cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Deep resequencing of CFTR in 762 F508del homozygotes reveals clusters of non-coding variants associated with cystic fibrosis disease traits
Creators: name: Pace, Rhonda G
name: Sharma, Neeraj
name: Franca, Arianna L
name: Cutting, Garry R
name: Raraigh, Karen S
name: Lee, Melissa
name: Vecchio-Pagán, Briana
name: Knowles, Michael R
name: Pellicore, Matthew J
name: Blackman, Scott M
name: Atalar, Melis
Publisher: name: Springer Nature
Year: 2016

description: Extensive phenotypic variability is commonly observed in individuals with Mendelian disorders, even among those with identical genotypes in the disease-causing gene. To determine whether variants within and surrounding CFTR contribute to phenotypic variability in cystic fibrosis (CF), we performed deep sequencing of CFTR in 762 patients homozygous for the common CF-causing variant, F508del. In phase 1, ~200 kb encompassing CFTR and extending 10 kb 5′ and 5 kb 3′ of the gene was sequenced in 486 F508del homozygotes selected from the extremes of sweat chloride concentration. In phase 2, a 510 kb region, which included the entire topologically associated domain of CFTR, was sequenced in 276 F508del homozygotes drawn from extremes of lung function. An additional 163 individuals who carried F508del and a different CF-causing variant were sequenced to inform haplotype construction. Region-based burden testing of both common and rare variants revealed seven regions of significance (α=0.01), five of which overlapped known regulatory elements or chromatin interactions. Notably, the −80 kb locus known to interact with the CFTR promoter was associated with variation in both CF traits. Haplotype analysis revealed a single rare recombination event (1.9% frequency) in intron 15 of CFTR bearing the F508del variant. Otherwise, the majority of F508del chromosomes were markedly similar, consistent with a single origin of the F508del allele. Together, these high-resolution variant analyses of the CFTR locus suggest a role for non-coding regulatory motifs in trait variation among individuals carrying the common CF allele.
Supplementary document for Fluorescent bacterial biosensor E. coli/pTdcR-TurboYFP sensitive to terahertz radiation - 4941623.pdf
Creators: name: Serdyukov, Danil
name: Goryachkovskaya, Tatiana
name: Mescheryakova, Irina
name: Kuznetsov, Sergei
name: Popik, Vasiliy
name: Peltek, Sergey
Publisher: name: Optica Publishing Group
Year: 2021
Subjects: Uncategorized

description: Table S1, figures S1-S3
Optical CDMA system based on spectral amplitude encoding of incoherent broadband sources.
Creators: name: Adam, Lucie.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1996
Subjects: subject: Engineering, Electronics and Electrical.

description: In this thesis, a new optical Code-Division-Multiple Access (CDMA) system is demonstrated based on spectral amplitude encoding of noncoherent broadband sources. This scheme employs low-cost optical sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The spreading gain is independent of the data rate, therefore individual users can operate at data rates compatible with available electronic devices. Optical CDMA systems are generally classified into two categories: time-encoded and frequency-encoded systems. In the former case, a low information rate is mapped into a high rate optical pulse sequence. This is possible because of the wide bandwidth of optical fibers. The latter relies on encoding the entire available wavelength band at once with a sequence identifying the intended user. The encoding and decoding principles rely solely upon the crosscorrelation properties exhibited by the set of signals used to distinguish subscribers. We employ simple maximal-length sequences. We demonstrate how data is recovered or rejected with the use of a differential receiver. We examine the transceiver design, and the impact of their characteristics on the system capacity. The performance of the proposed CDMA system is experimentally characterized. The experimental set-up and its advantages and limitations are detailed. We present our bit-error rate (BER) measurements for different code lengths and received power. Also, the resulting eye patterns are shown.
Erratum: Luan, E.X.; Shoman, H.; Ratner, D.M.; Cheung, K.C.; Chrostowski, L. Silicon Photonic Biosensors Using Label-Free Detection. Sensors 2018, 18, 3519
Creators: name: Luan, Enxiao
name: Shoman, Hossam
name: Ratner, Daniel M.
name: Cheung, Karen C.
name: Chrostowski, Lukas
Publisher: name: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Year: 2019

description: The authors wish to make the following corrections in their published paper in Sensors [...]
title: Medios de contraste en RM. Guía práctica para el radiólogo
Creators: name: Arias Gonzales, Mercedes
Publisher: name: Sociedad Española de Radiología Médica
Year: 2012
Subjects: subject: Contrast agents

