cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probing acetylated-α-synuclein monomer–aggregate complexes by NMR elucidates mechanism of fibril seeding

Abstract Amyloid fibril formation of α-synuclein (αS) is associated with multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Growing evidence suggests that progression of PD is linked to cell-to-cell propagation of αS fibrils, which leads to templated seeding of endogenous intrinsically disordered monomer. A molecular understanding of the seeding mechanism and driving interactions is crucial to inhibit progression of amyloid formation. Here, using relaxation-based solution NMR experiments designed to probe large complexes, we identify weak interactions of intrinsically disordered acetylated-αS (Ac-αS) monomers with seeding-competent Ac-αS fibrils and seeding-incompetent off-pathway oligomers to elucidate amyloid promoting interactions at the atomic level. We identify a binding interface in the first 11 residues of the N-terminus that interacts with both fibrils and off-pathway oligomers, under conditions that favor fibril elongation. This common N-terminal hotspot is supported by suppression of seeded amyloid formation by oligomers, as observed through thioflavin-T fluorescence experiments, suggesting competing monomer interactions. This highlights that an amyloid-incompetent species of αS itself can act as an auto-inhibitor against αS fibril elongation. The similarity between the fibril and oligomer structures lies in their intrinsically disordered termini. Thus, we propose that the monomer–aggregate interactions occur between the intrinsically disordered monomer N-terminus and the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of the fibril/oligomers. Taken together, we propose a novel Ac-αS seeding mechanism that is driven by the recruitment of intrinsically disordered monomers by the fibril IDRs, highlighting the potential of the terminal IDRs of the fibril rather than the structured core, as new therapeutic targets against seeded amyloid formation. Significance Cell-to-cell spreading of α-synuclein (αS) fibrils leads to amyloid seeding of endogenous monomer. A detailed atomic-level mechanistic understanding of the fibril seeding process of αS is essential for design of therapeutic approaches against Parkinson’s disease. In light of its complexity, this process remains ill-defined at the molecular level. Using relaxation-based solution NMR experiments, we are able to map the binding interface of the acetylated αS (Ac-αS) intrinsically disordered monomer with seeding-competent Ac-αS fibrils and seeding-incompetent off-pathway oligomers to elucidate the critical monomer–aggregate seeding interactions in early and late stages of aggregation. From this work, we propose a new paradigm, in which the αS seeding process is initiated by monomer recruitment through the intrinsically disordered N- and C-termini on the fibril surface, which may provide novel therapeutic targets against amyloid formation.
A design-thinking approach to therapeutic translation: tympanic regeneration.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Clinician researchers face the pressures of meeting academic benchmarks combined with advancing new therapies to patients. The vast majority of drug discoveries fail in translation. A new method of meeting the challenges of preclinical therapeutic translation is presented using the example of tympanic regeneration. RECENT FINDINGS The key to a design-thinking approach to therapeutic translation is to 'begin with the end in mind' by widening the scope of the problem, with multiple points of view, to not only understand the disease but the context for the patient and the health system in which it occurs. Idea for therapeutics should be tested in relevant models early and once proof of efficacy is established, translational milestones that represent the greatest risk, such as safety and toxicity should be addressed first. It is important to seek the feedback of industry early to understand what milestones should be best addressed next with limited academic resources. Whenever proceeding, guidelines for maintaining scientific reproducibility should be followed to minimize risk of failure during transfer into industry. SUMMARY A Design-thinking approach addresses the potential failures in drug discovery and preclinical translation.
Control of Output Power in Primary Side LCC and Secondary Series Tuned Wireless Power Transfer System without Secondary Side Sensors

The output power of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system varies with load and coupling factor of the inductively coupled coils. This paper presents a method to control the output power of primary side LCC and secondary side series tuned WPT system using information of primary side variables. In this approach, a secondary side control system or secondary side sensors are not needed. Detailed mathematical derivations are given to identify and justify the suitable primary side variable that accomplishes the desired purpose without the need of any secondary side communications. Simulation results presented validate the proposed scheme.
Global Dietary Database 2017: data availability and gaps on 54 major foods, beverages and nutrients among 5.6 million children and adults from 1220 surveys worldwide.

