cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of ACVR1 and ID2 by cell-secreted exosomes during follicle maturation in the mare

Ovarian follicle growth and maturation requires extensive communication between follicular somatic cells and oocytes. Recently, intercellular cell communication was described involving cell-secreted vesicles called exosomes (50–150 nm), which contain miRNAs and protein, and have been identified in ovarian follicular fluid. The goal of this study was to identify a possible role of exosomes in follicle maturation. Follicle contents were collected from mares at mid-estrous (~35 mm, before induction of follicular maturation) and pre-ovulatory follicles (30–34 h after induction of follicular maturation). A real time PCR screen was conducted to reveal significant differences in the presence of exosomal miRNAs isolated from mid-estrous and pre-ovulatory follicles, and according to bioinformatics analysis these exosomal miRNAs are predicted to target members belonging to the TGFB superfamily, including ACVR1 and ID2. Granulosa cells from pre-ovulatory follicles were cultured and treated with exosomes isolated from follicular fluid. Changes in mRNA and protein were measured by real time PCR and Western blot. ACVR1 mRNA and protein was detected in granulosa cells at mid-estrous and pre-ovulatory stages, and real time PCR analysis revealed significantly lower levels of ID2 (an ACVR1 target gene) in granulosa cells from pre-ovulatory follicles. Exposure to exosomes from follicular fluid of mid-estrous follicles decreased ID2 levels in granulosa cells. Moreover, exosomes isolated from mid-estrous and pre-ovulatory follicles contain ACVR1 and miR-27b, miR-372, and miR-382 (predicted regulators of ACVR1 and ID2) were capable of altering ID2 levels in pre-ovulatory granulosa cells. These data indicate that exosomes isolated from follicular fluid can regulate members of the TGFB/BMP signaling pathway in granulosa cells, and possibly play a role in regulating follicle maturation.
Resolving signal complexities for ambulatory monitoring of motor function in Parkinson's disease

Automatic tracking of movement disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is dependent on the ability of machine learning algorithms to resolve the complex and unpredictable characteristics of wearable sensor data. The challenge reflects the variety of movement disorders that fluctuate throughout the day which can be confounded by voluntary activities of daily life. Our approach is the development of multiple dynamic neural network (DNN) classifiers whose application are governed by a rule-based controller within the Integrated Processing and Understanding of Signals (IPUS) framework. Solutions are described for time-varying occurrences of tremor and dyskinesia, classified at 1 s resolution from surface electromyographic (sEMG) and tri-axial accelerometer (ACC) data acquired from patients with PD. The networks were trained and tested on separate datasets, respectively, while subjects performed unscripted and unconstrained activities in a home-like setting. Performance of the classifiers achieved an overall global error rate of less than 10%.
Does Pitcher Plant Morphology Affect Spider Residency

Spiders are often found as residents in association with Sarracenia purpurea (Purple Pitcher Plant). Many spiders choose web locations based on environmental cues such as vegetation structure and composition, prey density, temperature, and humidity. To determine if spiders use cues from the Purple Pitcher Plant to build their webs, we conducted a field study using variants of the plant that separated various morphological features: nectar, pigment, and the presence of prey. There was no difference in spider residency across all treatments and no difference in male/female or mature/immature residency. Linyphiids were the most common residents, possibly due to pitcher structure and natural web size.
Ethical issues in the use of a prospective payment system: the issue of a severity of illness adjustment

The current Medicare prospective payment system has many positive incentives for hospitals to control costs. Hospitals are increasing outpatient surgery, decreasing admissions, decreasing length of stay, and decreasing use of ancillary services. These are just the effects that Congress and the Health Care Financing Administration hoped for to save the Medicare trust fund. However, there has been evidence of some adverse outcomes including premature discharge, "dumping" sicker patients and patients without insurance, and adverse impact on hospitals with specialty centers. We examine these issues and present a possible solution based on a new Computerized Severity Index.
Guided Wave Based Fatigue Crack Detection and Localization in Aluminum Aerospace Structures

The work presented in this paper provides an insight into the current challenges to detect incipient damage in complex metallic structural components. The goal of this research is to improve the confidence level in diagnosis and damage localization technologies by developing a robust structural health management (SHM) framework. Improved methodologies are developed for reference-free localization of fatigue induced cracks in complex metallic structures. The methodologies for damage interrogation involve damage feature extraction using advanced signal processing tools and a probabilistic approach for damage detection and localization. Specifically, piezoelectric transducers are used in pitch-catch mode to interrogate the structure with guided Lamb waves. A novel time-frequency (TF) based signal processing technique based on the matching pursuit decomposition (MPD) algorithm is developed to extract time-of-flight damage features from dispersive guided wave sensor signals, followed by a Bayesian probabilistic approach used to optimally fuse multi-sensor information and localize the crack tip. The MPD algorithm decomposes a signal using localized TF atoms and can provide a highly concentrated TF representation. The Bayesian probabilistic framework enables the effective quantification and management of uncertainty. Experiments are conducted to validate the proposed detection and localization methods. Results presented will illustrate the usefulness of the developed approaches in detection and localization of damage in aluminum lug joints.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Non-Parametric Risk Management and Implied Risk Aversion

