cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of captopril and enalapril on tissue renin-angiotensin systems in experimental heart failure.

BACKGROUNDAngiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy elicits beneficial responses from patients with heart failure. We hypothesized that a major site of action of these drugs is tissue ACE and that ACE inhibitors might differ in their ability to inhibit tissue ACE. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the effects of captopril and enalapril on blood pressure and renal function and on serum and tissue ACE activities in sham-operated rats and rats with heart failure induced by coronary artery ligation.METHODS AND RESULTSDuring short-term (1-week) treatment, captopril (200 mg.kg-1.day-1) and enalapril (25 mg.kg-1.day-1) elicited equipotent effects on blood pressure and inhibition of serum ACE activity (85%). The effects of long-term treatment (47 days) were then studied beginning 45 +/- 5 days after coronary ligation in four treatment groups: sham-operated, vehicle (n = 14); heart failure, vehicle (n = 10); heart failure, captopril (n = 8); and heart failure, enalapril rats (n = 7). During long-ter...
Biocompatible, biodegradable and sterically stabilized phospholipid nanomicelles improve cryopreservation of oral keratinocytes: a preliminary investigation.

In this proof-of principle study, we determined whether biocompatible, biodegradable and sterically stabilized phospholipid nanomicelles (SSNMs) improve viability and membrane integrity of cryopreserved oral keratinocytes. Cultured chemically transformed hamster oral keratinocytes were frozen gradually with and stored in liquid nitrogen in the presence of 10% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or SSNMs composed of distearoylphosphatidyl-ethanolamine-N-poly(ethylene glycol) 2000 (size, 17 ± 1 nm; 0.1 and 1.0 nmol). Forty-eight hours later, cells were thawed and their viability was determined. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in cell lysates and supernatants was quantified as well. SSNMs evoked a significant, concentration-dependant increase in cell viability in comparison to 10% DMSO (p < 0.05). There was also a significant decrease in LDH activity in the supernatant of cells cryopreserved with SSNMs in comparison to 10% DMSO (p < 0.05). These data indicate that SSNMs improve cryopreservation of oral keratinocyte by promoting cell viability and plasma membrane integrity. We suggest that SSNMs should be further developed as a novel nanocryopreservative for keratinocytes.
Relative speeds of Kodak computed radiography phosphors and screen-film systems

Relative mAs values required to generate a constant plate readout signal for the Kodak Ektascan general purpose (GP-25) and high resolution (HR) photostimulable phosphors were measured as a function of x-ray beam quality and for a range of representative x-ray examinations. The signal intensity was determined from the exposure index (EI) generated during the read out of uniformly exposed phosphor imaging plates. These data were compared to the corresponding relative mAs values required to produce a constant film density of Lanex screen-film combinations with nominal speeds of 40, 400, and 600. The relative detection performance of the photostimulable phosphors generally decreased with increasing kVp and beam filtration. The relative response of GP-25 phosphors was independent of examination type, and modified by approximately 10% when scattered radiation was present. The HR phosphor was more efficient than a Lanex Single Fine extremity screen used with an EM-1 film. These relative response data will be useful for selecting the x-ray technique factors which minimize patient dose in x-ray examinations performed with photostimulable phosphors.
Integration of Four‐Level Prognostic Equations over the Hemisphere

The three-dimensional quasi-nondivergent prognostic equation derived previously by Kuo is integrated over the hemisphere, the vertical distribution being represented by four levels. The effects of the mean radiational heating, friction and heating from the ground, and that of the turbulent diffusion have been included in this investigation. The initial disturbance considered is a random combination of ten wave components in x and seven wave components in y. The result of the integration is that at the end of the fourth day at 850 mb, three closed lows have been formed, all around latitude 60°, while the pole is occupied by a high. These lows have the dimensions of the semi-permanent lows in winter. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1959.tb00051.x
Theory in Anthropology since the Sixties

Every year, around the time of the meetings of the American Anthropological Association, the New York Times asks a Big Name anthropologist to contribute an op-ed piece on the state of the field. These pieces tend to take a rather gloomy view. A few years ago, for example, Marvin Harris suggested that anthropology was being taken over by mystics, religious fanatics, and California cultists; that the meetings were dominated by panels on shamanism, witchcraft, and “abnormal phenomena”; and that “scientific papers based on empirical studies” had been willfully excluded from the program (Harris 1978). More recently, in a more sober tone, Eric Wolf suggested that the field of anthropology is coming apart. The sub-fields (and sub-sub-fields) are increasingly pursuing their specialized interests, losing contact with each other and with the whole. There is no longer a shared discourse, a shared set of terms to which all practitioners address themselves, a shared language we all, however idiosyncratically, speak (Wolf 1980).
Dual-earner parents and family cohesion: A resources and demands approach to examining the contagion of work into family life