description: Objetivo docente
Revisión del tema
Conclusiones
description: Objetivo docente:
Conocer los diversos grupos de medios de contraste utilizados en RM Familiarizarse con las características fisicoquímicas principales de los distintos tipos de contraste en RM Correlacionar estas características fisicoquímicas con la respuesta...
Linking aberrant chromatin features in chronic lymphocytic leukemia to transcription factor networks
Creators: name: Mallm, Jan‐Philipp
name: Iskar, Murat
name: Ishaque, Naveed
name: Klett, Lara C
name: Kugler, Sabrina J
name: Muino, Jose M
name: Teif, Vladimir B
name: Poos, Alexandra M
name: Großmann, Sebastian
name: Erdel, Fabian
name: Tavernari, Daniele
name: Koser, Sandra D
name: Schumacher, Sabrina
name: Brors, Benedikt
name: König, Rainer
name: Remondini, Daniel
name: Vingron, Martin
name: Stilgenbauer, Stephan
name: Lichter, Peter
name: Zapatka, Marc
name: Mertens, Daniel
name: Rippe, Karsten
Publisher: name: Universität Ulm
Year: 2019
Subjects: subject: bivalent promoter
subject: histone modifications
subject: DDC 610 / Medicine & health
subject: Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell
subject: DNA methylation
subject: Gene regulatory networks
subject: Chronisch-lymphatische Leukämie
subject: DNS
subject: Methylierung

description: In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a diverse set of genetic mutations is embedded in a deregulated epigenetic landscape that drives cancerogenesis. To elucidate the role of aberrant chromatin features, we mapped DNA methylation, seven histone modifications, nucleosome positions, chromatin accessibility, binding of EBF1 and CTCF, as well as the transcriptome of B cells from CLL patients and healthy donors. A globally increased histone deacetylase activity was detected and half of the genome comprised transcriptionally downregulated partially DNA methylated domains demarcated by CTCF. CLL samples displayed a H3K4me3 redistribution and nucleosome gain at promoters as well as changes of enhancer activity and enhancer linkage to target genes. A DNA binding motif analysis identified transcription factors that gained or lost binding in CLL at sites with aberrant chromatin features. These findings were integrated into a gene regulatory enhancer containing network enriched for B-cell receptor signaling pathway components. Our study predicts novel molecular links to targets of CLL therapies and provides a valuable resource for further studies on the epigenetic contribution to the disease.
Process Evaluation of Making HEPA Policy Practice
Creators: name: Kyryliuk, Becky
name: Brazendale, Keith
name: Huberty, Jennifer
name: Turner-McGrievy, Brie
name: Pate, Russell
name: Chandler, Jessica
name: Moore, Justin B.
name: Freedman, Darcy
name: Beighle, Aaron
name: Ajja, Rahma
name: Weaver, Robert G.
name: Beets, Michael W.
name: Ward, Diane
name: Saunders, Ruth
Publisher: name: SAGE Publications
Year: 2016

description: This study examines the link between implementation of Strategies to Enhance Practice (STEPs) and outcomes. Twenty after-school programs (ASPs) participated in an intervention to increase children's accumulation of 30 minutes/day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and quality of snacks served during program time. Outcomes were measured via accelerometer (MVPA) and direct observation (snacks). STEPs implementation data were collected via document review and direct observation. Based on implementation data, ASPs were divided into high/low implementers. Differences between high/low implementers' change in percentage of boys accumulating 30 minutes/day of MVPA were observed. There was no difference between high/low implementers for girls. Days fruits and/or vegetables and water were served increased in the high/low implementation groups, while desserts and sugar-sweetened beverages decreased. Effect sizes (ES) for the difference in changes between the high and low group ranged from low (ES = 0.16) to high (ES = 0.97). Higher levels of implementation led to increased MVPA for boys, whereas girls MVPA benefited from the intervention regardless of high/low implementation. ESs of the difference between high/low implementers indicate that increased implementation of STEPs increases days healthier snacks are served. Programs in the high-implementation group implemented a variety of STEPs strategies, suggesting local adoption/adaptation is key to implementation.
Supplementary document for Quantitative measurement of mechanical properties in wound healing processes in a corneal stroma model by using vibrational optical coherence elastography (OCE) - 4941751.pdf
Creators: name: Zhang, Yilong
name: Ling, Yuting
name: Zhang, Duo
name: Wang, Mingkai
name: Purslow, Chris
name: Yang, Ying
name: Li, Chunhui
name: Huang, Zhihong
Publisher: name: Optica Publishing Group
Year: 2025
Subjects: Uncategorized

description: measurement of Young's modulus of the silicone
Analysis of variance for functional data.
Creators: name: Zoglat, Abdelhak.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1994
Subjects: subject: Mathematics.

