cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards a predictive model architecture for current or emergent pandemic situations

This paper presents ideas towards building predictive models of the socio-economic interactions of autonomous population units (APUs). APU interaction models (AIM) can then be used to predict current or emergent pandemic situations. Our envisaged AIM system will comprise two fundamental components: (i) an existing generic discrete event simulator (DES) which will be adapted to socio-economic interactions of an APU, and (ii) a new data mining toolset (DMT) which will be integrated to the simulation toolset. In a part of our early work, we will identify and filter the data that flows into the AIM system. The DMT will consolidate digitized data (e.g., satellite imagery) with data from public and private news sources including human observation. The DES together with historical data generated from the DMT will form an initial model of the socio-economic interactions of an APU relative to a pandemic, which is used to get a prediction of the existing conditions. The DMT is then employed to explore the data and discover previously unknown, valid patterns and relationships pertaining to the spread of infectious disease. The model will iteratively compare the predicted data to the real-world DMT data until an accurate predictive model of the pandemic is obtained.
Internationalizing Sustainable Agriculture Education

Integration of international learning experiences into sustainable agriculture (SA) educational programs represents a unique and effective approach to help students improve their global awareness and citizenship, intercultural communication, problem-solving skills, and career development. While there are challenges to establishing international educational activities in emerging SA programs, the benefits of providing students with a global perspective to the worlds' food systems far exceed those challenges. This paper formalizes key considerations and diverse approaches for developing student-centered international educational opportunities for sustainable agriculture that have been assembled from literature research and from the collective experiences of the authors. A holistic approach is described, beginning with developing strong international partnerships built on reciprocity and understanding the diversity of international learning opportunities and development considerations; establishing learning outcomes and assessment; and appreciating current opportunities and challenges. While many of the experiences and examples come from land-grant universities (LGUs), enhancing a global perspective to all types of SA programs at various institutions is vital for preparing future food system leaders to advance sustainable agriculture in the global community. The information in this paper is valuable for SA educators interested in developing new international educational opportunities and also may stimulate further communication about shared pedagogical strategies related to international SA education.
Detection and Isolation of Slight Parametric Faults in Continuous-Time Systems

The detection and isolation of parametric faults in continuous-time systems are investigated. The parameters of the continuous-time model are identified directly from sampled data using linear integral filters. Detection and isolation thresholds are set by the asymptotic analysis of the estimated parameters in a statistical framework. A simulation example is included to confirm the theoretical results.
Sound, Electronics, and Music: A Radical and Hopeful Experiment in Early Music Education

Discussions of pedagogical approaches to computer music are often rooted within the realm of higher education alone. This article describes Sound, Electronics, and Music, a large-scale project in w...
The Relation Between Walking and Language in Infant Siblings of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

In typical development, walk onset is accompanied by increased language growth (e.g., Walle & Campos, 2014). The present study explored whether this relation may be disrupted in the infant siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; heightened risk of receiving an ASD diagnosis; HR), a population exhibiting substantial variability in motor and language development (e.g., Gamliel, Yirmiya, & Sigman, 2007; Landa & Garrett-Mayer, 2006). Receptive and expressive language were examined across the transition to walking in three groups of HR infants (no diagnosis, language delay, and ASD; N = 91, 8-18 months) and in infants with no family history of ASD (N = 25; 9-15 months). Only infants with an eventual ASD diagnosis did not show increased language growth following walk onset.
Management of Bleeding Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcers are defects in the gastrointestinal mucosa that extend through the muscularis mucosae. They persist as a function of the acid or peptic activity in gastric juice. The natural history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) ranges from resolution without intervention to the development of complications with potential for significant morbidity and mortality, such as bleeding and perforation. Peptic ulcer disease is an important cause of morbidity and health-care costs. Estimates of expenditures related to work loss, hospitalization, and outpatient care are $5.65 billion per year in the United States [1].
Engaging Students with the Real World in a Green Organic Chemistry Laboratory Group Project: A Presentation and Writing Assignment in a Laboratory Class

In the writing assignment and presentation described, small groups of students investigate a given industrial business/company that has made major changes to a synthesis, process, or procedure by implementing one or more of the 12 principles of green chemistry. Students submit a short paper on the assignment and present the project during the recitation portion of the laboratory. By studying an industrial change to a given synthesis or process, students become more aware of their environmental and global responsibility. They also begin to realize that businesses are incorporating green principles in their practices. In a self-reported survey nearly all (97%) of students of students reported an increased understanding of the principles of green chemistry and an increased interest in the topic. Results of surveys indicated that nearly all students felt that the project should be continued.
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment in India on Insurance Industry