We combine two theoretical perspectives – differential salience and contagion theory – to examine family cohesion and its relationships to work resources and demands. Data come from a survey of dual-earner parenting couples (N = 104), with responses from both spouses. Thus, we have access to two views of the same family and information about both spouses’ work. We find differences and similarities in the spillover (e.g. a wife’s work influences her family experiences) and crossover (e.g. a wife’s work influences her husband’s family experiences) of work into family life for parents. Mothers’ job satisfaction is associated with family cohesion for both mothers (spillover) and fathers (crossover). The perceived negative impact of partner’s work on relationships with children is a significant predictor of both parents’ family cohesion (crossover). Results point to the importance of satisfying work that allows parents to nurture relationships with children and workplace policies supporting the family.
Decolonizing the Language of Lutheran Theology: Confessions, Mission, Indians, and the Globalization of Hybridity

: Christianity as we know it in the United States is essentially a european ethnic religious movement, one that has necessitated decolonizing processes as it has spread into the formerly euro-colonized global world. In many ways, lutheranism has been and continues to be even more discretely ethnocentric, based largely in the thinking, the cultures, and the languages of the germanic north. This essay challenges lutheran theologians to begin a dedicated process of decoding the narrowly ethnic and implicitly colonizing language of lutheran theology.
In Vitro Culture Increases the Frequency of Stochastic Epigenetic Errors at Imprinted Genes in Placental Tissues from Mouse Concepti Produced Through Assisted Reproductive Technologies

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) have enabled millions of couples with compromised fertility to conceive children. Nevertheless, there is a growing concern regarding the safety of these procedures due to an increased incidence of imprinting disorders, premature birth, and low birth weight in ART-conceived offspring. An integral aspect of ART is the oxygen concentration used during in vitro development of mammalian embryos, which is typically either atmospheric (~20%) or reduced (5%). Both oxygen tension levels have been widely used, but 5% oxygen improves preimplantation development in several mammalian species, including that of humans. To determine whether a high oxygen tension increases the frequency of epigenetic abnormalities in mouse embryos subjected to ART, we measured DNA methylation and expression of several imprinted genes in both embryonic and placental tissues from concepti generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and exposed to 5% or 20% oxygen during culture. We found that placentae from IVF embryos exhibit an increased frequency of abnormal methylation and expression profiles of several imprinted genes, compared to embryonic tissues. Moreover, IVF-derived placentae exhibit a variety of epigenetic profiles at the assayed imprinted genes, suggesting that these epigenetic defects arise by a stochastic process. Although culturing embryos in both of the oxygen concentrations resulted in a significant increase of epigenetic defects in placental tissues compared to naturally conceived controls, we did not detect significant differences between embryos cultured in 5% and those cultured in 20% oxygen. Thus, further optimization of ART should be considered to minimize the occurrence of epigenetic errors in the placenta.
Lung Mass in a Smoker

ity. A purified protein derivative tuberculin skin test was performed and interpreted as positive with a 10-mm induration. He was referred to the tuberculosis clinic for further evaluation. He denied any specific respiratory symptoms. His medical history was noncontributory, with a negative review of systems. He had a 10-pack-year history of smoking, with no other substance abuse. The physical examination was unremarkable. A chest radiograph showed a right lower zone nodule. It also showed a well-circumscribed semilunar opacity in the left perihilar region (Fig 1). A CT scan of the chest confirmed the presence of a calcified granuloma in the right middle lobe. It also showed a 2 3 3 3 3-cm soft tissue nodule in the anterior segment of the left upper lobe associated with a bulla in that region. The nodule did not enhance with contrast nor did it contain calcium or fat (Fig 2). Fiberoptic bronchoscopy did not reveal any endobronchial masses, stenosis, or foreign bodies. Multiple endobronchial biopsies, washings, and brushings showed chronic inflammatory changes with no evidence of malignancy. Acid-fast bacilli and fungal smear results were negative.
SIGNALING AND FUNCTION OF INSULIN-LIKE PEPTIDES IN INSECTS

▪ Abstract Insulin-like peptides (ILPs) exist in insects and are encoded by multigene families that are expressed in the brain and other tissues. Upon secretion, these peptides likely serve as hormones, neurotransmitters, and growth factors, but to date, few direct functions have been demonstrated. In Drosophila melanogaster, molecular genetic studies have revealed elements of a conserved insulin signaling pathway, and as in other animal models, it appears to play a key role in metabolism, growth, reproduction, and aging. This review offers (a) an integrated summary of the efforts to characterize the distribution of ILPs in insects and to define this pathway and its functions in Drosophila and (b) a few considerations for future studies of ILP endocrinology in insects.
An algorithm for construction of efficient fix-free codes

We propose an algorithm for construction of fix-free codes, which involves a new codeword selection mechanism. Starting from the shortest codewords, the proposed algorithm selects fix-free codewords of any length i with respect to maximizing the number of available codewords of length i+1. Due to the increased fix-free codeword availability, the proposed algorithm constructs the codes of higher efficiency relative to the other algorithms in the literature.
Brief announcement: a flexible framework for secret handshakes