Background We aimed to systematically identify, standardise and disseminate individual-level dietary intake surveys from up to 207 countries for 54 foods, beverages and nutrients, including subnational intakes by age, sex, education and urban/rural residence, from 1980 to 2015. Methods Between 2008–2011 and 2014–2020, the Global Dietary Database (GDD) project systematically searched for surveys assessing individual-level intake worldwide. We prioritised nationally or subnationally representative surveys using 24-hour recalls, Food-Frequency Questionnaires or short standardised questionnaires. Data were retrieved from websites or corresponding members as individual-level food group microdata or aggregate stratum-level data. Standardisation included quality assessment; data cleaning; categorising of foods and nutrients and their units; aggregation by demographic strata and energy adjustment. Results We standardised and incorporated 1220 surveys into the final GDD 2017 database, together represented 188 countries and 99.0% of the world’s population in 2015. 72.1% were nationally, 17.0% subnationally, and 10.9% community-level representative. 41.2% used Food-Frequency Questionnaires; 23.4%, 24-hour recalls; 15.8%, Demographic Health Survey questionnaires; 13.1%, biomarkers and 6.4%, household surveys. 73.9% of surveys included data on children; 52.2%, by urban and rural residence; and 30.2%, by education. Most surveys were in high-income countries, followed by sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Most commonly ascertained foods were fruits (N=803 surveys), non-starchy vegetables (N=787) and sugar-sweetened beverages (N=440); and nutrients, sodium (N=343), energy (N=256), calcium (N=224) and fibre (N=200). Least available data were on iodine, vitamin A, plant protein, selenium, added sugar and animal protein. Conclusions This systematic search, retrieval and standardised effort provides the most comprehensive empirical evidence on dietary intakes across and within countries worldwide.
A formative evaluation of a web-based intervention for women with a sexual assault history and heavy alcohol use.

OBJECTIVE: Sexual assault (SA) among college women is widespread and is associated with negative consequences including heavy drinking. However, women with SA histories are rarely the target of alcohol interventions, and existing alcohol interventions do not address the distal factors that contribute to heavy drinking in this group, such as emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The goal of this study was to evaluate a newly developed web-based alcohol intervention targeting college women with SA histories. METHOD: Heavy-drinking college women with SA histories (N = 21) reviewed a series of brief web-based alcohol reduction and regulatory (i.e., emotion regulation, distress tolerance) skill modules and provided feedback on each module. RESULTS: Directed content analysis of open-ended survey responses resulted in three themes: intervention content (i.e., what was said in the intervention), intervention delivery (i.e., the look and feel of the intervention), and areas for improvement (i.e., how to enhance the intervention). Quantitative ratings indicated that participants found skill modules moderately relevant and engaging, and qualitative themes and subthemes highlighted important areas for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating user feedback early in the intervention development process provides critical information for content and delivery modifications that may enhance the target population's engagement and satisfaction with the final product. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Discipline, Institution, and Assessment: The Graduate Curriculum, Credibility, and Accountability

This chapter outlines a core problem for foreign language (FL) departments at the graduate level: how the training of graduate students needs to answer not only to new curricular and institutional demands, but also to the demands imposed by both traditional and current ideas about disciplinarity and scholarship, as well. It offers a heuristic for understanding how research, teaching, and professional communication need to be integrated systematically into graduate curricula, and how the graduate curriculum in any institution needs to be rethought as based on professional integration, not content.
Survey of Previous Work

Shape description plays an important role in the research area of object recognition. A large number of methods have been proposed to solve the problem of recognizing objects based on different descriptions such as volumes, surfaces, and curves. In this chapter, we provide a survey on different shape description methods, and also survey relevant work dealing with object recognition. We do not aim for a complete survey here, Besl and Jain [9] and Chin [28] provide excellent overviews of the fields of range image analysis and object recognition. Nevatia [65] and Ballard and Brown [6] offer surveys on descriptions and recognition systems whose inputs are not restricted to range images.
Coping in the Aftermath of the World Trade Center Tragedy

Abstract Regardless of immigrant status, citizenship or allegiance, all have been consumed by the magnitude of human devastation which occurred in the United States on September 11, 2001. People who were killed or traumatized came from myriad countries. Yet many in the immigrant community appear to be among the newest casualties of terrorism in the wake of the disaster. This article examines how the World Trade Center tragedy affected the social and psychological well-being of immigrants and the implications for human services.
A great university

Ever since my graduate school days, I had been thinking about writing the book to end all books about measure theory. Saks was excellent, but it didn’t cover enough, and some of what it did cover could be brought up to date. Lebesgue and Borel were good but too old-fashioned. Hahn’s and Caratheodory’s books on real variables were among the best sources of information, but, for them, the theory of measure and integration was only a small cupful or two in a large bucket. The missionary in me was sure that the world was waiting with bated breath for a modern version of The True Word.
The state of L1 knowledge in foreign language learners

AbstractThis paper argues that people with more than one language have different knowledge of their Lis than do monolingual people, and this difference can mainly be due to the effect of subsequent languages on the development and use of the LI skills. In order to investigate the state of the L1 in foreign language learners a longitudinal experiment was conducted with native speakers of Hungarian studying English, French or Russian as a foreign language in different classroom settings. The L2 effect on the LI was analyzed from three aspects: (1) structural well-formedness; (2) use of linguistic and visual memory; and (3) metaphorical density. This study will focus only on issues concerning structural well- formedness.1 The participants of the experiment were tested three times during a two year period. Findings demonstrated that intensive and successful foreign language learning can have a beneficial effect on the development and use of mother tongue skills.
Performance benefits of optimism in fossil collection

