining how these performance metrics are related to the exchange traded funds’ arbitrage mechanism. Design/methodology/approach – The Australian Dollar ETF (FXA) is designed to be 100 times the US Dollar (USD) value of the Australian Dollar, the British Pound ETF (FXB) is designed to be 100 times the USD value of the British Pound, the Canadian Dollar ETF (FXC) is designed to be 100 times the USD value of the Canadian Dollar, the Euro ETF (FXE) is designed to be 100 times the USD value of the Euro, the Swiss Franc ETF (FXF) is designed to be 100 times the USD value of t...
Association of Direct-to-Consumer Genome-Wide Disease Risk Estimates and Self-Reported Disease

The ongoing controversy surrounding direct-to-consumer (DTC) personal genomic tests intensified last year when the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released results of an undercover investigation of four companies that offer such testing. Among their findings, they reported that some of their donors received DNA-based predictions that conflicted with their actual medical histories. We aimed to more rigorously evaluate the relationship between DTC genomic risk estimates and self-reported disease by leveraging data from the Scripps Genomic Health Initiative (SGHI). We prospectively collected self-reported personal and family health history data for 3,416 individuals who went on to purchase a commercially available DTC genomic test. For 5 out of 15 total conditions studied, we found that risk estimates from the test were significantly associated with self-reported family and/or personal health history. The 5 conditions, included Graves’ disease, Type 2 Diabetes, Lupus, Alzheimer’s disease, and Restless Leg Syndrome. To further investigate these findings, we ranked each of the 15 conditions based on published heritability estimates and conducted post-hoc power analyses based on the number of individuals in our sample who reported significant histories of each condition. We found that high heritability, coupled with high prevalence in our sample and thus adequate statistical power, explained the pattern of associations observed. Our study represents one of the first evaluations of the relationship between risk estimates from a commercially available DTC personal genomic test and self-reported health histories in the consumers of that test.
Leading by example--health systems improving the care of employees.

Payment reform is expanding the focus of health systems beyond care for individual patients to improving the health outcomes of populations. Improving population health is a daunting new task for health systems, requiring novel approaches and partnerships. Yet many health systems have an opportunity to make early and meaningful improvements in the health of one particular population—their own employees. Health systems employ approximately 10% of the US workforce (http://bit.ly /1CgTfxi). Despite health care being their primary focus, health care workers, at least those in US hospitals, generally have poorer health status and higher costs than those in other industries (http://bit.ly /1Jg1zxG). For the many health systems that are self-insured, organizations are at full risk for their employees’ health care expenditures. As employers, health systems are also motivated to improve worker satisfaction and well-being as a means of increasing productivity and retention and reducing sick days. Several features set health systems apart fromother industries in the pursuit of employee health. Health systemsmay providemedical care for a large portion of their workforce, a relationship that facilitates health systems’ addressing their workers’ health. For example, biometric screening programs, common in many workplaces, may identifyemployeeswithcertain risk factors (such as elevated blood pressure or a high bodymass index). In health systems, however, once a screening program has identified a risk factor, the individual can be directly connected with appropriate follow-up—often with a clinician whom the employee already trusts. Furthermore, employees in a health system are a “captive” patient audience. Health systems can craft healthful environments through more nutritious meal options, exercise programs, and workplace redesign, thereby promoting sustained behavior change that is otherwise difficult to achieve within traditional medical settings and relationships. Across the United States, a number of health systems are leveraging these advantagestodeveloppromisinginnovationsinemployee health. For example, the employee health management program at the UniversityofPittsburghMedicalCenter(UPMC)uses financial incentivessuchasreducedannualdeductiblestoencouragehealthybehaviors.The programtargetsannualcompletionofahealth risk assessment, blood lipid and glucose screening every 5 years, and participation in a comprehensiveprogramthat integrates an incentiveplatform,healthcoaching,andaweb portal for tracking progress and accessing health education tools. An evaluation of the UPMC program found that it improved risk factorprofiles, increasedtheuseofpreventiveandchronicdiseasemanagement services, and reducedabsence from work (http://1.usa.gov/1xz9f8y). The UPMC health plan also experienced reducedgrowthincostsafterthe inceptionof the employee health initiative, although a causal inference cannot be made about this finding (http://bit.ly/1AOwooE).
Achieving Sub-Hz Frequency Symmetry in Micro-Glassblown Wineglass Resonators

