cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Social relationships and physiological function: the effects of recalling social relationships on cardiovascular reactivity.

Background: The mechanisms by which social relationships exert their influence on mental and physical health outcomes deserve greater attention.Purpose: Although many studies assess the influence of actual social interactions on cardiovascular reactivity, we hypothesized that cognitive and behavioral processes (e.g., recalling and discussing relationships) may be important factors responsible for the health effects of social relationships.Methods: We had men and women recall and speak about specific relationships that differed in their underlying positive and negative substrates.Results: Results revealed that gender moderated the hypothesized pattern of responses, with women showing consistently greater cardiovascular reactivity to the speaking task, particularly when speaking about negative relationships, compared to men.Conclusions: This study is discussed in light of recent research on gender differences in relationship outcomes as well as the potential importance of delineating the cognitive representations and processes that influence reactions to one’s social environment.
Perceived judgment about weight can negatively influence weight loss: a cross-sectional study of overweight and obese patients.

Abstract Objective To examine the association between patient-perceived judgments about weight by primary care providers (PCPs) and self-reported weight loss. Methods We conducted a national internet-based survey of 600 adults engaged in primary care with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m 2 in 2012. Our weight loss outcomes included attempted weight loss and achieved ≥ 10% weight loss in the last 12 months. Our independent variable was “feeling judged about my weight by my PCP.” We created an interaction between perceiving judgment and PCP discussing weight loss as an independent variable. We conducted a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for patient and PCP factors using survey weights. Results Overall, 21% perceived that their PCP judged them about their weight. Respondents who perceived judgment were significantly more likely to attempt weight loss [odds ratios (OR) 4.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.96–11.14]. They were not more likely to achieve ≥ 10% weight loss [OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.42–1.76]. Among patients whose PCPs discussed weight loss, 20.1% achieved ≥ 10% weight loss if they did not perceive judgment by their PCP as compared to 13.5% who perceived judgment. Conclusions Weight loss discussions between patients and PCPs may lead to greater weight loss in relationships where patients do not perceive judgment about their weight.
A model for perilymphatic fistula induced hearing loss in the guinea pig cochlea.

Abstract In cases of sudden, reversible hearing loss where perilymphatic fistulas are thought to be the cause, a multitude of causes have been postulated. These include perilymphatic pressure changes, Simmons’ double-break theory, perilymphatic hemorrhage, pneumolabyrinth, and others. This study was proposed to explore the role pneumolabyrinth may have in this pathology. Guinea pigs were fitted with cochlear perfusion pumps pumping artificial perilymph into the left scala tympani. One group of animals received a bubble (∼1.5–2 μl) introduced into the scala tympani while the other group of animals received continuous infusion of artificial perilymph. The animals’ cochlear function was monitored using distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) while the animals’ behavior was assessed to evaluate for vestibular dysfunction. While unaffected by pump surgery, animals that received air into the scala tympani had their DPOAEs eliminated by day 2 after pump placement. On day 6, positional changes in the DPOAEs were observed where the left lateral decubitus position showed a sharp demarcation at 4 kHz, where lower DPOAE frequencies were abolished and higher ones minimally affected, with DPOAEs normal in the prone position. By days 8 and 20, DPOAEs recovered to normal amplitudes. Vestibular dysfunction was never detected in any animal that received a pneumolabyrinth. All control animals receiving a continuous perilymph infusion exhibited no loss of cochlear function throughout the testing period. The reversible nature of pneumolabyrinth induced hearing loss and the pneumolabyrinth’s sole presence (without other possible causes of hearing loss, such as pressure differentials or round window membrane perforations) are powerful indicators of the role of air in the pathology of perilymphatic fistulas. In addition, the fluctuation of the hearing loss with positional changes supports the use of positional audiometry when evaluating perilymphatic fistulas.
The Influence of Union Transitions on White Adults’ Attitudes Toward Cohabitation

Data from the Intergenerational Panel Study of Parents and Children are used to identify the influences of adult union transitions on changes in attitudes toward cohabitation among a sample of 794 young adults. The analysis examines the extent to which attitudes about cohabitation change as a result of entry into and exit from cohabitation and marriage. A dynamic interpretation of union transitions is formulated, and results demonstrate that entry into a first cohabitation and divorce after direct entry into marriage are associated with increasingly positive attitudes toward cohabitation between the ages of 18 and 31. Some evidence suggests that direct entry into stable marriage leads young adults to view cohabitation less favorably.
Porphyrin Sponges: Programmable Lattice Clathrates

Abstract Structural systematics, programmability, and guest transport are discussed for a large class of lattice clathrates based on tetraarylporphyrins.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors, statins and the risk of hemorrhage from cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulae.

