cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Empowerment of Older Adult Creative Groups Using Maker Technology

Human-computer interaction researchers actively engage in technological design to empower older adults to live independent, active lives; however, the number of researchers who allow older adults to participate in the design and development process varies greatly. We leveraged past participatory design techniques with older adults by cooperatively learning their craft and carefully enhancing their crafting practices using small electronics. In doing so, older adults will have an opportunity to enhance their craft artifacts to best fit their health needs. The purpose of this needs assessment, including 8 hours of observation and 2 hours of beta testing, is to understand how older adults might use maker technology in their crafts and hobbies to positively impact their health. By facilitating beta testing and observing local crafting groups of older adults, we identified crafting activities that older adults participate in and learned how to best tailor technology to their crafts.
Cystic tumors of the jaws

Abstract Methods have been presented for the surgical treatment of large cysts extending into the ramus of the mandible, or encroaching on the maxillary sinus with or without extension into the floor of the nasal cavity.
25 Rescue of the Hematoendothelial Phenotypes in the ETV2-Null Cloned Pig via Embryo Complementation

In transplantation medicine, the embryo complementation method has been introduced as a possible means to produce an organ derived from the desired cells. Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that the transcription factor Ets variant 2 (Etv2) regulates hematoendothelial lineage differentiation. In this study, ETV2-null pig fibroblasts were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and these cells were utilised as donor cells for porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) to produce mutant embryos. After transplantation of these mutant embryos into 4 surrogate gilts, 12 fetuses were found in 2 gilts at E-18. Eight of those embryos lacked hematoendothelial lineages, were nonviable, and lacked ETV2 by PCR analysis. To rescue the hematoendotheilal phenotypes, the blastomeres were collected from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing embryos, which were generated by SCNT with the pig GFP-fibroblasts. Then, the GFP-blastomeres were injected into the ETV2-null SCNT embryos (4 GFP-blastomeres per a complementation on average) at the morula stage. These complemented embryos were transferred into 4 surrogate gilts. Two surrogate gilts were not pregnant, but 2 pregnant gilts harbored complemented fetuses. Complemented fetuses were evaluated at E26 and had intact and fully complemented hematoendothelial lineages, which were confirmed by CFU-assays, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), qPCR, and immunohistochemistry. Importantly, the hematoendotheilal lineages completely expressed GFP. In the complemented fetuses, the GFP-positive cells were observed throughout the body at more than 70%. These studies provide a platform for the in vivo production of functional hematoendothelial tissues from pluripotent stem cells (such as human pluripotent cells) using the embryo complementation technique.
Sodium and Potassium Intake in US Adults.

Article, see p 237 Quantitative estimates of sodium intake in the general population provide a basis for clinical and public health decision making. For many years, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) results have provided estimates for sodium and potassium intake in the US general noninstitutionalized population. However, these reports have been based on 24-hour dietary recalls, a method that is subject to a variety of systematic errors in the estimation of electrolyte intake and is known to underestimate dietary sodium intake and overestimate dietary potassium intake. In this issue of Circulation , Jackson et al1 provide the first nationally representative estimates for sodium and potassium intake in US adults based on carefully collected 24-hour urine collections. All of the 765 adults surveyed had at least one 24-hour urine collection, and a second collection was obtained in more than half (436) of the participants, allowing for a between-visit random error correction in estimation. The availability of national estimates based on 24-hour urine collections represents an important step forward for NHANES and a new norm for reporting dietary electrolyte intake in US adults. As one would expect, the intake of dietary sodium was higher, and of potassium was lower, in the current report in comparison with previous NHANES estimates. The average intake of sodium was well above the current federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations of <2300 mg/d for all adults and <1500 mg/d for those ≥51 years, and those of any age who are African American, or have hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or chronic kidney disease.2 For example, the average intake of 3746 mg/d …
New opportunities for stroke prevention and therapeutics: a hope from anti-inflammatory drugs?

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in most developed countries and the leading cause of cardiovascular death in Japan and China [1]. Stroke management is a leading health burden in all developed countries considering loss of productive years and rehabilitation costs. Epidemiological studies conducted over the past 10 years consistently demonstrated a steady reduction in the incidence of stroke in developed countries until the very recent years, when the incidence seemed to plateau [1, 2]. This remarkable reduction in the incidence of strokes is attributed to many factors, including (i) effective management of risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes [3], (ii) prevention of thromboembolic events with anticoagulant treatment, (coumadin for chronic atrial fibrillation) [4] and antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel) for secondary prevention [5, 6], (iii) reduction of atherosclerosis burden by lipid lowering agents and physical activity and [7], and (iv) better understanding of environmental, psychological (stress) and behavioral (smoking and dietary habits) factors. In fact, effective treatment of hypertension, smoking cessation and anticoagulation alone have been estimated to prevent —75% of stroke events in the USA [8].
Cigar and Marijuana Blunt Use Among Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women of Reproductive Age in the United States, 2006-2016

Objectives. To assess trends in prevalence of cigar and blunt use in relation to cigarette use among pregnant and nonpregnant women of reproductive age.Methods. We used 2006 to 2016 data from the U...
The North-South Divide: Substance Use Risk, Care Engagement, and Viral Suppression Among Hospitalized Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients in 11 US Cities.

