cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TEAM-UP CLINICAL TRIAL: INVESTIGATING REPOSITIONING INTERVALS FOR NURSING HOME PRESSURE ULCER/INJURY PREVENTION

The universally accepted approach to pressure ulcer/injury (PU) prevention is to minimize pressure exposure through frequent repositioning intervals; however, optimal repositioning intervals have yet to be determined. Current PU prevention protocols recommend repositioning nursing home (NH) residents every 2 hours. Turn Everyone and Move for Ulcer Prevention (TEAM-UP) is a cluster randomized clinical trial (National Institute of Nursing Research/National Institute of Aging R01 NR016001-01A1) investigating whether repositioning intervals times can be safely extended by examining 2, 3, and 4-hour assigned NH-wide intervals and nursing staff compliance with on-time resident repositioning for a 4-week period. Preliminary results are presented for one 3-NH cluster (2, 3, and 4 hour). Each NH used resident activity monitoring technology to determine repositioning interval compliance, and this technology also visually cued nursing staff and scheduled and documented repositioning occurrence; furthermore, standardized protocols for risk assessment (Braden Scale Score > 10) and visco-elastic mattress surface were used. Residents at low, moderate, and high risk for PU development (n=321) with varied levels of medical severity who were repositioned at 2, 3, or 4-hour intervals experienced no PU development in contrast to each NH’s 12-month pre-intervention PU prevalence of 2.7–6.2% for the 2, 3, and 4-hour facilities, respectively. Nursing staff on-time repositioning compliance ranged from 93% to 99% with every 4-hour compliance consistently achieving the highest percentage of on-time repositioning. Focus group results revealed a positive experience. Clinical implications of findings thus far will be discussed along with strategies for addressing barriers to effective resident repositioning.
Lead generation and optimization of novel GPR119 agonists with a spirocyclic cyclohexane structure.

Abstract We describe here the generation of a lead compound and its optimization studies that led to the identification of a novel GPR119 agonist. Based on a spirocyclic cyclohexane structure reported in our previous work, we identified compound 8 as a lead compound, being guided by ligand-lipophilicity efficiency (LLE), which linked potency and lipophilicity. Subsequent optimization studies of 8 for improvement of solubility afforded representative 21. Compound 21 had no inhibitory activity against six CYP isoforms and showed favorable pharmacokinetic properties and hypoglycemic activity in rats.
Ab Initio Computation of Rotationally-Averaged Pump-Probe X-ray and Electron Diffraction Signals.

We develop a new algorithm for the computation of the rotationally averaged elastic molecular diffraction signal for the cases of perpendicular or parallel pump–probe geometries. The algorithm firs...
A Critical Review of the Experimentally Known Properties of U-Pu-Zr Alloys. Part 2: Thermal and Mechanical Properties

AbstractAlthough U-Pu-Zr alloys have been investigated for more than 60 years, relatively little experimental information is available, and many of the original values are in government reports tha...
Cycle flow formulation of optimal network flow problems and respective distributed solutions

In this paper, we use the cycle basis from graph theory to reduce the size of the decision variable space of optimal network flow problems by eliminating the aggregated flow conservation constraint. We use a minimum cost flow problem and an optimal power flow problem with generation and storage at the nodes to demonstrate our decision variable reduction method. The main advantage of the proposed technique is that it retains the natural sparse&#x002F decomposable structure of network flow problems. As such, the reformulated problems are still amenable to distributed solutions. We demonstrate this by proposing a distributed alternating direction method of multipliers &#x0028 ADMM &#x0029 solution for a minimum cost flow problem. We also show that the communication cost of the distributed ADMM algorithm for our proposed cycle-based formulation of the minimum cost flow problem is lower than that of a distributed ADMM algorithm for the original arc-based formulation.
Unraveling Early Mortality In Patients with AL Amyloidosis

