cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Caregiver perspectives on a smart home-based socially assistive robot for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia

Purpose: Innovative assistive technology can address aging-in-place and caregiving needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). The purpose of this study was to beta-test a novel socially assistive robot (SAR) with a cohort of ADRD caregivers and gather their perspectives on its potential integration in the home context.Methods: The SAR involved a programmable research robot linked with commercially available Internet of things sensors to receive and respond to care recipient's behaviour. Eight caregivers observed the SAR perform two care protocols concerning the care recipient's daily routine and home safety, and then participated in a focus group and phone interview. The researchers used grounded theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology as a framework to gather and analyse the data.Results: The caregivers' asserted the potential of the SAR to relieve care burden and envisioned it as a next-generation technology for caregivers. Adoption of the SAR, as an identified theme, was subject to the SAR's navigability, care recipient engagement, adaptability, humanoid features, and interface design. In contrast, barriers leading to potential rejection were technological complexity, system failure, exasperation of burden, and failure to address digital divide.Conclusion: From a broader outlook, success of SARs as a home-health technology for ADRD is reliant on the timing of their integration, commercial viability, funding provisions, and their bonding with the care recipient. Long-term research in the home settings is required to verify the usability and impact of SARs in mediating aging-in-place of individuals with ADRD.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSocially assistive robots (SARs), an emerging domain of assistive technology, are projected to have a crucial role in supporting aging-in-place of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD).Caregivers of individuals with ADRD who observed and interacted with a novel SAR asserted their acceptance of the technology as well as its scope and feasibility for the upcoming generation of caregivers.Navigability, care recipient engagement, adaptability, humanoid features, and interface design were stated to be critical factors for SAR's acceptance by caregiver and care recipient dyads.In contrast, technological complexity, system failure, exasperation of burden, and failure to address digital divide are detrimental to SAR's adoption.Several design and implementation requirements must be considered towards the full-scale development and deployment of the SARs in the home context.
Development and Evaluation of an Accelerometer-Based Protocol for Measuring Physical Activity Levels in Cancer Survivors: Development and Usability Study.

Background: The collection of self-reported physical activity using validated questionnaires has known bias and measurement error. Objective: Accelerometry, an objective measure of daily activity, increases the rigor and accuracy of physical activity measurements. Here, we describe the methodology and related protocols for accelerometry data collection and quality assurance using the Actigraph GT9X accelerometer data collection in a convenience sample of ovarian cancer survivors enrolled in GOG/NRG 0225, a 24-month randomized controlled trial of diet and physical activity intervention versus attention control. Methods: From July 2015 to December 2019, accelerometers were mailed on 1337 separate occasions to 580 study participants to wear at 4 time points (baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months) for 7 consecutive days. Study staff contacted participants via telephone to confirm their availability to wear the accelerometers and reviewed instructions and procedures regarding the return of the accelerometers and assisted with any technology concerns. Results: We evaluated factors associated with wear compliance, including activity tracking, use of a mobile app, and demographic characteristics with chi-square tests and logistic regression. Compliant data, defined as ≥4 consecutive days with ≥10 hours daily wear time, exceeded 90% at all study time points. Activity tracking, but no other characteristics, was significantly associated with compliant data at all time points (P<.001). This implementation of data collection through accelerometry provided highly compliant and usable activity data in women who recently completed treatment for ovarian cancer. Conclusions: The high compliance and data quality associated with this protocol suggest that it could be disseminated to support researchers who seek to collect robust objective activity data in cancer survivors residing in a wide geographic area.
Tough-Hydrogel Reinforced Low-Tortuosity Conductive Networks for Stretchable and High-Performance Supercapacitors.

All-solid-state supercapacitors are seeing emerging applications in flexible and stretchable electronics. Supercapacitors with high capacitance, high power density, simple form factor, and good mechanical robustness are highly desired, which demands electrode materials with high surface area, high mass loading, good conductivity, larger thickness, low tortuosity, and high toughness. However, it has been challenging to simultaneously realize them in a single material. By compositing a superficial layer of tough hydrogel on conductive and low tortuous foams, a thick capacitor electrode with large capacitance (5.25 F cm-2 ), high power density (41.28 mW cm-2 ), and good mechanical robustness (e = 140%, Γ = 1000 J m-2 ) is achieved. The tough hydrogel serves as both a load-bearing layer to maintain structural integrity during deformation and a permeable binder to allow interaction between the conductive electrode and electrolyte. It is shown that the tough hydrogel reinforcement is beneficial for both electrical and mechanical stability. With a simple design and facile fabrication, this strategy is generalizable for various conductive materials.
Distinctive Properties and Powerful Neuromodulation of Nav1.6 Sodium Channels Regulates Neuronal Excitability.