Regional variability in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care engagement remains underexplored. Multiple logistic models compared HIV outcomes for participants from 5 Southern (n = 557) and 6 non-Southern (n = 670) sites. Southern participants were less likely to experience viral suppression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], .37-.72) and had a higher likelihood of a CD4+ count <200 cells/µL (aOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.17-2.00). HIV intervention and social safety net programs should be expanded. Clinical Trials Registration NCT01612169.
The Relationship Between Aesthetic Choices, Ratings, and Eye-Movements

A previous study found that looking time is related to aesthetic choices, but not internally determined preferences [1]. The purpose of the current study is to expand on these findings by generalizing them to realistic environmental stimuli. In the choice task coupled with eye-tracking, participants chose the office design that was aesthetically more pleasant. In the preference task, participants rated the aesthetic value of each stimulus. Results showed that looking time predicts choice and aesthetic ratings; however, the magnitude of the latter relationship was small. We also found that rating had a significant main effect, but it didn’t have a significant interaction effect with fixation duration on choice. Further research is necessary to understand the relationship between looking time, choices, and preference in the context of environmental stimuli.
Statistics (i): An Introduction to Statistical Inference

Statistics is the method by which we analyze data in whose generation chance has played some part. In practice, it consists of two main areas: estimation and hypothesis testing. Both of these are used extensively in bioinformatics. In this chapter we give a brief introduction to estimation and hypothesis testing ideas: A more complete discussion of both is given in Chapter 8.
Ensemble Monte Carlo Studies of High Field Spikes and Planar Doped Barrier Devices

This paper presents a study of the spatial ensemble velocities of electrons in GaAs which result from abrupt changes in electric fields occurring internal to a device. Calculations are presented for single field spikes as well as the complex field configuration which occurs in planar doped barrier transistor type devices. The calculations provide estimates of current gain and carrier transit times for PDB transistor structures. High current gains are found to require very narrow base widths.
The Role of Explicit Space in Plant Competition Models

Most natural plant communities show a considerable amount of diversity. Classical ecological theory predicts that the number of stably coexisting species is limited by the number of resources. Since plants rely on a relatively small number of resources, this poses a dilemma. A current topic of plant ecology is thus to explain patterns of natural plant communities. In this article we focus on the effect of an explicit spatial dimension on plant community structure. This is done within the framework of a stochastic spatial model.
Oral Vancomycin Prophylaxis Is Highly Effective in Preventing Clostridium difficile Infection in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a leading cause of infectious complications in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients (alloHCT). We sought to evaluate whether prophylactic oral vancomycin reduces the incidence of CDI in alloHCT recipients. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine the effectiveness of CDI prophylaxis with oral vancomycin, as compared to no prophylaxis, in 145 consecutive adult alloHCT recipients at the University of Pennsylvania between April 2015 and November 2016. Patients received oral vancomycin 125 mg twice daily, starting on admission and continuing until discharge. The primary outcome of interest was the association between oral vancomycin prophylaxis and CDI diagnosis. Secondary outcomes included graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and relapse. RESULTS There were no cases of CDI in patients that received prophylaxis (0/90, 0%), whereas 11/55 (20%) patients who did not receive prophylaxis developed CDI (P < .001). Oral vancomycin prophylaxis was not associated with a higher risk of acute, grades 2-4 GVHD (subhazard ratio [sHR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88-2.89; P = .12), acute, grades 3-4 GVHD (sHR 0.65; 95% CI 0.25-1.66; P = .36), or acute, grades 2-4 gastrointestinal GVHD (sHR 1.95; 95% CI 0.93-4.07; P = .08) at day 180 post-transplant. No associations between oral vancomycin and relapse or survival were observed. CONCLUSIONS Prophylaxis with oral vancomycin is highly effective in preventing CDI in alloHCT recipients without increasing the risk of graft-versus-host disease or disease relapse. Further evaluation via a prospective study is warranted.
Tax avoidance, financial experts on the audit committee, and business strategy

We examine whether financial expert audit committee members tailor their approach to overseeing the corporate tax planning process according to the firm's business strategy. We predict and find that such directors encourage defender‐type firms (characterized partially by high risk aversion) to engage in more tax avoidance activities and prospector‐type firms (characterized partially by innovation and risk seeking) to scale back on tax avoidance, relative to the opposing strategy type. We also find that both accounting experts and non‐accounting financial experts on the audit committee contribute to our results to some extent, although the effects of non‐accounting financial experts present more consistently. Overall, our results suggest that financial experts on the audit committee tend to play more of an advising role for defenders and more of a monitoring role for prospectors, relative to one another.
Investigating the Child Trauma Knowledge of Adoptive Parents: An Exploratory Study