The study concluded that increase in foreign direct investment (F.D.I.) is optimistic move for the future of Indian Life Insurance Sector, since this sector need huge amount of capital investment which can be done effectively only through increase in FDI and it enhance overall performance of insurance sector. Parliament has passed Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2015. It was first passed in LokSabha on 4 March 2015 and later in RajyaSabha on 12 March 2015, which will become an Act when the President signs it. The bill aims to bring improvements in the existing laws relating to insurance business in India. The bill also seeks to remove archaic provisions in previous laws and incorporate modern day practices of insurance business that are emerging in a changing dynamic environment, which also includes private participation. The insurance sector in India has a great potential even during the downtrend and FDI flow is expected to rise in the mere future.
A role for complement in glaucoma

Chronic open angle glaucoma is a degenerative optic neuropathy that can lead to blindness. We have shown that one of the major genes with altered expression in the glaucomatous retina is complement component C1q in both animal models of the disease as well as in humans. These observations together with evidence of upregulation of other complement components within the retina suggest a role for complement in the pathogenesis of this disease. We review the current evidence that supports such a role and discuss possible mechanisms through which complement may act. A thorough understanding of these mechanisms is important in allowing us to rationally design new therapeutic approaches.
Philosophers on Sympathy

Just as there are those who can hear music that has not yet been written, and see pictures that have not been painted, so there are those who can grasp principles and mechanisms in people’s lives about which there has been little or no systematic study. In this book we will call them the “heroes of sympathy”: David Hume, Adam Smith, and Arthur Schopenhauer. Each achieved fame for his work in other areas: Hume for his epistemology, Smith for his economic theory, and Schopenhauer for his philosophy of the will. Yet the concept of sympathy played an important role in their systems of morality. In this chapter we will consider the concept of sympathy as it was described, defined, and explained by each of them. Our emphasis will be upon the idea of sympathy itself and how it was conceptualized by the requirements of the system within which it was supposed to function. For Hume the system was psychological—in the broadest sense of that term. For Smith it was a matter of moral development, where sympathy was the important contact between the individual and the society where justice and virtue could prevail. For Schopenhauer it was the problem of human motivation and the foundation of morality. Although each writer addressed somewhat different aspects of sympathy, there were also important areas of agreement. This book will address the various problems and possibilities of the concept of sympathy, the roots of which will be found in this chapter.
Physician Extenders in Hand Surgery: The Patient’s Perspective:

Background: Physician extenders, such as physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs), have been incorporated into health systems in response to the rising demand for care. There is a p...
Automatic Autism Spectrum Disorder Detection Using Everyday Vocalizations Captured by Smart Devices

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive and lifelong neuro-developmental disability where early treatment has been shown to improve a person's symptoms and ability to function. One of the most significant obstacles to effective treatment of ASD is the challenge of early detection, but unfortunately, due to the limited availability of screening and diagnostic instruments in some regions, many affected children remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed late. Recent studies have shown that characteristics in vocalizations could be used to build new ASD screening tools, but most prior efforts are based on recordings made in controlled settings and processed manually, affecting the practical value of such solutions. On the other hand, we are increasingly surrounded by smart devices that can capture an individual's vocalizations, including devices specifically targeted at child populations (e.g., Amazon Echo Kids Edition). In this paper, we propose a practical and fully automatic ASD screening solution that can be implemented on such devices, which captures and analyzes a child's everyday vocalizations at home, without the need for professional help. A 17-month experiment on 35 children is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach, showing that we can obtain an unweighted F1-score of 0.87 for the classification of typically developing and ASD children.
Fidelity Measurement on Signal Detection Algorithms With Application to AFM Imaging

Many signal processing and decision making algorithms reported in contemporary literature characterize the performance of the proposed methods utilizing decision error rates. However there is significant need for strategies that provide quantitative assessment of the fidelity of decisions made by the algorithms. This paper develops novel techniques utilizing which fidelity measures can be assigned quantitatively on some prevalent signal detection algorithms. The developed fidelity measurement methods with the detection algorithms are employed for topography imaging utilizing dynamic mode atomic force microscope (AFM). The AFM is a versatile metrology tool for interrogating material at the nano-scale. In spite of its remarkable achievements, a key issue that remains largely unaddressed is the assessment of fidelity of the measurement data. The developed paradigm facilitates user specific priority for either detection of sample features with high decision confidence or on not missing detection of true features. The fidelity measures presented here are suitable for real-time implementation. A detailed comparative study is presented to characterize the proposed signal detection algorithms and fidelity measurement techniques under practical AFM applications. Comprehensive simulation and experimental data corroborate the effectiveness of proposed methods.
The pseudokinase TRIB1 toggles an intramolecular switch to regulate COP1 nuclear export

