cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and Rationale of the LAPLACE-TIMI 57 Trial: A Phase II, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Tolerability of a Monoclonal Antibody Inhibitor of PCSK9 in Subjects With Hypercholesterolemia on Background Statin Therapy

Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a cornerstone for the prevention of atherosclerotic heart disease, improving clinical outcomes and reducing vascular mortality in patients with hypercholesterolemia. The clinical benefits of LDL-C reduction appear to extend even to patients starting with LDL-C as low as 60-80 mg/dL prior to initiating therapy. Statins are the first-line agents for treating hypercholesterolemia and are effective in reducing LDL-C, but many patients are unable to achieve their optimal lipid targets despite intensive statin therapy. Therefore, there has been a strong impetus for the development of novel pharmacologic agents designed to lower LDL-C further in patients already on statin therapy. Genetic mutations resulting in altered cholesterol homeostasis provide valuable information regarding novel approaches for treating hypercholesterolemia. To that end, mutations in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) were linked to altered levels of LDL-C, illustrating this protein's role in lipid metabolism. PCSK9 promotes degradation of the LDL receptor, preventing its transport back to the cell surface and thereby increasing circulating LDL-C. Conversely, inhibition of PCSK9 can profoundly decrease circulating LDL-C, and thus is an attractive new target for LDL-C-lowering therapy. AMG 145 is a fully human monoclonal immunoglobulin G2 antibody that binds specifically to human PCSK9 and inhibits its interaction with the low-density lipoprotein receptor. In this manuscript, we describe the rationale and design of LDL-C Assessment with PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibody Inhibition Combined With Statin Therapy-Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 57 (LAPLACE-TIMI 57; NCT01380730), a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, dose-ranging, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of AMG 145 when added to statin therapy in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Atmospheric electricity, turbulence and a pseudo-sunrise effect resulting from a solar eclipse

Abstract Recordings made of several atmospheric electric parameters at the Naval Research Laboratory, Waldorf, Md. observatory during the eclipse of 7 March 1970 showed variations similar in nature to classical descriptions of the so-called sunrise effect. The recording of space charge density was spectrally analyzed with the fast Fourier algorithm, and the resultant power spectra were fitted to a power law spectral decay model. Since the decay exponent in this model is related to the fractions of the space charge resident on large and small ions, it is then possible to follow time variations in small-to-large ion ratios through the period of the eclipse. It is shown that the variations in the recorded atmospheric electric variables and in the spectral decay exponent are consistent with a strong diminution of turbulence near the ground as the Sun is obscured and the establishment of a thin layer above the ground in which a higher than normal density of small ions is produced by surface radioactivity. The subsequent resumption of turbulent mixing carries these ions upward, producing the ‘sunrise effect’ variation pattern. The rapidity with which heating is restored is seen to be responsible for those differences in behavior which are observed. It is concluded that eclipse conditions provide a unique opportunity to investigate phenomena which are strongly influenced by atmospheric turbulence.
Charge carrier dynamics of photoexcited Co3O4 in methanol: extending high harmonic transient absorption spectroscopy to liquid environments.

Charge carrier dynamics in Co3O4 thin films are observed using high harmonic generation transient absorption spectroscopy at the Co M2,3 edge. Results reveal that photoexcited Co3O4 decays to the ground state in 600 ± 40 ps in liquid methanol compared to 1.9 ± 0.3 ns in vacuum. Kinetic analysis suggests that surface-mediated relaxation of photoexcited Co3O4 may be the result of hole transfer from Co3O4 followed by carrier recombination at the Co3O4–methanol interface.
Valproic acid enhances gene expression from viral gene transfer vectors

Viral vectors represent an efficient delivery method for in vitro and in vivo gene transfer, and their utility may be further enhanced through the use of pharmacologic agents that increase gene expression. Here, we demonstrate that valproic acid (VPA), a drug which is widely used for the treatment of epilepsy and mood disorders, enhances and prolongs expression of exogenous genes in cells transduced with various gene transfer agents, including adenovirus, adeno-associated virus and herpesvirus vectors. This effect occurs in a wide range of cell types, including both primary cells and cell lines, and appears to be associated with VPA's ability to function as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi). VPA treatment also enhanced adenovirally-vectored expression of a luciferase reporter gene in mice, as demonstrated by in vivo imaging. VPA was also less cytotoxic than a commonly used HDAC inhibitor, TSA, suggesting its use as a safer alternative. Taken together, these results suggest that VPA treatment may represent a useful approach to various gene transfer approaches in which enhanced transgene expression is desirable.
Safety risk management for electrical transmission and distribution line construction

