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Circadian rhythm disturbances, especially circadian phase delays are associated with impulsive behaviors and have been implicated in psychiatric disorders. Chronotype is a developmentally regulated proxy measure of circadian phase. Past studies have investigated the relationship between chronotype and trauma and found that trauma is associated with evening chronotypes, suggesting the course of chronotype development may be affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, the relationships among chronotype, impulsivity and ACEs have largely been studied in a pairwise manner using small, cross-sectional cohorts. We hypothesized that in a cohort of high-risk youth, childhood trauma would be associated with later chronotype, and later chronotype would be associated with higher rates of impulsivity. We analyzed a cross-sectional sample (n = 966) from Year 2 of adolescents at high risk for psychiatric disorders from the ABCD study who were characterized for chronotype, stressful life events, and impulsivity. We used a hierarchical regression model to examine the relationship between chronotype, stressful life events, and impulsivity using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire (MCTQ), the Life Events Scale, Urgency, Premeditation, Perseverance and Sensation Seeking (UPPS) Impulsive Behavior scale. We found associations between eveningness, stressful life events, and all dimensions of impulsivity. Increased eveningness was associated with a higher number of stressful life events and increased impulsivity. Understanding the role of stressful life events and impulsivity in those predisposed towards eveningness is useful because it may improve our understanding of the biological mechanisms that contribute to psychiatric disorders, and lead to better prevention and treatment efforts using interventions such as increased lifestyle regularity and daytime light exposure. • Impulsivity, later chronotype, stressful life events.→poor mental/physical health • Evening chronotype, stressful life events, and impulsivity are interrelated. • Investigation may help identify interventions to promote mental health & wellbeing. • Future work in prospective studies to clarify these factors will be essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the retirement of coal-fired power stations, wet-stored stockpile fly ash is increasingly receiving attention for use in concrete. An important consideration for dry fly ash in this application is its impact on air entrainment, which can be affected by unburnt carbon present, influencing bubble stability and air-entraining admixture (AEA) dose requirements. Preliminary tests suggest wet storage can influence the process and the present study examined this for laboratory-moistened and stockpile fly ashes. The research indicated that chemical processes lead to product formation on particle surfaces and increases in loss-on-ignition in the material. Agglomeration of fly ash also occurred with wet storage, developing with time. While median particle size and specific surface area (by nitrogen (N2) adsorption) of fly ash increased, both foam index and Acid Blue 80 adsorption were less with wet storage. Mortar tests mainly gave increased air content at fixed AEA dose for material held under these conditions. The data suggest admixture accessibility to wet-stored fly ash particles influenced behaviour and this increased with the breakdown of particle agglomerates (by grinding). Some influences of particle surface chemistry on the process were also found. A pilot-scale processing trial with stockpile fly ash gave general agreement with effects observed in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the retirement of coal-fired power stations, wet-stored stockpile fly ash is increasingly receiving attention for use in concrete. An important consideration for dry fly ash in this application is its impact on air entrainment, which can be affected by unburnt carbon present, influencing bubble stability and air-entraining admixture (AEA) dose requirements. Preliminary tests suggest wet storage can influence the process and the present study examined this for laboratory-moistened and stockpile fly ashes. The research indicated that chemical processes lead to product formation on particle surfaces and increases in loss-on-ignition in the material. Agglomeration of fly ash also occurred with wet storage, developing with time. While median particle size and specific surface area (by nitrogen (N2) adsorption) of fly ash increased, both foam index and Acid Blue 80 adsorption were less with wet storage. Mortar tests mainly gave increased air content at fixed AEA dose for material held under these conditions. The data suggest admixture accessibility to wet-stored fly ash particles influenced behaviour and this increased with the breakdown of particle agglomerates (by grinding). Some influences of particle surface chemistry on the process were also found. A pilot-scale processing trial with stockpile fly ash gave general agreement with effects observed in the laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet stored fly ash is increasingly being considered as a cement component in concrete. However, the effect of these conditions on the material's reactivity is uncertain. The research described here investigated this property for wet laboratory-stored (10% moisture) and site stockpile fly ashes, using lime consumption (BS EN 196-5, Frattini) and activity index (BS EN 450-1) tests. Progressive reactivity losses occurred with laboratory storage up to 730 days. This was influenced by dry fly ash fineness and holding period, suggesting that the formation of agglomerates/products (assessed by scanning electron microscopy) affects lime's access to particle surfaces, with similar type behaviour for stockpile materials. Compressive (cube) strength reductions were also found between dry and wet stored fly ash concretes. Stockpile fly ash reactivity following laboratory- (drying/ball milling) and pilot-scale (flash drying/de-agglomerating, air classifying, micronising and carbon removal) processing was then investigated. Exposure of reactive material using these methods appears to be important, with greater improvements generally noted as the fly ash particle size is reduced and at later test ages. To meet activity index requirements, fly ash sub-10 μm contents, with the Portland cement used, needed to exceed about 30%, irrespective of the storage conditions/processing used. Minor benefits to concrete strength were obtained with increasing sub-10 μm contents, particularly beyond 28 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by episodes of depression and mania and disrupted circadian rhythms. Lithium is an effective therapy for BD, but only 30%–40% of patients are fully responsive. Preclinical models show that lithium alters circadian rhythms. However, it is unknown if the circadian rhythm effects of lithium are essential to its therapeutic properties. Methods: In secondary analyses of a multi‐center, prospective, trial of lithium for BD, we examined the relationship between circadian rhythms and therapeutic response to lithium. Using standardized instruments, we measured morningness, diurnal changes in mood, sleep, and energy (circadian rhythm disturbances) in a cross‐sectional study of 386 BD subjects with varying lithium exposure histories. Next, we tracked symptoms of depression and mania prospectively over 12 weeks in a subset of 88 BD patients initiating treatment with lithium. Total, circadian, and affective mood symptoms were scored separately and analyzed. Results: Subjects with no prior lithium exposure had the most circadian disruption, while patients stable on lithium monotherapy had the least. Patients who were stable on lithium with another drug or unstable on lithium showed intermediate levels of disruption. Treatment with lithium for 12 weeks yielded significant reductions in total and affective depression symptoms. Lithium responders (Li‐Rs) showed improvement in circadian symptoms of depression, but non‐responders did not. There was no difference between Li‐Rs and nonresponders in affective, circadian, or total symptoms of mania. Conclusions: Exposure to lithium is associated with reduced circadian disruption. Lithium response at 12 weeks was selectively associated with the reduction of circadian depressive symptoms. We conclude that stabilization of circadian rhythms may be an important feature of lithium's therapeutic effects. Clinical Trials Registry: NCT0127253. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Symptoms of bipolar disorder (BD) include changes in mood, activity, energy, sleep, and appetite. Since many of these processes are regulated by circadian function, circadian rhythm disturbance has been examined as a biological feature underlying BD. The International Society for Bipolar Disorders Chronobiology Task Force (CTF) was commissioned to review evidence for neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms pertinent to BD. Method: Drawing upon expertise in animal models, biomarkers, physiology, and behavior, CTF analyzed the relevant cross‐disciplinary literature to precisely frame the discussion around circadian rhythm disruption in BD, highlight key findings, and for the first time integrate findings across levels of analysis to develop an internally consistent, coherent theoretical framework. Results: Evidence from multiple sources implicates the circadian system in mood regulation, with corresponding associations with BD diagnoses and mood‐related traits reported across genetic, cellular, physiological, and behavioral domains. However, circadian disruption does not appear to be specific to BD and is present across a variety of high‐risk, prodromal, and syndromic psychiatric disorders. Substantial variability and ambiguity among the definitions, concepts and assumptions underlying the research have limited replication and the emergence of consensus findings. Conclusions: Future research in circadian rhythms and its role in BD is warranted. Well‐powered studies that carefully define associations between BD‐related and chronobiologically‐related constructs, and integrate across levels of analysis will be most illuminating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the overall incidence of stroke in the United States has decreased in recent years, the incidence of stroke among Black Americans has not changed. This has resulted in a widening gap between White and Black stroke survivors and their families. A variety of factors contribute to this inequity including social determinants of health (e.g., adverse life events, discrimination, neighborhood deprivation, lack of access to health care). This article uses a "case and frame" approach, through the lens of ecological systems theory, to illustrate how social determinants of health express themselves in two stroke survivor-caregiver dyads living in a large Midwestern city. We draw out implications for practice and policy in social work and related disciplines that focus on recognizing the impact of social determinants of health, developing culturally-specific interventions that mitigate unique stressors but that also leverage unique strengths, and building capacity for cultural competence and cross-cultural health communication within organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The narrow therapeutic window of lithium medications necessitates frequent serum monitoring, which can be expensive and inconvenient for the patient. Compared to blood, saliva collection is easier, non‐invasive, requires less processing, and can be done without the need for trained personnel. This study investigated the utility of longitudinal salivary lithium level monitoring. Methods: We measured salivary lithium levels using ICP‐OES in n = 169 passive drool samples, collected both as single observations and longitudinally for up to 18 months, from a multi‐center cohort of n = 75 patients with bipolar disorder or other psychiatric conditions. Results: Saliva and serum lithium levels were highly correlated. Adjustment for daily lithium dose, diabetes, and smoking improved this relationship (r = 0.77). Using the adjusted intersubject equation and a patient's salivary lithium value, we observed a strong correlation between the predicted vs. observed serum lithium levels (r = 0.70). Most patients had highly stable saliva/serum ratios across multiple visits, with longitudinal variability significantly greater with age. Use of the intrasubject saliva/serum ratio from a single prior observation had similar predictive power to the use of the adjusted intersubject equation. However, the use of the mean intrasubject ratio from three prior observations could robustly predict serum lithium levels (predicted vs. observed r = 0.90). Conclusions: These findings strongly suggest that saliva could be used for lithium monitoring, and open the door for the development and implementation of a point‐of‐care salivary lithium device for use at home or the clinic. We propose that the use of saliva will dramatically improve treatment opportunities for patients with mood disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacotherapies for depression are often ineffective and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is common across bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patient genetic information can be used to predict treatment outcomes. Prospective studies indicate that pharmacogenetic (PGX) tests have utility in the treatment of depression. However, few studies have examined the utility of PGX in other diagnoses typified by depression, or in veterans, a cohort with high rates of medical comorbidity, social stress, and suicide. Aim: To determine the efficacy of genetically guided pharmacological treatment of TRD. Methods: We conducted an 8-week, prospective, multisite, single-blind study in 182 veterans with TRD including patients with BD, MDD, and PTSD. Subjects were randomly assigned to PGX-guided treatment in which the clinician incorporated PGX information into decision-making, or treatment as usual (TAU). Results: Overall, the PGX group improved marginally faster compared to TAU, but the difference was not statistically significant. Secondary analyses revealed that only PTSD patients showed a potential benefit from PGX testing. Patients predicted by PGX testing to have moderate levels of genetic risk showed a significant benefit from the PGX-guided treatment, whereas other risk groups demonstrated no benefit. Clinicians generally found the PGX test was useful, particularly in more depressed patients and/or those with more warnings for significant or serious adverse outcomes. Clinicians more often used the results to select a drug, but only rarely to adjust dosing. Conclusions: The data reveal possible group differences in the utility of PGX testing in veterans with TRD. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04469322. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the potential for recovering granulated blast furnace slag after four to five years' storage in a stockpile (weathered) for use as an addition in concrete. The initial research physically and chemically characterised fresh and weathered granulated slag. Thereafter, studies on ground materials in paste and mortar were carried out. The weathered granulated slag was similar to fresh slag in terms of particle size, shape and elemental composition. However, there was greater roughening of particle surfaces, with various weathering products forming. Following grinding, fresh slag comprised angular particles covering a range of sizes, while finer particles in weathered slag included fragmented reaction products. In cement paste, weathered slag gave reductions in chemically bound water. In mortar, this showed little difference in flow properties compared to fresh slag, with reductions in compressive strength and increases in porosity also noted. Further analyses suggest that, at equal Blaine fineness, weathered slag (a) is actually coarser than fresh material, affecting particle packing and giving larger capillary pores, and (b) has lower reactivity due to reduced surface area. The practical implications are examined and approaches to using weathered slag in concrete suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, we examined the influence of having a functional limitation (FL) on the likelihood of adherence to mammography guidelines, as well as the potential moderating role of barriers to care on this relationship. Methods: Women aged 50-75 years from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey were assessed for FL and barriers to care as predictors mammography screening prevalence using weighted logistic regression. Results: Of 5627 women, most were without FLs (56%), Caucasian (81%), with at least a high school education (62%), married (63%), had a usual source of care (97%), and reported barriers to care (9%). Compared to women without FLs, those with FLs were less likely to adhere to mammography guidelines in the past year. Endorsement of the items, Could not get through on the phone, Not open when you could go, and No transportation negatively moderated this association (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.60, 95% Cl [0.59, 0.60], AOR = 0.54, 95% Cl [0.54, 0.55], and AOR = 0.32, 95% [0.31, 0.33], respectively). Conclusions: Improving the ability of women with FLs to schedule appointments that will suit their