cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Periovulatory insulin signaling is essential for ovulation, granulosa cell differentiation, and female fertility

Recent studies have demonstrated an essential role for insulin signaling in folliculogenesis as conditional ablation of Igf1r in primary follicles elicits defective follicle-stimulating hormone responsiveness blocking development at the preantral stage. Thus the potential role of insulin action in the periovulatory window and in the corpus luteum is unknown. To examine this, we generated conditional Insr,Igf1r, and double receptor knockout mice driven by Pgr-Cre. These models escape the preantral follicle block and in response to superovulatory gonadotropins exhibit normal distribution of ovarian follicles and corpora lutea. However, single ablation of Igf1r leads to subfertility and mice lacking both receptors are infertile. Double knockout mice have impaired oocyte development and ovulation. While some oocytes are released and fertilized, subsequent embryo development is retarded, and the embryos potentially fail to thrive due to lack of luteal support. In support of this, we found reduced expression of key enzymes in the steroid synthesis pathway and reduced serum progesterone. In addition to metabolic and steroidogenic pathways, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed transcription factor-3 as an important transcription factor downstream of insulin signaling. Collectively, these results highlight the importance of growth factors of the insulin family during two distinct windows of follicular development, ovulation, and luteinization.
A Localized and Packetized Approach to Distributed Power InverterManagement

Local management of solar photovoltaic and battery inverters is seen as a means to mitigate many grid issues that can result from large penetrations of distributed and variable solar energy. This work demonstrates through simulation how local inverter operation can fit within an operational paradigm referred to as packetized energy management. In particular, the power factor at which energy packets are injected in to the grid from a distributed set of energy resources (i.e., batteries) are adjusted in discrete steps over the range of operation. Unlike approaches where a device's power factor is adapted continuously over time, the discrete-time and asynchronous nature of the investigated approach avoids potential system oscillations. We present simulation results for a feeder line consisting of 100 battery systems comparing our distributed, locallycontrolled approach to one centrally determined and controlled.
Controlled lacustrine microcosms show a brGDGT response to environmental perturbations

Abstract Branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGTs) have proven useful for paleoclimate reconstructions. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which these biomarkers respond to the environment and the identity of the source organisms, remain poorly understood. These gaps in knowledge have prevented the study of brGDGTs in culture, thereby limiting the use of these molecules as a tool for paleoclimate reconstruction. In this work we used controlled microcosms to study the effect of temperature and pH on brGDGTs in lake water. Our results show that temperature has a strong influence on the production of brGDGTs, with a sensitivity that is similar to empirical observations. In contrast, the pH experiments yielded inconclusive results, either due to a limited response, or to the experimental set up. This study demonstrates that the brGDGT response to temperature can be replicated under controlled conditions, establishing that microcosms are a viable strategy to better understand the proxy response mechanism.
Into the Uncertain Future

Having devoted so much typing to the question of how humans, over the course of 6–10 million years, came to be who we are now—a unique species of walking, talking, teaching, ape—it seems important for us to think at least a little in this final chapter about the present, and where certain unsettling present trends may lead us in the uncertain future.
Inferior vena cava dilation predicts global cardiac dysfunction in acute respiratory distress syndrome: A strain echocardiographic study

Purpose Limited data exist on the utility of ultrasonographic evaluation of inferior vena cava (IVC) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We studied the value of IVC diameter in assessing cardio-circulatory performance in ARDS using strain echocardiography. Materials and methods Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of Doppler echocardiograms of patients with moderate-severe ARDS was performed. Right ventricle (RV) parameters, IVC diameter, and left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic parameters were collected. RV free wall strain (RVFWS) and LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) were calculated. Results Fifty-one patients were dichotomized into two groups: with IVC > 2.1 cm (dilated) and with IVC ≤ 2.1 cm (nondilated). The dilated IVC group presented worse hypoxemic profile, hypotension, and poor perfusion markers. No significant associations with positive end-expiratory pressure or lung mechanics were observed. Dilated IVC was associated with impaired RV function, high central venous pressure, elevated pulmonary artery pressure, and LV systolic and diastolic dysfunctions. Strongest predictors of a dilated IVC were RVFWS, LVGLS, and tissue Doppler mitral annular early diastolic velocity. Dilated IVC predicted a global cardiac dysfunction defined by strain echocardiography (GCDS) with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions In ARDS, strain echocardiography analyses demonstrated that a dilated IVC is associated with GCDS and impaired hemodynamics independent of lung mechanics. A dilated IVC should be considered a marker of circulatory distress, signaling the potential necessity for improved hemodynamic optimization.
RGC and Vision Loss From Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Induced by Repetitive Closed Head Trauma Is Dependent on Timing and Force of Impact.