Secret handshakes offer anonymous and unobservable authentication and serve as an important tool in the arsenal of privacy-preserving techniques. Prior research focused on 2-party secret handshakes with one-time credentials. This paper breaks new ground on two accounts: (1) we obtain secure and efficient secret handshakes with reusable credentials, and (2) we provide the first treatment of multi-party secret handshakes.
Stability analysis of SDOF real‐time hybrid testing systems with explicit integration algorithms and actuator delay

Real-time hybrid testing is a method that combines experimental substructure(s) representing component(s) of a structure with a numerical model of the remaining part of the structure. These substructures are combined with the integration algorithm for the test and the servo-hydraulic actuator to form the real-time hybrid testing system. The inherent dynamics of the servo-hydraulic actuator used in real-time hybrid testing will give rise to a time delay, which may result in a degradation of accuracy of the test, and possibly render the system to become unstable. To acquire a better understanding of the stability of a real-time hybrid test with actuator delay, a stability analysis procedure for single-degree-of-freedom structures is presented that includes both the actuator delay and an explicit integration algorithm. The actuator delay is modeled by a discrete transfer function and combined with a discrete transfer function representing the integration algorithm to form a closed-loop transfer function for the real-time hybrid testing system. The stability of the system is investigated by examining the poles of the closed-loop transfer function. The effect of actuator delay on the stability of a real-time hybrid test is shown to be dependent on the structural parameters as well as the form of the integration algorithm. The stability analysis results can have a significant difference compared with the solution from the delay differential equation, thereby illustrating the need to include the integration algorithm in the stability analysis of a real-time hybrid testing system. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sonographic renal parameters as related to age.

Four hundred and fifty-four kidneys were evaluated by real time ultrasound for appearance of renal cortical echogenecity, medullary pyramids and central sinus echoes. These renal parameters were correlated with age in 227 patients ranging in age from 0–15 years. The renal parenchymal echogenicity was observed to change not abruptly at a certain age but gradually over a period of years.
Pten deletion leads to the expansion of a prostatic stem/progenitor cell subpopulation and tumor initiation

PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) is a potent tumor suppressor gene frequently mutated in human prostate cancers. Deletion of Pten in a murine model of prostate cancer recapitulates the disease progression seen in humans. Using defined cell lineage markers, we demonstrate that PTEN negatively regulates p63-positive prostatic basal cell proliferation without blocking differentiation. Concomitant with basal cell proliferation is the expansion of a prostate stem/progenitor-like subpopulation as evidenced by the progressive increase of stem cell antigen-1 (Sca-1)- and BCL-2-positive cells. This observation provides strong evidence that basal cell proliferation can be an initiating event for precancerous lesions. Sca-1+ and BCL-2+ progenitors may serve as cancer-initiating cells in this model.
Towards Cluster Based Wireless Sensor Network Deployment Management and Network Coverage Verification

In a wireless sensor network, the problems of determining sensor locations and verifying their coverage after deployment are challenging ones and they are crucial for many wireless sensor applications during deployment and post-deployment assessment. In this paper, we propose a cluster based approach to address these problems using location guided laser beams as stimulating signals to trigger randomly deployed sensor nodes self-organizing into clusters within virtually defined geographical-grids. Each cluster has a cluster header that can communicate with a base station about the cluster location and its membership. Both cluster location and membership information provide valuable measures for sensor network operators to assess the degree of coverage and network connectivity. With a feedback radio link from the base station to the agent that is carrying out the deployment, it is possible for the deployment agent to correct any coverage problems during the deployment phase instead of costly post-deployment reactions.
Sound Bites Won't Prepare the Next Generation: Early Childhood Teacher Education Policy Public-Private Divide in Massachusetts.

The political emphasis on early education speaks of growing expectations for equal access and the need to ensure quality—by way of standard accountability measures—on behalf of all young children. ...
Expression and activity of p67 are induced during heat shock.

Abstract p67, a cellular glycoprotein, protects eIF2α from phosphorylation by inhibitory kinases such as PKR and HCR. p67 promoter contains heat shock element (HSE). To investigate whether this HSE of p67 has any role during heat-shock, rat tumor hepatoma cells were transiently transfected with CAT reporters linked to p67 promoter with HSE and without HSE. Heat shock induced CAT activity when p67 promoter contained HSE and this induction was not observed when HSE was deleted from the p67 promoter. In response to heat-shock, the endogenous p67 mRNA was also induced to more than 36-fold, and much of it translated into protein which was modified by GlcNAc moieties. The time of induced glycosyl modification at the later stages of the heat-shock correlates with the reduced level of eIF2α phosphorylation. During later stages of the heat shock of animal cells, there is a preferential translation of a small class of messages encoding heat shock proteins. Our results suggest that the expression and activity of p67 are induced at the later stages of the heat-shock, and may be involved in the preferential translation of the heat-shock messages.
Geometrical meaning of arithmetic series ? , ? and ? in terms of the elementary combinatorics

