cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The development of major depressive episodes during the course of dysthymic and episodic major depressive disorders: a retrospective examination of life events

Abstract Background: The present study examined whether stressful life events are associated with the development of major depressive episodes (MDEs) in a longitudinal, retrospective study of dysthymic and episodic major depressive disorders. Methods: Sixty-seven outpatients with DSM-III-R dysthymia and 38 outpatients with non-chronic major depression were followed up 30–60 months after entry into the study. Follow-up assessments included a modified version of Paykel’s (1997) Interview for Recent Life Events (IRLE) and Keller et al.’s (1987) Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Evaluation. Life events were assessed retrospectively in the 6 months before the most recent MDE or in the 6 months before follow-up for patients without a MDE. Results: In dysthymic patients, MDEs were significantly associated with a new life event in the context of an ongoing chronic stressor. In episodic major depressive patients, relapses were associated with new life events regardless of an ongoing chronic stressor. Limitations: This was a retrospective study. It was also a conservative test of the association between life events and MDEs as the follow-up period over which life events were assessed was long, increasing the possibility of forgetting; events occurring less than 1 month before relapse were excluded to avoid confounding the event with the MDE; life events were assessed for a more distant time period for patients who experienced MDEs than those who did not; and an abbreviated version of the IRLE was used which may have failed to identify less severe events. Conclusions: This study suggests that life events may play a role in the onset of MDEs in persons with dysthymic disorder and those with major depressive disorder. Thus, clinicians should monitor dysthymic patients after a stressful life event, particularly if it occurs in the context of a chronic, ongoing stressor.
Particle motion through a dynamically disordered medium: The effects of bond correlation and application to polymer solid electrolytes☆

Abstract To study the diffusion of small particles through a dynamically disordered medium, a dynamic bond percolation model has been developed. This differs from the standard percolation theory, in that the lattice is no longer static but undergoes rearrangements which reassign the open and closed bonds. Physically, these rearrangements correspond to orientational motions of the (polymer) host lattice. An interesting feature of this model is that, even below the percolation threshold, diffusive behavior can occur, as long as the renewal time τ ren , the time characteristic of the rearrangement of bonds, is short compared to the observation time. Ionic conductivity in polymeric electrolytes is one of the systems for which this model is useful. In these materials, carrier ions diffuse through a medium (the polymer) which is undergoing dynamic motion caused by configurational motions of the polymer. Since polymer chain motions will affect several ion binding sites simultaneously or serially, the model is further elaborated to account for correlations in the segmental motions of the polymer host. The renewal of the bonds is changed from occurring randomly to include simple correlation effects. Of principal concern in this study is the effect that correlated renewals have on the transport behavior of the model. Simulations were done on a 1-D lattice and a diffusion coefficient calculated. The values of the diffusion coefficients from the two systems (with and without correlated renewal) are studied and their behavior as a function of the fraction of available bonds, f, and the renewal time is compared. For both correlated and uncorrelated renewals, the systems were diffusive. The diffusion coefficients, in both cases, increased with increasing f and decreasing τ ren , corresponding to an increase in the free volume, the configurational entropy, and the temperature of the polymer systems. The diffusion coefficient from the correlated systems were always smaller than those from the uncorrelated systems, except for the limit f = 100% and τ ren ⪡ τ hop . The ratio of the diffusion coefficients for the correlated and uncorrelated systems was studied as a function of τ ren and f. This ratio falls off to a constant value as τ ren is increased and reaches minimum value at f = 50%. This behavior of the ratio as a function of f can be explained by considering the diffusion of the bonds in the lattice for the correlated case.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,13,13,14,14-Dodeca­chloro-1,4,4a,4b,5,8,8a,12b-octa­hydro-1,4:5,8-dimethano­triphenyl­ene at 90 K

The previously reported room-temperature crystal structure [Jaud Baldy, Negrel, Poite & Chanon (1993). Z. Kristallogr. 204, 289–291] of the title compound, C20H8Cl12, is monoclinic with Z′ = 1, whereas the 90 K structure reported herein is triclinic with Z′ = 2 and shows a 2% volume contraction. The crystallographically independent unit chosen consists of both enanti­omers (Λ and Δ) of this propeller-like mol­ecule. Both enanti­omers display quasi-twofold symmetry, with average bond-length/bond-angle deviations of 0.0018 (4) A and 0.41 (2)° for Λ, and 0.0026 (4) A and 0.50 (2)° for Δ.
Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Assessments of Mitigation Sites Compared to Natural Reference Wetlands in Pennsylvania

