cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ECG segmentation in a body sensor network using adaptive hidden Markov models

In this paper, a novel approach for segmenting ECG signal in a body sensor network is presented. Hidden Markov Modeling (HMM) technique is employed. The parameter adaptation in traditional HMM methods is conservative and slow to respond to these beat interval changes. Since people's heart rates vary a lot, the corresponding characteristic waveform intervals and durations change with time as well. Moreover, for patients with cardiac diseases, such as arrhythmia, the heart beat interval may even change abruptly and irregularly. Therefore inadequate and slow parameter adaptation is largely responsible for the low positive predictivity rate (+P). To solve the problem, we introduce an active HMM parameter adaptation and ECG segmentation algorithm, which includes three parts: the pre-segmentation and classification, the HMM model training, and the detailed segmentation. Body sensor networks are used to pre-segment the raw ECG data by performing QRS detection. Then the R-R interval information that directly reflects the beat interval variation is extracted and used to classify the raw ECG data into several groups. One specific HMM is trained for each of the groups. Hence, instead of one single generic HMM, multiple individualized HMMs are set up. In the detailed segmentation, each HMM is only responsible for extracting the characteristic waveforms of the ECG signals with similar temporal features from the same group, so that the temporal parameter adaptation can be naturally achieved.
Isolation and identification of fxsA, an Escherichia coli gene that can suppress F exclusion of bacteriophage T7.

A selection for mutants of Escherichia coli that survive coexpression of bacteriophage T7 gene 10 and plasmid F pifA has allowed the identification of a newly defined genetic locus, fxsA. fxsA is located at 94.1 min on the E. coli chromosome; the gene is monocistronic and non-essential for growth. Overexpression of fxsA is necessary for resistance to the toxicity of T7 gene 10 in the presence of pifA; the original mutant strain contains a promoter-up mutation, changing a G residue to the "invariant" T in the -10 hexamer of a sigma(70)promoter. This chromosomal mutation causes a 25-fold increase in the level of fxsA mRNA. The initiation codon of fxsA is shown to be UUG, and the FxsA protein is then deduced to consist of 158 amino acid residues. A similar mutant selection that demanded cell survival to a challenge of T7 gene 1.2 and pifA also resulted in the isolation of the identical promoter-up mutation that affects expression of fxsA. The increased levels of FxsA resulting from the promoter-up mutation allow phage T7 to avoid exclusion by the F plasmid, presumably by protecting the cell from premature death due to gene 10 or to gene 1.2 expression in the presence of the PifA protein.
Evidence of an immunopathogenic basis for central nervous system disease in primary Sjögren's syndrome

The pathogenesis of central nervous system complications in primary Sjogren's syndrome (CNS-SS) is unknown. In order to determine whether patients with active CNS-SS have cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities indicative of CNS inflammation, CSF analyses from 30 patients with active CNS-SS (SSA) were contrasted with those from 20 SS patients without CNS involvement (SSI) and 20 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and active CNS disease (SLEA). Elevations of total protein concentration, IgG concentration, IgG to total protein ratio, and IgG index were observed in patients with SSA, but not in those with SSI. Agarose gel electrophoresis results were abnormal, with 1 or more bands, in 25 of 29 SSA patients (86%), but in only 3 of 18 SSI patients (17%). Similar, but less striking, CSF abnormalities were seen in a minority of SLEA patients. Fifteen SSA patients (50%) had transient, mild-to-moderate CSF pleocytosis, while only 1 SSI patient and 2 SLEA patients had similar findings. Cytologic findings were abnormal in 18 SSA patients (60%); these included atypical mononuclear cells, lymphoblastoid cells, and plasma cells. The presence of immuno-competent cells and evidence for the intrathecal synthesis of IgG within the CSF of SSA, but not SSI, patients provide diagnostic parameters which are indicative of active disease and which can be monitored serially during therapy.
Estrogen-induced alterations of the acidic and neutral glycosphingolipids of rat kidney.

Abstract In order to determine whether female sex hormones could influence the glycosphingolipid composition of the rat kidney, male albino rats of the Sherman strain were subcutaneously administered the synthetic estrogen, ethinylestradiol (5 mg/kg body wt. per day) or vehicle for 5 days, and the ganglioside, ceramide and neutral glycosphingolipid compositions of the kidneys of these animals were analyzed and compared. The results of these experiments demonstrate that estrogen treatment: (1) increased the ceramide, acidic and neutral glycosphingolipid contents of this tissue; (2) decreased the relative percentages of glucosyl- and globotetraosylceramide and hematoside (GM3), but increased the relative percentage of globotriaosylceramide and ‘other’ gangliosides; (3) increased the relative percentage of N-acetyl- to N-glycolylneuraminic acid in GM3; and (4) altered the long-chain bases of GM3, glucosyl- and globotetraosylceramide in this organ. These data, therefore, demonstrate that estrogen administration induces quantitative and qualitative alterations in the gangliosides, neutral glycosphingolipids and ceramide of the rat kidney. This data as well as a discussion of the possible physiological consequences of these estrogen-induced alterations in kidney glycosphingolipids serve as the basis for this report.
Are Remote Labs Worth the Cost? Insights From a Study of Student Perceptions of Remote Labs