Typical value-at-risk (VaR) calculations involve the probabilities of extreme dollar losses, based on the statistical distributions of market prices. Such quantities do not account for the fact that the same dollar loss can have two very different economic valuations, depending on business conditions. We propose a nonparametric VaR measure that incorporates economic valuation according to the state-price density associated with the underlying price processes. The state-price density yields VaR values that are adjusted for risk aversion, time preferences, and other variations in economic valuation. In the context of a representative agent equilibrium model, we construct an estimator of the risk-aversion coefficient that is implied by the joint observations on the cross-section of option prices and time-series of underlying asset values.
Permanent Brachytherapy of Prostates With Median Lobe Hyperplasia

This tension will pull the template toward the patient. The 2 inches are to prevent needle slippage when the patient puts his legs down after the procedure. Subsequently, the patient will undergo CT scan for treatment planning. Prior to adapting the new technique, needles were displaced for a distance between 1 and 2 cm. Needles were pushed back to the base of the prostate and seminal vesicles after giving the patient morphine intravenously. After adapting the new technique the location of the needle remained the same, and no needle shift was required, the template was fixed to a board to insure no change of needles location. The treatment planning was done. Results: For the new technique, no needle slippage at the time of CT scan occurred, and the needles were located at the base of the prostate and into the seminal vesicles similar to the time of insertion using ultrasound in the OR in all 7 patients. Prior to the use of the new technique, all patients required pushing the needles into the prostate and the seminal vesicles. The result of needle slippage, when the patient puts his leg down, is as follows: 1 patient ~2 cm, 2 patients ~1.5 cm, and 4 patients ~1 cm. Conclusions:With the use of the new technique (allowing 2 inches between the templates and the perineum and fixing the template to a board at the time of CT scan), needle slippage was prevented in those patients studied.
Opportunity/Threat Responses to Nuclear Waste Disposal Facilities1

One of the most difficult environmental policy challenges facing the United States and other societies is that of finding ways to safely dispose of hazardous and toxic substances, including nuclear waste materials. Efforts to site such facilities have been uniformly unsuccessful, due largely to strong public opposition. Although supporters of such facilities often emphasize the potential for local economic development and other opportunities, opponents focus on a variety of threats involving potential risks associated with waste disposal. Survey data collected in rural areas of Nevada and Nebraska where nuclear waste disposal facilities have been proposed reveal that respondents' positions on issues of perceived health and safety risks, trust in responsible agencies, anticipated local economic effects, and concerns about environmental contamination are key variables predicting local response. Even in areas where there may be substantial local support for economic opportunities associated with the facilities, broad-based fears about nuclear materials and a legacy of distrust in the agencies responsible for managing nuclear wastes suggest that proposals for such facilities will almost inevitably continue to generate strong public opposition.
The underpinnings of land‐use history: three centuries of global gridded land‐use transitions, wood‐harvest activity, and resulting secondary lands

To accurately assess the impacts of human land use on the Earth system, information is needed on the current and historical patterns of land-use activities. Previous global studies have focused on developing reconstructions of the spatial patterns of agriculture. Here, we provide the first global gridded estimates of the underlying land conversions (land-use transitions), wood harvesting, and resulting secondary lands annually, for the period 1700–2000. Using data-based historical cases, our results suggest that 42–68% of the land surface was impacted by land-use activities (crop, pasture, wood harvest) during this period, some multiple times. Secondary land area increased 10–44 × 106 km2; about half of this was forested. Wood harvest and shifting cultivation generated 70–90% of the secondary land by 2000; permanent abandonment and relocation of agricultural land accounted for the rest. This study provides important new estimates of globally gridded land-use activities for studies attempting to assess the consequences of anthropogenic changes to the Earth's surface over time.
A Simple Heuristic for Joint Inventory and Pricing Models with Lead Time and Backorders

We study a joint inventory and pricing problem in a single-stage system with a positive lead time. We consider both additive and multiplicative demand forms. This problem is, in general, intractable due to its computational complexity. We develop a simple heuristic that resolves this issue. The heuristic involves a myopic pricing policy that generates each period’s price as a function of the initial inventory level and a base-stock policy for inventory replenishment. In each period, the firm monitors its so-called price-deflated inventory position and places an order to reach a target base-stock level. The price-deflated inventory position weights the on-hand and pipeline inventory according to a factor that reflects the sensitivity of price to the net inventory level. To assess the effectiveness of our heuristic, we construct an upper bound to the exact system. The upper bound is based on an information-relaxation approach and involves a penalty function derived from the proposed heuristic. A numerical s...
Calpain activation by ROS mediates human ether-a-go-go-related gene protein degradation by intermittent hypoxia

