cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vivo monitoring of external pressure induced hemodynamics in skin tissue using optical coherence tomography angiography

Characterization of the relationship between external pressure and blood flow is important in the examination of pressure-induced disturbance in tissue microcirculation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography is a promising imaging technique, capable of providing the noninvasive extraction of functional vessels within the skin tissue with capillary-scale resolution. Here, we present a feasibility study of OCT angiography to monitor effect of external pressures on blood perfusion in human skin tissue in vivo. Graded external pressure is loaded normal to the surface of the nailfold tissue of a healthy human. The incremental loading is applied step by step and then followed by an immediate release. Concurrent OCT imaging of the nailfold is performed during the pre/post loading. Blood perfusion images including baseline (at pre-loading) and corresponding tissue strain maps are calculated from 3D OCT dataset obtained at the different applied pressures, allowing visualization of capillary perfusion events at stressed nailfold tissue. The results indicate that the perfusion progressively decreases with the constant increase of tissue strain. Reactive hyperemia is occurred right after the removal of the pressure corresponding to quick drop of the increased strain. The perfusion is returned to the baseline level after a few minutes. These findings suggest that OCT microangiography may have great potential for quantitatively assessing tissue microcirculation in the locally pressed tissue in vivo.
Steady-state levels of pro-dynorphin-related end-products from the brain of the amphibian, Xenopus laevis.

Abstract Steady-state analyses of prodynorphin-derived opioid peptides were conducted on acid extracts of the brain of the frog, Xenopus laevis . Radioimmunoassays specific for dynorphin A(1–17), dynorphin A(1–8), α-neoendorphin and dynorphin B coupled with gel filtration chromatography and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography were used. The major prodynorphin-related end-product detected was α-neoendorphin. Leu-enkephalin was also detected. Since the Xenopus proenkephalin precursor does not contain the Leu-enkephalin sequence, these data suggest that some of the prodynorphin-related end-products had been cleaved to yield Leu-enkephalin.
In Like a Lamb, Out Like a Lion: The Political Conversion of Jimmy Carter

Fundamental and sometimes abrupt change in the direction of a nation's foreign policy is a crucial but insufficiently understood driving force in international politics. One determinant of such change is the alteration in the worldview of a key national leader. Obvious examples are the transformations of the vehemently anti-communist Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan into peacemakers with China and the Soviet Union in the course of their presi dencies. A less familiar but equally important conversion is that of the leader who changes from a dove to a hawk. Such a transformation is the focus of this article on President Jimmy Carter. Carter's policies toward the Soviet Union underwent a dramatic change in the aftermath of the Soviet invasion of Af ghanistan on 27 December 1979. As Richard Ned Lebow and Janice Gross Stein put it, in the assertion that provides the title for this article, Carter "came in like a lamb and went out like a lion."1 He began his presidency in 1977 full of optimism that he could reduce international tensions by entering into a major arms reduction agreement with the Soviet Union. He sought to reform the Soviet Union by trying to influence it to end human rights abuse, reduce its armed presence outside its borders, reduce expenditure on the military, and eventually end communism. However, Carter grew more skeptical of Soviet motivations and less sure of his ability to change Soviet behavior when Soviet Chairman Leonid Brezhnev rebuffed his nuclear arms proposal and his proposed summits, and then intervened in the Horn of Africa in January of 1978. Carter's skepticism was further reinforced and magnified by the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Brain-invasive solitary fibrous tumor of the meninges : report of a case

Solitary fibrous tumor is a mesenchymal neoplasm that most commonly arises in the pleura, but also in multiple extrapleural sites including, rarely, the meninges. Imunohistochemical findings facili...
Information-Theoretic Motion Planning for Constrained Sensor Networks

