cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rates and predictors of depression treatment among pregnant women in hospital-affiliated obstetrics practices.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide information on rates of depression treatment among pregnant women at risk for depression and among those with clinician-diagnosed current major depressive disorder (MDD) and to examine predictors of depression treatment. Method: Women seeking prenatal care completed a screening survey (including the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale) in several hospital-based obstetrics clinics. Women identified as high risk for depression completed diagnostic interviews (n=276) during pregnancy, consisting of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, measures of depression symptom severity (Beck Depression Inventory-II), health functioning (SF-36) and current and past psychiatric treatment. Results: Among women with a current MDD diagnosis, most of whom were experiencing a recurrence, 33% were currently receiving any depression treatment. The presence of current MDD was not found to be related to use of treatment. Prior history of MDD, history of psychiatric treatment and depression severity were significant predictors of depression treatment during pregnancy. Conclusions: Most women with current MDD were found to be either untreated or suboptimally treated, and prenatal MDD was not predictive of treatment. These findings point to the need for effective detection, targeted follow-up assessment and treatment linkage interventions to be studied in medical settings that encounter perinatal women.
The Impact of Interests, Power Relationships, and Organizational Structure On Program Planning Practice: A Case Study

The central purpose of this study was to show how the personal and organizational interests of adult educators are causally related to the planning of educational programs. A qualitative multi-case study was conducted of six county extension agents and four district program development specialists in the Cooperative Extension System. The study shows how traditionalist interests are embedded in the contextual factors that affect the planning practices of county agents and the ways in which these factors affected the seven programs planned by these agents. Specifically, three categories of structural factors were found to constrain or enable county agents' planning practices: a) organizational structure and culture, b) available resources, and c) power relationships. These factors affected the programs that county agents constructed through their planning practices in terms of the needs addressed and the planning process employed.
Expression of an engrailed -like gene during development of the early embryonic chick nervous system

The engrailed gene has been identified in Drosophila as an important developmental gene involved in the control of segmentation. Here we describe the embryonic expression of a chicken gene, ChickEn (Darnell et al.: J Cell Biol 103(5):311a, 1986), which contains homology to the Drosophila engrailed gene. Northern blots of early chick embryo tissue poly(A)+ RNA resulted in hybridization to at least three bands expressed predominantly in the brain/head region when probed with ChickEn genomic fragments. Eight cDNA clones generated from embryonic day 6 (stage 29-30) chick brain poly(A)+ RNA are identical in their nucleotide sequence with the ChickEn genomic clone. In situ hybridization to sections of 4-day (stage 24) embryos indicated that ChickEn transcripts were concentrated in the posterior mesencephalon and anterior metencephalon. In cultures of chick cranial neural crest cells (eight to nine somites; stage 9) ChickEn transcripts were localized in a subset (approx. 8%) of cells examined after 2 days in culture. A mouse monoclonal antibody, inv-4D9D4, made by Coleman and Kornberg recognizes the engrailed-like homeo domain of the engrailed and invected proteins (Martin-Blanco, Coleman, and Kornberg, personal communication). Patel, Coleman, Kornberg and Goodman (unpublished) have shown that this antibody binds to the hindbrain of 2-day-old chick embryos. We have confirmed these results and shown that this antibody binds to the same region of 4-day (stage 24) chick brains that in situ hybridization showed contained ChickEn transcripts. This antibody also recognizes a homeo domain-containing ChickEn peptide expressed as a beta-galactosidase fusion protein in Drosophila cell culture. We have not detected ChickEn protein in any tissue prior to eight to nine somites (stage 9). These results delineate the major expression pattern of the ChickEn gene during early (prior to stage 30) embryonic development in the chick.
Application of the Self-Assembled Monolayer (SAM) Model to Dithiophosphate and Dithiocarbamate Engine Wear Inhibitors

In previous studies of dithiophosphate [DTP = S_2P(OR)_2] wear inhibitors bound to an oxidized iron surface, we found that the cohesive energy of the self-assembled monolayers (SAM) for DTP molecules with various organic R groups correlates with the wear inhibition observed in full engine experiments. In this paper we expand these calculations to consider dynamics at 500 K and then use the SAM model to predict new candidates for wear inhibitors. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at 500 K, we show that the SAM has one DTP per two surface Fe sites of iron oxide. At this coverage we find that the cohesive energy of the SAM at 500 K is in the sequence 2-alkyl > 1-alkyl > aryl (e.g., iPr > iBu > Ph) which again correlates with wear inhibitor performance observed in engine tests. We then considered 7 novel DTPs and predict that R = cyclo-hexyl, nPr, and benzyl may perform as well as iPr. We then used the SAM wear inhibitor model to assess the likely performance of 11 novel classes of potential wear inhibitors. On the basis of this model we selected dithiocarbamates (DTC) as the best candidate to supplement DTP. We then considered a number of possible alkyl substitutions for DTC. The SAM model suggests that iC_5 and nC_3 are the best candidates, followed closely by iC_3.
Soft X-ray Studies of Pu Electronic Structure: Past Lessons and Future Directions

Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PES) and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS, Figure 1) have contributed greatly to our improved understanding of Pu electronic structure. From these and related measurements, the following has been determined: (1) The Pu 5f spin-orbit splitting is large; (2) The number of Pu5f electrons is near 5; and (3) The Pu 5f spin-orbit splitting effect dominates 5f itineracy. Significant questions remain concerning the nature of Pu electronic structure. Perhaps the missing piece of the puzzle is the direct experimental determination of the unoccupied electronic structure using high energy inverse photoelectron spectroscopy or Bremstrahlung Isochromat Spectroscopy (BIS). Past BIS studies of Th and U indicate the feasibility and utility of Pu studies.
Psychophysiological mediators of caregiver stress and differential cognitive decline

The authors examined relationships between chronic stress and cognitive decline and whether such relationships were mediated by psychophysiological factors. Ninety-six caregivers of spouses with Alzheimer's disease (AD) were compared with 95 similar noncaregiver spouses. All were free of diabetes. Although the groups started similarly, over 2 years caregivers declined by a small but significant amount (1 raw score point and 4 percentile points, each p<.05) on Shipley Vocabulary. In contrast, noncaregivers did not change. Higher hostile attribution (beta=-.09; p<.05) and metabolic risk (beta=-.10; p<.05) in caregivers mediated the cognitive decline. This is the first study of cognitive decline and mediators in caregivers. This work has implications for caregiver and care-recipient health and for research on cognition, psychophysiology, diabetes, and AD.
Impact, Fire, and Fluid Spread Code Coupling for Complex Transportation Accident Environment Simulation

Transportation accidents frequently involve liquids dispersing in the atmosphere. An example is that of aircraft impacts, which often result in spreading fuel and a subsequent fire. Predicting the resulting environment is of interest for design, safety, and forensic applications. This environment is challenging for many reasons, one among them being the disparate time and length scales that are necessary to resolve for an accurate physical representation of the problem. A recent computational method appropriate for this class of problems has been described for modeling the impact and subsequent liquid spread. Because the environment is difficult to instrument and costly to test, the existing validation data are of limited scope and quality. A comparatively well instrumented test involving a rocket propelled cylindrical tank of water was performed, the results of which are helpful to understand the adequacy of the modeling methods. Existing data include estimates of drop sizes at several locations, final liquid surface deposition mass integrated over surface area regions, and video evidence of liquid cloud spread distances. Comparisons are drawn between the experimental observations and the predicted results of the modeling methods to provide evidence regarding the accuracy of the methods, and to provide guidance on the application and use of these methods. Language: en
Ultrastructural Observations on Osteosarcoma Tissue: A Study of 10 Cases

Ultrastructural findings from the cellular, early osteoid regions of 10 osteosarcoma lesions are described. The characteristic features included irregularity in nuclear shape, margination of the chromatin, a large number of nucleoli, normal-sized nuclear pores, undifferentiated cells, poorly differentiated osteoblasts with scanty rough endoplasmic reticulum in annular or lamellar conformation, and malignant osteoblasts characterized by large accumulations of dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum (often in the form of huge anastomosing lakes) and by intracellular filaments. Several of the lesions demonstrated prominent giant cells, most of which were similar ultrastructurally to uninuclear tumor cells rather than to mitochondrialaden giant cells or osteoclasts. Variable amounts of primarily collagenous intercellular matrix were present. Cross-banded collagen fibers with diameters from 30–90 nm were seen as were thinner non-cross-banded fibrils 12–18 nm wide.
Quantification of Local Hemodynamic Alterations Caused by Virtual Implantation of Three Commercially Available Stents for the Treatment of Aortic Coarctation

Patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) are prone to morbidity including atherosclerotic plaque that has been shown to correlate with altered wall shear stress (WSS) in the descending thoracic aorta (dAo). We created the first patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a CoA patient treated by Palmaz stenting to date, and compared resulting WSS distributions to those from virtual implantation of Genesis XD and modified NuMED CP stents, also commonly used for CoA. CFD models were created from magnetic resonance imaging, fluoroscopy and blood pressure data. Simulations incorporated vessel deformation, downstream vascular resistance and compliance to match measured data and generate blood flow velocity and time-averaged WSS (TAWSS) results. TAWSS was quantified longitudinally and circumferentially in the stented region and dAo. While modest differences were seen in the distal portion of the stented region, marked differences were observed downstream along the posterior dAo and depended on stent type. The Genesis XD model had the least area of TAWSS values exceeding the threshold for platelet aggregation in vitro, followed by the Palmaz and NuMED CP stents. Alterations in local blood flow patterns and WSS imparted on the dAo appear to depend on the type of stent implanted for CoA. Following confirmation in larger studies, these findings may aid pediatric interventional cardiologists in selecting the most appropriate stent for each patient, and ultimately reduce long-term morbidity following treatment for CoA by stenting.
Experiments with a target-threshold control theory model for deriving Fitts' law parameters for human-machine systems