functional needs within universal design guidelines may improve compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: A strong interpersonal relationship after stroke is important for the prevention of depression in survivors and family caregivers. This study aimed to test the feasibility of quality of relationship intervention for stroke dyads called Hand in Hand (HiH). Methods: Sixteen dyads were randomized into either the HiH group (n = 8) or information, support, and referral (ISR) control group (n = 8). HiH dyads received up to eight sessions, with topics prioritized according to a 17-item screening tool. ISR dyads received up to eight sessions that included information, active listening, and referrals. Feasibility, acceptability, and outcomes data were collected for both groups. Results: The HiH and ISR groups were feasible and acceptable. Caregivers in both groups, as well as survivors in the ISR group, experienced improvements in depressive symptoms and other select outcomes. Conclusions: Findings suggest that HiH is feasible to implement with stroke dyads and that it merits further refinement and testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Novel technologies make it possible to incorporate pharmacogenetic testing into the medical management of depression. However, previous studies indicate that there may be a subset of subjects who have concerns about genetic testing and may be psychologically vulnerable. If so, pharmacogenetic testing in depressed subjects could negatively impact their mental health and undermine treatment goals.Methods: In this study, we developed a standardized instrument to assess motivations and attitudes around pharmacogenetic testing in a cohort of 170 depressed Veterans participating in a multi-center clinic trial.Results: Testing reveals that subjects were largely positive about the use of genetic testing to guide pharmacological treatment and help plan their future. Most subjects showed only modest concerns about the impact on family, inability to cope with the results, and fear of discrimination. The severity of depression did not predict the concern expressed about negative outcomes. However, non-Caucasian subjects were more likely on average to endorse concerns about poor coping and fear of discrimination.Conclusions: These data indicate that while the overall risk is modest, some patients with depression may face psychosocial challenges in the context of pharmacogenetic testing. Future work should identify factors that predict distress and aim to tailor test results to different populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-lime fly ashes produced from modern coal-fired power technologies (developed to enhance efficiency/lower emissions), including nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction, co-combustion, supercritical steam and oxy-fuel combustion, and their effects on chloride ingress and carbonation of concrete are investigated in this paper. Earlier work indicates that some of these technologies influence fly ash properties, but they mainly follow typical behaviour found for the material (consistence and compressive strength) in concrete. Both accelerated and normal-type exposure tests were carried out on a range of practical water/cement ratio concretes (also enabling interpolation for comparisons at equal 28 d strength). The test fly ash concretes were evaluated against (i) those containing three reference fly ashes covering a range of fineness and (ii) corresponding studies on fly ash concretes from the 1990s. The results show that there was an influence of fly ash fineness, reflected in reactivity/porosity (measured on mortar), and aspects of chemistry on chloride ingress, but there appeared to be minor material effects on carbonation. Comparison with the 1990s data indicated similar behaviour for the materials between studies for both properties. A relationship was also identified for the product of reactive alumina and sub-10 μm contents of the modern fly ashes and chloride resistance of concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case: Two cases of postoperative spinal subdural extra-arachnoid hygromas were successfully treated with bed rest after patients developed symptoms 4 to 5 days following decompressive lumbar surgery. The development of the hygromas as well as the radiological findings are discussed. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, these comprise the first postoperative cases successfully treated without surgical re-exploration. This demonstrates conservative management may be a safe and effective management choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria have been linked to the etiology of schizophrenia (SZ). However, studies of mitochondria in SZ might be confounded by the effects of pharmacological treatment with antipsychotic drugs (APDs) and other common medications. This review summarizes findings on relevant mitochondria mechanisms underlying SZ, and the potential impact of psychoactive drugs including primarily APDs, but also antidepressants and anxiolytics. The summarized data suggest that APDs impair mitochondria function by decreasing Complex I activity and ATP production and dissipation of the mitochondria membrane potential. At the same time, in the brains of patients with SZ, antipsychotic drug treatment normalizes gene expression modules enriched in mitochondrial genes that are decreased in SZ. This indicates that APDs may have both positive and negative effects on mitochondria. The available evidence suggests three conclusions i) alterations in mitochondria functions in SZ exist prior to APD treatment, ii) mitochondria alterations in SZ can be reversed by APD treatment, and iii) APDs directly cause impairment of mitochondria function. Overall, the mechanisms of action of psychiatric drugs on mitochondria are both direct and indirect; we conclude the effects of APDs on mitochondria may contribute to both their therapeutic and metabolic side effects. These studies support the hypothesis that neuronal mitochondria are an etiological factor in SZ. Moreover, APDs and other drugs must be considered in the evaluation of this pathophysiological role of mitochondria in SZ. Considering these effects, pharmacological actions on mitochondria may be a worthwhile target for further APD development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strong interpersonal relationship after stroke is important for the well-being of survivors and family caregivers. However, as many as 54% of families experience relationship problems after stroke and as many as 38% of couples experience overt conflict. The purpose of this study is to enhance understanding about relationship challenges among stroke dyads and to identify implications for direct practice in social work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with N = 19 care dyads. Qualitative data were analyzed through an interpretive description lens. Seven themes about relationship challenges were identified. Findings highlight areas to consider in promoting strong relationships between survivors and family caregivers. Social workers may have the opportunity to assist dyads with disrupting negative communication cycles, strengthening empathy and collaboration, and achieving a balance so that each person's needs are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent mania and depression episodes and requiring lifelong treatment with mood stabilizing drugs. Several lines of evidence, including with BD patient iPSC‐derived neurons, suggest that neuronal hyperexcitability may underlie the key clinical symptoms of BD. Indeed, higher mRNA levels of SCN11A, coding for the voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.9 implicated in nociception, were detected in iPSC‐derived neurons from BD patients, and were normalized by in vitro lithium. Here we studied SCN11A expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from well‐phenotyped female BD patients and controls and evaluated their association with several clinical sub‐phenotypes. We observed higher mRNA levels of SCN11A in PBMCs from female BD patients with no records of alcohol dependence (p =.0050), no records of psychosis (p =.0097), or no records of suicide attempts (p =.0409). A trend was observed for higher SCN11A expression (FD = 1.91; p =.052) in BD PBMCs compared with controls. Datamining of published postmortem gene expression datasets indicated higher SCN11A expression in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and orbitofrontal cortex tissues from BD patients compared with controls. Higher phenotype‐associated expression levels in PBMC from BD patients were also observed for ID2 (alcohol dependence, suicide attempts) and HDGFRP3 (seasonal BD pattern). Our