Prior research has established that electrical contractors involved in the construction and maintenance of electrical transmission and distribution (T&D) lines are at extremely high risk of electrocution. The result of inadvertent contact with T&D lines often is death or severe injury that involves damage to internal organs, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological damages and severe burns. The Electrical Safety Foundation International has demonstrated that contact with overhead power lines has been the single largest cause of electrical fatalities over the last decade. To reduce this disproportionate injury rate, electrical contractors implement many strategies such as the use of rubber insulating equipment, and locking devices. Unfortunately, these strategies are often cost-prohibitive in certain construction and maintenance scenarios. Therefore, electrical contractors are faced with complex decisions that involve comparing the cost of injury prevention with the expected safety benefit. This paper presents research that objectively evaluated the risk associated with common T&D construction tasks and the effectiveness of specific injury prevention techniques. The research team then developed a decision support framework that provides electrical contractors with objective safety and cost feedback given specific project characteristics. The results indicate that many of the effective strategies implemented to reduce T&D electrical injuries are very costly (e.g., de-energizing lines). Consequently, under most conditions, the costs of injury prevention far outweigh the cost savings associated with the reduction of injury rates. The implication of these findings is that T&D electrical contractors must highly value the non-monetary benefits of injury prevention in order to improve safety in their sector.
Metabolic control of gene expression: in vivo studies with transgenic mice

Abstract Transgenic animals provide a comprehensive model for investigating genes encoding inducible enzymes involved in metabolism, since the molecular mechanisms regulating gene transcription can be studied in the whole animal. Studies on the promoters of the genes encoding two key enzymes in the gluconeogenic and glycolytic pathways — phosphoenol-pyruvate carboxykinase and pyruvate kinase are described as examples of this approach. Work on the phosphoenopyruvate carboxykinase promoter using transgenic mice has been particularly informative; the cis -acting elements involved in hormonal regulation, tissue specificity and developmental inhibition of gene expression have been identified and their function in vivo examined.
Finding the genes in genomic DNA

Genome sequencing efforts will soon generate hundreds of millions of bases of human genomic DNA containing thousands of novel genes. In the past year, the accuracy of computational gene-finding methods has improved significantly, to the point where a reasonable approximation of the gene structures within an extended genomic region can often be predicted in advance of more detailed experimental studies.
THE BIRTHDAY BLUES FOR MALES AND FEMALES

In an exploration of the likelihood of dying on or near one's birthday, Zusne ( 1986-1987) found that men were less likely to die in the 36 days before their birthday but more likely to die in the 36 days afterwards. In contrast, women were more likely to die in the 65 days before their birthday and less likely to die in the 65 days afterwards. Lester (1986) reported no birthdaydeathday effect in samples of suicides, homicide victims, and natural deaths. This paper reports the results of reexamining Lester's data by sex. For men, using a 36-day period, there were 16 suicides before the birthday and 15 after, for homicide victims 28 and 31, respectively, and for natural deaths 12 and 13. For women, using a 65-day period, there were 9 suicides before the birthday and 7 after, for homicide victims 7 and 9, respectively, and for natural deaths 11 and 16. These data clearly show no sex differences in the birthday-deathday phenomenon and confirm Lester's prior observation of no phenomenon.
Internal Fixation of the Humerus with Locking Compression Plates

ABSTRACTOsteoporosis can compromise internal fixation of fractures and nonunions of the humeral shaft in older patients. Nonunions may be particularly problematic due to disuse osteoporosis, 1 instability at the nonunion site, prior operative fixations, and bony defects. 2–4 Several techniques have
Extensor mechanism of the fingers. I. A quantitative geometric study

A close-range stereophotogrammetric measurement system was used to determine the three-dimensional geometric characteristics of the extensor assembly in seven human finger specimens and five finger configurations. The numerical data obtained showed that, although changes in length of the different bundles are small, their spatial orientation varies considerably from one to another position. This information should help to improve the accuracy of models derived to understand the extensor assembly behavior in normal and pathological conditions.
Adverse reactions following T-tube removal.

Six of 139 (4.3%) patients experienced adverse reactions following the postoperative removal of a T-tube. Five (3.6%) were severe enough to require readmission to the hospital or to delay discharge. All had had normal T-tube cholangiograms and the T-tube had been clamped without problem prior to tube removal. Signs and symptoms included abdominal pain (6 of 6), chills (3 of 6), tenderness (4 of 6), fever (5 of 6), and increased bilirubin (3 of 4). Symptoms resolved between 4 hours and 8 days following removal without operative intervention. Adverse reaction following T-tube removal may be related to disruption of the fibrous tract and extravasation of infected bile into the surrounding tissues.
Sensitivity of bulks orbital bands of Cu(111) to oxidation

Abstract Angle resolved photoelectron spectra from the Cu(111) surface obtained with polarized light show that features originating from the s orbital bands of the bulk are much more sensitive to oxidation than features originating from d-like bands. We conclude that sensitivity of a peak to oxidation alone cannot be taken as valid evidence for the existence of surface states.
Upper critical field of KFe2As2 under pressure: A test for the change in the superconducting gap structure