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed revisions to the Mitigation Rule of the Clean Water Act in 2008. These revisions encourage states to carry out mitigation in a watershed context, prioritizing mitigation site design and placement by overall watershed need, to the extent appropriate and practicable (33 C.F.R. 332.3(c)). States are expected to establish monitoring programs and measureable performance standards for mitigation wetlands. In Pennsylvania, hydrogeomorphic (HGM)-based assessments involving 222 reference wetlands were used to compare mitigation wetland performance. For this study, 72 mitigation wetlands were sampled in 2007 and 2008 from three categories – Pennsylvania Wetland Replacement Program sites, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation mitigation banks, and permit required compensatory mitigation sites. Mitigation wetlands were intensively sampled using a Level 3 - Intensive methodology developed by Riparia. Field data and GIS computed variables were used to derive the scores of 10 HGM functional capacities. Overall, mitigation sites displayed lower potential to perform a characteristic wetland function than reference wetlands. Depressions show the greatest discrepancy, while fringing sites showed the least amount of difference from reference scores. Mitigation site size, age, and type were not significant factors in functional capacity index scores.
Tales of Conde Autoethnography and the Body Politics of Performative Writing

In this performance autoethnography I am talking about the “new writing” that is everywhere, but still, it is also nowhere. This is also about Conde, a poor Black Brazilian soccer fan. Mixing together stories I wrote for my master thesis, memories, notes, and ‘leftovers’ of my field work, my lived experiences, plus six years of my life as grad student at the University of Illinois, I am looking for ways to decolonize inquiry; to decolonize academia. This performance discusses and interrogates forms of representation, knowledge production and experience, method and theory, about the other. All of these issues are pertinent to any field of knowledge which deals with issues of social justice in the lives of human beings.
The effect of PtO2·H2O additions on the Y2BaCuO5 morphology in melt textured YBa2Cu3O7−χ

Abstract YBa2Cu3O7−χ (123) pellets doped with 0.5 wt.% of PtO2·H2O were melt textured to determine the effects of PtO2 additions on the microstructure of melt textured 123. The addition of PtO2·H2O resulted in both a refinement and a change in the morphology of the Y2BaCuO5 (211) phase. The 211 particles are more acicular in melt textured PtO2-doped 123 than in undoped melt textured 123. The 211 particles were found to segregate and form tracks in the melt textured PtO2-doped 123 samples.
Day Reporting Center and Recidivism: Comparing Offender Groups in a Western Pennsylvania County Study

In this study the authors report on an investigation comparing the recidivism and other variables of two similar offender populations in a western Pennsylvania county. The two groups were comparable in offense type, size (N = 63 for each) and other variables such as sex, race and age range. One group represented offenders who received a sentence that included incarceration, whereas the treatment group offenders were sentenced to some form of day reporting and other intermediate punishment measures. In addition, the authors investigated recidivism within 36 months of the sentence, with recidivism qualified as probationary violations as well as rearrests. Results indicate that day reporting sentencing not only saved the county incarceration costs, but also yielded a lower recidivism rate to a statistically significant degree. Additional research is needed to further clarify and test the efficacy of day reporting as an intermediate sentencing option.
Parametric study of turbulent slot-jet impingement heat transfer from concave cylindrical surfaces

Abstract Numerical investigation of convective heat transfer process from concave cylindrical surfaces due to turbulent slot-jet impingement is performed. Constant heat flux condition is specified at the concave surfaces. The flow and thermal fields in the vicinity of the surfaces are computed using the RNG k–ɛ turbulence model with a two-layer near wall treatment. Parametric studies are carried out for various jet-exit Reynolds numbers, surface curvature, and nozzle-to-surface spacing. Results presented include streamlines, isotherms, velocity and temperature profiles in the wall-jet region, and the local Nusselt number distribution on the impingement concave wall for various parameter values in the study. The results indicate that while the jet-exit Reynolds number and the surface curvature have a significant effect on the heat transfer process, it is relatively insensitive to the jet-to-target spacing. A correlation for the average Nusselt number at the concave surface as a function of the parameters considered in the study is also derived.
Accurate chip leakage prediction: Challenges and solutions

A systematic method is proposed to address modeling challenges in accurate chip level leakage prediction, namely a precise total leakage width count method, a simple model to quantify leakage uplift caused by systematic across-chip variation, and a consistent model to capture 3-sigma leakage and leakage spread at fixed performance.
OXYGEN INDUCED RETINOPATHY IN THE MOUSE: RETINAL SCORING SYSTEM. 902

PURPOSE: To develop a scoring system for the mouse model of oxygen induced retinopathy based on examining retinal whole mount preparations.
Effect of hemicholinium on the morphology of the developing chick embryo.