Veritably, many adoptees have experienced trauma. In fact, the very nature of being adopted can be traumatic for some young people. While it is imperative that adoptive parents have the requisite k...
Correction to: The Charles Bonnet Syndrome: a Systematic Review of Diagnostic Criteria

Shortly after publication, the authors became aware of several typographical errors in Table 1 which were introduced during the copy-editing process.
Boundary Value Problems for the Bi-Anisotropic Maxwell System in Lipschitz Domains

The initial boundary value problem for the time dependent Maxwell system under bi-anisotropy in a non-smooth domain (a cavity) is analyzed. It is shown that this problem is well-posed provided the material parameters satisfy certain coercivity assumptions. Minimal smoothness of these parameters and time independent boundary data belonging to an appropriate Sobolev space is imposed to obtain existence of classical solutions. Finally, we address the free space problem.
Improving HIV medical care engagement by attending to status disclosure and social support

ABSTRACTExpeditious linkage and consistent engagement in medical care is important for people with HIV’s (PWH) health. One theory on fostering linkage and engagement involves HIV status disclosure ...
Chapter 14 – Induced Abortion

Induced abortion is the termination of an implanted embryo by artificial measures. This chapter discusses the history of induced abortion in the world and, more specifically, in the United States. In addition, this chapter reviews reasons why a woman or couple would want an abortion and some of the controversies surrounding this procedure. Finally, the medical procedures used to induce abortion and some benefits and problems of these procedures are summarized.
Bigger data, better questions, and a return to fourth down behavior: an introduction to a special issue on tracking datain the National football League

Most historical National Football League (NFL) analysis, both mainstream and academic, has relied on public, play-level data to generate team and player comparisons. Given the number of oft omitted variables that impact on-field results, such as play call, game situation, and opponent strength, findings tend to be more anecdotal than actionable. With the release of player tracking data, however, analysts can better ask and answer questions to isolate skill and strategy. In this article, we highlight the limitations of traditional analyses, and use a decades-old punching bag for analysts, fourth-down strategy, as a microcosm for why tracking data is needed. Specifically, we assert that, in absence of using the precise yardage needed for a first down, past findings supporting an aggressive fourth down strategy may have been overstated. Next, we synthesize recent work that comprises this special Journal of Quantitative Analysis in Sports issue into player tracking data in football. Finally, we conclude with some best practices and limitations regarding usage of this data. The release of player tracking data marks a transition for the league and its’ analysts, and we hope this issue helps guide innovation in football analytics for years to come.
Doze: hydrogel-based epidermal platform for personalized scent diffusion

Doze is an on-skin, hydrogel-based sleep mask which seeks to improve, enhance, and augment sleep through the use of programmed scent diffusion in tune with the user's cortical rhythms. Taking advantage of hydrogels' unique properties, the Doze mask encapsulates and emits therapeutic scents at a regulated pace. The release of scent is controlled by an embedded heater within the layers of the mask and communicates remotely to a smart device. This communication allows for a personalized dosage release based on the user's biometric or contextual data. Investigating both the pervasive power of smell in enhancing sleep as well as natural topical remedies, this personalized mask explores the potential for unintrusive solutions to the evergrowing rarity of a good night's sleep.
Robot Action Planning by Commonsense Knowledge in Human-Robot Collaborative Tasks

Robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) span the broad realm of mechatronics in general. Humans and robots can collaborate with each other to enhance various tasks, e.g. in the vehicle industry. Facets of AI such as commonsense knowledge can play a significant role here. In this paper, we propose an approach for human-robot collaboration such that it leverages commonsense knowledge to develop models for the simulation of assembly tasks in real-world applications. We consider modeling based on relevant attributes, e.g. weight and stability of parts. The proposed approach thereby entails human-robot interaction, mathematical modeling, both semantics and pragmatics in commonsense knowledge, as well as challenges specific to the application domain. We describe our approach, focusing on the mathematical modeling, and conduct our experimental evaluation using simulation tasks. Experimental results indicate that the proposed approach yields better outcomes than humans or robots working alone, which is in line with other such claims in the field of human-robot collaboration. This work sets the stage for real robot applications based on the results of our simulation tasks.
Progress Towards CryoEM: Negative-Stain Procedures for Biological Samples