We report measurements of electrical resistivity under pressure to $5.8$ GPa, magnetization to $6.7$ GPa, and ac susceptibility to $7.1$ GPa in $\mathrm{K}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}{\mathrm{As}}_{2}$. The previously reported change of slope in the pressure dependence of the superconducting transition temperature ${T}_{c}(p)$ at a pressure ${p}^{*}\ensuremath{\sim}1.8$ GPa is confirmed, and ${T}_{c}(p)$ is found to be nearly constant above ${p}^{*}$ up to $7.1$ GPa. The $T\text{\ensuremath{-}}p$ phase diagram is very sensitive to the pressure conditions as a consequence of the anisotropic uniaxial pressure dependence of ${T}_{c}$. Across ${p}^{*}$, a change in the behavior of the upper critical field is revealed through a scaling analysis of the slope of ${H}_{{c}_{2}}$ with the effective mass as determined from the $A$ coefficient of the ${T}^{2}$ term of the temperature-dependent resistivity. We show that this scaling provides a quantitative test for the changes of the superconducting gap structure and suggests the development of a ${k}_{z}$ modulation of the superconducting gap above ${p}^{*}$ as a most likely explanation.
Numerical Study of the 8-32-Particle Eigenstates of the Pairing Hamiltonian

Exact eigenstates of the pairing-force Hamiltonian have been calculated for $2N$ particles in $2N$ equispaced, doubly degenerate single-particle levels for $N=4, 8, 12, \mathrm{and} 16$. The states calculated are the ground state and the first two excited seniority-zero and seniority-two states. These states were calculated for values of the interaction strength that give pairing energies that are typical of nuclear systems. Numerical results are given for the energies and occupation probabilities of these states and are compared with the corresponding results of the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) theory. It is shown that the BCS theory is a worse approximation for the larger values of $N$ than it is for the smaller values, with errors as high as 140% (20%) for the excitation energies of the seniority-zero (-two) states. The methods used in the calculation of these states are outlined.
Voltage-Gating of Ions and Water in Hydrophobic Nanopores

The behavior of water in nanopores is very different from bulk water and strongly depends on the chemical characteristics of the pore walls. If the pore walls are lined with hydrophobic groups the density of water was predicted to be significantly lower than in the bulk and if a pore is sufficiently narrow, the water can even evaporate stopping any transport through the membrane. We provided an experimental evidence for the nano-induced water evaporation and condensation by chemically modifying polymer nanopores with decylamines. Hydrophobic properties of the pore walls were confirmed by contact angle measurements of a polymer film subjected to the same modification as the nanopores. The hydrophobic pores are closed for water and ionic transport unless a sufficiently high transmembrane potential is applied. The off state of the pore corresponds to the pore filled with water vapor. The pores conduct ion current only if the water undergoes condensation. The switching between open and closed was found fully reversible over many up to 20 cycles. For the intermediate voltages the pore would fluctuate between two conducting states. We also found that hydrophobic interactions tune rectifying properties of the pores. Understanding hydrophobic properties in nano-confinement is important in the light of recent findings of the role of hydrophobic interactions in the function of voltage-gated channels. Application of hydrophobic-gating in building drug-delivery systems was investigated with multi-pore membranes.
Engineered Surface Barrier Monitoring Using Ground‐Penetrating Radar, Time‐Domain Reflectometry, and Neutron‐Scattering Techniques

Effective monitoring of surface barriers intended to isolate and protect waste from the accessible environment requires techniques to assess their performance. Quantifying drainage conditions at any point below the barrier is difficult because field-scale drainage measurements are not well suited for assessing spatial drainage heterogeneity. Measurements of water storage, however, can provide an indirect measure of impending drainage. We measured seasonal water content at a vegetated capillary barrier on the Hanford Site in southeastern Washington State to determine effective water-content monitoring methods. Measurements were made using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) techniques. Simultaneous measurements using time-domain reflectometry (TDR) and neutron-scattering probe (NP) at multiple depths were used to determine the depth of influence of the GPR ground wave. The GPR depth of influence increased only slightly with decreasing moisture content, ranging from 33 cm to 37 cm. TDR measurements were made using permanently emplaced arrays, eliminating the need for repeated ground disturbance. All three methods showed similar seasonal responses, with the highest water contents observed during the winter months decreasing through the summer. Unlike TDR and NPs, which are point measurements, GPR exhibited much greater spatial variability across the barrier surface. Our results indicate that GPR, in conjunction with automated TDR depthmore » profiles can provide an effective and minimally invasive method for providing high-resolution estimates of soil water content within an engineered barrier.« less
Chronic hepatitis C in patients with normal or near normal alanine aminotransferase levels: the role of interferon α2b therapy

Abstract Background/Aims: Interferon is the only approved therapy for chronic hepatitis occurring as a consequence of an infection with the hepatitis C virus. Because interferon is expensive, has a large number of untoward effects and its efficacy is not guaranteed, many physicians limit their use of this therapy to those with histologically advanced but not end-stage cirrhotic disease. Moreover, most cases are biopsied only after 6 months or more of abnormal alanine aminotransferase levels have been documented. The rationale for this approach to patients with hepatitis C virus infection has not been demonstrated. Methods: In the present study, a total of 37 patients with alanine aminotransferase levels Results: An interferon response was achieved in 5/9 with chronic persistent hepatitis, 11/13 with chronic active hepatitis and 8/15 with chronic active hepatitis+cirrhosis for an overall response rate of 65%. Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that individuals who: 1) are hepatitis C virus positive with serum alanine aminotransferase levels
Queueing Models for Spares Provisioning.