A target-threshold control theory model was developed for predicting human-machine movement time. This allows the previously empirical parameters of Fitts' speed and accuracy law (1954) to be determined before system construction. Fitts' law may now serve a role as a predictive design engineering tool for new systems as well as in its traditional role of after-the-fact analysis. The target-threshold model successfully characterized human control movement times, before system construction, in experiments involving camera pointing for a new class of point-and-direct telerobotics. Employing the natural logarithm as the basis for indexing task difficulty, the slope and intercept parameters were found by analysis of calculated step response trajectories at progressively tighter normalized target thresholds corresponding to increasing distances between targets. Tests validated the model for human subjects using the experimental apparatus of the Stanford Point-And-Direct (PAD) Telerobot for which tasks are developed using phrases such as "put that there". The target-threshold model is a tool for human factors engineers and control system designers that allows fundamental control theory techniques to be used to predict speed of response for new human-machine systems. The technique allows system developers to compare performance of prospective human-machine systems. >
Zinc oxide nanostructures: growth, properties and applications

Zinc oxide is a unique material that exhibits semiconducting and piezoelectric dual properties. Using a solid–vapour phase thermal sublimation technique, nanocombs, nanorings, nanohelixes/nanosprings, nanobelts, nanowires and nanocages of ZnO have been synthesized under specific growth conditions. These unique nanostructures unambiguously demonstrate that ZnO probably has the richest family of nanostructures among all materials, both in structures and in properties. The nanostructures could have novel applications in optoelectronics, sensors, transducers and biomedical sciences. This article reviews the various nanostructures of ZnO grown by the solid–vapour phase technique and their corresponding growth mechanisms. The application of ZnO nanobelts as nanosensors, nanocantilevers, field effect transistors and nanoresonators is demonstrated.
Atom probe tomography study of GaMnN thin films

Determining the nanoscale atomic distribution of transition metals is essential for understanding the magnetic behavior of III-nitride semiconductors. Atom probe tomography is a characterization technique that can provide direct physical detection of the location of atoms and thus is ideal for investigating nanoscale atomic ordering in these materials. This work presents a study of GaMnN thin films grown bymetalorganic chemical vapor deposition that are characterized utilizing the state of the art local electrode atom probe (LEAP™) to determine the atomic ordering of Mn in an effort to help understand the nanoclustering behaviour which leads to observed room-temperature ferromagnetic behaviour in GaMnN. The distribution of Mn on the atomic scale was found to be random in nature in the bulk of the thin film where the analysis was performed with no evidence for the predisposition of Mn to form dimers, trimers or clusters. Other sources of clustering must lead to the room-temperature ferromagnetic behaviour that has been observed in these samples, such as surface segregation of Mn during the growth process. This work proves consistent with prior magnetic analysis in that most atoms in the crystal are isolated Mn atoms which result in a paramagnetic signal. This work is a first step towards the ultimate goal of understanding the structure-property-growth condition relationships for the tailoring of specific MOCVD processes in nitride semiconductors. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Designing next generation data-centers with advanced communication protocols and systems services

Current data-centers rely on TCP/IP over fast- and gigabit-Ethernet for data communication even within the cluster environment for cost-effective designs, thus limiting their maximum capacity. Together with raw performance, such data-centers also lack in efficient support for intelligent services, such as requirements for caching documents, managing limited physical resources, load-balancing, controlling overload scenarios, and prioritization and QoS mechanisms, that are becoming a common requirement today. On the other hand, the system area network (SAN) technology is making rapid advances during the recent years. Besides high performance, these modern interconnects are providing a range of novel features and their support in hardware (e.g., RDMA, atomic operations, QoS support). In this paper, we address the capabilities of these current generation SAN technologies in addressing the limitations of existing data-centers. Specifically, we present a novel framework comprising of three layers (communication protocol support, data-center service primitives and advanced data-center services) that work together to tackle the issues associated with existing data-centers. We also present preliminary results in the various aspects of the framework, which demonstrate close to an order of magnitude performance benefits achievable by our framework as compared to existing data-centers in several cases.
Layered Clustering Communication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we propose a layered clustering hierarchy (LCH) communication protocol for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The design of LCH has two goals: scalability and energy-efficiency. In LCH, the sensor nodes are organized as a layered clustering structure. Each layer runs a distributed clustering protocol. By randomizing the rotation of cluster heads in each layer, the energy load is distributed evenly across sensors in the network. Our simulations show that LCH is effective in densely deployed sensor networks. On average, 70% of live sensor nodes are involved directly in the clustering communication hierarchy. Moreover, the simulations also show that the energy load and dead nodes are distributed evenly over the network. As studies prove that the performance of LCH depends mainly on the distributed clustering protocol, the location of cluster heads and cluster size are two critical factors in the design of LCH.
Inactivation of expression of two genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with the external guide sequence methodology.