Purpose Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is often caused by blunt head trauma and has no currently effective treatment. Common animal models of TON induced by surgical crush injury are plagued by variability and do not mimic typical mechanisms of TON injury. Traumatic head impact models have recently shown evidence of TON, but the degree of head impact necessary to consistently induce TON is not well characterized, and it is examined here. Methods Traumatic skull impacts to C57BL/6J mice were induced using an electromagnetic controlled impact device. One impact performed at two depths (mild and severe), as well as three and five repetitive impacts with an interconcussion interval of 48 hours, were tested. Optokinetic responses (OKRs) and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss were measured. Results Five repetitive mild impacts significantly decreased OKR scores and RGC numbers compared with control mice 10 weeks after initial impact, with maximal pathology observed by 6 weeks and partial but significant loss present by 3 weeks. One severe impact induced similar TON. Three mild impacts also induced early OKR and RGC loss, but one mild impact did not. Equivalent degrees of TON were induced bilaterally, and a significant correlation was observed between OKR scores and RGC numbers. Conclusions Repetitive, mild closed head trauma in mice induces progressive RGC and vision loss that worsens with increasing impacts. Translational relevance Results detail a reproducible model of TON that provides a reliable platform for studying potential treatments over a 3- to 6-week time course.
Adrenoleukodystrophy Newborn Screening in California Since 2016: Programmatic Outcomes and Follow-Up

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a recent addition to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel, prompting many states to begin screening newborns for the disorder. We provide California's experience with ALD newborn screening, highlighting the clinical and epidemiological outcomes observed as well as program implementation challenges. In this retrospective cohort study, we examine ALD newborn screening results and clinical outcomes for 1,854,631 newborns whose specimens were received by the California Genetic Disease Screening Program from 16 February 2016 through 15 February 2020. In the first four years of ALD newborn screening in California, 355 newborns screened positive for ALD, including 147 (41%) with an ABCD1 variant of uncertain significance (VUS) and 95 males diagnosed with ALD. After modifying cutoffs, we observed an ALD birth prevalence of 1 in 14,397 males. Long-term follow-up identified 14 males with signs of adrenal involvement. This study adds to a growing body of literature reporting on outcomes of newborn screening for ALD and offering a glimpse of what other large newborn screening programs can expect when adding ALD to their screening panel.
Porcupine/Wntless-dependent trafficking of the conserved WntA ligand in butterflies

Wnt ligands are key signaling molecules in animals, but little is known about the evolutionary dynamics and mode of action of the WntA orthologs, which are not present in the vertebrates or in Drosophila. Here we show that the WntA subfamily evolved at the base of the Bilateria + Cnidaria clade, and conserved the thumb region and Ser209 acylation site present in most other Wnts, suggesting WntA requires the core Wnt secretory pathway. WntA proteins are distinguishable from other Wnts by a synapomorphic Iso/Val/Ala216 amino-acid residue that replaces the otherwise ubiquitous Thr216 position. WntA embryonic expression is conserved between beetles and butterflies, suggesting functionality, but the WntA gene was lost three times within arthropods, in podoplean copepods, in the cyclorrhaphan fly radiation, and in ensiferan crickets and katydids. Finally, CRISPR mosaic knockouts (KOs) of porcupine and wntless phenocopied the pattern-specific effects of WntA KOs in the wings of Vanessa cardui butterflies. These results highlight the molecular conservation of the WntA protein across invertebrates, and imply it functions as a typical Wnt ligand that is acylated and secreted through the Porcupine/Wntless secretory pathway.
First record of two sublittoral amphipods from Hawai‘i

The first record of two genera of sublittoral amphipods, Autonoe Bruzelius, 1859 and Perioculodes G.O. Sars, 1892, is provided for Hawai‘i. The specimens most closely match Autonoe seurati (Chevreux 1907) and Perioculodes aequimanus (Kossmann, 1880). They were collected from an autonomous reef monitoring structure deployed in Honolulu Harbor, O‘ahu. Both species are likely recent introductions.
Avances y resistencias en el largo camino hacia la igualdad de la mujer

On the long road to equality there are many pending resistances, areas and behaviours to overcome. Although women have progressed greatly in reducing inequality, the persistence of discrimination is still confirmed today. We are still between the reproduction of inequality and resistance to change. The most subtle, covert sexism is represented in the most inadvertent ways that include unequal treatment; the objectification, the commodification of the body; the language, the denialist beliefs of inequality; they are different versions of the limitations for women, which must be overcome promptly but at their own pace… We know from previous research that school is an intervening factor, but not decisive. The works presented here wish to reflect on change and reproduction and present ideas and proposals that can contribute to reflection and suggest measures so that the path can be shortened.
Freeze Fracture of Male Reproductive Cells

