cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coping Skills Training in Individuals with an Intellectual Disability

The mental health and well-being of individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) have received scant empirical attention until the past 20 years. This chapter provides an overview of therapy approaches that have been evaluated for children, adolescents, and adults with an ID, including cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. A critical analysis of contemporary research evaluating the effectiveness of these treatments for a range of mental health issues is presented, together with a description of how the content and process of therapy can be appropriately tailored to meet the needs of clients with an ID. Core principles for adapting therapy are also illustrated with a case example. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future research to improve the quality and accessibility of mental health services to this underserved population.
Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS)

Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) is a progressive syndrome of tremor and ataxia occurring in FMR1 (fragile X gene) premutation carriers which may also result in parkinsonism, dementia, neuropathy, and/or dysautonomia. MRI shows increased white matter signal, particularly in the middle cerebellar peduncles. FXTAS results from CGG-mediated FMR1 RNA toxicity with intranuclear inclusion formation.
Effects of Sodium Caseinate and Varying Protein Sources on In Vitro Fermentation of Forages by Mixed Equine Cecal Microorganisms.

To assess the impact of protein on fermentation by equine cecal microorganisms, cecal fluid from 4 cecally cannulated horses was used to inoculate fermentation bottles containing buffer, forage, and supplemental protein. In experiment 1, sodium caseinate (SC) provided 0, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, or 4% additional crude protein (CP) to bottles containing alfalfa or native warm-season prairie grass hay. Bottles were equipped with continuous gas pressure monitors and placed into a shaking incubator for 48 hours at 39°C. Cultures with alfalfa had greater (P < .0001) in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber disappearance (NDFD), acid detergent fiber disappearance (ADFD), cumulative gas production, and total volatile fatty acid (VFA). Sodium caseinate increased gas production (P ≤ .05) and decreased pH (P < .003) in cultures with grass hay. Sodium caseinate at 1%, 2%, or 4% additional CP increased IVDMD, NDFD, and ADFD (P < .01), while 4% additional CP also increased total VFA (P < .01). For experiment 2, SC, fishmeal, soybean meal (SBM), whey, porcine blood plasma, and L-lysine hydrochloride were added to supply 2% additional CP to cultures with grass hay. All protein sources decreased pH and increased IVDMD, NDFD, and ADFD (P ≤ .01), with the largest effects elicited by SC, L-lysine, and whey (P ≤ .05). Total VFA (P ≤ .04) and gas (P ≤ .05) production increased with L-lysine, whey, SC, SBM, and fishmeal. While protein supplementation had minimal effects on cultures containing alfalfa, it altered fermentation of grass hay, more notably with more soluble protein sources.
Middle School Student Perception of Technology Use and Digital Citizenship Practices

Digital citizenship is defined as using knowledge and skills to exhibit appropriate behavior online using digital technology. Two hundred and thirty-seven middle school students were surveyed about...
Metabolic Engineering Strategies of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): A Brief Review of the Advances and Challenges

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a diploid (2n = 20), dioecious plant that is grown for fiber, seed, and oil. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in this crop because of its panoply of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phenolic compounds. Specifically, hemp contains terpenophenolic compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG), which act on cannabinoid receptors and positively regulate various human metabolic, immunological, and physiological functions. CBD and CBG have an effect on the cytokine metabolism, which has led to the examination of cannabinoids on the treatment of viral diseases, including COVID-19. Based on genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic studies, several synthetic pathways of hemp secondary metabolite production have been elucidated. Nevertheless, there are few reports on hemp metabolic engineering despite obvious impact on scientific and industrial sectors. In this article, recent status and current perspectives on hemp metabolic engineering are reviewed. Three distinct approaches to expedite phytochemical yield are discussed. Special emphasis has been placed on transgenic and transient gene delivery systems, which are critical for successful metabolic engineering of hemp. The advent of new tools in synthetic biology, particularly the CRISPR/Cas systems, enables environment-friendly metabolic engineering to increase the production of desirable hemp phytochemicals while eliminating the psychoactive compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
High-performance ternary blend polymer solar cells involving both energy transfer and hole relay processes

The integration of multiple materials with complementary absorptions into a single junction device is regarded as an efficient way to enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). However, because of increased complexity with one more component, only limited high-performance ternary systems have been demonstrated previously. Here we report an efficient ternary blend OSC with a PCE of 9.2%. We show that the third component can reduce surface trap densities in the ternary blend. Detailed studies unravel that the improved performance results from synergistic effects of enlarged open circuit voltage, suppressed trap-assisted recombination, enhanced light absorption, increased hole extraction, efficient energy transfer and better morphology. The working mechanism and high device performance demonstrate new insights and design guidelines for high-performance ternary blend solar cells and suggest that ternary structure is a promising platform to boost the efficiency of OSCs.
Ultrasonic microscopy using low frequency transducers