Abstract Leptomeningeal venous drainage and symptomatic presentation are known risk factors for cerebral dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) hemorrhage. An evaluation of potentially modifiable risk factors such as hypertension and medication usage has not been undertaken to our knowledge. The authors thus reviewed a cohort of 45 consecutive patients with cerebral dAVF with leptomeningeal venous drainage and compared the rate of hemorrhagic presentation for patients with and without a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia or the usage of certain medications. Logistic regression was performed to determine the statistical significance of associations of each factor with hemorrhagic presentation. On univariate analysis, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors (odds ratio [OR] 0.100, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0–0.764 , p = 0.024) and statins (OR 0.142, 95% CI 0.025–0.825 , p = 0.030) were associated with a statistically significant lower rate of hemorrhagic presentation. A trend toward a lower rate of hemorrhagic presentation was seen for patients taking aspirin (OR 0.153, 95% CI 0.016–1.43, p = 0.10). These trends continued on multivariate analysis; however they did not meet statistical significance ( p > 0.05). Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, warfarin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors did not have a statistically significant association with the rate of hemorrhagic presentation ( p > 0.05). Although limited by small sample size, these results may suggest a beneficial effect of statins and ACE-inhibitors on the rate of dAVF hemorrhagic presentation, potentially as a result of anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic or even venous antithrombotic mechanisms. Despite this study’s limitations, we hope it encourages further evaluation of potentially modifiable risk factors for vascular malformation hemorrhage.
The Production of Rainbow Trout at Paul Lake, British Columbia

Abstract Three of the major problems connected with rainbow trout production and management were studied at Paul Lake, British Columbia: (1) what quantity of fish can be produced in a given body of water, (2) how big a crop can be removed and still allow a sustained yield, (3) how great a financial expenditure to increase production may be justified. The investigation covered a period from 1931 through 1936 in which a consistent stocking policy requiring the planting of 200,000 one-inch fry was carried out. The data show that the lake was capable of producing about 10 pounds of trout per acre and that this amount is being maintained under the policy outlined. The mortality amounted to about 95 per cent, providing a 5 per cent yield to the fishermen. The cost of the stocking operations was judged to be commensurate with the return to the people of the Kamloops District. It is suggested that intensive management of this type should be instituted only after adequate surveys have been made of individual bodie...
A FLORIDA CATERPILLAR AND OTHER ARTHROPODS INHABITING THE WEBS OF A SUBSOCIAL SPIDER (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE; ARANEIDA: THERIDIIDAE)

Abstract Caterpillars of Tallula watsoni Barnes & McDunnough regularly occur in the webs of the subsocial spider Anelosimus studiosus (Hentz) in south Florida. The caterpillars have not been found outside of the spider webs. Caterpillars feed on living and dead leaves that are on twigs incorporated into the webs of the spiders. A wide variety of trees and woody shrubs are accepted. In the laboratory caterpillars did not attack spiders or their prey. Spiders did not normally attack the caterpillars in the laboratory, but did so on two occasions. Pupation occurs in the spider web. We speculate that the spider web provides the caterpillars some protection from generalist predators and parasitoids. We suspect that T. watsoni is an obligate inquiline of A. studiosus. Other inquilines in the spider webs include 13 species of spiders and 10 species of insects. Two insects may have close or obligate relationships with A. studiosus: Ranzovius clavicornis (Knight) (Miridae), a scavenger, and Zatypota crassipes Town...
On "effective channel length" in 0.1-μm MOSFETs

The conventional, 1-D definition of "effective channel length" (L/sub eff/) is examined in light of the spatial dependence of channel sheet resistance in 0.1-/spl mu/m MOSFETs calculated from a 2-D device model. For short-channel devices, the sheet resistance deviates significantly from the uniform, long-channel behavior that L/sub eff/ in general is different from the "metallurgical channel length", L/sub met/. While geometrical (charge-sharing) effects tend to make L/sub eff/ slightly shorter than L/sub met/, lateral source-drain doping gradients, especially when coupled with retrograde channel doping, can make L/sub eff/ substantially longer than L/sub met/. The latter might help explain the apparent "excess" short channel effect often observed in 0.1-/spl mu/m CMOS devices. >
Carcinoma of donor origin after liver‐intestine transplantation in a child