The artificial inhibition of expression of genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is not a widespread, useful phenomenon. The external guide sequence (EGS) technology, which is well-proven in bacteria and mammalian cells in tissue culture and in mice, can also be utilized in yeast. The TOP2 and SRG1 genes can be inhibited by ~30% with EGSs in vivo. Results in vitro also show convenient cleavage of the relevant transcripts by RNase P and appropriate EGSs. The feasible constructs shown to date have an EGS covalently linked to M1 RNA, the RNA subunit of RNase P from Escherichia coli. Greater efficiency in cleavage of transcripts can be fashioned using more than one EGS targeted to different sites in a transcript and stronger promoters controlling the EGS constructs.
Companion Animals and Adaptation in Chronically Ill Children

Almost 20 million children in the U.S. have a chronic illness. Chronic illness requires ongoing management in the home, often with complex, stressful regimens. The increased lifespan of chronically ill children may lead to increased long term psychosocial and physical sequelae. Enhancing the quality of life for these children could promote optimal long-term adaptation. Health benefits of companion animals have been described across psychosocial, physiological. and behavioral spheres for healthy children and children with disabilities. These benefits have not been empirically examined for chronically ill children. This paper uses a stress-coping model to examine the role animals may play in adaptation for children with chronic illnesses. The contribution of companion animals to the constructs within the model and the adaptation process is discussed. This model provides a potential theoretical framework for synthesizing literature and pursuing empirical work on the role of companion animals in chronic childhood illness.
Circulating micrornas associated with glycemic impairment and progression in Asian Indians.

Asian Indians have a high incidence of type 2 diabetes, but factors associated with glycemic progression in this population are not understood. MicroRNAs are emerging as important mediators of glucose homeostasis and have not been previously studied in Asian Indians. We examined microRNA (miR) expression associated with glycemic impairment and progression in Asian Indians from the San Francisco Bay Area. We studied 128 Asian Indians age 45–84 years without known cardiovascular disease and not taking diabetes medications. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at baseline and after 2.5 years. We quantified circulating miRs from plasma collected during the enrollment visit using a flow cytometry-based assay. Glycemic impairment was present in 57 % (n = 73) at baseline. MiR-191 was positively associated with glycemic impairment (odds ratio (OR) 1.7 (95 % CI 1.2, 2.4), p < 0.01). The prevalence of glycemic progression after 2.5 years was 24 % (n = 23). Six miRs were negatively associated with glycemic progression: miR-122 (OR 0.5 (0.2, 0.8), p < 0.01), miR-15a (OR 0.6 (0.4, 0.9), p < 0.01), miR-197 (OR 0.6 (0.4, 0.9), p < 0.01), miR-320a (OR 0.6 (0.4, 0.9), p < 0.01), miR-423 (OR 0.6 (0.4, 0.9), p < 0.01), and miR-486 (OR 0.5 (0.3, 0.8), p < 0.01). Further multivariate adjustment did not attenuate these results. This is the first study to investigate circulating miRs associated with glycemic status among this high-risk ethnic group. Individual miRs were significantly associated with both glycemic impairment and glycemic progression. Further studies are needed to determine whether miR (s) might be useful clinical biomarkers for incident T2D in the Asian Indian population.
Herpes Zoster in Patients with Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Treated with Zidovudine

To determine the prevalence, incidence, and effects on disease progression and survival of herpes zoster in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, data from a multicenter observational cohort study of 1044 patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC) and CD4 cell count < or = 0.25 x 10(9)/L treated with zidovudine were analyzed. Of 163 patients (16%) with a history of herpes zoster at enrollment, 22 (13%) had a recurrence during the 2-year follow-up. For those without prior herpes zoster, the probability of its development was 6.3% at 1 and 8.8% at 2 years. Progression to AIDS was not associated with herpes zoster. By proportional hazards analysis, an initial occurrence of herpes zoster was associated with prolonged survival independent of baseline CD4 cell count and disease stage; however, recurrence tended to be associated with death. Thus, herpes zoster is relatively common in advanced HIV infection and its initial occurrence late in disease may indicate improved prognosis.
Violence among youth in Jamaica: a growing public health risk and challenge

En Jamaica, la abrumadora mayoria de los jovenes son personas bien ajustadas social y emocionalmente. Sin embargo, el aumento vertiginoso de las agresiones y la violencia en la ninez, y la conducta delincuencial entre los jovenes se han convertido en una gran preocupacion para la sociedad y constituyen un grave problema de salud publica. A falta de investigaciones definitivas sobre las causas, las especulaciones apuntan a la frustracion, los sentimientos de inadaptabilidad y la falta de autonomia de los jovenes. El proposito de este articulo es revisar la literatura y describir la informacion existente relacionada con la violencia en Jamaica y evaluar la plausibilidad de las suposiciones de la poblacion acerca de los factores relacionados con este problema. Segun la literatura analizada, hay una convergencia de factores a niveles micro y macro que influyen fuertemente en el comportamiento de los ninos y los jovenes jamaicanos. En este trabajo, estos factores se operacionalizan en tres niveles: el individual, el contexto social proximal (la familia y la escuela) y el contexto social distal (i.e., las circunstancias economicas). A partir de la literatura, se concluye que el comportamiento violento de algunos jovenes jamaicanos puede tener sus raices en la confluencia de los problemas que abruman a las familias, los ninos y los jovenes. La exposicion de los ninos a la violencia, tanto en el seno familiar como en la escuela, es particularmente preocupante. Se discuten las implicaciones para las decisiones en politicas.
Impact of AlTaO Dielectric Capping on Device Performance and Reliability for Advanced Metal Gate/High- $k$ PMOS Application