Ultrasonic microscopy that mainly concerns itself with depth profiling and characterizing thin layers relies on not only the resolution of the transducer impulse response but also the frequency characterization of propagation paths. The frequency dependent absorption and scattering limits the use of high frequency transducers for improved resolution, detection, and characterization. The information obtained from low frequency transducers is significantly concealed, and not readily resolvable but can be improved by deconvolving the transducer impulse echo from the backscattered echoes. In this study, we adaptively estimate the echo wavelets and their arrival times directly from the experimental measurement using echo models. The estimation of model parameters is addressed using the SAGE algorithm. The model order selection is carried out using the Minimum Description Length (MDL) principle. We have observed that the model-based estimation significantly improves the accuracy and resolution of echo location and amplitude when compared to conventional techniques such as the Wiener Filter and Pseudoinverse solution.
Future Perspectives in Educational Psychology

Miller and Reynolds highlight critical theoretical, research, and practice issues likely to inform and direct the field of educational psychology in the twenty-first century. Innovations and developments with the most promise for improving our understanding of learners, learning, and instruction in the future were identified, as were unresolved theoretical, methodological, and practical issues in need of further clarification and research. Issues that consistently surfaced across chapters are synthesized and themes and exemplars from educational psychology research are presented. The chapter concludes with an overview of prospective issues relevant to transforming the vast empirical knowledge base from the field of educational psychology into sound educational policy and reform. Keywords: educational policy; educational psychology; instructional research; learning; motivation; schooling
A New Gene Selection Technique Using Feature Selection Methodology.

The DNA Microarray technology can measure the expression levels of thousands of genes simultaneously, and produces huge volumes of gene expression data. Such gene data include complex variations among expression levels of genes in the various classes of samples, which allows for classifying and clustering the samples based on only a small subset of genes. We aim to identify those genes that demonstrate high capabilities of discrimination between the classes of samples (e.g. the normal vs disease tissue samples). We present a new technique for gene selection and extraction using various feature selection techniques. Our method is based on computing thresholds and discriminating capabilities of each gene, and classifying the data according to only those genes that have highest discriminating capabilities. The method extracts very small subsets of informative genes that can improve the classification accuracy. We applied the method on four different common gene expression datasets used mainly for this purpose. The method produces encouraging and competitive results of classification performance compared with recent similar techniques.
Convergence analysis in near-field imaging for elastic waves

A significant method has recently been developed for solving the inverse elastic surface scattering problem which arises from near-field imaging applications. The method utilizes the transformed field expansion along with the Fourier series expansion to deduce an analytic solution for the direct problem. Implemented via the fast Fourier transform, an explicit reconstruction formula is obtained to solve the linearized inverse problem. Numerical examples show that the method is efficient and effective to reconstruct scattering surfaces with subwavelength resolution. This paper is devoted to the mathematical analysis of the proposed method. The well-posedness is established for the solution of the direct problem. The convergence of the power series solution is examined. A local uniqueness result is proved for the inverse problem where a single incident field with a fixed frequency is needed. The error estimate is derived for the reconstruction formula. It provides a deep insight on the trade-off among resolu...
Strength demands of line handlers on the Panama canal

Vessels transiting the Panama Canal are guided through the locks using locomotives attached by means of towlines (made of wire rope), which are fastened to bitts on the deck by line handlers. The latter activity requires high pulling strength demands and is thought to be a cause of the high incidence of low back disorders in these workers. At the invitation of the Panama Canal Commission, NIOSH researchers evaluated the strength demands of line handlers and the strength capabilities of a line handling crew. Strength demands measured during a transit indicated high pulling force demands for attaching ropes to the bow and stern bitts (> 1000 N), but lower force requirements for midships bitts (< 400 N). Tests of pulling strength capabilities of a line handling crew suggest that at least 4-5 line handlers are needed to perform the most demanding tasks. When pulling upwards or downwards on a rope in a team effort, ordering the crew according to stature appears important. Simulation of slippery deck conditions resulted in a 13% decrease in team pulling strength. Though the short duration of the study prevented an extensive evaluation, the data obtained provides insight into the design aspects of occupations where team-pulling activities are required.
A laboratory testbed for sensor array processing experiments

An experimental array testbed constructed at the University of Minnesota is described. The system consists of a linear array of eight ultrasonic transducers and several transmitters operating at 40 KHz in air. The characteristics of the system and its calibration are described. Examples of the performances of several high-resolution direction-finding algorithms are shown. >
SPORULATION OF CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM TYPES A, B, AND E, CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS, AND PUTREFACTIVE ANAEROBE 3679 IN DIALYSIS SACS