Abstract Abstract 4990 Background: Although there have been improvements in 5-year overall survival (OS) rates among patients with AL amyloidosis over the past decades, OS is still poor, and death rates within the first 3–6 months after diagnosis have not changed significantly. This retrospective study was performed to identify risk factors for and causes of death during the first 90 days following diagnosis of AL amyloidosis. Method: From July 2002 to April 2009, 301 patients with a diagnosis of AL amyloidosis who were seen at Mayo Clinic within 30 days of diagnosis were identified from the dysproteinemia database. The 100 who died within 90 days were the focus of our study. The other 201 who were alive beyond 90 days were used as a comparator group. Outside physician offices were contacted to obtain further information pertaining to treatment and cause of death for our study group. Results: Of the 100 patients with early death, median age at diagnosis was 63.7 years (range: 34.7–89.4). 25 patients were diagnosed with concurrent multiple myeloma (MM) based on MM-specific end-organ damage. Overall, the number of patients with 2, 3 and 4 organs (cardiac, renal, nerve or liver) involved with amyloidosis was 37, 15 and 4, respectively. Using the cardiac biomarker staging system, 78% of 46 evaluable patients were stage III at diagnosis followed by 22% stage II and no stage I. Table 1 describes the characteristics of the studied population. Amyloid-related deaths were identified in 61 patients with the most common cause being cardiac arrest or sudden death (33%) followed by end-organ failure (24%). Treatment was started in 50% of patients; 34% received no treatment; and no treatment information was available for the remainder. OS was 54.5 days in patients who received treatment as compared to 7.5 days in those who received no treatment (p Conclusion: This study highlights the characteristics of patients who died within 90 days of diagnosis of AL amyloidosis. The majority of patients died from arrhythmia and organ failure. This implies that other interventions aside from treatment of the underlying plasma cell (PC) disorder will likely be required to change the early outcomes of this disease. Disclosures: Lacy: Celgene: Research Funding. Kumar: Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Millennium: Research Funding; Merck: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Genzyme: Consultancy, Research Funding; Cephalon: Research Funding. Dispenzieri: Celgene: Honoraria, Research Funding; Binding Site: Honoraria.
The resistive bifurcated parallel-plate waveguide

The guided-wave problem of a parallel-plate region with a bifurcating resistive sheet of finite length is solved. After the space has been divided into three regions, the series solutions in them are matched across the boundaries. Then, the eigenequation is used to determine the propagtidon and four sets of equations are solved for the unknown coefficients. The series solutions converge rapidly and are readily applied to obtain conditions of maximum absorption.
Predicting child effortful control: An integrative analysis of child physiological, familial, and community factors.

Effortful control (EC) is a regulatory capacity that refers to children's ability to inhibit a dominant response to perform a subdominant response. Although attempts have been made to identify early predictors of children's EC, the confluence and interaction of child-, familial-, and community factors has not been pursued adequately. This study investigated how predictors from different aspects of children's rearing environment interacted to predict later EC. In a sample of 88 primiparous women with elevated depressive symptomotology and low household income, we examined how children's own psychobiology (baseline cortisol), familial relationship (mother-child attachment), and community resources (social support) at 17 months independently and jointly predicted EC at age 5. Our results showed that, controlling for maternal depressive symptomotology and household income, predictors from child-, familial-, and community-aspect function integratively, rather than independently, in predicting later EC. Specifically, within the context of a secure attachment relationship, baseline cortisol positively predicts later EC only for children of mothers who reported low social support. Whereas within the context of an insecure attachment relationship, baseline cortisol negatively predicts later EC, regardless of the perceived social support levels. Our results highlighted the importance of taking into consideration predictors from multiple aspects for intervention designs.
Sleep and development in adolescence in the context of socioeconomic disadvantage.

Abstract Introduction Sleep problems are associated with negative developmental outcomes in youth, and identification of vulnerability and protective factors is needed to explicate for whom and under which conditions adolescents may be most at risk. Towards this end, we examined socio-economic status (SES) as a moderator of associations between multiple sleep parameters and adolescents’ socio-emotional adjustment and cognitive functioning. Methods Participants were 272 adolescents (M age = 17.3 years; 49% girls) and their parents, residing in the Southeastern U.S.A. The sample was socioeconomically diverse and included 41% Black/African American and 59% White/European American youth. Using a cross-sectional design, adolescents' sleep was assessed with actigraphy (total sleep minutes; efficiency indicated by % of time asleep from sleep onset to wake time) and self-reports of sleep quality (sleep-wake problems). Mothers reported on youths’ internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and cognitive functioning was assessed with a standardized test battery. Results Moderation effects were found and illustrated that, for youth from families with lower SES, shorter and less efficient sleep and subjective sleep problems were associated with higher levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as lower cognitive performance. Conversely, longer and better-quality sleep protected against socio-emotional and cognitive difficulties otherwise observed for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth. Fewer relations between sleep and adjustment emerged for adolescents from families with higher SES. Conclusions Results reinforce a growing literature indicating that the relation between sleep and adjustment is stronger for youth from families with lower SES, who may especially benefit from better sleep.
Lyric Modes and Metaphor in The Wife’s Lament

Decades of analysis of The Wife’s Lament based on a presumed, underlying narrative have produced interpretations that are contradictory and competing. As a lyric poem, The Wife’s Lament is more pro...
Investigation of excitation dynamics in HfO2 and SiO2 monolayers using subpicosecond pump-and-probe damage testing (Withdrawal Notice)

This presentation, originally published on 11 September 2020, was withdrawn per author request.
Velopharyngeal Muscle Morphology in Children With Unrepaired Submucous Cleft Palate: An Imaging Study.

