cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amiodarone therapy in symptomatic, sustained refractory atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

Abstract Amiodarone was utilized in 70 patients with symptomatic, sustained refractory tachyarrhythmias. Of these, 29 had atrial arrhythmia (20 recurrent atrial fibrillation and nine sustained supraventricular tachycardia). Control was achieved in eight with supraventricular tachycardia and in 16 with atrial fibrillation. Recurrence has been prevented in these 24 patients (83%) during an average follow-up of 13.4 months. An additional 41 patients had recurrent ventricular tachycardia. In 19 with symptoms consisting of dizziness or lightheadedness without syncope or clinically apparent hemodynamic compromise, treatment was limited to amiodarone. Of these, 14 responded (74%) and have been free of arrhythmia during an average follow-up of 13 months. In 22 who experienced either syncope or life-threatening hemodynamic impairment, amiodarone was added to those agents which had only partially suppressed advanced grades of ventricular premature beats. Fourteen of these patients (64%) have remained free of recurrent ventricular arrhythmia during an average follow-up of 12 months. After drug loading, maintenance therapy consisted of a daily dose ranging from 200 to 600 mg. Only mild side effects have been encountered in the 17 patients (23%) with any untoward responses. This experience confirms that oral amiodarone is an effective and safely applied agent against recurrent refractory atrial tachyarrhythmia and sustained intractable ventricular tachycardia with moderate symptoms. While also efficacious in refractory sustained life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia, usage of the agent is often difficult in this condition owing in part to insufficient information concerning amiodarone pharmacokinetics.
Feasibility of a computer-assisted alcohol screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment program for DWI offenders

Alcohol use patterns that are hazardous for one’s health is prevalent among DWI (driving while intoxicated) offenders and is a key predictor of recidivism. The aim of this program evaluation was to determine the feasibility and usability of implementing a computer-assisted screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) program for DWI offenders to enable the identification of those in need of treatment services soon after arrest. Our treatment program consisted of a web-based, self-guided screening tool for assessing alcohol use patterns and generating a personalized feedback report that is then used to deliver a brief motivational intervention and if needed, a referral to treatment. Between August and November 2014, all DWI offenders attending orientation for pre-trial supervision were assessed for eligibility. Of the 129 eligible offenders, 53.5 percent enrolled and the first 50 were asked to complete a usability and satisfaction questionnaire. The results demonstrated that the majority of those screened reported at-risk alcohol use patterns requiring referral to treatment. Clients reported high ratings of usability and satisfaction with the screening tool and personalized feedback report, which did not significantly differ depending on alcohol use patterns. There were relatively few technical difficulties, and the majority of clients reported high levels of satisfaction with the overall SBIRT program. Results of this program evaluation suggest that computer-assisted SBIRT may be successfully implemented within the criminal justice system to DWI offenders soon after arrest; however, further research is required to examine its effects on treatment utilization and recidivism.
Fucosyltransferase 1 Mediates Angiogenesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective To determine the role of α(1,2)-linked fucosylation of proteins by fucosyltransferase 1 (FUT1) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) angiogenesis. Methods Analysis of α(1,2)-linked fucosylated proteins in synovial tissue (ST) samples was performed by immunohistologic staining. Expression of α(1,2)-linked fucosylated angiogenic chemokine in synovial fluid (SF) was determined by immunoprecipitation and lectin blotting. To determine the angiogenic role of α(1,2)-linked fucosylated proteins in RA, we performed human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) chemotaxis and Matrigel assays using sham-depleted and α(1,2)-linked fucosylated protein–depleted RA SF samples. To examine the production of proangiogenic chemokines by FUT1 in HMVECs, cells were transfected with FUT1 sense or antisense oligonucleotides, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed. We then studied mouse lung endothelial cell (EC) chemotaxis using wild-type and FUT1 gene–deficient mouse lung ECs. Results RA ST endothelial cells showed high expression of α(1,2)-linked fucosylated proteins compared to normal ST. The expression of α(1,2)-linked fucosylated monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1)/CCL2 was significantly elevated in RA SF compared with osteoarthritis SF. Depletion of α(1,2)-linked fucosylated proteins in RA SF induced less HMVEC migration and tube formation than occurred in sham-depleted RA SF. We found that blocking FUT1 expression in ECs resulted in decreased MCP-1/CCL2 and RANTES/CCL5 production. Finally, we showed that FUT1 regulates EC migration in response to vascular endothelial cell growth factor. Conclusion Our findings indicate that α(1,2)-linked fucosylation by FUT1 may be an important new target for angiogenic diseases such as RA.
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-α Expression in Human Liver

The peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR) is a member of the steroid/hormone receptor superfamily that mediates the peroxisome proliferator-dependent transcriptional activation of genes encoding several peroxisomal and microsomal enzymes as well as peroxisome proliferation. Human liver is refractory to the pathological effects of peroxisome proliferators that are seen in mice. With the use of RNase protection assays, the ratio of hepatic PPAR alpha mRNA to beta-actin mRNA was found to be 1 order of magnitude lower in humans than that observed in mice. In addition, the isolation of human cDNA for PPAR alpha that does not encode a functional PPAR because it lacks exon 6 as a result of alternate RNA splicing suggested that this process might also diminish the expression of PPAR alpha. RNase protection analysis of total RNA revealed the presence of splice variants lacking exon 6 at significant levels in all 10 human liver samples examined. Supershift analysis using the CYP4A6-Z peroxisome proliferator response element and antisera specific for PPAR alpha revealed easily detectable amounts of PPAR alpha DNA binding activity in mouse liver lysates, whereas human liver lysates contained > 10-fold lower amounts of PPAR alpha DNA binding activity. In contrast to mouse lysates, the amount of PPAR alpha binding in human lysates was generally less than that of other unidentified proteins. These results suggest that although humans retain the coding potential for a functional receptor, the low levels of PPAR alpha expression in liver may be insufficient to compete effectively with other proteins that bind to peroxisome proliferator response elements.
Enhancement of scleral macromolecular permeability with prostaglandins.

PURPOSE: It is proposed that the sclera is a metabolically active and pharmacologically responsive tissue. These studies were undertaken to determine whether prostaglandin exposure can enhance scleral permeability to high-molecular-weight substances. METHODS: Topical prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) was administered to monkeys to determine if this altered the amount of scleral matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Experiments also were performed to determine whether the prostaglandin F (FP) receptor and gene transcripts are expressed in normal human sclera. Permeability of organ-cultured human sclera following prostaglandin exposure then was studied and the amount of MMP released into the medium measured. Finally, the permeability of human sclera to basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) was determined following prostaglandin exposure. RESULTS: Topical prostaglandin administration that reduced scleral collagen also increased scleral MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3 by 63 +/- 35%, 267 +/- 210%, and 729 +/- 500%, respectively. FP receptor protein was localized in scleral fibroblasts, and FP receptor gene transcript was identified in sclera. Exposure to prostaglandin F2 alpha, 17-phenyltrinor, PGF2 alpha, or latanoprost acid increased scleral permeability by up to 124%, 183%, or 213%, respectively. In these cultures, MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-3 were increased by up to 37%, 267%, and 96%, respectively. Finally, transscleral absorption of FGF-2 was increased by up to 126% with scleral exposure to latanoprost. CONCLUSIONS: These studies demonstrate that the sclera is metabolically active and pharmacologically responsive to prostaglandins. Further, they demonstrate the feasibility of cotreatment with prostaglandin to enhance transscleral delivery of peptides, such as growth factors and high-molecular-weight substances, to the posterior segment of the eye.
Functional characterization of the 5′ flanking region of the BACE gene: identification of a 91 bp fragment involved in basal level of BACE promoter expression

Pathological characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD) include amyloid-beta (Abeta) plaques. Abeta is derived from the Abeta peptide precursor protein (APP) by gamma- and beta-secretases, the latter known as beta-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1, or herein BACE). We have also described potentially important regions in the promoter of BACE, which may regulate its activity (1). Herein, we have functionally dissected the regulatory regions within the BACE promoter into areas containing positive and negative regulatory elements. The 4.1 kb promoter region (-3765/+364, +1 being the transcription start site [TSS]) includes positive regulatory element in the -2975 to -2062 region flanked on either side by negative regulatory elements at -3764/-2975 and -2062/-1056. This is separated from the minimal promoter and 5' UTR by a neutral region of roughly 700 base pairs (bp). A 91 bp fragment (224/314) is the shortest region with a significant reporter gene activity and constitutes the minimal promoter element for BACE. Neuronal preference of the promoter was apparent in the 141 bp fragment (224/364) that contained the 91 bp fragment. Gel shift results also suggest the strongest signal of DNA-protein interaction with the 91 bp fragment in neuronal nuclear extracts. This interaction was strongly blocked by an activator protein (AP)2 binding oligomer. Super gel shift assays suggest that both the AP2-binding oligomer and the 91 bp fragment interfered with each other's binding capacity. An AP2 sequence is predicted to occur within the 91 bp fragment. We also found stimulating protein (SP)1-binding sites in this region of the promoter. Thus, functional and gel shift analysis indicate that the 91 bp fragment containing the AP2 and SP1 binding sites constitutes the core promoter region of BACE. Changes in the activity of this region could play an important role in regulating BACE activity in neurons.
ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY OF A SOD WEBWORM CRAMBUS TUTILLUS (LEPIDOPTERA, CRAMBIDAE)1

