cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postweaning growth and reproduction of beef heifers exposed to calve at 24 or 30 months of age in spring and fall seasons

Angus and Angus x Hereford heifer calves born in spring or fall seasons were allotted by weight at weaning to be exposed to bulls for calving at either 24 or 30 mo of age. Comparisons were made 1) within birth season--heifers born in the same season were first exposed to bulls at either 14 to 16 or 19 to 22 mo of age and 2) within breeding season--heifers born in different but consecutive seasons (spring-fall or fall-spring) were exposed to bulls during the same season but at different ages. Spring-born heifers exposed for 30-mo calving were heavier (336 vs 302 kg) and taller (P less than .01) at breeding than those exposed for 24-mo calving. Also, more were observed in estrus and became pregnant (P less than .01) during a 21-d AI breeding period, but season-long (63 d) pregnancy rates were not different (86%). Fall-born heifers exposed for 24- or 30-mo calving were similar for weight, hip height, and body condition score (BCS) at breeding, but season-long pregnancy rates were 71 and 94%, respectively (P less than .01). Although fall-born heifers were heavier at weaning (P less than .01), spring-born heifers were heavier, taller, and had higher BCS at breeding (P less than .01), regardless of age. Within spring breeding seasons, breeding weight and initial reproduction were not affected by heifer age. Within fall breeding seasons, older heifers were larger (P less than .01) and had greater reproductive performance (P less than .05) than younger heifers. Age at breeding, irrespective of season, consistently affected (P less than .01) both hip height (116 vs 113 cm) and pelvic area (209 vs 178 cm2) for older vs younger heifers, respectively. These data indicate that heifers exposed for 30-mo first calving are heavier, taller, have larger pelvic area, and have greater reproductive performance than those exposed for 24-mo first calving.
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Individuals with HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction Abnormal diurnal blood pressure (BP) rhythms may contribute to the high cardiovascular disease risk in HIV-positive (HIV+) individuals. To synthesize the current literature on ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in HIV+ individuals, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed. Methods Medical databases were searched through November 11, 2015 for studies that reported ABPM results in HIV+ individuals. Data were extracted by 2 reviewers and pooled differences between HIV+ and HIV-negative (HIV-) individuals in clinic BP and ABPM measures were calculated using random-effects inverse variance weighted models. Results Of 597 abstracts reviewed, 8 studies with HIV+ cohorts met the inclusion criteria. The 420 HIV+ and 714 HIV- individuals in 7 studies with HIV- comparison groups were pooled for analyses. The pooled absolute nocturnal systolic and diastolic BP declines were 3.16% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13%, 5.20%) and 2.92% (95% CI: 1.64%, 4.19%) less, respectively, in HIV+ versus HIV- individuals. The pooled odds ratio for non-dipping systolic BP (nocturnal systolic BP decline <10%) in HIV+ versus HIV- individuals was 2.72 (95% CI: 1.92, 3.85). Differences in mean clinic, 24-hour, daytime, or nighttime BP were not statistically significant. I2 and heterogeneity chi-squared statistics indicated the presence of high heterogeneity for all outcomes except percent DBP dipping and non-dipping SBP pattern. Conclusions An abnormal diurnal BP pattern may be more common among HIV+ versus HIV- individuals. However, results were heterogeneous for most BP measures, suggesting more research in this area is needed.
The role of resilience and mindful leadership in oncology nursing.

When oncology nurses think of the word resilient, they often describe the term in the context of the patients and families they care for each day. When patients face a diagnosis of cancer, their lives have suddenly been altered in a frightening manner. Everything changes, and they must find a way to navigate the troubled waters ahead. .
Feasibility of 4d Echocardiography for Evaluation of Right Ventricular Mechanics: Validation Against Sonomicrometry

This study tested the feasibility of 4D echocardiography to evaluate right ventricular (RV) strain mechanics using both vendor-dependent and vendor-independent analysis packages. Ten freshly harvested porcine hearts were studied in a water bath with three sonomicrometry (sono) crystals sutured in a
Quantitative Electroencephalography in OCD Patients Treated with Paroxetine

