cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Acupressure for the Treatment of Raynaud's Phenomenon: The difficulty of conducting a trial in Raynaud's phenomenon.

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of acupressure on Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) and to evaluate the difficulties of conducting an RP RCT.MethodsA pilot single-center RCT of acupressure versus targeted patient education was conducted for the treatment of RP. Patients with either primary (n = 15) or secondary (n = 8) RP were randomized in an 8-week study. The primary endpoints included a decrease in the frequency and duration of RP. Secondary endpoints included several serum biomarkers including endothelial dysfunction, Raynaud's attack symptoms, Raynaud's Condition Score, and patient and physician global assessments of RP. Primary data analysis was conducted using the last observation carried forward and t-tests or a Wilcoxon rank test was used to compare the two groups.ResultsTwenty-three patients were randomized and seven discontinued prematurely. Seventy-eight percent of patients were female, 96% were Caucasian, and the mean age was 49.8 (SD = 16) years. No sta...
Measurement of trimethylamine-N-oxide in serum by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

Objective To develop a method for measurement of trimethylamine-N-oxide( TMAO)-microbiota-generated metabolite of choline in serum by stable isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry( HPLC-MS / MS) and to study its accuracy and stability.Methods Proteins in samples were precipitated with three volumes of 10 μmol / L internal standard d9-TMAO in acetonitrile and supernatants were analyzed after injection onto a SiO 2column( 2. 1 mm ×100 mm,5 μm.) and equilibrated with 30% solution A( 10 mmol / L ammonium formate,pH = 3. 0)and 70% solution B( acetonitrile). Results Lower limit of detection was 0. 003 μmol / L and the lower limit of quantitation was 0. 063 μmol / L at linear range of 0. 16-20. 00 mol / L( r2= 0. 999 9). The intrabatch and inter-batch coefficients of variance were 2. 03%- 2. 64% and 6. 00%- 9. 94%,and the recovery rates were 89. 5%- 103. 0%,respectively. Stability study revealed that the storage temperature and time could affect the concentration of TMAO. TMAO in serum was stable both during storage at- 80 ℃ and throughout multiple freeze thaw cycles. Conclusion HPLC-MS / MS assay has characteristics of rapidness,accuracy,precision,and high-throughput nature and can meet the detection requirements for large quantity of blood samples.
Application of Object-Oriented Modeling to IT Dispatching and Maintenance Workflow System

In the context of the twelfth five-year plans for grid enterprises information system dispatching and maintenance system,this paper presents requirement features of workflow system and requirements of technical platform constructing the system from the "YDLP" project construction perspective,and analyzes the typical applications of object-oriented modeling technology to the "YDLP" workflow platform,such as process modeling,workflow model,relationships between processes and permissions modeling.Application results show that the object-oriented modeling technology is not only helpful to meet the needs of rapid system deployment,but also makes system better adaptability with flexible business processes.
Surveillance of the resistance of Culex pipiens pallens and Musca domestica to insecticides in Tianjin in 2010

Objective To study the resistance of Culex pipiens pallens and Musca domestica to insecticides in Tianjin in order to provide the basis for better use of insecticides.Methods Six districts(counties) of Tianjin were selected as the surveillance sites.The resistance of mosquitoes to insecticides was evaluated by dipping method,with the topical application method used for the detection of the resistance of houseflies.Results It was found that Cx.pipiens pallens and M.domestica in Tianjin were resistant to insecticides to a certain extent.The mean relative resistance of Cx.pipiens pallens to DDVP,deltaMethri,β-Cypermethrin,parathion and fenobucarb were 61.49,13.08,3.72,5.03 and 17.84,respectively,and that of M.domestica to DDVP,β-Cypermethrin,deltamethri,propoxur and permethin were 9.49,58.44,11.24,2.66 and 2.95,respectively.Conclusion The resistance of Cx.pipiens pallens and M.domestica to different insecticides varies and the surveillance results should be a guidance for the reasonable use of the insecticides for better control of the insects.
Simulation and Analysis of Short-Circuit Impact Test of Series Capacitors

Currently, series capacitors as a series compensation device cannot run steadily enough, which leads faults happen frequently. According to the parallel capacitor test standard, many tests conducted in the past, such as the partial discharge test, the dielectric loss test and AC withstand voltage test, cannot fully reflect the quality of the capacitors. In order to inspect the overload capacity of the series capacitors, it is necessary to simulate the short-time over voltage conditions of series compensation capacitors when short circuit fault happens. After analysis of various solutions, the test scheme of parallel resonant energy storage test loop is selected. The influence of various parameters in the test loop on the test results is determined by simulation and the optimal parameter configuration is proposed, which can provide a guidance for the specific tests in the next step.
Effect of Substrate of Corn Stalks on Growth of Soilless Culture of Lettuce