Objective:To identify quantitative and qualitative differences in the velopharyngeal musculature and surrounding structures between children with submucous cleft palate (SMCP) and velopharyngeal in...
Exchange Rates and Trade Balances: Effects of Intra-Industry Trade and Vertical Specialization

To examine how changes in relative national prices affect trade flows, this study estimates the impact of changes in industry-specific effective real exchange rates on industry-level trade balances, exports, and imports. We analyze the variations in industry-specific intra-industry trade and vertical specialization, which may both govern the long-run relationship between real exchange rates and trade flows. We employ sample information from 13 manufacturing industries across five Asian countries from 2001 to 2015. Rather than country-level aggregate measures, we use disaggregated industry-specific real exchange rates, which provide better measures of relative national prices and may help to uncover different responses that are masked by aggregate data. Fixed-effect estimations reveal that greater price competitiveness, as measured by depreciation in industry-specific effective real exchange rates, increases industry-level trade balances. We find that the elasticity of industry-level trade balances with respect to industry-specific real exchange rates declines as vertical specialization increases. There is also some limited evidence that this elasticity increases as intra-industry trade increases. Taken together, our findings suggest that global supply chains are more important than intra-industry trade in examining the response of trade balances to real exchange rate changes. Importantly, these heterogeneous impacts imply that policies regarding exchange rate management may be of limited potency and will affect different industries in different ways.
Taking a Stand?: An Initial Assessment of the Social and Racial Effects of Recent Innovation in Self-Defense Laws

* Professor of Law, Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and CoDirector, Center on Law, Equality, and Race, University of California, Irvine School of Law. This project benefited from presentations at the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law, Saint Thomas University School of Law (Fla.), Tulane Law School, the U.C. Irvine Center for Psychology and Law, the 2014 Association of Critical Race and Whiteness Studies conference in Brisbane, Australia, and support received while I was a Visiting Scholar at Melbourne Law School (Asia Pacific Centre for Military Law) and the American Bar Foundation. Many colleagues provided helpful insights on this initial phase of a larger project, especially Shalonda Baker, Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Devon Carbado, Donna Coker, Adam Feibelman, Andrea Freeman, Jonathan Glater, Kaaryn Gustafson, Linda Kreiger, Charles Lawrence, Tamara Lawson, Justin Levinson, Pamela Metzger, Saru Matambanadzo, Ira Steven Nathenson, L. Song Richardson, and Geoffrey Ward. I am indebted to Matthew Fritz-Mauer for his dedicated and superb research assistance and to my former students, Carolyn M. Hutcherson, Paul Kaster, Joshua Paster, Nneka Uzodinma, and Zachary Weaver, for research and papers that helped to shape my initial thoughts on this project. This Article is part of a larger symposium entitled Critical Race Theory and Empirical Methods Conference held at Fordham University School of Law. For an overview of the symposium, see Kimani Paul-Emile, Foreword: Critical Race Theory and Empirical Methods Conference, 83 FORDHAM L. REV. 2953 (2015).
RIP: row integration by parts

Every application of integration by parts can be done with a tabular method. The trick is to identify and consider each new integral in the table before deciding how to proceed. This paper suppleme...
Safety and efficacy of genetic MECP2 supplementation in the R294X mouse model of Rett syndrome

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused predominantly by loss-of-function mutations in MECP2, encoding transcriptional modulator methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Though no disease-modifying therapies exist at this time, some proposed therapeutic strategies aim to supplement the mutant allele with a wild-type allele producing typical levels of functional MeCP2, such as gene therapy. Because MECP2 is a dosage-sensitive gene, with both loss and gain of function causing disease, these approaches must achieve a narrow therapeutic window to be both safe and effective. While MeCP2 supplementation rescues RTT-like phenotypes in mouse models, the tolerable threshold of MeCP2 is not clear, particularly for partial loss-of-function mutations. We assessed the safety of genetically supplementing full-length human MeCP2 in the context of the R294X allele, a common partial loss-of-function mutation retaining DNA-binding capacity. We assessed the potential for adverse effects from MeCP2 supplementation of a partial loss-of-function mutant and the potential for dominant negative interactions between mutant and full-length MeCP2. In male hemizygous R294X mice, MeCP2 supplementation rescued RTT-like behavioral phenotypes and did not elicit behavioral evidence of excess MeCP2. In female heterozygous R294X mice, RTT-specific phenotypes were similarly rescued. However, MeCP2 supplementation led to evidence of excess MeCP2 activity in a motor coordination assay, suggesting that the underlying motor circuitry is particularly sensitive to MeCP2 dosage in females. These results demonstrate that genetic supplementation of full-length MeCP2 is safe in males and largely so females. However, careful consideration of risk for adverse motor effects may be warranted for girls and women with RTT.
An Epigenetic Modeling Approach for Adaptive Prognostics of Engineered Systems