Abstract Schneider, Morris D. (Quartermaster Food and Container Institute for the Armed Forces, U.S. Army, Chicago, Ill.), Nicholas Grecz, and Abe Anellis. Sporulation of Clostridium botulinum types A, B, and E, Clostridium perfringens, and Putrefactive Anaerobe 3679 in dialysis sacs. J. Bacteriol. 85:126–133. 1963.—Concentrated cultures of spores of Clostridium botulinum type A (33A, 37A), B (41B, 51B), and E (strain VH), C. perfringens (strain E), and Putrefactive Anaerobe 3679 were prepared in intussuscepted cellulose dialysis tubing. The apparatus consisted of a telescoped cellulose bag immersed into a suitable sporulation medium in a large Pyrex tube. The initial inoculum was a heavy suspension in physiological saline solution of either vegetative cells or heat-shocked spores. The seed material was introduced into the interior of the dialysis bag. Maximal spore populations were obtained within 10 to 12 days. Strains of C. botulinum type E and C. perfringens, known for their poor sporulation in conventional cultures, gave good spore crops in the dialysis bag. Some crops were of the order of 1010 and 1011 viable spores per liter of medium. The spores produced in the dialysis bag were conspicuously large, particularly after incubation for 20 to 30 days. Observations of the characteristics of spores formed in telescoped bags indicate that two highly resistant strains of C. botulinum, 33A and 41B, were apparently less resistant to gamma rays than spores of the same strains produced in identical media in conventional cultures.
Spatiotemporal characterization of land subsidence and uplift in Phoenix using InSAR time series and wavelet transforms

The effects of land subsidence pose a significant hazard to the environment and infrastructure in the arid, alluvial basins of Phoenix, Arizona. Improving our understanding of the source and mechanisms of subsidence is important for planning and risk management. Here we employ multitemporal interferometric analysis of large synthetic aperture radar data sets acquired by ERS and Envisat satellites to investigate ground deformation. The ERS data sets from 1992 to 1996 and Envisat, 2003–2010, are used to generate line of sight (LOS) time series and velocities in both the ascending and descending tracks. The general deformation pattern is consistent among data sets and is characterized by three zones of subsidence and a broad zone of uplift. The multitrack Envisat LOS time series of surface deformation are inverted to obtain spatiotemporal maps of the vertical and horizontal deformation fields. We use observation wells to provide an in situ, independent data set of hydraulic head levels. Then we analyze vertical interferometric synthetic aperture radar and hydraulic head level time series using continuous wavelet transform to separate periodic signal components and the long-term trend. The isolated signal components are used to estimate the elastic storage coefficient, the inelastic skeletal storage coefficient, and compaction time constants. Together these parameters describe the storage response of an aquifer system to changes in hydraulic head and surface elevation. Understanding aquifer parameters is useful for the ongoing management of groundwater resources.
The Use of Carbon Monoxide and T-1824 for Determining Blood Volume

Blood volume was determined with both T-1824 (Evans blue) and carbon monoxide (CO) for 2 young women, 2 young men, and 2 men ages 70 and 75. In the CO method a precise volume of CO was administered from a closed system, and the CO concentrations in blood were determined on the Van Slyke-Neill apparatus before and at the end of a 10-min. rebreathing period. The manometric technic is presented in detail and possible sources of errors are discussed. Comparisons were made during the spring in Indiana, in the hot desert, and at an altitude of 3800 m. Blood volume was taken as the sum of plasma volume (by T-1824 method) and red cell volume (by CO method); from these values body hematocrit was calculated. The ratios of body hematocrit to observed hematocrit ranged from 0.89 to 1.05 in 16 observations, with a median value of 0.93. In 12 of the 16, they ranged from 0.89 to 0.95, also with a median value of 0.93. Blood volumes determined by the CO method, using the 0.93 ratio, were within -1 to +4% of the blood volumes as determined above in 12 of 16 subjects. The other four differed by -7 to -13%.
Focus on...ESOPs

Beginning in 1974, Congress enacted numerous provisions designed to encourage employers to adopt employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Changes to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code) enacted in 1996 and 1997 have made it possible, for the first time, for an S corporation to adopt an ESOP. This article provides an overview of the major advantages and disadvantages of ESOPs, and the major considerations to be considered by a corporation and its owners in deciding whether to adopt an ESOP. In doing so, it focuses primarily on private companies.
Probing Intermolecular Communication with Surface-Attached Pyrene

We report on the covalent attachment of pyrene derivatives to solid substrates and their spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization. We have constructed several molecular assemblies attached to silica and indium-doped tin oxide surfaces where pyrene molecules are co-immobilized with other functionalities. It was shown that the addition of hydrophobic molecules to the pyrene-containing interface results in a significant decrease in the pyrene I1/I3 vibronic emission band ratio and an increase in the water drop contact angle due to increased hydrophobicity of the interface. The co-attachment of perylenedodecanoic acid, for which the absorption band overlaps with the emission spectrum of pyrene, shows significant intermolecular communication between these species. The co-immobilization of ferrocene serves as an effective fluorescence quencher for tethered pyrene. In all cases, our data point to significant intermolecular communication between adsorbate species, and the combination of spectroscopic and electrochemical interrogation provides insight into the loading density and local environment(s) characteristic of these interfaces.
THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOK ON THE MOST IMPORTANT TOPIC OF OUR DAY: A REVIEW OF AFTER WAR: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF EXPORTING DEMOCRACY, BY CHRISTOPHER J. COYNE1