Crambus tutillus McDunnough was studied to determine the role of temperature and photo-period in regulating the seasonal development of this univoltine sod webworm. Diapause was induced by exposing seventh instar larvae to short days which initiated the molt to the eighth or diapausing instar. After induction of diapause, short days and cool temperatures were required for normal diapause development. Diapausing larvae exposed to short days and warm temperatures died whereas those exposed to long days and warm temperatures readily terminated diapause, completed the 9th instar, pupated and emerged as adults. The rate of growth of early instars was found to increase as the daylength decreased. This response is believed to be a precise adaptation to the photoperiods of summer in adjusting the rate of development to the seasonal supply of food. Zusammenfassung AUTOKOLOGIE EINES RASENBULTEN-SPINNERS, CRAMBUS TUTILLUS Es wird untersucht, welche Rolle Temperatur und Photoperiode im jahreszeitlichen Entwicklungsgang des univoltinen Rasenbulten-Spinners, Crambus tutillus McDunnough, spielen. In Oregon hauten sich die uberwinterten Larven im Fruhjahr zum letzten Larvenstadium, fressen gewaltig, verpuppen sich und beginnen Mitte Mai als Falter zu schlupfen. Die reproduktive Phase erreicht ihren Gipfel Anfang Juni und ist im Juli beendet. Die Falter leben 10–14 Tage und legen Eier, die nach 10 Tagen schlupfen. Die aus ihnen entstehenden Larven entwickeln sich wahrend des Sommers nur langsam und erreichen im Herbst das Uberwinterungsstadium. Fur jedes Stadium (instar) wurde die Verteilung der Kopfkapselgrose bestimmt. Larven, die kurzen Tageslangen ausgesetzt werden, entwickeln sich schneller als solche, die langeren unterlagen. Durch Einwirkung von Kurztagen wahrend des 7. Stadiums wird eine Diapause induziert, indem die Hautung zum 8. oder Diapause-Stadium ausgelost wird. Nach der Diapause-Induktion sind zur normalen Entwicklung Kurztag und Kuhle erforderlich. Diapausierende Larven, die Kurztag und Warme ausgesetzt wurden, starben, wahrend diejenigen, die Langtag und Warme erhielten, die Diapause beendeten, das 9. Stadium vollendeten und sich zu Imagines entwickelten. Die Wachstumsrate der fruhen Larvenstadien stieg in dem Mase, wie sich die Tageslange verkurzte. Diese Reaktion wird als eine exakte Anpassung an die Tageslangen des Sommers betrachtet, welche die Entwicklungsgeschwindigkeit der Menge der jahreszeitlich verfugbaren Nahrung angleicht.
On mapping data and computation for parallel sparse Cholesky factorization

When performing the Cholesky factorization of a sparse matrix on a distributed-memory multiprocessor, the methods used for mapping the elements of the matrix and the operations constituting the factorization to the processors can have a significant impact on the communication overhead incurred. This paper explores how two techniques, one used when mapping dense Cholesky factorization and the other used when mapping sparse Cholesky factorization, can be integrated to achieve a communication-efficient parallel sparse Cholesky factorization. Two localizing techniques to further reduce the communication overhead are also described. The mapping strategies proposed here, as well as other previously proposed strategies fit into the unifying framework developed in this paper. Communication statistics for sample sparse matrices are included. >
Analytical core loss models for planar inductors with non-uniform flux distribution and non-sinusoidal excitation

In today's state-of-the-art designs, bulky magnetic components pose major barriers to integrate a DC/DC converter into a single chip. One of the promising technologies to integrate the magnetic component with the active component is three-dimensional (3D) integration, using a low-profile inductor as the substrate. In order to optimize low-profile inductor design for high-frequency applications, the core loss of a low-profile inductor should be modeled. However, most low-profile planar inductors have very non-uniform flux distribution. Therefore, previous core loss models, which are based on uniform flux distribution, cannot be used. In addition to non-uniform flux distribution, some planar inductors, such as low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) inductors, also have non-linear permeability, which makes modeling the core loss for planar inductors even more unconventional and complicated. This paper proposes some analytical core loss models for different low-profile planar inductor structures with non-uniform flux distributions and non-linear permeability. These analytical models also consider non-sinusoidal excitations and the impact of dc bias on core loss. Based on LTCC technology, several low-profile planar inductors are fabricated to help verify these core loss models, and the measured core loss closely match the predicted results, which means the proposed analytical core loss models have very good accuracy.
DOORS to the Semantic Web and Grid With a PORTAL for Biomedical Computing

