cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physician and nurse use of psychosocial strategies in diabetes care: results of the cross-national Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN) study.

OBJECTIVE — To determine the use of psychosocial strategies by health care providers in treating patients with diabetes and the factors associated with use of these strategies. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS — Cross-sectional survey of national samples of generalist and diabetes specialist physicians (n 2,705) and nurses (n 1,122) from the multinational study of Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs. Respondents were from 13 countries in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. Two psychosocial strategies were examined: provider psychosocial care, which provides psychosocial support by diabetes care providers to their own patients, and psychosocial specialist care, which refers diabetic patients to psychosocial specialists. RESULTS — Compared with physicians, nurses perceived significantly higher prevalence and severity of psychosocial problems and used psychosocial strategies significantly more frequently, even though they rated their own psychosocial skills lower. Among both physicians and nurses, diabetes specialists were significantly more likely than generalists to utilize psychosocial strategies. Physicians and nurses used psychosocial strategies significantly more when they believed that more patients have psychosocial problems and that problems interfere more with diabetes control. Referral to psychosocial specialists was significantly more likely when physicians and nurses perceived that professional psychological resources were more available. There were substantial country differences in all factors studied. Compared with other countries, U.S. providers provided more psychosocial care themselves but were less likely to refer to psychosocial specialists. CONCLUSIONS — Psychosocial strategies are important parts of the diabetes care provider repertoire; understanding their determinants may facilitate efforts to increase their use.
A basis transformation technique with application to scattering by wires

A numerical basis transformation technique is described which may be applied, in conjunction with point-matching methods (e.g., piecewise uniform or piecewise linear methods), to obtain least-square solutions of electromagnetic scattering by thin wires. It is shown that reductions in both computer solution time and computer storage requirements result. The technique is demonstrated by applying it along with piecewise uniform methods to the solution of scattering by circular loops and straight wires.
A linear gradient crustal model for south Hawaii

A new crustal model with linear velocity gradients within layers does as good a job of locating earthquakes on south Hawaii as any model yet published. Incorporating linear gradients means the model can be simpler and free of artificial velocity discontinuities. Using travel-time residuals from local earthquakes and consistency of focal mechanism solutions as tests, it is seen that a low-velocity zone at the base of the crust is not required.
Implementing a science-based system for preventing overfishing and guiding sustainable fisheries in the United States

Methot, R. D., Tromble, G. R., Lambert, D. M., and Greene, K. E. 2014. Implementing a science-based system for preventing overfishing and guiding sustainable fisheries in the United States. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 71: 183–194.Fisheries management in the United States is primarily governed by the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, first enacted in 1976. Overarching principles are that fishing mortality rates should not jeopardize the capacity of a stock to produce maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and that overfished stocks (i.e. biomass is too low) should be rebuilt to the level that will support MSY. The science-based system for achieving sustainable fisheries is implemented, in part, through setting annual catch limits (ACLs) that cannot exceed the acceptable biological catch that is recommended by Scientific and Statistical Committees using methods that account for scientific uncertainty. Accountability measures (AMs) are management measures to prevent ACLs from being exceeded or correct any overages that occur. Implementation in 2012 of ACLs and AMs in all Federal fisheries was a historical achievement in the United States; one that will help rebuild stocks and ensure sustainable fisheries into the future. Some remaining challenges include: determining appropriate catch levels and management approaches for stocks with incomplete data; assessing more stocks, more frequently; addressing differences between managing stocks as a complex vs. managing individual stocks in a multistock fishery; and incorporating social and economic factors in determining the appropriate response to uncertainty.
Resolving the Baneful and Banal: Bisalbuminemia in an Adult With Waldenström Macroglobulinemia

Case reports of bisalbuminemia (patient serum containing albumin A and an albumin variant differing by single amino-acid substitutions) have included different races or ethnic groups and are often reported in association with various pathologic states. Here, we describe a 70-year-old woman with vague symptoms, the most concerning of which was worsening vision with retinal hemorrhages found on exam. During the workup, serum protein electrophoresis was performed demonstrating a prominent monoclonal component (IgM kappa) and bisalbuminemia as an incidental finding. This represents the first reported case in the literature of the coexistence of bisalbuminemia and Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. The possibility exists that some endogenous or pharmacologic substances may interact differently with albumin variants as compared with normal albumin; however, the finding of bisalbuminemia did not influence the diagnosis, management, course, or prognosis of this patient’s lymphoma.
Physiology and Nutrition of Treponema primitia, an H2/ CO2-Acetogenic Spirochete from Termite Hindguts