Efforts to export democracy and liberty through military intervention have often been ineffective and have resulted in unintended and undesirable consequences. Countries are free because of belief systems, and institutions that follow from those beliefs, which support and reinforce political and economic freedom. Rational constructivist attempts at nation building are therefore likely to fail in places where there is no tradition of such beliefs and institutions. In this superb book Coyne argues that principled non-interventionism and free trade have historically had the greatest degree of success and should be our guiding policies today.
The muddle of mycophenolate mofetil in myasthenia

Mycophenolate mofetil inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in the de novo (but not the salvage) pathway of purine synthesis. Since lymphocytes exclusively use the de novo pathway (whereas other cells use both pathways), the drug selectively inhibits proliferation of T and B lymphocytes and has been used safely and effectively in managing patients with renal transplants. The first case report suggesting efficacy of mycophenolate as an immunosuppressive agent in myasthenia gravis appeared in 1998.1 This was followed by uncontrolled case series,2–4 one small double-blind controlled trial,5 and a Cochrane review.6 These studies and conversations among neurologists treating myasthenia popularized use of the drug. Until now, however, there have not been any adequately powered controlled trials.7,8 In the Muscle Study Group (MSG) trial8 reported in this issue, patients with myasthenia who were taking no other immunosuppressive therapy were randomized to receive either mycophenolate plus prednisone 20 mg/day or placebo plus prednisone 20 mg/day, with the dose of prednisone remaining constant throughout the study. The goal was to examine the short-term (12 week) efficacy of mycophenolate plus prednisone (compared to prednisone alone) in patients receiving no other immunosuppressive therapy. A second article in this week’s issue of Neurology ®describes an international …
Strategies for the development of indoor air quality standards

Abstract In recent years, radon, formaldehyde, numerous solvents, asbestos, and nitrogen oxides have been repeatedly studied, both as they occur indoors and for their potential health effects. System studies encompassing pollutants in the context of their occurrence in an environment containing many other pollutants are, however, few and are primarily associated with the sick building syndrome (SBS). In general, indoor air pollutants can be categorized in two distinct groups. The first group consists of pollutants that are known to cause chronic effects such as cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. They can be assessed on the basis of their known or assumed dose response function. The second, and possibly more important group, consists of those pollutants that cause acute effects such as allergic reactions, irritation of the eyes and respiratory system discomfort, and similar effects. Their assessment requires the availability of a dose response function. Such a function will almost certainly have a threshold which is, however, not constant, and varies with the sensitivity and perception of individuals. This paper discusses these two groups, evaluates the assumed dose response functions, identifies those areas requiring a decision based on risk assessment, and provides a framework for regulations of indoor air pollutants.
The effect of blending high-density and linear low-density polyethylenes on slow crack growth

Abstract A high-density polyethylene (HDPE) homopolymer was blended with a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), i.e. an ethylene-hexene copolymer, over the composition range of 0–100%. The resistance to slow crack growth was measured by a notched tensile test under a constant load. The times to failure increased from about 102 min to 108 min as the composition increased from 0 to 100% of the copolymer. In the range of compositions below 50% of the copolymer, the time to failure increased relatively slowly with composition compared to the very rapid rate of increase for compositions greater than 50% of the copolymer. The results were explained in terms of a network formed by the crystals and tie molecules that contained short-chain branches. The network becomes continuous when the copolymer is the major component and consequently the resistance to slow crack growth increases rapidly.
Child Neglect: Guidance for Pediatricians

1. Howard Dubowitz, MD, MS* 2. Angelo Giardino, MD, PhD† 3. Edward Gustavson, MD* 1. 2. *Professor of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. 3. 4. †Associate Chair, Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Suggest an approach to child neglect that focuses on children’s basic needs rather than on omissions in care by caregivers. 2. Describe different manifestations of neglect. 3. Provide key principles for assessment and management of neglect. 4. Describe unique aspects of specific types of child neglect. Child neglect is the most common form of child maltreatment, accounting for more than 50% of all cases reported to child protection services (CPS). The 1993 National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect, based on the identification of maltreatment by community professionals, identified 30 cases of neglect per 1,000 children in the population, a very conservative estimate. The morbidity and mortality associated with neglect also are substantial. Physical problems include injuries, ingestions, inadequately treated illnesses, dental problems, malnutrition, neurologic deficits, and the approximately 50% of the estimated 2,000 annual fatalities that are attributed to child maltreatment. Psychological problems include difficulties with attachment in infancy, impaired cognitive development and learning difficulties, emotional and behavior problems, and delinquent and criminal behavior. Addressing child neglect falls well within the broad mission of pediatrics to protect children and enhance their health and well-being. Pediatricians have many opportunities to identify child neglect and to intervene. Finally, all 50 states have laws requiring physicians (and others) to report child neglect to CPS. Child neglect usually is defined as parental omissions in care that result in actual or potential harm to the child. In general, CPS requires clear evidence of harm, unless the risks are obviously serious, such as when young children are left unattended. Some states exclude situations attributed to poverty. We suggest a richer and more constructive framework for defining neglect. If our purpose is to enhance children’s safety and health, not to blame parents, neglect can be defined as occurring when …
Disturbance-generated bifurcations in a simple adaptive system: Simulation evidence