According to the rapid growth lettuce of America for experiment material,use thoroughly decomposed maize straw and undecomposed maize straw instead of grass peat as the main material of lettuce's soilless culture base.To research the influence of lettuce output,leaf area,amount of dry matter,photosynthetic rate,root system vitality,vitamins C and nitrate content.The results showed that T3 deal with the base of(thoroughly decomposed maize straw∶vermiculite=3∶1)formula was optimum growth for lettuce.
Homogenous Base Rates for Malingering in Neuropsychological Examination of Litigants

Base rates for malingering are often obtained and averaged across multiple clinicians who apply heterogeneous methods for detection (Mittenberg et al., J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 24: 1094−1102, 2002; Young, Psychol Inj Law 8: 200–218, 2015). Our aims of obtaining homogenous base rates included the following: (a) evaluation of all our legal cases in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the position papers by both the National Academy of Neuropsychology and the Association for Psychological Advancement in Psychological Injury and Law, (b) minimal variation between our comprehensive neuropsychological examinations, and (c) determination of base rates of failed effort in 150 consecutively examined legal cases in one medical setting. To assess the various levels of volitional exaggeration, we introduced four gradations of poor effort definitions, which relied on performance validity tests (PVTs). A comparison between two consecutive samples of 75 litigants indicated less frequent poor effort with increasingly more conservative criteria. In our analysis of a subset of litigants who sustained traumatic brain injuries (N = 115), the four base rates for mild versus moderate-severe TBI groups were equivalent for the two more lenient malingering definitions but varied for the two more conservative definitions. Specifically, for the mild TBI cases investigated, the percentage of three PVT failures (or one PVT failure significantly below chance) arrived at 3.4 %. Our final aim was to compare the base rates of poor effort that were obtained with PVTs to the base rates of emotional and physical symptom endorsement, which were obtained with symptom validity tests (SVTs). No significant correlations emerged in this analysis. The discussion emphasizes the relatively lower base rates of poor effort found in the convenience sample studied in neuropsychological evaluations relative to the higher estimates in the literature (40 +/− 10 %, Larrabee et al., Clin Neuropsychol 23: 841–849, 2009) but not others based on comprehensive review (Young, Psychol Inj Law 8: 200–218, 2015).
Statistical Thermodynamic Model for Surface Tension of Aqueous Organic Acids with Consideration of Partial Dissociation

With statistical mechanics, an isotherm-based surface tension model for single solute aqueous solutions was derived previously (Wexler et al. J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2013) for the entire concentration range, from infinite dilution to pure liquid solute, as a function of solute activity. In recent work (Boyer et al. J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2015), empirical model parameters were reduced through physicochemical interpretations of both electrolyte and organic solutes, enabling surface tension predictions for systems where there is little or no data. The prior binary model is extended in the current work for the first time to treat multicomponent systems to predict surface tensions of partially dissociating organic acids (acetic, butyric, citric, formic, glutaric, maleic, malic, malonic, oxalic, propionic, and succinic acids). These organic acids are especially applicable to the study of atmospheric aqueous aerosols, due to their abundance in the atmosphere. In the model developed here, surface tension depends explicitly on activities of both the neutral organic and deprotonated components of the acid. The relative concentrations of the nondissociated and dissociated mole fractions are found using known dissociation constants. Model parameters strongly depend on molecular size, number of functional groups, O:C ratio, and number of carbons. For all organic acids in this study, fully predictive modeling of surface tensions is demonstrated.
An Efficient Algorithm for the Numerical Solution of the Generalized Weber Problem in Spatial Economics

Spatial economics in the past has been hampered in its progress by certain peculiarities which are inherent in the functional relationships among its variables. The frequency of corner solutions in its extremum problems, a common tendency for the constraints upon these problems to be stated as inequalities, and the importance of discontinuous functions in the field, are examples of these peculiarities. It is not fortuitous that the origins and development of programming techniques are so closely tied to the problems of spatial economics, and these techniques have resulted in an advance of breakthrough proportions in obtaining solutions to formerly insoluble spatial problems.
The Open Abdomen and Temporary Abdominal Closure Techniques

The inability to close the abdominal fascia after a complex procedure or the treatment of abdominal compartment syndrome results in open abdomen. If, after surgical intervention, the abdomen cannot be closed primarily, it is imperative to perform a temporary abdominal closure (TAC) to protect the intestines, prevent fluid losses, and prevent other complications. The TAC can be either an improvised or commercial device that serves to protect the bowel and collect effluent from the abdomen. The ICU provider must have knowledge of the TAC device and be able to evaluate and respond to issues in the ICU surrounding the device including placement or changing one in the intensive care unit. This article describes the TAC and the steps involved in the initial placement, removal, and replacement of the device in the ICU setting as well as troubleshooting the device.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Triggers Epithelial HMGB1 Release as a Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Promoting a Monocytic Inflammatory Response