This paper considers the problem of online informative motion planning for a network of heterogeneous mobile sensing agents, each subject to dynamic constraints, environmental constraints, and sensor limitations. Previous work has not yielded algorithms that are amenable to such general constraint characterizations. In this paper, the information-rich rapidly-exploring random tree algorithm is proposed as a solution to the constrained informative motion planning problem that embeds metrics on uncertainty reduction at both the tree growth and path selection levels. The proposed algorithm possesses a number of beneficial properties, chief among them being the ability to quickly find dynamically feasible, informative paths, even subject to the aforementioned constraints. The utility of the proposed algorithm in efficiently localizing stationary targets is demonstrated in a progression of simulation results with both single-agent and multiagent networks. These results show that the information-rich rapidly-ex...
Do gonadal steroids regulate circadian rhythms in humans

Summary While a number of studies demonstrate that gonadal steroids regulate circadian rhythms in animals, the issue has received little attention in humans. The question is relevant to our understanding of gender differences in the phenomenology of depression, and of changes in the sleep-activity cycle that are seen in affective illness and during the menopause. In this paper, the literature demonstrating that gonadal steroids regulate circadian rhythms in animals is reviewed, along with the limited human literature. A hypothesis is forwarded suggesting that, in humans, estrogen shortens the circadian period, lengthens the sleep phase, advances sleep onset, and consolidates sleep. A study in progress is described which is designed to test the effects of the hypogonadal state, estrogen, and progesterone on circadian rhythms in women.
Axillary Arteriovenous Fistula A Means of Supplementing Blood Flow through a Cava-Pulmonary Artery Shunt

A right axillary A-V fistula has been made in a 13-year-old patient with tricuspid atresia who, after undergoing two unsuccessful attempts in infancy to establish a left Blalock shunt and having had a superior vena cava-right pulmonary artery (SVC-RPA) shunt at age 3, showed increasing disability and profound cyanosis (HCT 80%). One year following creation of the fistula there is marked increase in exercise tolerance, a decrease in HCT to 56%, and an increase in pO2 from 57 to 105 mm Hg. Creation of an axillary A-V fistula in patients with an SVC-RPA shunt is an effective means of supplementing blood flow to the right lung by increasing the flow through the shunt and by giving it a pulsatile character, and, eventually, by decreasing the blood's viscosity. Axillary A-V fistula may be required by many patients with a cava-pulmonary shunt who have inadequate perfusion of the contralateral lung and clinical deterioration.
A simple measure to control for variations in chest electrodes placement in serial electrocardiogram recordings

Variations in chest electrodes placement in the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) are a major concern in interpretation of serial ECG changes, especially those changes involving V1 and V2 leads. Documentation of chest electrodes placement will help in controlling for these variations by facilitating comparison of electrodes placement between serial ECG recordings. This can be achieved by recording the distance from suprasternal notch (N) to the position of V1-V2 (V), referred to as the NV measurement and is proposed in this brief communication. When performed after placement of the electrodes, the NV measurement does not in any way interfere with the recommended standardized electrode placement procedure. Combining the proposed NV measurement with the numeric measures of V4 and V6 transverse positions using previously proposed procedures is expected to further reduce errors in interpretation of serial ECG recordings.
Lactose and calcium transport in gut sacs.

The effects of glucose and lactose upon calcium absorption in rats were investigated using the inverted gut sac technique with Ca45.In weanling animals calcium transport was stimulated by lactose both in the duodenum where calcium is absorbed against a concentration gradient and in the lower intestine where absorption is by passive diffusion. The ability of lactose to stimulate transport was lost as the animals became older, and was not clearly demonstrable after the animals were 6 weeks of age. The active transport of calcium against a concentration gradient in the upper intestine is partially dependent upon the amount of calcium in the diet the animals receive. Only a slight and insignificant effect of dietary calcium upon calcium transport in the lower intestine could be shown.
Theta Modulation in the Medial and the Lateral Entorhinal Cortices