COP1 is a highly conserved ubiquitin ligase that regulates diverse cellular processes in plants and metazoans. Tribbles pseudokinases, which only exist in metazoans, act as scaffolds that interact with COP1 and its substrates to facilitate ubiquitination. Here, we report that, in addition to this scaffolding role, TRIB1 promotes nuclear localization of COP1 by disrupting an intramolecular interaction between the WD40 domain and a previously uncharacterized regulatory site within COP1. This site, which we have termed the pseudosubstrate latch (PSL), resembles the consensus COP1-binding motif present in known COP1 substrates. Our findings support a model in which binding of the PSL to the WD40 domain stabilizes a conformation of COP1 that is conducive to CRM1-mediated nuclear export, and TRIB1 displaces this intramolecular interaction to induce nuclear retention of COP1. Coevolution of Tribbles and the PSL in metazoans further underscores the importance of this role of Tribbles in regulating COP1 function.
Cannabis use disorder among people using cannabis daily/almost daily in the United States, 2002–2016

Abstract Background Cannabis use disorder (CUD) prevalence among people reporting past-year cannabis use declined from 2002–2016. We examined whether similar reductions in CUD were observed among people reporting daily/almost daily cannabis use. We expected that CUD prevalence among people reporting daily/almost daily use would not decrease. Methods We used 2002–2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data, including 22,651 individuals using cannabis 300+ days in the past year. CUD was defined using DSM-IV criteria for cannabis abuse and/or dependence. Age categories included: 12–17, 18–25, and 26 + . Annual prevalence of CUD, cannabis dependence, cannabis abuse, and each individual abuse/dependence items accounted for the complex survey design. Differences in trends over time were examined by age group. Results From 2002–2016, the prevalence of CUD among people reporting daily/almost daily cannabis use decreased by 26.8% in adolescents, by 29.7% in ages 18–25, and by 37.5% in ages 26 + . Prevalence of DSM-IV cannabis dependence decreased significantly among adolescents (-43.9%) and young adults (-26.8%) but remained stable in adults 26 + . Reductions in most dependence items were observed in young adults, with less consistent patterns in adolescents and adults 26 + . Prevalence of DSM-IV cannabis abuse decreased overall and for each abuse item across all age groups. Conclusions Contrary to expectations, CUD prevalence decreased significantly across all ages reporting daily/almost daily cannabis use between 2002–2016. Cannabis dependence prevalence decreased for adolescents and young adults and was stable only among adults ages 26+ reporting daily/almost daily cannabis use. Potential drivers of this decrease should be further explored.
THE EGG SERIES: USING SIMPLE COMPUTER MODELS

Students who become involved with pro gramming a computer usually deal with problem-solving languages such as BASIC and FORTRAN. Throughout most of their work, the basic structure of the machine remains hidden. Until they work with an assembly-level language they really do not study the machine's structure. There are a number of good reasons, however, for stu dents to have a basic understanding of the computer's organization before they begin programming. To appreciate what is really being done with a program, the student might first study a model computer and trace program execution through this model. A simple, easily constructible model is described below.
Family Theory: Competing Perspectives in Social Demography

Abstract Demographic research on families has relied on two key theoretical approaches: sex-role specialization in marriage and the economic significance of an independent nuclear family for shaping family-related behaviors. In this article, I address how these two approaches are linked to economic behavior and consider their potential ramifications for shifts in marriages and families.
The timing of lunar solidification and mantle overturn recorded in ferroan anorthosite 62237

Abstract Ferroan anorthosite suite (FAS) rocks are widely interpreted to represent primordial lunar crust. Despite their importance in pinpointing the timing of lunar crust formation, robust chronological investigations for this rock type are scarce. Here, we report the Ar-Ar, Rb-Sr, and Sm-Nd isotopic systematics for the FAS troctolitic anorthosite 62237. The Ar-Ar isotopic system has been reset by a thermal event at 3710 ± 48 Ma, and the Rb-Sr isotopic systematics has been disturbed such that a Rb-Sr isochron age cannot be determined. However, an internal isochron for the Sm-Nd isotopic system has yielded an age of 4350 ± 73 Ma (MSWD = 2.0) with an initial ϵ 143 NdCHUR of −0.53 ± 0.26. The mineral and whole-rock fractions of 62237 plot on the same internal isochron as FAS sample 60025. The combined datasets define an age of 4372 ± 35 Ma (MSWD = 4.0) with an initial ϵ 143 NdCHUR of −0.17 ± 0.22. Literature Sm-Nd data for FAS and Mg-suite whole-rocks also plot on the 60025-62237 isochron. The coherence of data from both FAS and Mg-suite rocks examined thus far suggests that both rock suites formed contemporaneously from identical, or nearly identical, sources. In addition, the concordance of FAS and Mg-suite ages suggests that primordial crust solidification either involved both magmatic suites, or that Mg-suite magmatism was contemporaneous with FAS magmatism within resolution of the Sm-Nd chronometer. The ages for FAS and Mg-suite also coincide with the formation ages of the mare basalt source regions and urKREEP. Ferroan anorthosite suite rocks and urKREEP are thought to represent primordial LMO solidification products, whereas Mg-suite and the mare basalt source regions are argued to represent mixtures of various LMO crystallization products that were formed during density-driven overturn of the LMO. The concordance of ages implies that the 4372 ± 35 Ma Sm-Nd isochron records the age of mantle overturn, and that overturn occurred during, or shortly after, solidification of the LMO.
Determination of intrinsic viscosity of native cellulose solutions in ionic liquids