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infant and elderly populations worldwide. Currently, there is no efficacious vaccine or therapy available for RSV infection. The molecular mechanisms underlying RSV-induced acute airway disease and associated long-term consequences remain largely unknown; however, experimental evidence suggests that the lung inflammatory response plays a fundamental role in the outcome of RSV infection. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein that triggers inflammation when released from activated immune or necrotic cells and drives the pathogenesis of various infectious agents. Although HMGB1 has been implicated in many inflammatory diseases, its role in RSV-induced airway inflammation has not been investigated. This study investigates the molecular mechanism of action of extracellularly released HMGB1 in airway epithelial cells (A549 and small airway epithelial cells) to establish its role in RSV infection. Immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blotting results showed that RSV infection of human airway epithelial cells induced a significant release of HMGB1 as a result of translocation of HMGB1 from the cell nuclei to the cytoplasm and subsequent release into the extracellular space. Treating RSV-infected A549 cells with antioxidants significantly inhibited RSV-induced HMGB1 extracellular release. Studies using recombinant HMGB1 triggered immune responses by activating primary human monocytes. Finally, HMGB1 released by airway epithelial cells due to RSV infection appears to function as a paracrine factor priming epithelial cells and monocytes to inflammatory stimuli in the airways. IMPORTANCE RSV is a major cause of serious lower respiratory tract infections in young children and causes severe respiratory morbidity and mortality in the elderly. In addition, to date there is no effective treatment or vaccine available for RSV infection. The mechanisms responsible for RSV-induced acute airway disease and associated long-term consequences remain largely unknown. The oxidative stress response in the airways plays a major role in the pathogenesis of RSV. HMGB1 is a ubiquitous redox-sensitive multifunctional protein that serves as both a DNA regulatory protein and an extracellular cytokine signaling molecule that promotes airway inflammation as a damage-associated molecular pattern. This study investigated the mechanism of action of HMGB1 in RSV infection with the aim of identifying new inflammatory pathways at the molecular level that may be amenable to therapeutic interventions.
Synthesis and Characterization of an Earth-Abundant Cu2BaSn(S,Se)4 Chalcogenide for Photoelectrochemical Cell Application

Cu2BaSnS4–xSex films consisting of earth-abundant metals have been examined for photocathode application. Films with different Se contents (i.e., Cu2BaSnS4–xSex with x ≤ 2.4) were synthesized using a cosputter system with post-deposition sulfurization/selenization annealing treatments. Each film adopts a trigonal P31 crystal structure, with progressively larger lattice constants and with band gaps shifting from 2.0 to 1.6 eV, as more Se substitutes for S in the parent compound Cu2BaSnS4. Given the suitable bandgap and earth-abundant elements, the Cu2BaSnS4–xSex films were studied as prospective photocathodes for water splitting. Greater than 6 mA/cm2 was obtained under illumination at −0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode for Pt/Cu2BaSnS4–xSex films with ∼60% Se content (i.e., x = 2.4), whereas a bare Cu2BaSnS4–xSex (x = 2.4) film yielded ∼3 mA/cm2 at −0.4 V/RHE.
Verification and enforcement of passivity through direct minimal modification of equivalent circuits

This paper presents a novel technique to verify and enforce passivity of sampled frequency response of rational-function based systems which may be realized as an equivalent circuit. The method detects the frequencies at which the system becomes non-passive and enforces passivity while minimizing the impact to the system's transfer function. The proposed technique is demonstrated on a numerical example for a single-port successfully.
Metric structures on networks and applications

It is a common belief that biological networks are determined by their network motifs. Empirical results show that simulated networks with similar motif structure also reflect similarity across other structural measures. In this work we tackle this question from a theoretical perspective and announce our results proposing a family of invariants, the motif sets, as a natural modelization of “bags of motifs”. We prove that these motif sets precisely characterize networks which are weakly isomorphic, in the sense that the networks are at 0-distance with respect to a certain pseudometric on the space of all networks. This notion differs from the usual notion of (strong) isomorphism. We further explore a notion of skeleton of a network and establish that this construction mediates between strong and weak isomorphism, in the sense that two networks are weakly isomorphic if and only if there exists a strong isomorphism between their respective skeleta.
Contract Adjudication in a Collaborative Economy