Each process in a time-warp parallel simulation requires a time-varying set of state and event histories to be retained for recovering from erroneous computations. Erroneous computation is discovered when straggler messages arrive with time-stamps in the process's past. The traditional method of determining the set of histories to retain has been through the estimation of a global virtual time (GVT) for the distributed simulation. A distributed GVT calculation requires an estimation of the global progress of the simulation during a real-time interval. Optimistic fossil collection (OFC) predicts a bound for the needed histories using local information, or previously collected information, that enables the process to continue. In most cases, OFC requires less communication overhead and less memory usage, and estimates the set of committed events faster. These benefits come at the cost of a possible penalty of having to recover from a state history that was incorrectly fossil-collected (an OFC fault). Sufficiently lightweight checkpointing and recovery techniques compensate for this possibility while yielding good performance. In this paper, the requirements of an OFC-based simulator (algorithm has been implemented in the WARPED time-warp parallel discrete-event simulator) are detailed along with a presentation of results from an OFC simulation. Performance statistics are given comparing the execution time and required memory usage of each logical process for different fossil collection methods.
Public sector forecasting m the third world

Abstract Fiscal forecasting in the Third World is still in its infancy. This paper indicates the many constraints faced by those attempting to make intermediate term (three to five year) forecasts of government revenues and expenditures. Because of the lack of extensive data and complex forecasting models of the economy, revenue projections are most commonly made from simple time series or elasticity-based models. Spending forecasts are generally made using deterministic methods, relying primarily upon current input combinations and assumptions concerning future changes in these inputs along with assumptions regarding price increases. The paper demonstrates how these techniques were used in Thailand during the early 1980s when the nation faced serious problems of deficits and had approached the World Bank for a structural adjustment loan. A portion of the loan proceeds was used to form an inter-agency forecasting group comprised of the key agencies involved in making short- and long-term economic and fiscal policy. The results of the exercise was a forecast that was subsequently used to alter both revenue and expenditure policies. The recent improvement in the central government fisc of this developing country may be at least in part attributed to the increased understanding that the forecasting effort fostered.
Photodynamic alteration of sodium currents in lobster axons.

Photodynamic alteration of lobster giant axons drastically changed the magnitude and kinetics of sodium currents seen under voltage clamp using the sucrose gap technique. Illumination of axons following treatment with acridine orange or eosin Y decreased the maximum sodium conductance to a zero asymptote as an exponential function of illumination time. Normal sodium inactivation was slowed, with τh more than doubled depending on experimental conditions. A second slower inactivation rate developed occasionally. τh was altered little, if at all. Sodium current "tails" were not prolonged. At maximum light intensity and with eosin Y as sensitizer leakage current increased after 4–10 sec in light. These changes were irreversible. Decreases in maximum sodium conductance correlated highly with increases in time to peak sodium current. The magnitude of change varied linearly with light intensity. The action spectra for eosin Y and acridine orange peaked near 545 and 505 nm, respectively. The magnitude of change varied with preillumination dye exposure time in a quasi-exponential approach to a maximum effect. Sodium dithionite protected the axon from photodynamic change.
Human Odontoblasts in Vitro. I. The Harvest of Homogeneous Cell Populations

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAODONTOBLASTOS HUMAN IN VITRO. 1. LE MESSE DE HOMOGENEE POPULATIONES CELLULAR. -Esseva preparate culturas per bisectionar dentes human longitudinalmente, per discartar le pulpa, e per recolliger le pariete dentinal con le adherente odontoblastos. Esseva observate que iste cellulas esseva elongate proxime al explanation, sed cellulas peripheric deveniva epithelioide post inter 12 e 15 dies in vitro. Figuras mitotic esseva numerose, e un monostrato de cellulas coperiva le fundo del cameras post 30 dies de crescentia. Iste methodo de recolliger grande populationes homogenee de odontoblastos offere un nove systema pro studiar lor capacitates functional.
The effects of D1 (NNC 22-0215) and D2 (haloperidol) antagonists in a chronic double-blind placebo controlled trial in cebus monkeys

The effects of chronic treatment for 28 days with the oral D1 (NNC 22-0215) or D2 (haloperidol) antagonist were evaluated in nonhuman primates in a double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial.Cebus monkeys, 10–18 years old, which were previously sensitized to neuroleptics, were treated in three different groups with NNC 22-0215 2–3 mg/kg PO (n=6), haloperidol 2–3 mg/kg PO (n=5), or lactose placebo (n=7) each day in a banana slice. At the end of 28 days the NNC 22-0215 group crossed over to haloperidol and the haloperidol group crossed over to NNC 22-0215 for 28 more days. The lactose group continued on lactose. Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) of dystonia and sedation were scored daily. Initially both NNC 22-0215 and haloperidol produced equal rates of dystonia. However, the NNC 22-0215 group demonstrated nearly full desensitization by day 2 and showed no EPS by day 6, whereas the haloperidol group had increased EPS during the first week, followed by moderate desensitization to EPS, but continued to have symptoms on each of the 28 days of treatment. At crossover, the previously treated haloperidol group rapidly desensitized with NNC 22-0215 by day 4 to show no EPS, whereas the previously treated NNC 22-0215 group showed full EPS on the first day of haloperidol and had EPS continue over the next 28 days of treatment. Sedation from NNC 22-0215 also desensitized within the first week of treatment. Haloperidol produced minimal sedation that did not change. The profound difference in rates of desensitization between repeated D1 and D2 antagonist treatment suggests that D1 antagonists in the clinic may produce EPS side effects for only the first few days, in contrast to the continuous acute EPS associated with chronic neuroleptic treatment.
An empirical analysis of cash and futures grain price relationships in the north central region.