Abstract Hemicholinium (HC-3), an acetylcholine blocking agent, was injected into the yolk sac of fertile White Leghorn chicken eggs in dosages of 0.01–10,000 μg/egg on days 0, 1, 5, and 14 of incubation. Embryo mortality was not day or dose dependent. Teratogenic (generative) effects were found in chicks hatched from eggs injected on day 0 and day 1; the organs affected were bone, brain, liver, and kidney. Shortening of the long bones, necrosis of the brain, cholesterol clefts and distortion of the architecture of the liver, and distortion of the renal tubular epithelium were observed. Toxic (degenerative) changes in the growing fetus were found in chicks hatched from eggs injected on days 0, 1, 5, and 14. Skeletal muscle, and to a lesser extent heart muscle, exhibited karyorrhexis, broken muscle bundles, and lymphocytic infiltration. Muscle weakness was seen in a few hatched chicks and was also evident in a number of chicks which survived to term but were too weak to break out of the shell. It is concluded that hemicholinium produces teratogenic and toxic effects in the developing chicken.
Effects of water quality on larval settlement in Los Angeles Harbor as determined by multivariate statistical techniques

Settling racks were placed at different locations within Los Angeles Harbor representing a variety of water quality conditions. Larval settlement was monitored quantitatively and qualitatively at monthly intervals for a two year period. Abiotic parameters were measured at monthly intervals and included temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, primary productivity, nitrates, nitrite, NH 3 H 2 S, tidal flux and sediment chemistry. Multivariate statistical techniques were applied in an attempt to define the major physical parameters affecting larval distribution and settlement success. Hierarchical classificatory methods were used to define site and species groups. Normal and inverse hierarchies were used to construct two-way tables to determine environmentally dependent species assemblages. Ordination techniques were applied to determine abiotic trends and define those parameters contributing significantly to settlement success.
Development of a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine/Steam Plant for Training Marine and Power Engineers

The integration of micro turbine engines into the engineering programs offered at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) has created a dynamic, hands-on approach to learning the theoretical and operational characteristics of a turbojet engine. Maine Maritime Academy is a fully accredited college of Engineering, Science and International Business located on the coast of Maine and has over 850 undergraduate students. The majority of the students are enrolled in one of five majors offered at the college in the Engineering Department. MMA already utilizes gas turbines and steam plants as part of the core engineering training with fully operational turbines and steam plant laboratories. As background, this paper will overview the unique hands-on nature of the engineering programs offered at the institution with a focus of implementation of a micro gas turbine trainer into all engineering majors taught at the college. The training demonstrates the effectiveness of a working gas turbine to translate theory into practical applications and real world conditions found in the operation of a combustion turbine. This paper presents the efforts of developing a combined cycle power plant for training engineers in the operation and performance of such a plant. Combined cycle power plants are common in the power industry due to their high thermal efficiencies. As gas turbines/electric power plants become implemented into marine applications, it is expected that combined cycle plants will follow. Maine Maritime Academy has a focus on training engineers for the marine and stationary power industry. The trainer described in this paper is intended to prepare engineers in the design and operation of this type of plant, as well as serve as a research platform for operational and technical study in plant performance. This work describes efforts to combine these laboratory resources into an operating combined cycle plant. Specifically, we present efforts to integrate a commercially available, 65 kW gas turbine generator system with our existing steam plant. The paper reviews the design and analysis of the system to produce a 78 kW power plant that approaches 35% thermal efficiency. The functional operation of the plant as a trainer is presented as the plant is designed to operate with the same basic functionality and control as a larger commercial plant.© 2007 ASME
The human infrastructure of ICTD

We argue for the importance of understanding the human infrastructure in ICTD projects. We do this through two field studies in low-income communities of Bangalore, India---on technology usage in urban slums and mobile media sharing on a wider scale. We offer ICTD researchers and practitioners an analytical lens to understand the shared social norms and practices, flows of information and materials, and creative processes that underlie existing information and communication access. We then provide a discussion of the systemic processes (usage, maintenance, and diffusion) and properties that constitute a human infrastructure. We end with opportunistic areas for ICT4D and human infrastructures. Through such a lens, we offer ICTD designers and researchers ways of understanding use and everyday practice to respond to developmental challenges through technologies.
A survey of family medical care under three types of health insurance.

Abstract The major findings of the survey may be summarized as follows: First, the sample of families belonging to the Kaiser Foundation health plan had as much in-hospital care, and somewhat more office and home care, than did the families covered by New Jersey Blue Cross-Blue Shield and by the General Electric health insurance. Second, although the Kaiser plan subscribers lived in the San Francisco Bay area, where the price of medical care is high, the total cost of their health insurance and their medical care was no higher than for the other community-rated plan, that is, for New Jersey Blue Cross-Blue Shield. Third, although New Jersey Blue Cross-Blue Shield is largely an in-hospital plan, it covered nearly the same proportion of the family's bill for medical care as did the ‘comprehensive’ General Electric major medical plan. However, the latter gave somewhat better protection to the important group of families who had very high medical bills during the survey year.
A limited sampling strategy for the estimation of Neoral AUCs in pediatric patients.