ABSTRACT Treponema primitia strains ZAS-1 and ZAS-2, the first spirochetes to be isolated from termite hindguts (J. R. Leadbetter, T. M. Schmidt, J. R. Graber, and J. A. Breznak, Science 283:686-689, 1999), were examined for nutritional, physiological, and biochemical properties relevant to growth and survival in their natural habitat. In addition to using H2 plus CO2 as substrates, these strains were capable of homoacetogenic growth on mono- and disaccharides and (in the case of ZAS-2) methoxylated benzenoids. Cells were also capable of mixotrophic growth (i.e., simultaneous utilization of H2 and organic substrates). Cell extracts of T. primitia possessed enzyme activities of the Wood/Ljungdahl (acetyl coenzyme A) pathway of acetogenesis, including tetrahydrofolate-dependent enzymes of the methyl group-forming branch. However, a folate compound was required in the medium for growth. ZAS-1 and ZAS-2 growing on H2 plus CO2 displayed H2 thresholds of 650 and 490 ppmv, respectively. Anoxic cultures of ZAS-1 and ZAS-2 maintained growth after the addition of as much as 0.5% (vol/vol) O2 to the headspace atmosphere. Cell extracts exhibited NADH and NADPH peroxidase and NADH oxidase activities but neither catalase nor superoxide dismutase activity. Results indicate that (i) T. primitia is able to exploit a variety of substrates derived from the food of its termite hosts and in so doing contributes to termite nutrition via acetogenesis, (ii) in situ growth of T. primitia is likely dependent on secretion of a folate compound(s) by other members of the gut microbiota, and (iii) cells possess enzymatic adaptations to oxidative stress, which is likely to be encountered in peripheral regions of the termite hindgut.
A Low-Powered 4-Channel Physiological Radio Telemetry System for Use in Surgical Patient Monitoring

A series of 4-channel physiological radio telemetry systems with long battery life and dc response capability have been designed and built. Twenty-one of these systems are used in the operating rooms on patients undergoing surgery at the Duke University Medical Center. The features of these systems are described.
Automatic translation of digraph to fault-tree models

The author presents a technique for converting digraph models, including those models containing cycles, to a fault-tree format. A computer program which automatically performs this translation using an object-oriented representation of the models has been developed. The fault-trees resulting from translations can be used for fault-tree analysis and diagnosis. Programs to calculate fault-tree and digraph cut sets and perform diagnosis with fault-tree models have also been developed. The digraph to fault-tree translation system has been successfully tested on several digraphs of varying size and complexity. Details of some representative translation problems are presented. Most of the computation performed by the program is dedicated to finding minimal cut sets for digraph modes in order to break cycles in the digraph. Fault-trees produced by the translator have been successfully used with NASA's Fault-Tree Diagnosis System (FTDS) to produce automated diagnostic systems. >
The effect of lateral tectonic tilting on fluviodeltaic surficial and stratal asymmetries: experiment and theory

Tectonic influence on deltas has long been recognized for its importance in morphodynamic and stratigraphic development. Here, we explore the control of lateral tectonic tilting on a prograding fluviodeltaic system through six laboratory experiments with a range of tilting rates. Basement tilting was applied along an axis that bisects the centre of the experimental delta, which forced uplift on one half of the basin and subsidence on the opposite half. In the experiments with lower tilting rates, the delta advanced faster in the direction of uplift due to the decline in relative base level. This slow uplift created truncated stratigraphic intervals that were dominated by active channel cut and fill. On the opposite side where subsidence occurred, the shoreline still prograded, but with decreased rates, while the delta topset was deposited thicker, alternating packages of fine and coarse sediments. The fluvial system was active uniformly across the delta in these slow tilting runs and produced asymmetry in shoreline planform geometries. In the experiments with higher titling rates, deposition quickly ceased on the uplift side and stacked conformable sequences of delta lobes on the subsidence side. The result was an overall lack of progradation in all directions. Progressively greater tilting rates used in these high tilting runs yielded steering of channels towards the direction with higher subsidence and developed even more asymmetrical stratal patterns. Characteristic tectonic and channel timescales applied to the experimental conditions prove to be good predictors of the fluviodeltaic planform and stratigraphic asymmetries. The deltaic asymmetry for the Ganges–Brahmaputra (G–B) system is largely comparable to the experiments with timescale ratios similar to those estimated for the G–B system.
The effects of needle puncture injury on microscale shear strain in the intervertebral disc annulus fibrosus.