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) are critical determinants of cellular excitability. These ion channels exist as large heteromultimeric structures and their activity is tightly controlled. In neurons, the isoform Nav1.6 is highly enriched at the axon initial segment and nodes, making it critical for the initiation and propagation of neuronal impulses. Changes in Nav1.6 expression and function profoundly impact the input-output properties of neurons in normal and pathological conditions. While mutations in Nav1.6 may cause channel dysfunction, aberrant changes may also be the result of complex modes of regulation, including various protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications, which can alter membrane excitability and neuronal firing properties. Despite decades of research, the complexities of Nav1.6 modulation in health and disease are still being determined. While some modulatory mechanisms have similar effects on other Nav isoforms, others are isoform-specific. Additionally, considerable progress has been made toward understanding how individual protein interactions and/or modifications affect Nav1.6 function. However, there is still more to be learned about how these different modes of modulation interact. Here, we examine the role of Nav1.6 in neuronal function and provide a thorough review of this channel’s complex regulatory mechanisms and how they may contribute to neuromodulation.
The domestic computer science graduate students are there, we just need to recruit them

The sudden disruption brought to our world by COVID-19 has put science and research at the center of the public attention. Scientists have been asked why the pandemic developed, how it may be countered and possibly defeated, and how its spread could be prevented. Almost all branches of science have been involved: from health to social sciences, from economics to technological sciences. Computer science was no exception. Researchers know how to communicate with peers. They learn how to do it since they enter a Ph.D. program, and continue to learn and improve throughout their career. Research is an intrinsically open process that relies on communication among peers. The main ambition of scientists is to achieve novel results and disseminate them to the world, contributing to the advance of human knowledge and welfare. COVID-19 brought science back on stage in the spotlight, emerging from the shaded death of expertise" corner. Science and technology proved to be decisive weapons to fight against the virus."
4NQO enhances differential activation of DNA repair proteins in HPV positive and HPV negative HNSCC cells.

Abstract Tobacco exposure and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are among the main risk factors for the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Interestingly, recent studies show that tumors from HPV positive (HPV+) smokers and non-smokers have similar mutational profiles, which suggests that HPV could prevent mutation induction or accumulation in the intermediate risk group composed of HPV+ smokers. Hence, we tested this observation by analyzing the effects of 4-Nitroquinoline N-oxide (4NQO), a mutagen and smoking mimetic, in NOK (normal oral keratinocytes), NOKE6.E7 (NOK cells transfected with E6.E7 oncogenes of HPV), HPV+ and HPV negative (HPV−) HNSCC cells. Oxidative DNA damage, γH2AX foci formation, DNA repair protein activation, cell cycle phase analysis, apoptotic cell death, cell viability and clonogenic cell survival were analyzed after 4NQO treatment in NOK, NOKE6.E7, HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC cells. 4NQO increased oxidative base damage and γH2AX foci formation in NOKE6.E7, HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC cells. Phosphorylation of homologous recombination (HR) repair proteins was higher in NOKE6.E7 and HPV+ HNSCC cells compared to NOK and HPV− HNSCC cells respectively. HPV+ and HPV− HNSCC cells showed differential activation of cell cycle regulatory proteins, increased apoptosis, and decreased cell viability upon 4NQO-induced DNA damage. Taken together, 4NQO (a smoking mimetic), induced higher activation of HR repair in HPV+ HNSCC cells compared to HPV− HNSCC cells. This may allow for increased mutational resistance and help explain why HPV+ smokers have a worse prognosis than HPV+ non-smokers.
The Basic Trypsin Inhibitor of Bovine Pancreas VII. REDUCTION WITH BOROHYDRIDE OF DISULFIDE BOND LINKING HALF-CYSTINE RESIDUES 14 AND 38

Abstract Partial reduction of the basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor with sodium borohydride results in the selective cleavage of the disulfide bond linking half-cystine residues 14 and 38. The partially reduced inhibitor is fully active, whereas its carboxymethylated derivative is completely inactive and is susceptible to tryptic digestion. The reduced inhibitor slowly reoxidizes when incubated alone at pH 8. In contrast, when the reduced inhibitor is first allowed to form a complex with trypsin, no reoxidation occurs at pH 8.0 for at least 25 min.
Device Model for Graphene Spin Valves

A 1-D drift-diffusion device model for graphene spin valves is presented. The model describes properly the electronic and the spintronic properties, such as electrostatics, charge and spin injection, transport, spin relaxation, spin-current profiles, and bias-dependent magnetoresistance. The model calculations agree qualitatively with relevant experimental results, and provide physical insight.
Bootstrap prediction intervals for Markov processes

Given time series data X 1 , ź , X n , the problem of optimal prediction of X n + 1 has been well-studied. The same is not true, however, as regards the problem of constructing a prediction interval with prespecified coverage probability for X n + 1 , i.e.,źturning the point predictor into an interval predictor. In the past, prediction intervals have mainly been constructed for time series that obey an autoregressive model that is linear, nonlinear or nonparametric. In the paper at hand, the scope is expanded by assuming only that { X t } is a Markov process of order p ź 1 without insisting that any specific autoregressive equation is satisfied. Several different approaches and methods are considered, namely both Forward and Backward approaches to prediction intervals as combined with three resampling methods: the bootstrap based on estimated transition densities, the Local Bootstrap for Markov processes, and the novel Model-Free bootstrap. In simulations, prediction intervals obtained from different methods are compared in terms of their coverage level and length of interval.
Deletion analysis of the Saccharomyces GAL gene cluster. Transcription from three promoters.