The effectiveness of drugs that have a specific effect on the activity of the serotonergic neurotransmitter systemhas changed the outlook for patients suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). With a response rate of about 70% to such compounds and the great amount of brain imaging studies conducted over the past decades, an understanding of the biochemical nature and origins of OCD is beginning to unfold. Convergent data including ethological and experimental observations, clinico-pathological findings and different imaging methods have implicated the basal ganglia along with the cortical and related thalamic structures to be involved in the pathophysiology of OCD. In a previous study using the quantitative electroencephalographic (QEEG) method known as neurometrics, in which QEEG data from OCD patients were compared statistically with those from an age-appropriate normative population, two subtypes within a clinically homogeneous patient group were classified. Patients with relative excess theta activity, especially in the frontal regions, were nonresponders to treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), while those with increased relative power in alpha activity were responders to pharmacological treatment. These findings suggested at least two subgroups in a patient population with similar symptoms but differential responses to treatment. In the present study we used neurometric QEEG to subtype a group of 20 non-depressed OCD patients, fulfilling DSM-R-III criteria, treated with paroxetine, of whom 18 were responders to treatment. Of the treatment responders, 94.4% were predicted by subtype membership to be SSRI responsers. In these subjects there was a strong relative alpha baseline activity; after successful treatment through at least 3 months this activity decreased, looking more normal. The group average topographic maps showed none of the characteristics seen in the nonresponder cluster (no excess relative power in theta). As in the previous investigation, baseline QEEG profile membership points to a predictive value with regard to therapeutic response.
Wireless sensory networks for the livestock,poultry and aquaculture industry pollution monitoring applications

This paper conducted a technical survey for the recent development of wireless sensory networks(WSN) and their potential applications in pollution monitoring in the livestock,poultry and aquaculture industry.WSN as one of the emerging technology evolved and developed from wireless communications, VLSI(Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits) technology and sensor technology.It integrated environment sensing,data processing and wireless communication functionality into one unit,suitable for ecological environment monitoring and pollution prevention.In this paper,we have looked at this technology applications in poultry and aquaculture industry.In addition,we have discussed the guidelines to address practical deployment of WSN: first,selection of proper wireless transmission bandwidth and protocols to achieve communication reliability and meet the desired data rate;secondly,choose modularized sensor interface hardware to optimize the cost-performance ratio and to gain inter-operability to the existing sensors.
Study on the promotive factors of development of Chinese competitive volleyball

At present,although the development of Chinese competitive volleyball is influenced by many negative factors,there has also been many advantageous factors to promote it.Having used the questionnaire and factor analysis method,the following objects were investigated:the Manager,scholar,of Chinese volleyball game.national team coaches,coaches of clubs participating in the class 1National League Volleyball match,international and national volleyball referees.Major promotive factors in the development on Chinese competitive volleyball have been researched and analyzed.The result shows that promoting the development of Chinese competitive volleyball currently are the following four major factors:development of international volleyball,game system,economic investment and business development.
Ultrastructural localization of nonspecific esterase activity in guinea pig and human monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes.

Using either hexazotized pararosaniline or new fuchsin as coupling agents, we investigated the ultrastructural localization of alpha- naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE) activity in guinea pig bone marrow and peritoneal exudates, and in human peripheral blood cells. DFP- inhibitable ANAE activity was present on the cell surface of lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, megakaryocytes, platelets, and blasts. Demarcation lines in megakaryocytes and the perinuclear cisternae in normoblasts were also positive. In addition, lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages displayed ANAE activity associated with cytoplasmic-vesicle clusters (CVC). Reaction product was always present on the cytoplasmic surfaces of these vesicles and in the adjacent cytoplasm; vesicle interiors were invariably ANAE-negative. Small lymphocytes generally had a single large paranuclear ANAE-positive CVC, whereas mononuclear phagocytes had multiple discrete foci of similar appearing ANAE-positive CVC that sometime became confluent. ANAE activity was also found in the Gall bodies of human lymphocytes and in coated vesicles of macrophages. Cytoplasmic ANAE activity was increased in oil-induced guinea pig peritoneal macrophages. Both surface and cytoplasmic esterase activities had a neutral pH optimum. An identical distribution of reaction product was observed when alpha-naphthyl butyrate was employed as substrate. The function of these esterases, and their relation to known surface and cytoplasmic neutral proteases, awaits further investigation.
Probing of the canine mammary artery damages endothelium and impairs vasodilation resulting from prostacyclin and endothelium-derived relaxing factor.

It is routine practice for many cardiac surgeons to probe internal mammary arteries to dilate them before their use. The effects of such probing on endothelium integrity, prostacyclin production, and vasodilation resulting from endothelium-derived relaxing factor and from prostacyclin were investigated in vessels isolated from mongrel dogs. Dose-dependent relaxation responses of isolated segments of probed and unprobed mammary arteries to the endothelium-dependent vasodilators methacholine, calcium ionophore (A23187), and melittin were determined in both the presence and absence of indomethacin. Prostacyclin production by probed versus unprobed vascular segments was determined under basal and A23187-stimulated conditions by radioimmunoassay for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α, and endothelial integrity was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Scanning electron micrographs of segments revealed marked endothelial cell disruption in probed versus unprobed vessels. The dose-dependent relaxation responses to all drugs studied were significantly impaired (p
Can the clergy help overworked physicians? Experience with an experimental church clinic.