In recent years, electron cryo-microscopy (CryoEM) has become a powerful method for the high-resolution studies of biological macromolecules. While CryoEM experiments can begin without additional microscopy steps, negative-stain EM can tremendously minimize CryoEM screening. Negative-stain is a quick method that can be used to screen for robust biochemical conditions, the integrity, binding, and composition of samples and to get an estimation of sample grid concentration. For some applications, the map resolutions potentially afforded by stain may be as biologically informative as in CryoEM. Here, I describe the benefits and pitfalls of negative-stain EM, with particular emphasis on Uranyl stains with the main goal of screening in advance of CryoEM. In addition, I provide a materials list, detailed protocol and possible adjustments for the use of stains for biological samples requiring imaging and/or diffraction-based methods of EM.
Establishment of Monoclonal Antibody Standards for Quantitative Serological Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in Low Incidence Settings

Background Serological confirmation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is critical for understanding the dynamics of the pandemic and determining seroprevalence rates within afflicted communities. Common challenges with SARS-CoV-2 serological assays include poor analytical specificity and sensitivity and lack of a serological standard for quantitative assessment of antibody titers. Methods To overcome these obstacles, we developed a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay based on an optimized 2-dimensional screening assay that utilizes SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike protein and SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit. Results A total of 4 SARS-CoV-2-reactive monoclonal antibodies were evaluated for use as serum standards for calibrating assays performed on different days or by different laboratories. This approach provided quantitative analysis of hospitalized reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 cases that in some cases reached >100 μg/mL. The assay demonstrated 72% sensitivity based on time points ranging from 2 to 52 days post-symptom onset, with 100% sensitivity at time points measured ≥13 days post-symptom onset and 100% specificity. Conclusions Using these optimized reagents and serological standards, we believe this approach will be useful for sensitive and specific determination of seroconversion rates and quantitatively measuring the durability of antiviral antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination.
A Histopathologic Scoring System for Perineural Invasion Correlates With Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Background Perineural invasion (PNI) is a known risk factor for recurrence, metastasis, and death in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Current staging systems include PNI, but none define its extent or severity. Objective To identify histopathologic features of cSCC with PNI that may be associated with adverse outcomes. Materials and methods This is a retrospective cohort study that included 45 patients with cSCC and PNI treated with surgical excision. Histopathologic slides were analyzed for 5 features of PNI: largest affected nerve diameter, number of nerves affected, depth of nerve involvement, intra- versus extratumoral PNI, and focal versus circumferential PNI. Results The median largest affected nerve diameter was 0.13 mm, and the median number of nerve structures involved was 4. After a median follow-up time of 24 months, 6 patients developed adverse outcomes, including 2 local recurrences, 4 metastases, and 2 tumor-related deaths. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that nerve diameter and number of affected nerves were significantly associated with adverse outcome. A composite PNI score, calculated from 5 histopathologic features, was the strongest predictor of adverse outcome (p = .020). Conclusion Histopathologic features of PNI can be quantified with a composite PNI score that is significantly associated with adverse outcomes in cSCC.
Acute Limb Ischemia as the Initial Severe Presentation in COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is characterized by an overwhelming inflammatory response in a subset of patients, resulting in respiratory compromise, multiorgan failure, and death. A common complication seen in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infections is the development of venous and arterial thromboemboli. This occurs especially in patients who suffer from severe respiratory or systemic manifestations on the COVID-19 spectrum of disease. We present a case of acute limb ischemia as the initial presentation in a patient who tested positive for COVID-19.
3-Methyl-1,2,3-triazolium-1N-dinitromethylylide and the strategy of zwitterionic dinitromethyl groups in energetic materials design

3-Methyl-1,2,3-triazolium-1N-dinitromethylylide, an exemplary zwitterionic energetic molecule, is the first fully-studied energetic material making use of the zwitterionic dinitromethyl functional group. This compound has impact and friction sensitivities of 8 J and 144–160 N respectively with a detonation velocity of 8162 m s−1.
CXCL12 May Drive Inflammatory Potential in the Ovine Corpus Luteum During Implantation.

Adequate corpus luteum (CL) function is paramount to successful pregnancy. Structural and functional CL integrity is controlled by diverse cell types that contribute and respond to the local cytokine milieu. The chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and receptor, CXCR4, are modulators of inflammation and cell survival, but little is understood about CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and CL functional regulation. Corpora lutea from control nonpregnant ewes (n = 5; day 10 estrous cycle (D10C)) and pregnant ewes (n = 5/day) on days 20 (D20P) and 30 (D30P) post-breeding were analyzed for gene and protein expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory cytokines. In separate cell culture studies, cytokine production was evaluated following CXCL12 treatment. Abundance of CXCL12 and CXCR4 increased (P < 0.05) in pregnant ewes compared to nonpregnant ewes, as determined by a combination of quantitative PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence microscopy. CXCR4 was detected in steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic cells in ovine CL, and select pro-inflammatory mediators were greater in CL from pregnant ewes. In vitro studies revealed greater abundance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) following CXCL12 administration (P = 0.05), while P4 levels in cell media were unchanged. Fully functional CL of pregnant ewes is characterized by increased abundance of inflammatory cytokines which may function in a luteotropic manner. We report concurrent increases in CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory mediators in ovine CL as early pregnancy progresses. We propose CXCL12 stimulates production of select cytokines, rather than P4 in the CL to assist in CL establishment and survival.
Ein-Chip-Modem nach dem CCITT V.22 Standard