Human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channels conduct delayed rectifier K(+) current. However, little information is available on physiological situations affecting hERG channel protein and function. In the present study we examined the effects of intermittent hypoxia (IH), which is a hallmark manifestation of sleep apnea, on hERG channel protein and function. Experiments were performed on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, which express hERG protein. Cells were exposed to IH consisting of alternating cycles of 30 s of hypoxia (1.5% O2) and 5 min of 20% O2. IH decreased hERG protein expression in a stimulus-dependent manner. A similar reduction in hERG protein was also seen in adrenal medullary chromaffin cells from IH-exposed neonatal rats. The decreased hERG protein was associated with attenuated hERG K(+) current. IH-evoked hERG protein degradation was not due to reduced transcription or increased proteosome/lysomal degradation. Rather it was mediated by calcium-activated calpain proteases. Both COOH- and NH2-terminal sequences of the hERG protein were the targets of calpain-dependent degradation. IH increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i), calpain enzyme activity, and hERG protein degradation, and all these effects were prevented by manganese-(111)-tetrakis-(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)-porphyrin pentachloride, a membrane-permeable ROS scavenger. These results demonstrate that activation of calpains by ROS-dependent elevation of [Ca(2+)]i mediates hERG protein degradation by IH.
Template Synthesis of Near-Monodisperse1 Microscale Nanofibers and Nanotubules of MoS2

Near-monodisperse microscopic nanostructures of MoS2 were prepared by thermal decomposition of two different ammonium thiomolybdate molecular precursors, (NH4)2MoS4 and (NH4)2Mo3S13, within the confined voids of a porous aluminum oxide membrane template. Our low-temperature (450 °C) synthetic route yielded large quantities of hollow tubules of MoS2 of uniform size and shape that were ∼30 μm long with diameters of 50 nm and wall thicknesses of about 10 nm. More irregularly shaped, mainly solid fibers of MoS2 with diameters of about 200 nm were synthesized by changing the template to one with larger pores. The morphology of the fibers or tubules was studied with respect to the choice of precursor, the characteristics of the precursor solutions, the incorporation methods, the template characteristics, and the heat treatment during firing. The MoS2 structures were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, energy dispersive spectroscopy, electron and X-ray diffraction, and optical absor...
Identification of diterpenoid alkaloids in the roots of cultured Aconitum coreanum by HPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Our research tentatively summarized the fragment pathways of three different types of diterpenoid alkaloids under electrospray positive mode and established a rapid method for identifying diterpenoid alkaloids in the roots of cultured Aconitum coreanum( Levl.) Rapaics. The powder of the roots was extracted with diethyl ether. After removing the diethyl ether under reduced pressure,the extract was dissolved in 0. 1% formic acid aqueous solution,separated on HPLC by using an Agilent Zorbax SB-C18reverse-phase column with a gradient elution of aqueous solution( containing 0. 2% formic acid,0. 1% triethylamine) and acetonitrile, and then detected by Q-TOF mass spectrometer equipped with electrospray ionization source operated in positive ion mode. Compounds in the roots of Aconitum coreanum were identified by the accurate molecular weight obtained by HRMS,comparison of the MS fragment pathways and LC retention time with those of reference standards. As a result,60 compounds were tentatively detected,26 of which were assigned to known diterpenoid alkaloids. This established method is an accurate and effective way to identify the known constituents and discover the unknown ones from Aconitum coreanum.
Analysis of Some Toxic Elements in Foods Produced in Shunyi District of Beijing

Objective To understand the contamination levels of Pb,As and Cd in foods produced in Shunyi district.Method 366 samples of various kinds of foods were collected and tested for contents of Pb,As and Cd.Results It was found that the over-all rate of qualification was 97.5%.All samples of rice,wheat flour,fresh milk,pig kidney and soft drink have met the national standard.The rates of qualification of vegetable,fruit and meat were 96.3%,95.2% and 95.8%,respectively.Conclusion The contamination levels of 3 toxic elements in foods produced in Shunyi were up to standard on the whole.However,reinforcing the surveillance and control of the food production to protect consumer's health should not be neglected.
Newborn Country USA

"Newborn Country USA" describes a concept for a regionwide, integrated perinatal care system that serves a population of more than four million. How the four sectors of the Denver Regional Perinatal Center – The Children's Hospital, Denver, Denver General Hospital, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, and the University of Colorado Army Medical Center–interact as a regional resource, relate to 223 hospitals in portions of 10 states, and assist in serving a portion of 70,000 live births in 1976 are reported.
Antenatal glucocorticoid treatment is associated with diurnal cortisol regulation in term-born children