Abstract We present complete characterization based on computer simulation of the possible dynamics exhibited by an adaptive control system where the (first order) plant with a single unknown pole has constant disturbance at the input. The adaptive system is taken from the current adaptive control systems literature. Here we show that the system in fact undergoes bifurcations and exhibits rich dynamics. As the constant disturbance is varied, the system undergoes saddle-node bifurcation, (subcritical) Hopf bifurcation, and a saddle connection bifurcation. The last bifurcation means that the system acquires a homoclinic orbit for a specific disturbance. While the first two bifurcations are local, the presence of the homoclinic orbit has the potential, when periodically disturbed, to generate nonlocal complicated behavior. This latter behavior is often referred to as ‘horseshoe chaos’.
Circulating Amylin Amyloid Oligomers Accumulate in the Heart and Induce Cardiomyocyte Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Type-2 Diabetes

Amylin amyloid deposition is generally considered a pancreatic disorder and a hallmark of type-2 diabetes. Recently, amylin amyloids were also found in failing hearts from obese and type-2 diabetic patients, suggesting a possible contribution to cardiac dysfunction. Here, we investigate the mechanism of cardiac amylin accumulation and consequent effects on myocyte structure and function in rats transgenic for human amylin. In this model, we observed that soluble amylin oligomers are released from the pancreas in the blood and accumulate in the heart. Amylin oligomers attach to the sarcolemma and raises the intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) leading to myocyte dysfunction. In contrast, rats expressing same level of wild-type, non-amyloidogenic rat amylin showed normal cardiac myocyte structure and function. To test whether the rise of [Ca2+]i is an amylin oligomer-mediated effect, we measured Ca2+ transients in intact cardiac myocytes incubated with exogenous human/rat amylin. 50 μM of human amylin, which rapidly forms oligomers, increased substantially the amplitude of cardiac myocyte Ca2+ transients, while same concentration of rat amylin had no significant effects. Passive trans-sarcolemmal Ca2+ leak was substantially larger in myocytes incubated with human amylin vs. control, implying that amylin oligomers alter the structural integrity of the sarcolemma and increase sarcolemmal permeability to Ca2+. In conclusion, our data show that amylin oligomers circulate through the blood, accumulate in the heart, and alter cardiac myocyte function by disrupting Ca2+ homeostasis. The results suggest that circulating amylin oligomers should be targeted for pharmacological interventions to prevent heart dysfunction in patients with obesity and insulin resistance.
Triplets of aromatic dyes bound to DNA as probes of the mobility of DNA-bound metal ions.

The interaction of various metal ions with DNA in aqueous solutions has been studied by a variety of different techniques [l] , Metal ions bound to DNA can influence its biological activity and affect its physico-chemic~ properties in solution. In this letter we describe a novel application of spectroscopic techniques to demonstrate that Mn2+ and Ag’ ions bound to DNA in aqueous solutions at room temperature diffuse from base pair to base pair along the DNA helix. The technique involves the optical excitation of triplet excited states of polycyclic aromatic molecules or dyes which are physically intercalated between the base pairs of DNA. The lifetimes of these triplets, in the absence of dissolved oxygen, may be as long as 150 ms [2] but typically are in the range of 20-30 ms. These triplets are readily quenched by metal ions which are also bound to DNA. Using the aromatic dye acridine orange (phosphate/dye binding ratio > 100) we have observed that even small amounts of bound metal ions give rise to a uniform decrease in the lifetime of the triplets of all the DNAbound aromatic molecules. This conclusion is based on the fact that the triplet decay curves are exponential in the absence as well as in the presence of low concentrations of metal ions, showing that all of the dye molecules are equally accessible to the mobile metal ion quenchers. The base pair to base pair hopping frequency is estimated to be 2 IO5 set-’ for Mn*+ and 2 5 X 10’ set-’ for Ag’ions bound to DNA in aqueous solution at 29C. 2. Experimental
Electrocardiographic Findings in Cardiac Amyloidosis

The electrocardiographic findings were analyzed in 15 patients found at the time of necropsy to have deposits of amyloid in the heart. Although 12 of the 15 tracings were regarded as abnormal, changes which could be held to be specific to cardiac amyloidosis have not been defined. The most common alterations encountered were auricular fibrillation, QRS complexes and T waves of low amplitude in the standard limb leads, and impaired auriculoventricular conduction.
Auditory alarms: From alerting to informing