The formula is closely related to combinatorics through an elementary geometric exercise. This approach can be expanded to the formulas , and . These formulas are also nice examples of showing two approaches, one algebraic and one combinatoric, to a problem of counting. The classroom note on the integral representation of the pictorial proof of was published in issue 42(2).
Bounds, Heuristics, and Approximations for Distribution Systems

This paper develops simple approximate methods to analyze a two-stage distribution system consisting of one warehouse and multiple retailers with stochastic demand. We consider local and central control schemes. The main ideas are based on relaxing and or decomposing the system into more manageable newsvendor-type subsystems. We also provide bounds on the optimal policy and the optimal expected cost. We show that one of the heuristics is asymptotically optimal in the number of retailers. These results provide practically useful techniques as well as insights into stock-positioning issues and the drivers of system performance.
The relationship of APOE polymorphism and cholesterol levels in normoglycemic and diabetic subjects in a biethnic population from the San Luis Valley, Colorado

Abstract We have determined apolipoprotein E (apoE = protein, APOE=gene) polymorphism and its relationship with total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride levels in normoglycemic Hispanics ( n = 446) and non-Hispanic whites (NHWs) ( n = 659) as well as in diabetic Hispanics ( n = 235) and NHWs ( n = 116) from the San Luis Valley, Colorado. Effects were estimated separately for each group, and within each group men and women were analyzed separately; women were further categorized into pre- and post-menopausal status. The distribution of the APOE genotype pattern was comparable between the NHW normoglycemics and diabetics but it was significantly different among Hispanic normoglycemics and diabetics ( P P = 0.09 and P = 0.03) but not in Hispanic men. In normoglycemic NHWs, however, significant mean differences among APOE genotypes were observed for TC and LDL-C in both women ( P P P = 0.009 and P = 0.01). In Hispanic females, the APOE polymorphism accounted for 5.6% and 7.6% of the phenotypic variance for TC and LDL-C, respectively. In NHW females, the APOE polymorphism explained 10.2% of the phenotypic variance for TC and LDL-C, and in NHW males these values were 6.2% and 7.5%, respectively. There was no evidence of physiologic interaction between the APOE polymorphism and menopause status in affecting TC and LDL-C in NHW women ( P = 0.65 and P = 0.55) but a suggestion of interaction was observed in Hispanic women for TC and LDL-C ( P = 0.11 and 0.07). After the Hispanic women were stratified into pre- and postmenopausal groups, the effect of the APOE polymorphism on TC and LDL-C was significant only in the premenopausal group. Among diabetics, no significant effect of the APOE polymorphism was seen on cholesterol levels. However, a significant relationship was observed between the APOE polymorphism and glycemic control in affecting cholesterol levels in Hispanics in which cholesterol varied significantly among APOE genotypes only in those diabetic individuals whose glycosylated hemoglobin was > 10.5%.
An optical system for detecting 3D high-speed oscillation of a single ultrasound microbubble

As contrast agents, microbubbles have been playing significant roles in ultrasound imaging. Investigation of microbubble oscillation is crucial for microbubble characterization and detection. Unfortunately, 3-dimensional (3D) observation of microbubble oscillation is challenging and costly because of the bubble size—a few microns in diameter—and the high-speed dynamics under MHz ultrasound pressure waves. In this study, a cost-efficient optical confocal microscopic system combined with a gated and intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) camera were developed to detect 3D microbubble oscillation. The capability of imaging microbubble high-speed oscillation with much lower costs than with an ultra-fast framing or streak camera system was demonstrated. In addition, microbubble oscillations along both lateral (x and y) and axial (z) directions were demonstrated. Accordingly, this system is an excellent alternative for 3D investigation of microbubble high-speed oscillation, especially when budgets are limited.
Illegal Immigration: A World-Class Solution

The problem of illegal or undocumented immigrants has become a large one in the United States, and the intensity of emotions involved make finding a solution more difficult. The extreme polarization divides even those who are otherwise of the same or similar political persuasion. This paper reviews the legal issues involved at each point in the process of dealing with undocumented or illegal immigrants, examines workable solutions in place in other countries to identify alternatives, analyzes those alternative solutions, and proposes what the authors believe to be a practical and reasonable approach to addressing the problem.
Positive energy theorem for P ( X , ϕ ) theories

We describe a positive energy theorem for Einstein gravity coupled to scalar fields with first-derivative interactions, so-called $P(X,\ensuremath{\phi})$ theories. We offer two independent derivations of this result. The first method introduces an auxiliary field to map the theory to a Lagrangian describing two canonical scalar fields, where one can apply a positive energy result of Boucher and Townsend. The second method works directly at the $P(X,\ensuremath{\phi})$ level and uses spinorial arguments introduced by Witten. The latter approach follows that of recent work by Nozawa and Shiromizu [Phys. Rev. D 89, 023011 (2014)], but the end result is considerably less restrictive. We point to the technical step where our derivation deviates from theirs, which substantially expands the class of Lagrangians encompassed by the theorem. One of the more interesting implications of our analysis is to show it is possible to have positive energy in cases where dispersion relations following from locality and S-matrix analyticity are violated. This indicates that these two properties are logically distinct; i.e., it is possible to have positive energy even when the S-matrix is nonanalytic and vice versa.
Coadsorption of n Monomer Species on Terraces and Nanotubes