Publisher Summary Between meiosis and fertilization, haploid cells differentiate into three cell types forming the male germ line: vegetative cell, generative cell, and sperm. These three, formed in a particular relationship to each other, have distinct functions related to the membrane structure. Many of the activities of the germ cells and changes in their structure are related to the events at the cell surface. Responses to signals, cell-to-cell communication, recognition, and fusion are basically membrane events. The technique of freeze fracture provides a unique opportunity to observe membrane substructure. Fracture of frozen material splits membranes along their hydrophobic interior so that arrangements of intramembrane particles can be observed. The relationship between vegetative cell and generative cell and later between vegetative cell and sperm is one of the close membrane contacts. All cells retain their separate plasma membranes; they do not fuse. Raw materials needed by generative cells and by sperm must pass through vegetative cell membranes, which can be compared in structure. Membrane contacts or bridges, if any, should be visible with freeze fracture.
Effect of Mental Disorders on Diagnosis, Treatment, and Survival of Older Adults with Colon Cancer

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the extent to which preexisting mental disorders influence diagnosis, treatment, and survival in older adults with colon cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare linked database. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty thousand six hundred seventy participants, aged 67 and older with a diagnosis of colon cancer. MEASUREMENTS: The association between the presence of a preexisting mental disorder and the stage of colon cancer at diagnosis, receipt of cancer treatment, and overall and colon cancer-specific mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression and logistic regression. RESULTS: Participants with mental disorders were more likely to have been diagnosed with colon cancer at autopsy (4.4% vs 1.1%; Po.001) and at an unknown stage of cancer (14.6% vs 6.2%; Po.001); to have received no surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy (adjusted risk ratio (ARR) 52.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 51.86‐2.35); and to have received no chemotherapy for Stage 3 cancer (ARR 51.63, 95% CI 51.49‐1.79). The rate of overall mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 51.33, 95% CI 51.31‐1.36) and colon cancer-specific mortality (HR 51.23, 95% CI 51.19‐1.27) was substantially higher in participants with a preexisting mental disorder than in their counterparts. All of these associations were particularly pronounced in participants with psychotic disorders and those with dementia.
Alpha-titanium precipitation in niobium-titanium alloys

Electron microscopy studies have been performed on both annealed and cold-worked Nb-Ti alloy samples as well as on a multifilamentary Nb-Ti superconducting composite. The morphology of the α-Ti particles that precipitate in these samples is found to be dependent on the existing Nb-Ti microstructure. Conventional transmission electron microscopy (CTEM) techniques are adequate for identifying α-Ti precipitates in annealed or lightly cold-worked Nb-Ti, but scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX) are required for the conclusive identification of α-Ti in heavily cold-worked commercial multifilamentary composites. A preferred orientation relationship between the α-Ti and the matrix is found in annealed material but not in the cold-worked alloy. Cold-drawing alloys containing precipitates results in the elongation of the precipitates along the drawing axis.
SoTL as Women's Work: What Do Existing Data Tell Us?

In this essay on the field of SoTL, we report on an exploratory, descriptive study of the levels of participation of men and women in various types of scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) activities. Drawing on 25 national and international sources of existing data on sex and involvement in SoTL, we find the following patterns: women are over-represented, relative to the numbers of men and women faculty/academic staff in higher education, in both self-selected with other approval or confirmation’ activities. The involvement of women and men was more representative to their numbers for activities in the ‘primarily invited, awarded, or selectedby others’ SoTL category. We discuss possible explanations for and implications of these findings.
Selected methods for uprating Saturn vehicles.

Saturn launch vehicle, discussing methods of increasing payload capacity, engine improvements, propellant substitution, etc
Development of Scoliosis Following Complex Combat-Related Lower-Extremity Amputations: Two Case Reports.

Combat casualties that have been subjected to high-energy blast trauma have experienced devastating lower-extremity injuries and soft-tissue damage, resulting in complex lower-extremity amputations. There have been limited reports of scoliosis following upper and lower-extremity amputations1-4. We report the development of scoliosis in two combat casualties following hemipelvectomy and hip disarticulation, respectively, for injuries sustained during the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both patients were informed that data concerning their cases would be submitted for publication, and they both provided consent. Case 1. A twenty-one-year-old active duty Army soldier had had a right hemipelvectomy and left hip disarticulation following the explosion of a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). Approximately two years after injury, the patient had sitting imbalance. A sitting spinal radiograph demonstrated a right lumbar scoliosis from L1 to L5 of 37°, with a 1+ Nash-Moe rotation (Fig. 1). He had limited prosthetic use and no back pain; he had some mobility with use of a manual wheelchair. He was able to perform independent transfers to and from the wheelchair as well as most activities of daily living (ADL). Fig. 1 Anteroposterior radiograph of the spine (left) and anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis (right) of the patient in Case 1 following a right hemipelvectomy and left hip disarticulation, demonstrating a right lumbar scoliosis from L1 to L5 of 37°, with a 1+ Nash-Moe rotation. Case 2. Following injury from an improvised explosive device (IED), a twenty-year-old active duty Marine had had bilateral transfemoral amputations, with the right lower-limb amputation considered a functional hip disarticulation. Approximately one year after injury, the patient reported moderate back pain. Radiographs demonstrated a right lumbar scoliosis from T12 to L5 …
Contribution of Research with Farm Animals to Protein Metabolism Concepts: A Historical Perspective