The weight-average molecular weights of six native cellulose samples in ionic liquids were determined through steady shear viscosity measurements in the ionic liquid butyl methyl imidazolium chloride. The intrinsic viscosity [ η ] in ethyl methyl imidazolium acetate (EMImAc) is measured using a gravity-driven glass capillary viscometer and found to be independent of temperature in the range of 30–80 °C, disproving a literature report of [ η ] in EMImAc, exhibiting a strong temperature dependence. Findings are contrasted with values of intrinsic viscosity in cupriethylenediamine hydroxide, the most widely used solvent to dissolve and analyze the molecular weight of cellulose pulps in industry. Differences are tentatively attributed to the different temporary association properties of cellulose chains in the two solvents. Finally, it is demonstrated that cellulose adsorbs at the air/solution interface in three different ionic liquids to create a viscoelastic liquid interfacial layer of higher concentration. Adsorption at the air/solution interface gives an extra contribution to the measured torque in various rotational rheometer geometries, which apparently simply adds to the torque from the pure bulk solution.
Nonlinear functional responses and ecological pleiotropy alter the strength and likelihood of disruptive selection in consumers

Abstract Much of the theory on disruptive selection has focused on selection in generalist consumers caused by ecological opportunity through the availability of alternative resources and intraspecific competition for those resources. This theory, however, makes several ecologically unrealistic assumptions. First, it assumes consumers have a linear, resource-dependent functional response, ignoring well-documented effects of resource handling times and consumer dependence. Second, it assumes the trait under selection only influences the per-capita attack rates of the consumer, ignoring other effects of the trait that may influence feeding rates and hence, fitness. Here, I develop a one consumer-two resource model to investigate how nonlinear functional responses and ecological pleiotropy (traits with multiple simultaneous ecological effects) influence the strength and likelihood of disruptive selection. I find that handling times and interference among consumers are capable of altering disruptive selection by changing feeding rates differentially across consumer phenotypes. In particular, handling times decrease the strength and likelihood of disruptive selection while the effects of interference depend on the mechanism through which interference occurs. The effects of handling times and interference, however, depend on whether and how ecological pleiotropy causes correlations between handling times or interference rates and attack rates. Overall, my results suggest that features underlying functional responses of consumers and the relationships among those features determine the likelihood and strength of disruptive selection. In particular, disruptive selection should be strongest in generalist populations with individuals who experience lower handling times and interference rates on the resources for which their attack rates are highest.
Performance of the PHQ-9 across conditions and comorbidities: Findings from the Veterans Outcome Assessment survey

Abstract Background The items of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) represent the criterion symptoms for DSM-IV major depression. This study evaluated the extent to which the PHQ-9 functions as a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) specific to patients with major depressive disorder. Method Data were from the Veterans Outcome Assessment survey for 8848 patients beginning treatment in VA general mental health clinics, including 5754, re-surveyed after 3 months. The PHQ-9’s performance as a PROM was evaluated by comparing rank order correlations between both initial scores and improvements over 3 months between the PHQ-9 and several transdiagnostic PROMs across a range of diagnoses and comorbidities. Performance of PHQ-9-related patient-reported outcome-based performance measures (PROM-PM) were evaluated by comparing rates of response and remission across patient groups. Results Correlations between the PHQ-9 and transdiagnostic measures were significant and comparable in magnitude across a range of diagnoses and for cases with depression with or without comorbidities. Rates of response and remission were comparable across most patient groups. Limitations Limitations include use of clinical diagnoses as recorded in health records, and the relatively short time between assessments. Conclusions In these settings, the PHQ-9 functions more as a general measure of symptoms or distress than as a disease-specific scale. This supports its use as a PROM for patients beyond those with major depression, including those with related diagnoses and those with comorbidities, and use of related PROM-PMs in clinical settings where diagnoses may not be precise and comorbidities may be common.
Carbene Catalysis: Beyond the Benzoin and Stetter Reactions