Due to the rapid developmental changes that occur during the fetal period, prenatal influences can affect the developing central nervous system with lifelong consequences for physical and mental health. Glucocorticoids are one of the proposed mechanisms by which fetal programing occurs. Glucocorticoids pass through the blood-brain barrier and target receptors throughout the central nervous system. Unlike endogenous glucocorticoids, synthetic glucocorticoids readily pass through the placental barrier to reach the developing fetus. The synthetic glucocorticoid, betamethasone, is routinely given prenatally to mothers at risk for preterm delivery. Over 25% of the fetuses exposed to betamethasone will be born at term. Few studies have examined the lasting consequences of antenatal treatment of betamethasone on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The purpose of this study is to examine whether antenatal exposure to betamethasone alters circadian cortisol regulation in children who were born full term. School-aged children prenatally treated with betamethasone and born at term (n=19, mean (SD)=8.1 (1.2) years old) were compared to children not treated with antenatal glucocorticoids (n=61, mean (SD)=8.2 (1.4) years old). To measure the circadian release of cortisol, saliva samples were collected at awakening; 30, 45, and 60min after awakening; and in the evening. Comparison children showed a typical diurnal cortisol pattern that peaked in the morning (the cortisol awakening response) and gradually decreased throughout the day. In contrast, children exposed to antenatal betamethasone lacked a cortisol awakening response and had a flatter diurnal slope (p's<0.01). These data suggest that antenatal glucocorticoid treatment may disrupt the circadian regulation of the HPA axis among children born at term. Because disrupted circadian regulation of cortisol has been linked to mental and somatic health problems, future research is needed to determine whether children exposed to antenatal synthetic glucocorticoids are at risk for poor mental and physical health.
[177Lu]XYIMSR-01, a Theranostic for Targeting Carbonic Anhydrase IX

53 Objectives We aim to develop a low-molecular-weight (LMW) theranostic agent for detection and treatment of cancers expressing carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX). CAIX is over-expressed in 95% of cases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common form of kidney cancer. Although the majority of patients with ccRCC will present with clinically localized disease, up to 30% will experience recurrence after surgery. Targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) may complement surgery and other therapies for ccRCC, particularly those that have become inoperable or metastatic. Methods We synthesized a dual-motif, LMW inhibitor of CAIX, [177Lu]XYIMSR-01 for imaging and RPT of CAIX-expressing tumors. Binding affinity and in vitro uptake of [177Lu]XYIMSR-01 were measured in CAIX-expressing SK-RC-52 cells. We determined [177Lu]XYIMSR-01 biodistribution and ability to detect SK-RC-52 xenografts in mouse using single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). We also evaluated the ability for [177Lu]XYIMSR-01 to delay SK-RC-52 tumor growth in mice. Two dose levels were investigated, each applied once: 11.1 or 18.5 MBq (300 or 500 μCi). Results [177Lu]XYIMSR-01 was generated in radiochemical yields of 60 ± 12% (n = 12) and specific radioactivity of 70.3 ± 25.9 GBq/[[Unsupported Character - Symbol Font ]]mol (1,900 ± 700 Ci/mmol, n = 12). The IC50 value for [Lu]XYIMSR-01 towards CAIXwas 122.4 ± 3.8 nM. [177Lu]XYIMSR-01 exhibited CAIX specific uptake in vitro. SPECT/CT imaging demonstrated tumor visualization by 1 h post-injection and achieved high signal contrast by 24 h. Biodistribution studies confirmed the SPECT/CT data. Tumor-to-blood, muscle, and kidney ratios were 607.4 ± 200.7, 128.4 ± 25.4 and 4.5 ± 1.4, respectively, at 24 h post-injection. Radiotherapeutic doses of [177Lu]XYIMSR-01 delayed the growth of SK-RC-52 in xenografts compared with non-treated animals. Conclusions [177Lu]XYIMSR-01 is a promising theranostic agent targeting CAIX-expressing tumors, especially ccRCC in the context of local and metastatic disease.
Self assembly, mobilization, and flotation of crude oil contaminated sand particles as granular shells on gas bubbles in water