The roles of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and micronutrients in animal and human nutrition were broadly described during the late 18th and 19th centuries, and knowledge in protein nutrition evolved from work with all species. Although much of the fundamental and theoretical research in protein metabolism during the 20th century was conducted with laboratory animals, basic protein nutrition research in farm animals complemented those efforts and led to the development and use of new investigative methods (particularly in amino acid nutrition) as well as use of animal models in furthering the understanding of human protein metabolism. All these efforts have led to a contemporary hybrid model of protein nutrition and metabolism applicable to both humans and animal species. Now in the 21 st century, farm animals are used in fetal and pediatric nutrition research, and data accruing for excess amino acid feeding in research with farm animals provide direction for assessment of pharmacological effects of amino acids when consumed in excessive quantities. Thus, as nutritional science is moving forward into nutrigenomics, nutriproteomics, and metabolomics, farm animal and human nutrition research interactions will likely continue with genetically modified farm animals produced for agricultural reasons (improved function and product quality) or those produced with human genes introduced to generate even better models of human protein metabolism.
Identification of inducing, responding, and suppressing regions in an experimental model of notochord formation in avian embryos.

Abstract The notochord normally arises from committed cells in the rostral tip of the primitive streak. After removal of these cells from the avian gastrula, embryos with notochords nevertheless develop in the majority of cases. A region required for the formation of this reconstituted notochord lies lateral to the primitive streak. In the present study we have determined that this region acts as an inducer for more lateral cells in the epiblast, which actually give rise to the reconstituted notochord. The strongest inducing region lies between 0–250 μm lateral to the streak and 500–750 μm caudal to the rostral end of the streak and chiefly contains cells normally fated to form lateral plate and somitic mesoderm. The responding region is located 250–500 μm lateral to the streak and 0–750 μm caudal to the rostral end of the streak. This area chiefly contains cells normally fated to form neural ectoderm, although cells normally fated to form lateral plate and somitic mesoderm are also within this area. The inducing and responding areas interact to form reconstituted notochord either when the primitive streak, including its rostral end (Hensen's node), is removed from the cultured blastoderm or when the inducer and responder are grafted together into an ectopic site. Grafting Hensen's node into isolates containing both inducer and responder blocks formation of reconstituted notochord, suggesting that Hensen's node suppresses formation of lateral notochords during normal development. These findings increase our understanding of the early interactions between mesoderm and ectoderm and provide a novel model system that is well defined and accessible for studying inductive events in higher vertebrates.
Parametric two-electron reduced-density-matrix method with application to diradical rectangular H4

Abstract Parameterization of the two-electron reduced density matrix (2-RDM) has made possible the determination of electronic energies with greater accuracy and reduced computational cost compared to traditional electron-pair theories, including coupled cluster with single and double excitations [D.A. Mazziotti, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 (2008) 253002]. We apply the method to an H4 model system, a rectangular arrangement of two H2 monomers (P4), which is often used for benchmark calculations of multireference methods. At the square geometry, H4 becomes a diradical. We find that the parametric 2-RDM method obtains occupation numbers of 0.5471 and 0.4489 for the Nth and (N + 1)th natural orbitals, respectively, which indicate diradical character. Energies and orbital occupation numbers obtained from the parametric 2-RDM method are found to be more accurate than single-reference wavefunction methods of comparable computational cost. We report energies and natural orbital occupation numbers for several geometries in the rectangular H4 system.
Neuronavigation in minimally invasive spine surgery.

Object Parallel advancements in image guidance technology and minimal access techniques continue to push the frontiers of minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS). While traditional intraoperative imaging remains widely used, newer platforms, such as 3D-fluoroscopy, cone-beam CT, and intraoperative CT/MRI, have enabled safer, more accurate instrumentation placement with less radiation exposure to the surgeon. The goal of this work is to provide a review of the current uses of advanced image guidance in MISS. Methods The authors searched PubMed for relevant articles concerning MISS, with particular attention to the use of image-guidance platforms. Pertinent studies published in English were further compiled and characterized into relevant analyses of MISS of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral regions. Results Fifty-two studies were included for review. These describe the use of the iso-C system for 3D navigation during C1–2 transarticular screw placement, the use of endoscopic techniques in the cervica...
Interlaminar interface in carbon fiber polymer-matrix composites, studied by contact electrical resistivity measurement

The interlaminar interface in carbon fiber (continuous) epoxy-matrix composites was studied by measuring the contact electrical resistivity of this interface. The contact resistivity was found to d...
Enamel loss following ceramic bracket debonding: A quantitative analysis in vitro