Abstract Background context Needle puncture of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is required for delivery of therapeutic agents to the nucleus pulposus and for some diagnostic procedures. Needle puncture has also been implicated as an initiator of disc degeneration. It is hypothesized that needle puncture may initiate IVD degeneration by altering microscale mechanical behavior in the annulus fibrosus (AF). Purpose Quantify the changes in AF microscale strain behavior resulting from puncture with a hypodermic needle. Study design Cadaveric IVD tissue explant study. Methods Annulus fibrosus explants from bovine caudal IVDs that had been punctured radially with hypodermic needles were loaded in dynamic sinusoidal shear while being imaged with a confocal microscope. Digital image analysis was used to quantify local tissue strain and damage propagation with repeated shearing. Results Needle puncture changed the distribution of microscale shear strains in the AF under load from homogenous (equal to far field) to a distinct pattern of high (4× far field) and low (0.25× far field) strain areas. Repeated loading did not cause further growth of the disruption beyond the second cycle. Conclusions Needle puncture results in a drastic alteration of microscale strain behavior in the AF under load. This alteration may directly initiate disc degeneration by being detrimental to tissue-cell mechanotransduction.
Molecular-level chemical characterization and bioavailability of dissolved organic matter in stream water using electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry

We used electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to characterize, at the compound level, dissolved organic matter (DOM) composition and bioavailability in two streams. There was considerable consistency in the composition of the DOM between the two streams (unit mass resolution): .70% of the masses detected occurred in both streams. Approximately 40‐50% of the bulk dissolved organic carbon in the stream water was bioavailable during a 12-d microbial decomposition experiment. ESI-MS compound level analysis identified which masses were used, which were not, and their patterns of utilization. In both streams, ;40% of the masses decreased in concentration, ;55% did not change, and ,5% increased. Despite the complex system (.1,500 DOM compounds and a natural consortia of bacteria), there was a high degree of similarity in which masses were used and the amount of each mass used between replicate flasks for a stream. There was also good agreement between the two streams in which masses were used and the amount of each mass used. This suggests that the selection by the microbial consortia of organic compounds in the complex and heretofore largely uncharacterized DOM pool is repeatable and, therefore, ultimately predictable.
Disparities in the Geography of Mental Health: Implications for Social Work

This article reviews recent theory and research on geographic disparities in mental health and their implications for social work. It focuses on work emerging from the fields of mental health geography, psychiatric epidemiology, and social work, arguing that a wide range of spatial disparities in mental health are important to understand but that of greatest relevance are inequities, or disparities, that violate fundamental norms of fairness and social justice. Research is reviewed on geographic variations in subjective well-being and mental health, on personality (using the five-factor model), and on psychopathology as well as several studies on the disparate implementation of mental health policy and services. Critical is the need to simultaneously assess, on the one hand, differential patterns of mental health conditions and, on the other, the services and policies designed to address them--the fact that considering only one dimension often leads to unintended consequences. Many of the most outstanding disparities have been found to exist at the local level, between towns and neighborhoods, and are based on socioeconomic conditions. This review concludes by discussing the implications of geographic disparities in mental health for allocation decisions and for social work practice, including decisions about the most efficacious mix of services at both the community and clinical practice levels.
A Novel AP-1 Site Is Critical for Maximal Induction of the Follicle-stimulating Hormone β Gene by Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone

Regulation of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis is a central point of convergence for signals controlling reproduction. The FSHβ subunit is primarily regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), gonadal steroids, and activin. Here, we identify elements in the mouse FSHβ promoter responsible for GnRH-mediated induction utilizing the LβT2 cell line that endogenously expresses FSH. The proximal 398 bp of the mouse FSHβ promoter is sufficient for response to GnRH. This response localizes primarily to an AP-1 half-site (–72/–69) juxtaposed to a CCAAT box, which binds nuclear factor-Y. Both elements are required for AP-1 binding, creating a novel AP-1 site. Multimers of this site confer GnRH induction, and mutation or internal deletion of this site reduces GnRH induction by 35%. The same reduction was achieved using a dominant negative Fos protein. This is the only functional AP-1 site identified in the proximal 398 bp, since its mutation eliminates FSHβ induction by c-Fos and c-Jun. GnRH regulation of the FSHβ gene occurs through induction of multiple Fos and Jun isoforms, forming at least four different AP-1 molecules, all of which bind to this site. Mitogen-activated protein kinase activity is required for induction of FSHβ and JunB protein. Finally, AP-1 interacts with nuclear factor-Y, which occupies its overlapping site in vivo.
Difference in hydration between carboxybetaine and sulfobetaine.