Abstract Five deletions, constructed in vitro, have been incorporated into the Saccharomyces Cerevisiae GAL7-GAL10-GAL1 gene cluster on chromosome II. These deletions permit unambiguous assignment of genetic function to each of the previously identified transcribed regions. The GAL7 and GAL10 genes are transcribed right to left while the GAL1 gene is transcribed left to right. A deletion of the divergently transcribed region between GAL10 and GAL1 including the sequences homologous to the 5′ ends of all transcripts for both of these genes results in a GAL7+, gal10−, gal1− genotype. This result suggests that each of these three genes can be transcribed from separate promoter regions. A yeast strain, containing the rna1-1 temperature-sensitive mutation, at non-permissive temperatures accumulates a large RNA containing both GAL7 and GAL10 sequences, a small RNA containing GAL7 sequences and at least three larger RNAs containing GAL1 sequences. Deletion of DNA sequences contained within the larger GAL1 transcripts but beyond the GAL1 (galactokinase) coding sequences results in a strain able to complement gal1− mutants. This result suggests that the larger transcripts may not be obligate precursors to the stable GAL1 mRNAs.
Application of Enzymes in Food Analysis

Due to the specificity and sensitivity of enzymes, they are valuable analytical devices for quantitating compounds that are enzyme substrates, activators, or inhibitors. This chapter reviews the principles of enzymology then provides examples of how enzymatic analyses are used in food systems. In enzyme-catalyzed reactions, the enzyme and substrate are mixed under specific conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentrations). Changes in these conditions can affect the reaction rate of the enzyme and thereby the outcome of the assay. The enzymatic reaction is followed by measuring either the amount of product generated or the disappearance of the substrate. Applications for enzyme analyses will increase as a greater number of enzymes are purified and become commercially available. The measurement of enzyme activity is useful in assessing food quality and as an indication of the adequacy of heat processes such as pasteurization and blanching. Immobilized enzyme sensors will likely increase in importance for in-line process control in the food industry.
A chemical separation procedure using ionic liquid extraction for 59Fe and 55Fe quantification

Quantifying the iron (Fe) isotopes 55Fe and 59Fe radiometrically can be difficult due to emission interferences or high spectral backgrounds in the presence of other activation products or fission products. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate a separation procedure for Fe activation product analysis for complex samples that contain either activated soil components or freshly produced fission products generated from HEU. The developed procedure herein described succesfully allowed for quantitative analysis of both 59Fe (by gamma spectroscopy) and 55Fe (by low-energy photon spectroscopy) with greater than 90 % Fe recovery.
Dependence induced increases in intragastric alcohol consumption in mice

Three experiments used the intragastric alcohol consumption (IGAC) procedure to examine the effects of variations in passive ethanol exposure on withdrawal and voluntary ethanol intake in two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2). Experimental treatments were selected to induce quantitative differences in ethanol dependence and withdrawal severity by: (1) varying the periodicity of passive ethanol exposure (three, six or nine infusions/day); (2) varying the dose per infusion (low, medium or high); and (3) varying the duration of passive exposure (3, 5 or 10 days). All experiments included control groups passively exposed to water. B6 mice generally self-infused more ethanol than D2 mice, but passive ethanol exposure increased IGAC in both strains, with D2 mice showing larger relative increases during the first few days of ethanol access. Bout data supported the characterization of B6 mice as sippers and D2 mice as gulpers. Three larger infusions per day produced a stronger effect on IGAC than six or nine smaller infusions, especially in D2 mice. Increased IGAC was strongly predicted by cumulative ethanol dose and intoxication during passive exposure in both strains. Withdrawal during the passive exposure phase was also a strong predictor of increased IGAC in D2 mice. However, B6 mice showed little withdrawal, precluding analysis of its potential role. Overall, these data support the hypothesis that dependence-induced increases in IGAC are jointly determined by two processes that might vary across genotypes: (1) tolerance to aversive postabsorptive ethanol effects and (2) negative reinforcement (i.e. alleviation of withdrawal by self-administered ethanol).
A β-sitosterol assay for fine-root mass in soils