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure enamel surface changes after ceramic bracket debonding and after cleanup. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted teeth were scanned in three dimensions using an optical scanner (baseline). Two ceramic bracket systems were placed (19 metal-reinforced polycrystalline ceramic brackets; 21 monocrystalline ceramic brackets). Seven days later, brackets were debonded and teeth scanned (post-debond). Adhesive remnants and bracket fragments were recorded. Tooth surfaces were cleaned using a finishing carbide bur and scanned again (post-cleanup). Post-debond and post-cleanup scans were aligned with the baseline, and surface changes were quantified. Results were statistically compared using t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests (α = .05). Results: The depth of enamel loss (mean ± standard deviation) post-debond was 21 ± 8 µm and 33 µm and post-cleanup was 28 ± 14 µm and 18 ± 8 µm (P = .0191); the post-debond remnant thickness was 188 ± 113 µm and 120 ± 37 µm (P = .2381) and post-clea...
The Use of Outsourcing as a Business Strategy: A Case Study

In this chapter, we discuss how a leading telecommunications software development company went about outsourcing some phases of the system development life cycle (SDLC) of network management systems in order to achieve both the short-term tactical goals as well as the longterm strategic goals. We present a framework consisting of seven factors that should be used by companies using outsourcing as a business strategy. This framework was used to analyze the outsourcing practices used by this company. The framework includes the driving forces for offshore outsourcing, the selection process of outsourcing vendors and the infrastructure (communication links, hardware, software, and organizational structure) that was needed to insure that the outsourced work meets companyâ€™s internal quality requirements, which are derived from CMM5 and ISO9001 certifications. We also present the challenges of making these things happen, what worked well, and the lessons learned.
Performance and development considerations for a new generation of land vehicle displays

Combat Land vehicles are small relative to the systems that they carry, yet these systems are increasing rapidly in complexity to provide needed improvements to situational awareness, vehicle management and weapons systems. Processing loads have increased rapidly driven by vehicle health, weapons and selfprotection requirements and there are more display functions than ever. All must be accommodated in a limited space where electronics competes with weapons, ammunition and crew comfort. In this paper we will examine a unique system solution for vehicle computing and associated data display that provides system level advantages from a compact COTS base at a cost that is compatible with Army vehicles. We will examine the packaging, operational environment, processing, operator interface and display design options with a special focus on the trade-offs. Finally, we project current solutions into a future with expanded applications that exploits new display, materials and processing technologies into a new, more flexible vehicle display.
Contradiction in the Contemporary Study of Faith Matters: Negation and Affirmation via a Historical Perspective

We agree with Dr. Glicksman that faith matters cannot be studied in the same way as other universal aspects of the human existence, and that we cannot assume that certain faith measures are applicable across all faiths. Despite its limitations, empirical faith research is valuable in understanding the role of religion/spirituality for the human condition. We propose the following remedies: develop cultural sensitive faith measures with psychometric properties in different beliefs; examine multifaceted, positive, null, and negative effects of different faith factors; and combine historical/phenomenological approaches to the faith study with quantitative and qualitative research. Finally, scientific investigators should collaborate with scholars in the humanities.
Mitogen-induced phosphorylation of cytosolic proteins in rabbit T- and B-lymphocytes.

Abstract The addition of anti-immunoglobulin (anti-Ig) to purified rabbit B-cells or concanavalin A (Con A) to purified rabbit T-cells within minutes resulted in the phosphorylation of a number of cytosolic proteins. Two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis and autoradiography of 32P-labeled cell sonicates was used to identify proteins whose phosphorylation was enhanced by these mitogens. Two proteins, pp58 and pp90, were phosphorylated 1.5 min after addition of anti-Ig to B-cells. Four other proteins, pp60, pp65, pp67 and pp95, were phosphorylated at later times. Three of these proteins were also phosphorylated after addition of Con A to purified T-cells. These phosphoproteins do not correspond to any previously described cytoplasmic proteins. Although all of these phosphoproteins were present in the cytosolic fraction, pp58 may be associated with the cytoskeleton. Protein pp58 is also distinguished from the rest by its absence from 2-D gels run under non-reducing conditions. Treatment of the B-cells with F(ab')2 fragments of anti-Ig stimulated phosphorylation but Fab' fragments did not—indicating that receptor cross-linking is required to induce phosphorylation. Both pp58 and pp90 contained phosphoserine, but neither phosphothreonine nor phosphotyrosine. Quantitatively the 32P-labeling of pp58 was 2.7-fold over background at 10 min after anti-Ig addition. The identification of these phosphoproteins, which may play a role in activational cascades or in cytoskeletal rearrangements, hopefully will help to clarify the interrelationships between cyclic nucleotide dependent and independent kinases in lymphocyte activation.
Longitudinal course of bipolar I disorder

The course of bipolar I disorder is characterized by frequently fluctuating levels of manic and depressive symptoms. In the current study, we sought to characterize the month-by- month course of this disorder in 61 patients who were originally enrolled in a clinical trial and were followed for a mean of 23.7 months (SD = 6.1). All patients in the trial received medication management; some received family psychosocial interventions as well. On a monthly basis, we assessed symptom severity using the Modified Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (MHRSD) and the Bech-Rafaelson Mania Scale (BRMS). Each month, we categorized each participant as fully symptomatic, partially symptomatic, or asymptomatic in terms of both depressed and manic symptoms. We found that the median percent time fully symptomatic was 8%, the median percent time partially symptomatic was 22%, and the median percent time asymptomatic was 59%. Using DSM-IV-TR criteria for defining an acute mood episode, we found that the median length of episode was 1 month, and participants experienced, on average, one episode every 8 months. Estimates concerning percent time fully symptomatic and asymptomatic converge with those reported in other datasets.
Staff Development in Rural Schools through Distance Education