In this work, we report a study on the differential hydration of carboxybetaine and sulfobetaine using molecular simulations. The coordination number, spatial distribution, dipole orientation distribution, and residence time of water molecules around the positively charged group (N(CH3)3+) and negatively charged group (COO− for carboxybetaine and SO3− for sulfobetaine) were investigated to compare the hydration of these two betaines. The results show that the negatively charged group of sulfobetaine has more water molecules around it than that of carboxybetaine, while the water molecules around the negatively charged group of the carboxybetaine have a sharper spatial distribution, more preferential dipole orientation, and longer residence time. The behavior of water molecules around the positively charged group of sulfobetaine is similar to those around the positively charged group of carboxybetaine. For both sulfobetaine and carboxybetaine, the positively charged groups are surrounded by more water molec...
Dynamic Response Characteristics of a Robotic Manipulator-Based Capture System Performing the Asteroid Redirect Mission

In March 2015 NASA chose the Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) concept B; retrieve a boulder from a large asteroid. ARM Concept B entails a Robotic Capture and Landing System (RCLS) for which multiple technology development options can be considered. The Human Robotic Systems (HRS) project is developing a Tendon-Actuated Lightweight Inspace MANipulator (TALISMAN) which can be used as a RCLS design in ARM. Previous work describes the mission sequence concept for an ARM Concept B RCLS using TALISMAN systems for the Asteroid Redirect Vehicle (ARV). This paper discusses proximity operations details of the Asteroid Redirect Vehicle ARV using a TALISMAN based RCLS. Here a vehicle dynamics model for the ARV is developed and the mission is simulated and analyzed. The ARV model includes a sub model of TALISMAN landing leg and grapple arm systems. The TALISMAN are modeled to include flexiblemulti body dynamics in order to calculate dynamic response characteristics and internal loads during ARM operations. The model development and modeling methodology, as well as the results of a dynamic analysis, proximity operations, and loads induced in TALISMAN components are presented here. The analysis results demonstrate feasibility of the TALISMAN design for ARM and verify the of performance capabilities of the TALISMAN RCLS systems during the mission.
Formal Extensions to the Intent-Based Mode Confusion Detection Framework

Due to the increasing use of automation in the traditionally human-centered flight deck, emergent problems such as mode confusion are becoming increasingly important to be addressed. Mode confusion typically happens due to a mismatch between the actual aircraft state and the state the pilot expects. In earlier work, we proposed a novel intent-based mode confusion detection framework for the User Interface (UI) validation based on a control-theoretic perspective, where the automation’s behavior was modeled as a hybrid system and the pilot’s behavior was modeled as a discrete event system with intents as its states. By inferring and comparing the intents of the automation and the pilot utilizing the different available information such as the aircraft’s continuous state and discrete flight modes, and the automation’s and pilot’s control inputs, the mode confusion was detected and the UI was validated. However, two practical issues such as the complexities in the pilot’s behaviors such as forgetfulness, time-delayed inputs, etc. and the unavailability of the automation’s logic in general were not considered. The main objective of this paper is to analyze those issues and propose formal solutions to facilitate accurate intent inference of the automation and the pilot so that the pilot’s situational awareness and the aircraft safety can be enhanced. The augmented framework is validated on simulated flight data and results are discussed.
A New Phenomenon of Local Skin Reactivity to B. Typhosus Culture Filtrate.

A phenomenon of local reactivity to B. typhosus culture filtrate is described. The work was done on rabbits. The reactivity was induced by skin injections of the filtrate 24 hours prior to the intravenous injection of the same filtrate. The local reactions appeared at the site of previous skin injections; they were fully developed in 4 to 5 hours after the intravenous injection; they were extremely severe and microscopically showed very pronounced necrosis of tissue with rupture of blood vessels and extensive local hemorrhage. The reactions in different rabbits varied in size from 1×1 cm. to 4×4 cm.The phenomenon was reproduced in several hundred rabbits. About 78% of animals tested showed locally severe hemorrhagic reactions. The remaining animals were spontaneously resistant to the phenomenon.When several areas of the skin of the abdomen were prepared by skin injections the intravenous injection produced reactions in each prepared area. The reactions were uniformly severe. The only variation in the resp...
228 DEVELOPMENT OF AN INJECTABLE PH- AND TEMPERATURE-RESPONSIVE HYDROGEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM.

Regions of local acidosis, such as that seen in myocardial ischemia, offer a target for stimuli-sensitive drug delivery systems. Hydrogels are polymer networks that are capable of entrapping significant amounts of water and can be designed to respond to stimuli such as temperature, pH, light, and electric fields. These properties make them highly attractive for drug delivery systems because of their biocompatibility and potential for drug targeting. In particular, reversible hydrogels are attractive because they can be designed to be soluble under normal physiologic conditions but form a gel under other conditions, such as decreased pH. In this study, we investigated the sol-gel properties of a pH- and temperature-sensitive polymer and assessed the ability of this polymer to be developed into an injectable hydrogel drug delivery system for ischemic cardiac tissue. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-propyl acrylic acid) (p(NIPAAm-co-PAA)) was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The feed composition of the pH-sensitive component, PAA, was varied between 0 and 20 mol%. Polymer was characterized by gel permeation chromatography and proton nuclear magnetic resonance to determine the molecular weight and polymer composition, respectively. Polymer samples were dissolved in phosphate buffer, and then pH was adjusted between 4.5 and 7.0. One-milliliter samples were loaded onto a rheometer to quantify viscoelastic properties. P(NIPAAm-co-PAA) polymers of varying PAA content were successfully synthesized by RAFT. At physiologic pH (7.4), the polymer did not form a gel but rather remained in the soluble state at all temperatures. However, at low pH (below approximately pH 5.5), with increasing temperature (in a physiologically relevant range), the polymers underwent a phase change from a clear liquid, to a cloudy liquid, and finally to a gel. As the pH was decreased further, the gelation temperature for a given polymer composition also decreased. In conclusion, by varying the relative ratio of NIPAAm and PAA in p(NIPAAm-co-PAA), the temperature and pH at which a gel forms can be controlled. Future studies will investigate the drug-release properties of this system.
IDA interfere with screening parameters of different thalassemia