The knowledge of the partition function, Z, of a system of particles adsorbed on a surface is all that is required to determine the occupational characteristics of the adsorbates and the thermodynamic proper- tiesofthesystem.Thesurfaceconsideredisaterraceorananotubeofarbitrary periodic lattice geometry, L atomic sites in length, and M 0 sites in the width of the terrace or in the normal cross section of the nanotube. The matrix method introduced in 2007 to obtain Z for the adsorption study of one species of monomers is now generalized to the study of the coadsorption of any number, n, of monomer species. We provide proof that Z can be related to the eigenvalues of a real and non-negative matrix (T matrix) of rank (n þ 1) M , where M is an integer multiple of M 0 . In the infinite-L limit, we also prove that Z is the largest eigenvalue of the T matrix, raised to the power of 1 /M. Because the rank of this matrix increases exponentially withM, we develop a technique for its recursive construction applicable to any lattice geometry, which is easily programmed and efficiently adaptable for supercomputing and multiparallel processing. As examples, we consider the coadsorption on square, equilateral triangular, and honeycomb surfaces. This general formulation can now be applied to model a whole new set of experiments involving the coadsorption of two or more monomer species, on terrace or nanotube surfaces with various periodic lattice structures.
Characterizing Wind Speed and Air Density for Wind Energy Estimation

Wind energy is the fastest growing renewable energy source in the past decade. To estimate the wind energy potential for a specific site, the long-term wind data need to be analyzed and accurately modeled. Wind speed and air density are the two key parameters for wind energy potential calculation, and their characteristics determine the long-term wind energy estimation. In this paper, we analyze the wind speed and air density data obtained from two observation sites in North Dakota and Colorado, and the variations of wind speed and air density in long term are demonstrated. We obtain univariate statistical distributions for the two parameters respectively. Excellent fitting performance can be achieved for wind speed for both sites using conventional univariate probability distribution functions, but fitting air density distribution for the North Dakota site appears to be less accurate. Furthermore, we adopt Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern approach to construct joint bivariate distributions to describe wind speed and air density simultaneously. Overall, satisfactory goodness-of-fit values are achieved with the joint distribution models, but the fitting performance is slightly worse compared with the univariate distributions. Further research is needed to improve air density distribution model and the joint bivariate distribution model for wind speed and air density.© 2009 ASME
Epidemiologic features in glycometabolic disorders of the population among adult residents in Anhui area

Objective To estimate the prevalence of glycometabolic abnormality among adults aged more than 18 year-old in Anhui province in 2010.Methods A Cross-sectional population survey for glycometabolic abnormality was performed by use of multistage randomly cluster sampling method.Questionnaire,fasting plasma glucose(FPG) and 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test(OGTT) were conducted in 3 575 subjects.Results Prevalence of glycometabolic abnormality(GA),diabetes mellitus(DM),impaired glucose regulation(IGR),impaired fasting glucose(IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance(IGT) were 30.0%,10.9%,20.0%,13.4% and 11.6% respectively.The prevalence of GA was higher in male than that in female,and increased with age.Our result also showed that the prevalence of glycometabolic abnormality was obvious associated with overweight,obesity,hypertension and dyslipidemia.Conclusion There are a high prevalence of glycometabolic abnormality in Anhui province which increased with age.It is necessary to take comprehensive measures for glycometabolic abnormality prevention and control,including health promotion,taking reasonable lifestyle,balanced diet,weight control,appropriate exercise,monitoring blood pressure,serum glucose and serum lipid as well as early IGR-screening.
To study the pattern of bacterial isolates in open fractures

Introduction: Open fractures are fairly common in developing countries. Causes of open fractures vary widely including road traffic accident, fall from height, gunshot, assault, machine injuries and others. Infection is a common complication of open fractures. Chronic osteomyelitis, nonunion, loss of function or even limb loss are some serious outcome of deep fracture site infections. Primary goal in management of open fractures is prevention of infection of bone and soft tissue by early debridement, irrigation of wound and administration of broad spectrum antibiotics with stabilization of fractures. Aim: The aim of the study is to elucidate pattern of microbial isolates in open fractures so as to form rationale antibiotic regimen for treating open fractures. Methods: 70 patients were taken into study of all ages, both the sexes with open fracture classified according to Gustilo Anderson classification. Primarily wound was examined and description of the wound was recorded with 1st culture swab taken at that time followed by 2nd culture swab on 1st dressing after debridement and 3rd culture swab if infection continues further. Culture and sensitivity reports were collected for studying pattern of bacterial isolate and their sensitivity. Results: Pre-debridement cultures are of no importance. Post-debridement cultures are important in formulating an antibiotic regime. Gram negative organisms are the most probable cause of infection. Aminoglycosides are the most sensitive group of drugs in both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Cephalosporins or quinolones should be used in combination with aminoglycosides in all cases of open fracture in our vicinity. Conclusion: All institutions and hospitals should find out the most common infecting pathogen in their environment and formulate an antibiotic policy accordingly.
Potential effects of Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) on host postfledging dispersal and survival