Rural schools face challenges in providing staff development, and the article describes these challenges and offers some solutions for meeting them.
Flash-Sinterforging of Nanograin Zirconia: Field Assisted Sintering and Superplasticity

We report on the influence of a uniaxial applied stress on flash-sintering and field assisted superplastic behavior of cylindrical powder preforms of 3 mol% tetragonal-stabilized zirconia. The experiments use the sinterforging method, where, in addition to pressure, a dc electrical field is applied by metal electrodes sandwiched between the push-rods and the specimen. The axial and radial strains in the experiment provide simultaneous measurement of the time-dependent densification and shear strains. Large effects of the electric field on sintering and superplasticity are observed. We see flash-sintering which is characterized by a threshold level of temperature and electric field. With higher applied fields, the sample sinters at a lower furnace temperature. Surprisingly, the applied stress further lowers this critical temperature: a sample, which sinters at 915°C under a stress of 1.5 MPa, densifies at only 850°C when the stress is raised to 12 MPa. This stress induced reduction in sintering temperature maybe related to the additional electrical fields generated within the specimen by the electro-chemo-mechanical mechanism described by Pannikkat and Raj [Acta Mater., 47 (1999) 3423]. Remarkably, we also show that the sample deforms in pure shear to 30% strain in just a few seconds at anomalously low temperatures. The specimen temperature was measured with a pyrometer, during the flash sintering, as a check on Joule heating. A reading of 1000°C–1100°C was obtained, up to 200° above the furnace temperature. This temperature is still too low to explain the sintering in just a few seconds. It is suggested that the electric field can nucleate a defect avalanche that enhances diffusion kinetics not by changing the activation energy but by increasing the pre-exponential factor for the diffusion coefficient, noting that the pre-exponential factor depends on concentration of defects, and not upon their mobility.
On the Use of Rau's Reciprocity to Deduce External Radiative Efficiency in Solar Cells

Rau's reciprocity relation has been used to deduce the external radiative efficiency of a wide variety of solar cells using just standard solar cell measurements, but it is based on a number of assumptions, some of which may not be valid for typical thin-film solar cells. In this paper, we use rigorous optical simulations, coupled with carrier transport simulations, to examine some common thin-film solar cells. The results provide guidance on when the Rau relation can be used, why it can fail, and the magnitude of the errors that can be expected in practice.
Molecular Confirmation of the Position of Gossypium trifurcatum Vollesen

Taxonomic understanding is a necessary prerequisite for intelligent germplasm maintenance and evaluation. Here, we use molecular evidence to address the generic position of the poorly known and morphologically unusual taxon Gossypium trifurcatum Vollesen. This species possesses dentate leaves, a feature not otherwise found in Gossypium L. but one that is common in Cienfuegosia Cav., a related genus in the small Malvaceous tribe Gossypieae. G. trifurcatum is a rare plant, restricted to deserts of Eastern Somalia and known from only two collections, the last in 1980. Using DNA extracted from an herbarium specimen, we amplified and sequenced the chloroplast gene ndhF. Phylogenetic analysis reveals G. trifurcatum to be cladistically nested within Gossypium. These data diagnose dentate leaves as an autapomorphy within a genetically diverse assemblage of African–Arabian species, which remain the least well-represented cottons in germplasm collections.
Higher order impedance boundary conditions revisited: application to chiral coatings

In this paper, a novel spectral domain method for obtaining higher order impedance boundary conditions for the problem of electromagnetic scattering from complex coatings is described. The method is then applied to the specific case of chiral coatings on conductors. The present method for obtaining the boundary conditions is quite general, and is applicable to coatings with arbitrary constitutive relations, including anisotropic coatings, such as dielectric layers with tensor permittivity, and non-reciprocal coatings, such as magnetically biased ferrites. Multiple layers may also be handled in a systematic manner. Although the examples presented focus on boundary conditions containing tangential derivatives no higher than second order, an extension to higher order conditions is also straight forward. The standard impedance boundary condition (SIBC), tensor impedance boundary condition (TIBC), and the generalized impedance boundary conditions (GIBC), are contained as special cases of the general method des...
Deux Nouvelles Espèces du Massif du Panié (Nouvelle-Calédonie): Meryta Rivularis Lowry (Araliaceae) et Pandanus Taluucensis Callm. (Pandanaceae)