Objective:In order to understand the influence of iron deficiency anemia on thalassemia screening.Method:test subjects blood routine parameter,hemoglobin electrophoresis,serum ferritin,and the statistical analysis of the data.Results:By analysis of 1999 cases of test samples certify iron deficiency anemia will make silence,light alpha-thalassemia to reduce poverty hematology parameters,however,beta thalassemia will only make HB,MCH parameters change,will not affect HBA2 values,for application tomoderate or severe screening also does not constitute a disturbance.Conclusion:In the thalassemia screening work we should try to focus on to iron deficiency anemia,avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.
Near Resonance Interactions between Stark Components of the 6H5/2 and 4G5/2 States of Sm3+ in POCl3:SnCl4

Light excitation of Sm3+ ions in POCl3.:SnCl4 leads to fluorescence emission arising exclusively from the lowest excited state of Sm3+, namely the 4G5/2-state. The fluorescence lifetime of the 4G5/2-state of Sm3+ in POCl3:SnCl4 is fairly long (1), approaching 3.3 msec at very low [Sm3+] in contrast to the relatively short lifetimes of Sm3+ (4G5/2) observed in such solvents as CH3OH, C2H5OH, C3H7OH and H2O. Values of τfl equal to 10.5, 10.0, 9.0 and < 3.0 μsec have been reported for Sm3+ in these latter solvents (2). The fluorescence lifetime and quantum yield of the 4G5/2- state of [Sm3+] in POCl3:ZrCl4 and POCl3:TiCl4 decrease with increasing [Sm3+] due to the self-quenching (1,3) of the 4G5/2 by the 6H5/2-state of Sm3+. In addition, the fluorescence is quenched by the solvent, ksol, whose maximum value is 320 sec−1 (4). The temperature dependence of the self-quenching process of the 4G5/2- state of Sm3+ will be discussed in this article. Experimental details regarding this study were given elsewhere (2,3,5).
Neuropsychological Assessment of Adolescents and Emerging Young Adults with Childhood Epilepsy

Childhood-onset epilepsy is associated with significant cognitive, behavioral, and social morbidities that have a lifespan impact on an individual's growth and development. Increased expectations for autonomy and self-direction that begin during adolescence are particularly challenging for children and families. Emerging young adults are faced with the complexities of educational and health care transitions. Early and persistent involvement of neuropsychologists in the care of individuals with childhood epilepsy will promote successful attainment of adult outcomes by facilitating treatment decision making, academic planning, psychosocial adjustment, and transitions. This article emphasizes the role of neuropsychology in promoting successful outcomes in adolescents and emerging young adults with epilepsy.
Preparing for Urgent or Emergent Surgery

This chapter reviews a variety of core issues to consider while preparing for emergent gynecologic surgery, including assessment of surgical risk, preoperative testing, informed consent, prophylaxis against infection and thromboembolism, urgent anticoagulation reversal, and resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock.
Neurotransmitter Assessment in Neuropsychiatric Disorders of Childhood

An appreciation for the potential role of anomalous neurobiologic processes in the etiology of childhood psychiatric illness did not emerge as a consistent theme of clinical research until the early 1960s. Before that time, etiologic constructs were premised on an interaction between psychodynamic factors and poorly defined constitutional factors. However, observation of the powerful effects of neuropharmacologic agents on behavior and growing knowledge of the functional neuroanatomy of neurotransmitter systems provided a strong impetus to biologically oriented research in the area of child and adolescent psychiatry. Since then, a pattern has emerged whereby clinical investigators incorporate newly identified and measurable components of the neural substrate into heuristic schemes of causation, in an attempt to advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of child psychiatric disorders.
Assessing the psychometric properties of two food addiction scales