: Tumor-related complications after intestinal transplantation in children have been principally EBV driven post-transplant disorders. We describe the clinical course of a child, with a diagnosis of microvillus inclusion disease who received a liver and intestine allograft at the age of 9 months. His postoperative course was significant for multiple episodes of acute intestinal allograft rejection and eventually the development of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which resolved. At 8 yr post-transplant he presented with masses in the intestine allograft mesentery and in the right lobe of the allograft liver, biopsy of which revealed a relatively undifferentiated tumor, suggestive of a carcinoma. In situ hybridization for X and Y chromosomes, revealed his tumor to be of donor origin. Treatment included debulking of the mesenteric mass with segmental enterectomy of the intestinal allograft, and stopping his immunosuppression for a period of 4 months; this resulted in complete resolution of his malignancy. Immunosuppression with tacrolimus and steroids was restarted because of intestinal allograft rejection; he died suddenly of unknown causes at 17 months post-diagnosis of carcinoma. The severely immunosuppressed state produced in this patient allowed for the development of an unusual donor derived carcinoma, which resolved spontaneously with withdrawal of immunosuppression. The mechanism of such regression of tumor may be related to restitution of immunologic competence, but is yet to be determined.
Saturation prevention strategies for unstable bank-to-turn (BTT) missiles: partial information

In this paper, a method is presented for enhancing the performance of an unstable missile system in the presence of multiple saturating actuators. The method involves the design of it saturation detection system which modifies a nominal autopilot via online optimization and maintains, to the extent possible, the multivariable properties of the nominal design. The method relies on missile state estimates.
Species-Specific Detection of Growth Factor Gene Expression in Developing Murine Prostatic Tissue

The aim of the present study was to develop a method by which the expression of paracrine signaling molecules could be localized to either epithelial or stromal cells of developing prostatic tissue. Heterospecific tissue recombinants composed of mouse urogenital epithelium (mouse UGE) plus rat urogenital mesenchyme (rat UGM) and the reciprocal tissue recombinants, rat urogenital epithelium (rat UGE) plus mouse urogenital mesenchyme (mouse UGM), were grafted under the renal capsule in intact, athymic male mouse and rat hosts. After 2 wk of growth, RNA from the grafts was analyzed by species-specific reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for the expression of the mRNA for the following molecules: transforming growth factors beta1, beta3, and alpha; epidermal growth factor; epidermal growth factor receptor; and keratinocyte growth factor. The species of expression of these growth factor and receptor gene products within the heterospecific tissue recombinants was identified, allowing determination of the cell layer in which the genes were expressed. Identification of the tissue-specific expression of the growth factor and growth factor receptor profiles of the epithelium and mesenchyme of this in vivo model provides a basis for understanding the autocrine and paracrine mediators of cell-cell interactions in prostatic development.
Continuing education and health sciences libraries: Opportunities for collaboration

Health care continuing education (CE) professionals and health sciences librarians have many common goals, including (1) identifying information seeking behaviors of health professionals, (2) providing the information that has the most impact on clinical practice, and (3) educating health professionals in the use of new information technologies so that they may independently seek information needed to solve problems. Lack of familiarity with evolving technologies for information management, a shortage of local technologic resources and expertise, and limited knowledge of the librarian's role as an educator can pose obstacles to the immediate use of libraries in CE. However, by consolidating local and regional resources, CE and library professionals can work together in many ways: (1) carrying out research studies on information needs of health professionals to target specific areas for CE; (2) conducting demonstrations and hands-on training in the use of computer systems and software for accessing health care resources; and (3) developing tailored educational programs covering information management skills, such as searching MEDLINE or using file management software.
Comparison of Inhaled Corticosteroids: An Update

Objective To review the basis for the estimated comparative daily dosages of inhaled corticosteroids for children and adults that are presented in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Expert Panel Report 3; in addition, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic basis for potential clinical differences among inhaled corticosteroids is discussed. Data sources A complete MEDLINE search was conducted of human studies of asthma pharmacotherapy published between January 1, 2001, and March 15, 2006, followed by a PubMed search up until August 2008, using ciclesonide, inhaled corticosteroids, and pharmacokinetics as key words. Product information on each inhaled corticosteroid was also included. Study selection and data extraction Comparative clinical trials of inhaled corticosteroids and systematic reviews for efficacy comparisons were evaluated. Extensive literature reviews, meta-analyses, and selected clinical studies that illustrate or represent specific points of view were selected. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic data extracted from previously published reviews and specific studies were included. Data synthesis Pharmacodynamic characteristics (glucocorticoid receptor binding) and lung delivery determine the relative clinical efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties (oral bioavailability, lung retention, systemic clearance) and determine comparative therapeutic index of the inhaled corticosteroids. Secondary pharmacokinetic differences (intracellular fatty acid esterification, high serum protein binding) that have been posited to improve duration of action and/or therapeutic index are unproven, and current comparative clinical trials do not support the hypotheses that they provide an advantage. Ultrafine particle meter-dose inhalers (MDIs) have not demonstrated superior asthma control or improved safety over older MDIs. All of the inhaled corticosteroids demonstrate efficacy with once-daily dosing, and all are more effective when dosed twice daily. Conclusions Current evidence suggests that all of the inhaled corticosteroids have sufficient therapeutic indexes to provide similar efficacy and safety in low to medium doses. Whether or not some of the newer inhaled corticosteroids offer any advantages at higher doses has yet to be determined.
Particle and Granule Parameters Affecting Compaction Efficiency in Dry Pressing