A church health center serving a poor neighborhood in Springfield, Ohio, could be a model for communities everywhere, poor or otherwise. What seems at first to make this clinic different from others is its location, a church building. It represents a new approach to the human problems that are not strictly medical but that can occupy so much of the physician's time.
Social learning networks: Efficiency optimization for MOOC forums

A Social Learning Network (SLN) emerges when users exchange information on educational topics with structured interactions. The recent proliferation of massively scaled online (human) learning, such as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), has presented a plethora of research challenges surrounding SLN. In this paper, we ask: How efficient are these networks? We propose a framework in which SLN efficiency is determined by comparing user benefit in the observed network to a benchmark of maximum utility achievable through optimization. Our framework defines the optimal SLN through utility maximization subject to a set of constraints that can be inferred from the network. Through evaluation on four MOOC discussion forum datasets and optimizing over millions of variables, we find that SLN efficiency can be rather low (from 68% to 82% depending on the specific parameters and dataset), which indicates that much can be gained through optimization. We find that the gains in global utility (i.e., average across users) can be obtained without making the distribution of local utilities (i.e., utility of individual users) less fair. We also discuss ways of realizing the optimal network in practice, through curated news feeds in online SLN.
Development and Application of a Novel Model System to Study "Active" and "Passive" Tumor Targeting.

Macromolecular reagents can be targeted to tumors through active and passive mechanisms. “Active” targeting involves moieties, such as receptor ligands, to direct tumor cell binding, whereas “passive” targeting relies on long reagent circulating half-life, abnormal tumor vasculature, and poor lymphatic drainage for tumor entrapment. Here, we sought to study the impact of reagent circulating half-life on “active” and “passive” tumor uptake. The humanized prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting antibody HuJ591 was used as the “active” targeting agent. HuJ591 was labeled with a Near Infrared (NIR) dye and its circulating half-life was modified by conjugation to high-molecular-weight Polyethylene Glycol (PEG). PEGylation did not negatively impact PSMA-binding specificity. “Active” and “passive” tumor targeting of intravenously injected antibody conjugates were then quantified by NIR fluorescent imaging of immunocompromised mice bearing bilateral isogenic PSMA-positive and PSMA-negative human tumor xenografts. Two isogenic tumor pairs were applied, PC3 ± PSMA (PC3-PIP/PC3-Flu) or LMD-MDA-MB-231 ± PSMA (LMD-PSMA/LMD). This study provided a unique model system to simultaneously observe “active” and “passive” tumor targeting within a single animal. “Passive” targeting was observed in all PSMA-negative tumors, and was not enhanced by increased HuJ591 size or extended circulating half-life. Interestingly, “active” targeting was only successful in some situations. Both PSMA-positive tumor models could be actively targeted with J591-IR800 and J591-PEG10K. However, the larger J591-PEG30K enhanced “active” targeting in the PC-3 tumor models, but inhibited “active” targeting the LMD-MDA-MB-231 tumor model. Successful “active” targeting was associated with higher PSMA expression. These results support the potential for “active” targeting to enhance overall macromolecular reagent uptake within tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(10); 2541–50. ©2016 AACR.
Associations between Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in African Americans Are Partly Explained by Circulating Adipokines and C-Reactive Protein: The Jackson Heart Study

Background: Although it is recognized that vitamin D deficiency is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, and is more common in African Americans (AAs), the pathologic mechanisms by which vitamin D may influence these risk factors are poorly understood. Objectives: We explored the association between vitamin D status, as reflected by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations, and CVD risk factors including mean arterial pressure (MAP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), plasma HDL cholesterol, and waist circumference (WC) in adult AAs. We also tested whether plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), adipokines (adiponectin and leptin), and aldosterone mediated the associations between 25(OH)D and these risk factors. Methods: Data on 4010 (63.8% women; mean age: 54.0 y) individuals from the Jackson Heart Study were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression models were used to examine the associations of 25(OH)D with CVD risk factors. We used path analysis and bootstrapping methods to quantify and test the share of these associations that was statistically explained by each of the mediators by decomposing the associations into direct and indirect effects. Results: Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were inversely associated with WC, FPG, and MAP and were positively associated with HDL cholesterol in multivariable analysis. A nearly 20% effect of 25(OH)D on MAP was masked by aldosterone (total indirect effect: β = 0.01, P < 0.05). Approximately 23% of the effect of 25(OH)D on WC (β = −0.03, P < 0.05) and ∼9% of the effect of 25(OH)D on FPG (β = −0.02, P < 0.05) were mediated through CRP, adiponectin, and leptin together. A 23% share of the association between 25(OH)D and HDL cholesterol was mediated by adiponectin alone (β = 0.03, P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the associations between vitamin D status and CVD risk factors in AAs are partially mediated through circulating adipokines and CRP. More evidence, however, is required from longitudinal and randomized controlled studies to validate our findings.
Endocrine-reproductive-immune interactions in female and male Galápagos marine iguanas.