Abstract Background While food addiction is well accepted in popular culture and mainstream media, its scientific validity as an addictive behavior is still under investigation. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Yale Food Addiction Scale and Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale using data from two community-based convenience samples. Methods We assessed the internal and test-retest reliability of the Yale Food Addiction Scale and Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale, and estimated the sensitivity and negative predictive value of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale using the Yale Food Addiction Scale as the benchmark. We calculated Cronbach's alphas and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for internal reliability and Cohen's Kappa coefficients and 95% CIs for test-retest reliability. Results Internal consistency (n = 232) was marginal to good, ranging from α = 0.63 to 0.84. The test-retest reliability (n = 45) for food addiction diagnosis was substantial, with Kappa = 0.73 (95% CI, 0.48–0.88) (Yale Food Addiction Scale) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.66–1.00) (Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale). Sensitivity and negative predictive value for classifying food addiction status were excellent: compared to the Yale Food Addiction Scale, the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale's sensitivity was 92.3% (95% CI, 64%–99.8%), and the negative predictive value was 99.5% (95% CI, 97.5%–100%). Conclusions Our analyses suggest that the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale may be an appropriate substitute for the Yale Food Addiction Scale when a brief measure is needed, and support the continued use of both scales to investigate food addiction.
Communicating about cigarette smoke constituents: an experimental comparison of two messaging strategies.

Federal law now requires FDA to disseminate information on chemicals in cigarette smoke, but it is unclear how best to do so. In a 2 × 2 between-subjects experiment, participants received a message about chemicals in cigarette smoke (e.g., “Cigarette smoke has benzene.”) along with an additional randomly assigned messaging strategy: a “found-in” (e.g., “This is found in gasoline.”), a health effect (e.g., “This causes heart disease.”), both, or neither. Participants were U.S. probability phone samples of 5000 adults and 1123 adolescents, and an online convenience sample of 4130 adults. Adding a health effect elicited greater discouragement from wanting to smoke cigarettes (all p < .05) as did adding a found-in (all p < .05). However, including both messaging strategies added little or nothing above including just one. These findings can help the FDA and other agencies develop effective and parsimonious messages about cigarette smoke constituents.
Probabilistic Measurement Theory

Measurement theories formulated in algebraic terms are usually unsuitable for direct confrontation with empirical data. Probabilistic measurement theory involves a recasting of measurement models in a form better suited to empirical testing. Interestingly, the statistical models which arise in this way have received little attention in the statistical literature. To fill this gap we suggest a likelihood ratio procedure, and illustrate it for the probabilistic measurement axiom known as weak stochastic transitivity.
High-Velocity Collisions of Nanodiamond

Nanodiamond (ND) is a unique material that exhibits interesting surface properties and is capable of storing strain energy. Molecular dynamics simulations using density functional theory were performed on a variety of ND particles, some of which were constructed to specifically incorporate internal strain. The unstrained spherical ND structures were carved out of bulk crystals and relaxed, while the ND with built-in internal strain were constructed as a dense core (compressive strain) encompassed by a thin shell (tensile strain). Both on-axis and off-axis collisions were simulated at 10 km/s relative velocity. Impact energy was enough to partially melt and shatter the ND particles. Upon impact, the outer shell was ruptured and the release of the strained core energy accelerated expansion compared to previous work on bulk-like ND particles. The internal strain also led to greater fragmentation and an increase in the number of reactive surfaces.
Pleiotropic genetic effects influencing sleep and neurological disorders

Summary Research evidence increasingly points to the large impact of sleep disturbances on public health. Many aspects of sleep are heritable and genes influencing traits such as timing, EEG characteristics, sleep duration, and response to sleep loss have been identified. Notably, large-scale genome-wide analyses have implicated numerous genes with small effects on sleep timing. Additionally, there has been considerable progress in the identification of genes influencing risk for some neurological sleep disorders. For restless legs syndrome, implicated variants are typically in genes associated with neuronal development. By contrast, genes conferring risk for narcolepsy function in the immune system. Many genetic variants associated with sleep disorders are also implicated in neurological disorders in which sleep abnormalities are common; for example, variation in genes involved in synaptic homoeostasis are implicated in autism spectrum disorder and sleep–wake control. Further investigation into pleiotropic roles of genes influencing both sleep and neurological disorders could lead to new treatment strategies for a variety of sleep disturbances.
Oxidative stress serves as a key checkpoint for IL-33 release by airway epithelium.