Abstract Contaminant fate and transport studies and models include transport mechanisms for colloidal particles and dissolved ions which can be easily moved with water currents. However, mobilization of much larger contaminated granular particles (i.e., sand) in sediments have not been considered as a possible mechanism due to the relatively larger size of sand particles and their high bulk density. We conducted experiments to demonstrate that oil contaminated granular particles (which exhibit hydrophobic characteristics) can attach on gas bubbles to form granular shells and transfer from the sediment phase to the water column. The interactions and conditions necessary for the oil contaminated granular particles to self assemble as tightly packed granular shells on the gas bubbles which transfer from sediment phase to the water column were evaluated both experimentally and theoretically for South Louisiana crude oil and quartz sand particles. Analyses showed that buoyancy forces can be adequate to move the granular shell forming around the air bubbles if the bubble radius is above 0.001 mm for the sand particles with 0.28 mm diameter. Relatively high magnitude of the Hamaker constant for the oil film between sand and air (5.81 × 10 − 20 J for air-oil-sand) indicates that air bubbles have high affinity to attach on the oil film that is on the sand particles in comparison to attaching to the sand particles without the oil film in water (1.60 × 10 − 20 J for air-water-sand). The mobilization mechanism of the contaminated granular particles with gas bubbles can occur in natural environments resulting in transfer of granular particles from sediments to the water column.
Spatial sampling requirements for Received Signal Level measurements in cellular networks

A method for determination of a required spatial resolution in the collection of the Received Signal Level (RSL) is discussed. The method treats RSL measurements as a three dimensional surface that is sampled through the data collection process. Using 2-D Fourier analysis the cutoff frequency for the Fourier transform of the RSL surface is determined. The cutoff frequency and the spatial sampling resolution are related through Nyquist sampling criterion. The approach was experimentally verified in a typical suburban environment. The results show that spatial resolution requirement is between 50 and 100m.
Fair Is Foul: A Critical Analysis of UEFA Financial Fair Play

This paper critically analyzes the rules of the UEFA financial regulatory system for football clubs known as Financial Fair Play (FFP). I argue that the objectives of FFP are not really fairness but financial efficiency and that the rules are unlikely to achieve efficiency. I also contend that even from the perspective of fairness, the rules do little more than substitute one form of inequality for another. Finally I briefly assess the implications for the competition law challenge that was launched in May 2013 against the FFP breakeven rule.
Numerical Aspects of Weyl’s Theory

Requiring $$X\left( {\lambda ;x} \right) = \varphi \left( {\lambda ;x} \right) + m\psi \left( {\lambda ;x} \right),$$ (1) constructed from two linearly independent initial solutions φ and ψ of the second order differential equation $$\left\{ { - \frac{{{d^2}}}{{d{x^2}}} + q\left( x \right)} \right\}\,u\left( {\lambda ;x} \right) = \lambda u\left( {\lambda ;x} \right)$$ (2) to satisfy a real boundary condition at the right endpoint x = b of the interval [a,b], Weyl /1/ found that m had to lie on a circle in the complex plane. For the singular case, b → ∞, Weyl’s circle shrinks either to a limit circle or to a limit point m∞(λ). For most physical examples the differential operator is of limit point case, implying the existence of a unique square-integrable solution for any complex λ = E + iE. As demonstrated by Titchmarsh /2/, Im m∞(λ) is proportional to the spectral density. In fact, as shown in detail by Chaudhuri and Everitt /3/, the spectrum of singular second order differential operators is completely characterized by the analytic properties of the m-function on the real axis.
Development of a novel loading device for studying magnesium degradation under compressive load for implant applications

Medical implants play a key role in treating bone fractures. Permanent implants are currently used for immobilization of fractures and bearing physiological loads during bone healing. After bone has healed, these implants, if not removed, often cause complications in the long run; and secondary surgeries for removing them pose additional discomfort and expenses for patients. Magnesium (Mg)-based bioresorbable implants, can potentially eliminate the need for additional surgeries by degrading safely over time in the human body. When studying the degradation behaviors of Mg-based implants in vitro, it is important to simulate physiological conditions in vivo closely, including loading. Considering that implants often carry physiological loads in vivo and mechanical stresses affect the degradation rate of Mg, a novel loading device was designed and manufactured for studying Mg degradation under load over a long period of time in a simulated body fluid in vitro. Degradation of Mg rods were investigated by immersing in a revised simulated body fluid (rSBF) for two weeks while a consistent compressive load was applied using the loading device. The results showed that the loading device provided a consistent load of 500 ± 45 N during the two weeks of immersion. Mg rods showed a significant faster degradation rate under the applied load, as demonstrated by a higher mass loss of the sample, a higher pH increase and Mg2+ ion release in the rSBF.
Consideration of peg strength and disease severity in the decision to harvest peanut in southeastern USA

ABSTRACTThe indeterminate nature and underground fruiting habit of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) makes it a challenge to determine the optimal harvest time. The objectives of this study were (1) to gain additional information about how maturity and canopy health influence peg strength, yield, and grade and (2) to address anecdotal claims of differences in peg strength and digging losses among cultivars. Field trials were established in Citra, FL, and Tifton, GA. Two peanut cultivars (“Georgia-06G” and “Tifguard”) were grown under two fungicide programs (full program: every 14-day spraying interval; and reduced program: every 28-day spraying interval), and harvested at three different maturity levels (early, optimum, and late based on an accumulated growing degree day method). The fungicide program had a significant impact on yield only in 2013 at Citra, likely because the canopy structure was decreased because of fungal disease known as leaf spots (causal agents: Cercospora arachidicola and Cercosporidium ...
Self-control depletion and nicotine deprivation as precipitants of smoking cessation failure: A human laboratory model.