Endocrine-immune interactions are variable across species and contexts making it difficult to discern consistent patterns. There is a paucity of data in non-model systems making these relationships even more nebulous, particularly in reptiles. In the present study, we have completed a more comprehensive test of the relationship among steroid hormones and ecologically relevant immune measures. We tested the relationship between baseline and stress-induced levels of sex and adrenal steroid hormones and standard ecoimmunological metrics in both female and male Galapagos marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus). We found significant associations between adrenal activity and immunity, whereby females that mounted greater corticosterone responses to stress had lower basal and stress-induced immunity (i.e., bactericidal ability). Males showed the opposite relationship, suggesting sex-specific immunomodulatory actions of corticosterone. In both sexes, we observed a stress-induced increase in corticosterone, and in females a stress-induced increase in bactericidal ability. Consistent with other taxa, we also found that baseline corticosterone and testosterone in males was inversely related to baseline bactericidal ability. However, in females, we found a positive relationship between both testosterone and progesterone and bactericidal ability. Multivariate analysis did not discern any further endocrine-immune relationships, suggesting that interactions between adrenal, sex steroid hormones, and the immune system may not be direct and instead may be responding to other common stimuli, (i.e., reproductive status, energy). Taken together, these data illustrate significant endocrine-immune interactions that are highly dependent on sex and the stress state of the animal.
Protein Phosphatase 2B Inhibition Promotes the Secretion of Von Willebrand Factor from Endothelial Cells

Ultra-large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) multimers secreted from the Weibel-Palade bodies (WPBs) of endothelial cells plays a crucial role in the development of thrombotic microangiopathies. Secretion of WPB contents is regulated, in part, by the phosphorylation of vesicle trafficking proteins that constitutes the endothelial exocytotic machinery. In comparison to agonist-induced, protein kinase-dependent signaling pathways that regulate the exocytosis of WPB contents, a role for protein phosphatases in regulating endothelial exocytosis is currently undefined. In this study, we show that inhibition of serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B) activity by cyclosporine A (CsA), tacrolimus (FK506) or a cell-permeable PP2B autoinhibitory (AI) peptide promotes the secretion of hyper-adhesive ULVWF from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in the absence of any other endothelial cell-stimulating agent. PP2B inhibitor-induced secretion and anchorage of ULVWF strings from HUVECs induce the tethering of adhesive platelets. In support of a role for PP2B in VWF secretion, we demonstrated that the catalytic subunit of PP2B expressed as a GST fusion protein interacts with the vesicle trafficking protein, Munc18c. Serine phosphorylation of Munc18c, which promotes granule exocytosis in other secretory cells, was significantly increased in CsA-treated HUVECs, suggesting that this process may be involved in CsA-mediated WPB exocytosis and secretion of VWF. Furthermore, plasma VWF antigen levels were also enhanced in CsA-treated mice, and siRNA-mediated knockdown of PP2Bb in HUVECs significantly enhanced VWF secretion. These observations suggest that CsA promotes VWF release, at least in part by inhibition of PP2B activity. These observations are compatible with the clinically observed association of CsA treatment and increased plasma VWF levels in humans, as well as the association between prolonged exposure to CsA and thrombotic microangiopathy in a subset of exposed patients.
Molecular Biology of Aging

In higher animals and plants, senescence and death occur at each level of biological organization. While the organism ages, the immune system begins to attack its host, functioning of the brain deteriorates, tissues cease transporting metabolites and are more likely to become diseased with cancer or arteriosclerosis, elastic molecules of the skin and lung become rigid, and many cellular enzymes turn heat-sensitive.
Long-axis twisting during locomotion of elongate fishes.

ABSTRACT Fish live in a complex world and must actively adapt their swimming behavior to a range of environments. Most studies of swimming kinematics focus on two-dimensional properties related to the bending wave that passes from head to tail. However, fish also twist their bodies three dimensionally around their longitudinal axis as the bending wave passes down the body. We measured and characterized this movement, which we call ‘wobble’, in six species of elongate fishes ( Anoplarchus insignis , Xiphister mucosus , Lumpenus sagitta , Pholis laeta , Apodichthys flavidus and Ronquilus jordani ) from three different habitats (intertidal, nearshore and subtidal) using custom video analysis software. Wobble and bending are synchronized, with a phase shift between the wobble wave and bending wave. We found that species from the same habitats swim in similar ways, even if they are more closely related to species from different habitats. In nearshore species, the tail wobbles the most but, in subtidal and intertidal species, the head wobbles more than or the same as the tail. We also wanted to understand the relationship between wobble and the passive mechanics of the fish bodies. Therefore, we measured torsional stiffness and modulus along the body and found that modulus increases from head to tail in all six species. As wobble does not correlate with the passive properties of the body, it may play a different role in swimming behavior of fishes from different habitats.
Successful long-term treatment of paraneoplastic optic neuropathy with mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, and plasmapheresis.