The slope of density versus log (pressure) represents the efficiency of compaction forming. A high maximum particle packing density of powders increased the pressing efficiency and the compact density. A high granule density favors a high compact density, whereas, a low granule density favors an increase in the pressing efficiency and the elimination of the intergranular pores; an optimum clearly existed. At a very low forming pressure, the compact density using granules containing a binder was lower; but at a higher forming pressure, the binder acted as a lubricant and assisted particle sliding and rearrangement which increased the pressing efficiency and compact density.
Transaction level modeling: an overview

Recently, the transaction-level modeling has been widely referred to in system-level design community. However, the transaction-level models (TLMs) are not well defined and the usage of TLMs in the existing design domains, namely modeling, validation, refinement, exploration, and synthesis, is not well coordinated. This paper introduces a TLM taxonomy and compares the benefits of TLMs' use.
The Oldowan: The Tool Making of Early Hominins and Chimpanzees Compared

The Oldowan was the term first coined by Louis Leakey to describe the world's earliest stone industries, named after the famous site of Olduvai (formerly Oldoway) Gorge in Tanzania. The Oldowan Industrial Complex documents the first definitive evidence of early hominin culture as well as the earliest known archaeological record. This review examines our state of knowledge about the Oldowan and the hominin tool makers who produced this archaeological record and compares and contrasts these patterns with the technological and cultural patterns of modern apes, especially chimpanzees and bonobos. Of special interest are methodological approaches that can attempt to make direct comparisons between the early archaeological record and modern ape material culture, including a long-term collaborative experimental program in teaching modern apes to make and use stone tools.
Decomposition and reduction of N2O over copper catalysts

Abstract The kinetics of N 2 O decomposition were investigated over Cu/carbon, Cu/Al 2 O 3 , Cu/SiO 2 , and Cu/ZSM-5 catalysts with the intent of monitoring the requirements for achieving stoichiometric catalytic decomposition over Cu and elucidating the role of the support in the catalytic cycle. The very efficient oxygen scavenging capability of carbon led to higher initial activities and turnover frequencies on Cu/C catalysts compared to Cu/ZSM-5; however, rapid gasification of the carbon support limited the lifetime of these Cu/C catalysts. Very low decomposition activity was exhibited by Cu/Al 2 O 3 and Cu/SiO 2 at temperatures below 823 K; however, addition of CO or H 2 to the reactor feed stream significantly lowered the temperatures required to achieve catalytic N 2 O reduction. With all catalysts, the temperature at which the product ratio in the effluent stream stabilized near the stoichiometric ratio of O 2 /N 2 (or CO 2 /N 2 ) = 1/2 was found to correspond to that at which O 2 either desorbs or is removed by carbon. DRIFT spectra of CO adsorbed at 173 K on these catalysts indicated that both Cu +1 and Cu +2 species coexist during the active phase, as expected for a redox mechanism requiring a balance between these two sites. In contrast, spectra of deactivated catalysts indicated that the Cu sites exist predominantly as Cu +2 species, with only a very small Cu +1 fraction, thus suggesting that the deactivation observed in these catalysts at lower temperatures is primarily due to the inability to reduce Cu +2 cations back to a Cu +1 state. Different kinetic rate expressions, derived from sequences of elementary steps appropriate for each catalyst, fit the data well for N 2 O decomposition on Cu/ZSM-5 and Cu/Al 2 O 3 as well as N 2 O reduction by carbon and CO, and they yielded meaningful values for enthalpies and entropies of adsorption for N 2 O, O 2 and CO.
Accretion and resorption of bone: experimental approaches.

When prostheses and artificial devices fail in situ, the failure can often be attributed to an unfavorable response of the supporting tissue. Bone provides the foundation in many instances. The strength or weakness of living bone is under the control of its cells. Knowledge of the responses of these cells is necessary to predict modifications in design required to produce the proper kind and amount of stress which will result in maintenance of bone rather than its resorption. A review is given of experimental approaches which have yielded important information about bone as a material and about its physiology, both normal and abnormal. At present the methods of producing new bone are very limited. These include the use of 10–20 μA of direct current applied to bone at the cathode of implanted electrodes or the administration or oral fluorides which produce bone of poor quality. Prevention of bone resorption is thus of utmost importance. The proper kind and amount of stress as well as the proper hormone bal...
Fluid Mechanics Explains Cosmology, Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and Life