description: In this dissertation we present an extension to the well known theory of multivariate analysis of variance. In various situations data are continuous stochastic functions of time or space. The speed of pollutants diffusing through a river, the real amplitude of a signal received from a broadcasting satellite, or the hydraulic conductivity rates at a given region are examples of such processes. After the mathematical background we develop tools for analyzing such data. Namely, we develop estimators, tests, and confidence sets for the parameters of interest. We extend these results, obtained under the normality assumption, and show that they are still valid if this assumption is relaxed. Some examples of applications of our techniques are given. We also outline how the latter can apply to random and mixed models for continuous data. In the appendix, we give some programs which we use to compute the distributions of some of our tests statistics.
The gemini deep deep survey VIII. When did early-type galaxies form?
Creators: name: Abraham, Roberto G.
name: Nair, Preethi
name: McCarthy, Patrick J.
name: Glazebrook, Karl
name: Mentuch, Erin
name: Yan, Haojing
name: Savaglio, Sandra
name: Crampton, David
name: Murowinski, Richard
name: Juneau, Stephanie
name: Le Borgne, Damien
name: Carlberg, R. G.
name: Jørgensen, Inger
name: Roth, Kathy
name: Chen, Hsiao Wen
name: Marzke, Ronald O.
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: We have used the Hubble Space Telescope's Advanced Camera for Surveys (Ford et al. 2003) to measure the cumulative mass density in morphologically selected early-type galaxies over the redshift range 0.8 < z < 1.7. Our imaging data set covers four well-separated sight lines and is roughly intermediate (in terms of both depth and area) between the GOODS/GEMS imaging data and the images obtained in the Hubble Deep Field campaigns. Our images contain 144 galaxies with ultradeep spectroscopy obtained as part of the Gemini Deep Deep Survey. These images have been analyzed using a new purpose-written morphological analysis code, which improves the reliability of morphological classifications by adopting a 'quasi-Petrosian' image thresholding technique. We find that at z similar to 1 about 80% of the stars living in the most massive galaxies reside in early-type systems. This fraction is similar to that seen in the local universe. However, we detect very rapid evolution in this fraction over the range 0.8 < z < 1.7, suggesting that over this redshift range the strongmorphology-mass relationship seen in the nearby universe is beginning to fall into place. By comparing our images to published spectroscopic classifications, we show that little ambiguity exists in connecting spectral classes to morphological classes for spectroscopically quiescent systems. However, the mass density function of early-type galaxies is evolving more rapidly than that of spectroscopically quiescent systems, which we take as further evidence that we are witnessing the formation of massive early-type galaxies over the 0.8 < z < 1.7 redshift range.
Potential use of supervised injection services among people who inject drugs in a remote and mid-size Canadian setting
Creators: name: Mitra, Sanjana
name: Rachlis, Beth
name: Krysowaty, Bonnie
name: Marshall, Zack
name: Olsen, Cynthia
name: Rourke, Sean
name: Kerr, Thomas
Publisher: name: BioMed Central
Year: 2019

description: Background: While supervised injection services (SIS) feasibility research has been conducted in large urban centres across North America, it is unknown whether these services are acceptable among people who inject drugs (PWID) in remote, mid-size cities. We assessed willingness to use SIS and expected frequency of SIS use among PWID in Thunder Bay, a community in Northwestern, Ontario, Canada, serving people from suburban, rural and remote areas of the region. Methods: Between June and October 2016, peer research associates administered surveys to PWID. Sociodemographic characteristics, drug use and behavioural patterns associated with willingness to use SIS and expected frequency of SIS use were estimated using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Design preferences and amenities identified as important to provide alongside SIS were assessed descriptively. Results: Among 200 PWID (median age, IQR: 35, 28–43; 43% female), 137 (69%) reported willingness to use SIS. In multivariable analyses, public injecting was positively associated with willingness to use (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 4.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.08–8.29). Among those willing to use SIS, 87 (64%) said they would always/usually use SIS, while 48 (36%) said they would sometime/occasionally use SIS. In multivariable analyses, being female (AOR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.06–5.65) and reporting injecting alone was positively associated with higher expected frequency of use (AOR: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.02–6.58). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that SIS could play a role in addressing the harms of injection drug use in remote and mid-sized settings particularly for those who inject in public, as well as women and those who inject alone, who report higher expected frequency of SIS use. Design preferences of local PWID, in addition to differences according to gender should be taken into consideration to maximize the uptake of SIS, alongside existing health and social service provisions available to PWID.
Supplementary document for Sub-cycle valleytronics: control of valley polarization using few-cycle linearly polarized pulses - 4941875.pdf
Creators: name: Jimenez-Galan, Alvaro
name: da Silva, Rui Emanuel Ferreira
name: Smirnova, Olga
name: Ivanov, Mikhail
Publisher: name: Optica Publishing Group
Year: 2025
Subjects: Optical Physics not elsewhere classified

description: Supplementary Information
Race, obesity, and birth outcomes: Unraveling a complex association to improve maternal‐child health
Creators: name: Snowden, Jonathan M.
name: Marshall, Nicole E.
name: Robinson, Whitney R.
name: Boone‐Heinonen, Janne
Publisher: name: Wiley
Year: 2016

description: The obesity epidemic and racial disparities in birth outcomes are among the most pressing and persistent population health challenges in the United States. A study by Lemon et al. in this issue of Obesity considers the convergence of these two issues: how racial disparities in maternal obesity contribute to persistent racial disparities in stillbirth and infant death.
Prevalence of Diabetes Among Adults 18 Years and Older in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Study
Creators: name: Meseret Molla Asemu
name: Alemayehu Worku Yalew
name: Negussie Deyessa
name: Desalew Mekonnen Kassie
Publisher: name: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development
Year: 2024