Abstract Purpose To report long-term follow-up of a case of paraneoplastic optic neuropathy (PON) successfully treated with combination therapy. Observations We present a confirmed case of PON from cutaneous melanoma with nearly six years of meticulous follow-up in which vision was preserved and disease remission was successfully induced with combination mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, and plasmapheresis therapy. Conclusions and importance Treatment of PON and long-term follow-up are not well described in the literature. In our case of PON, vision was preserved and disease remission was achieved with mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, and plasmapheresis. Such information may be useful for future cases of PON.
Polymer/graphene oxide (GO) thermoset composites with GO as a crosslinker

Composites have historically been of intense interest due to their potential to replace glass, wood and metal at a fraction of the weight. Of the many choices of fillers, graphene oxide (GO) is generally attractive for its versatility and tunability in terms of surface functionality, size and shape. While the majority of GO has been incorporated into polymers and polymer precursors by physical mixing, this review focuses on research where GO has served as both a property enhancer and multifunctional crosslinker in thermosets. Methods for preparing GO (with and without additional functionalization) and incorporating it appropriately into thermosets are described. A review of characterization techniques, typically applied before and after GO is incorporated into thermosets and analytical methods for confirming important chemical reactions during crosslinking, is also provided. Finally, the resulting composite thermoset properties are surveyed throughout to connect preparation and characterization methods to their potential practical importance.
Using Debates to Mimic Clinical Discussion in Experiential Education

Critical thinking and application of knowledge to an ambiguous patient care scenario are often difficult skills to cultivate in learners. Use of traditional teaching techniques (e.g. topic discussions and journal clubs) helps to develop these competencies within learners. However, alternative teaching strategies may help develop critical thinking and direct application. Debates have been used in healthcare education for decades with positive results. This paper provides supporting evidence for use of debates in pharmacy education and is designed to serve as a general guide for preceptors interested in implementing debates into the experiential setting. Specifically, the objectives are to: 1) highlight the pedagogical outcomes as reported in the literature, 2) offer practical considerations to implement debates as a teaching tool in experiential education, and 3) encourage future research and scholarship in this area. Type: Idea Paper
Crossflow Filtration (Ceramic and Hollow Fiber Membranes) in the Citrus Industry

Crossflow filtration is becoming a cost-effective and preferred method of separation in the food and beverage industry. This paper introduces the concept of crossflow filtration and describes the different membrane technologies and materials. Additionally, advances in ceramic tubular and polymeric hollow fiber membrane technology are presented. New membrane configurations and their practical impact in the industry are discussed. Typical filtration applications in the citrus industry such as fruit juice clarification, clean-in-place (CIP) solutions recovery, and water recovery applications are highlighted.Paper published with permission.Compilation Copyright © 2018 ASME
A text message intervention to reduce 21st birthday alcohol consumption: Evaluation of a two-group randomized controlled trial

Twenty-first birthdays are associated with extreme levels of heavy drinking and alcohol-related harm. Effective preventive interventions that are acceptable to young adults are needed. The current study tested the efficacy of a brief text-message intervention for reducing 21st birthday alcohol involvement designed to correct perceived 21st birthday drinking norms and provide protective behavioral strategies (PBS). We also examined potential moderators and mediators. College students (n = 200) with an upcoming 21st birthday completed a baseline assessment and were randomized to a text-message intervention or an assessment-only control condition. For participants in the intervention group, Message 1 (sent one day before the birthday celebration) focused on personalized normative feedback, and Message 2 (sent day of the birthday celebration) discussed PBS to minimize risk. Primary outcomes were assessed using responses to a follow-up assessment the day after their birthday celebration (93% completion rate). Zero-inflated negative binomial regression analyses did not reveal an overall intervention effect for estimated Blood Alcohol Content (eBAC) or alcohol problems on the 21st birthday celebration. In partial support of our hypothesis, there was an indirect effect of perceived 21st birthday norms on 21st birthday eBAC. The intervention was associated with reduced perceived norms, which was, in turn, related to a lower eBAC. There was a 3-way interaction between drinks per week, anticipated eBAC, and intervention condition for the count portion of actual eBAC such that the intervention reduced eBAC among a high-risk subset of the sample. Future research may benefit from further refining the personalized normative feedback (PNF) component of 21st birthday interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record
Older men are having children, but the reality of a male biological clock makes this trend worrisome.