We have investigated the effect of ultrathin Al-Ta-based capping layers on HfO2 and experimentally demonstrated that, with proper Al and Ta composition, an AlTaO capping layer is a good candidate dielectric for PMOSFET devices. Lower threshold voltage and significantly improved mobility were observed with AlTaO capping without degrading the dielectric properties. The addition of Ta in an AlTaO structure produces d-states in the Al2O3 matrix, resulting in an additional VT shift toward the PMOS band edge. This AlTaO capping layer not only modulates the device VT suitably for PMOS applications but also retards Al diffusion through the HfO2 layer, preventing Al-caused mobility degradation. Furthermore, the incorporation of a capping layer can improve reliability characteristics during the negative bias stress.
A spectrum of sharing: maximization of information content for brain imaging data

Efforts to expand sharing of neuroimaging data have been growing exponentially in recent years. There are several different types of data sharing which can be considered to fall along a spectrum, ranging from simpler and less informative to more complex and more informative. In this paper we consider this spectrum for three domains: data capture, data density, and data analysis. Here the focus is on the right end of the spectrum, that is, how to maximize the information content while addressing the challenges. A summary of associated challenges of and possible solutions is presented in this review and includes: 1) a discussion of tools to monitor quality of data as it is collected and encourage adoption of data mapping standards; 2) sharing of time-series data (not just summary maps or regions); and 3) the use of analytic approaches which maximize sharing potential as much as possible. Examples of existing solutions for each of these points, which we developed in our lab, are also discussed including the use of a comprehensive beginning-to-end neuroinformatics platform and the use of flexible analytic approaches, such as independent component analysis and multivariate classification approaches, such as deep learning.
Noise reduction in fetal electrocardiography: II. Averaging techniques

Abstract 1. The use of highly sensitive preamplifiers alone for fetal electrocardiography does not improve the signal-to-noise ratio. 2. Group averaging of a number of correlated FECG's improves the signal-to-noise ratio many fold. 3. The technique developed for this study is capable of uncovering FECG baseline changes where noise levels are high enough to obscure completely P and T waves and S-T segment changes. 4. Before the real value of this technique is known, it will be necessary to determine the effect of group averaging of FECG's on short-lived baseline changes. 5. The technique can be used for adult electrocardiography where poor signal-to-noise ratio exists and for other aperiodic signals. 6. The application of this technique to the study of fetal heart monitoring will provide a reasonable basis for evaluating the FECG in relation to fetal heart rate changes and other factors.
A Usable Past: Creating Disciplinary Space for Physical Chemistry

The traditional narrative of the founding years of physical chemistry begins during the late 1880s, when the profession became established as part of modern physical science primarily through the determined efforts, and achievements, of a troika of scientists: Wilhelm Ostwald, Jacobus Hendricus van ’t Hoff and Svante Arrhenius. By the turn of the century, physical chemistry grew into a lively, well-populated and well-organized scientific discipline. Recently, the historiography of physical chemistry has been criticized because it has purportedly relied too heavily on the self-image of turn-of-the-century physical chemists, who saw themselves as distinctive specialists. It has been said that in general the history of physical chemistry has been written “by the public relations writers of the winning side.”1
Employer Information Report (EEO-1): Presentation

The EEO-1 Report collects race/ethnic and gender data annually on nine major job categories (e.g., managers, operatives). In addition to the workforce data, information about each establishment's North American Industrial Classification System code, the establishment's county, its metropolitan area code, and other data are included.
A recoil separator for nuclear astrophysics SECAR

Abstract A recoil separator SECAR has been designed to study radiative capture reactions relevant for the astrophysical rp-process in inverse kinematics for the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). We describe the design, layout, and ion optics of the recoil separator and present the status of the project.
Pharmacologic action of -phenylethylglucosamine.

SummaryThe glucosyl derivatives of β-phenylethylamine have been synthesized and compared with β-phenylethylamine with respect to toxicity and pressor effects. The levorotatory β-phenylethyl glucosamine is less toxic and more prolonged in its action than β-phenylethylamine or the dextrorotatory glucosamine.
MR imaging of spinal epidural lipoma.