The structural complexity and spatial heterogeneity of soils make the direct measurement of biomass a tedious task. These difficulties have led to the development of indirect assays based on biochemical indicators. We have investigated the potential of β-sitosterol, a component of plant membranes, as an indicator of phytomass in soils. β-sitosterol was extracted from soil, root and litter samples with hot methanol, following the procedure used for fungal ergosterol, and quantified by HPLC. Concentrations in fine roots (<2 mm dia) of 16 herbaceous and woody plants ranged from 0.2 to 2.0 μg mg−1 organic mass (mean = 1.0, SD = 0.5). Concentrations in 2 cm dia × 15 cm deep soil cores collected under old field, deciduous hardwood and pine canopies ranged from 2.4 to 26.5 μg g−1 soil dry mass, equivalent to fine-root standing crops of 5–60 Mg ha−1. Microcosm studies indicated that in the early stages of decomposition β-sitosterol degrades at about the same rate as bulk litter. The β-sitosterol assay may facilitate the analysis of mycorrhizal associations and the quantification of total fine-root mass.
Macroinvertebrate community structure and detritus processing rates in two southwestern Pennsylvania streams acidified by atmospheric deposition

A one-year study of benthic macroinvertebrate communities and leaf litter decomposition rates was conducted on Wildcat and McGinnis Runs, two headwater tributaries of Rolling Rock Creek in southwestern Pennsylvania. Previous studies have shown these two streams to be affected by acidic runoff following periods of precipitation and snow-melt. The more highly buffered waters of Wildcat Run support wild fish populations while McGinnis Run lacks native fish fauna. Five benthic macroinvertebrate samples were taken from riffle areas in each stream using a Surber sampler during the spring, summer, fall, and winter seasons. Thirty 10-g packs of white ash (Fraxinus americana) leaves were placed in each stream on October 7, 1982, and sampled over a 5-month period to determine per cent weight loss. The benthic macroinvertebrate community of McGinnis Run was found to be depressed compared to that of Wildcat Run in terms of density, diversity, and total taxa. The overall rate of leaf-litter decomposition was also slower in McGinnis Run.
Fee or Free? New Commercial Services Are Changing the Equation

Online full-text research services such as Questia and Ebrary are targeting faculty and undergraduates directly, offering them library-like services for a fee. This has caused a great deal of negative response in the library community, because these companies seem to be trying to compete with and undercut freely available library services. However, rejecting them outright is probably not the best answer - if only because their marketing budgets dwarf our own. This presentation will explore the impacts these services could have on libraries, as well as the ways we might use them to extend our online collections and services. If we engage these companies in conversation, we could end up with cooperation and even partnerships. They may have an inevitable impact on libraries, but it is up to us to shape that impact by taking the initiative.
Rates of decay for the survival probability of a mutant gene.

Ifqk is the extinction probability of a slightly supercritical branching process with offspring distributionP kr :r = 0, 1, 2,..., then it is shown that if sup ∑r r 3 p kr , < ∞, inf σ2 k > 0, andm k → 1, then 1 −q k ∼ 2(m k −1)σ k −2, wherem k = ∑ r rp kr , σ2 k = ∑k r r 2 p kr −m k 2. This provides a simple set of sufficient conditions for the validity of a conjecture of Ewens (1969) for the survival probability of a slightly advantageous mutant gene.
Grouped coordinate descent algorithms for robust edge-preserving image restoration

We present a new class of algorithms for edge-preserving restoration of piecewise-smooth images measured in non- Gaussian noise under shift-variant blur. The algorithms are based on minimizing a regularized objective function, and are guaranteed to monotonically decrease the objective function. The algorithms are derived by using a combination of two previously unconnected concepts: A. De Pierro's convexity technique for optimization transfer, and P. Huber's iteration for M-estimation. Convergence to the unique global minimum is guaranteed for strictly convex objective functions. The convergence rate is very fast relative to conventional gradient-based iterations. The proposed algorithms are flexibly parallelizable, and easily accommodate non-negativity constraints and arbitrary neighborhood structures. Implementation in Matlab is remarkably simple, requiring no cumbersome line searches or tolerance parameters.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Comment on the paper “Jurassic magnetostratigraphy, 2. Middle-Late Oxfordian of Aguilon, Iberian Cordillera, northern Spain,” by M.B. Steiner, J.G. Ogg, G. Melendez and L. Sequeiros

Commentaire sur l'article paru dans Earth planet. Sci. Letters, NLD, 1985-1986, 76, 151-166
Ab initio phasing of X-ray powder diffraction patterns by charge flipping

Determining crystal structures from powder X-ray diffraction data remains a challenging problem in materials science. By embedding a Le-Bail-like procedure within the recently discovered charge-flipping phasing algorithm, an extremely simple, fast and effective ab initio method has been developed to determine phases directly from indexed powder diffraction patterns. The algorithm solves the degeneracy problem by applying spherical averaging for overlapping Bragg reflections, while solving the phase problem by using the Oszlanyi-Suto charge-flipping algorithm. The processes of peak decomposition and phasing are integrated within the same iteration, and a dynamic support is used. The Fienup hybrid input-output algorithm is also incorporated to minimize stagnation. The ability of the algorithm to find structure-factor phases rapidly is found to assist with the fundamental problem of degeneracy (overlapping reflections) which is intrinsic to powder diffraction data. Space-group and chemical-composition information are not needed as inputs, and can be determined from the result. The method is illustrated using several experimental powder patterns of indifferent quality.
Intramolecular radical cyclizations onto quinones. A direct synthesis of Bauhinoxepin J