Remote online laboratories enable students to conduct scientific investigations using real experimental equipment. However, scaling up remote labs may require significant costs in purchasing and maintaining expensive equipment compared to scaling simulated labs. While these costs are a consequence of using physical equipment, we argue that there are unique educational advantages to remote labs. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study of student perceptions of a remote lab in comparison to an identical lab experience with simulated data. The findings reveal several intriguing themes that highlight the pedagogical value of remote laboratories. In addition, we provide recommendations for the design and pedagogy of online laboratory experiences based on our findings.
Analysis of direct wafer bond IGBTs with heavily doped N+ buffer layer

High-speed IGBTs fabricated using direct wafer bonding and implanted N+ buffer layer are described and analyzed in this paper. The trade-off between on-state voltage drop and turn-off fall time can be controlled by varying the N+ implant dose prior to the wafer bonding process. 800 V IGBTs with switching time less than 100 nanoseconds and V/sub ce(sat)/ as low as 1.4 V at 100 A/cm/sup 2/ have been obtained. This excellent performance is achieved without utilizing any conventional lifetime control techniques.
Clinical pearls for preventing, diagnosing, and treating seasonal and 2009 H1N1 influenza infection in patients with asthma

SHOULD PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA BE VACCINATED FOR SEASONAL INFLUENZA? WHAT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA? Asthma is currently listed as a high-risk condition for influenza infection by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; those with asthma are recommended to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination. Authors of a recent review of the topic determined that uncertainty remains regarding the protection that influenza vaccine provides against asthma exacerbations. This conclusion relies heavily on a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial that found seasonal influenza vaccination did not decrease asthma exacerbations compared with placebo vaccination. Influenza vaccination can be expected to reduce the role of influenza infections in patients with asthma. A 2009 H1N1 influenza strain began circulating in April 2009 and became widespread in June 2009. Immunologic protection against seasonal influenza strains does not protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza. Therefore, separate vaccine development for 2009 H1N1 has occurred, and clinical trials are ongoing. A significant number of hospitalizations for 2009 H1N1 have occurred in patients with asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases. These groups are targeted for 2009 H1N1 vaccination according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
A Neogene Mixed Siliciclastic and Carbonate Foundation for the Quaternary Carbonate Shelf, Florida Keys

ABSTRACT New core holes and marine seismic profiles show the distribution and paleoenvironments of a siliciclastic foundation sandwiched between the much-studied Quaternary carbonates of the Middle and Upper Florida Keys and Oligocene to Miocene carbonates of the Arcadia Formation, a distance of some 160 km. Throughout this area the Quaternary carbonates are generally no more than 30 m thick and are underlain by up to 145 m of Plio-Pleistocene mixed limestones and sands, and marine siliciclastics (Peace River Formation). Quartz sands, days, and minor reworked phosphatic grains of the Peace River are the distal deposits of an almost peninsula-wide blanket that interrupted prolonged Tertiary carbonate deposition in southernmost Florida. In the Lower Keys the Peace River siliciclastics change fac es to very fine- to fine-grained carbonates composed of bioclastic, planktonic-foraminiferal grainstones and packstones. The position of the present southern Florida shelf margin, with its discontinuous coral reefs, is determined by the seaward paleoslope of siliciclastics and/or carbonates of the Plio-Pleistocene section defined in the Florida Keys. Lithostratigraphy of five continuous cores on the Keys and southeastern mainland, each about 300 m long, combined with numerous well logs and sample descriptions from the Keys and mainland, establish the southern limit of Peace River siliciclastics to at least the Middle Keys. The well data show intervals of quartz of coarse sand to granule size localized as a north-south pathway of maximum paleocurrents that extend from the central part of the peninsula approximately 350 km to the Middle Keys. This pathway of maximum paleocurrents, about 100 km wide, is interpreted as the palimpsest record of unusually strong, southward-moving shoreline and channeled deposition or a giant prograding spit. The ultimate source of these siliciclastics is from the Appalachians, approximately 1000 km to t e north. We propose that the Plio-Pleistocene marine siliciclastics and carbonates (including the Peace River Formation) recovered in wells on the Keys extend seaward beneath the present southern Florida outer shelf and are present in seismic profiles acquired across the shelf-margin slope. A series of profiles forming an offshore traverse from the Lower to Upper Keys show seaward-dipping clinothems that locally dip obliquely to the arcuate strike of the Florida Keys. These clinothems downlap on a prominent reflector that can be traced to an exposed submarine surface of upper Tertiary carbonates, the Pourtales and Miami Terraces. Some reflectors show configurations similar to contourites, and others, to channels. We contend that southward entry of the siliciclastics into southernmost Florida w s deflected eastward by west-to-east channeled flow of an ancestral Florida Current.
Co-Expression of Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase with the Inward Rectified Guard Cell K+ Channel KAT1 Alters Current Parameters in Xenopus laevis Oocytes