This paper investigates grain price relationships in the north central region by analyzing weekly prices for corn and soybeans at cash and futures markets. First differences in cash prices are compared statistically to first differences in futures prices. Next, the relationship of spatial basis changes between cash market locations is analyzed. The results indicate that cash and futures markets are not a constellation of one united grain market. Identifiable differences in price relationships exist across markets and time periods. The results have implications for hedging strategies as well as for consideration of the performance of Chicago as a delivery location for futures contracts.
Automated High-Dynamic-Range Three-Dimensional Optical Metrology Technique

Measuring three-dimensional (3D) surfaces with extremely high contrast (e.g., partially shiny surfaces) is extremely difficult with optical metrology methods. Conventional techniques, which involve measurement from multiple angles or camera aperture adjustments, pose issues for high accuracy measurement in the manufacturing industry because they are difficult to automate and often induce undesirable vibrations in the calibrated measurement system. This paper presents a framework for optically capturing high-contrast 3D surfaces via flexible exposure time variation. This technique leverages the binary defocusing technique that was recently developed at Iowa State University to allow digital fringe projection with a camera exposure time far shorter than the projector’s projection period. Since the camera exposure time can be rapidly adjusted in software, the proposed technique could be automated without mechanical adjustments to the measurement system. Moreover, the exposure times are sufficiently short as to be efficiently packed into a projection period, giving this technique the potential for high speed applications. Experimental results will be presented to demonstrate the success of the proposed method.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Echocardiographic predictors of failure in patients undergoing coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus

Abstract In this study, we sought to determine whether the risk of failure of coil occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) could be predicted on the basis of echocardiographic variables. The echocardiographic characteristics of patients in whom PDA coil occlusion failed were compared with those in whom the procedure was successful. A total of 5 variables were evaluated: PDA diameter (PDAd); indexed PDAd; PDA shape; left ventricular end-diastolic diameter; and the presence of flow reversal in the descending aorta. We found that 2 variables related to the size of the duct (PDAd and PDAd/body surface area), and 2 related to the magnitude of the shunt (left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and flow reversal) were positively associated with failure ( P P = .004 and .053, respectively). In conclusion, echocardiographic variables can predict risk of failure in patients undergoing PDA coil occlusion.
Incorporating Energy Variations Into Controlled Sagittal Plane Locomotion Dynamics

The spring loaded inverted pendulum template has been shown to accurately model the steady locomotion dynamics of a variety of running animals. While the template models the leg dynamics by an energy-conserving spring, insects and animals have structures that dissipate, store and produce energy during a stance phase. Recent investigations into the spring-like properties of limbs, as well as animal response to drop step perturbations, suggest that animals use their legs to manage energy storage and dissipation, and that this management is important for gait stability. In this paper, we extend our previous analysis of control of the spring loaded inverted pendulum template via changes in the leg touch-down angle to include energy variations during the stance phase. We incorporate energy variations through leg actuation that varies the force-free leg length during the stance phase, yet maintains qualitatively correct force and velocity profiles. In contrast to the partially asymptotically stable gaits identified in previous analyses, we find that incorporating energy and leg angle variations in this manner enables the system to recover from perturbations similar to those that might be encountered during locomotion over rough terrain.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Advancing the adolescent reproductive health policy agenda: issues for the coming decade.

American society has long exhibited ambivalenceabout sex and sexuality. This has been particularlytrue of adolescent sexuality issues. Accompanyingthis ambivalence have been ongoing political strug-gles over the role that government policy and fund-ing should properly play in how or whether toinfluence our most intimate behavior. The tensionthat comes from this ambivalence and the struggle itprovokes will, in all likelihood, continue to be amajor influence on the course of adolescent repro-ductive health services for the foreseeable future [1].Sexuality, in all its ramifications and with all itsconsequences, remains one of the most controversialaspects of adolescent health. Teenage pregnancy, thehuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic,sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other con-sequences of adolescent sexuality, combined withmoral and religious values, often lead well-inten-tioned policymakers and other stakeholders to at-tempt to mandate and socially regulate adolescentbehavior, usually with mixed results [2]. As theobjects of ambivalence and controversy, teenagersoften find themselves in a confusing crossfire. Al-though sex and sexuality are relentlessly glamorizedby the popular media and much of the larger society,adolescents are given limited direct guidance abouthow to mature successfully into adulthood free ofthe potentially devastating effects of STIs or theburden of unplanned or unwanted pregnancy [3]Adolescent sexual activity is viewed and treatedby many adults as deviant behavior, and this associ-ation often sets the tone for the kinds of policyoptions that are promulgated at all levels of society.Set against the background of an increasingly diversesociety, the growing economic disparities and ineq-uities in educational opportunities and access totechnological vocations are likely to continue [4].These factors, coupled with the racism and stereo-typing manifested in American society, will stronglyinfluence the approaches this nation takes to respondto the evolving needs of adolescents. The contro-versy over who has the right to make reproductivedecisions for adolescents, and the role that govern-ment should or should not play to ensure their accessto reproductive health services, will not likely ceaseanytime soon.Although it is the strong preference of the generalpublic for the family to take the lead in shaping andguiding the development of future generations, it isclear that many parents are not equipped with theknowledge and skills they need to succeed in thisimportant endeavor [5]. As a result, a private familymatter has increasingly become one of public dis-course.Adolescent reproductive health is a broad areathat encompasses sexuality education, pregnancy
Continuous Measurement of Glucose Utilization in Heart Myoblasts