findings suggest that higher PBMC SCN11A expression levels may be associated with certain behavioral BD sub‐phenotypes, including lack of alcohol dependence and psychosis, among BD patients. The NaV1.9 voltage‐gated sodium channel thus deserves consideration as a tentative phenotype modifier in BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work reported in this paper investigated the properties and use of fly ash (FA) produced from technologies developed to reduce the environmental impact and improve the efficiency of the coal-fired power generation process. These include nitrogen oxides (NOx) reduction, co-combustion, supercritical steam technology and oxy-fuel combustion. The nine FA samples examined from these technologies were characterised physically, chemically and in terms of their reactivity. Tests were also carried out to determine the consistence (slump) and compressive strength of FA concretes. Comparisons were made with a selection of reference FAs, the requirements of BS EN 450-1 and reported FA studies from the 1980s and 1990s. The results indicated that, for some technologies, the FA tended to be coarser and of higher loss on ignition (co-combustion and in-combustion NOx reduction) while, for others lower carbon contents were found (supercritical steam) or there was little obvious effect. FA chemistry was slightly affected in some cases, but mainly as expected for the coal being used. There was general agreement between water requirement and activity index with FA fineness for the materials tested. For the FA concretes, similar effects were noted in terms of the dosage of superplasticising admixture needed for a target slump and compressive strength. The behaviour of the materials from the new technologies was found to be similar to that reported in earlier studies on FA and suggests suitability for their use in concrete construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cigarette smoking is a major contributor to continued health problems after stroke, the majority of stroke survivors do not quit smoking. This may be due in part to the high rate of smoking among committed partners of stroke survivors. This study investigated the experiences of 11 dual-smoker stroke survivor–caregiver dyads, identifying themes which may be useful for understanding this entrenched population: managing the addiction as a dyad; conflicting feelings about whether smoking is an individual versus mutual concern; and dyad-level barriers and facilitators of quitting. We also present specific cessation strategies that dual-smoker dyads participating in the study described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the results of a phosphorus-31 and silicon-29 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy study. Importance of doped polycyrstalline silicon in integrated circuit manufacturing; Deposition of the silicon films by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition; Comparison of the free-induction decay with the Hahn echo line shape and the use of spin-echo data.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by severe mood symptoms, often accompanied by circadian rhythm disturbances. Preclinical studies indicate that lithium, a first-line treatment for BD, has effects on circadian rhythms.1 However, less attention has been given to the effects of lithium on the clinical symptoms of BD related to circadian rhythm disruption. We present a case of a BD patient with profound disruption in sleep/wake activity and show that lithium potently corrected her circadian rhythm disturbances. [Extracted from the article]

• Diverse/rural dyads experience barriers to engagement and retention in interventions. • These barriers can be overcome by providers using specific communication strategies. • Effective communication builds trust and may lead to better outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This content analysis examined how the authors of 114 peer-reviewed journal articles explained their empirical approaches to visual rhetoric scholarship. The authors content analysis sought to answer the question: how do scholars engage with the material dimensions of visual culture, specifically in terms of artifact selection and reporting data collection procedures? The answers to this question, the authors argue, are needed urgently as visual rhetoric research continues to expand because inconsistent reporting will hinder replicability and the reader’s access to the author’s argument. The authors use the findings of their content analysis to surface the implicit norms of empirical visual rhetoric research and to develop recommendations for reporting visual data collection procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactivity of fly ash (FA), for use in concrete, is normally evaluated in the UK/EU by means of the activity index test (on mortars at 28 and 90 d (BS EN 450-1)). This paper reports on the application of a lime consumption test, based on BS EN 196-5 (pozzolanic cement test), to determine FA reactivity more rapidly. The method uses a Portland cement (PC)/FA slurry, stored for 8 or 15 d at 40°C, and measures hydroxyl ion (OH−) and calcium oxide (CaO) concentrations of the filtrate. Seven FAs, including those produced using modern power station techniques (e.g. co-combustion, low nitrogen oxide emissions), and three PCs with different characteristics were tested. Early experiments gave acceptable repeatability for the test and revealed that pozzolanic reactions mainly occur during the initial 8 to 15 d storage. Similar behaviour for FA to that in thermogravimetric analysis and activity index tests from related studies was noted. Strong correlations were obtained for FA fineness and calcium oxide consumed (difference in calcium oxide content between PC and PC/FA with respect to that in PC). While there was general agreement for calcium oxide consumed and activity index, the correlations were poor. Similar types of effect were found to occur for mortar (activity index) and concrete. The lime consumption test can assess FA reactivity, but should be combined with measurements of the material's fineness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family caregivers of youth with DD and behavioral health issues experience the highest level of caregiving strain. Many must also deal with their own or another family member's chronic health condition, which may place them at additional risk for poor outcomes.Aims: (1) Provide a "snapshot" of DD family caregivers based on a national sample; (2) identify risk and protective factors among groups of DD caregivers with graduated levels of health-related stressors; (3) examine the impact of risk and protective factors on strain for DD caregivers.Methods and Procedures: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from N=600 DD caregivers recruited through sites across the United States. Risk and protective factors were compared among three groups of caregivers at study enrollment: (1) those focused on providing care for the target youth with DD, without additional health-related stressors with which to contend; (2) those contending with minor additional health-related stressors; and, (3) those contending with major additional health-related stressors. Predictors of caregiving strain at six months post-enrollment were identified.Results: 52% of the overall sample was unemployed and 71% were living at or below poverty. Differences were found among groups on a variety of risk and protective factors. With some exceptions, predictors of caregiving strain were similar to non-DD populations.Conclusions and Implications: This study provides valuable information about a population of caregivers who are highly vulnerable to poor outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of considering the needs, strengths, and outcomes of family caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by depression, mania, and circadian rhythm abnormalities. Lithium, a treatment for BD stabilizes mood and increases circadian rhythm amplitude. However, in fibroblasts grown from BD patients, lithium has weak effects on rhythm amplitude compared to healthy controls. To understand the mechanism by which lithium differentially affects rhythm amplitude in BD cells, we investigated the extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and related signaling molecules linked to BD and circadian rhythms. In fibroblasts from BD patients, controls and mice, we assessed the contribution of the ERK pathway to lithium-induced circadian rhythm amplification. Protein analyses revealed low phospho-ERK1/2 (p-ERK) content in fibroblasts from BD patients vs. controls. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK1/2 by PD98059 attenuated the rhythm amplification effect of lithium, while inhibition of two related kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and P38 did not. Knockdown of the transcription factors CREB and EGR-1, downstream effectors of ERK1/2, reduced baseline rhythm amplitude, but did not alter rhythm amplification by lithium. In contrast, ELK-1 knockdown amplified rhythms, an effect that was not increased further by the addition of lithium, suggesting this transcription factor may regulate the effect of lithium on amplitude. Augmentation of ERK1/2 signaling through DUSP 6 knockdown sensitized NIH3T3 cells to rhythm amplification by lithium. In BD fibroblasts, DUSP 6 knockdown reversed the BD rhythm phenotype, restoring the ability of lithium to increase amplitude in these cells. We conclude that the inability of lithium to regulate circadian rhythms in BD may reflect reduced ERK activity, and signaling through ELK-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Freeze damage to citrus fruit is one of the major causes of the loss of marketable fruit for the citrus industry. Because freeze damage occurs inside citrus fruit, detecting freeze damage is very challenging. This study addresses this problem by using NMR relaxometry to monitor changes at the sub-cellular level in mandarin flesh at two freezing temperatures, −4 °C and −20 °C. RESULTS The T2 relaxation spectra of mandarin flesh segments displayed three relaxation components, each representing a sub-cellular water compartment. Freezing treatment at −4 °C for 240 min significantly decreased the relative magnitude of the slow relaxation component and increased that of the intermediate relaxation components. These changes are signs of water redistribution between sub-cellular compartments and an increase in membrane permeability. Freezing treatment at −20 °C caused more evident changes in the T2 relaxation spectra. Noticeable changes occurred as early as 120 min of freezing. In addition, NMR relaxometry was performed on cold-stored mandarins. Smaller changes were observed in samples stored at 4 °C than frozen samples. CONCLUSION The relative magnitudes of relaxation components are sensitive to sub-cellular changes in mandarin flesh due to freeze damage. Thus, freeze damage in mandarin flesh can be tracked by NMR relaxometry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with mood episodes and low amplitude circadian rhythms. Previously, we demonstrated that fibroblasts grown from BD patients show weaker amplification of circadian rhythms by lithium compared to control cells. Since calcium signals impact upon the circadian clock, and L-type calcium channels (LTCC) have emerged as genetic risk factors for BD, we examined whether loss of function in LTCCs accounts for the attenuated response to lithium in BD cells. We used fluorescent dyes to measure Ca 2+ changes in BD and control fibroblasts after lithium treatment, and bioluminescent reporters to measure Per2::luc rhythms in fibroblasts from BD patients, human controls, and mice while pharmacologically or genetically manipulating calcium channels. Longitudinal expression of LTCC genes ( CACNA1C , CACNA1D and CACNB3 ) was then measured over 12–24 h in BD and control cells. Our results indicate that independently of LTCCs, lithium stimulated intracellular Ca 2+ less effectively in BD vs. control fibroblasts. In longitudinal studies, pharmacological inhibition of LTCCs or knockdown of CACNA1A , CACNA1C , CACNA1D and CACNB3 altered circadian rhythm amplitude. Diltiazem and knockdown of CACNA1C or CACNA1D eliminated lithium's ability to amplify rhythms. Knockdown of CACNA1A or CACNB3 altered baseline rhythms, but did not affect rhythm amplification by lithium. In human fibroblasts, CACNA1C genotype predicted the amplitude response to lithium, and the expression profiles of CACNA1C , CACNA1D and CACNB3 were altered in BD vs. controls. We conclude that in cells from BD patients, calcium signaling is abnormal, and that LTCCs underlie the failure of lithium to amplify circadian rhythms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bipolar disorder is characterized by pervasive disruptions in circadian rhythms. • Lithium has effects on cellular and behavioral rhythms. • The effects of lithium on circadian rhythms are context- and dose-dependent. • Lithium responsive bipolar disorder patients show distinct circadian rhythm characteristics: morning chronotype, less variable behavioral rhythms, and shorter period in cultured cells. Bipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by disrupted circadian rhythms affecting sleep, arousal, and mood. Lithium is among the most effective mood stabilizer treatments for BD, and in addition to improving mood symptoms, stabilizes sleep and activity rhythms in treatment responsive patients. Across a variety of experimental models, lithium has effects on circadian rhythms. However, uncertainty exists as to whether these actions directly pertain to lithium's therapeutic effects. Here, we consider evidence from mechanistic studies in animals and cells and clinical trials in BD patients that identify associations between circadian rhythms and the therapeutic effects of lithium. Most evidence indicates that lithium has effects on cellular circadian rhythms and increases morningness behaviors in BD patients, changes that may contribute to the therapeutic effects of lithium. However, much of this evidence is limited by cross-sectional analyses and/or imprecise proxy markers of clinical outcomes and circadian rhythms in BD patients, while mechanistic studies rely on inference from animals or small numbers of patients. Further study may clarify the essential mechanisms underlying lithium responsive BD, better characterize the longitudinal changes in circadian rhythms in BD patients, and inform the development of therapeutic interventions targeting circadian rhythms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the United States. Although its impact on individual survivors and caregivers is well understood, few studies have examined how it affects both members of a couple and how the experience may differ according to age and duration of a couple's relationship. This study reports findings from qualitative interviews of couples coping with stroke. Sixty-two survivors and spouses (that is, 31 couples) between the ages of 31 and 93 years described the impact of stroke on their own life, their spouse's life, and their lives as a couple. Qualitative analysis methods were used, through the lens of biographical disruption theory, to extract themes. Four primary themes were identified: (1) practical and emotional challenges, (2) relationship challenges, (3) unexpected changes to couples' anticipated life course, and (4) mobilization of emotional and relationship resources after stroke. Participants experienced these themes differently according to their ages and duration of their relationship. The article ends with a discussion of implications for social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study examining damaging alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR) in concretes containing recycled aggregate is described. This considered masonry units, concrete, demolition waste, road planings, slate and plasterboard. Alkali release tests indicated that masonry units tended to release more alkali than recycled concrete (with higher levels generally obtained from recently produced materials), with slate and plasterboard giving least. Accelerated mortar expansion (reactivity) test results suggested there was a low risk of AAR for the materials. Concrete tests were then made using BS 812-123 exposure conditions. The concretes were proportioned (i) following the standard mixes (NaO = 7·0 kg/m) with recycled materials replacing fine or coarse aggregate in a low-reactivity aggregate combination and (ii) at high alkali level (NaO = 5·4 kg/m) with the materials as fine aggregate in a normal-reactivity aggregate combination. The tests for (i) gave results for the recycled materials indicating low reactivity, with classifications of non-expansive or probably non-expansive to BRE Digest 330. For (ii), expansions for the materials were mainly similar/slightly higher than those found for (i). However, recycled concrete that previously exhibited damaging AAR had greater expansions. Selected concretes were exposed at an external site for up to 8·5 years, during which observations by microscopy were carried out. These gave general agreement with the laboratory tests. The practical implications of the study are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An association between circadian clock function and mood regulation is well established and has been proposed as a factor in the development of mood disorders. Patients with depression or mania suffer disturbed