description: Abstract
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that cause significant damage to major organs over time. Ethiopia is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa and has the highest number of diabetes cases. However, there is little empirical evidence on DM in Ethiopia, particularly in the country's capital. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of DM in adults aged 18 years and older in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in Addis Ababa City from June 1 to October 31, 2018. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used to capture adults aged 18 years and above.. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using the WHO-STEPwise approach to monitor risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Physical and biochemical measurements were also collected following standard procedures.We performed binary and multiple logistic regressions to identify associated factors. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results: In this study, a total of 602 participants were included.The overall prevalence of DM was 14.3% (95% CI: 11.5–17.1), with 70.9% of the cases diagnosed for the first time during the study. Age 50 years and above (AOR: 3.89, 95% CI: 1.59–9.48), overweight (AOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.24–4.18), obesity (AOR: 4.55, 95% CI: 2.24–9.25), abdominal obesity (AOR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.03–4.44), hypertriglyceridemia (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.17–3.38), and low HDL-C level (AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.59–4.71) were significantly associated with DM.
Conclusion: The prevalence of DM was higher in the population of Addis Ababa. DM was significantly associated with increasing age, overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and a low HDL-C level. Our findings recommend the development of astratefy for the health system to implement selective screening programs and interventions targeting modifiable risk factors. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(3): 00-00]
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, prevalence, risk factors
description: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development , Vol. 38 No. 3 (2024)
Factors Contributing to the Bankruptcy of Community-Based Health Insurance Schemes in Northwest Ethiopia
Creators: name: Chernet Mengistie Munie
name: Getasew Tadesse
name: Getachew Sitotaw
name: Ayinengida Adamu
name: Amare Minyihun
name: Eneyew Talie Fenta
Publisher: name: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development
Year: 2024

description: Abstract
Background: The expansion of the community-based health insurance (CBHI) program in Ethiopia from 13 to 1,100 districts indicates a commitment to extending healthcare coverage to a larger population. A significant portion of the CBHI in the Amhara region is facing financial difficulties totaling 4 million dollars. This highlights the need for a more in-depth investigation of the underlying issues, such as financial audits, risk assessments, and governance and management practice evaluations.
Objective: To explore the facilitators of the community-based health insurance scheme bankruptcy in the North Mecha district, Northwest Ethiopia.
Method: A phenomenological study design was utilized. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants for the study. Data were collected from 14 key informants using a detailed interview guide until information saturation was reached. To ensure consistency of data and avoid researcher bias, all interviews were transcribed verbatim from the audio files into Amharic transcripts and then translated into English. The transcribed data was coded and categorized. The data was then organized into related themes and sub-themes to conduct thematic analysis using Atlas ti 7.
Results: The study found that the main facilitators of community-based health insurance bankruptcy were low enrolment rates, too many benefit packages, low contribution amounts, fraud and moral hazards on both the demand and supply sides, low availability of drugs and laboratory services, low subsidies, increased costs of medical supply and healthcare services, low community awareness, and increased health service utilization.
Conclusions: This study's findings explored program, community, provider, and health insurance scheme-related factors that were identified as facilitating scheme bankruptcy. These facilitating factors would require policy shifts and program redesign. Therefore, all concerned bodies should focus on addressing these factors for the financial sustainability of the schemes and the capacity of members to contribute to membership. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(3): 00-00]
Keywords: health insurance, adverse selection, capitation, contributions, target subsidy.
description: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development , Vol. 38 No. 3 (2024)
Intervention components, mediators, and mechanisms of change of internet- and mobile-based interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Creators: name: Steubl, Lena
name: Sachser, Cedric
name: Baumeister, Harald
name: Domhardt, Matthias
Publisher: name: Universität Ulm
Year: 2019
Subjects: subject: Veränderungsmechanismen
subject: PTBS
subject: Interventionskomponenten
subject: Metaanalyse
subject: Studienprotokoll
subject: Internet- and mobile-based
subject: PTSD
subject: Mediators
subject: Intervention components
subject: Mechanism of change
subject: Depression
subject: Psychotherapy
subject: Comorbidity
subject: Prevalence
subject: DDC 610 / Medicine & health
subject: Stress disorders, Post-traumatic
subject: Psychological trauma
subject: Cognitive behavioral therapy
subject: Publication bias
subject: Treatment outcome
subject: Posttraumatisches Stresssyndrom
subject: Psychisches Trauma
subject: Kognitive Verhaltenstherapie
subject: Effektivität