Understanding quantitative aspects of cell energy metabolism and how it is influenced by environment is central to biology, medicine, and biotechnology. Most methods used for measuring metabolic fluxes associated with energy metabolism require considerable personnel effort or high maintenance instrumentation. The microphysiometer is a commercially available instrument that measures acid extrusion rates, which are commonly used for drug screening. With the addition of oxygen sensors, the instrument can also be used to measure cell oxygen consumption rates and thereby calculate glycolytic fluxes. In the work described here, oxygen consumption and acid extrusion rates were used to measure glucose utilization by the H9c2 rat heart myoblast cell line and these results are compared with fluxes measured with a radiometric assay. Both assays were used to investigate changes in H9c2 energy metabolism due to cell stimulation with carbachol and insulin. The results demonstrate the utility of the microphysiometer method for measuring both transient and sustained changes in partitioning of glucose utilization between glycolysis and oxidation in live cells.
INTERLEUKIN-10 DECREASES 92-KD GELATINASE ACTIVITY FROM ACTIVATED PORCINE ALVEOLAR MACROPHAGES. • 251

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) secrete several matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), including the 92 kd type IV collagenase-gelatinase, which may play a role in lung injury. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that has been shown to decrease 92 kd gelatinase and PGE2 from concanavalin-A stimulated human monocytes [Mertz, et al, J. Biol. Chem. 269:21322, 1994]. To determine the effect of IL-10 on AM 92 kd gelatinase and PGE2, lungs from pigs 2-4 wks of age were lavaged with phosphate buffered saline and AMs were cultured in RPMI 1640 (2 × 106 cells/ml). AMs were pretreated with recombinant human IL-10 (0, 5 and 20 ng/ml) × 30 min followed by stimulation with lipopolysaccharide [LPS (1u g/mL)] or phorbol myristate acetate [PMA (5 ug/ml)]. Conditioned media was collected after 48 hrs of incubation. Gelatinase activity was measured by zymogram SDS-PAGE activity gels and PGE2 was measured by RIA. rhIL-10 at both doses completely attenuated the LPS induced increase in gelatinase activity and partially attenuated the increase seen with PMA. Interestingly, rhIL-10 slightly increased 92-kd gelatinase activity from unstimulated AMs. rhIL-10 had no effect on the increase in PGE2 seen with both LPS and PMA. These results suggest that IL-10 decreases alveolar macrophage 92kd gelatinase in a PGE2 independent fashion. Furthermore, IL-10 may decrease matrix degradation in LPS mediated lung injury.
The Polls-Trends Arab and Muslim Americans and Islam in the aftermath of 9/11

The terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, fueled widespread concern and speculation about mounting Islamophobic sentiment among Americans in response to the events. To monitor developments in opinions about Muslims and Arabs (both liv- ing in the United States and abroad) and attitudes toward the Islamic faith, survey organizations began to assess more regularly Americans' attitudes on these topics. I analyze developments in public sentiment about Arab and Muslim Americans and Islam in the age of the war on terror using available public opinion data. The data analyses in this study suggest that Americans possess lingering resentment and reserva- tions about Arab and Muslim Americans. The evidence also reveals low levels of awareness about basic elements of Islam but growing anxiety about Islam's (especially Islamic fundamentalism's) compatibility with Western values of tolerance, acceptance, and civility. Some of the sharpest movement in opinion dynamics we observe is in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, but opinion levels stabilize shortly there- after. Monitoring these developments as the war on terror continues is crucial.
Problem-solving intervention for caregivers of children with mental health problems.

Abstract Building Our Solutions and Connections (BOSC) focused on enhancing problem-solving skills (PSS) of primary caregivers of children with mental health problems. Aims were determining feasibility, acceptability, and effect size ( ES ) estimates for depression, burden, personal control, and PSS. Methods: Caregivers were randomized to BOSC ( n = 30) or wait-list control (WLC) groups ( n = 31). Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 and 6 months post-intervention. Results: Three-months post-intervention, ES for burden and personal control were .07 and .08, respectively. ES for depressed caregivers for burden and personal control were 0.14 and 0.19, respectively. Conclusions: Evidence indicates that the intervention had desired effects.
Near-quantum optimum receivers for the phase-quadrature coherent-state channel.