Bauhinoxepin J has been synthesized in four steps using an intramolecular persulfate-mediated radical addition to a quinone as the key step.
A systematic method for developing function structures, solutions and concept variants

Abstract A systematic design method and a computer program for use in the beginning stages of the design process is described. The program leads the user through problem definition and conceptual design. The program contains the following data bases: questions and data for a specification list; functions for generating functional block diagrams and solutions to satisfy the functional requirements. The procedures are based on the systematic design technique, a rational method for developing new and improving existing products. The final product of the program is the solution concept, a functional schematic of the product/process showing a pictorial view of its parts which are drawn from the solutions data base.
Trade, debt, and the Cuban economy

Abstract Like many other Latin American countries, Cuba pursued a strategy of “debt-led growth” in the mid-1970s and sustained large balance of payments deficits with the West. Though external balance was restored by 1979, Cuba faced a severe liquidity crisis in 1982 when short-term loans were suddenly withdrawn. This paper is a study of Cuba's seemingly exceptional ability to decrease its foreign debt after 1980, meet interest payments on time, and maintain an overall program of growth with equity. A combination of implicit Soviet trade subsidies, and Cuba's socialist polity and political-economic control, have apparently mitigated the constraints of the “world capitalist system,” and fostered an alternative program to the current austerity measures of most of Latin America.
Knowledge Synthesis and Innovative Logistics Processes: Enhancing Operational Flexibility and Performance

Research results are presented providing an empirical examination of the impact of knowledge synthesis and innovative logistics processes on operational flexibility. The research is theoretically grounded in the resource-based view of the firm, augmented with the knowledge-based view. Knowledge synthesis and innovative logistics processes are proposed as key resources in the development of an important logistics capability: operational flexibility. A structural model analysis of survey data collected from logistics executives supports the proposed relationships and indicates that innovative logistics processes can lead to greater operational flexibility. Operational flexibility is also shown to lead to higher levels of logistics performance.
Drug Overdose in a Retrospective Cohort with Non-Cancer Pain Treated with Opioids, Antidepressants, and/or Sedative-Hypnotics: Interactions with Mental Health Disorders

Background Opioid analgesics and other psychoactive drugs may pose an even greater risk for drug overdose in persons with mental health disorders.
Using the Limited Capacity Model of Motivated Mediated Message Processing to Design Effective Cancer Communication Messages

This paper applies the limited capacity model of motivated mediated messages (LC4MP) to the problem of creating effective messages about cancer. A general description of the model is presented and then applied specifically to the task of creating effective cancer communication messages by asking the following questions about cancer communication: (a) What is the goal of the message? (b) Who is in the target market? (c) What medium will carry the message? and (d) What is the motivational and personal relevance of the main information in the message for the majority of people in the target market? The paper concludes that cancer is a motivationally relevant topic that will elicit aversive activation. Target markets for various types of cancer-related messages (e.g., smokers or people of a certain age) will process mediated messages in predictably different ways making certain design decisions better for certain target markets. Both structural and content elements of messages interact with the limited capacity information processing system to impact resource allocation, which in turn determines how well messages are encoded, stored, and retrieved at a decision point. Individual differences in peoples’ motivational activation influence both their tendencies to engage in risky behaviors that increase the probabilities of getting cancer and their processing of health-related messages. Future research from this perspective should be done to optimize cancer messages for specific target audiences using specific media.
Microbial Reduction of Crystalline Iron(III) Oxides: Influence of Oxide Surface Area and Potential for Cell Growth

Quantitative aspects of microbial crystalline iron(III) oxide reduction were examined using a dissimilatory iron(III) oxide-reducing bacterium (Shewanella alga strain BrY). The initial rate and lon...
Power Management System With Integrated Maximum Power Extraction Algorithm for Microbial Fuel Cells

Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are alternative renewable power sources that can directly produce electricity from biodegradable substances. However, due to their low power and voltage production, power management systems (PMS) are required to process the MFC power to a more readily usable level. For this application, a monolithic PMS with an integrated maximum power extraction algorithm (MPEA) is proposed. The MPEA allows for quick and accurate pin-pointing of the matching conditions for maximum power transfer from the MFC to the PMS. The PMS delivers a regulated fixed voltage from low fluctuating voltages produced by MFC at maximum power point to a supercapacitor from which electronic devices, such as wireless sensors, for extended operation time can be directly powered. Along with the MPEA system, the PMS is composed of a dc-dc boost converter operating in discontinuous conduction mode to maximize efficiency. In addition, a zero current switching tracking loop is proposed to improve overall system efficiency and minimize losses in the PMS through accurate P-type Metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor on/off timing control. The PMS circuit was fabricated in 0.5-μm CMOS technology. The maximum dynamic efficiency measured was ~58% for a load of ~250 μW.
A simple method for the classification and typing of monoclonal immunoglobulins