OBJECTIVE The need to understand potential precipitants of smoking relapse is exemplified by relapse rates as high as 95%. The Self-Control Strength model, which proposes that self-control is dependent upon limited resources and susceptible to fatigue, may offer insight into relapse processes. The current study tested the hypothesis that self-control depletion (SCD), produced from engagement in emotional suppression, would serve as a novel antecedent for cessation failure, as indexed by a validated laboratory analogue of smoking lapse and relapse. We also examined whether SCD effects interacted with those of a well-established relapse precipitant (i.e., nicotine deprivation). Craving and behavioral economic indices (delay discounting and demand) were tested as hypothesized mechanisms for increased cessation failure. Ultimately, a moderated mediation model was used to test nicotine deprivation as a hypothesized moderator of SCD effects. METHOD We used a 2 × 2 (12-hr deprivation vs. no deprivation; SCD vs. no SCD) factorial between-subjects design (N = 128 smokers). RESULTS The primary hypothesis of the study was supported, as SCD increased lapse behavior (p = .04). Nicotine deprivation significantly increased craving, cigarette demand, delay discounting, and lapse behavior. No main effects were found for SCD on putative mediators (i.e., craving, demand, and discounting), but the SCD and deprivation manipulations interacted upon craving (p = .04). The moderated mediation model was significant. SCD was found to increase craving among nicotine deprived smokers, which mediated effects on lapse behavior. CONCLUSIONS SCD appears to play an important role in smoking relapse and may be a viable target for intervention. (PsycINFO Database Record
Documenting Nursing and Medical Students' Stereotypes about Hispanic and American Indian Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Hispanic Americans and American Indians face significant health disparities compared with White Americans. Research suggests that stereotyping of minority patients by members of the medical community is an important antecedent of race and ethnicity-based health disparities. This work has primarily focused on physicians' perceptions, however, and little research has examined the stereotypes healthcare personnel associate with Hispanic and American Indian patients. The present study assesses: 1) the health-related stereotypes both nursing and medical students hold about Hispanic and American Indian patients, and 2) nursing and medical students' motivation to treat Hispanic and American Indian patients in an unbiased manner. DESIGN: Participants completed a questionnaire assessing their awareness of stereotypes that healthcare professionals associate with Hispanic and American Indian patients then completed measures of their motivation to treat Hispanics and American Indians in an unbiased manner. RESULTS: Despite being highly motivated to treat Hispanic and American Indian individuals fairly, the majority of participants reported awareness of stereotypes associating these patient groups with noncompliance, risky health behavior, and difficulty understanding and/or communicating health-related information. CONCLUSION: This research provides direct evidence for negative health-related stereotypes associated with two understudied minority patient groups-Hispanics and American Indians-among both nursing and medical personnel. Language: en
Is echocardiography reliable for monitoring the adverse cardiac effects of chemotherapy

Very few would dispute the diagnostic value of echocardiography, which has earned its place in the armamentarium of clinical cardiology by being for decades the only noninvasive imaging modality capable of providing dynamic views of the beating human heart in real time. Most recently, this role has
Nomadicity: anytime, anywhere in a disconnected world

Nomadic computing and communications is upon us. We are all nomads, but we lack the systems support to assist us in our various forms of mobility. In this paper, we discuss the vision of nomadicity, its technical challenges, and approaches to the resolution of these challenges. One of the key characteristics of this paradigmshift in the way we deal with the information is that we face dramatic and sudden changes in connectivity and latency. Our systems must be “nomadically-enabled” in that mechanisms must be developed that deal with such changes in a natural and transparent fashion. Currently, this is not the case in that our systems typically treat such changes as exceptions or failures; this is unacceptable. Moreover, the industry is producing “piece parts” that are populating our desktops, briefcases and belt-hooks, but that do not interoperate with each other, in general. We require innovative and systemwide solutions to overcome these problems. Such are the issues we address in this paper.
Ventricular Remodeling In Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Heart failure in the setting of reduced systolic pump function, if left untreated, is characterized by progressive ventricular dilation and dysfunction. Many of the major advances in pharmacologic treatments for heart failure achieved over the last two decades came with the recognition that this process, referred to as ventricular remodeling, results from abnormal mechanical stress on the myocardium (increased preload and afterload) and chronic neurohormonal activation (Figure 1). In the acute setting, loss of myocytes (as during infarction) or a defect of myocardial contraction (e.g., idiopathic cardiomyopathies) reduces overall ventricular pump function. This leads to reduced blood pressure and cardiac output, which activates autonomic reflexes that leads to increased circulating levels of neurohormones. It is believed, on a teleological basis, that these reflexes evolved in order to allow animals to cope with periods of increased energy demand (fight or flight) and to deal with acute blood loss. In parallel with autonomic reflex activation, decreased systemic blood pressure and flow lead to renal hypoperfusion, which increases aldosterone, renin and angiotensin, I (which leads to angiotensin II) production. In the short term, these factors attempt to restore cardiac output and blood pressure via mechanisms that are considered adaptive. However, if sustained, neurohormonal activation and increased mechanical stresses conspire in a maladaptive process to drive cellular hypertrophy and elongation, global recapitulation of a fetal gene program, myocardial fibrosis, ventricular enlargement and dysfunction, apoptosis1 and sets up a milieu for dyscoordinated myocardial contraction (e.g., conduction defects) and ventricular arrhythmias. A systemic inflammatory response also has been documented with increases of a multitude of cytokines which are also believed to contribute importantly to myocyte loss and disease progression.2,3
Japan Agriculture (JA): The Role of the Agricultural Cooperative