In order to explore the debate between contextualist versus formalist contract interpretation, this article examines dispute resolution procedures in a novel class of contracts: agreements governing inter-firm collaboration. Analysis of these contracts reveals two phenomena: first, agreements governing collaboration include arbitration clauses more frequently than other commercial contracts; and second, these agreements routinely situate arbitration at the summit of complex escalation procedures. These observations raise, in turn, the following inter-related questions: first, why do collaborators avoid litigation; and second, what makes escalated and private dispute resolution appropriate?The article's central claim is that litigation is shunned because contemporary contextualist contract law poorly interprets the meaning of collaborative activity. Note, however, that neither contextualism's deficiencies nor the prevalence of arbitration may necessarily suggest a return to formalism: formalism's standard justifications appear problematic when applied to collaborative production relationships. Thus, this article considers the possibility of transcending the debate between contextualist and formalist enforcement, finding some promise in the application of the experimentalist model of adjudication, theorized to describe current trends in public law litigation, as a template for modern contract enforcement.
From Risk and Time Preferences to Cultural Models of Causality: On the Challenges and Possibilities of Field Experiments, with Examples from Rural Southwestern Madagascar

Risk preference and time preference experiments have been conducted in field conditions in many rural and urban populations throughout the world, to evaluate how non-Western people subjectively trade off the value of reward amount, probability, and delay. My thesis is that it is difficult to quantitatively evaluate risk and time preferences with precision and that choice experiments have dubious internal validity (it is unclear whether the experiments evaluate the same thing—preferences—across all subjects and studies) and external validity (it is unclear how they relate to actual behavior). Probability and elapsing days preceding a reward are not necessarily the meaningful components of choice under risk and intertemporal choice for many people. I argue that if the goal of such work is to understand the cultural differences in thought and action related to risk and time, it may be more productive to examine how people in different cultures understand causal relationships linking natural, social, and supernatural factors to successful and unsuccessful outcomes. I illustrate my thesis by describing 13 risk and time preference choice experiments that I conducted among Masikoro farmers, Mikea hunter-gatherers, and Vezo fishermen in southwestern Madagascar from 2003 to 2008, contrasted with published risk and time preference studies from throughout the world. I find inconsistency in subjects’ choices across experiments and time, inconsistency in the determinants of choice, and a poor relationship between risk and time preferences and amount of time spent foraging and fishing. Then, I discuss some preliminary ethnographic and experimental attempts to understand the people’s causal models for risky economic outcomes. Preliminary evidence suggests that southwestern Malagasy understand activity risk as being caused primarily by natural factors and personal risk by supernatural factors.
An electrostatic Particle-In-Cell code on multi-block structured meshes

Abstract We present an electrostatic Particle-In-Cell (PIC) code on multi-block, locally structured, curvilinear meshes called Curvilinear PIC (CPIC). Multi-block meshes are essential to capture complex geometries accurately and with good mesh quality, something that would not be possible with single-block structured meshes that are often used in PIC and for which CPIC was initially developed. Despite the structured nature of the individual blocks, multi-block meshes resemble unstructured meshes in a global sense and introduce several new challenges, such as the presence of discontinuities in the mesh properties and coordinate orientation changes across adjacent blocks, and polyjunction points where an arbitrary number of blocks meet. In CPIC, these challenges have been met by an approach that features: (1) a curvilinear formulation of the PIC method: each mesh block is mapped from the physical space, where the mesh is curvilinear and arbitrarily distorted, to the logical space, where the mesh is uniform and Cartesian on the unit cube; (2) a mimetic discretization of Poisson's equation suitable for multi-block meshes; and (3) a hybrid (logical-space position/physical-space velocity), asynchronous particle mover that mitigates the performance degradation created by the necessity to track particles as they move across blocks. The numerical accuracy of CPIC was verified using two standard plasma–material interaction tests, which demonstrate good agreement with the corresponding analytic solutions. Compared to PIC codes on unstructured meshes, which have also been used for their flexibility in handling complex geometries but whose performance suffers from issues associated with data locality and indirect data access patterns, PIC codes on multi-block structured meshes may offer the best compromise for capturing complex geometries while also maintaining solution accuracy and computational efficiency.
Body mass index, diet, and exercise: testing possible linkages to breast cancer risk via DNA methylation

To examine DNA methylation as a mechanism linking diet, physical activity, weight status, and breast cancer risk. Insufficiently active women of varying weight status, without a history of cancer, completed a maximal exercise test, clinical measurement of height and weight, and a dietary intake measure. They also provided blood samples, which were analyzed to ascertain average methylation of candidate genes related to breast cancer (BRCA1, RUNX3, GALNT9, and PAX6) and inflammation (TLR4 and TLR6). Elevated weight status (r = − .18, p < .05) and poorer aerobic fitness (r = .24, p < .01) were each associated with decreased methylation of inflammation genes. Methylation of inflammation genes statistically mediated the relationship between weight status and cancer gene methylation (standardized indirect effect = .12, p < .05) as well as between cardiorespiratory fitness and cancer gene methylation (standardized indirect effect = − .172, p < .01). However, recent dietary behavior was not associated with methylation of either inflammation or cancer genes. Both weight status and cardiovascular fitness are associated with methylation of genes associated with both inflammation and cancer. Methylation of inflammatory genes might serve as a mechanistic link between lifestyle factors and methylation changes in genes that increase risk for breast cancer.
Differentiating between intergranular and transgranular fracture in polycrystalline aggregates