Abstract A convenient method for identifying heavy and light chains of monoclonal immunoglobulins is described. The technique, a modification of immunofixation electrophoresis, is most useful for the typing of monoclonal immunoglobulins present at very low concentrations relative to the population of normal heterogeneous immunoglobulins. It obviates the use of immunoelectrophoresis and shortens the analysis time of typical paraproteins to 2 hr. The identification of Bence Jones proteins and other urinary proteins using this method is also presented.
Aerosol size distribution modeling with the Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system in the Pacific Northwest: 3. Size distribution of particles emitted into a mesoscale model

[1] In order to improve the Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system (CMAQ) performance for ultrafine particle concentrations in the Pacific Northwest, CMAQ v4.4 was modified so that particles are input to the model with an appropriate size distribution. CMAQ's default emission size distributions are based on outdated measurements which underrepresent ultrafine particles. At the same time, the size distribution must represent the results of all processes between the point of emission and the smallest resolvable spatial scale of the model. As a computationally efficient and simple solution, size distributions were compiled from published modern observations for traffic-dominated urban areas, power plants, and marine sources at the typical mesoscale air quality model spatial resolution of 4–15 km. CMAQ was modified so that all chemical species are input according to the emission size distribution of traffic-dominated urban areas because this source emits the majority of each aerosol species in the Pacific Northwest. For a summer 2001 case study based around field measurements, CMAQ v4.4 underpredicts the observable aerosol number concentrations by 1–2 orders of magnitude, while CMAQ with new emission size distributions underpredicts by ∼1 order of magnitude. The modeled size distributions have improved properties in terms of more distinct Aitken and accumulation modes and a more prominent Aitken mode. Errors remain, especially in the accumulation mode.
An exploratory survey on the use of computation in undergraduate engineering education

Advances in computing contribute to science and engineering discovery, innovation, and education by facilitating representations, processing, storage, analysis, simulation, and visualization of unprecedented amounts of experimental and observational data to address problems that affect health, energy, environment, security, and quality of life. In spite of the emerging importance of the role of computing in engineering, a well-recognized shortage of scientists and engineers who are adequately prepared to take advantage of, or contribute to, such highly interdisciplinary, highly computational scientific challenges is evident. This exploratory study identifies how computation is integrated in the engineering disciplines at the undergraduate level. The research question is: How engineering professors integrate computation as part of their disciplinary undergraduate courses? This study reports anonymous survey responses of thirty-nine engineering and engineering technology faculty members who identified themselves as integrating computation as part of their undergraduate courses. Results indicate that most of the faculty members used computation for the solution of complex calculations, for conducting simulations, and for design purposes. Further research is required in order to identify and validate appropriated pedagogical practices to integrate computation as part of disciplinary courses.
Effects of restricted feeding schedules on circadian organization in squirrel monkeys

Free running circadian rhythms of motor activity, food-motivated lever-pressing, and either drinking (N = 7) or body temperature (N = 3) were recorded from 10 squirrel monkeys maintained in constant illumination with unlimited access to food. Food availability was then restricted to a single unsignaled 3-hour interval each day. The feeding schedule failed to entrain the activity rhythms of 8 monkeys, which continued to free-run. Drinking was almost completely synchronized by the schedule, while body temperature showed a feeding-induced rise superimposed on a free-running rhythm. Nonreinforced lever-pressing showed both a free-running component and a 24-hour component that anticipated the time of feeding. At the termination of the schedule, all recorded variables showed free-running rhythms, but in 3 animals the initial phase of the postschedule rhythms was advanced by several hours, suggesting relative coordination. Of the remaining 2 animals, one exhibited stable entrainment of all 3 recorded rhythms, while the other appeared to entrain temporarily to the feeding schedule. These results indicate that restricted feeding schedules are only a weak zeitgeber for the circadian pacemaker generating free-running rhythms in the squirrel monkey. Such schedules, however, may entrain a separate circadian system responsible for the timing of food-anticipatory changes in behavior and physiology.
Mechanical design of the Solar Probe Cup instrument on Solar Probe Plus

The Solar Probe Cup (SPC) Instrument is a Sun-facing Faraday Cup instrument slated for launch aboard the Solar Probe Plus (SPP) spacecraft in 2018. SPC is one of two instruments onboard the Solar Wind Electrons Alphas Protons (SWEAP) instrument suite and is the only SPP charged particle instrument that will not be shielded behind the spacecraft’s Thermal Protection System (TPS). The 7-year SPP mission will take SPC on 24 solar encounters at perihelia ranging from 35 to 9.86 solar radii (R S ). The SPC components will encounter a large range of temperatures, from in excess of 1500°C at perihelion to -130°C at or near aphelion. This paper details the derived mechanical and structural requirements on the primary SPC mechanical assemblies including its thermal shield, the sensor unit and the strut/adapter assembly. An example of sensor requirements derivation to the component level is provided by the modulator flex ring. Preliminary requirements derivation, definition, and compliance are provided for these assemblies and components.
Exploiting Complexity and the Robustness of Network Architecture for Drug Discovery