Das neue EIN-CHIP-MODEM mit dem Namen uAV.22 wurde mit Hilfe eines Softwareprogramms fur gemischt Digital/Analog Applikationen mit der Bezeichnung CLASIC entwickelt. Es zeigt einen neuen Entwicklungstrend in der Halbleitertech nologie auf, welcher sich speziell in der Nachrichtentechnik und Datenkommunikation durchsetzen wird.
Without a care in the world: The business ethics course and its exclusion of a care perspective

This article analyzes the impact of the rights-oriented business ethics course on student's ethical orientation. This approach, which is predominant in business schools, excludes the care-oriented approach used by a majority of women as well as some men and minorities. The results of this study showed that although students did not shift significantly in their ethical orientation, a majority of the men and an even greater majority of the women were care-oriented before and after a course in business ethics. If business schools are to address society's increasing diversity then the perspective of women and others who are care-oriented must be assimilated into the curriculum. This can only be done by rethinking how the business ethics course (and the entire business curriculum) are taught to include a care-oriented approach.
Website Quality: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of United States and China Business Customers

Website quality has been given much attention as of late. In particular the factors that impact a consumer’s perception of website quality is of great interest. This paper takes a currently validated measure of business-toconsumer website quality (WebQualTM) and applies it to the Chinese Web users in order to study the crosscultural differences and similarities of US and Chinese customers.
Contemporary Surgical Management of Aortic Dissection at National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Centers

Objective: Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is being performed for aortic dissection at many centers; however, its real-world outcomes as well as the risk factors associated with adverse events remain poorly defined. We aim to define risk factors associated with 30day mortality following TEVAR for dissection, compared to traditional open surgical repair (OSR). Methods: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data was analyzed from 2007 to 2012. Mortality after TEVAR and OSR for aortic dissection was compared and associated risk factors identified. Results: During the study period, a total of 495 TEVAR and 118 OSR were performed. Patients in the OSR group were younger, less likely to have pre-existing anemia, renal insufficiency, andemergent operations (table1). Therewasnodifference in the 30-day mortality rates between OSR (10.2%) and TEVAR (8.5%) groups (P1⁄40.56). The OSR group had higher rates of wound complications, respiratory failure, transfusion requirements, and unplanned re-operation (table 1). Onmultivariable analysis, age>50, history of CHF, paraplegia, prior operation in last 30 days, emergent surgery, unplanned reintubation, and septic shock were independently associated with increased 30-day mortality. (table 2). Conclusion: Overall 30-day mortality was not significantly different between the two surgical techniques. However, older patients with more medical comorbidities underwent TEVAR. Age >50, history of CHF, operation in the previous 30 days, emergency surgery, unplanned re-intubation, and septic shock were independent predictors of 30-day mortality.
Willingness of Older Korean‐American Adults to Use Hospice

Responding to an urgent need for more research on end-of-life concerns of racial and ethnic minorities, the present study explored predictors of willingness of older Korean-American adults (N=675) to use hospice. Guided by Andersen's behavioral health model, the study considered predisposing factors (age, sex, marital status, education), potential health needs (chronic conditions, functional disability), and enabling factors (health insurance, acculturation, prior awareness of hospice). Nearly three-quarters of the sample answered yes to the following statement and question, "Hospice is a program that helps people who are dying by making them feel comfortable and free of pain when they can no longer be cured of their disease. If you needed hospice services, would you use them?" A greater willingness was observed in younger persons (odds ratio (OR)=0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.93-0.98) and those with higher levels of education (OR=1.67, 95% CI=1.12-2.48), more chronic conditions (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.05-1.44), health insurance (OR=0.59, 95% CI=0.37-0.94), higher levels of acculturation (OR=1.07, 95% CI=1.03-1.10), and prior awareness of hospice (OR=4.43, 95% CI=2.85-6.90). The present study highlights the role of prior awareness in shaping individuals' attitudes toward services, calling attention to a need for community education and outreach programs for racial and ethnic minorities, with specific emphasis on dissemination of information and greater awareness of hospice services.
Generalized perturbation method expansions of the total energy of an alloy

The generalized perturbation method, commonly used in connection with the band energy contribution to the enrgy of a solid to approximate the total energy of an ordered configuration of an alloy is reformulated with respect to the total energy. The connection of the results derived here to those obtained based on the band energy id pointed out, and the possibility of applications of the method is discussed.
Corona Solutions Depending Smoothly on Corona Data