Abstract Prognostics and health management (PHM) frameworks are widely used in engineered systems, such as manufacturing equipment, aircraft, and vehicles, to improve reliability, maintainability, and safety. Prognostic information for impending failures and remaining useful life is essential to inform decision-making by enabling cost versus risk estimates of maintenance actions. These estimates are generally provided by physics-based or data-driven models developed on historical information. Although current models provide some predictive capabilities, the ability to represent individualized dynamic factors that affect system health is limited. To address these shortcomings, we examine the biological phenomenon of epigenetics. Epigenetics provides insight into how environmental factors affect genetic expression in an organism, providing system health information that can be useful for predictions of future state. The means by which environmental factors influence epigenetic modifications leading to observable traits can be correlated to circumstances affecting system health. In this paper, we investigate the general parallels between the biological effects of epigenetic changes on cellular DNA to the influences leading to either system degradation and compromise, or improved system health. We also review a variety of epigenetic computational models and concepts, and present a general modeling framework to support adaptive system prognostics.
Fundamental Mechanisms of Orofacial Clefts

Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are among the most common birth defects worldwide and are believed to result from both genetic and environmental risk factors. Orofacial development involves complex cellular mechanisms including migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and tissue fusion events largely involving cranial neural crest cells and orofacial epithelial cells. These activities culminate in the formation of the upper lip and palate and are tightly regulated by developmental signaling pathways. Disruption of these sensitive processes through genetic mutation, nutritional imbalance, and/or chemical exposure is the major factor driving OFC etiology. This chapter summarizes the field’s current understanding of OFC etiology with an examination of evidence from human population and animal studies. Genetic mutations that affect developmental signaling, transcriptional activity, extracellular matrix dynamics, and other processes are linked to both syndromic and nonsyndromic OFCs. Mutations that disrupt pathways such as transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), bone morphogenic protein (BMP), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), retinoic acid (RA), hedgehog (Hh), and others are major contributors to OFC prevalence. Environmental factors including parental nutrition, pharmaceutical use, occupational and domestic chemical exposures, demographics, behavior, and health can influence the risk for OFCs. Epigenetic modification through processes such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, as well as microRNA expression, is an emerging mechanism of importance for orofacial development. We conclude with perspectives and future directions of OFC research.
Truly Random Degradable Vinyl Copolymers via Photocontrolled Radical Ring-Opening Cascade Copolymerization

Degradable vinyl polymers by radical ring-opening polymerization have become a promising solution to the challenges caused by the widespread use of non-degradable vinyl plastics. However, achieving even distribution of labile functional groups in the backbone of degradable vinyl polymers remains challenging. Herein, we report a photocatalytic approach to truly random degradable vinyl copolymers with tunable main-chain composition via radical ring-opening cascade copolymerization (rROCCP). The rROCCP of the macrocyclic allylic sulfone and acrylates or acrylamides mediated by visible light at ambient temperature achieved near-unity reactivity ratios of both comonomers over the entire range of the comonomer compositions and afforded truly random vinyl copolymers with degradable units evenly distributed in the polymer backbone. Experimental and computational evidence revealed an unusual reversible inhibition of chain propagation by in situ generated sulfur dioxide, which was successfully overcome by reducing the solubility of sulfur dioxide in the reaction mixture. This study provided a powerful approach to truly random degradable vinyl copolymers with tunable main-chain labile functionalities and comparable thermal and mechanical properties to traditional non-degradable vinyl polymers.
A motor independent requirement for Dynein light chain in C. elegans meiotic synapsis.

The dynein motor complex is thought to aid in homolog pairing in many organisms by moving chromosomes within the nuclear periphery to promote and test homologous interactions. This precedes synaptonemal complex (SC) formation during homolog synapsis, which stabilizes homolog proximity during recombination. We observed that depletion of the dynein light chain (DLC-1) in Caenorhabditis elegans irreversibly prevents synapsis, causing an increase in off-chromatin formation of SC protein foci with increasing temperature. This requirement for DLC-1 is independent of its function in dynein motors, as SYP protein foci do not form with depletion of other dynein motor components. In contrast to normal SC-related structures, foci formed with DLC-1 depletion are resistant to dissolution with 1,6-hexanediol, similar to aggregates of SC proteins formed in high growth temperatures. Dynein light chains have been shown to act as hub proteins that interact with other proteins through a conserved binding motif. We identified a similar DLC-1 binding motif in the C. elegans SC protein SYP-2, and mutation of the putative motif causes meiosis defects that are exacerbated by elevated temperatures. We propose that DLC-1 acts as a pre-synapsis chaperone-like factor for SYP proteins to help regulate their self-association prior to the signals for SC assembly, a role that is revealed by its increased essentiality at elevated temperatures.
Recent Advances of Nanomaterials in Membranes for Osmotic Energy Harvesting by Pressure Retarded Osmosis.