MR is now the diagnostic technique of choice because of the unique signal characteristics of fatty tissue, the noninvasive nature of the examination, and the ease of sagittal imaging
Effect of Verapamil on CRF-Induced Abnormalities in Phospholipid Contents of Brain Synaptosomes

Chronic renal failure is associated with significant reductions in total phospholipids, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, and phosphatidylethanolamine of brain synaptosomes. These derangements in synaptosomal phospholipid metabolism were attributed to the state of secondary hyperparathyroidism of chronic renal failure (CRF) and the parathyroid hormone-induced accumulation of calcium in synaptosomes. This study examined whether a calcium channel blocker, verapamil, would prevent this synaptosomal calcium accumulation and correct the abnormalities in synaptosomal phospholipids in CRF. Verapamil treatment of normal rats for 21 days did not affect synaptosomal content of calcium or phospholipids. CRF of 21 days' duration was associated with a significant (P less than 0.01) increase in synaptosomal calcium (10.2 +/- 0.5 vs 7.4 +/- 0.6 nmol/mg protein) and a significant reduction (P less than 0.01) in total phospholipids (397 +/- 12 vs 529 +/- 19 nmol phospholipid P/mg protein), phosphatidylinositol (2.7 +/- 0.22 vs 4.6 +/- 0.27 nmol phospholipid P/mg protein), and phosphatidylserine (37 +/- 1.9 vs 83 +/- 5.2 nmol phospholipid P/mg protein). Simultaneous treatment of CRF rats with verapamil for 21 days reversed the synaptosomal abnormalities in calcium and phospholipid contents. Our data support the notion that the effect of excess parathyroid hormone of CRF on synaptosomal phospholipids is mainly due to the parathyroid hormone-induced calcium accumulation.
237 IDENTIFYING PROVIDER AND PATIENT VIEWPOINTS IN DEVELOPING A DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT GUIDE.

Background Most current type 2 diabetes patient education materials are too complex for patients to understand and use. Objective To solicit stakeholder input to develop a patient-centered guide to help patients effectively manage their diabetes. Methods Sixteen focus groups followed by 63 cognitive interviews of patients and providers from private and public health settings in rural and urban communities in four states (LA, TX, CA, and NC) were conducted between 03/05 and 05/06. Focus groups were conducted using a structured moderator9s guide that elicited feedback on current materials, barriers, and facilitators to patient management and suggestions for essential content. In addition, individual interviews elicited feedback on drafts of the guidebook and provided insight into comprehension, cultural appropriateness, and usefulness. Results Focus group participants included 55 patients with diabetes, 85 physicians, 13 nurses, and 3 dietitians. Patients, identified by participating providers, were 62% female and 27% African American and ranged in age from 21 to 84. Physicians expressed a desire to teach patients yet were pessimistic about their ability to help patients make behavior changes. Physicians felt that patients needed to know the severity of diabetes, associated health risks, the meaning of hemoglobin A1C tests, and the importance of checking blood sugar regularly. Patients generally felt that current diabetes materials were overwhelming, covered too much information, and were written in an unappealing clinical tone. Many patients felt that they “knew more than they did.” Patients requested practical, everyday advice on how to live with diabetes. They particularly wanted practical strategies for such things as handling hunger, eating out, and safe ways to approach exercise. In fine-tuning the guidebook, individual patient interviews (67% female, 35% African American, 42% Latino, age range 35-73) revealed that patients preferred material that contained a conversational tone, suggestions from real people with diabetes, and photographs-not clip art-illustrating portion size and practical eating and exercise strategies. Conclusions Patients and doctors differ in their views of the information needed in diabetes education material. A collaborative effort between patients and doctors to develop user-friendly material can yield more appealing and possibly more effective patient education.
Regioselective Alkylation of 4,6-Dialkyl-Substituted 2H-Pyran-2-ones.

The di- or trialkylated α-pyrones (I), (IV), and (VI) are lithiated and then coupled with the electrophiles (II) to produce the derivatives (III), (V), or (VII) and (VIII).
Some cognitively-motivated learning paradigms in algorithmic learning theory

This thesis pertains to the field of Gold-style Algorithmic Learning Theory. We present results on three classes of learning paradigms motivated by Cognitive Science. Chapter 2 investigates the necessity---for full learning power---of U-shaped learning (i.e., semantically returning to a previously abandoned correct conjecture) in the context of Vacillatory Learning (when the learner stabilizes in the limit to up to a finite number of correct conjectures). These results are joint work with John Case, Sanjay Jain and Frank Stephan. Chapter 3 answers the question of the necessity---for full learning power---of returning to previously abandoned wrong conjectures during the learning process. A complete answer to this question is given for four variants of the latter concept and with respect to the most prominent learning paradigms: Explanatory, Behaviourally Correct and Vacillatory Learning. These results are joint work with Sanjay Jain, Efim Kinber and Frank Stephan. Chapter 4 presents results on a new learning paradigm, learning correction grammars. This paradigm explores the possibility that the description of the language that a learner uses is not in terms of a single grammar but, instead, in terms of a set of grammars, each one used to edit corrections to the previous ones. We extend this concept into the transfinite and prove a general Hierarchy Result. These results are joint work with John Case and Sanjay Jain.
Genetic Modification and Cloning in Mammals