sleep-wake cycles and altered rhythms in daily activities. Environmentally disrupted circadian rhythms increase the risk of mood disorders in the general population. However, proof that a disturbance of circadian rhythms is causally involved in the development of psychiatric disorders remains elusive. Using clock gene mutants, manipulations of sleep-wake and light-dark cycles, and brain lesions affecting clock function, animal models have been developed to investigate whether circadian rhythm disruptions alter mood. In this review, selected animal models are examined to address the issue of causality between circadian rhythms and affective behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of bipolar disorder (BD) suggest a genetic basis of the illness that alters brain function and morphology. In recent years, a number of genetic variants associated with BD have been identified. However, little is known about the associated genes, or brain circuits that rely upon their function. Using an anatomically comprehensive survey of the human transcriptome (The Allen Brain Atlas), we mapped the expression of 58 genes with suspected involvement in BD based upon their relationship to SNPs identified in genome wide association studies (GWAS). We then conducted a meta-analysis of structural MRI studies to identify brain regions that are abnormal in BD. Of 58 BD associated genes, 22 had anatomically distinct expression patterns that could be categorized into one of three clusters (C1–C3). Brain regions with the highest and lowest expression of these genes did not overlap strongly with anatomical sites identified as abnormal by structural MRI except in the parahippocampal gyrus, the inferior/superior temporal gyrus and the cerebellar vermis, regions where overlap was significant. Using the 22 genes in C1–C3 as reference points, additional genes with correlated expression patterns were identified and organized into sets based on similarity. Further analysis revealed that five of these gene sets were significantly associated with BD, suggesting that anatomical expression profile is correlated with genetic susceptibility to BD, particularly for genes in C2. Our data suggest that expression profiles of BD-associated genes do not explain the majority of structural abnormalities observed in BD, but may be useful in identifying new candidate genes. Our results highlight the complex neuroanatomical basis of BD, and reinforce illness models that emphasize impaired brain connectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The paper describes a study carried out to investigate the engineering and durability properties of lime-stabilised soils treated with low-lime fly ash to limit swelling (heave) due to sulphate, associated with the ground improvement process. Two clays (Lias and Oxford with total potential sulphate levels >1.0%), a quicklime, two fly ashes (fine/low loss-on-ignition (LOI)/dry; and coarse/high LOI/wet (pond) stored) and a ground granulated blastfurnace slag (GGBS) were considered. The lime-stabilised soils contained 3% quicklime and various levels of fly ash (up to 24%) and GGBS (up to 9%), and were tested at optimum moisture content and maximum dry density. The properties considered included, immediate-bearing index, unconfined compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, water permeability and frost-heave. The results indicate that for most of these, the fly ash combinations gave improvements compared to lime-only treated soils, with the benefits generally increasing with addition level. Between fly ashes, the fine/dry material mainly gave better properties for those considered. This differs from behaviour noted previously for sulphate-heave, where coarser/wet-stored fly ash was most effective in minimizing the process. At comparable application levels, GGBS contributed more than fly ash to the properties of the lime-stabilised soils. The underlying mechanisms associated with these effects and the practical implications of the study are explored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a psychiatric illness defined by pathological alterations between the mood states of mania and depression, causing disability, imposing healthcare costs and elevating the risk of suicide. Although effective treatments for BD exist, variability in outcomes leads to a large number of treatment failures, typically followed by a trial and error process of medication switches that can take years. Pharmacogenetic testing (PGT), by tailoring drug choice to an individual, may personalize and expedite treatment so as to identify more rapidly medications well suited to individual BD patients. Discussion: A number of associations have been made in BD between medication response phenotypes and specific genetic markers. However, to date clinical adoption of PGT has been limited, often citing questions that must be answered before it can be widely utilized. These include: What are the requirements of supporting evidence? How large is a clinically relevant effect? What degree of specificity and sensitivity are required? Does a given marker influence decision making and have clinical utility? In many cases, the answers to these questions remain unknown, and ultimately, the question of whether PGT is valid and useful must be determined empirically. Towards this aim, we have reviewed the literature and selected drug-genotype associations with the strongest evidence for utility in BD. Summary: Based upon these findings, we propose a preliminary panel for use in PGT, and a method by which the results of a PGT panel can be integrated for clinical interpretation. Finally, we argue that based on the sufficiency of accumulated evidence, PGT implementation studies are now warranted. We propose and discuss the design for a randomized clinical trial to test the use of PGT in the treatment of BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pomegranate fruit was studied by two dimensional NMR correlation spectroscopy during 25 weeks of controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. The proton T 1–T 2 correlation spectrum provided rich information on the characteristics of the environment of water in subcellular compartments. Three relaxation components were identified in the pomegranate arils, which could be assigned to the vacuole, cytoplasm, and cell wall. The results showed that water transferred out of the vacuole to other compartments during storage. Shrinkage of the vacuole was expected as a result of the significant loss of water. The soluble solids content and titratable acidity of the pomegranate decreased during the controlled atmosphere storage, but they were not the major contributor to the change in the relaxation rate of water in the subcellular compartments of the aril tissue. The change in the aril was gradual and not uniform across the tissue in response to CA storage. The variation in the response of the arils to CA diminished at longer storage time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: MRI and NMR relaxometry were used to monitor the water uptake at macroscopic and microscopic levels during cooking of navy beans. MRI images showed that water gradually penetrated into the center of the bean, and full hydration was achieved after 80 min. A biphasic model, which consists of an exponential phase and a linear phase, was applied to the water uptake data of the navy bean during cooking. The exponential stage finished after 80 min. The NMR relaxometry results indicated there are three water proton components in navy beans. The percentage of bound water decreased gradually as a function of cooking time. The population of the intracellular water reached its maximum at 80 min. A dramatic increase in the population of extracellular water was observed at 150 min. These results suggest that water was incorporated primarily with the intracellular content in navy beans during the initial exponential stage of water uptake. Further water uptake during the linear stage contributed to the increase in the water content in extracellular space. Optical microscopy of the navy bean provided more evidence for the changes in the water distribution at the microscopic level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Clinical and genetic studies suggest circadian clock genes may contribute to biological mechanisms underlying alcohol use disorders ( AUD). In particular, the Per2 gene regulates alcohol consumption in mutant animals, and in humans with AUD, the 10870 variant in PER2 has been associated with alcohol consumption. However, with respect to function, the molecular clock remains largely uncharacterized in AUD patients. Methods In skin fibroblast cultures from well-characterized human AUD patients ( n = 19) and controls ( n = 13), we