The current alarm and warning systems in medical domains are integrated into patient monitoring devices and are centered around the concept of alerting operators to potential problems without specifying the specific nature of the problem. In contrast, informative auditory alarms and warning systems have been proposed for next-generation monitoring equipment. These “auditory displays” would present meaningful diagnostic information to care providers while not interrupting their other activities, and not demanding visual attention. Our work has documented the problems in the critical care setting with alarms. We report here the results of observations made during experiments conducted using eye-tracking techniques to determine patterns of information during real and simulated anesthesia cases. We classify monitoring behaviors into four categories of information seeking, and discuss the implications of these behaviors for design of informative auditory displays.
Degradation modes of austenitic and ferritic–martensitic stainless steels in He–CO–CO2 and liquid sodium environments of equivalent oxygen and carbon chemical potentials

Abstract The objective of this work is to explore possible thermodynamic correlations between the degradation modes of austenitic and ferritic–martensitic alloys observed in high temperature He–CO–CO 2 environments with oxygen and carbon chemical potentials equivalent to that in a liquid sodium environment containing 2–5 molppm oxygen and 0.02–0.2 molppm carbon at temperatures 500–700 °C. Two He–CO–CO 2 environments (Pco/Pco 2 = 1320, Pco = 1980 molppm, and Pco/Pco 2 = 9, Pco = 13.5 molppm) were selected to test alloys NF616 and 316L at 700 and 850 °C. Upon exposure to He environments at 850 °C, 316L samples exhibited thick surface Cr 2 O 3 scales and substantial internal oxidation; however at 700 °C no significant internal oxidation was observed. NF616 samples exhibited relatively thinner surface Cr 2 O 3 scales compared to 316L samples at both temperatures. NF616 samples exposed to liquid sodium at 700 °C and He–Pco/Pco 2 = 9 at 850 °C showed decarburization. No surface oxide formation was observed on the sample exposed to the Na environment. Results obtained from He exposure experiments provide insight into what may occur during long exposure times in a sodium environment.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome after Operative Intervention for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

Introduction: Surgical treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is often warranted. In this patient population, VPI is characterized by poor palatal elevation and muscular hypotonia with an intact palate. We hypothesize that 22q11.2 deletion patients are at greater risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after surgical correction of VPI, due, in part, to their functional hypotonia, large velopharyngeal gap size, and the need to surgically obstruct the velopharynx. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome treated at a tertiary pediatric hospital between the years of 2002-2012. The incidence of VPI, need for surgery, post-operative polysomnogram, post-operative VPI assessment, and OSA treatments were evaluated. Results: Forty-three patients (18 males, 25 females, ages 1-14 years) fitting the inclusion criteria were identified. Twenty-eight patients were evaluated by speech pathology due to hypernasality. Twenty-one patients had insufficient velopharyngeal function and required surgery. Fifteen underwent pharyngeal flap surgery, three underwent sphincter pharyngoplasty, two underwent Furlow palatoplasty, and one underwent combined sphincter pharyngoplasty with Furlow palatoplasty. Of these, eight had post-operative snoring. Six of these underwent polysomnography. Four patients were found to have OSA based on the results of the polysomnography (average apnea/hypopnea index of 4.9 events/hour, median=5.1, SD=2.1). Two required continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) due to moderate OSA. Conclusion: Surgery is often necessary to correct VPI in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Monitoring for OSA should be considered after surgical correction of VPI due to a high occurrence in this population. Furthermore, families should be counseled of the risk of OSA after surgery and the potential need for treatment with CPAP.
Placental triage of the singleton placenta

Triage is the sorting and allocation of treatment according to a system of priorities in order to maximize treatment. Placental triage promptly after delivery of the placenta, with documentation of the findings in the medical record, only takes a few minutes, and allows for the identification of abnormal placentas to be submitted for detailed gross and microscopic pathology examination. It requires familiarity with normal gross placental anatomy and variations of normal, and the development of a systematic procedure for comprehensive examination of the placental disk as a whole, the umbilical cord, the extraplacental membranes, the fetal surface, the maternal surface, and the parenchyma. This article provides a systematic approach to gross examination of the placenta. It also reviews the clinical and legal impact of placenta examination, and suggests procedures that will optimize the information available in the placenta.
Transcriptional suppression of interleukin-12 gene expression following phagocytosis of apoptotic cells.