description: Background While Internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) might possess the potential to increase access to evidence-based therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), comprehensive knowledge on active intervention components and change mechanisms underlying their efficacy is largely pending so far. The proposed systematic review and meta-analysis will systematically review the current status of research on the efficacy of IMIs for adult PTSD compared to active control conditions and identify active intervention components and mediators responsible for therapeutic change. Methods A systematic literature search (PsycINFO, Medline/PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, ICTRP, and Web of Science) will be conducted using keywords targeting “PTSD” and “Internet- and mobile-based interventions”. Two independent researchers will retrieve studies eligible for inclusion and extract and evaluate data (design, population, outcomes, sample size, duration of intervention and follow-up, drop-out rate). Risk of bias will be assessed, and results will be synthesized qualitatively and evaluated meta-analytically when possible. Discussion The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis might further contribute to the development of IMIs for PTSD by highlighting intervention components and mediators associated with their efficacy. Knowledge about the active ingredients might ultimately lead to more effective interventions and treatment packages, with implications for clinical practice and dissemination of these rather novel interventions. Systematic review registration PROSPERO (CRD42019130314).
Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding in the Second Month after Birth in Turkey: The Role of Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy
Creators: name: Akça, Esin Uzar
name: HAZAR, Hale UYAR
Publisher: name: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development
Year: 2024

description: Abstract
Background: The decline in breastfeeding rates with exclusive breast milk in the second month postpartum is an important situation we have encountered. This requires consideration of the relationship with prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy.
Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the role of prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy in exclusive breastfeeding in the second -month postpartum in Turkey.
Methods: This is an analytical, cross-sectional study. The study sample comprised 312 women, who met the inclusion criteria of the study. The Descriptive Characteristics Form, Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Postnatal Interview Form were used. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test, and Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons (p?0.05).
Results: The mean Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale total score of the women was 74,11±12,39 (minimum-maximum: 19,00-95,00). Among the subscale scores of the Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, the highest was the "desire" subscale score, which was 39.05±5.85. In the 2nd month after birth, the rate of mothers who were exclusively breastfeeding their babies was 87.5% (n=273). There was no significant difference in terms of mean Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale scores between women who exclusive breastfeeding their babies in the second month and women who did non-exclusive breastfeeding (p=0,14). The mean Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale score of women who exclusively breastfeed their babies in the second month was 71,00±11,63. The mean Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale scores of women who had previous breastfeeding experience (p=0.003) were significantly higher. Statistically significant differences were found in a type of infant nutrition between the age (p=0.023) and income (p=0.036) of women.
Conclusion: The study showed that prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy was not a decisive factor for exclusive breastfeeding in the second month after birth. Women who did not exclusively breastfeed their babies in the 2nd month postpartum had lower PBSS scores. In addition, , women who already have experience with breastfeeding have higher breastfeeding self-efficacy. Therefore, midwives and nurses should encourage and support women to breastfeed. Further studies are needed to determine whether prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy is related to breastfeeding behavior. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(3): 00-00]
Keywords: Breastfeeding, mother?s milk, postpartum period, self-efficacy
description: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development , Vol. 38 No. 3 (2024)
title: Looking Through a Paradox an Environmental History of Two Mormon Communities
Creators: name: Tilt, Jenna Howick
Publisher: name: Utah State University
Year: 1998

description: "Nature is both powerfully attractive and powerfully repellent,"1 describes the "Western Paradox" as it was first described by Donald Worster in his Under the Western Skies: The West has been an American symbol of independence, equality and self-preservation from its earliest day, but that freedom had a price. The scarcity of water in the arid West shackled these free spirited adventurers as they became slaves to canals, dams and irrigation ditches.2 Their natural spirit seemed to be defied by the world of technology and machines, which they sought to leave behind by coming West. Yet, by coming to the arid West, the need for water to merely survive grew severe, and with it, grew a need to efficiently use limited water resources. Out of this need, evolved an increasing use of technology to obtain water resources effectively, as well as innovations of new technology. When this happened, those free-spirited adventurers found themselves becoming caught in the capitalistic and dependant world, that they had dreamt of leaving behind, and transforming into victims of Worster's Paradox..
Inhibition of Cdc42 activity extends lifespan and decreases circulating inflammatory cytokines in aged female C57BL/6 mice
Creators: name: Florian, Maria Carolina
name: Leins, Hanna
name: Gobs, Michael
name: Han, Yang
name: Marka, Gina
name: Soller, Karin
name: Vollmer, Angelika
name: Sakk, Vadim
name: Nattamai, Kalpana J.
name: Rayes, Ahmad
name: Zhao, Xueheng
name: Setchell, Kenneth
name: Mulaw, Medhanie
name: Wagner, Wolfgang
name: Zheng, Yi
name: Geiger, Hartmut
Publisher: name: Universität Ulm
Year: 2020
Subjects: subject: Cdc42
subject: epigenetic clock
subject: inflammaging
subject: lifespan
subject: DDC 570 / Life sciences
subject: DDC 610 / Medicine & health
subject: Aging
subject: Epigenetics
subject: Inflammation
subject: Interleukin-18
subject: Expression
subject: Genes
subject: Cells
subject: Altern
subject: Interferon gamma
subject: Genexpression
subject: Gen
subject: Zelle