The issue of complexity stands at the center of contemporary drug discovery and development. The central problem in drug development today is attrition of drug candidates identified by the modern molecular target-based discovery approach, due to two related features of complex metabolic networks: their fundamentally unpredictable response to targeted interventions and their “robustness” (tendency to maintain stable function in the face of internal or external perturbations). Complexity and adaptations are, therefore, generally seen as obstacles to drug discovery. Here, the converse proposition is presented—that the complexity and adaptive responses of highly interconnected metabolic networks can be exploited for therapeutic discovery. Unanticipated connectivity relationships may result in “off-target” changes in metabolic fluxes, leading to unexpected therapeutic actions of agents. Exploiting this approach requires that fully assembled living systems (in vivo models) be studied and that informative in vivo biomarkers of the activity of biochemical pathways responsible for disease be available. These biomarkers should be sensitive, predictive of functional endpoints, and have high enough throughput for efficient screening of large numbers of agents. To the extent that such biomarkers unambiguously reflect the activity of pathways that mediate disease or therapeutic response (i.e., are “authentic”), their utility will be increased. Examples are presented of pathway-based screening of approved drugs for unexpected actions. Results support the principle that agents that have one action typically have many actions, including unanticipated actions, reflecting connectivity relationships of complex networks. Pathway-based screening in vivo represents an alternative to the high attrition of the molecular target-based discovery paradigm.
On the Receiving End: Sensemaking, Emotion, and Assessments of an Organizational Change Initiated by Others

This study focuses on the interpretations and experiences of change recipients, those who carry out organizational interventions initiated by others. Based on the ways nurses experienced a shared governance initiative implemented in their hospital, the authors investigated change recipients’ sensemaking about organizational change through their ascribed meanings, emotional responses, and perceptions of its impacts on them. Survey data demonstrated how nurses subjectively assessed their gains and losses from the change initiative. Participation in the initiative increased the experience of gains, as did membership in a unit where change was implemented more fully. Textual analysis of open-ended responses to the survey indicated that gains were linked with interpretations of the change initiative and pleasant feelings and that there was considerable emotional contagion within work units. Such effects are particularly likely in employee empowerment initiatives as experiences are linked to interpretation and ...
Multiple components in photopic dark adaptation.

After extinction of a 580-nm bleach, the rate of decrease of the logarithm of visual threshold to a foveal long-wavelength test is not described by an exponentially shaped function. There is a period of time roughly midway between extinction of the bleach and complete recovery of sensitivity when the threshold does not continue to decrease. The duration of this period can be up to about a minute, depending on the illuminance of the bleach. The departure from an exponential time course of recovery during this period is more evident when the test stimulus is a disk that is defocused on the retina and sinusoidally modulated at 1 Hz than when the test stimulus is a sharp-edged disk that is either flashed for 160 msec or sinusoidally modulated at 1 Hz. Losses rather than plateaus of sensitivity with time are sometimes apparent—depending on the observer and stimulus parameters—roughly midway through recovery when the test is a defocused disk modulated sinusoidally at 1 Hz.
Non-pelvic abdominal ultrasound: An overview for emergency physicians

Ultrasound scanning is a very useful technique for diagnosing emergent abdominal conditions and diseases. Of the two types of scanning that can be done, real-time imaging is more useful under emergency conditions than static imaging. Real-time scanning equipment is portable, easy to operate, and can be used on acutely ill and poorly cooperative patients. Real-time scanners readily image fixed organs as well as mobile structures and substances in the abdomen. Scanning is very accurate in the diagnosis of cholelithiasis, common hepatic duct obstruction, pancreatic pseudocyst, obstructive uropathy, and aortic aneurysms. It has also been found to be of value in recognizing acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and renal transplant rejection. Although it is not currently a common practice, emergency physicians can be trained to perform this diagnostic procedure and interpret the resulting scanning images.
Rapid testing and zidovudine treatment to prevent vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in unregistered parturients : A cost-effectiveness analysis