A theoretical analysis of two simple implementations for optical receivers that achieve near-quantum optimum performance for phase-quadrature coherent-state signaling is carried out. For a large received average photon count per symbol, Ns, the error probability is proportional to exp(−2Ns) as opposed to the conventional heterodyne performance of exp(−Ns/2).
HIGH HUMIDITY DRYING OF CORN: EFFECT ON DRYING RATE AND PRODUCT QUALITY

ABSTRACT Drying of corn was studied at high and low humidity condiitions. Drying rate was measured, and test weight (bulk density), solid density, stress cracks, and breakage susceptibility of the dried grain at 15% (w.b.) were measured. Twenty four 350-g samples were dried under eight drying conditions in the 71° –104°C temperature range and 0.8%–80% RH relative humidity range. Each sample was exposed to the drying wnditions by using a semi-closed air flow cycle through a thin-layer of grain. High humidity drying reduced the drying rate by up to 44% and did not increase bulk density or solid density significantly as wmpared with low humidity drying. However, high humidity drying did reduce the multiple stress cracks in the corn kernels by up to 33.0 percentage points, increased the number of kernels with no stress cracks by up to 28.7 percentage points, and reduced Wisconsin and Stein breakage susceptibilities by up to 8.9 and 13.5 percentage poinu, respectively.
Magnetic Vibrational Circular Dichroism With An FTIR

We have developed a bench for a FTIR-based instrument that enables us to obtain Magnetic VCD spectra on high symmetry molecules at higher resolution. Solution phase MVCD for a metalloporphyrin and rotationally resolved MVCD for gas phase CH4 are presented.
In vivo metabolism of labeled oleic and linoleic acids by the laying hen.

Abstract Radioactive oleic and linoleic acids, labeled with 3H in the chain and 14C in the carbonyl group, were administered to white leghorn laying hens. Mixtures fed in separate experiments included: (1) 3H- and 14C-labeled oleic acid, (2) 3H-and 14C-labeled linoleic acid and (3) [3H] oleic acid and [14C] linoleic acid. The 3H/14C ratios of both the neutral lipid and phospholipid fractions from the egg yolk and of the isolated acids from these lipid fractions were compared to that in the administered mixture. Agreement in the 3H/14C ratios for the neutral lipid fraction from each of the feeding experiments indicated that neither the 3H- and 14C labeled acids nor the oleic or linoleic acids were distinguishable during synthesis of the neutral lipid. Analysis of the phospholipid fractions showed that when dual-labeled mixtures of oleic acid were administered, 3H/14C ratios were elevated and, therefore, there was selective elimination of the 14C label. When dual-labeled mixtures of linoleic acid were administered, the 3H/14C ratios were in agreement; and when the two acids were administered simultaneously as a dual-labeled mixture, there was selective incorporation of linoleic acid. These findings indicate separate metabolic pathways for synthesis of neutral lipid and phospholipid in egg yolk as expected, as well as preferential use of the essential fatty acid in the phospholipid by the hen.
How to use SNPs and other diagnostic diallelic genetic markers to identify the species composition of multi-species hybrids

Hybridization with non-native species is a threat to many taxa, but hybrids can be difficult to identify based on morphology. Genetic data is useful for estimating the ancestry of admixed populations, and diallelic markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms are popular for such applications. When taxa are evolutionarily well diverged, loci frequently become fixed for different alleles in each taxa, and the degree of genetic admixture between two taxa can be estimated by counting diagnostic alleles for each taxa. However, when there is hybridization between more than two taxa, and loci have only two alleles, the origin of each allele cannot be assigned ambiguously to a taxon. In this note, I show how the expectation–maximization algorithm can be used to solve this problem. A computer program for implementing this approach is available at www.montana.edu/kalinowski.
Modern landscape architecture: monuments and icons

While its reputation had been somewhat tarnished in the post-modern era, in recent years architectural modernism has undergone a substantial revaluation that now admits its accomplishments without ...
Prediction of visual field defects on standard automated perimetry by screening C-20-1 frequency doubling technology perimetry.

PURPOSE To determine if perimetric defects, initially seen with C-20-1 frequency doubling technology (FDT) in eyes with normal standard automated perimetry (SAP), will subsequently develop on standard automated perimetry. METHODS Review of patients considered high-risk glaucoma suspects (GS) or with ocular hypertension (OHT), who underwent one C-20-1 FDT in 1997 or 1998. An abnormal frequency doubling technology was defined in two ways, as having either at least one, or at least two abnormal locations. An abnormal standard automated perimetry was defined as fulfilling two of three modified Anderson criteria for abnormality on two consecutive tests and at final standard automated perimetry. RESULTS Of 63 eyes (50 patients), 18 (28.6%) had >or=1 FDT defects, and 12 (19.0%) had >or=2 defects. After follow-up of 62 +/- 26 months, an abnormal standard automated perimetry developed in 5 eyes (28%) with frequency doubling technology defects at 22 +/- 13 months (28% of eyes with >or=1 defect and 42% of eyes with >or=2 FDT defects), and in 4 of 45 eyes (9%) with normal frequency doubling technology at 32 +/- 30 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed the risk of an abnormal standard automated perimetry at 5 years with or=1 defects, and >or=2 defects, was 10.3%, 11.8%, 30.6%, and 46.4% respectively (P = 0.060 for >or=1 defects compared with no defects; P = 0.002 for >or=2 defects compared with <or=1 defect). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal results on C-20-1 frequency doubling technology perimetry predicted glaucomatous visual field loss on standard automated perimetry in some patients in this patient population, though a relatively high false positive rate was noted. Abnormality on C-20-1 frequency doubling technology warrants close observation, and further prospective evaluation is warranted.
Decay of 99Mo-99mTc