The semantic web remains in the early stages of development. It has not yet achieved the goals envisioned by its founders as a pervasive web of distributed knowledge and intelligence. Success will be attained when a dynamic synergism can be created between people and a sufficient number of infrastructure systems and tools for the semantic web in analogy with those for the original web. The domain name system (DNS), web browsers, and the benefits of publishing web pages motivated many people to register domain names and publish web sites on the original web. An analogous resource label system, semantic search applications, and the benefits of collaborative semantic networks will motivate people to register resource labels and publish resource descriptions on the semantic web. The Domain Ontology Oriented Resource System (DOORS) and Problem Oriented Registry of Tags and Labels (PORTAL) are proposed as infrastructure systems for resource metadata within a paradigm that can serve as a bridge between the original web and the semantic web. Registers domain names while DNS publishes domain addresses with mapping of names to addresses for the original web. Analogously, PORTAL registers resource labels and tags while DOORS publishes resource locations and descriptions with mapping of labels to locations for the semantic web. BioPORT is proposed as a prototype PORTAL registry specific for the problem domain of biomedical computing.
The Value of Item Response Theory in Clinical Assessment: A Review

Item response theory (IRT) and related latent variable models represent modern psychometric theory, the successor to classical test theory in psychological assessment. Although IRT has become prevalent in the measurement of ability and achievement, its contributions to clinical domains have been less extensive. Applications of IRT to clinical assessment are reviewed to appraise its current and potential value. Benefits of IRT include comprehensive analyses and reduction of measurement error, creation of computer adaptive tests, meaningful scaling of latent variables, objective calibration and equating, evaluation of test and item bias, greater accuracy in the assessment of change due to therapeutic intervention, and evaluation of model and person fit. The theory may soon reinvent the manner in which tests are selected, developed, and scored. Although challenges remain to the widespread implementation of IRT, its application to clinical assessment holds great promise. Recommendations for research, test development, and clinical practice are provided.
Spectral regrowth reduction for CCSDS 8-D 8-PSK TCM

A constant envelope modulation technique called the smooth phase interpolated keying (SPIK) is investigated. Its performance is studied in the context of the consultative committee for space data systems (CCSDS) 8-D 8-PSK trellis coded modulation (TCM). It is observed that SPIK is highly spectrally efficient for nonlinear channels compared to linear modulations that use the conventional square root raised cosine (SRRC) filtering. An optimal receiver structure is described and suboptimal versions are investigated. The optimal receiver achieves excellent bit error rate (BER) performance. The performance of SPIK is studied for both travelling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) and solid state power amplifier (SSPA) models. It is observed that for nonlinear channels, SPIK based CCSDS provides significant benefits in spectral performance at the cost of nearly 1 dB in the BER performance over the SRRC based CCSDS, when the latter assumes perfect phase tracking. Further improvement in the BER performance of SPIK is possible at the cost of computational complexity, whereas an improvement in the SRRC approach involves more complexity and accurate parameter tracking of the nonlinear channel.
Structures and Functions of Yeast Kinetochore Complexes

AbstractThe kinetochore is a key cell division organelle that enables high-fidelity transmission of genetic information by coupling chromosomes to spindle microtubules during mitosis and meiosis. Despite its cytological description more than a century ago, remarkably little information is available on kinetochore function at a molecular level. Recently, important advances elucidating the overall organization of kinetochores, as well as information about the structures and molecular mechanisms of kinetochore function, have been achieved through a detailed analysis of the kinetochores of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we review the current understanding of kinetochore function in budding yeast and draw comparisons to recent findings in other organisms.
Crime, Criminals, and Cures: Medical Model Revisited

David Lykken's target article assesses the causes of crime and advocates a controversial "cure"--parental licensure. Although Lykken gets many of the facts about criminals right, ultimately the disease metaphor breaks down. Crime requires three things--motivated offenders ("criminals"), suitable targets or victims, and the absence of capable guardians to prevent the act. Typical of medical model approaches, failure to consider the convergence in time and space of the three necessary elements for crime results in a misdiagnosis. In this invited commentary, I briefly note three reasons why Lykken's cure, along with the medical model in general, is unlikely to bear fruit.
On Crank-Nicholson Based 3D FDTD

This paper presents an unconditionally stable time domain method, CNRG-TD, which is based upon the Crank-Nicohlson scheme and implemented with the Ritz-Galerkin procedure. Analytical expressions show that the CNRG-TD has much smaller truncation errors and is more accurate than the ADI-FDTD. Numerical examples of the new method demonstrate high precision and high efficiency. In the 3D antenna case, the time step, Deltat, was used which is seven times larger than that of the ADI-FDTD with excellent agreement of the benchmark solution
Effects of surfactant and boron doping on the BWF feature in the Raman spectrum of single-wall carbon nanotube aqueous dispersions.