Energy and water issues are the two main global challenges faced by human in the past decade. The rapid growth in global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions have encouraged the exploration of renewable energy sources as substitute fuels. Osmotic energy (or salinity-gradient energy) is the energy released when water with different salinities is mixed, such as rivers and oceans. By employing a semipermeable membrane to control the mixing process, the osmotic pressure gradient energy can be generated in terms of electrical power via pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) without causing adverse environmental impacts. This work presents a review of the fabrication of thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes which are customized to offer high flux in forward osmosis (FO) and high osmotic power in PRO. The hydraulic pressure during PRO processes is less than RO processes so membranes that are used for PRO are less likely to foul. The application of these nanomaterials incorporated with TFN membranes for power generation through PRO is still a new field to be explored. Despite some promising findings obtained from this work, there is always room for improvement.
Eigensystem Clustering via Feedback Control

The eigensystem clustering in specified regions of the complex plane, is investigated for multivariable linear feedback systems. A quantitative description of feasible regions is discussed and related to a generalization of open left-half-plane stabilization problem. The design procedure is considerably simplified by adopting recursive representation of characteristic polynominals with simple real and complex eigenvalues in order to solve higher order systems. It is demonstrated that a parametrized class of feedback gains can be evaluated by means of the Cayley-Hamilton resolvant expansion. Illustration of the method, in the case of a bounded frequency region, is included.
What constitutes a nanoswitch? A Perspective

Progress in the last two decades has effectively integrated spintronics and nanomagnetics into a single field, creating a new class of spin-based devices that are now being used both to Read (R) information from magnets and to Write (W) information onto magnets. Many other new phenomena are being investigated for nano-electronic memory as described in Part II of this book. It seems natural to ask whether these advances in memory devices could also translate into a new class of logic devices. What makes logic devices different from memory is the need for one device to drive another and this calls for gain, directionality and input-output isolation as exemplified by the transistor. With this in mind we will try to present our perspective on how W and R devices in general, spintronic or otherwise, could be integrated into transistor-like switches that can be interconnected to build complex circuits without external amplifiers or clocks. We will argue that the most common switch used to implement digital logic based on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors can be viewed as an integrated W-R unit having an input-output asymmetry that give it gain and directionality. Such a viewpoint is not intended to provide any insight into the operation of CMOS switches, but rather as an aid to understanding how W and R units based on spins and magnets can be combined to build transistor-like switches. Next we will discuss the standard W and R units used for magnetic memory devices and present one way to integrate them into a single unit with the input electrically isolated from the output. But we argue that this integrated W-R unit would not provide the key property of gain. We will then show that the recently discovered giant spin Hall effect could be used to construct a W-R unit with gain and suggest other possibilities for spin switches with gain.
Transistors III: differential amplifier

In this chapter we will study the transistor differential-amplifier circuit. This is a very important transistor circuit, as it is the basis of the operational amplifier (or op amp ), one of the most useful devices for analog signal processing. Probably the most surprising thing about op amps is their very large voltage gain, usually exceeding 100 000. This chapter will give you a clearer idea how such performance is achieved. We will also look at some other circuits that serve as building blocks for op amps. Apparatus required Breadboard, oscilloscope, multimeter, three 2N3904 and three 2N3906 transistors, one 5.1 V Zener diode, three 100 Ω, five 10 k, two 22 k one each of 560 Ω, 2.2 k, and 100 k 14 W resistors. Differential amplifier A differential amplifier is an amplifier for differential input signals, i.e. it amplifies the voltage difference of its two inputs. This is useful in two important ways: A differential amplifier can be used to amplify a differential signal (the voltage difference between the two inputs) while suppressing any noise that is common to the two inputs. As we will see in future chapters, differential amplifiers make it easy to build circuits that use negative feedback. Don't confuse the differential amplifier with the differentiator : although the names sound similar, the two circuits perform entirely different operations.
Intensity of case management services: Does more equal better for drug-dependent women and their children?

Abstract Specialized programs for pregnant, drug dependent women have assisted many in achieving abstinence during pregnancy. Following delivery, however, such women often resume drug use and drop out of treatment, placing their children at even greater risk for subsequent medical and developmental problems. Standard outreach services, while generally effective as a public health measure for high-risk populations of women and children, are often insufficient for chronic and severely drug dependent women. The present study was a randomized clinical trial comparing maternal and infant outcomes for drug dependent women assigned to either routine or intensified case management services for the first 4 months following delivery. Women randomly assigned to intensified case management showed better treatment retention, accessed a greater variety of services, were more likely to be abstinent from cocaine at 4-month follow-up, and felt their children received greater benefit from the services than women assigned t...
Uas Integration in the NAS Project: Project Overview

The goal of the UAS integration in the NAS Project is to contribute capabili1es that reduce technical barriers related to the safety and opera1onal challenges associated with enabling routine UAS access to the NAS.
Reconstructing Urban Politics with a Bourdieusian Framework: The Case of Local Low-Income Housing Policy