Observations of the interstellar medium by the Herschel, Planck etc. infrared satellites throw doubt on standard {\Lambda}CDMHC cosmological processes to form gravitational structures. According to the Hydro-Gravitational-Dynamics (HGD) cosmology of Gibson (1996), and the quasar microlensing observations of Schild (1996), the dark matter of galaxies consists of Proto-Globular-star-Cluster (PGC) clumps of Earth-mass primordial gas planets in metastable equilibrium since PGCs began star production at 0.3 Myr by planet mergers. Dark energy and the accelerating expansion of the universe inferred from SuperNovae Ia are systematic dimming errors produced as frozen gas dark matter planets evaporate to form stars. Collisionless cold dark matter that clumps and hierarchically clusters does not exist. Clumps of PGCs began diffusion from the Milky Way Proto-Galaxy upon freezing at 14 Myr to give the Magellanic Clouds and the faint dwarf galaxies of the 10^22 m diameter baryonic dark matter Galaxy halo. The first stars persist as old globular star clusters (OGCs). Water oceans and the biological big bang occurred at 2-8 Myr. Life inevitably formed and evolved in the cosmological primordial organic soup provided by 10^80 big bang planets and their hot oceans as they gently merged to form larger binary planets and small binary stars.
Photoelectrochemical Investigation and Electronic Structure of a p-Type CuNbO3 Photocathode

A new p-type CuNbO3 photoelectrode was prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical techniques. Solid-state syntheses yielded a red-colored CuNbO3 phase (space group: C2/m (No. 12), Z = 8, a = 9.525(1) A, b = 8.459(2) A, c = 6.793(1) A, β = 90.9(2)°) with a measured optical bandgap size of ∼2.0 eV. Phase-pure samples could be deposited and annealed on FTO slides at 400 °C under vacuum. Photoelectrochemical measurements showed the onset of a photocathodic current driven under visible-light irradiation and reaching incident-photon-to-current efficiencies exceeding ∼5%. The p-type CuNbO3 film also exhibits a stable photocurrent and notable resistance to photocorrosion, as shown by X-ray diffraction. Electronic structure calculations based on density functional theory reveal the visible-light absorption originates from a nearly direct bandgap transition owing primarily to copper-to-niobium (d10-to-d0) excitations. ...
Challenges in Implementing a Screening Method for Veterinary Drugs in Milk Using Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) is a valuable tool for the analysis of chemical contaminants in food. Our laboratory has successfully developed methods to screen for veterinary drug residues using liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF). There have been, however, significant challenges as methods are transferred from the development stage to routine regulatory analysis. Having experimental retention time and product ion information for analytes greatly facilitates the ability to determine if residues found by the HRMS searching software are false detects. These data were collected for over 200 veterinary drug residues using LC Q-TOF MS. The screening levels of detection for over 150 veterinary drug residues in milk were determined, and over half of those tested can be detected at concentrations of 10 ng/mL or less; 72% can be found in milk when present at 100 ng/mL. Tentative identification of the product ions from these analytes is also presented.
Non-Repeatability of Store Separation Trajectories from Internal Weapon Bays due to Unsteady Cavity Flow effects - Lessons Learned from a 2D Investigation

A 2D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study was performed on one internal weapons bay release scenario to investigate subject of non-repeatable store separation trajectories from internal weapons bays due to unsteady cavity flow effects. This simplified problem provided an opportunity to thoroughly learn the OVERFLOW CFD code, and to identify potential issues and problems in my research plan. The empty weapons bay flow field was verified against the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) Weapons Internal Carriage and Separation (WICS) database. A generic 500-pound class air-to-ground weapon was released from an internal weapons bay at one specific release condition, but at varying times of the flow with respect to the unsteady flow. Following that, the same series of releases are performed with a 2,000-pound class air-to-ground store, showing that this same internal weapon bay and release condition combination can result in fully repeatable trajectories for a different weapon, and that the entire release scenario (weapon, weapons bay and flow field) must be considered when looking at this issue. Although the results do not match other 3D CFD results for similar release conditions, there were many lessons learned that will be applied to the primary 3D portion of my research.
Effects of Acetylcholine and Calcium Ions on the Spontaneous Release of Epinephrine from Catecholamine Granules.