We examine the Breit−Wigner−Fano (BWF) line shape in the Raman spectra of carbon single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs) dispersed in aqueous suspensions. Bundling and electronic effects are studied by comparing undoped SWNTs (C-SWNTs) to boron-doped nanotubes (B-SWNTs) in a variety of different surfactant solutions. For SWNTs dispersed with nonionic surfactants that are less effective in debundling than ionic surfactants, the Raman spectra retain a large BWF feature. However, we demonstrate that even for SWNTs dispersed as isolated nanotubes by ionic surfactants the BWF feature may be present and that the intensity of the BWF is highly sensitive to the specific surfactant. In particular, surfactants with electron-donating groups tend to enhance the BWF feature. Also, modification of the SWNT electronic properties by boron doping leads to enhanced surfactant dispersion relative to undoped C-SWNTs and also to modification of the BWF feature. These observations are in agreement with reports demonstrating an enhanceme...
THE GENETIC CONSTITUTION OF TANDEM DUPLICATIONS OF THE rII OF BACTERIOPHAGE T4D

ABSTRACT Methods for genetically mapping the end points of tandem duplicatictions of the rII region of bacteriophage T4D are presented. Analysis of ten duplications indicates (1) that the position of duplication end points and therefore the length of the duplicated segment differ in strains of independent origin; (2) that there is a direct relationship between segregation frequency and length; (3) that segregation is more frequent than expected on the basis of standard genetic mapping; and (4) that while duplications frequently include non-rII genetic material, frequently they do not include the entire rII region. The duplications studied range from less than two to about five cistrons in length.
CGDSNPdb: a database resource for error-checked and imputed mouse SNPs

The Center for Genome Dynamics Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database (CGDSNPdb) is an open-source value-added database with more than nine million mouse single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), drawn from multiple sources, with genotypes assigned to multiple inbred strains of laboratory mice. All SNPs are checked for accuracy and annotated for properties specific to the SNP as well as those implied by changes to overlapping protein-coding genes. CGDSNPdb serves as the primary interface to two unique data sets, the ‘imputed genotype resource’ in which a Hidden Markov Model was used to assess local haplotypes and the most probable base assignment at several million genomic loci in tens of strains of mice, and the Affymetrix Mouse Diversity Genotyping Array, a high density microarray with over 600 000 SNPs and over 900 000 invariant genomic probes. CGDSNPdb is accessible online through either a web-based query tool or a MySQL public login. Database URL: http://cgd.jax.org/cgdsnpdb/
Understanding Melanocyte Stem Cells for Disease Modeling and Regenerative Medicine Applications

Melanocytes in the skin play an indispensable role in the pigmentation of skin and its appendages. It is well known that the embryonic origin of melanocytes is neural crest cells. In adult skin, functional melanocytes are continuously repopulated by the differentiation of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) residing in the epidermis of the skin. Many preceding studies have led to significant discoveries regarding the cellular and molecular characteristics of this unique stem cell population. The alteration of McSCs has been also implicated in several skin abnormalities and disease conditions. To date, our knowledge of McSCs largely comes from studying the stem cell niche of mouse hair follicles. Suggested by several anatomical differences between mouse and human skin, there could be distinct features associated with mouse and human McSCs as well as their niches in the skin. Recent advances in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) research have provided us with useful tools to potentially acquire a substantial amount of human McSCs and functional melanocytes for research and regenerative medicine applications. This review highlights recent studies and progress involved in understanding the development of cutaneous melanocytes and the regulation of McSCs.
Patient-Reported Health Outcomes After in Situ Percutaneous Fixation for Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: An Average Twenty-Year Follow-up Study.

Abstract Percutaneous in situ fixation is the gold-standard treatment for stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). While numerous studies have documented good to excellent long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes, few have documented long-term patient-reported outcomes of patients with this condition. This retrospective study was performed to document long-term patient-reported outcomes of a cohort of sixty-four patients with SCFE (ninety-one affected hips) and determine whether the slip angle was associated with poorer health outcomes as measured with the Short Form-12 (SF-12) Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores, modified Harris hip score (mHHS), and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Scale. The mean age at presentation was 12.6 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 19.6 years. At the time of follow-up, the cohort reported higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension than the general U.S. The mean body mass index (BMI) had increased by 10.2 kg/m(2), with 72% of the subjects meeting the criteria for obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) at the time of follow-up. The mean age and sex-adjusted PCS and MCS scores were 49.6 and 50.0, respectively, and the mean mHHS was 84.9. Multivariable general linear modeling revealed no association between the initial slip angle and the PCS, MCS, mHHS, or UCLA Activity Scale score. Male sex and a lower BMI were the only predictors of better long-term PCS, mHHS, and UCLA Activity Scale scores. Subjects with a bilateral slip had outcomes similar to those with unilateral disease. The general self-reported health of this cohort was poor compared with that of the general population. The slip angle on presentation did not correlate with any patient-reported outcome measure collected for this study. Higher BMI was one of the only clinical predictors of patient-reported outcomes. Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Adverse Childhood Events and the Risk for New-Onset Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among U.S. National Guard Soldiers