involved in signal transduction pathways leading to stomatal closure, and inhibit the inward rectifying guard cell K + channel KAT1. Guard cell calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) has been shown to phosphorylate KAT1; such phosphorylation is known to modulate other K + channels involved in signal transduction cascades. The work reported here focused on demonstrating CDPK-dependent inhibition of KAT1 currents. A cDNA encoding soybean CDPK was generated and it's translation product was shown to be functional; demonstrating Ca 2+ -dependent autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of a target protein. Ion currents were monitored using voltage clamp techniques upon expression of KAT1 in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Coexpression of recombinant CDPK with KAT1 in oocytes altered the kinetics and magnitude of induced K + currents; at a given hyperpolarizing command voltage,
Dietary Patterns Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease: Population Based Study

Recently dietary pattern analysis has emerged as a way for examining diet-disease relations in Alzheimer’s disease. In contrast with the conventional approach, which focuses on a single nutrient or a few nutrients or foods, this method considers overall eating patterns. We examined the dietary patterns defined by factor analysis using data collected with a food-frequency questionnaire in people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as compared to healthy controls. The diet data were obtained during population based study of the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a population in Poland. Stratified sampling and random selection strategies were combined to obtain a representative population for screening (age group > 55). From the population screened three times, 71 people were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s according to DSM-IV, and were recruited for further diet risk factors assessment. A group of people with Alzheimer disease (n = 71; F/M 42/29) and the same number of healthy, age and gender matched control were recruited for the study. Patients and their caregivers as well as controls were presented with a food frequency questionnaire based on the 12 food groups. Factor analysis (principal component) was used to derive food patterns. The analysis was conducted using the factor procedure. The factors were rotated by an orthogonal transformation (Varimax rotation) to achieve simpler structure with greater interpretability. Using factor analysis, we identified major eating patterns, one for Alzheimer’s patients and a different one for control group. The AD dietary pattern, FACTOR AD was characterized by a high intake of meat, butter, high-fat dairy products, eggs, and refined sugar, whereas the other pattern, (FACTOR C) was characterized by a high intake of grains and vegetables. These data indicate the existence of dietary patterns defined by factor analysis with data from a food frequency questionnaire, characteristic for Alzheimer’s disease in a Polish population.
GENETIC PROGRAMMING AND NEURAL NETWORKS FORECASTING OF MONTHLY SUNSPOT NUMBERS

A three-stage computational intelligence strategy is used to forecast the unsmoothed monthly sunspot number. The strategy employs agents that use two computational techniques, genetic programming (GP) and neural networks (NN), in a sequence of three stages. In the first, two agents fit the same set of observed monthly data. One employs GP, while the other employs NN. In the second, residuals (= differences between observed and solution values) from the first stage are fitted employing a different technique. The NN fitted-residuals are added to the GP first-stage solution while the GP fitted-residuals are added to the NN first-stage solution. In the third, outputs from the first and second stages become inputs to use in producing two new solutions that reconcile differences. The fittest third stage solution is then used to forecast 48 monthly sunspot numbers (September 2009 through August 2013). This modeling scheme delivered lower estimation errors at each stage. The next sunspot number peak is predicted to be around the middle of 2012.
Rebranding exercise: closing the gap between values and behavior

Behavior can only be understood by identifying the goals to which it is attached. Superordinate-level goals are linked to individuals' values, and may offer insights into how to connect exercise with their core values and increase participation in sustainable ways. A random sample of healthy midlife women (aged 40-60y) was selected to participate in a year-long mixed-method study (n = 226). Superordinate goals were measured inductively and analyzed using grounded theory analysis. Attainment Value and Exercise Participation were quantitatively measured. An ANOVA and pairwise comparisons were conducted to investigate the differences between superordinate exercise goals in attainment value. This study fit a Linear Mixed Model to the data to investigate the fixed effects of superordinate goals on exercise participation, controlling for BMI and social support. Participants mainly exercised to achieve Healthy-Aging, Quality-of-Life, Current-Health, and Appearance/Weight superordinate goals. Despite equally valuing Healthy-Aging, Quality-of-Life, and Current-Health goals, participants with Quality-of-Life goals reported participating in more exercise than those with Current-Health (p < 0.01), and Healthy-Aging (p = 0.06) goals. Superordinate exercise goals related to health and healthy aging are associated with less exercise than those related to enhancing daily quality of life, despite being equally valued. While important, pursuing distant benefits from exercise such as health promotion, disease prevention, and longevity might not be as compelling to busy individuals compared to their other daily priorities and responsibilities. By shifting our paradigm from medicine to marketing, we can glean insights into how we can better market and "sell" exercise. Because immediate payoffs motivate behavior better than distant goals, a more effective "hook" for promoting sustainable participation might be to rebrand exercise as a primary way individuals can enhance the quality of their daily lives. These findings have important implications for how we as a culture, especially those in fitness-related businesses, health promotion, health care, and public health, prescribe and market exercise on individual and population levels.
Use of recombinant interleukin-2 to enhance adoptive transfer of resistance to Listeria monocytogenes infection.