The improved pharmacokinetics of Neoral allows the development of an accurate estimate of the full area under the concentration time curve (AUC) from a limited sampling strategy. As no such strategy has been derived from pharmacokinetic data obtained from children on 12-hourly dosing, and as patient convenience demands shorter sampling times, we derived a limited sampling strategy from 45 AUCs obtained from 19 pediatric renal transplant patients by stepwise forward multiple regression, and prospectively tested them on a separate group of 49 AUCs obtained from 18 pediatric renal transplant patients. Full cyclosporine (CsA) AUCs were obtained from samples drawn pre dose (C0) and at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 h post dose (C2, C4, C6, C8, and C12). High-precision predictions of full AUC were obtained based on the formula: AUC = 444 + 3.69 × C0 + 1.77 × C2 + 4.1 × C4 (mean prediction error ± SD = 0.3 ± 6.4%, 95% confidence interval=–1.7% to 1.9%.) In conclusion, CsA exposure in pediatric renal transplant patients on 12-hourly Neoral dosing can be reliably predicted by an early time point-based limited sampling strategy in children. This formula has the advantage of obtaining trough as well as AUC from one brief, convenient sampling period.
A REMARK ON TWO SOLUTIONS TO THE RATIONAL NEHARI INTERPOLATION PROBLEM

This paper shows that the formulas developed in [9], from the Schur representation for the Commutant Lifting Theorem, readily yield the usual state space solutions to the rational Nehari interpolation problem.
TIM Selection for an IGBT Cold Plate Using Experimental and Numerical Modeling

Experimental measurements were used in conjunction with a numerical model to perform an in situ analysis of an IGBT cooling solution with a cold plate utilizing an 85–90°C ethylene glycol-water mixture as the cooling fluid. This process was used to aid in the selection of an appropriate thermal interface material (TIM) for the application. The effects of elevated temperature and thermal cycling on the performance of the TIM were investigated during the selection procedure. Applying the thermal grease with the cold plate at 70°C rather than 30°C caused a reduction in the junction to case resistance of 74% and 78% for the two thermal greases tested.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Merosin Promotes Neurite Growth and Schwann Cell Migration in Vitro and Nerve Regeneration in Vivo: Evidence Using an Antibody to Merosin, ARM-1

Monoclonal antibodies that block the cellular function(s) of specific antigens can provide valuable probes for in vitro and in vivo bioassays. With the goal of understanding the molecular basis of neuron-Schwann cell interactions during development and regeneration, we have sought antibodies that interfere with the function of merosin, the predominant laminin isoform present in the Schwann cell basement membrane. To identify the biological functions of merosin in the peripheral nervous system, we studied Schwann cell migration and neurite outgrowth in vitro and nerve regeneration in vivo, in the presence and the absence of a monoclonal antibody that we believe binds to merosin, ARM-1 (Anti Rodent Merosin-1). The ARM-1 antibody blocked both neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration in vitro. This antibody also reduced neuritic branching in vitro. In vivo, the ARM-1 antibody blocked the regeneration of sympathetic nerve fibers in the rat iris. The blockade of neurite outgrowth and Schwann cell migration by ARM-1 antibody suggests that merosin is involved in facilitating the two most critical cellular events during the normal development and regeneration of peripheral nerves, i.e., axon growth and Schwann cell migration. Furthermore, the regulation of both Schwann cell migration and axon growth by the ARM-1 antigen implies that these two cellular events obey a common set of molecular signals during the development and regeneration of peripheral nerves.
A sensitive assay for flavin mononucleotide using the bacterial bioluminescence reaction

Abstract Investigations of the feasibility of the bacterial bioluminescence reaction as the basis of an extraterrestrial life detection system have resulted in the development of a photometric technique for the quantitative detection of 10 −11 gm of flavin mononucleotide (FMN). The FMN, reduced with sodium borohydride and palladium chloride in solution, is a required component of the in vitro bacterial bioluminescent reaction. Under the conditions of the procedure, we have found a linear relationship between light intensity and concentration of reduced FMN. The concentrations of FMN in bacteria, urine, and blood have been determined.
Conquest---An Open-Source Dialog System for Conferences

We describe ConQuest, an open-source, reusable spoken dialog system that provides technical program information during conferences. The system uses a transparent, modular and open infrastructure, and aims to enable applied research in spoken language interfaces. The conference domain is a good platform for applied research since it permits periodical redeployments and evaluations with a real user-base. In this paper, we describe the system's functionality, overall architecture, and we discuss two initial deployments.
The Actin-Binding Protein UNC-115/abLIM Controls Formation of Lamellipodia and Filopodia and Neuronal Morphogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans

The roles of actin-binding proteins in development and morphogenesis are not well understood. The actin-binding protein UNC-115 has been implicated in cytoskeletal signaling downstream of Rac in Caenorhabditis elegans axon pathfinding, but the cellular role of UNC-115 in this process remains undefined. Here we report that UNC-115 overactivity in C. elegans neurons promotes the formation of neurites and lamellipodial and filopodial extensions similar to those induced by activated Rac and normally found in C. elegans growth cones. We show that UNC-115 activity in neuronal morphogenesis is enhanced by two molecular mechanisms: when ectopically driven to the plasma membrane by the myristoylation sequence of c-Src, and by mutation of a putative serine phosphorylation site in the actin-binding domain of UNC-115. In support of the hypothesis that UNC-115 modulates actin cytoskeletal organization, we show that UNC-115 activity in serum-starved NIH 3T3 fibroblasts results in the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia. We conclude that UNC-115 is a novel regulator of the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia in neurons, possibly in the growth cone during axon pathfinding.
Fingerprint identification using space invariant transforms

An optical modeless Automatic Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFISs) is presented. The system uses a segmented Fourier-Mellin transform to preprocess the images. Image identification is performed using a HAusdorff-Voronoi NETwork (HAVNET), an artificial neural network designed for two-dimensional binary pattern recognition.
REPRODUCTION, PREGNANCY, AND CIRCULATING REPRODUCTIVE HORMONES IN THE LACTATING SIBERIAN HAMSTER (PHODOPUS SUNGORUS)

The Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus) has a post-partum estrus in which it may mate, ovulate, and become pregnant. The pregnancy proceeds as a normal pregnancy while suckling young. Delayed implantation does not exist in this species. If the female fails to become pregnant during the post-partum estrus, at least one and possibly two other estrous cycles follow in which she may mate and become pregnant. Of 88 litters born after the first litter from 20 pairs of Siberian hamsters during their reproductive life span the days elapsing/mean number of young (± SEM) were as follows: 18–23 days (5.85 ± 0.3, n = 33), 24–29 (5.16 ± 0.4, n = 19), 30–35 (4.25 ± 0.6, n = 8), 40–49 (4.33 ± 0.4, n = 16), 50–52 (5.80 ± 1.0, n = 5), 62–65 (4.00 ± 1.2, n = 3), 70–78 (2.75 ± 0.6, n = 4). No correlation could be found between the number of young nursing and the number of days between litters. Circulating plasma levels of progesterone (P), prolactin (Prl), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were radioimmunoassayed from lactating pregnant and non-pregnant Siberian hamsters and from lactating Syrian and Chinese hamsters at 2, 5, 10, and 15 days post-partum. At 5 days post-partum, both pregnant and non-pregnant Siberian hamsters exhibited significantly higher levels of P than Syrian or Chinese hamsters. Prl levels were significantly lower in Siberian hamsters at 2 and 5 days post-partum when compared with those in Syrian hamsters. Selected rank-order comparisons showed a strong negative correlation (P<.001) between P and Prl for pregnant lactating Siberian hamsters.
Vitamin D, Cardiovascular Disease, and Survival in Dialysis Patients

Dialysis patients have an increased burden of cardiovascular disease, with >70% of patients dying from a cardiovascular event. Several recent retrospective cohort studies have shown an association of treatment with calcitriol or its analogs and improved survival. The similar findings of these studies increase the validity of the observations, but these studies are subject to biases inherent in this type of study design. In particular, the nonrandom choice to treat, lack of information on concomitant medications, and differences in characteristics of patients who are treated compared with those not treated can lead to significant bias. Thus, prospective studies are needed. Two, small, uncontrolled, prospective studies showed improvement in left ventricular hypertrophy in dialysis patients treated with α-calcidiol or calcitriol, and there is abundant animal and in vitro studies showing biological plausibility. Thus, given the available evidence, it seems prudent to advise that most dialysis patients receive some form of vitamin D while we await results of a prospective interventional trial. The unknown is what type and how much to give, and whether this approach is safe, especially in patients with low levels of PTH.
VENTURE CAPITALISTS IN ASIA: A COMPARISON WITH THE U.S. AND EUROPE

This research utilizes an institutional perspective to examine the behavior of venture capital professionals in three distinct regions of the world (Asia, U.S., Europe). Based upon a mail survey, we find reasonably consistent views around the world on the relative importance of various venture capitalist roles. However, we find that how those roles are implemented is shaped by cognitive institutional influences in the given region. We find that a model developed in the U.S. to predict the amount of venture capitalist/CEO interaction is not valid in Asia. Further, Asian boards have much greater insider representation than do U.S. or European boards. We attribute these difference to the greater emphasis in Asia on the importance of collective action.
Cultural Variations in Parental Health Beliefs, Knowledge, and Information Sources Related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

This study explores cultural variance in parental health beliefs, knowledge, and information sources related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Structured interviews were completed by a representative community sample of 1,615 parents, including an ADHD knowledge and perceptions survey, behavioral questionnaires, and inquiries about ADHD detection and treatment. Most parents had heard about ADHD and considered themselves knowledgeable about it but were unaware of relevant school services; those who were aware rated their knowledge levels as low. Compared to their Caucasian counterparts, African American parents reported less ADHD awareness and lower self-rated knowledge. They experienced fewer cues to action, such as receiving ADHD information from teachers or reading media accounts. Furthermore, they made more etiological attributions to sugar intake and expected less benefit from treatment. Study findings suggest a compelling need for more culturally appropriate approaches to educating ...
Analysis of Digital System Performance in EAM-Based Photocurrent Driven Wavelength Converter