ABSTRACT This article examines the relationship between childhood adversity and postdeployment new-onset psychopathology among a sample of U.S. National Guard personnel deployed during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with no history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. We recruited a sample of 991 Ohio Army National Guard soldiers and conducted structured interviews to assess traumatic event exposure, a history of childhood adversity, and postdeployment depression, and PTSD, consistent with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fourth Edition. We assessed childhood adversity by using questions from the Childhood Adverse Events Survey. In multivariable logistic models, a history of any childhood adversity was significantly associated with new-onset depression, but not PTSD, postdeployment. This finding suggests that a history of childhood adversity is predisposing for new-onset depression, among U.S. National Guard soldiers who were deployed wit...
Comparison of Modal Test Results: Multipoint Sine Versus Single-Point Random

The Mariner Jupiter/Saturn (MJS) spacecraft was subjected to the traditional multipoint sine dwell (MPSD) modal test using 111 accelerometer channels, and also to single-point random (SPR) testing using 26 accelerometer channels, and the two methods are compared according to cost, schedule, and technical criteria. A measure of comparison between the systems was devised in terms of the cumulative difference in the kinetic energy distribution of the common accelerometers. The SPR and MPSD method show acceptable agreement with respect to frequencies and mode damping. The merit of the SPR method is that the excitation points are minimized and the test article can be committed to other uses while data analysis is performed. The MPSD approach allows validity of the data to be determined as the test progresses. Costs are about the same for the two methods.
Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks in Emergency Medicine Practice.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the current practice of ultrasound (US)-guided regional anesthesia at academic emergency departments, including education, protocols, policies, and quality assessment. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire on US-guided nerve blocks was electronically sent to all emergency US directors and emergency US fellowship directors. Results A total of 121 of 171 academic institutions with an emergency medicine residency program participated in this study, representing a 71% response rate. Eighty-four percent (95% confidence interval [CI], 77%–91%) of programs perform US-guided nerve blocks at their institutions. The most common type of nerve block performed is a forearm nerve block (ulnar, median, or radial). The most common indication for US-guided nerve blocks is fracture pain management. Only 7% (95% CI, 2%–12%) of programs have a separate credentialing pathway for US-guided nerve blocks. Regarding quality assessment review of US-guided nerve blocks, none of the programs have a separate program in place. In 57% (95% CI, 48%–66%) of programs, it is a component of the emergency US quality assessment program. Eighty-four percent (95% CI, 77%–90%) of programs do not have specific agreements with other specialty services with regard to performing US-guided nerve blocks in the emergency department. The most common educational methods used to teach US-guided nerve blocks are didactic sessions, at 67% (95% CI, 59%–75%); online resources, at 54% (95% CI, 45%–63%); and supervised training with real patients, at 48% (95% CI, 39%–57%). Conclusions Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks are performed at most academic emergency departments. However, there is a substantial variation in the practices and policies within these institutions.
Model-based prediction of lithology, pore fluid, and porosity

We present a deterministic methodology for mapping the lithology, pore fluid, and porosity from seismic data. The input is the P- and S-wave data volumes that may come, e.g., from acoustic and elastic impedance inversion or cross-well measurements. The output is the pore fluid type (hydrocarbon versus water), total porosity, and clay content. The key element of this methodology is a site-specific rock physics model that provides the needed transforms from the elastic rock properties to the reservoir properties. The model is established by comparing model-based predictions, such as impedance versus porosity, to the relations present in well log data. Once selected, the model is used to identify the presence of hydrocarbons from a combination of the P-wave impedance and Poisson?s ratio. Then the P-wave impedance is used to map porosity and clay content assuming that a deterministic relation exists between the latter two properties. All deterministic equations are calibrated at a well. These equations subsequently are applied to upscaled well log data to confirm their validity at the seismic scale.
Some aspects of chemotaxis using the cellular slime molds as an example.

A conspicuous feature in the development of fungi is some form of chemotropism or chemotaxis (see the recent excellent review by Gooday, 1975). The hyphae will, in some species, go towards food or towards other hyphae (positive chemotropism) or they will go away from toxic substances, often produced by themselves (negative chemotropism). Very little is known of the molecular mechanisms involved although it is clear that the growth of the hyphae occurs generally at the tip and that somehow chemical gradients must be directly affecting the orientation of this tip growth. In some cases there is evidence for growth stimulators, in others growth inhibitors, but it is not known how the substances act. Positive chemotaxis is also found in motile zoospores and gametes in fungi, as, for instance, in the well known case of sirenin discovered by Leonard Machlis in Allomyces. Gooday makes clear there is increasing
Evaluation of the Integration of Oscillating Heat Pipes in High Power DC-DC Converters for Pulsed Power Applications