SummaryThe amount of epinephrine released spontaneously into the supernatant from suspensions of adrenal medullary granules incubated at 37°c for 10 minutes was significantly decreased in non-electrolyte media as compared to electrolyte media, The reaction (pH 6.5-7.4) had little influence. Addition of CaCl2 (.25-2.5 mM) was ineffective in the sucrose suspensions; it caused slight but consistent effects in the electrolyte media only. There was a 10-15% increased release in the sodium containing media; there was a 10-15% decreased release in the potassium containing media, Addition of acetylcholine did not modify the calcium induced effects. Addition of EDTA did not modify the spontaneous release in the sodium containing medium. The insignificant to small changes (±15%) in the spontaneous release caused by addition of calcium ions in the in vitro system is discussed in relation to many times (100X) increased rate of secretion caused by addition of calcium ions in organ perfusion experiments.
Simplified Permanent Aceto-Carmine Smears with A Water-Miscible Mountant

By employing a water-miscible mountant with a good refractive index, permanent aceto-carmine smears can be made from any of a variety of killing, fixing, and staining schedules. Clear-col, a commercial preparation, orginally developed for mounting fungi from various water-containing media, is employed for anther smears by placing the medium directly on the final stage of aceto-carmine staining schedule. Thus, no dehydration and clearing are necessary. By controlling amounts of acetic acid either mixed with Clearcol or on smears, clear, well-stained preparations can be produced.
Treatment options for the saxitoxin class of cyanotoxins

The saxitoxin class of algal toxins (cyanotoxins) are neurotoxins produced in Australia by the blue-green alga (cyanobacterium) Anabaena circinalis . A range of water treatment processes was investigated for the removal of these compounds. Ozonation of the toxins at moderate doses was found to be ineffective. Chlorination was found to be effective at high pH; therefore where pH adjustment is possible in the treatment process, chlorination could be considered as an important treatment option. Activated carbon, both in the granular and powdered form, was effective for reducing the toxicity of a mixture of the toxins as the most toxic of the saxitoxins were also the most readily removed by adsorption.
How Do Lizards Determine Dominance? Applying Ranking Algorithms to Animal Social Behaviour

Dominance relationships are a defining feature of the social organization of many animal species. Populations structured by absolute dominance usually maintain a generally linear hierarchy, while relative dominance occurs, for example, within territorial populations where an animal is likely to be dominant within its territory. Because relative dominance is dependent on social context, the traits associated with it are often unclear. Green anole lizards, Anolis carolinensis, are an ideal system in which to determine dominance-related traits, as anoles use territorial defence in most natural environments, but establish a dominance hierarchy at high densities such as those that occur in captivity. We hypothesized that anoles use similar morphological and behavioural traits to determine social status under both forms of social organization. To test this, we studied a natural population of anoles to determine the traits most predictive of male territory size and quality (as measured by the number of females overlapping a male's territory). While these measures of territory may be related, they measure different components of territorial success. We then used mathematical ranking algorithms to quantify dominance in a tournament of paired arena trials, and identified traits associated with rank. Our results showed that lizards with wider heads had higher social rank, while those with longer heads were more successful at territorial defence. We also found that, independently of morphology, lizards who behaved more aggressively ranked higher in dominance trials, although behaviour did not predict measures of territory. Together, our results indicate that different traits may determine absolute and relative dominance in the green anole.
The Role of United States Law to Prevent and Control Childhood Obesity

Publisher Summary In the United States, 32% of children are overweight, 16% of children are obese, and 11% are extremely obese. Since 1980, the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled, making this generation the first expected to have a shorter life expectancy than that of their parents. Serious action is needed on multiple levels and across various sectors to address this public health crisis. Public health experts, including those at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM), recommend policy changes at the environmental level to address obesity in the United States. Change is required in several settings, including communities, schools, childcare, worksites, and healthcare facilities. The government can facilitate and support such changes by enacting legislation and regulation at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels. There is an emerging understanding that health needs to be considered in all policies in order to address health disparities in general and the significant public health issue of obesity. Government agencies whose primary mission does not necessarily include health can positively influence public health by considering the impact their policy making has on health. The federal government has concrete opportunities to do this in the upcoming years.
The central pattern generator underlying swimming in Dendronotus iris: a simple half-center network oscillator with a twist.

We have shown that the central pattern generator (CPG) underlying rhythmic swimming of a nudibranch mollusc is a half-center oscillator consisting of only two pairs of neurons that inhibit their co...
Measurement Noninvariance of Safer Sex Self-Efficacy Between Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Black Youth

AbstractObjective: Black and lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning (LGBQ) youth in the United States are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Although self-efficacy is strongly, positively associated with safer sex behaviors, no studies have examined the validity of a safer sex self-efficacy scale used by many federally funded HIV/STD prevention programs. This study aims to test factor validity of the Sexual Self-Efficacy Scale by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to determine if scale validity varies between heterosexual and LGBQ Black youth. Method: The study uses cross-sectional data collected through baseline surveys with 226 Black youth (15 to 24 years) enrolled in community-based HIV-prevention programs. Participants use a 4-point Likert-type scale to report their confidence in performing 6 healthy sexual behaviors. CFAs are conducted on 2 factor structures of the scale. Using the best-fitting model, the scale is tested for measurement invariance...
INTERACTIONS OF FOOD STARTER CULTURES AND FOOD-BORNE PATHOGENS: LACTIC STREPTOCOCCI VERSUS STAPHYLOCOCCI AND SALMONELLAE