In this note we show that if the Corona data depends continuously (smoothly) on a parameter, the solutions of the corresponding Bezout equations can be chosen to have the same smoothness in the parameter.
Structural Equation Modeling for Social and Personality Psychology

Background Model Specification Estimation and Fit Modification, Presentation and Interpretation Modeling Possibilities and Practicalities
Immunochemical Characterization of the β2 Subunit of the GABAA Receptor

To date three beta subunits of the GABAA receptor have been identified in rat brain as a result of cDNA library screening. The beta 2 subunit has been reported to have a wide distribution in rat brain based on in situ hybridization studies quantifying beta 2 mRNA. To study the beta 2 subunit more directly, we have raised a polyclonal antibody to a synthetic peptide representing residues 315-334 of the intracellular loop of the beta 2 subunit. The antibody, which had been affinity-purified, recognized the beta 2 peptide but did not immunolabel homologous beta 1 and beta 3 subunit peptides, indicating that this antibody is specific for the beta 2 subunit of the receptor. In western blots of the purified receptor, the antibody recognized a major diffuse band of 54-58 kDa and exhibited minor labeling of lower-molecular-mass polypeptides. In western blots of cortex homogenate, the antibody exhibited nervous system-specific labeling of a 55-kDa band that comigrated with the 55-kDa band of the purified receptor. Quantitative immunolabeling of this 55-kDa polypeptide permitted direct determination of the relative amounts of the beta 2 subunit in different brain regions. The brainstem contained the highest relative specific activity of the beta 2 subunit, followed by the inferior colliculus, olfactory lobe, and cerebellum. Lower levels of immunolabeling were seen in hypothalamus, hippocampus, thalamus, and cortex.
Санкт-Петербург и русский двор

Review of: Paul Keenan, St. Petersburg and the Russian Court, 1703–1761 (London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013). ISBN 9781137311597
Ethical Challenges in the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment in Aging

The growing number of individuals with cognitive impairment, ranging from mild cognitive impairment to severe impairment experienced in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, has become a pressing public health concern. Ethical issues related to cognitive impairment are salient in research and clinical contexts. Challenges related to the abilities of people with cognitive impairment to provide authentic informed consent or to participate in other safeguard practices meant to assure their rights and well-being are encountered in research and clinical settings. As prevention trials expand in attempts to stave off cognitive decline in individuals with specific risk biomarkers, ethical issues in research design, disclosure of findings, and other concerns at the interface of research and clinical care emerge. Additional ethical issues confront families and clinicians as patients with dementia approach the end of life. This paper reviews recent developments and empirical findings relevant to the ethical dimensions of cognitive impairment in aging, and makes specific recommendations for addressing these issues.
On sampling from multivariate distributions

Let X1,X2, . . .,Xn be a set of random variables. Suppose that in addition to the prior distributions of these random variables we are also given linear constraints relating them. We ask for necessary and sufficient conditions under which we can efficiently sample the constrained distributions, find constrained marginal distributions for each of the random variables, etc. We give a tight characterization of the conditions under which this is possible. The problem is motivated by a number of scenarios where we have separate probabilistic inferences in some domain, but domain knowledge allows us to relate these inferences. When the joint prior distribution is a product distribution, the linear constraints have to be carefully chosen and are crucial in creating the lower bound instances. No such constraints are necessary if arbitrary priors are allowed.
High order ribbon fiber modes, simulations, and experiments for high power fiber amplifiers

Diffraction limited fiber amplifiers in a circular geometry are likely to be limited by nonlinearities to 2 kW for narrowband and 10-36 kW for broadband lasers. We have proposed a ribbon fiber geometry to allow scaling fiber lasers above these limits in which a high order ribbon mode is amplified and converted back to the fundamental mode in free space. Novel methods of illuminating a high order ribbon fiber mode are discussed and compared with modeling and experimental results showing high purity illumination, > 90%. A 10 kW single frequency ribbon fiber amplifier design is presented and BPM simulation results verify the approach.
Evidence for involvement of nitric oxide and GABAB receptors in MK-801- stimulated release of glutamate in rat prefrontal cortex

Systemic administration of NMDA receptor antagonists elevates extracellular glutamate within prefrontal cortex. The cognitive and behavioral effects of NMDA receptor blockade have direct relevance to symptoms of schizophrenia, and recent studies demonstrate an important role for nitric oxide and GABA(B) receptors in mediating the effects of NMDA receptor blockade on these behaviors. We sought to extend those observations by directly measuring the effects of nitric oxide and GABA(B) receptor mechanisms on MK-801-induced glutamate release in the prefrontal cortex. Systemic MK-801 injection (0.3 mg/kg) to male Sprague-Dawley rats significantly increased extracellular glutamate levels in prefrontal cortex, as determined by microdialysis. This effect was blocked by pre-treatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (60 mg/kg). Reverse dialysis of the nitric oxide donor SNAP (0.5-5 mM) directly into prefrontal cortex mimicked the effect of systemic MK-801, dose-dependently elevating cortical extracellular glutamate. The effect of MK-801 was also blocked by systemic treatment with the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen (5 mg/kg). In combination, these data suggest increased nitric oxide formation is necessary for NMDA antagonist-induced elevations of extracellular glutamate in the prefrontal cortex. Additionally, the data suggest GABA(B) receptor activation can modulate the NMDA antagonist-induced increase in cortical glutamate release.
Quantum mechanical determination of product state distributions in the H + D2 → HD + D reaction