Phagocytosis of apoptotic cells usually results in an anti-inflammatory state with inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-12. How apoptotic cell-derived signals regulate IL-12 gene expression is not understood. We demonstrate that cell-cell contact with apoptotic cells is sufficient to induce profound inhibition of IL-12 production by activated macrophages. Phosphatidylserine could mimic the inhibitory effect. The inhibition does not involve autocrine or paracrine actions of IL-10 and TGF-β. We report the identification, purification, and cloning of a novel zinc finger nuclear factor, named GC binding protein (GC-BP), that is induced following phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by macrophages or by treatment with phosphatidylserine. GC-BP selectively inhibits IL-12 p35 gene transcription by binding to its promoter in vitro and in vivo, thus decreasing IL-12 production. Blocking GC-BP by RNA interference restores IL-12 p35 transcription and IL-12 p70 synthesis. Finally, GC-BP itself undergoes functionally significant tyrosine dephosphorylation in response to apoptotic cells.
Comparison of some biological activities of arginine vasotocin and synthetic analogs.

Nachweis, dass die Substitution in Positionen 3 und 8 im Arginin Vasotocin ([8-Arginin]-Oxytocin) selektive Veranderungen verschiedener biologischer Aktivitaten hervorruft, was am Modell der Oxytocinkonformation diskutiert wird.
Oxidative cleavage of 2-methylpropene on Ir(111) : double bond scission during the formation of acetone

Abstract High-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (HREELS) and temperature-programmed reactive desorption (TPRD) techniques have been used to examine the interaction of coadsorbed propene (propylene) and oxygen on the Ir(111) surface. At less than 80 K, propene adsorbs onto oxygen-precovered Ir(111) in a π-bound state. Acetate and η2(C,O)-acetone as well as gaseous acetone, water and dihydrogen are produced by 295 K during the oxidation of this species. Isotopic labeling experiments suggest that acetate and η2(C,O)-acetone are produced in parallel to or in competition with one another rather than from each other, and that π-allyl (CH2CHCH2) is not a precursor to either species. In contrast, exposing the bare Ir(111) surface to propylene at less than 80 K results in adsorbed propylene, which is more strongly rehybridized than that on the oxygen-precovered Ir(111) surface. This propylene, nominally referred to as di-σ-bound propylene, could also be oxidized to acetate and η2(C,O)-acetone. Possible mechanisms for the oxidation of π-bound propene are developed, and comparisons/contrasts are made between the interaction of propene and oxygen on Ir(111) and the interaction of 2-methylpropene (isobutylene) and oxygen on this surface.
ACRYLAMIDE‐INDUCED ASCENDING DEGENERATION OF LIGATED PERIPHERAL NERVE: EFFECT OF LIGATURE LOCATION

Sharer L. R. & Lowndes H. E. (1985) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology 11, 191–200 Acrylamide-induced ascending degeneration of ligated peripheral nerve: effect of ligature location Acrylamide was administered to rats for 10 days (50 mg/kg/day) after ligation of either proximal (sciatic) or distal (posterior tibial) nerves. Morphologic evaluation of the nerves revealed severe degeneration 0–5 cm proximal to the ligature, with progressively less pronounced change at successively higher levels above the ligature, when compared with ligated non-treated controls. Although severe degeneration of the nerves was observed in both proximal- and distal-ligated groups of animals, the distal-ligated group showed slightly more change (at 0–5 cm above the ligature), suggesting a minor effect of distance of the site of nerve injury from the nerve cell body.
Fault localization during system testing

Functional testing of business applications in the enterprise is carried out by independent test teams. Test scripts are generated manually or automatically from requirements, treating the IT systems as a black box. For every release, when test scripts fail to execute, the test teams need to ascertain the cause of failure, which could be due to mismatch between the requirements and the test models and test scripts, or faults in the test scripts or faults in the source code. The process is cumbersome and time consuming. While several techniques have been developed to localize source code faults, these target testing carried out by the developer. To help test teams localize faults, we propose the novel idea of applying source code based fault localization technique to process models that represent the system functionality. Experimental results show that the techniques when applied to models, were able to localize both test script and source code faults.
pH Tunable Fluorescent Calcium Phosphate Nanocomposite for Sensing and Controlled Drug Delivery

In this work, a novel pH sensitive calcium phosphate (CaP) nanocomposite capable of performing multiple tasks of controlled drug delivery, and simultaneous sensing by change in the fluorescence was fabricated. The nanocomposite was synthesized by encapsulating alendronate (AD) drug in CaP and modifying the surface with a fluorescent rhodamine B (RDB) dye. The multifunctional nanocomposite demonstrated high loading capacity for AD, excellent pH-tunable AD release and optical sensing behavior, and good aqueous dispersity. Analysis by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that RDB modified CaP/AD (RDB-CaP/AD) nanocomposite had average dimensions of 21 nm x 44 nm and mean hydrodynamic size of 55 nm. The feasibility of CaP/AD nanocomposite for controlled drug delivery by pH responsive release was demonstrated by in vitro study at two different pH, 5.0 and 7.4. Furthermore, CaP/AD loaded with fluorescent RDB showed pH tunable fluorescence property, which can help in tracking the active state of the particle and give measurable indication of the drug delivery. In vitro study with osteoclast precursor cells, RAW 264.7 confirmed that CaP/AD nanocomposite significantly reduced the activity of osteoclast cells. The present study demonstrates that the fabricated multifunctional RDB-CaP/AD nanocomposites can serve as an effective drug delivery vehicle capable of controlled drug release and sensing, simultaneously.
Cilia-driven rotational behavior in gastropod (Physa elliptica) embryos induced by serotonin and putative serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