description: Cdc42 is a small RhoGTPase regulating multiple functions in eukaryotic cells. The activity of Cdc42 is significantly elevated in several tissues of aged mice, while the Cdc42 gain‐of‐activity mouse model presents with a premature aging‐like phenotype and with decreased lifespan. These data suggest a causal connection between elevated activity of Cdc42, aging, and reduced lifespan. Here, we demonstrate that systemic treatment of aged (75‐week‐old) female C57BL/6 mice with a Cdc42 activity‐specific inhibitor (CASIN) for 4 consecutive days significantly extends average and maximum lifespan. Moreover, aged CASIN‐treated animals displayed a youthful level of the aging‐associated cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐1α, and INFγ in serum and a significantly younger epigenetic clock as based on DNA methylation levels in blood cells. Overall, our data show that systemic administration of CASIN to reduce Cdc42 activity in aged mice extends murine lifespan.
Intergenerational value similarity in Polish immigrant families in Canada in comparison to intergenerational value similarity in Polish and Canadian non-immigrant families
Creators: name: Kwast-Welfeld, Joanna
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2004
Subjects: subject: Sociology, Individual and Family Studies.
subject: Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies.

description: This study examined intergenerational value similarity in Polish immigrant families in Canada in comparison to value similarity in non-immigrant families, that is, Polish families in Poland and Canadian families in Canada. The 460 volunteers---members of 155 families living in Poland and Canada---participated by filling out the parent's or young adult's version of the questionnaire. In order to determine an impact of immigration on the value transmission process, the four scales of the Emic Questionnaire of Cultural Values and Scripts (EQCVS) were employed to measure similarity of value priorities and value congruence between parents and their grownup children in the three cultural groups. Comparisons of the groups' mean value scores revealed a generational effect, which depending on the value type, has shown to be culture-specific. However, both the group and family level of analyses showed no effect of immigration on the parent-child value similarity. The five scales of the Personal Authority in the Family System Questionnaire - College Version (PAFS-QCV), the four scales of Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (OEMEIS) questionnaire and some demographic data were employed to test a possible association of contextual variables with parent-child value similarity. The study identified intergenerational relational styles, value similarity within the family and young-adult's identity status as culture specific predictors of parent-child value similarity. Even though the study applied different methods and levels of data analysis, it did not detect a difference in the levels of parent-child value similarity among immigrant and non-immigrant families. The lack of statistically significant difference as well as observed trends in differences in intergenerational similarity of values among the groups tested, and possible explanations for these results are discussed.
Undiagnosed Parapagus Dicephlus Conjoined Twins: A Case of Assisted Vaginal Breech Delivery
Creators: name: Dereje Tegene
name: Ahamed, Badri
name: Heran Ararsa
Publisher: name: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development
Year: 2024

description: Abstract
Background: Parapagus (anterolaterally joined at the chest, abdomen, and pelvis) dicephalus (two-headed) twins are rare types of conjoined twins. Vaginal delivery of undiagnosed conjoined twins are a rare occurrence and associated with Dystocia, maternal and fetal trauma. We aimed to share this rare form of conjoined twin delivered vaginally and the need for obstetric ultrasound for early diagnosis and management.
Case Presentation: We reported a 22 years old Gravid -2, Para-1 (alive, vaginal delivery) mother who does not recall the first day of last normal menstrual period but claimed to be amenorrheic for the last 9 months. She had no obstetric ultrasound during her follow-up. She was referred from a nearby health center to Adama Hospital Medical College with the diagnosis of breech presentation + active first stage of labor + intrauterine fetal death. Upon arrival, she was in the second stage of labor, and the fetus was delivered to the level of the umbilicus, up on pushing the whole trunk delivered to the level of the neck. With gentle down traction and suprapubic pressure, two fetal heads were delivered. A 2900-grama 2900-gram male stillborn had two heads, two necks, two upper and lower extremities, and a single trunk. The mother had no significant vaginal bleeding and no genital tract laceration. She was discharged on her 3rd postpartum day.
Conclusions: All pregnant women should have at least one obstetric ultrasound during their antenatal care follow-up to make the diagnosis of conjoined twins at an earlier gestational age, which is very important to guide the subsequent management. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(3): 00-00]
Keywords: Conjoined Twins, Parapagus Dicephalus, Case Report.
description: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development , Vol. 38 No. 3 (2024)
Stiffened Extracellular Matrix and Signaling from Stromal Fibroblasts via Osteoprotegerin Regulate Tumor Cell Invasion in a 3-D Tumor in Situ Model
Creators: name: McLane, Joshua S.
name: Ligon, Lee A.
Publisher: name: Springer Nature
Year: 2016