We demonstrate, for the first time, sub-1 Hz frequency symmetry in micro-glassblown wineglass resonators with integrated electrode structures. A new fabrication process based on deep glass dry etching was developed to fabricate micro-wineglasses with self-aligned stem structures and integrated electrodes. The wineglass modes were identified by electrostatic excitation and mapping the velocity of motion along the perimeter using laser Doppler interferometry. A frequency split (Δf) of 0.15 and 0.2 Hz was demonstrated for n=2 and n=3 wineglass modes, respectively. To verify the repeatability of the results, a total of five devices were tested, three out of five devices showed . Frequency split stayed below 1 Hz for dc bias voltages up to 100 V, confirming that the low frequency split is attributed to high structural symmetry and not to capacitive tuning. High structural symmetry and atomically smooth surfaces (0.23 nm Sa) of the resonators may enable new classes of high performance 3-D MEMS devices, such as rate-integrating MEMS gyroscopes.
Isoproterenol injection alters protein kinase DEAE-cellulose profiles in selected rat tissues.

Abstract Isoproterenol injection produces cardiac hypertrophy and salivary gland enlargement in rats. After subcutaneous injection (5 mg/kg) twice daily for 10 days, the soluble extracts from these and other tissues were subjected to DEAE-cellulose chromatography and the activity of isozymes I and II of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase was measured. The activity of isozyme I is decreased 80% in salivary gland and 40% in liver. No significant changes were observed in kidney, brain or skeletal muscle. In contrast to a previous report, no change was observed in the amount of isozyme I in hypertrophied heart. Furthermore, no changes were observed in the activity of isozyme II in response to isoproterenol injection in any of these tissues.
Design study of configurations on system COP for a combined ORC (organic Rankine cycle) and VCC (vapor compression cycle)

The study introduced a novel thermally activated cooling concept – a combined cycle couples an ORC (organic Rankine cycle) and a VCC (vapor compression cycle). A brief comparison with other thermally activated cooling technologies was conducted. The cycle can use renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal and waste heat, to generate cooling and power if needed. A systematic design study was conducted to investigate effects of various cycle configurations on overall cycle COP. With both subcooling and cooling recuperation in the vapor compression cycle, the overall cycle COP reaches 0.66 at extreme military conditions with outdoor temperature of 48.9 °C. A parametric trade-off study was conducted afterwards in terms of performance and weight, in order to find the most critical design parameters for the cycle configuration with both subcooling and cooling recuperation. Five most important design parameters were selected, including expander isentropic efficiency, condensing and evaporating temperatures, pump/boiling pressure and recuperator effectiveness. At the end, two additional cycle concepts with either potentially higher COP or practical advantages were proposed. It includes adding a secondary heat recuperator in the ORC side and using different working fluids in the power and cooling cycles, or so-called dual-fluid system.
STIM Is a Ca2+ Sensor Essential for Ca2+-Store-Depletion-Triggered Ca2+ Influx

Ca(2+) signaling in nonexcitable cells is typically initiated by receptor-triggered production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate and the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores. An elusive signaling process senses the Ca(2+) store depletion and triggers the opening of plasma membrane Ca(2+) channels. The resulting sustained Ca(2+) signals are required for many physiological responses, such as T cell activation and differentiation. Here, we monitored receptor-triggered Ca(2+) signals in cells transfected with siRNAs against 2,304 human signaling proteins, and we identified two proteins required for Ca(2+)-store-depletion-mediated Ca(2+) influx, STIM1 and STIM2. These proteins have a single transmembrane region with a putative Ca(2+) binding domain in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum. Ca(2+) store depletion led to a rapid translocation of STIM1 into puncta that accumulated near the plasma membrane. Introducing a point mutation in the STIM1 Ca(2+) binding domain resulted in prelocalization of the protein in puncta, and this mutant failed to respond to store depletion. Our study suggests that STIM proteins function as Ca(2+) store sensors in the signaling pathway connecting Ca(2+) store depletion to Ca(2+) influx.
Evaluation of the light changes for distorted eclipsing binaries

This paper discusses a method for improving on the numerical evaluation of the light changes exhibited by a distorted eclipsing binary system.