The competition between intergranular (IG) and transgranular (TG) fracture in fcc polycrystalline aggregates with physically representative GB misorientation distributions comprised of random low-angle, random high-angle, and coincident site lattice (CSL) GBs has been investigated. Physically-based critical conditions for IG fracture, due to the formation of dislocation pileups, and TG fracture, due to the propagation of cracks on cleavage planes, were coupled to a dislocation-density-based crystal plasticity formulation and a computational fracture scheme for crack branching to investigate how dislocation–GB interactions influence dislocation transmission, pileup formation, and local failure modes. The predictions indicate that aggregates with a large fraction of random and CSL high-angle GBs are dominated by IG fracture, as low GB transmission leads to extensive dislocation-density pileup formation and localized stress accumulations that induce IG fracture. Aggregates with a majority of low-angle GBs are dominated by TG failure, which is consistent with experimental observations. This investigation provides a fundamental understanding of the physical mechanisms governing IG and TG fracture in polycrystalline aggregates.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Promote Neuroprotection in Rodent Models of Glaucoma

Purpose To investigate the benefit of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV) as an intravitreal (ivit) therapy in two rat models of glaucoma and to determine and identify candidate miRNA involved in the mechanism. Methods sEV were isolated from human BMSC and fibroblasts and ivit injected into adult rats after induction of elevated IOP. IOP was elevated using either intracameral injection of microbeads or laser photocoagulation of circumferential limbal vessels and the trabecular meshwork. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography, positive scotopic threshold response (pSTR) recorded using ERG, and RNA binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS+) retinal ganglion cell (RGC) counted using retinal wholemounts. sEV miRNA were sequenced using RNAseq. Results sEV isolated from BMSC promoted significant neuroprotection of RGC while preventing RNFL degenerative thinning and loss of pSTR. sEV proved therapeutically efficacious when ivit injected every week or every month, but ineffective with longer delays between treatments. Knockdown of Argonaute2 (AGO2), a protein critical for miRNA function and packing into sEV prior to sEV isolation, significantly attenuated the above effects. Addition of BMSC sEV (but not fibroblast sEV) reduced death of cultured purified RGC. RNAseq identified 43 miRNA upregulated in BMSC sEV in comparison to fibroblast sEV, which yielded no neuroprotective effects. Conclusions Injection of BMSC-derived sEV into the vitreous provided significant therapeutic benefit to glaucomatous eyes. The neuroprotective effect of sEV, at least partially, may be explained by direct action on RGC through miRNA-dependent mechanisms.
Influence of pO2 on Iron Redox Cycling and Anaerobic Organic Carbon Mineralization in a Humid Tropical Forest Soil.

Ferrous iron (FeII) oxidation is an important pathway for generating reactive FeIII phases in soils, which can affect organic carbon (OC) persistence/decomposition. We explored how pO2 concentration influences FeII oxidation rates and FeIII mineral composition, and how this impacts the subsequent FeIII reduction and anaerobic OC mineralization following a transition from oxic to anoxic conditions. We conducted batch soil slurry experiments within a humid tropical forest soil amended with isotopically labeled 57FeII. The slurries were oxidized with either 21% or 1% pO2 for 9 days and then incubated for 20 days under anoxic conditions. Exposure to 21% pO2 led to faster FeII oxidation rates and greater partitioning of the amended 57Fe into low-crystallinity FeIII-(oxyhydr)oxides (based on Mossbauer analysis) than exposure to 1% pO2. During the subsequent anoxic period, low-crystallinity FeIII-(oxyhydr)oxides were preferentially reduced relative to more crystalline forms with higher net rates of anoxic FeII a...
CRAFT INDUSTRIES FROM COASTAL WETLAND VEGETATION

ABSTRACT Inasmuch as water travel since earliest times has been the easiest mode of movement and transport, useful coastal plants have been prized, some declared sacred, their use regulated, and wanton destruction forbidden. Examples are the portia tree, Thespesia populnea, and the related mahoe, Hibiscus tiliaceus, both pantropic and both yielding wood and inner bark. Mangroves, particularly Rhizophora and Avicennia species, provide nearly indestructible wood, flexible branches for fish traps, tannin and dyes. The associated leather fern, Acrostichum aureum, furnishes edible fiddleheads and tough fronds for thatching. In the East Indies and Polynesia, Pandanus tectorius is an indispensable source of leaf products. Much building material in the form of woven matting is supplied by palms: the nypa (Nypa fruticans) over vast saline swamps of Oceania; in Malaysian freshwater swamps, the sago palms, Metroxylon; in tidal swamps of tropical America, the timiche, Manicaria saccifera. The moriche, Mauritia flexuosa, is the main fiber provider in the Orinoco delta. Cattails, Typha spp., are utilized on a worldwide scale; T. domingensis in saline swamps of the New World and the East Indies. Among sedges and grasses, Scirpus, Fimbristylis, Spartina and the universal reed, Phragmites communis, have served widely for hut-building, thatching, screens, matting, baskets, brooms and cordage.
THE FUNCTION OF RESPIRATORY PIGMENTS IN ESTUARINE ANIMALS