JA Zenchu, National Union of Cooperatives is arguably the most important agricultural cooperative in the world, this chapter details the way in which the JA shapes rice policy in Japan through both its national level activities down to the local level work across Japan. Detailed information regarding these activities and outlines of the services that it provides is included along with JA Zenchu’s role as a policy implementor for several of the policies discussed in Chapter 2. The impact of recent reforms is examined as well. Despite the array of activities and significant power that JA wields, it has not acted as an advocate for farmers. Rather, the organization, like Japan’s agricultural policy infrastructure itself, uses its considerable power to perpetuate its own existence by shielding itself from upper level reforms. Moreover, although the organization could promote activities that would make Japan’s rice growers more competitive on the global market by advocating for programs to make rice growing more efficient and modernized, it continues to maintain rice growing as a performative, cultural activity. The maintenance of rice growing as a lifestyle however does very little to help individual rice growers or to encourage rice growing as a primary occupation.
Therapeutic Suppression of mTOR (Mammalian Target of Rapamycin) Signaling Prevents and Reverses Salt-Induced Hypertension and Kidney Injury in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats

mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling has emerged as a key regulator in a wide range of cellular processes ranging from cell proliferation, immune responses, and electrolyte homeostasis. mTOR consists of 2 distinct protein complexes, mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) and mTORC2 (mTOR complex 2) with distinct downstream signaling events. mTORC1 has been implicated in pathological conditions, such as cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans, and inhibition of this pathway with rapamycin has been shown to attenuate salt-induced hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Several studies have found that the mTORC2 pathway is involved in the regulation of renal tubular sodium and potassium transport, but its role in hypertension has remained largely unexplored. In the present study, we, therefore, determined the effect of mTORC2 inhibition with compound PP242 on salt-induced hypertension and renal injury in salt-sensitive rats. We found that PP242 not only completely prevented but also reversed salt-induced hypertension and kidney injury in salt-sensitive rats. PP242 exhibited potent natriuretic actions, and chronic administration tended to produce a negative Na+ balance even during high-salt feeding. The results indicate that mTORC2 and the related downstream associated pathways play an important role in regulation of sodium balance and arterial pressure regulation in salt-sensitive rats. Therapeutic suppression of the mTORC2 pathway represents a novel pathway for the potential treatment of hypertension.
When do psychosocial explanations of psychiatric problems increase stigma? Self-report and implicit evidence

Abstract Background and objectives Biomedical explanations of psychiatric problems, compared to psychosocial explanations, may amplify psychiatric stigma. One limitation of existing research is the measurement of almost exclusively self-reported stigma. This study evaluated the stigma-related effects of biomedical versus psychosocial explanations of schizophrenia using conventional self-report and two other measurement approaches that may tap more deeply held attitudes. Methods One hundred three undergraduates listened to a vignette describing a man with (1) schizophrenia of biomedical origin, (2) schizophrenia of psychosocial origin, or (3) diabetes. They then completed an Implicit Association Test, conventional self-report stigma measures, and projected other measures that captured perceptions of most other people's likely impressions. Results: Participants were more likely to attribute stigmatizing views to others compared to themselves. The projected other measurement, but not the conventional self-report measurement, predicted implicit attitudes. We obtained no evidence that the psychosocial causal explanation of schizophrenia led to decreased stigma compared to the biomedical causal explanation. In fact, the psychosocial causal explanation increased stereotyped attitudes. Limitations The absence of a schizophrenia control group complicates interpretation of biomedical versus psychosocial group comparisons. Conclusions Further research is needed to evaluate discrepancies between the present findings and other published evidence pertaining to psychosocial causal explanations of psychiatric problems.
Safety and tolerability of Vitamin D3 5000 IU/day in epilepsy.