Abstract The decay parameters of 99 Mo 99m Tc have been determined using liquid-liquid extractions, 4π β-γ and γ-γ coincidence counting and absolute gamma-spectroscopy measurements. Gamma-ray energies and intensities were obtained with a 7.6 cm × 7.6 cm NaI(Tl) spectrometer. The relative intensities of the 0.74 and 0.78 MeV gamma rays were measured using a lithium ion-drifted germanium detector (these peaks were unresolved in the NaI(Tl) spectra). The observed number of gamma photons per 99 Mo disintegration with energies of 0.93, 0.780, 0.740, 0.372, 0.181 and 0.142 MeV was found to be 0.004, 0.044, 0.124, 0.013, 0.068 and 0.076, respectively. Gamma-gamma coincidence measurements confirmed the 0.93 MeV gamma ray in the 99 Mo decay. A quantitative separation of 99m Tc followed by X- and gamma-ray emission rate determinations gave the sum of the internal conversions of the 0.142 and 0.140 MeV gamma rays as α T = 0.099±0.015. At equilibrium the 99m Tc daughter activity was determined to be 0.964 that of the 99 Mo activity.
Persistent and relapsed wheezing is associated with sensitivity to domestic allergens, gender and smoking status

Abstract Question How common and persistent is childhood asthma? What risk factors are associated with persistence and relapse into adulthood? Study design Population-based study using New Zealand birth cohort from 1972 to 1973. Main results From childhood to 26 years, 14.5% of participants reported persistent wheezing and 12.4% episodic wheezing; 72.6% reported wheezing at some stage. Participants with persistent or relapsing wheezing were more sensitive to house dust mites and cat allergen, had more hyper-responsive airways and lower lung-function (see Table 1). Table 1 Odds ratio (univariate analysis) for factors contributing to wheezing at 26 years compared to all other study members (except those who never reported wheezing). Persistent wheezing Relapsed wheezing OR 95% CI OR 95% CI Airway hyper-responsiveness (PC20 or BDR) at 9 years 4.32 2.64 to 7.06 6.82 3.89 to 11.95 Airway hyper-responsiveness (PC20≤8 mg/ml) at 9 to 15 years 4.24 2.64 to 6.79 6.93 4.07 to 11.77 Airway hyper-responsiveness (PC20≤8 mg/ml or BDR) up to 21 years 4.13 2.59 to 6.59 7.22 4.29 to 12.17 Positive skin test for house dust mite allergen at 13 years 3.38 2.12 to 5.37 4.17 2.49 to 7.01 Positive skin test for cat allergen at 13 years 2.81 1.65 to 4.79 3.27 1.78 to 6.03 Smoking at 21 years 2.05 1.30 to 3.24 1.84 1.11 to 3.04 Age at onset of wheezing 0.97 0.94 to 1.01 0.87 0.83 to 0.91 PC20=concentration of methacholine causing a 20% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s; BDR=increase from baseline in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s to a bronchodilator. Authors’ conclusions Childhood asthma is common. In about one in four people it persists to adulthood. Persistence and relapse are associated with airway hyper-responsiveness, allergen sensitivity, reduced lung function and smoking.
Nutrient Biogeochemistry During the Early Stages of Delta Development in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain

Nutrient biogeochemistry associated with the early stages of soil development in deltaic floodplains has not been well defined. Such a model should follow classic patterns of soil nutrient pools described for alluvial ecosystems that are dominated by mineral matter high in phosphorus and low in carbon and nitrogen. A contrast with classic models of soil development is the anthropogenically enriched high nitrate conditions due to agricultural fertilization in upstream watersheds. Here we determine if short-term patterns of soil chemistry and dissolved inorganic nutrient fluxes along the emerging Wax Lake delta (WLD) chronosequence are consistent with conceptual models of long-term nutrient availability described for other ecosystems. We add a low nitrate treatment more typical of historic delta development to evaluate the role of nitrate enrichment in determining the net dinitrogen (N2) flux. Throughout the 35-year chronosequence, soil nitrogen and organic matter content significantly increased by an order of magnitude, whereas phosphorus exhibited a less pronounced increase. Under ambient nitrate concentrations (>60 μM), mean net N2 fluxes (157.5 μmol N m−2 h−1) indicated greater rates of gross denitrification than gross nitrogen fixation; however, under low nitrate concentrations (<2 μM), soils switched from net denitrification to net nitrogen fixation (−74.5 μmol N m−2 h−1). As soils in the WLD aged, the subsequent increase in organic matter stimulated net N2, oxygen, nitrate, and nitrite fluxes producing greater fluxes in more mature soils. In conclusion, soil nitrogen and carbon accumulation along an emerging delta chronosequence largely coincide with classic patterns of soil development described for alluvial floodplains, and substrate age together with ambient nitrogen availability can be used to predict net N2 fluxes during early delta evolution.
The Symbolic Life of Law: The Instrumental and the Constitutive in Scheingold's The Politics of Rights