ABSTRACT Estuarine animals must either regulate the osmotic concentrations of their body fluids or conform to salinity changes, in which case they often regulate body volume. It is not clear, however, that either process involves changes in oxidative metabolism which are sufficient in magnitude to necessitate special adaptations of their respiratory pigments. Unless the animal is a perfect regulator of the salt concentration of its blood, which is true only of the vertebrates, the changes in inorganic salts would be expected to have measureable effects on respiratory pigment oxygenation and, by implication, on oxygen consumption. In fact, these changes do not occur in the blue crab Callinectes sapidus, because the salt effect on hemocyanin oxygenation is opposed by a concomitant change in blood pH. The pH change, which results in a stability of hemocyanin function in an unstable ionic environment, is important in osmotic as well as respiratory adaptation. It is believed to result from the altered level of ammonia production as intracellular fluids osmotically re-equilibrate to the blood after a salinity change. The process also provides a counterion to drive the salt pump at the gill.
Biventricular Pacing for Congestive Heart Failure

Despite significant advancements in pharmacological therapy, mortality continues to remain high in patients with congestive heart failure (1). Much attention has been paid to optimization of pacing modalities for patients with left ventricular dysfunction when ventricular pacing is required. Patients with congestive heart failure frequently have symptomatic chronotropic incompetence, sinus node dysfunction, or atrioventricular block, all of which are class I indications for cardiac pacing (2). In addition, atrial fibrillation afflicts 10 to 30% of patients with congestive heart failure.
Variability in Seismic Collapse Probabilities of Solid- and Coupled-Wall Buildings

AbstractReinforced concrete walls are a common lateral load–resisting system for buildings. Common wall configurations are solid planar or solid flanged (H, I, T, L, or C-shaped cross sections) and...
RNA helicase DDX3 is a novel therapeutic target for Ewing sarcoma.

10026 Background: There is growing interest in RNA and DNA helicases as therapeutic targets in a variety of sarcomas. We investigated the expression and function of RNA helicase DDX3 in Ewing sarco...
Oculomotor Schwannomas: A Systematic Review and Report of Two Pediatric Cases Treated with Fractionated Cyberknife Stereotactic Radiotherapy.

Objective Pediatric oculomotor nerve schwannomas are rare and challenging lesions due to the high morbidity associated with surgical intervention and their proximity to critical structures limiting the opportunity for stereotactic radiosurgery. We aim to report and review the novel use of fractionated Cyberknife (Accuray, Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA) stereotactic radiotherapy in pediatric patients with oculomotor schwannomas. Methods A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two patients, ages 8 and 10 years, with tumor volumes of 0.1 cm3 and 0.2 cm3, respectively, were treated with fractionated Cyberknife radiotherapy at our institution. A total dose of 45–50 Gy was administered over 25 fractions (1.8–2.0 Gy per fraction) to the 82%−84% isodose line. Serial magnetic resonance imaging was obtained for long-term follow-up (56–58 months). Results We found 14 articles published between 1982 and 2018 that reported a total of 18 pediatric patients with intracranial oculomotor schwannomas. No previously described cases of pediatric intracranial oculomotor schwannomas were treated with radiation therapy. In both of our patients, radiographic tumor control was achieved at a mean follow-up of 57 months, with 1 patient displaying a decrease in tumor volume. Neither patient exhibited any worsening of their presenting symptoms, nor did either patient develop any new neurocognitive deficits following treatment. Conclusions Fractionated Cyberknife radiotherapy is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for intracranial oculomotor nerve schwannomas with excellent tumor control rates, similar to surgical and radiosurgical techniques, while sparing critical surrounding structures.
Expression of β-Catenin in Prostatic AdenocarcinomasA Comparison With Colorectal Adenocarcinomas