description: Several changes have been described in the stroma surrounding a tumor, including changes in cellular composition, altered extracellular matrix composition and organization, and increases in stiffness. Tumor cells are influenced by the composition, organization, and mechanical properties of the microenvironment, and by signals from stromal cells. Here we sought to test whether signaling from stromal fibroblasts and/or the small change in stiffness observed in vivo surrounding epithelial tumors regulates tumor cell invasion from a model of a tumor in situ. We generated a novel tumor in situ model system in which a tumor spheroid is encased within a collagen-IV containing membrane and further encased within a collagen-I matrix of in vivo stiffness with or without fibroblasts. Effects of the matrix, fibroblasts or fibroblast signals were determined by observing the invasion of tumor cells into the matrix. Effects of reciprocal tumor cell signaling upon fibroblasts were determined by observing markers of fibroblast activation. We found that a stiffened matrix led to increased dissemination of MDA-MB-231 cells from tumor spheroids when no fibroblasts were present and that MCF10A cells maintained a more normal organization with a stiffened matrix. The presence of fibroblasts, or fibroblast conditioned media, attenuated the effect upon MDA-MB-231 cells. We also observed an attenuation of fibroblast activation associated gene expression in the presence of MDA-MB-231 cells, with a paradoxical increase in activation associated contractile activity. Furthermore, we identified osteoprotegerin as a soluble factor released by fibroblasts in the stiffened environment that is key to the inhibition of cell invasion.
Model of mixed Frenkel and charge-transfer excitons in donor–acceptor molecular crystals: investigation of vibronic spectra
Creators: name: Lalov, I. J.
name: Warns, C.
name: Reineker, Peter
Publisher: name: Universität Ulm
Year: 2008
Subjects: subject: DDC 530 / Physics
subject: Molecular structure
subject: Molekülstruktur

description: The mixing of Frenkel excitons (FEs) and charge-transfer excitons (CTEs) in a molecular stack of regularly arranged donor (D) and acceptor (A) molecules is considered a model case and its vibronic line shapes have been calculated for several parameter sets. The two types of excitons (FE and CTE) are coupled linearly and quadratically with one vibrational mode of the D molecule (or of the A molecule). Using the methods of canonical transformation and of Green's functions (at T=0), as well as the vibronic approach which is applicable in the case of a narrow exciton band, the linear optical susceptibility is calculated for the three spectral regions: (a) excitonic, (b) one-phonon vibronics, and (c) two-phonon vibronics. As the study is directed to centrosymmetrical stacks, the cases of mixing of gerade excitons and of ungerade excitons have been treated separately in the calculation of the linear absorption coefficients. Because until now experimental observations of FE–CTE mixing in DA charge-transfer systems are absent, the numerical calculations have been performed for hypothetical sets of parameters which include: the parameters of CTEs in DA stacks (like anthracene–PMDA) and the parameters of FE–CTE mixing in a one-component stack (like that of PTCDA). The simulations establish the main features of the excitonic and vibronic spectra in the case of FE–CTE mixing, namely (i) the mutual influence on the positions and on the absorption intensities of all terms of the vibronic progressions stemming from FE and CTE levels; (ii) in the case of vibration of an A molecule (if the FE is assumed to be an excited electronic state of the D molecule), only one vibronic progression is manifest and the vibronic levels closer to the FE will be most enhanced; (iii) the redistribution of the absorption intensities depends on the sign of the mixing constant and may be so strong that the terms of the two vibronic progressions could have comparable absorption; (iv) spectral lines of different shape correspond to the bound and unbound exciton–phonon states; and (v) in the case of mixing of gerade excitons its possible impact on the absorption of the ungerade CTE-combination connected with the noncentral part k≠0 of the Brillouin zone was established. The simulation of the FE–CTE mixing can be useful in the assignment of the linear absorption spectra and in the description of the FE–CTE–vibration coupling.
Supplementary document for Sub-cycle valleytronics: control of valley polarization using few-cycle linearly polarized pulses - 4941875.pdf
Creators: name: Jimenez-Galan, Alvaro
name: da Silva, Rui Emanuel Ferreira
name: Smirnova, Olga
name: Ivanov, Mikhail
Publisher: name: Optica Publishing Group
Year: 2021
Subjects: Optical Physics not elsewhere classified

description: Supplementary Information
Anti-Tobacco Counseling Practice and Physicians' Attitudes towards Tobacco Smoking
Creators: name: Verulava, Tengiz
name: Akhalaia, Thea
name: Dachi Verulava
Publisher: name: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development
Year: 2024