Abstract In vitro incubation of Listeria-immune spleen cells (LISC) with recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) for at least 3 days increased their ability to transfer antilisteria resistance to recipient mice. This effect was blocked by the in vitro addition of transforming growth factor beta 1. The level of protection afforded by the transfer of rIL-2-incubated LISC was further elevated by the in vivo administration of rIL-2 at a dose that by itself did not significantly increase antilisteria resistance. The antilisteria resistance of recipient mice remained elevated for approximately 7 days and then rapidly declined to undetectable levels by 10 days. After cell transfer, recipient mice were protected against challenge with Listeria monocytogenes but not Salmonella typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, or Streptococcus pyogenes. Flow cytometric analyses revealed an increase in the percentages of CD8+, NK+, and gamma delta T cell receptor+ cells but no change in the percentage of CD4+ cells as a result of LISC coculturing with rIL-2. In vitro depletion of CD4+ cells just prior to transfer had no significant effect on the adoptive transfer of resistance; depletion of CD8+ cells reduced the level of resistance by approximately 25%. Combined depletion of Thy-1.2+, CD4+, and CD8+ cells just prior to adoptive transfer diminished the level of protection in the spleens but not the livers of recipient mice. These data suggest that rIL-2 can be used to augment adoptive immunotherapy for bacterial infection in a manner similar to adoptive immunotherapy of human cancer patients. Although the protective cell population was not definitively identified, it appeared to be independent of CD4+ cells and only partly dependent on CD8+ cells.
Unsupervised textured image segmentation

A new algorithm for unsupervised textured image segmentation is presented. The image comprises M textured regions, each of which is modeled by a stationary Gaussian Markov random field. A feature vector is computed for each pixel in the original image where these vectors are normally distributed and cluster about some vector means. Thus, the problem is reduced to one of restoring a vector valued underlying field embedded in additive Gaussian noise. The vector means corresponding to the different regions are estimated by using the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm. An iterative algorithm is used with the underlying field modeled as a multilevel logistic Markov random field. The results obtained on two-region and four-region textured images are impressive, and the classification error is less than 3%. The algorithm is not limited to textured images but can also be applied to any vector-valued signals. >
THE MATCHING LAW

The matching law may be viewed either as an empirical generalization, and therby subject to disproof, or as part of a system of equations used to define the utility ("value") of a reinforcer. In the latter case it is tautologous, and not subject to disproof within the defining context. A failure to obtain matching will most often be a signal that the independent variables have not been properly scaled. If, however, the proper transformations have been made on the independent variables, and matching is not obtained, the experimental paradigm may be outside the purview of the matching law. At that point, reinterpretations or revisions of the law are called for. The theoretical matching law is but one of many possible ways to define utility, and it may eventually be rejected in favor of a more useful definition.
Trust Building in Electronic Markets: Relative Importance and Interaction Effects of Trust Building Mechanisms

We examine the relative and complementary effectiveness of trust-building strategies in online environments. While prior research has examined various antecedents to trust, we investigated two trust-building mechanisms more in depth: Web site trust and vendor reputation. We tried to understand the relative effectiveness of these two important mechanisms to provide online businesses with a clear recommendation of how to establish trust in an effective and efficient manner. Drawing from the literature on trust, we proposed vendor reputation to be more effective than Web site trust. Moreover, we examined a potential complementary effect of these mechanisms so as to provide online businesses with a deeper understanding of how to derive superior trust. We hypothesize a small such effect. The study proposes a laboratory experiment to test the model.
Elderly women accommodate to a low-protein diet with losses of body cell mass, muscle function, and immune response.