We studied 101 prostatic adenocarcinomas (72 acinar, 29 ductal) and 16 cases with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HPIN) immunohistochemically for the expression of β-catenin and compared the staining patterns with those of nonneoplastic prostatic epithelium and 24 colorectal adenocarcinomas. While nuclear staining for β-catenin was evident in 20 (83%) colorectal adenocarcinomas, predominantly membranous staining was observed in 89 prostatic adenocarcinomas (88%); the remaining 12 cases showed no immunoreactivity. In prostatic tumors expressing β-catenin, staining intensity was comparable, increased, and decreased in 81, 4, and 4 cases, respectively, compared with adjacent nonneoplastic prostatic epithelium. No prostatic adenocarcinomas demonstrated nuclear staining. The β-catenin staining characteristics in HPIN were comparable to those in nonneoplastic prostatic epithelium. Negative staining for cytokeratins (CKs) 7 and 20, high-molecular-weight (HMW) CK, and villin and positive staining for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were seen in 22 prostatic adenocarcinomas examined, in contrast with colorectal adenocarcinomas, which stained positively for CK20 and villin and negatively for CK7, HMWCK, and PSA. These data suggest that the β-catenin signaling pathway acts differently in prostatic than in colorectal tumorigenesis. The immunophenotypes documented herein also might aid in the distinction between prostatic and colorectal origins when metastasis is encountered.
Frailty and the Burden of Concurrent and Incident Disability in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Frailty results from the chronic effects of malnutrition and muscle wasting in patients with cirrhosis. It is well-established that frailty is strongly associated with mortality in this population. However, little is known of its relationship with physical disability, a critical patient-centered outcome. Adults with cirrhosis underwent outpatient testing of frailty using the Liver Frailty Index (LFI) and disability using activities of daily living (ADL; range 0-6) and Instrumental ADL (IADL; range 0-8) scales at one center between 2012 and 2016. We used adjusted multilevel logistic mixed-effects regression to test the association between frailty and current disability (impairment with ≥1 ADL or IADL) and incident disability at 6 months among those without baseline disability. Of the 983 participants, 20% were robust, 32% were less robust, 33% were prefrail, and 15% were frail; 587 (60%) had at least 1 assessment. The percentage of participants with at least 1 baseline ADL or IADL impairment was 28% and 37%, respectively. In adjusted regression models, each point LFI increase was associated with a 3.3 and 4.6 higher odds of current difficulty with at least 1 ADL and IADL (P < 0.001 for each), respectively. Among participants without baseline disability, each point LFI increase was associated with a 2.6 and 1.7 higher odds of having difficulty with at least 1 ADL and IADL at 6 months, respectively. Conclusion: Frailty is strongly associated with concurrent and incident disability in patients with cirrhosis. In the clinic, the LFI can be used to identify those in greatest need for additional support/resources to maintain functional independence. In research settings, the LFI may help to identify an enriched population for clinical trials of interventions aimed at those most vulnerable to disability.
Differences in selected areas of social capital regarding residence

Introduction. In addition to a massive increase in interest in the concept of social capital in the social sciences, the research has shown its considerable impact on various areas of human life. OECD points to the correlation between social capital and health and points out that social isolation is associated with misery and disease. Aim. The contribution aims at pointing out the differences in selected indicators of social capital, focusing on the participation and social involvement of respondents in their place of residence. Results. Quantitative research was conducted using the questionnaire method, which was compiled from the Social Capital Question Bank database, covered by the UK Statistical Office. Result Cluster analysis divided respondents into those with higher and lower social capital, and comparative analysis showed significant differences in selected indicators of social capital between urban and rural respondents. Conclusions. Respondents from cities and rural areas differ in the level of social capital in our areas of interest: Participation or involvement in local groups, Political activity or voting, Taking positive action about a local issue, Participation in religious activity, Completed or received a practical favour, Familiarity with neighbourhood, Provide regular service, help or care for others.
Chest Radiograph Reporting: Public Preferences and Perceptions

Abstract Purpose To assess public preferences and perceptions regarding negative chest radiograph reports. Methods Using Amazon Mechanical Turk (Amazon Inc, Seattle, Washington), paid US English-speaking volunteers completed an 18-question survey. Participants were presented with the same two chest radiograph reports—one each in a freestyle and structured format—but randomized to one of four impression statements commonly used in our community. Participants were asked about content comprehension and confidence in the hypothetical interpreting radiologist. Results Over 15 days, 5,155 eligible participants completed the survey (of 6,363 respondents). Most reported prior chest radiography (68.9%) or any imaging (93.8%). Of those who underwent chest radiography, 77.6% reviewed their reports. Participants indicated structured reports were easier to comprehend (P Conclusion For negative chest radiographs, structured reports are better comprehended by the public and less likely to prompt unnecessary follow-up. As patients increasingly access their medical records online, radiologist reporting should consider patient needs and behavior.
Dynamic Errors of the Rate-of-Climb Meter

R meters* were first described in 1910 by Bestelmeyer, who recognized the existence of errors due to rapidly changing conditions. However, little quantitative information is available even at the present time on the magnitude of the errors to be expected in particular maneuvers. These "dynamic errors" can be negligible or relatively large depending upon the time required for changes in the actual rate of climb as compared with a period called the "characteristic time" of a particular instrument. If the forcing changes occur in a time much less than the characteristic time, large dynamic errors will appear while slower changes have progressively less effect. The present paper outlines the general theory of the conventional " capillary leak" rate-of-climb meter and describes a laboratory method for determining the coefficients necessary to predict performance in flight. Theoretical and laboratory results in the form of curves are compared with data taken from flight tests. Special attention is paid to the case of sinusoidal changes, and non-dimensional curves applicable to any frequency are given.
The Critique of Moral Monism