The Pulsed Power Physics Branch at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is developing a battery-powered, rep-rate charger for a 60-kJ capacitor bank. The goal is to charge a 4800μF capacitor to 5kV in five seconds for a fifty shot burst. A bank of LiFePO4 batteries is used with a full H-bridge converter and transformer to elevate the 500V battery voltage to a 5kV secondary voltage. The operation of the Integrated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) generates heat as a byproduct of the energy transfer from the batteries to the capacitor, which must be effectively removed. The traditional method of cooling the IGBTs involves a passive heat sink and forced air cooling, which can be quite large if the dissipated power load is high enough. This work investigates the replacement of the forced air cooling method with an oscillating heat pipe (OHP). The OHP investigated herein was made of aluminum with dimensions of 130.1 mm × 101.9 mm × 2.5 mm. The OHP channel dimension imbedded in the aluminum block is 1.0 mm by 1.0 mm. Utilizing high effective thermal conductivity, the integrated OHP has the potential to reduce the overall system volume and enable the design of a sealed converter package. Numerical analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the OHP can significantly increase the effective thermal conductivity and enable a fast time response of the pulsed power DC-DC converter. Comparison with the numerical analysis show that the heat transfer resistance occurring in the cooling block is the primary resistance for the investigated IGBT OHP cooling.© 2013 ASME
Kenya: Between Hope and Despair, 1963-2011

On December 12, 1963, people across Kenya joyfully celebrated independence from British colonial rule, anticipating a bright future of prosperity and social justice. As the nation approaches the fiftieth anniversary of its independence, however, the people's dream remains elusive. During its first five decades Kenya has experienced assassinations, riots, coup attempts, ethnic violence, and political corruption. The ranks of the disaffected, the unemployed, and the poor have multiplied. In this authoritative and insightful account of Kenya's history from 1963 to the present day, Daniel Branch sheds new light on the nation's struggles and the complicated causes behind them. Branch describes how Kenya constructed itself as a state and how ethnicity has proved a powerful force in national politics from the start, as have disorder and violence. He explores such divisive political issues as the needs of the landless poor, international relations with Britain and with the Cold War superpowers, and the direction of economic development. Tracing an escalation of government corruption over time, the author brings his discussion to the present, paying particular attention to the rigged election of 2007, the subsequent compromise government, and Kenya's prospects as a still-evolving independent state.
The inner core thermodynamics of the tropical cyclone boundary layer

Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the inner-core dynamics of the tropical cyclone boundary layer (TCBL), our knowledge of the inner-core thermodynamics of the TCBL remains limited. In this study, the inner-core budgets of potential temperature ( $$\theta$$ ), specific humidity (q), and reversible equivalent potential temperature ( $$\theta _\mathrm{e}$$ ) are examined using a high-resolution multilevel boundary layer model. The potential temperature budgets show that the heat energy is dominated by latent heat release in the eyewall, evaporative cooling along the outer edge of the eyewall, and upward surface fluxes of sensible and latent heat from the underlying warm ocean. It is shown that the vertical $$\theta$$ advection overcompensates the sum of radial advective warming from the boundary layer outflow jet and latent heating for the development of cooling in the eyewall within the TCBL. The moisture budgets show the dominant upward transport of moisture in the eyewall updrafts, partly by the boundary-layer outflow jet from the bottom eye region, so that the eyewall remains nearly saturated. The $$\theta _\mathrm{e}$$ budgets reveal that the TCBL is maintained thermodynamically by the upward surface flux of higher- $$\theta _\mathrm{e}$$ air from the underlying warm ocean, the radial transport of low- $$\theta _\mathrm{e}$$ air from the outer regions of the TCBL, and the dry adiabatic cooling associated by eyewall updrafts. These results underscore the significance of vertical motion and the location of the boundary layer outflow jet in maintaining the inner core thermal structure of the TCBL.
Constructing the vicarious experience of proximity in a Marcellus Shale public hearing

ABSTRACTThis paper examines citizen testimony in a public hearing held within the Marcellus Shale region, USA. By focusing on the role of place as an argumentative resource, this analysis reveals an appeal common to both sides of the issue where hearing participants use their knowledge of a place to provide the audience with the vicarious experience of being in that place. Such scene-making not only provides credibility to average citizens, it is also used to negotiate the communal meaning of place. In this negotiation, fracking supporters are found to be less descriptive and provide an “aerial view” of the places they thematize while fracking opponents represent scenes more closely from an “on-the-ground” perspective with a high level of detail. This difference affects how audience members are invited to engage with these scenes, which may impact the acceptance and circulation of these arguments as well as the way people experience the place they live.
The Impact of Youth Risk on Mentoring Relationship Quality: Do Mentor Characteristics Matter?