This work describes the factors that influence the digital system performance of a monolithically integrated photocurrent driven wavelength converter. For an optimized input power to the receiver section of the device, experiments show <1-dB power penalty for conversion between 1548 and 1563 nm at 10 Gb/s. Under optimized conditions, performance is limited by the output extinction ratio of the converted signals
The Economic Resource Receipt of New Mothers

U.S. federal policies do not provide a universal social safety net of economic support for women during pregnancy or the immediate postpartum period but assume that employment and/or marriage will protect families from poverty. Yet even mothers with considerable human and marital capital may experience disruptions in employment, earnings, and family socioeconomic status postbirth. We use the National Survey of Families and Households to examine the economic resources that mothers with children ages 2 and younger receive postbirth, including employment, spouses, extended family and social network support, and public assistance. Results show that many new mothers receive resources postbirth. Marriage or postbirth employment does not protect new mothers and their families from poverty, but education, race, and the receipt of economic supports from social networks do.
Network Security for Client-Server Architecture Using Wiretap Codes

We propose a method that provides information-theoretic security for client-server communications. By introducing an appropriate encoding scheme, we show how a client-server architecture under active attacks can be modeled as a binary-erasure wiretap channel. The secrecy capacity of the equivalent wiretap channel is then used as a metric to optimize the architecture and limit the impact of the attacks. Upper and lower bounds of the optimal secrecy capacity are derived and analyzed. While still mostly of theoretical interest, our analysis sheds some light on the practical design of resistant and secure client-server architectures.
Taking an object-oriented view of accelerators

It was almost a decade ago that accelerator experts were introduced to the concept of object-oriented programming. This new methodology was expected to play a key role in solving various software problems. Today, there seems be nothing that prevents us from taking advantage of this new technology. In fact, we are often forced to catch up with the computer industry's new standard. This is especially true for graphics programming. While evaluating the benefits of using this new technology, we must also evaluate whether it is as effective as it was claimed. In this paper, we discuss these issues based on experiences at the Advanced Light Source.
Voltage Scalable High-Speed Robust Hybrid Arithmetic Units Using Adaptive Clocking

In this paper, we explore various arithmetic units for possible use in high-speed, high-yield ALUs operated at scaled supply voltage with adaptive clock stretching. We demonstrate that careful logic optimization of the existing arithmetic units (to create hybrid units) indeed make them further amenable to supply voltage scaling. Such hybrid units result from mixing right amount of fast arithmetic into the slower ones. Simulations on different hybrid adder and multipliers in BPTM 70 nm technology show 18%-50% improvements in power compared to standard adders with only 2%-8% increase in die-area at iso-yield. These optimized datapath units can be used to construct voltage scalable robust ALUs that can operate at high clock frequency with minimal performance degradation due to occasional clock stretching.
An organizational dilemma: a conceptual model for supporting media-based distance education

The authors develop a conceptual model which outlines an integrated multilevel organizational approach to encourage faculty involvement in media-based distance education programs. Results from a preliminary validation study of the conceptual model, based on a case study approach, are shared. The model was supported on many counts, especially at the group and individual level. Departmental support, departmental ownership in the programs, departmental control over courses and faculty, administrative assistance to faculty, and monetary incentives to faculty are among the most important contributors to the success in attracting faculty to teach on TV. In addition, the administrative support and structure of CEE (continuing engineering education) within the schools of engineering is believed to strengthen CEE's ability to attract support for its graduate credit programs. The experience at CEE also pointed to the inability to attract faculty to teach when programs are not supported by the department, as in the case of noncredit videotape short courses and other noncredit programs. >
Genetics of Alzheimer's disease: recent advances

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with high prevalence in old age. It is the most common cause of dementia, with a risk reaching 50% after the age of 85 years, and with the increasing age of the population it is one of the biggest healthcare challenges of the 21st century. Genetic variation is an important contributor to the risk for this disease, underlying an estimated heritability of about 70%. Alzheimer's genetics research in the 1990s was successful in identifying three genes accounting for most cases of early-onset disease with autosomal dominant inheritance, and one gene involved in the more common late-onset disease, which shows complex inheritance patterns. Despite the presence of significant remaining genetic contribution to the risk, the identification of genes since then has been elusive, reminiscent of most other complex disorders. In the past decade there have been significant efforts towards a systematic evaluation of the multiple genetic association studies for Alzheimer's disease, while the first genome-wide association studies are now being reported with promising results. As sample sizes grow through new collections and collaborative efforts, and as new technologies make it possible to test alternative hypotheses, it is expected that new genes involved in the disease will soon be identified and confirmed. The gene discoveries of the 1990s have taught us a lot about Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, providing many therapeutic targets that are currently at various stages of testing for future clinical use. As new genes become known and the biological pathways leading to disease are further explored, the possibility of prevention and successful personalized treatment is becoming tangible, providing hope for the millions of patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.
1.5:1 meshed AlloDerm bolsters for stapled rectal anastomoses does not provide any advantage in anastomotic strength in a porcine model