Abstract : A population of items which break down at random times and require repair are studied (the classic 'machine repair problem'). It is desired to determine the number of repairmen and spares required over a multi-year planning horizon to provide for a service criterion of 90% availability. When an item fails, it is transported to the repair depot, repaired, and then transported to the spares pool (which is constrained to be empty not more than 10% of the time). The first model considered treats transportation and repair as one service operation. The second model is a series queue which allows for the separate treatment of transportation and repair. Breakdowns are assumed Poisson and repair times, exponential.
A Turbo Pascal Unit for Approximating the Cumulative Distribution Function of Roy'S Largest Root Criterion

A unit is described which approximates the cumulative distribution function of Roy's largest root criterion using results given by Pillai (1965). Functions within the unit can be used to find cumul...
A versatile toolbox for studying anthropomorphic robot hands

Recent efforts to develop virtual environments for the study of robot hands and grasping have been limited. The general approach to modeling the hand has overlooked many fundamental aspects that relate to the mechanical design of robot hand prototypes. In particular, resulting motions of hands due to tendon action have not been simulated in any existing virtual environment, to our knowledge. Furthermore, existing simulation environments do not incorporate generalized low-level control architectures for such complex mechanisms. In response to these needs, we present the ongoing development of our toolbox with the aim of providing a sufficient number of tools for modeling and simulating tendon-driven anthropomorphic hand mechanisms.
Human Tumor Cell Proliferation Evaluated Using Manganese-Enhanced MRI

Background Tumor cell proliferation can depend on calcium entry across the cell membrane. As a first step toward the development of a non-invasive test of the extent of tumor cell proliferation in vivo, we tested the hypothesis that tumor cell uptake of a calcium surrogate, Mn(2+) [measured with manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI)], is linked to proliferation rate in vitro. Methodology/principal findings Proliferation rates were determined in vitro in three different human tumor cell lines: C918 and OCM-1 human uveal melanomas and PC-3 prostate carcinoma. Cells growing at different average proliferation rates were exposed to 1 mM MnCl(2) for one hour and then thoroughly washed. MEMRI R(1) values (longitudinal relaxation rates), which have a positive linear relationship with Mn(2+) concentration, were then determined from cell pellets. Cell cycle distributions were determined using propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. All three lines showed Mn(2+)-induced increases in R(1) compared to cells not exposed to Mn(2+). C918 and PC-3 cells each showed a significant, positive correlation between MEMRI R(1) values and proliferation rate (p≤0.005), while OCM-1 cells showed no significant correlation. Preliminary, general modeling of these positive relationships suggested that pellet R(1) for the PC-3 cells, but not for the C918 cells, could be adequately described by simply accounting for changes in the distribution of the cell cycle-dependent subpopulations in the pellet. Conclusions/significance These data clearly demonstrate the tumor-cell dependent nature of the relationship between proliferation and calcium influx, and underscore the usefulness of MEMRI as a non-invasive method for investigating this link. MEMRI is applicable to study tumors in vivo, and the present results raise the possibility of evaluating proliferation parameters of some tumor types in vivo using MEMRI.
The Feeding Value of the Protein of Brewer’s Dried Grains for Chicks

Abstract The amino acid composition of brewer's dried grains from a brewery which used rice as the predominant starting material is somewhat higher in arginine than the values given by the National Research Council (NRC) (1977) which are probably based upon barley. When brewer's dried grains were used as the only source of protein for chicks, lysine was the only amino acid which appeared to be limiting.
Crosstalk analysis of high-speed interconnects and packages

An approach to the crosstalk analysis of high-speed interconnects has been developed. The method yields closed-form expressions of the voltage and current transfer functions and time-domain signal waveforms. The results facilitate analytical evaluation of coupling noise, waveform distortion, and propagation delay due to crosstalk inherent in multiconductor interconnects. The method is applicable to the general problem of N coupled lossy and/or dispersive interconnects with arbitrary linear source/load impedances. >
Acoustic tweezers: Achieving quasi-dynamic micropartcile patterning using tunable surface acoustic waves