Although mentoring is a widely used intervention strategy, effect sizes for at-risk youth remain modest. Research is therefore needed to maximize the impact of mentoring for at-risk youth who might struggle to benefit from mentoring relationships. This study tested the hypothesis that different types of youth risk would have a negative impact on mentoring relationship quality and duration and explored whether mentor characteristics exacerbated or mitigated these negative effects. Results showed that elevated environmental stress at a youth's home and/or school predicted shorter match duration, and elevated rates of youth behavioral problems, such as poor academic performance or misconduct, predicted greater youth dissatisfaction and less positive mentor perceptions of relationship quality. Mentors with greater self-efficacy and more previous involvement with youth in their communities were able to buffer the negative effects of environmental stress on match duration. Similarly, mentors' previous involvement with youth buffered the negative effects of youth behavioral problems on mentor perceptions of relationship quality. Findings have important implications for the matching of mentors and at-risk youth in a way that improves mentoring outcomes.
Effect of the antiprogestin RU486 on human ovarian steroidogenesis.

Previous studies in the authors' laboratory suggest that the antiprogestin RU486 may directly affect human ovarian progesterone production. The possibility that this compound could affect other steps in human ovarian steroidogenesis was examined by studying its effects on estrogen production in cultured human granulosa cells and on human ovarian aromatase (AR) and 17-hydroxylase (17-OH) activities in vitro. RU486 had no effect on media estradiol (E 2 ) levels as measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) over a 24-hour incubation period. Furthermore, no effect on ovarian AR activity occurred at concentrations of RU486 100 times substrate. However, a dose-dependent decrease in the activity of 17-OH was observed with increasing amounts of drug. RU486 decreased 17-OH activity by 12 and 29% below that of basal activity at concentrations equal to and ten times substrate. At 50- and 100-fold excess, RU486 further decreased 17-OH activity by 42 ( P P 2 production in vitro. Clinically observed decreases in serum E 2 levels may be due to inhibition of enzymatic steps proximal to E 2 synthesis. These findings support the authors' previous observations suggesting that RU486 has a direct affect on human ovarian steroidogenesis.
Pancreatic cancer: a review with future directions

Pancreatic cancer continues to be one of the most deadly cancers in the USA, causing over 41,780 deaths per year. Due to the nonspecific signs and symptoms of the disease, it typically presents late in the disease course, making curative therapy very difficult. Despite great improvements in imaging, such as CT, MRI/MRCP, and PET scans, there is still no truly effective screening method, and lesions are often found at sizes that are not amenable to resection. Major improvements have also been made in treatment options for pancreatic cancer, such as advanced surgical techniques, combination chemotherapy, high-dose radiation therapy, and neoadjuvant therapy. However, outcomes are still very poor, with a small minority of patients surviving at even 5 years. Therefore, it is imperative that we not only continue to examine the technology currently in use but also continue to develop more imaging techniques and treatment options. Finding ways to use biomarkers, antibodies, and labeled substrates to identify small precursor lesions would allow for the eradication of the disease before it becomes deadly. Identifying concrete roles for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy while making advancements in these fields, such as targeted chemotherapy and the use of radiosurgery, will open the door for increased survival. Lastly, examining tumors based on their location may be important in identifying groups of patients who may benefit from different methods of therapy.
A computational framework for human-centered multimodal data analysis

Human-Centered computing defines a field of study in which computational processes affect the human being, either through ubiquitous and pervasive use of devices or any effect that improves the human condition. Human-Centered Computing applications face serious challenges in the handling of data collection, modeling, and analysis. Traditionally, the analysis of different aspects of human well-being derives from a variety of non-interrelated methods which has made it difficult to correlate and compare the different experimental findings for an accurate assessment of the contributing factors. This dissertation describes new algorithms that enable more accurate and efficient multimodal data analysis of Human-Centered computing applications in order to improve decision-making in healthcare. In particular, this work provides a theoretical framework for multimodal and inter-related data analysis and demonstrates the theory in different cases where the purpose is to (a) monitor the health condition of the human subject, and (b) to improve the quality of life through the understanding of a subject's behaviors. Our computational framework can efficiently analyze and interpret data of different modalities coming from the same human subjects. Emphasis is put on the evaluation of feature selection and classification techniques and their use for heterogeneous data fusion in order to improve the accuracy of the obtained results. Our experimental results show that the same basic methods can be used to analyze data regarding both the physiological and behavioral properties of a human subject, and to correlate the different findings into more meaningful and reliable information.
Contemporary use of lymph node dissection at nephroureterectomy in treating upper tract urothelial carcinoma: A US population-based analysis.

e15634 Background: Nephroureterectomy (NU) is the current gold-standard in the management of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Our study aims to describe the current trend of lymph node diss...