A 9-wk study of adaptation to marginal protein intakes was conducted in 12 elderly women. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups fed a weight-maintenance diet containing either 1.47 (low) or 2.94 (adequate) g protein.kg body cell mass-1.d-1 (0.45 and 0.92 g.kg body wt-1.d-1, respectively). Mean nitrogen balance in the low-protein group remained negative throughout the study. These subjects experienced significant losses in lean tissue, immune response, and muscle function. The adequate-protein group was in nitrogen balance throughout the study, without changes in lean tissue, and with improvements in immune response, serum immunoglobulins, albumin, total protein values, and muscle function. Thus, elderly women fed the low-protein diet accommodated to the diet by compromising functional capacity, whereas those fed the adequate diet maintained functional capacity.
Electron impact excitation of SO2: Differential, integral, and momentum transfer cross sections

Electron impact excitation of the electronic states of SO2 was investigated. Differential, integral, and inelastic momentum transfer cross sections were obtained by normalizing the relative measurements to the elastic cross sections. The cross sections are given for seven spectral ranges of the energy‐loss spectra extending from the lowest electronic state to near the first ionization limit. Most of the regions represent the overlap of several electronic transitions. No measurements for these cross sections have been reported previously.
Pharmacokinetics of dantrolene in an adult patient undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

T HE MINIMUM blood concentration of dantrolene needed to prevent malignant hyperthermia (MH) in susceptible individuals is unknown. Flewellen et al have suggested that blood concentrations greater than or equal to 2.5 pg/mL should be maintained to achieve prophylaxis.‘,’ This recommendation is based on data obtained from MH-susceptible swine, and through the use of nonMH-susceptible human volunteers. NO pharmacokinetic data are available for adult patients susceptible to MH who receive dantrolene and undergo cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Pharmacokinetic data have previously been reported in a pediatrie patient undergoing CPB.3 This report demonstrates the pharmacokinetics of dantrolene in an adult patient undergoing CPB. from the oxygenator reservoir. Samples were collected in heparinized vials, and maintained at -70°C until analysis. Whole-blood dantrolene concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (Kamara LC [Norwich Eaton Pharmaceutical, Norwich, NY]: Personal communication, December 1988). Concentrations of major metabolites are distinguishable with this method and were also determined. The lower limit of accurate measurement with this assay is 0.8 &mL.
Mexican Educational Ethnography and the Work of the DIE: Crossing the Border and Finding the Historical Everyday

La escuela cotidiana. Elsie Rockwell, ed. Mexico City: Fondo de Cultura Economica, 1995. 238 pp.
MUMPS : Program transferability

As 70–90 per cent of computing costs are attributable to software, the possibility of transferring of software is important. Known problems include political, technical and systems documentation. Difficulties also occur before, during and after program transfer. MUMPS, by providing the necessary environment, assists transferability. It is important for the provider and the future user to understand all the problems of transfer, including commitment, support and documentation. A computed-aided instruction program is used to illustrate these problems, including the maintenance of language standards after delivery.70 a 90 pour cent du cout des ordinateurs sont attributables au logiciel. Aussi, la transportabilite du logiciel est-elle importante. Parmi les problemes qu'elle souleve, on peut souligner les problemes politiques, techniques et de documentation du systeme. Les difficultes apparaissent avant, pendant et apres le transfert des programmes. MUMPS facilite la transportabilite en procurant I'environneme...
Monitoring the Persian Gulf war with NOAA AVHRR data

Abstract Near to the time of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and continuing past the withdrawal of its forces, the northern Persian Gulf area was monitored continuously using the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) onboard the NOAA polar orbiting satellites. The AVHRR was shown to be effective for monitoring fires, oil slicks, airplane contrails, and outbreaks of wind-blown dust, during the course of the war. With their frequent multispectral coverage, the NOAA series satellites can be a valuable strategic tool during war, and may be used to evaluate resulting environmental conditions
Disentangling Accountability and Competence in Elections: Evidence from U.S. Term Limits

We exploit variation in U.S. gubernatorial term limits across states and time to empirically estimate two separate effects of elections on government performance. Holding tenure in office constant, differences in performance by reelection-eligible and term-limited incumbents identify an accountability effect: reelection-eligible governors have greater incentives to exert costly effort on behalf of voters. Holding term-limit status constant, differences in performance by incumbents in different terms identify a competence effect: later-term incumbents are more likely to be competent both because they have survived reelection and because they have experience in office. We show that economic growth is higher and taxes, spending, and borrowing costs are lower under reelection-eligible incumbents than under term-limited incumbents (accountability), and under reelected incumbents than under first-term incumbents (competence), all else equal. In addition to improving our understanding of the role of elections in...
Isolation of Nuclei for use in Genome-wide DNase Hypersensitivity Assays to Probe Chromatin Structure