Hippocampal neurons show a strong modulation by theta frequency oscillations. This modulation is thought to be important not only for temporal encoding and decoding of information in the hippocampal system, but also for temporal ordering of neuronal activities on timescales at which physiological mechanisms of synaptic plasticity operate. The medial entorhinal cortex (MEC), one of the two major cortical inputs to the hippocampus, is known to show theta modulation. Here, we show that the local field potentials (LFPs) in the other major cortical input to the hippocampus, the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), show weaker theta oscillations than those shown in the MEC. Neurons in LEC also show weaker theta modulation than that of neurons in MEC. These findings suggest that LEC inputs are integrated into hippocampal representations in a qualitatively different manner than the MEC inputs. Furthermore, MEC grid cells increase the scale of their periodic spatial firing patterns along the dorsoventral axis, corresponding to the increasing size of place fields along the septotemporal axis of the hippocampus. We show here a corresponding gradient in the tendency of MEC neural firing to skip alternate theta cycles. We propose a simple model based on interference of delta oscillations with theta oscillations to explain this behavior.
An ecological view of literacy learning

This article refutes the common, persistent belief in literacy learning as a linear, sequential process best broken down into small steps that can be taught mechanically in order to produce timely, quantifiable ‘outcomes’, regardless of the vast diversity among learners, teachers, institutions of learning, communities, cultures, media and languages. This naive and simplistic belief, which flies in the face of virtually all evidence from direct observation, research on literacy learning, evolutionary biology, cognitive science, psychological and social science research, neurophysiology, educational theory, public policy, anthropology and communication, nevertheless remains well entrenched, despite its destructive consequences. Presented here is the evidence in support of an alternative view, an ecological perspective which takes into account the complex ecosystems within which teachers and learners learn, adapt, interact, communicate and connect. Furthermore, it presents a sensible and humane model for documenting and assessing learning and teaching ecologically, the Learning Record. This model is well supported both theoretically and practically, with over 20 years of successful implementation for thousands of students at every level, from pre-school to graduate school; in every discipline, from maths to biology to writing; and across diverse student populations, from inner-city schools to reservation schools, migrant populations, students with disabilities and newly arrived English language learners.
Structural and Compositional Change in Geography Graduate Programs in the United States: 1991–2001

This paper presents an accounting of observed shifts within the structure and composition of geography graduate programs between 1991 and 2001. Using the AAG Guide to Programs, the study details how geography's primary divisions and areas of specialization have changed based on several parameters. These parameters include: department name, total tenure track lines, tenure track lines by major division (macrospecialization), tenure tracks by selected research areas (microspecialization), faculty rank, and degree programs. Using descriptive statistics, the paper identifies the structural implications of retirement in recent years, notes the emergence of new research areas (at both the macro- and microlevel), charts the expansion of traditional geography graduate programs, and the creation of new geography degree programs. The trajectory of the discipline is positive and growth continues. When and where reductions have been observed, the demographic transition of the professoriate is often an issue. Despite ...
It’s about the Journey, Not the Destination: The Birth of Radioimmunoassay

Featured Article: Yalow RS, Berson SA. Immunoassay of endogenous plasma insulin in man. J Clin Invest 1960;39:1157–75.2 They met in 1950. She was a 29-year-old researcher with a PhD in nuclear physics who had been accepted to graduate school only because there was a shortage of male students because of World War II. He was a 32-year-old physician who had collected more than 100 rejection letters over several years before finally being accepted into medical school. Their meeting turned out to be not just a professional match made in heaven, but also the beginning of a journey that led all the way to Stockholm. In 1921, the same year that Rosalyn Yalow was born, Banting and Best prepared an extract from dog pancreas and showed that a compound in the extract was capable of controlling blood glucose concentrations in dogs whose pancreas had been removed (1). Shortly afterward, they used a more highly purified extract from fetal calves to treat a 14-year-old boy with type 1 diabetes (2). By 1923, bovine insulin was being commercially purified for use in patients. During her graduate training, Yalow became proficient in the design and use of instrumentation for measuring radioactive substances. By serendipity, she ended up at the Veterans Administration Hospital in …
Regulation of histone H3K4 methylation in brain development and disease