CALLMANDER, M. W. & P. P. LOWRY II (2011). Two new species from the Mount Panie massif (New Caledonia): Meryta rivularis Lowry (Araliaceae) and Pandanus taluucensis Callm. (Pandanaceae). Candollea66: 263272. In French, English and French abstracts. A rapid assessment (RAP) of the biodiversity of the Mount Panie massif in north-eastern New Caledonia led to the discovery of two new taxa described here: Meryta rivularisLowry (Araliaceae)and Pandanus taluucensisCallm. (Pandanaceae). Each description is accompanied by a drawing, photos taken in the field, and a discussion of its morphological affinities, along with a preliminary assessment of its conservation status based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Components Necessary in a Successful Nurse Practitioner‐Physician Collaborative Practice

In recent years, collaborative practice has gained much attention from nurse practitioners in primary health care settings. This is because many nurse practitioners feel that nurse practitioners and physicians can complement each other's roles. Together, they can provide more comprehensive, quality primary health care than either profession can provide by itself. Nurse practitioners and physicians working together to care for a common group of patients may have varying degrees of collaboration in their practice. This article discusses some elements and components necessary to maximize the quality and extent of collaboration.
Ka-Band SiGe HBT Power Amplifier for Single-Chip T/R Module Applications

We present the development of a Ka-band (28-33 GHz) power amplifier designed in a 200/250 GHz fT/fmax, SiGe BiCMOS technology (IBM 8HP). A 4-way microstrip-based power amplifier using on-chip Wilkinson power combiners is described. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a Ka-band power amplifier in SiGe technology designed for integration into a single-chip transmit/receive (T/R) module. The power amplifier exhibits a -10 dB compression point (PlOdB) of 19.4 dBm and a -1 dB compression point (PldB) of 15.4 dBm. The maximum gain of the amplifier is 46.8 dB at 31.9 GHz with a -3 dB bandwidth of 4.7 GHz.
Speciation and determination of tin(IV) and organotin compounds in sea-water by hydride generation-atomic-absorption spectrometry with an electrically heated long absorption cell.

Abstract A method is described for the determination of nanogram or subnanogram amounts of Sn(IV) and the halides of methyltin, dimethyltin, trimethyltin, n-butyltin, dibutyltin, and tributyltin. These compounds are volatilized from water samples by hydride generation, collected on a chromatographic stationary phase, desorbed in order of increasing boiling point, and detected by atomic-absorption spectrometry with atomization in a long electrothermally heated alumina tube furnace. The absolute detection limits are in the range 0.4–1.5 ng with a reproducibility of 4–15% for inorganic tin and organotin compounds.
Human Drug-Metabolizing Enzyme Polymorphisms: Effects on Risk of Toxicity and Cancer

ABSTRACT A growing number of human genetic polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) are being characterized. Some of these have been shown, quite convincingly, to be correlated with risk o...
Empfindlichkeitsprüfung von Hefen gegenüber Fluconazol: Vorschlag für eine standardisierte Agardiffusions-Methode mit 25-μg-Fluconazol-Testblättchen

Zusammenfassung. Der Beitrag enthalt einen Vorschlag fur die standardisierte Empfindlichkeitsprufung von Hefen im Agardiffusionstest mit 25-μg-Fluconazol-Testblattchen. Die Methodik ist das Ergebnis mehr-jahriger Bemuhungen, eine zuverlassige und reproduzierbare Routinemethode fur das mikrobiologische Labor zu entwickeln. In den Vorschlag sind zudem die Erfahrungen und Anregungen aus einem Ringversuch zur Empfindlichkeitsprufung von Fluconazol mit 21 Laboratorien aus Deutschland und Osterreich mit eingeflossen. Summary. This paper gives a proposal for a standardised agar diffusion susceptibility testing method with 25 μg fluconazole discs. The methodology compiles the results of several years of work to develop a reliable and reproducible routine-method for the microbiology laboratory. In this proposal, in addition, the critics and experiences of a collaborative study for susceptibility testing of fluconazole with 21 laboratories from Germany and Austria are included.
Is there more to BARD1 than BRCA1

It has been over a decade since mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 were found to be associated with a small number of familial breast cancer cases. BRCA1 is a large protein that interacts with many other proteins that have diverse functions, so it has been a challenge to determine how defects in its function could lead to cancer. One particular protein, BARD1, seems to be an important regulator of the tumour-suppressor function of BRCA1, as well as acting as a tumour suppressor itself. BARD1 is indispensable for cell viability, so loss-of-function mutations are rare, but mutations and truncations that alter its function might be involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.
The importance of secondary phases in glass corrosion

The analytical expression used to model glass reaction in computer simulations such as EQ6 is compared to experiments used to support the simulations. The expression correctly predicts the acceleration observed in experiments performed at high glass surface area/leachant volume ratios (SA/V) upon the formation of secondary phases. High resolution microscopal analysis of reacted glass samples suggests that the accelerated nature of the reaction after secondary phase formation is due to changes in the reaction affinity (i.e., is a solution affect) and not a change in the glass reaction mechanism. Solutions generated on samples reacted in steam are consistent with the effects of the secondary phases predicted in the model. Experiments which lead to the generation of secondary phases within short reaction times can be used to identify important secondary phases which must be included in the data base of computer simulations to correctly project long-term glass reaction behavior. 6 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
ANALYSIS OF A SPHERICAL INDUCTION MOTOR