The discovery and development of new N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed reaction is described. Based on inspiration from nature, we have taken thiazolium-based approaches to umpolung reactivity and invented a suite of related reactions involving acyl anions, homoenolate, and enolate nucleophiles all generated under catalytic conditions.
Boosting as a metaphor for algorithm design

Although some algorithms are better than others on average, there is rarely a best algorithm for a given problem. Instead, different algorithms often perform well on different problem instances. Not surprisingly, this phenomenon is most pronounced among algorithms for solving NP-hard problems, when runtimes are highly variable from instance to instance. When algorithms exhibit high runtime variance, one is faced with the problem of deciding which algorithm to use for each particular instance; in 1976 Rice dubbed this the "algorithm selection problem" [8]. More recent work on this problem includes [5,4].
Induction of premature menstruation with catatoxic steroids

Abstract Previous work in this laboratory has shown that nandrolone phenpropionate and oxymetholone, when administered after ovulation, significantly shorten the duration of the luteal phase of the cycle. Five additional anabolic drugs have now been tested. Oxandrolone, stanozolol, methandrostenolone, and fluoxymesterone were without effect, while ethylestrenol shortened the luteal phase length in some subjects. In all instances, shifts in basal body temperatures as well as endometrial biopsies (in control cycles) indicated that ovulation had occurred. Posttreatment cycles in the case of ethylestrenol were ovulatory and not prolonged. Evaluation of the effects of nandrolone phenpropionate and oxymetholone indicates that they suppress blood luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and progresterone. It appears that their capacity to induce early menstruation results from their antigonadotropic action.
Writing retargetable parallel programs for low and high level vision using a global address space

A model for programming parallel and distributed computers in which the user is presented with a single linear address space, unlimited computational parallelism, and a global clock for synchronization is presented. This allows the user to express the abstract parallelism, without being tied to the target architecture and makes the resulting software transportable. An implementation of this model using C as the source language supplemented with a distributed data storage class and concurrent assignments is presented. An example of generating code for low-level image processing algorithms, including histogram equalization, is given. This example shows that parallel algorithms can be developed without architectural knowledge and the resulting programs can be compiled for a wide range of target processors. >
Mode III Loading of Composite Panels

Efficient design of modern aircraft requires an understanding of the mechanical behavior of carbon fiber panels under both in-plane and out-of-plane loading conditions. Currently, relatively little published literature exists for out-of-plane shear (mode III) loading. This paper presents both experimental and computational results for strain fields showing damage initiation, and propagation of notched carbon fiber panels under mode III loading. Experimentally, strain fields were measured using digital image correlation. Computationally, the commercial finite element package Abaqus, using typical composite analysis techniques, was used to calculate strain fields. Comparisons were made between measured and calculated values. Experimental results indicated that areas of both tensile and compressive strain concentrations existed at the notch tip. Damage initiation occurred in these areas, typically only in one or the other. Subsequent damage propagation occurred both in areas of elevated tensile strain and in...
Monopole excitation of vibrations in an infinite cylindrical elastic shell filled with fluid

The vibrations of a cylindrical elastic shell filled with fluid and excited by a monopole acoustic source are studied. The modal mobilities of the shell wall at the source plane are examined for different radial locations of the source. The distribution of vibrational energy between the shell and the fluid field is calculated at various axial locations along the shell and for different radial source locations. An interchange of energy of vibration between the shell and the fluid as the wave field propagates along the shell-fluid system is observed.
Air-to-fuel ratio regulation during SI to HCCI combustion mode transition using the LQ tracking control

The combustion mode transition between spark ignition (SI) and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) combustions of an internal combustion (IC) engine is challenging due to the distinct engine operating parameters over the two combustion modes and the cycle-to-cycle residue gas dynamics during the mode transition. The control problem becomes even more complicated for a multi-cylinder engine without camless valve actuation. This paper studies the combustion mode transition problem of a multi-cylinder IC engine with dual-stage valve lift and electrical variable valve timing (VVT) systems. Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations were used to develop and validate the proposed control strategies. The HIL simulation results show that smooth combustion mode transition can be realized utilizing the hybrid combustion mode in a few engine cycles and in-cylinder air-to-fuel ratio during the mode transition needs to be regulated to the desired level. This paper presents a model based linear quadratic tracking strategy to track the desired air-to-fuel ratio by controlling the engine throttle. The HIL simulations demonstrated the effectiveness of the developed control strategies. As a result, it is feasible to have a smooth combustion mode transition with dual-stage valve lift and electrical VVT systems.
A two‐dimensional proteome map of the aflatoxigenic fungus Aspergillus flavus