We present three-dimensional quantum mechanical calculations of the product state distributions in the H + D2 → HD + D reaction. The two-potential formalism of the distorted-wave Born approximation is used with the distorted potential taken to be the potential between the atom and the molecule when they are in the collinear configuration. The predicted vibrational and rotational distributions of HD molecules are compared with two new sets of experimental measurements and with quasi-classical calculations.
Improving depression outcomes in older adults with comorbid medical illness.

Abstract Background Depression is common in older adults and often coexists with multiple chronic diseases, which may complicate its diagnosis and treatment. Objective To determine whether or not the presence of multiple comorbid medical illnesses affects patient response to a multidisciplinary depression treatment program. Design, Setting and Participants Preplanned analyses of Improving Mood-Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT), a randomized controlled trial of 1801 depressed older adults (≥60 years), which was performed at 18 primary care clinics from eight health care organizations in five states across the United States from July 1999 to August 2001. Intervention Intervention patients had access for up to 12 months to a depression care manager, supervised by a psychiatrist and a primary care expert, who offered education, care management and support of antidepressant management by the patient's primary care physician, or provided brief psychotherapy (Problem-Solving Treatment in Primary Care). Measurements Depression, quality of life (QOL; scale of 0–10) and mental health component score (MCS) of the Short-Form 12 assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results Patients suffered from an average of 3.8 chronic medical conditions. Although patients with more chronic medical conditions had higher depression severity at baseline, the number of chronic diseases did not affect the likelihood of response to the IMPACT intervention when compared to care as usual. Intervention patients experienced significantly lower depression during all follow-up time points as compared with patients in usual care independent of other comorbid illnesses ( P Conclusions The presence of multiple comorbid medical illnesses did not affect patient response to a multidisciplinary depression treatment program. The IMPACT collaborative care model was equally effective for depressed older adults with or without comorbid medical illnesses.
A method for evaluation of activity of antagonistic analogs of growth hormone-releasing hormone in a superfusion system.

Abstract Antagonistic analogs of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) are being synthesized in our laboratory for various clinical applications, including treatment of certain endocrine disorders and insulin-like growth factor I-dependent tumors. To evaluate the endocrine effect of these GHRH antagonists, a sensitive dynamic in vitro system has been developed. The concentration causing 50% inhibition (IC50) of the standard GHRH antagonist human [N-Ac-Tyr1,D-Arg2]GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 is 4.5 x 10(-8) M in our dispersed pituitary cell superfusion system. This value is 11 times less than that measured in earlier static pituitary cell cultures. This reliable dynamic system is simple, fast, and inexpensive and not only makes it possible to obtain quantitative data on the inhibitory capacity of the antagonists but also provides information about the intrinsic GHRH activity of the analog. The dynamic interactions of the GHRH antagonist, the GHRH receptors, and GH release can also be evaluated by this superfusion system. The pulsatile GH release induced by 10(-9) M human GHRH-(1-29)-NH2 was inhibited by two modes of application, preincubation and simultaneous administration of the GHRH antagonist (10(-9) to 10(-6) M). The reduction in GHRH-stimulated GH response was more pronounced when the cells were preincubated with the antagonist prior to GHRH infusion than for simultaneous application. The inhibitory effect of the antagonist was dose-dependent, temporary, and of the competitive type. GH release induced by nonspecific stimulus (100 mM potassium chloride) was not influenced by the GHRH antagonist. This sensitive dynamic in vitro system appears to be a suitable method for screening the biological activity of various GHRH antagonists and eliminates the drawbacks of static pituitary cell culture.
NEGF analysis of InGaAs Schottky barrier double gate MOSFETs

A systematic study of InGaAs metallic source/drain Schottky barrier (SB) FET is conducted from a structural and material perspective by comparing it with InGaAs MOSFET and Si SBFET counterparts. The InGaAs SBFET exhibits a superior subthreshold swing compared to its Si counterpart due to its smaller transport mass. The contrary occurs at smaller channel length, demonstrating that InGaAs SBFETs are not as scalable. Since these devices exhibit different subthreshold and transconductance properties, their relative device advantage depends on the operating condition. We demonstrate that there is a window where the ION of an InGaAs SBFET can outperform its InGaAs MOSFET and Si SBFET counterparts.
Mononuclear cell supernatants inhibit prolyl hydroxylation.