Abstract The advent of robotics and automated manufacturing processes has brought about an urgent need for novel electromechanical transducers with unusual design and performance characteristics. Operating flexibility, ruggedness, size, force to weight ratio, and robust control capabilities are design attributes which place a heavy burden on conventional machines used for manipulation purposes. The spherical induction motor introduced in this paper is an electromechanical drive which holds considerable promise in these application areas. A general analysis of both the fields and resultant forces generic to the spherical induction motor is presented. The analysis properly accounts for the diffusion of the magnetic field with changing frequency and motor speed. To aid in the prediction and conceptualization of the torque and commensurate motor losses, normalized plots of these parameters are given for various limiting values of skin depth ratio to conductor thickness. The analysis concludes with a predictio...
Stable configuration of bottom slope in a shallow sea and its bearing on geological processes

Wave action is a major factor in the formation of beaches and major shore features. However, there are sedimentary formations apparently having their origin in shallow seas in the absence of wave action. This could occur if the bed sloped upward very gently from a moderate depth to the shore line so that the waves approaching the shore were gradually modified in shape and energy content, arriving with zero energy and without breaking anywhere. A mathematical analysis of the problem is made on the assumption that the slope of the bed is such that the waves move shoreward with their maximum possible height without breaking. The bed profile which will accomplish this is computed, and the geological implications of the theory are presented
Colorimetric Determination of the Iron(III)−Thiocyanate Reaction Equilibrium Constant with Calibration and Equilibrium Solutions Prepared in a Cuvette by Sequential Additions of One Reagent to the Other

The well-known colorimetric determination of the equilibrium constant of the iron(III)−thiocyanate complex is simplified by preparing solutions in a cuvette. For the calibration plot, 0.10 mL increments of 0.00100 M KSCN are added to 4.00 mL of 0.200 M Fe(NO3)3, and for the equilibrium solutions, 0.50 mL increments of 0.00200 M KSCN are added to 4.00 mL of 0.00200 M Fe(NO3)3. Students are able to complete data collection in about 30 min compared to 1.5 h using the standard procedure. The equilibrium constant is 113 ± 3 at ∼20 °C.
Observation of optical pumping of mesospheric sodium.

We have observed a large variation with laser polarization in the amount of laser light resonantly backscattered from the Earth’s mesospheric sodium layer located at a 90-km altitude. This variation is evidence of optical pumping of mesospheric sodium atoms.
Calculation of the performance of 3He alternative detectors with MCNPX

This paper describes the techniques that are available to calculate the performance of 3He alternative detectors using MCNPX. Calculations of the performance of safeguards detectors that use 3He have been successfully carried out for many years. In the case of coincidence or multiplicity counting, specific tallies have been implemented to calculate the Singles, Doubles and Triples counting rates. The implementation of the method was done in such a way that it equates every capture in some nuclide in the detection zone with the production of an electronic pulse from the detector. This is a very good approximation for 3He detectors and BF3 detectors. However it is not appropriate for detectors such as boron-lined proportional counters, in which the fraction of capture events leading to an electronic pulse above threshold is very dependent on the geometric arrangement, in particular the thickness and composition of the boron-containing layer. This paper gives calculations of the ideal pulse height distributions to be expected from different detector types and gives values for the probability, as a function of detector energy threshold, that a neutron capture reaction will cause an electronic pulse from the detector. This is termed the electronic efficiency. This electronic detection efficiency depends very little on the energy of the captured neutron, which in most practical cases are heavily weighted towards thermal energies. It does not depend on the position of the source neutron or moderation in the sample. For cases of interest to nuclear safeguards, measurement of uranium and plutonium in specially designed detectors, the spectrum of detected neutrons is fairly constant and thus the electronic detection efficiency becomes a detector constant. The paper discusses how the electronic detection efficiency needs to be included in the calculation of Singles, Doubles and Triples, and describes proposals to improve the tallying capability of MCNPX for such cases.
Impedance-Based Control of the MIT-Skywalker

Walking impairments are a common sequela of neurological injury, severely affecting the quality of life of both adults and children. Gait therapy is the traditional approach to ameliorate the problem by re-training the nervous system and there have been some attempts to mechanize such approach. In this paper, we present a novel impedance controller for the MIT-Skywalker. In contrast to previous approaches in mechanized gait therapy, the MIT-Skywalker does not impose a rigid kinematics pattern of normal gait on impaired walkers. Instead, it takes advantage of the concept of passive walkers and the natural dynamics of the lower extremity in order to deliver more “ecological” therapy. The proposed closed-loop control scheme can regulate the interaction between the walker and the treadmill and can provide the appropriate feedback to the walker during stance phase as well as at heel-strike and toe-off. Simulation results prove the feasibility of the impedance-based control scheme.Copyright © 2010 by ASME