The filamentous fungus Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic soil-borne pathogen that produces aflatoxins, the most potent naturally occurring carcinogenic compounds known. This work represents the first gel-based profiling analysis of A. flavus proteome and establishes a 2D proteome map. Using 2DE and MALDI-TOF-MS/MS, we identified 538 mycelial proteins of the aflatoxigenic strain NRRL 3357, the majority of which were functionally annotated as related to various cellular metabolic and biosynthetic processes. Additionally, a few enzymes from the aflatoxin synthesis pathway were also identified.
Mixing processes for agricultural and food materials: Part 2, highly viscous liquids and cohesive materials

Food and agricultural materials are often Theologically complex; these materials may range from cohesive powders to viscous non-Newtonian fluids to dispersed particles suspended in Newtonian liquids. Several mechanisms are involved in the mixing processes. Mixing processes range from simple diffusion to shear deformation flow and redistribution. In shear flow of materials particle collisions result in rearrangement and thus mixing. Effectiveness of mixing will be determined by which forces are dominant i.e., hydrodynamic versus non-hydrodynamic. The ease of mixing or the tendency toward segregation in particulate materials is determined by the balance of interparticulate forces. Interparticulate binding forces, which are due to moisture, electrostatic bonding and Van der Waals' forces, tend to prevent segregation. Bread making is a good example where great variation in material properties occur during the mixing processes. Part of this change results from energy input by the mixer. Overmixing will result in undesirable property changes and an unacceptable product.
Fatigue in family caregivers of adult intensive care unit survivors.

Abstract Context Family caregivers are a vital resource in the recovery of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Of concern, the stress associated with this role can negatively affect caregiver health. Fatigue, an important health indicator, has been identified as a predictor of various illnesses, greater use of health services, and early mortality. Examining the impact of fatigue on caregivers' physical health can assist in identifying critical time points and potential targets for intervention. Objectives To describe self-reported fatigue in caregivers of ICU survivors from patients' ICU admission to ≤2 weeks, two- and four-months post-ICU discharge. Methods Patient-caregiver pairs were enrolled from a medical ICU. Caregiver fatigue was measured using the Short-Form 36 Health Survey Vitality subscale (SF-36 Vitality). Caregiver psychobehavioral stress responses included depressive symptoms, burden, health risk behaviors, and sleep quality. Patient data included self-reported physical symptoms and disposition (home vs. institution). Results Forty-seven patient-caregiver pairs were initially enrolled. Clinically significant fatigue (SF-36 Vitality ≤45) was reported by 43%–53% of caregivers across the time points, and these caregivers reported worse scores in measures of depressive symptoms, burden, health risk behaviors and sleep quality, and patients' symptom burden. In 26 caregivers with data for all time points (55% of the total sample), SF-36 Vitality scores showed trends of improvement when the patient returned home and greater impairment when institutionalization continued. Conclusion In caregivers of ICU survivors, fatigue is common and potentially linked with poor psychobehavioral responses. Worsening fatigue was associated with greater symptom distress and long-term patient institutionalization.
Comments on “Economies of scale and scope in French banking and savings institutions” by Ugur Muldur and Mohamed Sassenou

Formation of a unified European common market is one of the most exciting economic developments of the late twentieth century. But successful unification will depend crucially on financial integration, because both monetary and fiscal policy operate through the underlying financial structure. Yet financial institutions designed to perform specific social objectives in support of policy may not survive the competitive pressures of integration without an increasingly Byzantine regulatory structure which itself could defeat the original purpose of integration. It is hard to imagine an effective, fully integrated European Economic Community (EEC) in which individual countries each shelter radically different financial structures. As in agriculture, public and private planners, who are considering the optimal design of the financial system, will need to address several knotty issues relating to structure. How many different types of financial institutions will there be? What will be the functions, product mix, and scale of each type? Will unification accelerate deregulation or lock in existing designs and structures? Will current activities, some of which are still protected by tight regulation and close integration of public and private institutions, continue to be served or will these institutions buckle under more powerful international competitive forces? Muldur and Sassenou implicitly address these questions for France by analyzing the scope and scale properties of the French financial system.
Neurotransmitter modulation of corticotropin releasing factor secretion into the hypophysial-portal circulation

Abstract Secretion of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) from the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei into the hypophysial-portal circulation is modulated by a variety of neuronal afferents. Effects of intracerebroventricular acetylcholine (ACH), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and epinephrine (EPI) on immunoreactive (ir) CRF concentration in portal plasma were directly evaluated in urethanized male rats. ACH (0.1–10 nmole) administration was associated with a dose-dependent elevation of portal irCRF which was attenuated by pretreatment with either muscarinic or nicotinic receptor antagonists. GABA (0.1–10 nmole) also caused inhibition of irCRF concentration in the portal plasma which was prevented by bicuculline pretreatment. Finally, EPI (0.1–10 nmole) facilitated irCRF secretion via α1- and β-adrenergic mechanisms. These observations provide the first direct information on possible neurotransmitter actions on hypothalamic CRF secretion.
Dietary Supplements: Policy and Research Implications for Nurses:

Millions of Americans use dietary supplements without full knowledge of their effects. Given the serious safety issues surrounding dietary supplements and the potential for nurses to play pivotal roles as patient educators and policy advocates, this article describes laws and regulations pertaining to dietary supplements, relevant research, the role of organized interests in policy making for dietary supplements, and how other countries regulate dietary supplements. We offer recommendations for policy change and identify implications of this issue for nursing practice.
Kinetic Resolution of d,l-Amino Acids Based on Gas-Phase Dissociation of Copper(II) Complexes.

Chiral recognition of d- and l-amino acids is achieved in the gas phase on the basis of the kinetics of competitive fragmentations of trimeric Cu(II)-bound complexes. The singly charged copper(II)−amino acid trimeric cluster ions [A2BCuII − H]+ dissociate to form [A2CuII − H]+ and [ABCuII − H]+ upon collision-induced dissociation (CID) in a quadrupole ion trap. The abundance ratios of these fragments depend strongly on the stereochemistry of the ligands in the [A2BCuII − H]+ complex ion. The kinetic method was used to calculate relative Cu ion affinities (ΔCu(II)‘) for homo- and heterochiral copper(II)-bound dimeric cluster ions as the indicator of chiral discrimination. Six amino acids of four different types showed chiral distinctions which ranged from 0 to 6.5 kJ/mol in terms of values of ΔCu(II)‘ with abundance ratios, referenced to the other enantiomer, ranging from 1 to 9.2. Amino acids with aromatic substituents displayed the largest chiral distinction, which correlates well with reported chromatog...
Citizen Participation and Government Choice in Local Environmental Controversies

This article uses a single, critical case to assess the plausibility of hypotheses that emerge from the literature on civic environmentalism. In particular, scholars have argued that local, collaborative environmental decision making is likely to yield solutions that are both more durable and environmentally superior to those generated by more conventional policymahing processes. The analysis suggests, however, that such outcomes are unlikely in the absence of stringent regulatory requirements established at the federal or state level. This is because local officials face fiscal constraints that exacerbate the already substantial disparity in political resources between citizens and development interests.
The Impact of Conversion From Mycophenolate Mofetil to Mycophenolate Sodium Among Renal Transplant Recipients on a Sirolimus-Based Regimen

Abstract Objective To examine the benefits of conversion from mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to mycophenolic acid sodium (MPS) among renal transplant patients on sirolimus-based immunosuppression. Methods Alternate renal transplant recipients who were converted from MMF to MPS immediately (group A, n = 21) or 90 days thereafter (group B, n = 19) completed the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaires at days 90 and 180. Similarly, at the completion of the study 20 members of groups A plus B (converted to MPS) and 19 patients who initially declined to participate (continuous MMF) completed the questionnaires. Results At 90 days after conversion, members of group A showed fewer responses to “feeling unwell” and to flatulence, which regressed in group B at 180 days, although more persons in the latter cohort complained of bloating. The average scores of cohort A on the GIQLI at day 180 were significantly better than those at day 90. Compared with a control cohort of continuous MMF treatment, members of cohorts A plus B showed lower incidences of diarrhea, dysphagia, and eructations but greater incidences of constipation and not feeling fit. Conclusion Conversion from MMF to MPS offers subjective benefits for patients on maintenance therapy with mycophenolic acid in combination with sirolimus.
The effect of sorption on the oxidation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by hydroxyl radical

Abstract Sorption of hydrophobic organic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), to particulate matter (diatomaceous earth) affects transformation rates by aqueous-phase hydroxyl radical. The reaction of three PCB congeners with hydroxyl radical (OH.), generated in a photo-Fenton system (i.e. iron, hydrogen peroxide and light at pH 3), was followed to evaluate predictive models of transformation kinetics in the presence of particulates. The OH. generated by this system only reacted with dissolved PCBs, and the overall rate of removal for each congener could be modeled using congener-specific data on desorption kinetics and solution phase reaction rates. Observed kinetics for the least hydrophobic congener evaluated, 2-monochlorobiphenyl, agreed with predictions based upon measured steady-state hydroxyl radical concentrations and second-order rate constants. 2,2′,5-Trichlorobiphenyl was also oxidized by OH., but sorption to particulate matter resulted in slower transformation rates. A predictive model which utilized measured adsorption/desorption rate constants, steady-state hydroxyl radical concentrations and second-order rate constants adequately predicted 2,2′,5-trichlorobiphenyl transformation kinetics. Concentrations of 2,2′,4,5,5′-pentachlorobiphenyl, the most hydrophobic compound analyzed, did not change over the time scale of the experiments because dissolved concentrations were extremely low and desorption kinetics were very slow.
Late Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infections in Heart Transplantation (HT)