Introduction: The most feared complication of colorectal anastomoses is leaks resulting in severe morbidity. The concept of staple-line reinforcement is a growing area of interest. In this study, t...
Tryptophan-depletion challenge in depressed patients treated with desipramine or fluoxetine: implications for the role of serotonin in the mechanism of antidepressant action.

Abstract Background: Brain serotonin (5-HT) content is dependent on plasma levels of the essential amino acid, tryptophan (TRP). We have previously reported that rapid TRP depletion more frequently reversed the antidepressant response to monoamine oxidase inhibitors and 5-HT reuptake inhibitors than to desipramine (DMI). This study further investigates the relationship of relapse during TRP depletion to antidepressant type in nonrefractory, depressed patients randomly assigned to treatment with either DMI or fluoxetine (FLU). Methods: Fifty-five drug-free depressed (DSM-III-R) patients were randomly assigned to antidepressant treatment with either DMI or FLU. All patients were either treatment naive ( n = 34) or had previously received successful antidepressant treatment ( n = 21). During the treatment phase, 35 patients had therapeutic responses by predetermined criteria (DMI 18/25; FLU 17/23) and 30 of these (15 DMI responders and 15 FLU responders) went on to TRP depletion testing. Patients received two 2-day test sessions involving administration of similar amino acid drinks. One session led to rapid TRP depletion and the other did not. Behavioral ratings [Hamilton Depression Scale (HDRS)] and plasma for TRP levels were obtained prior to, during, and after testing. Relapse was defined as a 50% increase in HDRS with total ≤ 17. Results: Total and free TRP decreased 70% to 80% 5 hours after the TRP-free drink. While 8/15 FLU responders relapsed, only 1/15 of the DMI responders relapsed. No patient experienced significant depressive symptoms during control testing. Conclusions: Rapid depletion of plasma TRP transiently reverses the antidepressant response in many patients on FLU but not DMI. Depressive relapse during TRP depletion appears to be more related to antidepressant type than to patient variables since patients were randomly assigned to the two treatments. Antidepressant response to FLU appears to be more dependent on 5-HT availability than that of DMI, suggesting that antidepressants mediate their therapeutic effects through different mechanisms.
Classical and Modern Methods of Psychological Scale Construction

Scale construction is a growth enterprise in the psychological literature. Unfortunately, many measures promise much but are severely limited by the inadequacies of their conceptualization and execution. In this paper, a model for developing psychological scales is presented that is rooted in the traditions of construct validity and classical test theory but informed by modern psychometric methods. Construct validity is conceptualized as a guiding principle in each of three phases of scale development, focused on (i) construct conceptualization and development of the initial item pool, (ii) item selection and structural validity, and (iii) assessment of external validity vis-a-vis other measures and relevant nontest criteria.
Cloud Tracking with Satellite Imagery: From the Pioneering Work of Ted Fujita to the Present

Abstract Tetsuya (Ted) Fujita was a pioneer in remote sensing of atmospheric motion. When meteorological satellites were introduced, he developed techniques for precise analysis of satellite measurements (sequences of images from polar orbiting platforms first and then from geostationary platforms). Soon after his initial work, the ability to track clouds and relate them to flow patterns in the atmosphere was transferred into routine operations at the national forecast centers. Cloud motion vectors derived from geostationary satellite imagery have evolved into an important data source of meteorological information, especially over the oceans. The current National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service operational production of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite cloud and water vapor motion winds continues to perform well; rms differences with respect to raob's are found to be 6.5–7.5 m s–1.
Safety and Immunogenicity of a Bivalent Group B Streptococcal Conjugate Vaccine for Serotypes II and III

To determine whether 2 monovalent group B streptococcus (GBS) serotype II or III capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-tetanus toxoid (TT) conjugate vaccines combined in a single intramuscular dose would elicit immune responses comparable to those of monovalent vaccines, 75 healthy adults were randomized to receive GBS II-TT (3.6 micro g of CPS), GBS III-TT (12.5 micro g of CPS), or a bivalent mixture of GBS II-TT/III-TT vaccine (double-masked design). Vaccines were well tolerated. Four-fold or greater increases in GBS II or III CPS-specific IgG, respectively, were noted in postimmunization serum samples from 80%-90% of bivalent conjugate vaccine recipients, and these responses were similar to those of recipients of GBS II-TT or GBS III-TT monovalent vaccines. Immune serum samples promoted the opsonophagocytic killing of types II and III GBS in vitro. Unexpectedly, some recipients of these vaccines developed cross-reactive antibodies to the structurally similar heterologous polysaccharide. These results support the feasibility of a multivalent vaccine for the 5 prevalent invasive disease-causing GBS CPS serotypes.
Social support in elderly patients with bipolar disorder.