ABSTRACT Nest parasitism by Brown-headed Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) negatively affects nest production and nest success of the majority of their hosts. However, it is unclear what effects cowbird fledglings have on host broods during the postfledging period. We monitored 65 nests of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla) from 2012–2014 in central Missouri, 49% of which were parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds. We used radio-telemetry to track daily movements, survival, and parental care for 13 Ovenbird fledglings from parasitized nests that fledged cowbirds and 21 Ovenbird fledglings from non-parasitized nests. Clutch size and nest productivity were lower in parasitized nests, but mean nestling mass at fledging and total brood size (host and parasite young) did not differ between parasitized and non-parasitized nests. All mortalities occurred within the first 10 days after fledging. Estimated postfledging cumulative survival and observed adult care were similar between parasitism groups. There was no difference ...
Karzinomprophylaxe bei familiärer Adenomatosis coli

Von 1975 bis 1990 betreuten wir 16 Familien mit familiarer Adenomatosis coli. 27 Patienten wurden operiert. Von diesen hatten bereits 8 1–3 kolorektale Karzinome. Folgende Operationsverfahren wurden durchgefuhrt: 10x Proktokolektomie mit Ileostoma, 9x subtotale Kolektomie und ileorektale Anastomose, 5x Kolektomie mit Proktomukosektomie und ueoanale Pouch-Anastomose, 3x limitierte Resektion bei fehlender Einwilligung zur adaquaten Operation. In einem Beobachtungszeitraum von 9 Jahren wurden 5 Patienten reoperiert wegen Karzinomrezidiven oder Karzinomen im belassenen Rektumstumpf. 4 Patienten (15%) verstarben am kolorektalen Karzinom.
Failure Analysis of Internal Fixation Medical Devices: Overview and Case Studies

Internal fixation devices, and specifically bone plate and screw assemblies, are among the most common implantable medical devices that a failure analyst may encounter. These devices most often fracture by fatigue crack initiation and growth. This article discusses potential root causes of internal fixation device fractures and describes the process of metallurgical and nondestructive examination of these assemblies. Two fractured internal fixation device case studies are reviewed.
Risk for Exfoliation Syndrome in Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse : A Utah Project on Exfoliation Syndrome (UPEXS) Study.

Importance Exfoliation syndrome, an inherited systemic disorder of elastin and extracellular matrix (ECM), is associated with the LOXL1 gene locus. Pelvic organ prolapse is a common connective tissue disorder that affects women. The presence of an association between exfoliation syndrome (exfoliation of the lens capsule) and pelvic organ prolapse was investigated as part of the Utah Project on Exfoliation Syndrome (UPEXS). Objective To examine the association between exfoliation syndrome and pelvic organ prolapse using the Utah Population Database, a comprehensive resource linked to medical records. Design, Setting, and Participants A 2-pronged approach was used. In substudy A, a cross-sectional analysis was performed to determine the association between pelvic organ prolapse and exfoliation syndrome in women enrolled in Medicare in Utah from calendar year 1992 to 2009 (n = 132 772). In substudy B, the risk of incident exfoliation syndrome from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2014, was estimated in a cohort of women aged 30 to 65 years at baseline with a diagnosis of pelvic organ prolapse (n = 5130) compared with birth year–matched women serving as controls who did not have pelvic organ prolapse (n = 15 338). Main Outcomes and Measures Exfoliation syndrome outcome was defined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision , diagnosis codes for exfoliation syndrome or exfoliation glaucoma (366.11 or 365.52, respectively). In substudy A, odds ratios (ORs) from unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the exfoliation syndrome risk in women with pelvic organ prolapse compared with those without pelvic organ prolapse. In substudy B, hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate incident exfoliation syndrome risk in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (without exfoliation syndrome history) compared with unaffected controls. Models were adjusted for age, years enrolled, parity, and race/ethnicity. Results Of the 132 772 women enrolled in Utah Medicare from 1992 to 2009, the mean [SD] age at the last enrollment was 82.2 [7.7] years. Pelvic organ prolapse was associated with a 1.56-fold increased risk of exfoliation syndrome in Medicare beneficiaries (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.42-1.72) in substudy A. We observed a 48% increased incident risk of exfoliation syndrome in women aged 30 to 65 years at baseline who had a pelvic organ prolapse diagnosis compared with controls during 20 years of follow-up (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14-1.91). Conclusions and Relevance The diagnosis of exfoliation syndrome was more frequent in women with pelvic organ prolapse in the Utah Population Database, a robust population-based resource, thus supporting an association of exfoliation syndrome with a nonocular systemic condition. Systemic conditions with altered ECM metabolism, such as pelvic organ prolapse, may share common biological pathways with exfoliation syndrome. LOXL1 dysregulation, thought to occur in exfoliation syndrome, may be a contributing factor.
The CMH Warehouse: A Catalog of Genetic Variation in Patients of a Children's Hospital

Advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing have enabled the comprehensive identification of individual genetic variation on an unprecedented scale, powering the diagnosis of disease and personalized treatment. As our ability to detect genetic variation has grown, clinicians and researchers struggle to interpret the functional significance of the millions of variants found in each individual genome. The Variant Warehouse at the Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine (CPGM) at Children's Mercy, Kansas City, is a resource containing a record of over 150 million genomic variants detected in more than 5700 patients sequenced by the Center since 2011. Each variant has been characterized by the CPGM's Rapid Understanding of Nucleotide Effect Software (RUNES) pipeline, which records database cross references and predicted functional consequences as generated by multiple in silico tools. Additionally, a local minor allele frequency is calculated for each variant every 6 hours enabling clinicians and researchers to rapidly identify rare disease causing mutations in patients. The CMH Variant Warehouse website is publicly accessible and has implemented the Beacon API developed by Global Alliance for Genomics and Health for data sharing.
Stroke Lesions in a Large Upper Limb Rehabilitation Trial Cohort Rarely Match Lesions in Common Preclinical Models.

Background. Stroke patients with mild-moderate upper extremity motor impairments and minimal sensory and cognitive deficits provide a useful model to study recovery and improve rehabilitation. Labo...
Public support for carrot, stick, and no-government water quality policies

Abstract Public support for environmental policy provides an important foundation for democratic governance. Numerous policy innovations may improve nonpoint source pollution, but little research has examined which types of individuals are likely to support various runoff reduction policies. We conducted a household mail survey of 1136 residents in southern Wisconsin. In general, residents were more likely to support water quality policies if they were communitarians, egalitarians, concerned about water pollution, and perceived water quality as poor. The majority of respondents somewhat to strongly supported all of the seven proposed water quality policies, but opposed relying on voluntary action without government involvement on farms. Residents had higher support for incentives and market-based approaches (carrot policies) than regulation and taxes (stick policies). A more complicated pattern emerged in within-subject comparisons of residents’ views of carrot and stick approaches. Stick approaches polarized respondents by decreasing support among people with individualistic worldviews, while slightly increasing support among people with communitarian worldviews. Residents with an agricultural occupation were more likely to support voluntary, non-governmental approaches for reducing agricultural runoff, and were also more likely to support regulation for reducing urban lawn runoff. This research highlights the dominant role of cultural worldviews and the secondary roles of water pollution concern, perceived water quality, and self-interest in explaining support for diverse policies to reduce nonpoint source pollution.
Copper and cerium-regulated gene expression in Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b

In aerobic methanotrophs, copper and cerium control the expression and activity of different forms of methane monooxygenase and methanol dehydrogenase, respectively. To exploit methanotrophy for the valorization of methane, it is crucial to determine if these metals exert more global control on gene expression in methanotrophs. Using RNA-Seq analysis we compared the transcriptome of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b grown in the presence of varying amounts of copper and cerium. When copper was added in the absence of cerium, expression of genes encoding for both soluble and particulate methane monooxygenases varied as expected. Genes encoding for copper uptake, storage, and efflux also increased, indicating that methanotrophs must carefully control copper homeostasis. When cerium was added in the absence of copper, expression of genes encoding for alternative methanol dehydrogenases varied as expected, but few other genes were found to have differential expression. When cerium concentrations were varied in the presence of copper, few genes were found to be either up- or downregulated, indicating that copper over rules any regulation by cerium. When copper was increased in the presence of cerium, however, many genes were upregulated, most notably multiple steps of the central methane oxidation pathway, the serine cycle, and the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway. Many genes were also downregulated, including those encoding for nitrogenase and hydrogenase. Collectively, these data suggest that copper plays a larger role in regulating gene expression in methanotrophs, but that significant changes occur when both copper and cerium are present.
Thermal and mechanical properties of 3D printed boron nitride – ABS composites