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the conventional techniques used for producing transgenic livestock and describes the mechanisms that determine whether a targeting vector integrates randomly in the genome or precisely at the targeted gene (homologous recombination). Recent advances in the isolation and culture of PGC-derived cells from domestic species, combined with advances in somatic cell cloning, provide the carrier cell lines required to undertake the process of homologous recombination in the domestic species. The process of homologous recombination involves the replacement of an endogenous DNA fragment with the fragment of interest. The primary concern in dealing with homologous recombination is the low efficiency at which foreign DNA is correctly inserted into the host chromosome. To increase the ease with which targeted cells are identified, selectable markers such as neomycin resistance and thymidine kinase genes are utilized. Despite the recent advances in the cloning of somatic cells, the widespread application of precise and efficient modification of the domestic animal genome faces various obstacles. These obstacles include the various inefficiencies in the cloning procedure, which lead to high incidence of embryonic, fetal, and even postnatal losses. The low rate of homologous recombination in somatic cells is another obstacle to success. For achieving the full applicability of the technology, cells capable of overcoming senescence are required. This can allow for more complex and precise genetic manipulation, and can facilitate the screening, isolation, and expansion of targeted cell lines. The isolation of unique cell lines that do not undergo senesce can target at high efficiency, and can be cloned at high efficiency.
Social Role Recognition for Human Event Understanding

We deal with the problem of recognizing social roles played by people in an event. Social roles are governed by human interactions, and form a fundamental component of human event description. We focus on a weakly supervised setting, where we are provided with different videos belonging to an event class, without training role labels. Since social roles are described by the interaction between people in an event, we propose a Conditional Random Field to model the inter-role interactions, along with person-specific social descriptors. We develop tractable variational inference to simultaneously infer model weights, as well as role assignment to all people in the videos. We also present a novel YouTube social roles dataset with ground truth role annotations, and introduce annotations on a subset of videos from the TRECVID-MED11 event kits for evaluation purposes. The performance of the model is compared against different baseline methods on these datasets.
A transformer-based digital isolator with 20kVPK surge capability and > 200kV/µS Common Mode Transient Immunity

This paper presents a transformer-based digital isolator that achieves best-in-class robustness with 20kV PK surge capability and > 200kV/µS Common Mode Transient Immunity (CMTI). Using polyimide as insulation material, the isolation barrier is more than 30µm thick and enables the exceptional surge performance. The transformer is fully differential with symmetric layout to improve noise immunity. The OOK Transmitter (TX) is based on the negative-G m oscillator and operates in the voltage-limited domain. It enable the TX to keep generating the differential On-Off Keying (OOK) carrier signal during disturbances from very fast Common Mode Transient (CMT) noise.
Physiological Changes Following Competition in Male and Female Physique Athletes: A Pilot Study

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate changes in body composition, metabolic rate, and hormones during postcompetition recovery. Data were collected from natural physique athletes (7 male/8 female) within one week before (T1) competition, within one week after (T2), and 4-6 weeks after (T3) competition. Measures included body composition (fat mass [FM] and lean mass [LM] from ultrasongraphy), resting metabolic rate (RMR; indirect calorimetry), and salivary leptin, testosterone, cortisol, ghrelin, and insulin. Total body water (TBW; bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy) was measured at T1 and T2 in a subsample (n = 8) of athletes. Significant (p T2 > T1), LM (T1 = 57.6 ± 13.9 kg, T2 = 59.4 ± 14.2, T3 = 59.3 ± 14.2; T2 and T3 > T1), and FM (T1 = 7.7 ± 4.4 kg, T2 = 8.0 ± 4.4, T3 = 10.0 ± 6.2; T3 > T1 and T2). TBW increased from T1 to T2 (Δ=1.9 ± 1.3 L, p < .01). RMR increased from baseline (1612 ± 266 kcal/day; 92.0% of predicted) to T2 (1881 ± 329, 105.3%; p < .01) and T3 (1778 ± 257, 99.6%; p < .001). Cortisol was higher (p < .05) at T2 (0.41 ± 0.31 μg/dL) than T1 (0.34 ± 0.31) and T3 (0.35 ± 0.27). Male testosterone at T3 (186.6 ± 41.3 pg/mL) was greater than T2 (148.0 ± 44.6, p = .04). RMR changes were associated (p ≤ .05) with change in body fat percent (ΔBF%; r = .59) and T3 protein intake (r= .60); male testosterone changes were inversely associated (p≤ .05) with ΔBF%, ΔFM, and Δweight (r=-0.81--0.88). TBW increased within days of competition. Precompetition RMR suppression appeared to be variable and markedly reversed by overfeeding, and reverted toward normal levels following competition. RMR and male testosterone increased while FM was preferentially gained 4-6 weeks postcompetition.
Wind-solar hybrid power system cost analysis using HOMER for Statesboro, Georgia

This paper analyses a wind-solar hybrid power system design for Statesboro, Georgia. First of all, accessibility of wind and solar resources of Statesboro has been checked. For comparison purposes both off-grid and on-grid are designed and optimized. The cost analysis is performed utilizing HOMER software based on solar irradiance, wind speed and load profile. Based on different combination and simulation results, it has been found that our proposed model would be a reasonable solution for electricity generation at this area.
Immediate and Lagged Effects of Daily Stress and Affect on Caregivers' Daily Pain Experience.