Abstract Objective: To assess the potential effectiveness and costs of a program to prevent vertical transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in parturients without prenatal care. Methods: A decision-analysis model was constructed to compare three management strategies for unregistered women presenting in labor: 1) the current standard of treating no one; 2) HIV testing with a rapid antibody assay, followed by zidovudine treatment according to AIDS Clinical Trial Group Protocol 076 if seropositive; and 3) treating all women without rapid testing. Cost and probability data were obtained from a literature review and local estimates. Sensitivity analyses were performed for pertinent uncertainties. Results: Under baseline assumptions (5% HIV prevalence, treatment efficacy of an 18% reduction in transmission rate, and lifetime cost of pediatric HIV $103,708), giving no treatment resulted in 1275 infected infants per 100,000 mother-infant pairs. The rapid-test strategy prevented 183 cases of infant HIV infection and resulted in a net savings to the medical system of $57,997 per case averted. The treat-all strategy prevented an additional 46 cases per 100,000 mother-infant pairs, but at a cost of $342,068 per additional case averted. With other estimates at baseline, rapid testing was cost-saving when the HIV prevalence exceeded 0.97%, the treatment efficacy exceeded a 5.8% reduction in the transmission rate, and the lifetime cost of pediatric HIV infection exceeded $33,625. Conclusion: Rapid HIV testing of unregistered parturients followed by zidovudine treatment if seropositive would be cost saving to the medical system.
Univariate Uncertainty Analysis of an Integrated Land Use and Transportation Model: MEPLAN

Land use and transportation models are typically given precise inputs and return precise outputs. This precision should not be mistaken for accuracy. The purpose of this paper is to introduce uncertainty into three inputs and one parameter of a fully integrated land use and travel demand model – MEPLAN – to determine the effect of uncertain inputs on model outputs. Inputs were selected based upon there being expected sources of uncertainty. Inputs were varied individually based upon plausible amounts of error and the marginal impact of each on outputs was examined. Counter to the findings of previous similar studies, uncertainty in the socio-economic forecasts did not dominate the final amounts of error observed in the model outputs. The propagation of error across model years, as well as the final level of error in the end-year, is examined.
Proteolysis of kunitz soybean trypsin inhibitor during germination

Abstract During the germination and seedling growth of soybeans ( Glycine max ) a new form of the Kunitz soybean trypsin inhibitor (KSTI) appears in the cotyledons distinct from the KSTI of the quiescent seed. This inhibitor has been purified from the germinated seeds of soybean cultivar Amsoy 71 and cultivar Fiskeby V. These cultivars contain the Ti a and Ti i variants of KSTI respectively in the dry seed. The inhibitors were characterized by sodium dodecylsulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, amino acid analysis, and partial sequence determination. The newly appearing form in Amsoy 71 (Ti a m ) was found to be identical to Ti a except for the loss of the five residue sequence at the carboxylterminus of Ti a . The Ti b variant of KSTI was found to contain at least 199 amino acid residues (as opposed to 181 for Ti a ). The amino-terminal sequence of Ti b was found to be identical to that of Ti a for the first ten residues. The KSTI species appearing in Fiskeby V with germination, Ti b m , appears to be derived from Ti b by the loss of the carboxylterminal decapeptide.
Channel and pricing decisions in a supply chain with advance selling of gift cards

Abstract Many service providers, such as restaurants, are selling their gift cards through independent retailers. We analyze a supply chain of a service provider who sells products and gift cards at face value at its locations. The service provider also sells its gift cards through a retailer. Consumers may buy gift cards from the service provider or the retailer for their own use and/or to use as gifts. Consumers may be customers of both the service provider and retailer (Dual), only the service provide (SP-only), or only the retailer (retailer-only). We find that under a large enough gift cards’ redemption rate and no gift-givers, it is sub-optimal for a service provider to sell gift cards through a retailer. When there are some Retailer-only gift-givers, it is optimal for the service provider to sell gift cards through a retailer. We identify threshold redemption rates at which it is optimal for a service provider to sell gift cards through an independent retailer to different consumer segments. We also find that the SP may not always prefer a low redemption rate and for some service providers with large additional spending rates above redeemed gift cards’ value, profit may increase with the redemption rate. Also, centralization in the SP–retailer supply chain in this paper may lead to only a small increase in profits. Numerical analysis indicate that the redemption rate needed to make it optimal for the service provider to sell gift cards to all consumers through a retailer is unlikely to occur in practice.
Evaluating undergraduate nursing students' self-efficacy and competence in writing: Effects of a writing intensive intervention

While professional nurses are expected to communicate clearly, these skills are often not explicitly taught in undergraduate nursing education. In this research study, writing self-efficacy and writing competency were evaluated in 52 nontraditional undergraduate baccalaureate completion students in two distance-mediated 16-week capstone courses. The intervention group (n = 44) experienced various genres and modalities of written assignments set in the context of evidence-based nursing practice; the comparison group (n = 8) received usual writing undergraduate curriculum instruction. Self-efficacy, measured by the Post Secondary Writerly Self-Efficacy Scale, indicated significant improvements for all self-efficacy items (all p's = 0.00). Writing competency, assessed in the intervention group using a primary trait scoring rubric (6 + 1 Trait Writing Model(®) of Instruction and Assessment), found significant differences in competency improvement on five of seven items. This pilot study demonstrated writing skills can improve in nontraditional undergraduate students with guided instruction. Further investigation with larger, culturally diverse samples is indicated to validate these results.