2.48-68.39, p= 0.024). A significant decrease in mean anti-CMV titers (baseline vs. day 30) was observed in both groups (CMV disease: 20419±14483 vs. 14235±11963, p= 0.044; no-CMV disease: 23232±2134 vs. 18247±1747, p< 0.001). There were no significative differences in mean specific anti-CMV titers between both groups in the analyzed study points. Conclusion: In conclusion, CMV-seropositive heart transplant recipients at risk for CMV disease can be identified based on readily assessable immunological biomarkers. Preventive strategies may be selectively targeted toward these patients.
Generation and solid state characterization of tetrapyridinium perchlorate salts derived from tetrapyridyl tetraphenylethylenes

Abstract Two tetraarylethylene derivatives symmetrically functionalized at the 4, 4′, 4″, and 4 ‴ positions with either 4-pyridyl or 3-pyridyl groups were converted to their corresponding tetrapyridinium perchlorate salts upon exposure to Fe(ClO4)3·xH2O. These tetra-perchlorates were isolated as single crystals and their structures were determined by X-ray diffractometry. In both cases extensive hydrogen bonding networks were observed involving pyridinium N–H groups, perchlorate anions, and included water molecules. Additionally, both structures feature hydrophobic crystalline regions formed from stacking of tetraarylethylene cations in helical fashion. Polar pyridinium N–H groups are directed outward from these stacks into hydrophilic crystalline regions containing perchlorate anions and water molecules of hydration. Information obtained regarding the solid state structures of these functionalized tetraarylethylene derivatives should prove useful in design of more elaborate supramolecular architectures.
The new drift chamber for the Mark II detector at the SLAC linear collider

Abstract A new central drift chamber has been constructed for the Mark II detector for use the new SLAC Linear Collider. The design of the new chamber is based on a multi-sense-wire cell of the jet-chamber type. In addition to driftime measurements, pulse-height measurements from the sense wires provide electron-hadron separation by dE/dx. The chamber has been installed in the detector and is being at PEP before being moved to the SLC. The design and construction of the chamber, as well as initial performance results from the PEP data, are presented.
A test for hydrotropic behavior by roots of two coastal dune shrubs

Summary • Root hydrotropism could be a means by which plants forage for limited and patchy distributions of soil water. While root hydrotropism has been induced in distinctly artificial conditions, it is unclear if it operates in natural settings. Here, we tested for this possibility in seedlings of two species of dune shrubs. • Growth of individual roots in sand-filled observation chambers was monitored in response to moisture-rich patches and resultant soil water gradients. Chambers were designed so that roots could intercept the moisture gradients but not the moisture-rich patches simply through gravitropism. • While up to 12% of the Eriogonum parvifolium roots grew into the moisture-rich patches, comparable root growth was observed in the control. None of the Artemisia californica roots grew into the patches. • Thus, in a reasonable simulation of field conditions, we found no compelling evidence for hydrotropic root behavior in seedlings of these two dune shrubs. Our results leave the ecological significance of root hydrotropism in question.
Control-Limits of QC Charts for Skewed Distributions Using Weighted-Variance

This paper proposes a new heuristic method for setting the limits of a control chart. The new method gives the same limits as the Shewhart method when the underlying population is symmetric. However, when the underlying population is skewed, the new limits are adjusted in accordance with the direction of skewness. The new method was compared with two other methods by simulation, when the underlying population was Weibull. The new method provides a higher probability of coverage between the chart limits than the other methods when the sample size and/or shape parameters vary.
Purification of the N-acylaminosulfonates, unusual lipids of gliding bacteria

Abstract A group of unusual sulfonolipids that are major components of the cell envelope has been found in gliding bacteria of the genus Cytophaga and closely related genera. One of the lipids, capnine, has been previously isolated and shown to be 2-amino-3-hydroxy-15-methylhexadecane-1-sulfonic acid. Capnine accumulates in large quantities in some Capnocytophaga spp., but in other organisms the predominant sulfonolipids are compounds that are less polar than capnine and lack the free amino group of that compound. A method is described for the purification of these less polar lipids employing chromatography on hydroxylapatite and DEAE-cellulose in organic solvents. The sulfonolipids have been isolated in high yield and essentially pure from two Cytophaga spp., one Flexibacter sp. and one Capnocytophaga sp. Preliminary characterization of the lipids of infrared absorption spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography and other methods has shown them to be N -acylaminosulfonates, the aminosulfonate moiety of which is closely related (if not identical) to capnine.