Abstract The effect of phytohemagglutinin(PHA)-activated human peripheral mononuclear cell supernatant (AS) on collagen production by human fibroblasts was examined. The AS inhibited collagen production in a doseand time-dependent manner. Labeling and pulse chase experiments showed that it did not block collagen secretion, but a greater proportion of molecules synthesized in its presence accumulated within the cells. Amino acid analysis showed that when labeling was done at 24°C prolyl hydroxylation in fibroblasts exposed to the AS was reduced to two-thirds of the cultures treated with control supernatant (CS), however it was not different at 37°C. These results indicate that the AS inhibits collagen hydroxylation, that the un(under)hydroxylated collagen molecules are degraded at physiological temperature and that suppression of collagen hydroxylation may be a mechanism by which the AS inhibits collagen production.
Vive la difference

Until very recently, it was widely touted that the complete DNA sequences of any two human beings were 99.9% identical. A new study refutes this notion through a comprehensive comparison of two individual genomes which detects hundreds of new structural genomic variants.
WAR HORSE and IRON HORSE at Camp Shelby: data collection and associated processing results

The following paper describes a recent data collection exercise in which the WAR HORSE visible-near-infrared hyperspectral imaging sensor and IRON HORSE short-wave-infrared hyperspectral imaging sensor were employed in the collection of wide-area hyperspectral data sets. A preliminary analysis of the data has been performed and results are discussed.
Reliability optimization using probabilistic sufficiency factor and correction response surface

Reliability-based design optimization for low failure probability often requires millions of function analyses. Response surface approximation of the response functions (analysis response surface(ARS)) is often used to reduce the cost of failure probability calculations. Failure probabilities obtained from numerical sampling schemes are noisy and unsuitable for gradient-based optimization. To overcome this, response surfaces have been fitted to the failure probability of the designs (design response surface (DRS)) as a function of the design variables and used in optimization. Two shortcomings of the approach are that (i) the ARS fitting is extremely expensive for a large number of variables, especially for the high accuracy required to obtain very accurate reliability estimates, and (ii) DRS introduces fitting errors which affect the tails of the distributions which are significant for low failure probabilities. An approach to obtaining high-accuracy reliability estimates using the probabilistic sufficie...
Human MCF activates monocytes to produce IL-1 but not TNF or CSF-1.

Abstract Monocyte cytotoxicity inducing factor (MCF) is a novel cytokine which was originally characterized by its ability to induce monocyte cytotoxicity against tumor targets. The present studies were undertaken to define the mechanisms of cytotoxicity. Since the cytotoxic state may be mediated, in part, by the secretion of monokines, MCF's effect on IL-1, TNF and CSF-1 were measured. MCF caused human peripheral blood monocytes to secrete large amounts of IL-1 but not TNF. In contrast monocytes produce CSF-1 in culture and this production was not enhanced by MCF. IL-1 neither appeared to directly lyse the target K562 nor was able to activate macrophages for cytotoxicity. However, IL-1 may be necessary for lysis of K562 by activated macrophages through its cytostatic effect on K562. MCF increased monocyte surface expression of DR-β (when studied by fluorescent microfluorometry) and messenger RNA for DR-β after 24 h in culture. These functional studies indicate that MCF is a cytokine with a distinct spectrum of biologic activities whose functions may be mediated by synthesis and secretion of IL-1.
The identification of specific antigens in circulating immune complexes by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay: detection of bovine x‐casein IgG complexes in human sera

Circulating immune complexes have been implicated in the development of tissue injury in many chronic disease states, but in most instances the inciting antigens have not been identified. This report describes the development of a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay which can be used to screen rapidly and simultaneously the immune complexes of numerous sera for the presence of a suspected antigen. The prototype antigen sought here was kappa-casein, a frequent participant in immune complex formation in IgA deficiency and in atopic diseases. The enzyme-antibody conjugate described here can detect as little as 0.11 ng/ml of kappa-casein; for immune complexes formed in vivo or in vitro, one can distinguish circulating complexes containing casein from complexes not containing this antigen. Using this reagent, a major antigen in the immune complexes of hypogamma-globulinemic patients treated with intravenous gamma-globulin was unexpectedly identified as kappa-casein. This method of specific immune complex analysis is suggested as a practical and effective approach to the elucidation of the antigenic constituents of immune complexes found in many diseases.
Invited Paper Optical Control of Microwave Devices

This paper reviews the variety of ways in which optical signals have been used to control microwave devices in such applications as optical-injection locking, phase shifters, modulators, and switches. Techniques for the generation and detection of microwave radiation by optical means are also described. The feasibility of optical microwave monolithic integrated circuits is considered.