Here we develop a method for quasi-dynamically patterning micron-scale particles in solutions utilizing standing surface acoustic waves (SSAWs). Slanted finger interdigital transducers (SFITs), instead of commonly used uniform interdigital transducers (IDTs), are used to generate SAWs based on the property that the position and wavelength of the excited SAWs is dependent on the frequency of the input AC signal. Since the location and period of particle patterning are dependent upon the position and wavelength of excited SAWs, respectively, they can be dynamically adjusted by tuning the input frequency. In this work, dynamic one-dimension (1D) and two-dimension (2D) micro-particle patterns were obtained using pairs of SFITs. This quasi-dynamic patterning method has advantages such as miniaturization, low power intensity, non-invasiveness, and high speed.
Phylogenetic Analysis of the 5-Aminolevulinate Synthase Gene

The evolution of 5-aminolevulinate synthase (ALS) was studied by acquiring sequence data and generating phylogenetic trees. Gene sequences were already available for a variety of vertebrates (which have both a housekeeping and an erythroid form of the gene), fungi, alpha-proteobacteria, and one protist and one protostome. In order to generate representative trees, ALS sequence data were acquired from various deuterostomes and protostomes. The species and tissues selected for study were beluga whale liver, hagfish blood, sea urchin gonadal tissue, cuttlefish hepatopancreas, horseshoe crab hepatopancreas, and bloodworm blood. The new sequences and those previously published were examined for the presence of heme-regulatory motifs (HRMs) and iron-responsive elements (IREs). The HRMs are present in almost all eukaryotic species, which suggests their fundamental role in the regulation of ALS. The IREs are present in all vertebrate erythroid forms of ALS, which indicates that in those animals, expression of the erythroid form of the enzyme and, hence, hemoglobin production can be influenced by the intracellular content of iron. The new sequences were aligned with previously reported ALS sequences, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. The resulting trees provided evidence regarding the timing of the gene duplication event that led to the two forms of the ALS gene in vertebrates. It appears that the housekeeping and erythroid forms of ALS probably arose before the divergence of hagfish from the deuterostome line leading to the vertebrates. The data also add to the evidence indicating that alpha-proteobacteria are the nearest contemporary relatives of mitochondria.
A computer-terminal, hardware/software system with enhanced user input capabilities: the enhanced-input terminal system (EITS)

The Enhanced-Input Terminal project is directed at providing major new degrees of freedom for touch-type computer input, especially for on-line use of interactive computer systems. The terminal comprises an integrated of hardware and software. While various choices are available for the actual input and output devices, the present prototype utilizes video display for both devices and a "cross-wire", touch-sensitive input panel. The EITS allows an "author" to define an essentially infinite set of symbols, and an infinite variety of "keyboard" formats. Chord inputs (i.e., simultaneous, multiple-"key" combinations) are also supported. Symbols can be defined in terms of dot matrices, generalized graphics, symbol strings, and functional operations. In spite of the complete generality afforded, the integrated system develops a standard-type of binary-bit-coded input stream, in which the individual symbols are uniquely and canonically represented, and which is amenable to all of the usual "text-file" operations, such as character manipulation, editing, transmission and re-display.
Rous sarcoma virus mutant LA3382 is defective in virion glycoprotein assembly

Abstract LA3382 is a temperature-sensitive replication-defective mutant of Rous sarcoma virus that contains four active mutations. In this study we performed experiments to determine the biochemical defect that blocks the synthesis of infections virus late in the replication cycle. At the nonpermissive temperature (41 degrees C) cells infected with LA3382 synthesized virus particles which were noninfectious and exhibited significant reductions in the amounts of gp85 and gp37 present in the virions. An analysis of the intracellular viral polypeptides indicated that the precursor of the viral glycoproteins (Pr95) were synthesized normally but underwent cleavage at a reduced rate at the restrictive temperature. Pr95 did not accumulate in infected cells ans was inserted into mutant virions at 41 degrees C; however, Pr95 was cleaved in such a way that gp85 was released from the viruses and could be detected in the supernatant medium by immunoprecipitation. The virus-free glycoprotein was indistinguishable from wild-type gp85 and may have been released due to an anomalous cleavage. Pulse-chase experiments also indicated that the Pr180 polyprotein precursor of the reverse transcriptase was cleaved to the active form of the enzyme more slowly at 41 degrees C in LA3382-infected cells. This accounted for the twofold lower level of polymerase activity found in mutant virions at 41 degrees C, defect which probably did not account for the observed 20- to 50-fold reduction in infectivity. Furthermore, the replication defect was not complemented by an env deletion mutant Rous sarcoma virus [RSV(-)[, which should complement a pol defect. Therefore, we conclude that the major lesion that impairs replication in LA3382 is within the env gene.
A Knowledge Based Approach to VLSI CAD the Redesign System

Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques offer one possible avenue toward new CAD tools to handle the complexities of VLSI. This paper summarizes the experience of the Rutgers AI/VLSI group in exploring applications of AI to VLSI design over the past three years. In particular, it summarizes our experience in developing REDESIGN, a knowledge-based system for providing interactive aid in the functional redesign of digital circuits. Given a desired change to the function of a circuit, REDESIGN combines rule-based knowledge of design tactics with its ability to analyze signal propagation through circuits, in order to (1) help the user focus on an appropriate portion of the circuit to redesign, (2) suggest local redesign alternatives, and (3) determine side effects of possible redesigns. We also summarize our more recent research toward constructing a knowledge-based system for VLSI design and a system for chip debugging, both based on extending the techniques developed for the REDESIGN system.
Parents under-report children’s suicide ideation and attempts

(2002) Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 41, 723; Breton JJ, Tousignant M, Bergeron L et al. . Informant-specific correlates of suicidal behaviour in a community survey of 12 to 14 year olds . . . June; . : . –30. . [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3] QUESTION: Are there differences in the correlates of suicidal ideation in early adolescence reported by children and their parents? Cross sectional survey. Quebec, Canada. 825 adolescents, aged 12–14 years, and their parents. A weighted sample was used from the Quebec Child Mental Health Survey of 2400 children aged 6–14 years in 1992. Eligible children spoke French or English and had lived mainly with their parent(s) during the past 12 months. Children with sensory or mental handicaps and those living on reserves or in remote areas were excluded. The adolescent and one parent (91% mothers) were interviewed simultaneously in different rooms (80% response rate). Adolescent, … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BAcademy%2Bof%2BChild%2Band%2BAdolescent%2BPsychiatry%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BAm%2BAcad%2BChild%2BAdolesc%2BPsychiatry%26rft.aulast%253DBreton%26rft.auinit1%253DJ.%2BJ.%26rft.volume%253D41%26rft.issue%253D6%26rft.spage%253D723%26rft.epage%253D730%26rft.atitle%253DInformant-specific%2Bcorrelates%2Bof%2Bsuicidal%2Bbehavior%2Bin%2Ba%2Bcommunity%2Bsurvey%2Bof%2B12-%2Bto%2B14-year-olds.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1097%252F00004583-200206000-00012%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F12049447%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1097/00004583-200206000-00012&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=12049447&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmental%2F6%2F1%2F12.atom
Understanding the relationship between crystal structure, plasticity and compaction behaviour of theophylline, methyl gallate, and their 1:1 co-crystal

Theophylline and methyl gallate can form a 1 : 1 co-crystal. Their tableting performance follows the order of theophylline > co-crystal ≫ methyl gallate. While co-crystallization profoundly improves the tabletability of methyl gallate, it significantly deteriorates that of theophylline. This difference in bulk compaction behaviour originates from the dissimilar crystal plasticity and elasticity, which results from unique molecular packing features in the respective crystal lattices. The presence of a three-dimensional hydrogen bonded network gives rise to very low plasticity in the methyl gallate crystal, which leads to its poor tabletability. In contrast, the layers of two-dimensional rigid, hydrogen bonded molecules in the co-crystal improve the crystal plasticity, by facilitating slip with shear that, in turn, enhances tabletability. However, theophylline undergoes plastic deformation more readily when compared to the co-crystal, because the slip layers in theophylline are composed of hydrogen bonded columns, which provide additional flexibility for slip. As a consequence, theophylline crystals have significantly enhanced tabletability.
The Similarities Between Research in Education and Research in the Hard Sciences

In this commentary, the author argues that there is a considerable degree of similarity between research in the hard sciences and education and that this provides a useful lens for thinking about what constitutes “rigorous” and “scientific” education research. He suggests that the fundamental property of hard science research is its predictive power, a property that can equally be applied to large- and small-scale and quantitative and qualitative research in education. Although variables may differ and methods of collection may not be the same, researchers do their best to measure and/or control those variables that matter, and design experiments and subsequent tests to ensure that those that can neither be measured nor fully controlled are unlikely to change the results in significant ways. He concludes that although fields like physics or chemistry are mature sciences, the “cutting-edge” work in these fields is often “messy,” as researchers struggle to determine which variables are important. He suggest...
Individual-level and plant-level predictors of acute, traumatic occupational injuries in a manufacturing cohort

Objectives Workplace and contextual factors that may affect risk for worker injury are not well described. This study used results from an employee job satisfaction survey to construct aggregate indicators of the work environment and estimate the relative contribution of those factors to injury rates in a manufacturing cohort. Methods Principal components analysis was used to construct four plant-level factors from responses to a 32 question survey of the entire workforce, administered in 2006. Multilevel Poisson regression was used to evaluate the relationship between injury rate, individual-level and plant-level risk factors, unionisation and plant type. Results Plant-level ‘work stress’ (incident rate ratio (IRR)=0.50, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.90) was significant in the multilevel model, indicating the rate of injury for an average individual in that plant was halved (conditional on plant) when job stress decreased by a tertile. ‘Overall satisfaction’, ‘work environment’ and ‘perception of supervisor’ showed the same trend but were not significant. Unionisation was protective (IRR=0.40, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.95) as was any plant type compared with smelter. Conclusions We demonstrated utility of data from a human resources survey to construct indicators of the work environment. Our research suggests that aspects of the work environment, particularly work stress and unionisation, may have a significant effect on risk for occupational injury, emphasising the need for further multilevel studies. Our work would suggest monitoring of employee perceptions of job stress and the possible inclusion of stress management as a component of risk reduction programmes.
Facilitation of recall by structure in serially presented nonsense strings