Purpose of the Study We examined the effect of daily stress, affect, and adult day service (ADS) use on the daily pain experience among caregivers of individuals with dementia (IWD). Participants were interviewed for 8 consecutive days. Caregivers utilized an ADS program on some days and provided care at home on other days. We hypothesized ADS use, care-related and noncare-related subjective stress, and affect would significantly influence and interact in ways to exacerbate or buffer the experience of daily pain. Design Participants were 173 family caregivers of IWDs using ADS more than 2 days per week. Participants with IWDs diagnosed with "mild cognitive impairment" were excluded. Daily telephone interviews assessed stress, affect, and pain. Methods Multilevel models were used to examine the relation between daily stress and daily pain and interaction effects of other daily experiences within the context of ADS use. Results Multilevel models revealed a significant relation between care-related subjective stress and daily bodily pain as well as an interaction between noncare-related subjective stress and daily bodily pain. ADS use and affect did not predict daily pain. Lagged effects revealed a significant interaction between yesterday's ADS use and today's positive affect on today's bodily pain. Implications Findings suggest that further studies are warranted for understanding and controlling pain among caregivers. Addressing the physical health needs through pain management interventions, positive affect maximization, and ADS use may improve the overall wellbeing of caregiving dyads.
Evaluating allopolyploid origins in strawberries ( Fragaria ) using haplotypes generated from target capture sequencing

Hybridization is observed in many eukaryotic lineages and can lead to the formation of polyploid species. The study of hybridization and polyploidization faces challenges both in data generation and in accounting for population-level phenomena such as coalescence processes in phylogenetic analysis. Genus Fragaria is one example of a set of plant taxa in which a range of ploidy levels is observed across species, but phylogenetic origins are unknown. Here, using 20 diploid and polyploid Fragaria species, we combine approaches from NGS data analysis and phylogenetics to infer evolutionary origins of polyploid strawberries, taking into account coalescence processes. We generate haplotype sequences for 257 low-copy nuclear markers assembled from Illumina target capture sequence data. We then identify putative hybridization events by analyzing gene tree topologies, and further test predicted hybridizations in a coalescence framework. This approach confirms the allopolyploid ancestry of F. chiloensis and F. virginiana, and provides new allopolyploid ancestry hypotheses for F. iturupensis, F. moschata, and F. orientalis. Evidence of gene flow between diploids F. bucharica and F. vesca is also detected, suggesting that it might be appropriate to consider these groups as conspecifics. This study is one of the first in which target capture sequencing followed by computational deconvolution of individual haplotypes is used for tracing origins of polyploid taxa. The study also provides new perspectives on the evolutionary history of Fragaria.
Development of large aperture projection scatterometry for catalyst loading evaluation in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract Widespread commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells remains curbed by various manufacturing and infrastructure challenges. One such technical barrier identified by the U. S. Department of Energy is the need for high-speed, in-line process control of platinum-based catalyst layers in the membrane electrode assembly of the fuel cell. Using multiple reflectivity-based optical methods, such as optical scatterometry and large aperture projection scatterometry, we demonstrate in-line-capable catalyst loading measurements of carbon-supported Pt nanoparticle and Pt-alloy nanostructured thin film catalyst coated membranes. Large aperture projection scatterometry is a new high-throughput approach developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology specifically for fuel cell manufacturing metrology. Angle- and wavelength-resolved measurements of these fuel cell soft goods validate the ability of reflectivity-based measurements to produce industrially relevant sensitivities to changes in Pt and Pt-alloy loading. The successful application of these optical methods to fuel cell manufacturing metrology directly addresses the shortage of high-throughput process control approaches needed to facilitate performance improvements and manufacturing cost-reductions required to make fuel cells commercially viable.
China's Export Restrictions and the Limits of WTO Law

In recent years, China has enacted export restrictions on a range of minerals and other raw materials. They include export quotas, export duties, export licenses, and other administrative actions. Although such export restrictions have already been found to be inconsistent with China's WTO obligations, the practice persists. This article advances an explanation for why this is the case. It argues that the problem lies with the lack of retrospective remedies in WTO dispute settlement. Consequently, China is able to breach its WTO obligations temporarily with minimal consequence. Although such restrictions may have negative consequences for upstream extraction firms, China is able to implement the restrictions because several upstream firms are state-owned enterprises. As a result, China is able to utilize export restrictions on minerals and other raw materials effectively to foster the development of strategic emerging industries downstream. Given existing negotiating standoffs and domestic political constraints, this article suggests that it is unlikely that any potential WTO legal reforms will be enacted any time soon to address this problem.
Detecting and Exploiting Chaotic Transport in Mechanical Systems

Several geometric and probabilistic methods for studying chaotic phase space transport have been developed and fruitfully applied to diverse areas from orbital mechanics, chemistry, biomechanics to fluid mechanics and beyond [1–31].