Abstract Purpose Preclinical and early clinical research indicates that Vitamin D3 may reduce seizures in both animal models and open-label clinical trials. Methods This is an initial report of an ongoing pilot study of oral Vitamin D3 5000 IU/day in subjects with drug-resistant epilepsy. After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and informed consent, subjects with ;less than one focal onset or generalized tonic–clonic seizure per month were enrolled. Subjects entered a 4-week baseline, followed by a 12-week treatment period. Serum 25, OH Vitamin D3, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and calcium levels were monitored at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks. Results High-dose Vitamin D3 5000 IU/day was well tolerated. Serum 25, OH Vitamin D3 levels increased significantly at six and twelve weeks. Vitamin D insufficiency, defined as a 25, OH Vitamin D3 level of 0.34). Conclusions High-dose oral Vitamin D3, 5000 IU/day was safe and well tolerated in subjects with epilepsy. Vitamin D levels increased significantly at 6 and 12 weeks but never exceeded potentially toxic levels, defined as > 100 ng/ml. To reduce variability, we will now recruit subjects who only have three or more seizures per month.
Advances in rehabilitation for chronic diseases: improving health outcomes and function

Much of the burden on healthcare systems is related to the management of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Although conventional outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs significantly decrease morbidity and mortality and improve function and health related quality of life for people with chronic diseases, rehabilitation programs are underused. Barriers to enrollment are multifactorial and include failure to recommend and refer patients to these services; poor communication with patients about potential benefits; and patient factors including logistical and financial barriers, comorbidities, and competing demands that make participation in facility based programs difficult. Recent advances in rehabilitation programs that involve remotely delivered technology could help deliver services to more people who might benefit. Problems with intensity, adherence, and safety of home based programs have been investigated in recent clinical trials, and larger dissemination and implementation trials are under way. This review summarizes the evidence for benefit of in-person cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. It also reviews the literature on newer developments, such as home based remotely mediated exercise programs developed to decrease cost and improve accessibility, high intensity interval training in cardiac rehabilitation, and alternative therapies such as tai chi and yoga for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Numerical analysis of tangential slot blowing on a generic chined forebody

A numerical study is performed to investigate the effects of tangential slot blowing on a generic chined forebody. The Reynolds-averaged, thin-layer, Navier-Stokes equations are solved to obtain the high-angle-of-attack viscous flow field about a generic chined forebody. Tangential slot blowing is investigated as a means of forebody flow control to generate side force and yawing moment on the forebody. The effects of jet mass flow ratios, angle of attack, and blowing slot location in the axial and circumferential directions are studied. The computed results are compared with available wind tunnel experimental data. The solutions with and without blowing are also analyzed using helicity density contours, surface flow patterns, and off-surface instantaneous streamlines. The results of this analysis provide details of the flow field about the generic chined forebody, as well as show that tangential slot blowing can be used as a means of forebody flow control to generate side force and yawing moment.
A National Survey of Prosthesis Use in Veterans with Major Upper Limb Amputation: Comparisons by Gender.

BACKGROUND A better understanding of women veterans with upper limb amputation is needed. OBJECTIVE To compare prosthetic use and outcomes of female and male veterans with upper limb amputation. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey: Amputation characteristics, prosthesis use, and quality of life outcomes were compared by gender. Separate logistic regression models examined association of gender with prosthesis use and receipt of training to use a prosthesis. Separate linear regression models examined the relationship between gender and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. PARTICIPANTS Participants were veterans with major upper limb amputation who received care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2010-2015, identified from VA data sources. A total of 808 individuals (755 men, 21 women) were surveyed by telephone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), VR-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS) and VR-12 Mental Component Summary (MCS), Trinity Amputation and Prosthetic Experience Scale satisfaction scale, Orthotics and Prosthetic User's Survey client satisfaction with devices scale. SETTING Telephone survey of community dwelling participants. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. RESULTS Survey response rate was 47.3% for men and 62.8% for women. Women were less likely to have ever used a prosthesis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.26; confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.88), have received training for an initial prosthesis (aOR: 0.24; CI 0.08-0.70), be current users (aOR = 0.34; CI 0.12-1.01), and have received training for a current prosthesis (aOR: 0.15; 0.03-0.87). A greater proportion of women used cosmetic and a smaller proportion used body-powered devices compared to men (P < .05). Device heaviness or fatigue was the most common reason for abandonment. There were no significant differences in outcome measures by gender. CONCLUSIONS Women were less likely than men to have ever used and currently use prostheses or to have received prosthetic training, more likely to use cosmetic devices, and less likely to use body-powered devices. Efforts to develop prostheses that are cosmetically acceptable, yet lightweight and functional, are needed.