Advanced paternal age affects sperm quality, fertility, hormone levels, libido, erectile function, and a host of non-reproductive physiological issues while increasing the risk for spontaneous abortion and genetic abnormalities in offspring. An older would-be father should have a thorough history and physical examination focused on his sexual and reproductive capacity and be counseled on the effects of his age on spermatogenesis and pregnancy.
Regulation of Hemostatic System Function by Biochemical and Mechanical Factors

The mammalian hemostatic system has evolved to accomplish the task of sealing defects in the cardiovascular system. Hemostasis occurs in and around a disruption in a vascular conduit through which blood normally flows, and is characterized by the localized formation of thrombus. Consequently, the process of hemostasis is influenced by: (1) the biochemical properties of the cellular and soluble components of the hemostatic system, counterregulatory networks, and the vascular conduit; (2) the local hemodynamic conditions, which regulate the influx and efflux of substrates, cofactors, and catalysts, and which also impose loads on the forming clot; and (3) the local mechanical properties of the vasculature. We review the components of the hemostatic and negative regulatory systems and their biochemical functions, and the roles that local hemodynamics play in the regulation of hemostasis
The Chemistry of Internal Combustion Engine Deposit — III. 13 C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Employing 1 H Cross-Polarization and Magic Angle Spinning

In the previous two chapters, we have discussed the use of relatively classical techniques to characterize engine combustion deposits. Elemental analysis shows the deposits to contain 60 to 69 wgt.% carbon, 20 to 27 wgt.% oxygen, and 3 to 5 wgt.% hydrogen, with varying amounts of nitrogen, sulfur, and lube-derived inorganic elements. Both thermogravimetric analysis and insertion probe mass spectroscopy show the presence of volatile materials, and the mass spectroscopy suggests these volatile materials to contain, in part, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. Infrared spectroscopy shows that the oxygen functionality includes ketones (possibly as anhydrides) and aryl and alkyl ethers.
Family Involvement at the Secondary Level: Learning from Texas Borderland Schools.

The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of how successful secondary schools located along the Texas-Mexico border, particularly those enrolling predominantly Latino students, have ...
The ethics of referral.

The rapid growth of veterinary specialty practices has created a number of vexatious ethical issues relevant to veterinary medicine. The preeminent question pertains to “the duty to refer.” Do primary care practitioners have such a moral duty? If so, when does this duty arise? Does it pertain in all cases where specialized knowledge is relevant to a disease? This raises the fundamental question of “Veterinary Ethics” — namely, does the veterinarian ideally have primary obligation to the client/owner or the animal? (1) There are 2 possible ideal types that a veterinarian can aim for — the Garage Mechanic Model or the Pediatrician Model (1). On the Garage Mechanic Model, the practitioner has primary obligation to the animal owner, just as a car’s mechanic has primary obligation to the car’s owner. On the Pediatrician Model, the veterinarian is like the pediatrician, whose primary moral obligation is to the patient; at best, the owner or parent pays the bills. Most veterinarians accept the Pediatrician Model, even though society does not as yet stand behind it, as it does with children. This is not surprising; Plato made a similar point over 2000 years ago. A shepherd he says, in his or her role as shepherd, has a primary duty to care for and better the sheep. Although they are paid for this, it is in their capacity as wage earner, which does not trump their primary obligation to the animal (2).
Methanol conversion on SAPO-34: reaction condition for fixed-bed reactor

Abstract Reaction temperature and space velocity for methanol conversion to light olefins over SAPO-34 catalyst were experimentally studied in a bench-scale fixed-bed reactor. Temperature was found to be the strongest factor that affects product C 2  :C 3  ratio. Different C 2  :C 3  ratios can be obtained by adjusting reaction temperature or controlling the deactivation state of the catalyst. Higher temperature or partially deactivated catalyst produced higher C 2  :C 3  ratios. Over SAPO-34, when the feed was composed of 20 mol% methanol and 80 mol% water the optimum reaction temperature in terms of methanol conversion, selectivity to C 2  –C 4  and catalyst deactivation rate was approximately 400 °C. Higher temperatures led to faster catalyst deactivation due to coke formation and lower selectivities to propylene and butenes; while lower temperatures led to higher selectivities to CO+CO 2 and CH 4 , lower methanol conversion, and faster catalyst deactivation due to oligomer blockage of SAPO-34 pores. For the above feed, the optimum methanol weight hourly space velocity in terms of methanol conversion, selectivity to C 2  –C 4  and catalyst deactivation rate, was in the range of 2.6–3.6 h −1 . Lower methanol space velocities led to lower selectivity to C 2  –C 4  and faster catalyst deactivation; while higher methanol space velocities led to lower methanol conversion. At the optimum reaction condition, approximately 20 g of methanol can be processed on 1 g of the catalyst with C 2  –C 4  selectivity of about 90% before methanol conversion drops below 100%. By-products, CO, CO 2 , and CH 4 , were produced from the decomposition of methanol and DME. This decomposition could be catalyzed on basic sites on SAPO-34. The formation of the by-products depends on the competition between the basic sites (on which methanol and DME decompose to carbon oxides and methane) and acidic sites (on which methanol and DME convert into hydrocarbons).
Prefrontal circuit organization for executive control