used a bioluminescent reporter gene ( Per2::luc) to measure circadian rhythms in gene expression at high sampling density for 5 days. Cells were genotyped for the PER2 10870 variant. The rhythm parameters period and amplitude were then analyzed using a case-control design and by genetic and clinical characteristics of the AUD subjects. Results There were no differences between AUD cases and controls in rhythm parameters. However, period was inversely correlated with illness severity (defined as the number of alcohol dependence criteria met). The PER2 variant 10870 was not associated with differences in rhythm parameters. Conclusions Our data suggest that differences in the cellular circadian clock are not pronounced in fibroblasts from AUD cases and controls. However, we found evidence that the circadian clock may be associated with an altered trajectory of AUD, possibly related to illness severity. Future work will be required to determine the mechanistic basis of this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent smoking following stroke is associated with poor outcomes including development of secondary stroke and increased mortality risk. This study uses longitudinal data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (1992–2008) to investigate whether depression and duration of inpatient hospital care impact smoking outcomes among stroke survivors (N = 745). Longer duration of care was associated with lower likelihood of persistent smoking. Depression was associated with greater cigarette consumption. Interaction effects were also significant, indicating that for survivors who experienced longer inpatient care there was a weaker association between depression and cigarette consumption. Implications for practice and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fruit quality parameters, soluble solids content (Brix), total titratable acidity, pH, and Brix/acid ratio, are often used as indicators of fruit maturity and palatability. Measurement of these fruit quality parameters requires a series of destructive methods, which can only be conducted on extracted fruit juice. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between spin–spin relaxation time and pomegranate quality attributes and the potential of MRI for quantitative analysis of pomegranate quality. Spin–spin relaxation time, T 2, measured using a low magnetic field (0.04T) showed correlation with the soluble solids content of pomegranate. The T 2 relaxation time ranged from 837ms to 1024ms for the fruit with soluble solids content from 15.3°Brix to 18.7°Brix. However, accurate prediction was not achieved. In the MRI experiment, six MR images with varying contribution to total signal intensity from proton density, relaxation rates, and diffusion weighing were obtained for pomegranate fruit using a 1T MR imaging system with 0.22T/m gradient strength. The pH, Brix, total titratable acidity, and Brix/acid ratio of pomegranate were also measured by traditional destructive methods. Partial least square (PLS) analysis was applied to the statistical features of the voxel signal intensities in the MR images and quality parameters to examine the correlation between MR images results and destructive measurements. The MR image based PLS model have a R 2 of 0.54, 0.6, and 0.63 for predicting titratable acidity, pH, and soluble solids/acidity levels, respectively. The correlation between MR image statistical features and soluble solids content of pomegranate was poor. In these models, T 2 weighted Fast Spin Echo, diffusion weighted image, and Spin Echo image with short TE and moderate TR are the most important images in predicting the pomegranate quality attributes. Unlike traditional destructive methods, MR imaging is capable of evaluating multiple quality parameters in a single measurement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: The circadian rhythm hypothesis of bipolar disorder (BD) suggests a role for melatonin in regulating mood, thus extending the interest toward the melatonergic antidepressant agomelatine as well as type I (acute) or II cases of bipolar depression. Patients and methods: Twenty-eight depressed BD-II patients received open label agomelatine (25 mg/bedtime) for 6 consecutive weeks as an adjunct to treatment with lithium or valproate, followed by an optional treatment extension of 30 weeks. Measures included the Hamilton depression scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Clinical Global Impression Scale-Bipolar Version, Young Mania Rating Scale, and body mass index. Results: Intent to treat analysis results demonstrated that 18 of the 28 subjects (64%) showed medication response after 6 weeks (primary study endpoint), while 24 of the 28 subjects (86%) responded by 36 weeks. When examining primary mood stabilizer treatment, 12 of the 17 (70.6%) valproate and six of the 11 (54.5%) lithium patients responded by the first endpoint. At 36 weeks, 14 valproate treated (82.4%) and 10 lithium treated (90.9%) subjects responded. At 36 weeks, there was a slight yet statistically significant (P = 0.001) reduction in body mass index and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores compared to respective baseline values, regardless of mood stabilizer/outcome. Treatment related drop-out cases included four patients (14.28%) at week 6 two valproate-treated subjects with pseudo-vertigo and drug-induced hypomania, respectively, and two lithium-treated subjects with insomnia and mania, respectively. Week 36 drop outs were two hypomanic cases, one per group. Conclusion: Agomelatine 25 mg/day was an effective and well-tolerated adjunct to valproate/lithium for acute depression in BD-II, suggesting the need for confirmation by future double blind, controlled clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we consider explicit Euler methods which recover the rate of growth to infinity of a highly nonlinear autonomous delay differential equation. The success of the methods rely on the step size changing in response to the state, as it has been shown that Euler methods with constant step size will systematically underestimate the growth rate. It is also shown that the computed solution converges to the true solution on any compact time interval, when a parameter which controls the step size is sent to zero. A second method, which applies to a related ordinary differential equation, and which requires less computational effort, is also presented. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are heritable neuropsychiatric disorders associated with disrupted circadian rhythms. The hypothesis that circadian clock dysfunction plays a causal role in these disorders has endured for decades but has been difficult to test and remains controversial. In the meantime, the discovery of clock genes and cellular clocks has revolutionized our understanding of circadian timing. Cellular circadian clocks are located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), the brain’s primary circadian pacemaker, but also throughout the brain and peripheral tissues. In BD and MDD patients, defects have been found in SCN-dependent rhythms of body temperature and melatonin release. However, these are imperfect and indirect indicators of SCN function. Moreover, the SCN may not be particularly relevant to mood regulation, whereas the lateral habenula, ventral tegmentum, and hippocampus, which also contain cellular clocks, have established roles in this regard. Dysfunction in these non-SCN clocks could contribute directly to the pathophysiology of BD/MDD. We hypothesize that circadian clock dysfunction in non-SCN clocks is a trait marker of mood disorders, encoded by pathological genetic variants. Because network features of the SCN render it uniquely resistant to perturbation, previous studies of SCN outputs in mood disorders patients may have failed to detect genetic defects affecting non-SCN clocks, which include not only mood-regulating neurons in the brain but also peripheral cells accessible in human subjects. Therefore, reporters of rhythmic clock gene expression in cells from patients or mouse models could provide a direct assay of the molecular gears of the clock, in cellular clocks that are likely to be more representative than the SCN of mood-regulating neurons in patients. This approach, informed by the new insights and tools of modern chronobiology, will allow a more definitive test of the role of cellular circadian clocks in mood disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Depression following stroke is a major problem for survivors and spouses, but few studies have focused on the experiences of couples. This study investigates associations between perceived relationship quality, communication and coping patterns, interpersonal