Serial presentation of nonsense strings with immediate written recall was studied in a 3 by 2 factorial design: structure (none, morphology, morphology and syntax) and rate of presentation (1 and 3 sec/item). Only the main factors were significant; recall was facilitated by structure and by the slower presentation rate.
Using Learning Management Systems as Metacognitive Tools to Support Self-Regulation in Higher Education Contexts

The purpose of this chapter is to review research that examined whether tools and features of course or learning management systems, referred to in this research as web-based pedagogical tools (WBPT), can be used to support and promote specific processes of student self-regulated learning such as goal setting, help seeking, and self-monitoring, in online and distributed learning contexts. Five categories of WBPT are described including administrative tools, content creation and delivery tools, collaborative and communication tools, learning tools, and assessment tools. In addition, research designs and data collection instruments of three studies are described. Research findings are summarized showing that WBPT can be used to support a number of self-regulatory processes and that college instructors and faculty can use WBPT to design effective learning tasks that promote student self-regulated learning. Educational implications, limitations, and future directions are also discussed.
The Concept of Free State

The extinction of nation-state is inevitable. What would replace the nation-state is unknowable. Free State, however, presents a possible alternative.
Mail in Rebates: What the Firms Do Not Want You to Know

The theory of present biased preferences appears to fall apart in the case of mail in rebates. The theory states that if a purchase is made, no matter the primary objective, the consumer will redeem the mail in rebate within the time period allowed. Yet 50% of the people who purchase an electronic good accompanied by a mail in rebate fail to redeem it. Sometimes the proportion of the rebate reaches 100% of the value of the product. Why is this the case? Mail in rebates constitutes one of the many monetary strategies which firms make available to consumers from time to time. I then discuss the motivation for this paper and proceed to provide the findings of the past literature. Chapter 2 is dedicated to the development of a basic model with a single firm. In Chapter 3 the model is expanded to consider market competitors and their impact on the interactive game based on the nature of the market. The conclusion will summarize the findings of the model and proceed to make recommendations for future work. Work is already under way to come up with an experimental design appropriate to test the model.
Dietary soy exerts an antihypertensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive female rats.

This study tested the hypothesis that dietary soy would attenuate the development of hypertension in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Female SHR and control Wistar-Kyoto rats were obtained at 4 wk of age, randomly assigned to either an ovariectomized (OVX) group or a sham-operated group, and placed on a soy diet or control casein diet. After a minimum of 8 wk on their respective diets, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before and after inhibition of nitric oxide synthase, air-jet stress, or ganglionic blockade. The major finding of this study is that MAP was reduced in the OVX SHR consuming soy diet compared with the casein-fed controls (150 ± 4 vs. 164 ± 3 mmHg). Plasma genistein concentrations were increased in the soy-fed OVX SHR (1.23 ± 0.31 μM) compared with the casein-fed OVX SHR (nondetectable). However, there was no difference in plasma genistein concentrations between sham-operated and OVX SHR (1.37 ± 0.42 vs. 1.23 ± 0.31 μM). Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase increased MAP and decreased HR in all groups; diet did not affect this response. Air-jet stress increased MAP and HR in all groups. However, these responses were exaggerated in the soy-fed SHR. Finally, ganglionic blockade abolished the antihypertensive effect of soy diet in the OVX SHR. These findings indicate that dietary soy exerts an antihypertensive effect in OVX SHR. This effect does not involve the nitric oxide system but may be related to an as yet undefined interaction with the autonomic nervous system.
Physical Insights on Structure and Reynolds Stress in Turbulent Channel Flow

In this paper we summarize some work in progress on both the statistical characteristics of the near wall turbulent flow in a channel and on the underlying characteristics of the vorticity field, or three -dimensional, ‘coherent’, structures. The work is based on an analysis of a DNS data base provided by Moser et al for channel flows at relatively h igh Re ynolds numbers, up to Re �=950. Emphasis is placed on the vorticity and especially the streamwise vorticity. The statistics obtained from spatial correlations and from velocity -vorticity correlations illuminate the underlying source of streamwise vor ticity, the consequences of the no slip boundary condition and the fact that the array of the regions of streamwise vorticity, which is typically formed, is unstable. The tilting terms which oppose th e loss due to diffusion of the streamwise vorticity are discussed. Simple physical models provide insight into both the behavior of the streamwise vorticity and its connection with the Reynolds stress.
A comparison of lipid content metrics using six species from the genus Halamphora (Bacillariophyta)