We characterized the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) receptor mediating cilia-driven rotational movement in embryos of the freshwater gastropod Physa elliptica. In addition, putative serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), previously shown to induce other 5-HT-mediated processes in molluscs, were tested for their ability to induce rotation. As in previous studies with other freshwater gastropods, 5-HT induced a significant dose-dependent increase in rotation from 10(-6) to 10(-4) M. The 5-HT(1A) agonist 8-OH-DPAT produced a similar dose-dependent increase in rotation. However, the 5-HT(2) agonist alpha-CH3-serotonin evoked a significant rotational response only at the highest concentration of 10(-4) M. The 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist mianserin not only blocked 5-HT-induced rotation, it reduced rotation rate below that of baseline. However, two other antagonists, cyproheptadine (5-HT(2)) and propranolol (5-HT(1)), caused similar responses that consisted of an initial rotational surge followed by reduced rotation. Thus, these drugs appear to act as partial agonists. The putative SSRI fluvoxamine exhibited a significant dose-dependent increase in positive rotation as that seen with 5-HT. The SSRIs paroxetine and fluoxetine both caused an increase in rotation at 10(-6) and 10(-5) M but reduced rotation rate below that of baseline at 10(-4) M. These results agree with other studies on aquatic molluscs, suggest a 5-HT receptor with a mixed 5-HT(1)/5-HT(2) pharmacological profile and add to a now growing body of literature on the pharmacology of molluscan 5-HT receptors. In addition, all the tested putative SSRIs induced cilia-driven rotation in Physa embryos, indicating either the presence of 5-HT reuptake transporters or that these compounds act as 5-HT receptor ligands. J. Exp. Zool. 286:414-421, 2000.
Nocturnal hypoglycaemia in ACTH and GH deficient children: role of continuous glucose monitoring

SummaryObjectives To evaluate the usefulness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) to identify nocturnal hypoglycaemia in children affected by combined ACTH and GH deficiency and to optimize the hydrocortisone replacement therapy in these patients. Study design Eleven patients with ACTH and GH deficiency (five boys and six girls, age 1·6–16·8 years) underwent CGM for 36 h, including two nights. At least two consecutive glucose levels <2·78 mm were considered hypoglycaemic episodes. The differences in age and doses of hydrocortisone and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) between children with and without hypoglycaemia were analysed. The percentage of the glucose values <3·33 mm and the mean glucose levels were also evaluated. Results Continuous glucose monitoring demonstrated nocturnal hypoglycaemia lasting from 30 to 155 min (1·5% of the total monitoring time) in three cases (27%). No statistically significant differences in age and rhGH dose were observed between children with or without hypoglycaemia. Conversely, the difference in the hydrocortisone doses between the patients with and without hypoglycaemia resulted statistically significant (5·9 vs 8·5 mg/m²/day; P = 0·04). Eight patients presented glucose values less than 3·33 mm during 5% of the total monitoring time. Hydrocortisone dose showed significant positive linear relation with mean glucose level (r = 0·79, P = 0·0035) and inverse relation with time lags of glucose levels under 3·33 mm (r = −0·65, P = 0·03). Conclusions Our study shows that CGM may represent a valuable tool to detect nocturnal asymptomatic hypoglycaemic episodes and optimize the hydrocortisone therapeutic regimen in children with ACTH and GH deficiency.
GABA(A) receptor blockade in the anterior ventral tegmental area increases extracellular levels of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens of rats

Previously, it was shown that microinfusion of the GABA(A) antagonist picrotoxin into the anterior ventral tegmental area (VTA) is reinforcing. It was hypothesized that this reinforcing effect of picrotoxin in the anterior VTA is mediated, at least in part, by the activation of the mesoaccumbens dopamine (DA) system. The objective of the present study was to determine if blockade of GABA(A) receptors in the anterior VTA can increase extracellular levels of DA in the nucleus accumbens (ACB), using an in vivo microdialysis technique in freely moving rats. Concentrations of picrotoxin (40, 80, and 160 microM) that had previously been shown to produce a reinforcing effect increased the extracellular levels of DA and its major metabolites in the ACB. The increased extracellular DA levels induced by intra-VTA injection of picrotoxin was markedly attenuated by coadministration with the GABA(A) agonist muscimol, whereas intra-VTA injection of muscimol alone did not have an apparent effect on extracellular DA levels in the ACB. Microinjection of another GABA(A) antagonist, bicuculline, into the anterior VTA also increased the extracellular release of DA in the ACB. These results suggest that DA neurons projecting from the anterior VTA to the ACB are tonically inhibited by GABA through its actions at the GABA(A) receptors.