Objective: The role of social support in bipolar disorder is poorly understood. It is known that young and middle-aged patients with impaired social support are more likely to be treatment resistant and have increased hospitalization. However, the role of social support in elderly patients with bipolar disorder has not been studied. Our purpose was to evaluate social support in older adults with bipolar disorder compared with peer controls and younger bipolar patients. In addition, we looked at the role of social support in the age of illness onset. Methods: We evaluated social support of 29 older subjects with bipolar disorder (age 50 or older) and 56 younger subjects with bipolar disorder using the Duke Social Support Index, comparing them to non-psychiatric, peer controls. Using logistic regression we then examined the relationship of demographic, social support factors, and age of onset. Results: Both older and younger bipolar subjects perceived their social support as inadequate (OR=14.98; OR=9.05) compared with similar aged controls. Younger bipolar subjects also had less social interactions than younger controls (OR=4.63). These findings remained significant when controlled for gender, marital status, race, and education. No significant differences were noted between early-onset and late-onset bipolar subjects. Conclusions: Older and younger bipolar patients have decreased perceptions of social support than older controls. No effect was found based on the age of illness onset. In addition, younger subjects had less social interactions than peer controls.
A case study of a real-time evaluation of the risk of disease transmission associated with a failure to follow recommended sterilization procedures

Failures to follow recommendations for reprocessing of surgical instruments may place patients at risk for exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. When such failures occur, medical facilities often face considerable uncertainty and challenges in assessing the actual risks of disease transmission. In 2011, staff at an Ohio hospital determined that surgical instruments inside a Steriset Container had inadvertently been autoclaved on a gravity cycle rather than on the recommended pre-vacuum cycle, potentially exposing 72 patients who underwent surgery with the instruments to risk of infection. To provide an assessment of the level of risk, we tested the effectiveness of the machine washer/disinfector step and of the sterilization process inside the Steriset Container on the gravity cycle for killing of Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, Clostridium difficile spores, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Based on the test results, the risk of transmission of MRSA by the instruments was calculated and the risk of transmission of hepatitis B virus was estimated. The machine washer/disinfector consistently reduced MRSA recovery by a factor of 1:100,000. The sterilization process inside the Steriset Container consistently reduced MRSA concentrations by a factor of >1:10,000,000 and killed 105C. difficile spores and 105G. stearothermophilus spores. The risk of MRSA transmission due to the incident was calculated to be 1 in 100 trillion. The risk for transmission of infection due to the failure to follow recommended sterilization processes was negligible based upon complete killing of G. stearothermophilus biological indicator spores, C. difficile spores, and MRSA under conditions that replicated the incident where proper procedures were not followed. Such real-time assessments of the risks associated with specific incidents may provide evidence-based information that can be used to inform decisions regarding disclosure of the incident to patients.
The Readability and Complexity of District-Provided School-Choice Information

Public school choice has become a common feature in American school districts. Any potential benefits that could be derived from these policies depend heavily on the ability of parents and students to make informed and educated decisions about their school options. We examined the readability and complexity of school-choice guides across a sample of large urban districts. These guides are intended to assist parents in learning about their child's options and to help them make informed decisions about schools. We found that none of the guides examined were written within the range considered appropriate for all adults to comprehend. In large urban districts where there are a large proportion of parents that have low levels of literacy, it is likely that many parents will have difficulty comprehending the information presented in the choice guides. We provide some simple steps that could be taken to improve readability of these guides.
Measuring agreement and discord among hemagglutination inhibition assays against different ophidian paramyxovirus strains in the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus)

Abstract At present, the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay is the sole commercially available serologic method available to detect exposure to ophidian paramyxovirus (OPMV) in snakes. During 2006, 26 eastern massasaugas (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) were collected, and blood was sampled to determine their OPMV status. Samples from each snake were divided into 3 aliquots and tested by using commercially available HI assays against the 4 OPMV isolates used in the 3 laboratories that offer the service. All snakes were tested for antibodies by using HI assays against the green tree python (GTP), San Lucan rattlesnake (SLR), and Aruba Island rattlesnake (AIR) isolates. Twenty-five snakes were tested for antibodies against the western diamondback rattlesnake (WDR) isolate. All samples tested against the GTP and SLR were positive (26/26), whereas 56% (14/25) of the WDR assays were positive, and none (0/ 26) of the AIR assays yielded a positive result. There was 100% agreement between the GTP and SLR assay...