This research aimed to reconstruct a local urban politics and develop a meso–micro-level model of urban politics through a case study, drawing on a Bourdieusian relational framework. To this end, it investigated the case of local low-income housing policy — inclusionary zoning — in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. It historicized the path of the local low-income policy issue through document analysis and qualitative media content analysis. Through multiple analyses, the study revealed that urban politics consists of complex interlinkages among stakeholders with shared values or interests from different social domains, created in order to dominate the policy issue. The study further investigated, on the basis of Bourdieu's concepts of capital and habitus, what elicited different political strategies from key community leaders.
Oxidation of organic molecules by photoproduced holes of ZnO

Two experimental techniques were developed. In the first, an electrochemical method was used with a single crystal ZnO electrode and with the material of interest dissolved in the electrolyte. In the other an electron spin resonance method was used so that measurements related to thermal control coatings could be made with the ZnO in the form of powder, either alone or in formulation of a binder. A simplified model regarding the relationship between the electron density and time is considered.
Physical chemistry and evolution of salt tolerance in halobacteria

The cellular constituents of extremely halophilic bacteria not only tolerate high salt concentration, but in many cases require it for optical functioning. The characteristics affected by salt include enzyme activity, stability, allosteric regulation, conformation and subunit association. The salt effects are of two major kinds: electrostatic shielding of negative charges by cations at low salt concentration, and hydrophobic stabilization by salting-out type salts at high salt concentration. The composition of halobacterial proteins shows an excess of acidic amino acids and a deficiency of nonpolar amino acids, which accounts for these effects. Since the cohesive forces are weaker and the repulsing forces are stronger in these proteins, preventing aggregation in salt, these structures are no longer suited for functioning in the absence of high salt concentrations. Unlike these nonspecific effects, ribosomes in halobacteria show marked preference for potassium over sodium ions. To ensure the proper intracellular ionic composition, powerful ion transport systems have evolved in the halobacteria, resulting in the extrusion of sodium ions and their replacement by potassium. It is likely that such membrane transport system for ionic movements is a necessary requisite for salt tolerance.
Feasibility and Prognostic Value of Stress Echocardiography in Obese, Morbidly Obese, and Super Obese Patients Referred for Bariatric Surgery

Background Stress echocardiography (SE) is clinically used in the risk stratification and prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease. Due to multiple comorbidities, obese patients have increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events perioperatively in noncardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of SE in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods Consecutive patients referred for SE for preoperative evaluation prior to bariatric surgery from January 2002 to July 2011 formed the study cohort. Contrast was used to define the endocardial border in patients with poor acoustic windows. All-cause mortality data were obtained from Social Security Death Index. Results Six hundred fifty-two patients (47 ± 10 years, 84% females) with the mean follow-up of 3.0 ± 2.7 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 47 ± 9 kg/m² were included in this analysis. Dobutamine SE was performed in 65% of patients compared to exercise SE in 35%. Patients with higher BMI were more likely to undergo dobutamine SE (P < 0.0001). Similarly, incidence of poor acoustic windows and contrast use was higher in those with increased BMI (P < 0.001). Contrast use was higher in patients undergoing dobutamine SE (39%) versus exercise (25%), (P = 0.002). 19 patients (3%) had an abnormal SE and 8 patients (1.2%) died during the follow-up period. Conclusion Stress echocardiography is feasible in the morbidly obese patients. Patients with higher BMI were more likely to undergo dobutamine SE and have higher incidence of poor acoustic windows and contrast use.
Effect of varying sediment organic carbon content upon the dermal bioavailability and disposition of benzo(a)pyrene in the catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract The dermal absorption of 3 H-benzo(a) pyrene (BaP) from sediments of varying organic carbon content was examined in the catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ). Test sediments of differing organic carbon concentrations were formulated from natural sediments with the addition of quartz sand to provide organic carbon content of 1.8, 3.7 and 6.1%. Sediments (1.0 g dry wt), spiked with BaP to provide 20.4 μCi at a BaP dose of 75 ng/g, were applied for 6 h to the skin surface (12 cm 2 ) of anesthetized fish. Dermal exposure to BaP in formulated sediments at 6.1, 3.7 and 1.8% resulted in 6-h mass balance bioavailability values of 19.4, 21.9 and 23.2%, respectively. In all treatments, skin in direct contact with sediments had the highest concentration followed by the corresponding muscle layer. Muscle and skin not in direct contact with the labeled sediment had values which averaged 7–580 times lower than the corresponding exposed tissues. Other tissue values ranged from 0.44 pg/g in the heart to 64.21 pg/g in blood. These findings demonstrate appreciable uptake of BaP from surface applied sediments. Within the range examined, varying organic carbon content had a small, but inverse effect upon the dermal bioavailability of BaP.
Perceived Fatherhood Roles and Parenting Behaviors Among African American Teen Fathers