DNase hypersensitivity (DHS) analysis coupled with high-throughput DNA sequencing (DNase-seq) has emerged as a powerful tool to analyze chromatin accessibility and identify regulatory sequences in genomic DNA on a global scale. In this method, intact nuclei are isolated from fresh tissue or cultured cells and then subjected to limited digestion using DNase I. The resulting short DNA fragments released by DNase digestion, which correspond to regions of open chromatin structure, are subsequently purified and identified by high throughput next generation DNA sequencing. This chapter describes methods used to isolate intact nuclei from mouse liver suitable for DNase-seq studies. The following chapter presents a detailed protocol for DNase I digestion of liver nuclei followed by the isolation of DNase-released fragments for sequencing and genome-wide mapping of DHS sites.
Metabolism and Metabolic Interactions of Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid is the most effective, least toxic, water-soluble antioxidant “free radical scavenging” vitamin known. It is important in the prevention of scurvy [1], in the processes of collagen synthesis [2], norepinephrine synthesis [3], amidation of peptide hormones [4], and regeneration of vitamin E [5] and provides protection against oxidative damage in a variety of tissues, including the eye (reviewed in [6]). Even though since 1990 over 5000 research studies have appeared, more information is needed regarding the mechanisms of vitamin C metabolism, the dietary requirement for maintaining optimal health, and the causes of deficiencies in disease states (reviewed in [7]). A major research focus in our laboratory is to determine the role of ascorbate in maintaining healthy physiologic function. A long-term goal is to understand the metabolic interactions of ascorbate with other antioxidant molecules (e.g., glutathione) under normal and disease conditions (e.g., diabetes) which result in an alteration in antioxidant metabolism. The following text will give a condensed background of what is known regarding ascorbate metabolism.
Comparison of the Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 Response in Children After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury or Septic Shock

Inflammation may play an important role in the evolution of damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI). IL-6 and IL-10 are markers of inflammation that are pro- and anti-inflammatory in nature, respectively. They have been used as an index of the degree of inflammation in diseases including sepsis and meningitis. We hypothesized that both IL-6 and IL-10 would be increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children after TBI. We measured ventricular CSF concentrations of these metabolites (ELISA) each of the first 3 days after TBI in 15 children. CSF IL-6 was increased on day 1 (p < 0.05 vs days 2 or 3). CSF IL-10 was similarly increased on day 1 (p < 0.05). CSF EL-6 after TBI is similar to serum IL-6 levels previously reported in children with septic shock. In contrast, the CSF IL-10 response was markedly attenuated following TBI compared to sepsis. These data suggest a unique balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in brain after TBI.
Japanese Municipal International Exchange and Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific: Opportunities and Challenges

The purpose of this chapter is to examine present Japanese municipal international exchange and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and to ponder its future potential. This chapter should be seen as a preliminary effort which is based on material now available in English. We shall first provide a very brief overview of growing literature on the worldwide relations of cities. Second, we present information on the expanding institutional support for international activities of Japanese Cities. Third, we provide examples of intercity relations between Japanese cities and other Asia-Pacific Cities. Fourth, we discuss networks of cities in which Japanese cities are involved, first examining those limited to the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, and then turning to more expansive networks extending to the larger Asia-Pacific region. After a summary, we attempt to draw conclusions about the relevance of municipal exchange and cooperation to more macro issues in world affairs.
Abbreviated Goal Management Training Shows Preliminary Evidence as a Neurorehabilitation Tool for HIV-associated Neurocognitive Disorders among Substance Users

Objective: Substance use disorders are highly comorbid with and contribute to the increased prevalence of neurocognitive dysfunction observed in HIV infection. Despite their adverse impact on everyday functioning, there are currently no compensatory-based neurorehabilitation interventions validated for use among HIV+ substance users (HIV/SUD). This study examined the effectiveness of goal management training (GMT) alone or GMT as part of a metacognitive training among HIV/SUD individuals with executive dysfunction. Methods: Ninety HIV/SUD individuals were randomized to a single 15-min session: (1) GMT (n = 30); (2) GMT plus metacognitive training (neurocognitive awareness; GMT + Meta; n = 30); or (3) active control (n = 30). Following a brief neurocognitive battery and study condition, participants performed a complex laboratory-based function task, Everyday Multitasking Test (Everyday MT), during which metacognition (awareness) was evaluated. Results: There was an increasing, but non-significant tendency...
The Effects of Substrate Preheating and Post-Deposition Annealing on CrMn/CoCrPt/CrMn/NiAI Films

In this study, we examine the effects of introducing CrMn as an intermediate layer between the NiAI underlayer and the CoCrPt magnetic layer, and as an overlayer on top of the Co-alloy film. The effects of deposition temperature and post-deposition annealing on the texture and magnetic properties were studied. Post-deposition annealing effectively lowered the exchange coupling between grains, increased the coercivity by 38%, up to 4600 Oe, and moderately decreased the Ms by 15%. Interlayer diffusion of CrMn into the CoCrPt grain boundaries is believed to cause the change in magnetic properties. It was also found that granular exchange coupling seems to be correlated to the Co-alloy in-plane texture.
Enhanced Oxidation Kinetics in Thermochemical Cycling of CeO2 through Templated Porosity