misunderstandings and expectations, and survivors’ and spouses’ depressive symptoms after controlling for sociodemographic and proximal factors. It also compares the relative strength of these associations between partners to identify shared versus unique correlates of depressive symptoms. This study adds to a thus far underdeveloped literature about the range of factors that affect partners’ psychosocial adjustment to stroke. Implications for practice, research, and theory are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In pomegranate, black heart disease develops inside the fruit without affecting the rind. Visual inspection is not effective for identification of black heart in pomegranate fruit because of the lack of external symptoms. It has been shown that the water proton T 2 relaxation time is sensitive to cell compartmentalization. Proton NMR relaxometry was used to investigate the water T 2 relaxation distribution in infected and healthy pomegranate arils, and to obtain information that indicates tissue damage. Multi-exponential inversion of the T 2 data of healthy arils gave three relaxation peaks, which correspond to different water compartments in tissue. In infected arils, the three relaxation components shifted to lower relaxation time and a new fast relaxation component appeared indicating there was water redistribution among cell compartments caused by the infection. The change in cell membrane integrity in arils was also investigated with the aid of paramagnetic ions. T 2-weighted fast spin echo images were acquired for healthy and pomegranates with black heart. Histogram features of images, including mean, median, mode, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis, were examined using partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). The PLS-DA model based on histogram features of MR image showed 92% accuracy in detecting the presence of black heart in pomegranate fruit. The significant change in T 2 relaxation distribution in arils after infection proved that T 2 relaxation time is a good indicator of black heart in pomegranate. The T 2 based MR imaging showed its potential as a nondestructive technique for black heart detection in pomegranate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tomato maturity is one of the most important factors associated with the quality of processed tomato products. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is capable of probing the local environment and density of water protons, and encoding the differences in water properties in the form of contrast in image signal intensity. This study investigated changes in tomatoes at different maturity using MRI and the potential for using MRI for tomato maturity classification. A set of 5 MR images was collected on processing tomatoes at various maturity stages. The 5 MRI sequences were selected so that information on water proton properties, including proton density, T 1, T 2, and diffusion rate, are encoded in the MR image signal intensity. A relative water diffusion rate map was also calculated. Changes in structural features and volume element (voxel) intensity in the images were observed as tomatoes develop from green to red stage. In image analysis, voxels in the region of interest (ROI) corresponding to the pericarp of the tomato were used to calculate statistical features of the voxel intensity for image characterization. Partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to a total of 48 image features calculated from 5 MR images of 144 processing tomatoes to predict the tomato maturity. The model with 4 latent variables captures 70% of the variation in tomato maturity. The classification accuracies of the PLS-DA model were around 90% for green, breaker-light red, and red maturity stages. The Variable Importance in Projection coefficient of the 48 image features in the model indicated that the diffusion weighted image and spin echo image with higher T 2 weighting were most important for tomato maturity classification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Circadian rhythm abnormalities in bipolar disorder (BD) have led to a search for genetic abnormalities in circadian "clock genes" associated with BD. However, no significant clock gene findings have emerged from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). At least three factors could account for this discrepancy: complex traits are polygenic, the organization of the clock is more complex than previously recognized, and/or genetic risk for BD may be shared across multiple illnesses. To investigate these issues, we considered the clock gene network at three levels: essential "core" clock genes, upstream circadian clock modulators, and downstream clock controlled genes. Using relaxed thresholds for GWAS statistical significance, we determined the rates of clock vs. control genetic associations with BD, and four additional illnesses that share clinical features and/or genetic risk with BD (major depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit/hyperactivity). Then we compared the results to a set of lithium-responsive genes. Associations with BD-spectrum illnesses and lithiumresponsiveness were both enriched among core clock genes but not among upstream clock modulators. Associations with BD-spectrum illnesses and lithium-responsiveness were also enriched among pervasively rhythmic clock-controlled genes but not among genes that were less pervasively rhythmic or non-rhythmic. Our analysis reveals previously unrecognized associations between clock genes and BD-spectrum illnesses, partly reconciling previously discordant results from past GWAS and candidate gene studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. As a component of a training development project for intercity air travel providers, we investigated the capacity of the airline industry to meet the needs of travelers with disabilities by exploring: (1) the level of sensitivity among personnel to travelers' needs, (2) training currently provided, (3) areas in which additional training might be beneficial, and (4) organisational/systems-level commitment to dignified assistance to all travelers. Method. Forty-four airline/vendor employees participated in nine focus groups in four US cities. Groups were audio recorded and transcribed. A grounded-theory approach was used to develop a coding system which was then applied to transcripts to identify themes. Results. Factors influencing capacity grouped broadly into four areas: characteristics of the job/system, characteristics of current training, characteristics of providers themselves, and characteristics of travelers. At an interpersonal level, providers were empathetic and desired to provide dignified services. They lacked training and adequate equipment in some cases, however, and organisational commitment varied between companies. Traveler characteristics were also shown to impact service delivery. Conclusions. Results are promising but additional regulatory and organisational policies are needed to ensure quality services. Providers and consumers of intercity air travel services may benefit from the findings and recommendations of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Peeling outcomes of processing tomatoes were predicted using multivariate analysis of magnetic resonance (MR) images. Tomatoes were obtained from a whole-peel production line. Each fruit was imaged using a 7-tesla MR system, and a multivariate data set was created from 28 different images. After imaging, the fruits were individually tagged and processed in a pilot peeling system. An expert grader then assessed the peeling outcome for each fruit; outcomes included 'whole peel,''some skin attached' and seven others. The multivariate analysis techniques of partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) were used to predict peeling outcome from the 28 MR images. The PLS-DA model for the 'whole peel' (best) outcome correctly classified 81% of the fruit that were in this category. The SIMCA model performed well for rejecting non-'whole peel' fruit but did not perform as well for identification of 'whole peel' fruit. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Fruit processors seek methods for predicting the quality of their finished products from measurements of their raw materials (individual fruit). Such predictions will ensure optimal allocation and processing of each fruit, which will result in raw material cost savings, improved product quality, wastewater reduction and energy efficiency. In the case of processing tomatoes, peeling outcome is the metric of interest. This study demonstrates the feasibility of predicting final product quality using MR imaging of raw food materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]