The essential role of executive control is to select the most appropriate behavior among other candidates depending on the sensory information (exogenous information) and on the subject's internal state (endogenous information). Here I review series of the evidence implicating that the rodent prefrontal cortex (PFC) evaluates and compares the expected outcome for candidate actions that are automatically primed by exogenous and endogenous information, and selects the most appropriate action while inhibiting the others, with different PFC subregions contributing to distinct aspects of the computation via differential recruitments of the distributed networks. The recurrent nature of the PFC networks further facilitates the computation by integrating bottom-up signals over a long timescale. I also overview the local circuit organization in the PFC, where vasoactive intestinal peptide-positive (VIP) GABAergic interneurons are tightly linked with the cholinergic system and play significant roles in regulating executive control signals. The empirical evidence inspires the disinhibitory module hypothesis of the PFC organization that a group of pyramidal neurons and interneurons forms a disinhibitory module with similar task-variable selectivity in the PFC, and long-range inputs and neuromodulations in these modules exert a distributed gain modulation of the ongoing executive control signals by adjusting VIP neuron activity.
Drawing and Rendering for Theatre: A Practical Course for Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Designers

Drawing and Rendering for Theatre, A Practical Course for Scenic, Costume, and Lighting Designers is designed for those of you who are theatrical designers and want to improve your drawing and rendering skills.This gorgeous full-color book includes many examples of student drawings, analyzed and critiqued for areas that need improvement. It also includes numerous examples of design renderings by professional theatrical designers. In addition to the general sections on drawing and painting, it includes separate chapters on costume, scenic, and lighting rendering that include information specific to these design areas.
Social Agents of Technological Change: Dynamics and Divergence of Meanings, Expectations and Sentiments of Emerging Technologies : the case of Genome Editing

This study aims to identify social agents and understand their dynamic roles along evolution trajectories of human genome editing technology. We used Twitter public data from 2015–2016 that contain tweets mentioning the technology, natural language processing and sentiment analysis to automatically identify social groups who might be currently shaping the development of this technology, the topics and prevalently expressed emotions by each group over time. The study found four distinct and active social agent groups who actively discussing five topics online in the two years period, and their level of engagement with online discussions regarding the technology were different. While distinct expectations of the technology were found, social agents’ attachment to those expectations was not sustainable. The overall sentiments of Twitter discussions were mostly neutral and gravitated toward slightly positive direction. The technology, despite being in early development stage and being highly anticipatory, was found to be more accepted than feared in discussions on social media. Some similarities and divergence among four social groups were also found. The study provided an empirical evidence for the contrast between two prominent social agents, expert and media, on their involvement in discussions regarding human genome editing.
Progression of Aphasia Severity in the Chronic Stages of Stroke.

Background and Purpose The severity of aphasic impairment in chronic stroke survivors is typically thought to be stable by 6 months postonset. However, a recent study showed that stroke survivors w...
Breast Cancer Conspicuity on Simultaneously Acquired Digital Mammographic Images versus Digital Breast Tomosynthesis Images

For cancers visible at only one mammographic view, they are more often seen at the craniocaudal view than the mediolateral oblique view for both digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis.
T-Configuration Horizontal Low-Profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS Jr) Device-Assisted Coiling for Treatment of Basilar Tip Aneurysms: A Technical Note.

Background Provided certain anatomic considerations, stent-assisted coiling of basilar apex aneurysms can be performed using a single stent placed in a horizontal T-configuration across the aneurysm neck prior to coil deployment, although this has predominantly been described using older-generation stents. The development of the Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS Jr) device has provided greater versatility than previous stents, including use in smaller vessels, the ability to be resheathed, and improved flow diversion properties. Methods To our knowledge, we report the first use of the LVIS Jr device in a horizontal T-configuration across the aneurysm neck prior to coil deployment in 2 patients for the treatment of basilar apex aneurysms. This technique requires robust posterior communicating artery aneurysms and a second site of vascular access. Results Both patients demonstrated good outcomes following the procedure with no adverse sequelae. One patient required retreatment for recurrence after 1 year and was able to undergo further coiling without difficulty. Conclusions Use of the LVIS Jr device allows greater versatility in horizontal T-configuration stent-assisted coil embolization, when compared with other available intracranial stents. This provides another tool to treat basilar apex aneurysms with improved coil occlusion and a theoretically decreased risk of thromboembolic events.
Involvement of reactive oxygen intermediates in the mutagenicity of tumor promoters.

Reactive oxygen intermediates have been strongly implicated in tumor promotion not only because many tumor promoters generate free radicals either directly or indirectly, but also because many antipromoters are anti-oxidants which inhibit the reactivity of oxygen radicals (for reviews, see references 1–4). Tumor promoting agents can be distinguished from initiating agents on the basis of the DNA damage they induce; whereas true initiators cause irreversible, heritable changes through mutation, tumor promoters are clastogenic, i.e., cause DNA strand breaks, and this damage is reversible to some degree. The clastogenic action of promoters is thought to be due at least in part to the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates and perhaps to the secondary generation of other reactive intermediates from interaction with cellular macromolecules such as membrane lipids. Type II promoters, such as benzoyl peroxide, generate oxygen radicals directly in the target cell without the mediation of other effectors. Type I promoters, such as the phorbol esters, act indirectly via effectors such as protein kinase c to generate superoxide, perhaps as a by-product of the arachidonic cascade. In addition, type I promoters stimulate the respiratory burst of phagocytic cells, and the reactive oxygen (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide) produced during this burst can then act on nearby cells.
A National Survey of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for Treatment Among Asian-Americans.