The current work investigates the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of Boron Nitride (BN)-Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) composites prepared using both 3D printing and injection molding. The thermally conductive, yet electrically insulating composite material provides a unique combination of properties that make it desirable for heat dissipation and packaging applications in electronics. Materials were fabricated via melt mixing on a twin-screw compounder, then injection molded or extruded into filament for fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. Compositions of up to 35 wt.% BN in ABS were prepared, and the infill orientation of the 3D printed composites was varied to investigate the effect on properties. Injection molding produced a maximum in-plane conductivity of 1.45 W/m-K at 35 wt.% BN, whereas 3D printed samples of 35 wt.% BN showed a value of 0.93 W/m-K, over 5 times the conductivity of pure ABS. The resulting thermal conductivity is anisotropic; with the through-plane thermal conductivity lower by a factor of ~3 for injection molding and ~4 for 3D printing. Adding BN flakes caused a modest increase in the flexural modulus, but resulted in a large decrease in the flexural strength and impact toughness. It is shown that although injection molding produces parts with superior thermal and mechanical properties, BN shows much potential as a filler material for rapid prototyping of thermally conductive composites.
Detecting gait abnormalities after concussion or mild traumatic brain injury: A systematic review of single-task, dual-task, and complex gait

Abstract Background While a growing number of studies have investigated the effects of concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) on gait, many studies use different experimental paradigms and outcome measures. The path for translating experimental studies for objective clinical assessments of gait is unclear. Research question This review asked 2 questions: 1) is gait abnormal after concussion/mTBI, and 2) what gait paradigms (single-task, dual-task, complex gait) detect abnormalities after concussion. Methods Data sources included MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) accessed on March 14, 2017. Original research articles reporting gait outcomes in people with concussion or mTBI were included. Studies of moderate, severe, or unspecified TBI, and studies without a comparator were excluded. Results After screening 233 articles, 38 studies were included and assigned to one or more sections based on the protocol and reported outcomes. Twenty-six articles reported single-task simple gait outcomes, 24 reported dual-task simple gait outcomes, 21 reported single-task complex gait outcomes, and 10 reported dual-task complex gait outcomes. Significance Overall, this review provides evidence for two conclusions: 1) gait is abnormal acutely after concussion/mTBI but generally resolves over time; and 2) the inconsistency of findings, small sample sizes, and small number of studies examining homogenous measures at the same time-period post-concussion highlight the need for replication across independent populations and investigators. Future research should concentrate on dual-task and complex gait tasks, as they showed promise for detecting abnormal locomotor function outside of the acute timeframe. Additionally, studies should provide detailed demographic and clinical characteristics to enable more refined comparisons across studies.
Paulo Freire: The Global Legacy

Globally educators face difficult challenges; from the teacher in the classroom, to the reform minded policy-maker, to the community-minded public intellectual. These challenges may be attributed t...
"Make yourself at home": the tensions and paradoxes of hospitality in dialogue with the Bible

Hospitality is a well-identified biblical theme; the consensus among most modern Christian authors is that it is both demonstrated by the deity and expected of humanity, throughout both Old and New Testaments. Often, however, such discussions rely on an assumed transparency of the nature and definition of hospitality, and on the assumption that the biblical attitude to the subject is univocal. However, the biblical witness is not unambiguous, but demonstrates tensions reflecting both the complex nature of hospitality, and the development of the theme through the Bible. In recent years the ambiguous nature of hospitality has been argued in theoretical terms by the deconstructionist Jacques Derrida, and its complexities of praxis by post-colonial critics. This paper sets out to bring these modern critical voices into dialogue with the biblical texts, and it will be shown that when read with a sensitivity to the paradoxes enunciated by these contemporary theorists, the biblical understanding of the hospitality theme is more complex than it at first appears. It will be argued that a more subtle understanding of the developing and complex biblical view of hospitality will aid the development of a more robust Christian ethic, especially in the light of the contemporary challenge of migration.
Population Size, Concentration, and Distribution

The simplest and most straightforward of demographic presentations involves identifying the size of the population specific to some geographic area. The area may be consistent with political/legal boundaries such as nations, states, and counties, coincide with Census Bureau geography (e.g., tracts and blocks), or be made up of customized market area designations. While population composition, health status, and other factors are important in determining the health care needs for a specific geographic unit, the size of that population can be argued to be the most significant factor in assessing need. In addition, in determining need, the distribution of persons within the area of interest emerges as an almost equally important factor. So, it is logical that this first demographic chapter should address size and distribution issues.
Forgiveness and substance use problems among college students: Psychache, depressive symptoms, and hopelessness as mediators

ABSTRACTStudies on forgiveness and its relationship to substance abuse have consistently found salutary associations between the two, yet empirical investigation of variables that may serve as mediating factors in this relationship is in need of more attention. With recent models positing psychological distress as a key component of the forgiveness-substance abuse association, constructs such as psychache, depression, and hopelessness may be likely candidates as mediators of this relationship. As such, cross-sectional, self-report data from 577 undergraduate students was used to perform multiple mediation analyses on the relationship of three dimensions of forgiveness (i.e., of self, of others, of uncontrollable situations) with two substance use outcomes (i.e., problematic alcohol use and problematic drug use), as mediated by psychache, depressive symptoms, and hopelessness. Results indicated that forgiveness of self and forgiveness of uncontrollable situations were associated with lower levels of psycho...