Melatonin-Based Therapeutics for Neuroprotection in Stroke

The present review paper supports the approach to deliver melatonin and to target melatonin receptors for neuroprotection in stroke. We discuss laboratory evidence demonstrating neuroprotective effects of exogenous melatonin treatment and transplantation of melatonin-secreting cells in stroke. In addition, we describe a novel mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic benefits of stem cell therapy in stroke, implicating the role of melatonin receptors. As we envision the clinical entry of melatonin-based therapeutics, we discuss translational experiments that warrant consideration to reveal an optimal melatonin treatment strategy that is safe and effective for human application.     

Scattering Domain Passivity Verification and Enforcement of Delayed Rational Functions

This letter introduces new algorithms for passivity verification and compensation of macromodels constructed from delayed rational functions in the scattering domain. For passivity verification, a frequency-dependent generalized eigenvalue is formulated, which is used to accurately determine the regions of passivity violation. For passivity compensation, first order perturbation theory is used to iteratively perturb the residues of the system until passivity is achieved. Numerical results validating the proposed algorithms are presented.     

Compact Macromodeling of High-Speed Circuits via Delayed Rational Functions

This letter introduces a new method for compact macromodeling of high-speed circuits with long delays, characterized by tabulated time-domain data. The algorithm is based on partitioning the response and subsequently approximating each partition with a low-order sum-of-exponentials, delayed in time-domain. This results in a compact low-order macromodel in the form of delayed-differential equations, which can be efficiently analyzed using SPICE like simulators.     

Extended time on academic assignments: Does increased time lead to improved performance for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder?

Researchers examined the impact of an extended time accommodation on appropriate classroom behavior and rate of work completion for 33 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Participants received standard (30 min) or extended (45 min) time to complete seatwork in a within-subject, crossover design study. Appropriate behavior (i.e., rule-following behavior) and rate of problems completed accurately per minute were compared across conditions. Children completed significantly more problems correctly per minute when given standard time compared with extended time; however, no difference in appropriate behavior was found between the two conditions. Appropriate behavior over time was examined by segmenting each condition into time intervals. Analyses indicated that children's appropriate behavior significantly decreased over time in both conditions. The implications of these findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

LiFePO4: From molten ingot to nanoparticles with high-rate performance in Li-ion batteries

LiFePO₄ (LFP) particles were obtained by grinding ingot synthesized in the molten state. This process, followed by jet milling, and then wet milling, provides a simple way to obtain powders with controlled particle size in the range from macroscopic to 25 nm. However, at this time, we find that these particles tend to agglomerate to form secondary particles of size ∼100 nm. The particles obtained by this process are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). In situ and ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of milling was also investigated by analysis of physical properties using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and magnetic measurements. The electrochemical performance was evaluated in cells containing Li/1 M LiPF₆ in EC:DEC (1:1)/C-LiFePO₄. After carbon coating, the LFP particles which are free of impurities, exhibit high-rate capability. Even with a limited amount of carbon (2 wt.%) appropriate for commercial batteries, the capacity is 157 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C, 120 mAh g⁻¹ at 10 C, without capacity fading after 60 cycles.     

A predictive screening index for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression following traumatic injury.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive episode (MDE) are frequent and disabling consequences of surviving severe injury. The majority of those who develop these problems are not identified or treated. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a screening instrument that identifies, during hospitalization, adults at high risk for developing PTSD and/or MDE. Hospitalized injury patients (n = 527) completed a pool of questions that represented 13 constructs of vulnerability. They were followed up at 12 months and assessed for PTSD and MDE. The resulting database was split into 2 subsamples. A principal-axis factor analysis and then a confirmatory factor analysis were conducted on the 1st subsample, resulting in a 5-factor solution. Two questions were selected from each factor, resulting in a 10-item scale. The final model was cross-validated with the 2nd subsample. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were then created. The resulting Posttraumatic Adjustment Scale had a sensitivity of .82 and a specificity of .84 when predicting PTSD and a sensitivity of .72 and a specificity of .75 in predicting posttraumatic MDE. This 10-item screening index represents a clinically useful instrument to identify trauma survivors at risk for the later development of PTSD and/or MDE. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cross‐modal influence of colour from product and packaging alters perceived flavour of cider

With recent and rapidly growing consumer demand for alcoholic apple cider, markets have responded to provide for this demand. However, unlike the beer and wine industries, little consumer research exists to explore consumers' perception of cider. A large body of sensory research suggests that altering the colour of a food can significantly influence both perceived flavour of, and hedonic response to the food, despite there being no change to the food's taste or aroma qualities themselves. Our study was designed to understand how colour influences the perception of cider. A stock apple cider was subtly coloured red or green, and presented to consumers to evaluate hedonic response and for perception of flavour attributes. Following this, a cider identical to the control cider was presented with one of two labels, each featuring red or green prominently. Both the colour of the cider itself and the colour of the label significantly influenced perceived flavour and hedonic response to the ciders. Specifically, cider coloured green was perceived as being served at a colder temperature than the control, and the red sample showed an increase in perceived body. Red labelling of the cider made it seem both sweeter and fruitier. This study adds to the body of literature on multisensory perception of flavours, and may have significance for the cider industry's strategies for formulation and marketing. Copyright © 2018 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Chemical Ecology of Chemosensation in Asteroidea: Insights Towards Management Strategies of Pest Species

Within the Phylum Echinodermata, the class Asteroidea, commonly known as starfish and sea stars, encompasses a large number of benthos inhabiting genera and species with various feeding modalities including herbivores, carnivores, omnivores and detritivores. The Asteroidea rely on chemosensation throughout their life histories including hunting prey, avoiding or deterring predators, in the formation of spawning aggregations, synchronizing gamete release and targeting appropriate locations for larval settlement. The identities of many of the chemical stimuli that mediate these physiological and behavioural processes remain unresolved even though evidence indicates they play pivotal roles in the functionality of benthic communities. Aspects of chemosensation, as well as putative chemically-mediated behaviours and the molecular mechanisms of chemoreception, within the Asteroidea are reviewed here, with particular reference to the coral reef pest the Crown-of-Thorns starfish Acanthaster planci species complex, in the context of mitigation of population outbreaks.     

Heat transfer to agitated non-newtonian fluids

Heat transmission to agitated non-Newtonian liquids in a jacketed vessel has been studied. Heat transfer tests were conducted under unsteady-state conditions with pseudo-plastic solutions (behavior index range: 0.343 to 0.633). For a generalized Reynolds number ranging from 100 to 5000, two correlations were found: The use of a generalized Sieder and Tate number resulted in an equation combining both heating and cooling data with a somewhat higher mean deviation (19.3%):      

MAPGEN: mixed-initiative planning and scheduling for the Mars Exploration Rover mission

The Mars Exploration Rover mission is one of NASA's most ambitious science missions to date. Launched in the summer of 2003, each rover carries instruments for conducting remote and in site observations to elucidate the planet's past climate, water activity, and habitability. Science is MER's primary driver, so making best use of the scientific instruments, within the available resources, is a crucial aspect of the mission. To address this criticality, the MER project team selected MAPGEN (mixed initiative activity plan generator) as an activity-planning tool. MAPGEN combines two existing systems, each with a strong heritage: the APGEN activity-planning tool from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the Europa planning and scheduling system from NASA Ames Research Center. We discuss the issues arising from combining these tools in this mission's context. MAPGEN is the first AI-based system to control a space platform on another planet's surface.