ABSTRACTThe potential for algal-derived lipid products has been well documented and, therefore, has garnered considerable research attention over the last 30 years. Although promising, many hurdles remain in strain selection, optimization and enhancement for commercial production of these products. As this field moves away from the coarse screening efforts that characterized early research and into focused investigations of strain evolution, comparative genetics and genetic engineering, measures of lipid accumulation that are directly comparable and biologically relevant will become increasingly important. Presented here is a comparison of lipid content from six species from the diatom genus Halamphora, H. cf. borealis, H. coffeaeformis, H. oligotraphenta, H. pertusa, H. subturgida and H. turgida, utilizing four lipid reporting methods. Methods examined include percent dry weight and milligrams per liter, as well as newly proposed metrics of lipid per cellular volume and lipids per cell per day. The resul...
5 SERUM FERRITIN MAY NOT BE A RELIABLE PREDICTOR OF TISSUE IRON CONCENTRATIONS.

Tissue iron concentrations in patients suspected of iron overload are currently estimated using the concentration of ferritin in serum. Because serum ferritin is an acute-phase reactant, we hypothesized that it is not a reliable predictor of amount of tissue iron. MRI relaxation times decrease as the concentration of iron in tissues increases. The MRI T2* and T2 relaxation times evaluated from liver and myocardial interventricular septum will be measured in approximately 30 iron patients with primary or secondary hemochromatosis. MRI measurements from the interventricular septum will be correlated with MRI results from the liver, serum ferritin, serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and percent iron binding (SI/TIBC × 100). To date we have enrolled seven patients and shown that it is feasible to study both myocardial and liver iron in one MRI session. Our preliminary findings suggest that serum ferritin may not be an accurate predictor of amount of iron in liver and heart as measured by MRI. We conclude that (1) MRI measurements to determine amount of myocardial and liver iron can be obtained in one session and (2) our preliminary findings suggest that serum ferritin may not be an accurate predictor of amount of iron in liver and heart as measured by MRI, but these initial data will be verified via study of additional iron overload patients.
Respiratory acidosis in carbonic anhydrase II-deficient mice

To investigate the role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) II on pulmonary CO2 exchange, we analyzed arterial blood gases from CA II-deficient and normal control mice. CA II-deficient mice had a low arteri...
Participative Decision Making and Union-Management Cooperative Efforts: Attitudes of Managers, Union Officials, and Employees

Based on a surrey of 550 people at four sites, this study examines whether managers, union officials and employees in union-management cooperative efforts consider their programs more effective than do their counterparts in similar programs designed by management alone. Planned comparisons between types of programs showed that managers, union officials, and employees rated cooperative efforts differently with respect to both degree of effectiveness and areas of effectiveness. Managers and employees were more favorable about cooperative efforts than were union officials. Planned comparisons within similar types of programs showed that the three groups within cooperative efforts did not have more similar attitudes toward their programs than did the three groups in management designed programs.
Calcium phosphate-polymer hybrid nanoparticles for enhanced triple negative breast cancer treatment via co-delivery of paclitaxel and miR-221/222 inhibitors

In this study, a development of a novel calcium phosphate-polymer hybrid nanoparticle system is reported.The nanoparticle system can co-encapsulate and co-deliver a combination of therapeutic agents with different physicochemical properties (i.e., inhibitors for microRNA-221 and microRNA-222 (miRi-221/222) and paclitaxel (pac)).miRi-221/222 are hydrophilic and were encapsulated with calcium phosphate by co-precipitation in a water-in-oil emulsion.The precipitates were then coated with an anionic lipid, dioleoylphosphatidic acid (DOPA), to co-encapsulate hydrophobic paclitaxel outside the hydrophilic precipitates and inside the same nanoparticle.The nanoparticles formed by following this approach had a size of about ≤100nm and contained both lipid-coated calcium phosphate/miRi and paclitaxel.This nanoparticle system was found to simultaneously deliver paclitaxel and miRi-221/222 to their intracellular targets, leading to inhibit proliferative mechanisms of miR-221/222 and thus significantly enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel.
Affordable, flexible, and modular: a guide to open-source membrane-based water treatment systems

Membrane-based water treatment processes often require sophisticated control and monitoring that is not possible through manual operation. Automated regulation of pressure or flux through a membrane is required to minimize membrane fouling, thus maximizing efficiency and lifespan. Myriad automation tools exist, ranging from single purpose-built solutions to numerous linked sensors and hardware controls, all analyzed and controlled though commercially-available proprietary hardware and software. This paper outlines a way to design control systems for membrane-based filtration that utilize open source hardware and software, increasing the flexibility of a system to changing performance requirements while simultaneously minimizing the expense in time and resources to implement the control scheme. The method presented here can reduce the capital requirement for system control by one to two orders of magnitude while enhancing flexibility for system expansion and process sharing.