description: Abstract
Background: Physicians play an important role in tobacco smoking (TS) cessation in patients. The formation of patients’ attitudes and the implementation of prevention measures are usually influenced and affected by physicians smoking behavior and their knowledge and beliefs about the harmful effects of tobacco. The study aims to analyze physicians' attitudes towards TS and counseling patients on tobacoo prevention.
Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020. Out of 337 physicians, 275 were randomly selected in five large tertiary hospitals (Tbilisi, Georgia). Each participant was emailed a pre-designed electronic questionnaire, which by 242 participants completed.
Results: The prevalence rate of tobacco usage was 39.4% among males and 13.63% among females. The average rate of smokers in the country considerably exceeds the number of doctor smokers. The highest rate of smoking was revealed in surgeons (n=12; 24%). The age when smokers start TS is much lower in men (up to 16 years old) in comparison to women (from 16-20 years old). According to the majority of respondents (84%; n=204), doctors should not smoke tobacco due to their profession, as they are in charge of giving a good example to their patients. According to 74% of respondents, the advice of a doctor leading to the prevention of TS usage motivates patients to cease smoking. Attitudes of doctors towards patients-smokers are stipulated by their smoking status. Smoker doctors reveal a more loyal attitude to smoker patients compared to the doctors who do not smoke. Doctors-smokers mainly consider that tobacco prevention counseling does not result in a reduction of patients-smokers.
Conclusions: Physicians have a high prevalence rate of TS among physicians, although they have enough information about the role of tobacco in the development of various diseases. To form anti-smoking efforts within the medical community, encouraging doctors to decrease tobacco dependence is required. It is advisable to increase physicians’ education of physicians about the various methods of smoking cessation. Incorporating tobacco cessation education into medical university curricula will significantly assist physicians in routinely providing tobacco cessation assistance to patients. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(3): 00-00]
Keywords: tobacco, doctor, tobacco use, tobacco cessation, smoking.
description: The Ethiopian Journal of Health Development , Vol. 38 No. 3 (2024)
Félix Leclerc et le mouvement indépendantiste québécois : un mariage basé sur les valeurs communes.
Creators: name: Naud, Pierre.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 2002
Subjects: subject: Canadian Studies.

description: Que l'art appuie ou critique la politique, il reste qu'une relation particulière existe entre l'art et la politique. En constatant cela, nous pouvons nous intéresser aux différents artistes engagés et aux causes qu'ils défendaient pour tenter d'expliquer en profondeur les liens les unissant. Au Québec, le poète-auteur-chanteur, Félix Leclerc, s'est particulièrement illustré en tant qu'artiste engagé. Ce dernier, associé à la cause indépendantiste québécoise, a écrit et chanté ce qu'il souhaitait pour son pays. Nous pouvons constater l'ampleur de son engagement et déterminer ce qui a poussé ce poète à s'allier au mouvement indépendantiste québécois en étudiant son oeuvre, en l'analysant à l'aide du modèle d'analyse des comportement collectifs de Neil Smelser, et finalement en mettant l'idéologie de ce dernier en parallèle avec celle du mouvement indépendantiste québécois.
PIK3CA alterations and benefit with neratinib: analysis from the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III ExteNET trial
Creators: name: Chia, Stephen K L
name: Martin, Miguel
name: Holmes, Frankie A
name: Ejlertsen, Bent
name: Delaloge, Suzette
name: Moy, Beverly
name: Iwata, Hiroji
name: Von Minckwitz, Gunter
name: Mansi, Janine
name: Barrios, Carlos H
name: Gnant, Michael
name: Tomašević, Zorica
name: Denduluri, Neelima
name: Šeparović, Robert
name: Kim, Sung-Bae
name: Jakobsen, Erik H
name: Harvey, Vernon
name: Robert, Nicholas
name: Smith, John
name: Harker, Graydon
name: Zhang, Bo
name: Eli, Lisa D
name: Ye, Yining
name: Lalani, Alshad S
name: Buyse, Marc
name: Chan, Arlene
Publisher: name: BioMed Central
Year: 2019

description: Background: Neratinib is an irreversible pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways after HER2 receptor activation. The ExteNET study showed that neratinib significantly improved 5-year invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) in women who completed trastuzumab-based adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer (EBC). We assessed the prognostic and predictive significance of PIK3CA alterations in patients in ExteNET. Methods: Participants were women aged ≥ 18 years (≥ 20 years in Japan) with stage 1–3c (modified to stage 2–3c in February 2010) operable breast cancer, who had completed (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy plus trastuzumab ≤ 2 years before randomization, with no evidence of disease recurrence or metastatic disease at study entry. Patients were randomized to oral neratinib 240 mg/day or placebo for 1 year. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded primary tumor specimens underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) PIK3CA testing for two hotspot mutations in exon 9, one hot-spot mutation in exon 20, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for PIK3CA amplification. The primary endpoint (iDFS) was tested with log-rank test and hazard ratios (HRs) estimated using Cox proportional-hazards models. Results: Among the intent-to-treat population (n = 2840), tumor specimens were available for PCR testing (991 patients) and PIK3CA FISH (702 patients). Overall, 262 samples were PIK3CA altered: 201 were mutated (77%), 52 (20%) were amplified, and 9 (3%) were mutated and amplified. iDFS was non-significantly worse in placebo-treated patients with altered vs wild-type PIK3CA (HR 1.34; 95% CI 0.72–2.50; P = 0.357). Neratinib’s effect over placebo was significant in patients with PIK3CA-altered tumors (HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.17–0.90, P = 0.028) but not PIK3CA wild-type tumors (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.36–1.41; P = 0.34). The interaction test was non-significant (P = 0.309). Conclusions: Although there was a greater absolute risk reduction associated with neratinib treatment of patients with PIK3CA-altered tumors in ExteNET, current data do not support PIK3CA alteration as a predictive biomarker of response to neratinib in HER2-positive EBC. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT00878709 . Trial registered April 9, 2009.