Despite the growing body of research on the topic of adolescent parenthood, few studies have examined the perceptions and lived experiences of African American teen fathers. The primary aim of this study was to examine how this group defines and performs the father role. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 African American fathers aged 14 to19 years old. Three themes emerged from the data: provider role, nurturer role, and autonomous fathers. The study results generate important questions that require further research. Information from African American teens in particular could be used to develop and evaluate interventions.
Trends in the Mexican infant mortality paradox over the past two decades

Abstract Purpose Mexicans in the United States have lower rates of several important population health metrics than non-Hispanic whites, including infant mortality. This mortality advantage is particularly pronounced among infants born to foreign-born Mexican mothers. However, the literature to date has been relegated to point-in-time studies that preclude a dynamic understanding of ethnic and nativity differences in infant mortality among Mexicans and non-Hispanic whites. Methods We assessed secular trends in the relation between Mexican ethnicity, maternal nativity, and infant mortality between 1989 and 2006 using a linked birth–death data set from one US state. Results Congruent to previous research, we found a significant mortality advantage among infants of Mexican relative to non-Hispanic white mothers between 1989 and 1991 after adjustment for baseline demographic differences (relative risk = 0.78, 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.98). However, because of an upward trend in infant mortality among infants of Mexican mothers, the risk of infant mortality was not significantly different from non-Hispanic white mothers in later periods. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the “Mexican paradox” with respect to infant mortality is resolving. Changing sociocultural norms among Mexican mothers and changes in immigrant selection and immigration processes may explain these observations, suggesting directions for future research.
Reluctant Muslims: embodied hegemony and moral resistance in a Giriama spirit possession complex

Une forme de possession par les esprits frequemment rencontree chez les Giriama des regions cotieres du Kenya remet en question les theories dominantes de la possession comme forme de resistance. Les Giriama sont frequemment possedes par des esprits musulmans qui tiennent leur corps en otage, les rendent malades et les font vomir jusqu'a ce qu'ils acceptent d'abandonner leurs pratiques traditionnelles et de se convertir a l'islam. Les possedes semblent somatiser un systeme hegemonique de signifies oppressifs selon lequel l'ethnicite Giriama est differente par essence de l'islam et pollue celui-ci. Pourtant, les individus qui incorporent ainsi l'hegemonie sont ceux-la memes qui reagissent a leur experience de possession en verbalisant une ideologie de defi et de resistance, a la fois contre les esprits possesseurs et contre les groupes ethniques musulmans qu'ils representent. Ces observations mettent donc en lumiere la compelxite de la relation entre l'hegemonie et l'individu. Elles rappellent aussi que l'idiome de la possession ne concorde pas necessairement de maniere simple et previsible avec les structures de pouvoir.
Orthogonal on–off keying for free-space laser communications with ambient light cancellation

Orthogonal on–off keying (O 3 K ) is a coded modulation technique, where the input digital signal is mapped into a block of orthogonal codes. The encoded data, which is in orthogonal space, modulates the laser beam by means of O 3 K . At the receiver, two photocells are cross coupled to compensate for the sunlight and other atmospheric noise. Since the laser beam is highly directional and can only be acquired by one photocell, the input laser signal can then be received with little noise, and signal processing is made easier. These techniques are especially beneficial in high bandwidth, long distance secure laser communication applications, such as for use in unmanned aerial vehicles.
Emergency Department Observation of Poisoned Patients: How Long Is Necessary?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the emergency physician disposition decisions after observation periods of two, four, and six hours in a single cohort of ED patients with acute intentional ingestion to determine the accuracy of disposition decisions at two and four hours relative to the six-hour period of observation. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study at two university hospital EDs. Study participants were patients with potentially toxic oral ingestions occurring less than six hours prior to ED presentation. Patients with isolated recreational drug or ethanol use were excluded. Structured data forms were completed at presentation, and two, four, and six hours later. Data included signs and symptoms consistent with toxic ingestion, physical examination, laboratory determinations, medications ingested, treatment, and suicide risk. At two and four hours, physicians were asked to determine whether they thought the patient was safe for medical clearance. These patients continued to be observed for six hours. The main outcome was whether patients initially thought to be appropriate for early medical clearance were ultimately cleared at six hours. RESULTS: There were 260 patients enrolled: 28 were immediately admitted to the hospital and 17 were immediately discharged; 215 entered ED observation. Patients had a mean age of 24 years; 55% were female; 50% were suicidal; 17% had toxidromes. Of the 215 observed patients, 106 (49%) were deemed safe for early medical clearance at two hours. All 106 were ultimately cleared at six hours (100%, 95% CI = 97% to 100%). Of the 109 not safe for early medical clearance at two hours, 61 (56%) were deemed safe for early medical clearance at four hours; all 61 were subsequently discharged at six hours (100%; 95% CI = 95% to 100%). Overall, 167 of 215 (77%) observed overdose patients were deemed safe for early medical clearance after two or four hours of observation. All 167 were ultimately cleared at six hours (100%; 95% CI = 98.2% to 100%). CONCLUSIONS: A large subset of overdose patients who are medically cleared after six hours of observation can be identified within two to four hours of presentation. No patient who was believed to be safe for medical clearance at either two or four hours had a complication within the six-hour time period (95% CI = 0% to 1.8%). These data suggest that asymptomatic patients with selected acute intentional ingestions can be released from medical observation in less than six hours. Language: en
O211 HIV and the brain: neuro-inflammation long-term, CNS control of HIV replication, brain disease in suppressed patients and differential penetration of drugs