Two-step thermochemical cycling was achieved using CeO2 with sub-micrometer sized macropores, allowing for substantially improved CO production at fast cycle rates when compared to nonporous CeO2. The effects of porosity, pore order, and packing density were probed by synthesizing ceria materials with different morphologies. Polymeric colloidal spheres were used as templates for the synthesis of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) CeO2 and nonordered macroporous (NOM) CeO2. Aggregated CeO2 nanoparticles with feature sizes similar to those in 3DOM CeO2 were prepared by fragmenting 3DOM CeO2 into its building blocks using ultrasonication. The three templated materials and nonporous, commercial CeO2 were tested in thermochemical cycles using an infrared furnace. CeO2 was reduced at ∼1200 °C, and the reduced CeO2−δ materials were reoxidized under CO2 at ∼850 °C. The high temperatures required for cycling induced changes in the morphology of the porous materials, which were characterized by electron...
Drugs of Abuse and Addiction: An integrated approach to teaching

Abstract Background and purpose To describe the design, implementation, and student perceptions of a Drugs of Abuse and Addiction elective course utilizing an integrated teaching model. Educational activity and setting Third-year pharmacy students enrolled in the two credit hour elective. Teaching methodology included didactic lecture, journal club, simulated addiction assignment with reflection, debates, external speakers, site visit to a residential drug court program and research paper with presentation. Findings A course objective survey was administered upon course completion. All students strongly agreed that having science- and clinical-based faculty members develop and deliver course content was beneficial. Additionally, all students agree to strongly agree that their research project helped them integrate and comprehend the science and practice surrounding drugs of abuse and addiction. Discussion and summary Students enjoyed an integrated teaching approach and multiple teaching methodologies leading to increased engagement and enhancement of student learning. Course enrollment was beneficial for personalized learning, but limited student perspective.
Enduring or Stubbornness? What It Takes to Be a “Runner” With Physical Limitations:

A plethora of literary and scholarly books and articles have been written on endurance sports such as long distance running and cycling and successful athletes within these endurance sports such as...
Chronic ingestion of low doses of cadmium alters the gut microbiome and immune homeostasis to enhance allergic sensitization (MUC9P.743)

Low doses of cadmium can be ingested due to its presence in contaminated water and its accumulation in leafy vegetables, fish and grains. Pollutants are believe to contribute to the increased incidence of allergy diseases. We addressed whether chronic ingestion of low doses of cadmium could impact allergic sensitization and thus, favor the development of allergic diseases. Conventional C57BL/6 mice given low doses of cadmium in the drinking water for 28 days exhibited a significant reduction of bacterial diversity, and an alteration of the Firmicutes to Bacteriodetes ratio. This treatment also activated both the canonical and the non-canonical NF-κB pathway and promoted proinflammatory cytokine and antimicrobial responses in the gut. The effects of cadmium were at least partially independent of the gut microbiome since germ-free C57BL/6 mice subjected to the same treatment developed the same profile of responses although at a lower degree. Finally, conventional mice chronically treated with low doses of cadmium developed higher antigen-specific IgE responses upon oral sensitization with OVA and cholera toxin as adjuvant. Furthermore, upon nasal antigen, cadmium-treated mice developed higher airway allergic response, which were characterized by the increased levels of IL-17 and Th1 responses control mice. In summary, the environmental pollutant cadmium can be a major regulator of gut immune homeostasis and a cause for increased allergic responses at distant mucosal sites.
A pilot study of daily telemonitoring to predict acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Background Exacerbations of COPD (ECOPD) are important events in the course of COPD and they accelerate the rate of decline of lung function, and exacerbations requiring hospitalization are associated with significant mortality. Therefore, developing approaches of prevention and early treatment of ECOPDs are of special clinical interests. One of such approaches is telecare, including home telemonitoring. Material and methods Daily telemonitoring of HR, BP, SpO2 and spirometry was performed. Variables were compared using the bootstrap-boosted inference tests: the paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test, depending on data normality, and categorical variables were compared using exact McNemar's test. Results Nineteen patients were included to the study. We observed significant decrease in SpO2 7 days preceding ECOPD (P = 0.007; Pbootstrap-boosted = 0.005) and increase in number of events of day-to-day decrease in oxygen saturation >4% in the period of 7 days preceding ECOPD versus reference period (P = 0.02). Conclusions Oxygen saturation telemonitoring would be successfully used in predicting ECOPD. Recording of day-to-day decrease in oxygen saturation >4% as alarming events would be effective approach which would be easily implemented in telemonitoring devices, however this outcome should be further validated in larger size samples.
5 – Activity Measurement

Publisher Summary This chapter reveals that behavior is the final common pathway for the cumulative effects of heredity and environment including cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes. Activity level reflects all of these sources of variation and; therefore, varies due to a broad set of psychologically relevant factors. Actigraphy provides objective instrumented activity level measurements while participants behave in their natural environment. Actigraphy acts as the Swiss army knife of behavioral assessment, in that it has numerous uses of interest to both clinicians and investigators in psychology and medicine. No other behavioral assessment technology has so many diagnostic and outcome assessment applications. Modem actigraphs are simple to use and interface readily with personal computers. While the cost of actigraphs has decreased over the years, inexpensive pedometers are readily available for investigators and practitioners of more modest means. There is no longer any acceptable reason for depending entirely on ratings of activity level in research or clinical practice. The consequences of inaccurate assessment are much more immediate and certain in clinical practice than in research.
Treatment of Male Infertility