The lactic streptococci have been utilized to produce certain fermented foods for many years. In addition to producing a cultured food having new characteristics, these organisms aid in preserving the food. Growth of salmonellae and staphylococci is retarded in foods cultured with lactic streptococci. This antagonistic action is caused by factors in addition to the acidic environment created by the streptococci since pathogens can be repressed even when the milk is maintained at pH 6.6 during starter growth. The intensity of the antagonistic action cannot be predicted by the rate at which acid is produced by the streptococci.
Risk-based penalty price determination procedure for transmission constraint relaxations

The electric power system is one of the most complex engineered systems. It is, thus, a challenge to design a market that is efficient, transparent, and provides the proper incentives to market participants. Existing market models employ constraint relaxations, which enable various constraints to be relaxed (violated) for a high penalty price. This paper examines the practice of allowing transmission assets to be overloaded in market models. While most overloads are corrected by dispatch operators before the actual operational state, some overloads are realized. Existing constraint relaxation practices specify the same penalty price regardless as to the line's voltage, anticipated current flow, probability of a contingency, or overall impact on operational security. This paper proposes a straightforward way to modify existing practices to assign higher penalty prices to lines that receive a higher risk index. The approach is tested on a real-world, large-scale system, the PJM Interconnection.
Pinocembrin protects hemorrhagic brain primarily by inhibiting toll-like receptor 4 and reducing M1 phenotype microglia.

Abstract Neuroinflammation is a major contributor to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) progression, but no drug is currently available to reduce this response and protect against ICH-induced injury. Recently, the natural product pinocembrin has been shown to ameliorate neuroinflammation and is undergoing a phase II clinical trial for ischemic stroke treatment. In this study, we examined the efficacy of pinocembrin in an ICH model, and further examined its effect on microglial activation and polarization. In vivo, pinocembrin dose-dependently reduced lesion volume by ∼47.5% and reduced neurologic deficits of mice at 72 h after collagenase-induced ICH. The optimal dose of pinocembrin (5 mg/kg) suppressed microglial activation as evidenced by decreases in CD68-positive microglia and reduced proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. Pinocembrin also reduced the number of classically activated M1-like microglia without affecting M2-like microglia in the perilesional region. Additionally, pinocembrin decreased the expression of toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and its downstream target proteins TRIF and MyD88. The protection by pinocembrin was lost in microglia-depleted mice and in TLR4lps-del mice, and pinocembrin failed to decrease the number of M1-like microglia in TLR4lps-del mice. In lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV-2 cells or primary microglia, pinocembrin decreased M1-related cytokines and markers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS), NF-κB activation, and TLR4 expression, but it did not interfere with TLR4/MyD88 and TLR4/TRIF interactions or affect microglial phagocytosis of red blood cells. Inhibition of the TLR4 signaling pathway and reduction in M1-like microglial polarization might be the major mechanism by which pinocembrin protects hemorrhagic brain. With anti-inflammatory properties, pinocembrin could be a promising new drug candidate for treating ICH and other acute brain injuries.
Sodium-carboxylate contact ion pair formation induces stabilization of palmitic acid monolayers at high pH

Sea spray aerosols (SSA) are known to have an organic coating that is mainly composed of fatty acids. In this study, the effect of pH and salt on the stability and organization of a palmitic acid (PA) monolayer is investigated by surface vibrational spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. Results indicate that alkyl chain packing becomes more disordered as the carboxylic headgroup becomes deprotonated. This is associated with packing mismatch of charged and neutral species as charged headgroups penetrate deeper into the solution phase. At pH 10.7, when the monolayer is ∼99% deprotonated, palmitate (PA-) molecules desorb and solubilize into the bulk solution where there is spectroscopic evidence for aggregate formation. Yet, addition of 100 mM NaCl to the bulk solution is found to drive PA- molecules to the aqueous surface. Free energy calculations show that PA- molecules become stabilized within the interface with increasing NaCl concentration. Formation of contact -COO-:Na+ pairs alters the hydration state of PA- headgroups, thus increasing the surface propensity. As salts are highly concentrated in SSA, these results suggest that deprotonated fatty acids may be found at the air-aqueous interface of aerosol particles due to sea salt's role in surface stabilization.
NOTES Transgastric Diaphragm Pacing

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-sustaining treatment in patients who are unable to maintain spontaneous ventilation. Failure to wean (FTW) from MV, or prolonged ventilation results in significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Diaphragm pacing (DP) was initially developed to provide natural negative pressure ventilation in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients on MV. Its use has since expanded to ALS patients, as well as in critically ill patients to shorten MV time. A new technical development was that of a temporary and removable electrode. Since our group has experience with bedside NOTES with PEG rescue, we hypothesize that NOTES placement of DP electrodes is technically feasible and safe.
On the Origin and Distinctness of Skepticism toward Advertising