Background Interleukin (IL)-33 is implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma and allergic diseases. However, our knowledge is limited regarding how IL-33 release is controlled. The transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a key role in antioxidant response regulation. Objective The goal of this project was to investigate the role of cellular oxidative stress in controlling IL-33 release in airway epithelium. Methods Complementary approaches were used that included human bronchial epithelial cells and mouse models of airway type-2 immunity that were exposed to fungus Alternaria extract. The clinically available Nrf2 activator 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9-dien-28-oic acid methyl ester (CDDO-Me) was used to evaluate the role of Nrf2-induced antioxidant molecules. Results Human bronchial epithelial cells produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) when they were exposed to Alternaria extract. ROS scavengers, such as glutathione (GSH) and N-acetyl cysteine, prevented extracellular secretion of ATP and increases in intracellular calcium concentrations that precede IL-33 release. Administration of CDDO-Me to mice enhanced expression of a number of antioxidant molecules in the lungs and elevated lung levels of endogenous GSH. Importantly, CDDO-Me treatment reduced allergen-induced ATP secretion and IL-33 release by airway epithelial cells in vitro and protected mice from IL-33 release and asthma-like pathological changes in the lungs. Conclusions The balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant responses plays a key role in controlling IL-33 release in airway epithelium. The therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activators needs to be considered for asthma and allergic airway diseases.
Growth Factors in Cartilage Repair

The articular cartilage does not heal completely after injury, predisposing patients to accelerated progression of degenerative joint disease. While surgical intervention can address chondral defects and yield positive functional outcomes, substantial research has gone into the use of growth factors to augment cartilage repair and preclude or postpone the need for operative management. This chapter describes the growth factors with the most promising in vitro and in vivo data in cartilage repair, namely, bone morphogenetic protein-7, transforming growth factor-β, fibroblast growth factor-18, connective tissue growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, and recent advancements with autologous solutions of growth factors, such as platelet-rich plasma. Each section provides a background on mechanism of action, summarizes pivotal basic science research, and describes the results of clinical application in animal and human models of chondral disease.
Combinatorial drug delivery approaches for immunomodulation

Immunotherapy has been widely explored for applications to both augment and suppress intrinsic host immunity. Clinical achievements have seen a number of immunotherapeutic drugs displace established strategies like chemotherapy in treating immune-associated diseases. However, single drug approaches modulating an individual arm of the immune system are often incompletely effective. Imperfect mechanistic understanding and heterogeneity within disease pathology have seen monotherapies inadequately equipped to mediate complete disease remission. Recent success in applications of combinatorial immunotherapy has suggested that targeting multiple biological pathways simultaneously may be critical in treating complex immune pathologies. Drug delivery approaches through engineered biomaterials offer the potential to augment desired immune responses while mitigating toxic side-effects by localizing immunotherapy. This review discusses recent advances in immunotherapy and highlights newly explored combinatorial drug delivery approaches. Furthermore, prospective future directions for immunomodulatory drug delivery to exploit are provided.
Interferometric density measurements in laser-induced and spark discharge plasmas

The early phase of laser and spark ignition is investigated using two color interferometry. The measurements yield electron and neutral number densities. They also reveal differences in the two types of plasma generation.
Use of Adult Sensory Panel to Study Individual Differences in the Palatability of a Pediatric HIV Treatment Drug

Abstract Purpose The recommended first-line treatment for young children infected with HIV includes the liquid formulation of the co-formulated protease inhibitors lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra ® [Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, Illinois]). Clinical reports indicate that some children readily accept the taste of Kaletra, whereas others strongly reject it, which can deter therapeutic adherence and outcomes. Methods As a proof-of-concept approach, a sensory panel of genotyped adults was used to document the range of individual differences in the taste and palatability (hedonics) of the liquid formulation of Kaletra and other taste stimuli, including common excipients. Panelists rated taste sensations using generalized labeled magnitude scales to determine genotype–phenotype relationships. Several months later, the panelists were retested to assess response reliability. Findings Not all panelists had the same sensory experience when tasting Kaletra. Palatability ratings varied widely, from moderate like to strongest imaginable dislike, and were reliable over time. The more irritating and bitter Kaletra tasted, the more disliked by the panelist. The more they disliked the taste of Kaletra, the more they disliked the taste of its excipient ethanol and the bitter stimulus denatonium. Those who experienced less bitter and sweeter taste sensations had a different genetic signature than the other panelists. Bitterness and irritation ratings of Kaletra varied by the orphaned bitter receptor gene ( TAS2R60 ), whereas sweetness ratings of Kaletra varied according to the cold receptor gene ( TRPM8 ), which is activated by menthol, an excipient of Kaletra. Neither genotype related to ratings for ethanol or denatonium, however. Implications The use of a sensory panel holds promise as a first step in determining the nature of individual differences in the palatability of existing pediatric drug formulations and sources of variation. In this era of personalized medicine, the need is great to develop psychophysical tools to determine which drugs will show variation in acceptance by children and whether patterns of individual variation in taste as assessed by adults mirror those of young patients. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01841710.
Comparison of Fetal and Maternal Brain Cholinesterase Activity Following Repeated Versus Single Late Gestational Exposure to Chlorpyrifos