Asian Americans (AAs) are more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) compared to other race/ethnicities, yet previous studies have conflicting results. The 2012 National Health Interview Survey data was analyzed to investigate AA’s (n = 2214) CAM use for treatment. AAs were divided into four subgroups: Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, and Other Asian. Only 9% of AAs reported using CAM for treatment, with 6% indicating CAM use specifically for chronic conditions. This could be a form of medical pluralism, a mixture of Eastern and Western health approaches. The “Other Asian” subgroup reported highest use of CAM for treatment. Significant predictors included age (≥ 65 years) and high educational attainment (≥ college degree). Sociodemographic factors were also significant predictors within Asian subgroups. Further investigation of this and other forms of medical pluralism among AAs are needed to explore potential cofounders and risks like underreporting, CAM schedules/dosages, cultural influences, and CAM’s impact on one’s health.
Donor Leukocyte Trafficking and Damage-associated Molecular Pattern Expression During Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion.

Background While ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has become established in lung transplantation, the cellular processes occurring during this period are not yet fully understood. Prior studies demonstrated that donor leukocytes (DLs) migrate from the graft into the perfusate during EVLP, but the distribution of DLs in graft and perfusate compartments has not been characterized. Moreover, cell death of DLs has been implicated in mediating graft injury during EVLP, but the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. We hypothesized the following: (1) there is a nonspecific migration of DLs from the graft into perfusate and (2) cell death of DLs releases damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that contribute to the inflammatory milieu during EVLP. Methods EVLP was performed on rat lungs for 3 hours (N = 6). At the end of EVLP, flow cytometry was used to quantify the distribution of different DL cell types in both the graft and perfusate compartments. During EVLP, the perfusate was also sampled hourly to measure levels of DAMPs and downstream inflammatory cytokines generated during EVLP. Results At the conclusion of EVLP, there was a significantly higher proportion of T and B cells present in the perfusate compartment compared with the graft compartment. There was a time-dependent increase in extracellular DNA and tumor necrosis factor α in the perfusate during EVLP. Conclusions T cells and B cells are enriched in the perfusate compartment during EVLP. Cell death of DLs contributes to an accumulation of DAMPs during EVLP.
A Bayesian state-space model for seasonal growth of terrestrial vertebrates

Abstract The rate of somatic growth determines when individuals transition between life stages, which along with survival and reproduction, are principal factors governing the rate of population change. For short-lived species that inhabit seasonally dynamic environments, accounting for fluctuations in somatic growth is necessary to make reliable inferences about population dynamics. We describe a Bayesian, state-space formulation of a von Bertalanffy growth model that integrates a sinusoidal model to allow for seasonal fluctuations in growth while also accounting for individual heterogeneity and measurement error. We use this model to describe post-metamorphic growth of canyon treefrogs, Hyla arenicolor, based on capture-recapture data from 404 individuals over a two-year period. For simulated data where we assumed growth varies seasonally, our model provides unbiased estimates of growth rate, mean asymptotic length, standard deviation of individual asymptotic lengths, and date of maximum growth. For field data from canyon treefrogs, we found strong evidence of seasonal variation in growth, with maximum growth during the summer monsoon season. Growth rate of females was 19 % lower than males, although on average, females reached asymptotic lengths that were 15 % greater than males. Ignoring systematic intra-annual variation in growth can bias inferences about population dynamics, particularly for fast-growing species that reproduce more than once per year or inhabit environments with strong seasonal signals. We present a straightforward approach for using repeated length measurements from individuals of unknown age to estimate growth while accounting for seasonality and individual heterogeneity, which are sources of variation common in many vertebrate populations.
Standardization of Post-operative Hand-off Practices in the Pediatric Icu: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract Background: In 2006, the Joint Commission required all health care providers to “implement a standardized approach to patient hand-offs”. Problem: At our institution, we identified gaps in post-surgical patient hand-offs which included incomplete transfer of information and inadequate communication between the medical and surgical teams. This resulted in a high level of anxiety, frequent paging and at times, delay in patient care. Methods: We distributed a …
Paediatric HIV-1 infection.

This article notes that despite advances made in the prevention and treatment of the infection perinatal transmission continues in developed and developing countries. The author discusses: mother-to-child transmission antiretroviral prevention regimens cesarean section other interventions prevention of postpartum transmission other routes of transmission HIV-1 pathogenesis in children and antiretroviral treatment.