This chapter elaborates an extensive critique of moral monism, suggesting that the aspirations of moral monism are unreachable for a variety of reasons. Most importantly, moral monists fail to offer an adequate single decision procedure (SDP) which would resolve all moral conflicts, and, since the production of such a decision procedure is the purpose of monistic moral philosophies, the failure to produce a convincing version of one is fatal to the monistic project. It provides a brief outline of the typical characteristics of moral monism. These include the generation of a SDP which is supposed to provide a universal, rational, general, and impersonal solution to all moral problems or conflicts; a hierarchy of values which complements the SDP; a rejection of the distinction between theoretical and practical reason; and the claim that moral considerations always override any other considerations. It also examines the work of Alan Gewirth and R.M. Hare, representatives respectively of the two most prominent and influential contemporary versions of moral monism, deontology, and utilitarianism.
The Role of Effort in Understanding Educational Achievement: Objective Effort as an Explanatory Construct versus Effort as a Student Perception.

Almost anything worth doing takes effort, so it is no surprise that effort has played such a central role in how researchers, theoreticians, instructors, and even students think about student learning and achievement. In this special issue, the authors of the target articles explore the importance of effort to students’ self-regulated learning within multiple domains. To further support research progress on effort, we distinguish between objective effort as a direct causal agent of learning gains and effort as a student perception. We argue that understanding effort as a student perception shows promise for discovering ways to improve self-regulated learning and student achievement. In developing these arguments, we consider the contribution of the target articles to five themes relevant to metacognitively driven self-regulated learning, with the aim of fostering progressive research programs aimed at revealing the potential roles of effort in student achievement.
Research Needs in Agricultural Economics from the Extension Perspective: Attitudes vs. an Inventory of Needs

It would be presumptive of me to inject an Alabama bias into the rank ordering of research needs which should be addressed by the agricultural economist; I prefer to address the issue of how priorities will be set and how the use of the research will be brought about. These topics have received much attention over the last decade, in the journals of both the Southern Agricultural Economics Association and the American Agricultural Economics Association.
A review of our three-year editorial experience: 2019-2021

My three-year term as the Editor-in-Chief of Human Resource Development International is coming to an end. Since the last issue of this year is an anticipated special issue, this is my last editori...
Nurse perspectives on the psychosocial care of patients with urinary incontinence in home hospice: A qualitative study.

Background:Urinary incontinence is prevalent among patients receiving home hospice and presents multiple care management challenges for nurses and family caregivers.Aim:This study sought to underst...
Long-Read Sequencing Reveals Evolution and Acquisition of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Genes in Salmonella enterica

Salmonella enterica is a significant and phylogenetically diverse zoonotic pathogen. To understand its genomic heterogeneity and antimicrobial resistance, we performed long-read sequencing on Salmonella isolated from retail meats and food animals. A collection of 134 multidrug-resistant isolates belonging to 33 serotypes were subjected to PacBio sequencing. One major locus of diversity among these isolates was the presence and orientation of Salmonella pathogenic islands (SPI), which varied across different serotypes but were largely conserved within individual serotypes. We also identified insertion of an IncQ resistance plasmid into the chromosome of fourteen strains of serotype I 4,[5],12:i:- and the Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI-1) in five serotypes. The presence of various SPIs, SGI-1 and integrated plasmids contributed significantly to the genomic variability and resulted in chromosomal resistance in 55.2% (74/134) of the study isolates. A total of 93.3% (125/134) of isolates carried at least one plasmid, with isolates carrying up to seven plasmids. We closed 233 plasmid sequences of thirteen replicon types, along with twelve hybrid plasmids. Some associations between Salmonella isolate source, serotype, and plasmid type were seen. For instance, IncX plasmids were more common in serotype Kentucky from retail chicken. Plasmids IncC and IncHI had on average more than five antimicrobial resistance genes, whereas in IncX, it was less than one per plasmid. Overall, 60% of MDR strains that carried >3 AMR genes also carried > 3 heavy metal resistance genes, raising the possibility of co-selection of antimicrobial resistance in the presence of heavy metals. We also found nine isolates representing four serotypes that carried virulence plasmids with the spv operon. Together, these data demonstrate the power of long-read sequencing to reveal genomic arrangements and integrated plasmids with a high level of resolution for tracking and comparing resistant strains from different sources. Additionally, the findings from this study will help expand the reference set of closed Salmonella genomes that can be used to improve genome assembly from short-read data commonly used in One Health antimicrobial resistance surveillance.