Major difficulties exist in the accurate and meaningful diagnosis of male reproductive dysfunction, and our understanding of the epidemiology and etiology of male infertility has proven quite complex.The numerous spermatozoa produced in mammals and other species provides some degree of protection against adverse environmental conditions represented by physical and chemical factors that can reduce reproductive function and increase gonadal damage even resulting in testicular cancer or congenital malformations. The wide fluctuations of sperm production in men, both geographical and temporal, may reflect disparate environmental exposures, occurring on differing genetic backgrounds, in varying psychosocial conditions, and leading to the diversified observed outcomes.Sperm analysis is still the cornerstone in diagnosis of male factor infertility, indeed, individually compromised semen paramaters while adequately address therapeutic practices is progressively flanked by additional tests. Administration of drugs, IUI, correction of varicocele, and, to a certain extent, IVF although they may not be capable of restoring fertility itself often result in childbearing.
The Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Detecting Hippocampal Injury Following Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic injury of the brain and resultant encephalopathy (HIE) leads to major developmental impairments by school age. Conventional/anatomical MRI often fails to detect hippocampal injury in mild cases. We hypothesize that diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has greater sensitivity for identifying subtle hippocampal injury. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed DTI data collected from a cohort of neonates with HIE and controls. Conventional MRI sequences were classified qualitatively according to severity using a modified Barkovich scale. Using multivariate linear regression, we compared hippocampal DTI scalars of HIE patients and controls. Spearman correlation was used to test the association of DTI scalars in the hippocampal and thalamic regions. A multiple regression analysis tested the association of the DTI scalars with short-term outcomes. RESULTS Fifty-five neonates with HIE (42% males) and 13 controls (54% males) were included. Hippocampal DTI scalars were similar between HIE and control groups, even when restricting the HIE group to those with moderate-to-severe injury (8 subjects). DTI scalars of the thalamus were significantly lower in the moderate-to-severely affected patients compared to controls (right fractional anisotropy [FA] .148 vs. .182, P = .01; left FA .147 vs. .181, P = .03). Hippocampal and thalamic DTI scalars were correlated (P < .001). Hippocampal DTI scalars were not associated with short-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative DTI analysis of the hippocampus in neonates following HIE is a feasible technique to examine neuronal injury. Although DTI scalars were useful in identifying thalamic injury in our cohort, hippocampal DTI analysis did not provide additional information regarding hippocampal injury following HIE.
Diagnosis and Remediation of Single-Tum Short Circuit in a Multiphase FSCW PM Machine Based on T-type Equivalent Circuit

Single-turn short circuit (STSC) refers to the most severe turn fault condition in which the number of shorted turns is only one. Since winding inductance is proportional to the square of number of turns, STSC suffers from significantly large circulating current inside the faulted turn. The objective of this paper is to provide practical approaches that enable fault detection and postfault operation. A pervious developed T-type equivalent circuit laid a solid foundation for the proposed methods. High-frequency injection as well as signal processing method are carried out for reliable online fault diagnosis, while postfault operation is based on shorting the remaining turns as well as instantaneous power balance theory. Experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
The Science Behind the Fiction: In the Shadow of Asimov

I wrote the first draft of this novel more than twenty years ago. I have revised it multiple times since then, but did not seek a publisher until recently. For years, the manuscript would sit idle and untouched. It was only after another division at Springer accepted my popular science book about particulate matter air pollution that I inquired about publishing fiction and they directed me to this Science and Fiction series.
Understanding Young Adults' E-cigarette Use through the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Objective The use of e-cigarettes among college undergraduates is a prevalent problem across the United States. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), we examined the relationship between memorable messages and early adulthood e-cigarette use. Methods We recruited 159 students to complete a survey at Time 1 and 126 of those students completed the second survey. Results Structural equation modeling demonstrated that attitudes and norms are significantly associated with intentions to use e-cigarettes, whereas efficacy is negatively associated with intentions to use. Intentions were positively associated with actual use of e-cigarettes at Time 2. Conclusions Our findings contribute to understanding young adults' experiences with alternative tobacco products, and demonstrate a need to create health education and promotion campaigns based on TPB constructs.
The Monday Night Meeting

In 1974, the building was seized by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency for demolition. The owner, Mr. Goodman came to the tenants and explained he could do nothing to save it but encouraged the tenants to sue him and take over the building to thwart the SFRDA. That Monday night meeting became a regular meeting time every week to organize the suit, the takeover and the management of the building. Including some profiles of members.