Stuart A. Scheingold's, ThePolitics of Rights, has left a considerableimprint on sociolegal scholarship. A centralfigure in the intellectual genealogy ofsociolegal studies, Scheingold has contributedto both instrumental and constitutiveapproaches to the study of law. Informing aninstrumental perspective, Scheingold's focus onlaw's symbolic life provides the foundation forexamining rights discourse and litigation aspolitical resources. Informing a constitutiveoutlook, Scheingold encourages an understandingof how law shapes our imaginations,aspirations, and expectations. After reviewinghis contribution to instrumentalism andconstitutivism, this essay suggests howScheingold offers the grounds for seeing theseoften divergent approaches as complementary.
Post-translational enzyme activation in an animal via optimized conditional protein splicing

Control over the timing, location and level of protein activity in vivo is crucial to understanding biological function. Living systems are able to respond to external and internal stimuli rapidly and in a graded fashion by maintaining a pool of proteins whose activities are altered through post-translational modifications. Here we show that the process of protein trans-splicing can be used to modulate enzymatic activity both in cultured cells and in Drosophila melanogaster. We used an optimized conditional protein splicing system to rapidly trigger the in vivo ligation of two inactive fragments of firefly luciferase in a tunable manner. This technique provides a means of controlling enzymatic function with greater speed and precision than with standard genetic techniques and is a useful tool for probing biological processes.
Ti(NMe2)4 and [HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4]: A Convenient Blend for Effective Catalytic Carboamination of Alkynes

Ti(NMe2)4, when combined with [HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4], catalyzes carboamination of alkynes with aldimines to form highly arylated α,β-unsaturated imines with exclusive (E,E)-configuration at the olefin and imine residues. Complexes [Ti(NHMe2)(NMe2)3][B(C6F5)4] and [TiNAr(NHMe2)3(NMe2)][B(C6F5)4] (Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3), isolated from stoichiometric reactions involving Ti(NMe2)4/[HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4] and Ti(NMe2)4/[HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4]/ArNH2, respectively, also catalyze carboamination with activity comparable to that of the Ti(NMe2)4/[HNMe2Ph][B(C6F5)4] system.
Escape over fluctuating barriers driven by colored noise

Abstract Escape over fluctuating barriers in the presence of thermal white noise is addressed. Several general results are established, for stochastic barrier fluctuations being controlled by colored Gaussian noise. Our findings are exact in the limit of white noise sources and (partially) in the limit of extreme large noise color, and are approximate for intermediate noise color. As one main result we find that the escape time can generically exhibit a minimum resonant activation, whenever the colored noise intensity is an increasing function of the noise correlation time. The effects induced by correlated noise sources are addressed as well.
The Egocentricity Index and Self-Esteem in Children.

-To test the hypothesis that pairs and reflections on a Rorschach protocol are related to self-esteem, the Egocentricity Indices (3r +2/R) of 64 children were correlated with factors generated by two selfreport measures of self-esteem. No significant relationships emerged for any of the variables. Similarly, there were no s~gn~ficant differences when the sample was divided between those with normal and abnormal indices. It was concluded that the Egocentricity Index may be more related to an unconscious process of self-focus than to conscious feelings of self-worth.
Advances in labor analgesia

The pain of childbirth is arguably the most severe pain most women will endure in their lifetimes. The pain of the early first stage of labor arises from dilation of the lower uterine segment and cervix. Pain from the late first stage and second stage of labor arises from descent of the fetus in the birth canal, resulting in distension and tearing of tissues in the vagina and perineum. An array of regional nerve blocks, systemic analgesic, and nonpharmacologic techniques are currently used for labor analgesia. Nonpharmacologic methods are commonly used, but the effectiveness of these techniques generally lacks rigorous scientific study. Continuous labor support has been shown to decrease the use of pharmacologic analgesia and shorten labor. Intradermal water injections decrease back labor pain. Neuraxial labor analgesia (most commonly epidural or combined spinal-epidural) is the most effective method of pain relief during childbirth, and the only method that provides complete analgesia without maternal or fetal sedation. Current techniques commonly combine a low dose of local anesthetic (bupivacaine or ropivacaine) with a lipid soluble opioid (fentanyl or sufentanil). Neuraxial analgesia does not increase the rate of cesarean delivery compared to systemic opioid analgesia; however, dense neuraxial analgesia may increase the risk of instrumental vaginal delivery.