The central nervous system is involved early in the course of HIV and without treatment frequently is seriously damaged resulting in a serious HIV-associated dementia. This is believed to be due to direct toxicity of viral proteins and indirect damage from inflammatory reaction in the brain over long periods of time. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy has almost eliminated severe dementia in the treated HIV population. However, careful examination of patients in our clinics continues to show a majority of chronically infected, treated patients suffer measurable neurocognitive impairment. While this condition is mild in most cases, it may impact long-term quality of life, and might suggest early manifestation of accelerated cognitive decline with aging. Preliminary evidence links low level viral replication determined in the CSF of treated patients with inferior neurocognitive outcomes. There is also evidence of residual neuro-inflammatory activity in the CNS of chronically treated patients, a finding consistent with the hypothesis that ongoing infection may still drive pathology in the brain through smouldering inflammatory responses. One available means of improving outcome could be to target HIV therapies for the brain. When HIV therapies are categorized according to their effectiveness in the brain or CSF, recent evidence supports better cognitive outcomes with more highly effective drug regimens. Ongoing research is critical to determine if outcomes of HIV therapy can be improved by selection of drugs with better CNS penetrating properties. from Ninth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection Glasgow, UK. 9–13 November 2008
Adaptive real-time tracking and simulation of heavy construction operations for look-ahead scheduling

Abstract This paper proposes an adaptive real-time tracking and simulation of heavy construction operations for look-ahead scheduling during construction field operations. In this method, construction operation data are constantly captured using tracking sensors and the data is then fed into a simulation model for automatic model updating. This adaptive capability allows a pre-defined simulation model to be constantly updated to reflect the changing project environment for more accurate look-ahead scheduling. Compared with the traditional offline simulation that uses stationary inputs, the capability of the proposed real-time simulation to dynamically incorporate new project data and adapt to changes in field operations can improve the accuracy of project look-ahead scheduling. A prototype system and case studies are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed concept.
Chloroplast Biogenesis 77: Two Novel Monovinyl and Divinyl Light-Dark Greening Groups of Plants and Their Relationship to the Chlorophyll a Biosynthetic Heterogeneity of Green Plants

Abstract— On the basis of the steady-state accumulation of divinyl (DV) or monovinyl (MV) protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) a in darkness (D) or in the light (L), green plants have been classified into three different greening groups namely dark divinyl-light divinyl (DDV-LDV), dark monovinyl-light divinyl (DMV-LDV) and dark monovinyl-light monovinyl (DMV-LMV) (Ionannides et al., Biochem. Syst. Ecol. 22, 211-220,1994). Interruption of the L phase of the photoperiod by a brief period of darkness (LD condition) revealed a predominance of different chlorophyll (Chl) a biosynthetic routes, depending upon the greening group affiliation of the plant species. For example, in DMV-LDV and DMV-LMV plants, the predominant Chl a biosynthetic routes under the LD condition appear to be the MV Chi a biosynthetic route and/or a mixed DV-MV Chi a biosynthetic route that bifurcates at the level of DV Pchlide a. On the basis of DV and MV Pchlide a accumulation rates after re-darkening, this greening group is designated as a light-dark MV (LDMV) subgroup. In DDV-LDV plants, the predominant LD Chi a biosynthetic routes appear to be the DV Chi a biosynthetic route and/or a mixed DV-MV Chi a biosynthetic route that bifurcates at the level of DV Chlide a. This greening group is designated as a light-dark DV (LDDV) subgroup. It is proposed that upon inhibiting the conversion of Pchlide a to Chi a by interruption of the L phase of the photoperiod by a brief period of D, the rates of DV and MV Pchlide a regeneration may reflect the carryover rates of DV and MV Pchlide a biosynthesis in L instead of reflecting a differential use of DV and MV carboxylic biosynthetic rates in D. It is also shown that in LDMV plants, MV Chlide a and MV Chi a are formed without the participation of [4-vinyl] Chlide a reductase. On the basis of recently published evidence, it is also argued that Pchlide oxidoreductase-A (POR-A) may be active in LDDV plants, while POR-B may predominate in LDMV plant species. The evolutionary significance of the LDDV and LDMV greening subgroups is discussed.