Two studies were conducted to investigate the origin and distinctness of consumer skepticism toward advertising, defined as a tendency to disbelieve advertising claims by Obermiller and Spangenberg (1998). The first study examined the role of socialization in the family by comparing levels of ad skepticism across generations. Significant associations were strongest for female children with their fathers; less strong but apparent for male children with their mothers. Further, the associations diminished with age, which was considered a surrogate for time away from home. The second study explored the relationship between skepticism toward advertising and skepticism toward other sources of product information. The results indicated some overlap between skeptical beliefs about advertising and salespeople, but, otherwise, ad skepticism appeared to be a separate construct from skepticism toward other sources of product information. Moreover, advertising was viewed as the least believable of the five sources of product information that were considered.
Acute chest syndrome among children hospitalized with vaso‐occlusive crisis: A nationwide study in the United States

Purpose Acute chest syndrome (ACS) is a common complication among pediatric inpatients with sickle cell disease and vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). However, little is known about the factors associated with ACS complication. The present study assessed the epidemiological features of children hospitalized with VOC and ascertained factors associated with ACS complication. Methods Hospital discharge records of patients with VOC aged <20 years were obtained for the years 2003, 2006, 2009, and 2012 from the Kids’ Inpatient Database. Data were weighted to estimate the annual hospitalization rates with respect to gender and race/ethnicity in the United States. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to ascertain factors associated with ACS complication after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics. Results The total annual hospitalizations for VOC increased from 22,511 in 2003 to 24,292 in 2012. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that children aged 5–9 years had 2.59 times higher odds of ACS than children aged 15–19 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.32–2.88). Comorbidity of asthma (odds ratio [OR], 1.42; 95% CI, 1.31–1.54) and obstructive sleep apnea (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.31–2.20) were associated with ACS development. ACS was also associated with male gender and the summer and fall seasons. Conclusion We reported nationwide estimates of the annual hospitalization rate for childhood VOC in the United States and demonstrated the major risk factors associated with ACS complication. Vigilance is needed for ACS complications in high-risk VOC admissions.
Small Service Businesses: Advertising Attitudes and The Use of Digital and Social Media Marketing

Advertising is embraced by companies as a means of building awareness, sales, and customer loyalty. However, in recent years advertising has changed. Digital marketing and social media marketing ha...
Sleep duration, sleep quality, and sexual orientation: findings from the 2013-2015 National Health Interview Survey

Abstract Introduction This study identifies associations between sleep outcomes and sexual orientation net of sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, and produces estimates generalizable to the US adult population. Participants/methods We used 2013-2015 National Health Interview Survey data (46,909 men; 56,080 women) to examine sleep duration and quality among straight, gay/lesbian, and bisexual US adults. Sleep duration was measured as meeting National Sleep Foundation age-specific recommendations for hours of sleep per day. Sleep quality was measured by 4 indicators: having trouble falling asleep, having trouble staying asleep, taking medication to help fall/stay asleep (all ≥4 times in the past week), and having woken up not feeling well rested (≥4 days in the past week). Results In the adjusted models, there were no differences by sexual orientation in the likelihood of meeting National Sleep Foundation recommendations for sleep duration. For sleep quality, gay men were more likely to have trouble falling asleep, to use medication to help fall/stay asleep, and to wake up not feeling well rested relative to both straight and bisexual men. Gay/lesbian women were more likely to have trouble staying asleep and to use medication to help fall/stay asleep relative to straight women. Finally, bisexual women were more likely to have trouble falling and staying asleep relative to straight women. Conclusions Sexual minority women and gay men report poorer sleep quality compared with their straight counterparts.
Infectious Diseases and Management After Cardiac Surgery

The development of infectious diseases and/or inflammatory-related complications in postoperative cardiac surgical patient represents a diverse and complex array of clinical scenarios that may impact and complicate the hospital course of this patient population. Infectious diseases are different from other coexisting medical conditions in several respects. First, patients may have coexisting infectious diseases that may impact perioperative care when they come for surgery—these infections may be manifest or occult. Preexisting infectious diseases may be the reason for the surgery or may alter the risks associated with the surgery. Second, every patient undergoing surgery is at risk of acquiring an infectious disease during the perioperative period. Patients undergoing surgery are vulnerable to infection both at the surgical site and where natural defenses are breached, such as the respiratory tract, urinary tract, bloodstream, and sites of invasive monitoring. Acquired infectious diseases can be passed on to other patients and to health professionals in the perioperative period, and healthcare workers themselves may serve as active agents in transmitting infectious diseases to patients.