Previous studies have shown that the fetal brain cholinesterase (ChE) is often less inhibited than the maternal brain ChE after dosing of a pregnant rat with an anticholinesterase pesticide. One of the generally offered explanations for this apparent “protection” of the fetus is that maternal and placental detoxification of the anticholinesterase shields the fetal brain ChE from inhibition. This present study investigates the dose response profiles of the target enzyme ChE and the detoxification enzyme carboxylesterase (CaE) in the fetal and maternal compartments of pregnant rats dosed with chlorpyrifos [(O,O’-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl) phosphorothionate], a commonly used organo-phosphorus insecticide. Pregnant rats were dosed daily (p. o.) with chlorpyrifos in corn oil (0, 3, 5, 7, or 10 mg/kg) on gestational days (GD) 14–18. An additional set of pregnant rats received a single dose of 10 mg/kg chlorpyrifos on GD18. Animals were sacrificed 5 hours (time of maximum inhibition) after the last chlorpyrifos dose and maternal blood, liver, brain, placenta, and fetal liver and brain were collected for ChE and CaE activity analysis. Using these dosing regimens, we found that (1) inhibition of fetal and maternal brain ChE was dose dependent, (2) after repeated dosing there was nearly 5 fold less inhibition of fetal brain ChE than maternal brain ChE, (3) after a single dose there was comparable inhibition of fetal and maternal brain ChE. Furthermore, in control animals the activity of the detoxification enzyme CaE in the fetal tissues was very low compared to the maternal tissues. Using inhibition of CaE as an “index” of protective value, the fetal liver CaE was the only fetal tissue demonstrating protection. Fetal liver activity was 50% of control activity irrespective of dose.
NCCN: Nestle’s Change in Organizational Structure and Strategies

Nestle’s experience in dealing with its critics, the news media, and the public-at-large, until this time, had been less than successful. This was especially the case in the United States where its critics had been singularly effective in launching a boycott against its products and in isolating the company from the U.S.-based infant formula manufacturers. Even Nestle’s endorsement of the code — the first of any major infant formula company — was viewed with skepticism. As we pointed out earlier (in Chapter 10), of the book, Nestle lacked experience in social issues management as well as in integrated corporate management. Its highly decentralized corporate structure, localized profit centers, a deference to subsidiary managers in the areas of public and political affairs, and a strong corporate culture found the company ill prepared to handle sociopolitical issues in one country that would impact its worldwide operations.
Blends of ultrasonically devulcanized and virgin carbon black filled NR

The ultrasonically devulcanized carbon black filled NR was mixed with virgin carbon black filled NR. The properties of the blends were studied and compared with those of the blends of fully cured ground NR and virgin NR. Curing characteristics of the blends indicated that an increase in the devulcanized NR content decreased the cure time and the scorch time. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the blends with ultrasonically devulcanized NR were much better than those of the blends with ground rubber. As the proportion of the virgin NR in the blends was increased, the mechanical properties progressively increased.
General Autonomic Disorders

This chapter discusses “general” autonomic disorders. These are autonomic disorders that may be present regardless of the primary disease or disorder or age or stage. Included is the association between autonomic dysfunction and inflammation. Recent evidence indicates that the two are linked and that treating one helps to relieve the other. The etiology of inflammation may provide additional insight into the processes contributing to the progression of autonomic dysfunction.
Comparing species–area relationships of native and exotic species

The species–area relationship (SAR) is one of the most general patterns in ecology. Recently, SARs have been employed as tools for comparing the ecology and biogeography of native and exotic species across spatial scales and exploring the influence of invasive species on native biodiversity. Here, we assess published studies to determine if SARs differ between native and exotic assemblages. We conducted a literature search to find studies that estimated the exponent (z) of the power-law SAR for native and exotic species across the same set of locales. We also compiled intercepts (c) of SARs where available. We used linear mixed models to test if z and c differed between native and exotic SARs and if this relationship differed across taxa. Our literature search produced 36 native-exotic pairs from 23 studies with which to compare the exponent of the power-law SAR. Further, SAR intercepts were available for 21 native-exotic pairs. Overall, exotic SAR exponents (z) did not differ from those of natives. However, this pattern did not hold across all taxonomic groups. Plant assemblages, which are best represented in our data (61% of total), mirrored the overall pattern showing no differences in exponents between native and exotic SARs. On the other hand, SAR exponents were greater for both native bird and animal assemblages. The intercepts (c) of native SARs were significantly greater than those of exotics for all taxa combined and for each individual taxonomic grouping. Our results suggest processes driving the increase in species richness with area are similar for native and exotic plant species, but not for animals. Expanding studies that compare SARs of native and exotic species to more taxonomic groups and different types of SARs (e.g., nested, contiguous, non-contiguous) will facilitate a better understanding of how native and exotic species richness scale with area.