The growing list of mutations implicated in monogenic disorders of the developing brain includes at least seven genes (ARX, CUL4B, KDM5A, KDM5C, KMT2A, KMT2C, KMT2D) with loss-of-function mutations affecting proper regulation of histone H3 lysine 4 methylation, a chromatin mark which on a genome-wide scale is broadly associated with active gene expression, with its mono-, di- and trimethylated forms differentially enriched at promoter and enhancer and other regulatory sequences. In addition to these rare genetic syndromes, dysregulated H3K4 methylation could also play a role in the pathophysiology of some cases diagnosed with autism or schizophrenia, two conditions which on a genome-wide scale are associated with H3K4 methylation changes at hundreds of loci in a subject-specific manner. Importantly, the reported alterations for some of the diseased brain specimens included a widespread broadening of H3K4 methylation profiles at gene promoters, a process that could be regulated by the UpSET(KMT2E/MLL5)-histone deacetylase complex. Furthermore, preclinical studies identified maternal immune activation, parental care and monoaminergic drugs as environmental determinants for brain-specific H3K4 methylation. These novel insights into the epigenetic risk architectures of neurodevelopmental disease will be highly relevant for efforts aimed at improved prevention and treatment of autism and psychosis spectrum disorders.
Cross-border mergers and acquisitions vs. greenfield foreign direct investment: The role of firm heterogeneity

Abstract We develop a general equilibrium model with heterogeneous firms to address two sets of questions: (1) what are the characteristics of firms that choose the various modes of foreign market access (exporting, greenfield FDI, and cross-border M&A), and (2) how does the international organization of production vary across industries and country-pairs? We show that the answers to these questions depend on the nature of firm heterogeneity. Depending on whether firms differ in their mobile or immobile capabilities, cross-border mergers involve the most or the least efficient active firms. The comparative statics on industry and country characteristics display a similar dichotomy.
Experiences of older women with cancer receiving hospice care: significance for physical therapy

Background and Purpose. The number of older adults with cancer is growing, increasing the need for professionals who are able to meet these patients' special needs. In palliative care settings, physical therapists strive to promote quality of life. Minimal research exists, however, to guide therapists working with patients with terminal illness. The purpose of this study was to gain knowledge that can be used by physical therapists to more effectively assess and treat older people with cancer who are receiving hospice care. Subjects and Methods. A qualitative single-case study with replication was conducted with 3 older women with cancer who are receiving hospice care. Interview data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. Results. Four themes emerged as central to the experience of the informants: social relationships, spirituality, outlook on mortality, and meaningful physical activity. Conclusion and Discussion. In addition to maintaining physical function, physical therapists, who attend to nonphysical as well as physical aspects of care, may foster social cohesion, help maximize life's meaning, and support stabilizing strategies of older women with cancer who receive hospice care.
ELECTROKINETIC PHENOMENA IX. ELECTROPHORESIS AND ELECTROOSMOSIS

As previously found experimentally for crude protein surfaces, and in harmony with recent theory and experiment, the ratio of the electroosmotic and electrophoretic mobility for surfaces of purified protein is approximately -1.00.
The Role of Carnitine in the Male Reproductive System

Carnitine is highly concentrated in the epididymis and spermatozoa, where it may serve as an intramitochondrial vehicle for the acyl group, which in the form of acyl CoA acts as a substrate for the oxidation process producing energy for sperm respiration and motility. To date, studies in rodents and humans suggest that sperm count, motility, and maturation are related to epididymal free carnitine concentrations. Moreover, supplementation with carnitine improves sperm quality and/or quantity in testes of mice exposed to physical insults, such as heat and X-irradiation, and in men with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia. These benefits may be due to increased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation resulting in improvement in motility of epididymal sperm. The antiapoptotic effect(s) of carnitine in the testes may also contribute, but this remains speculative and requires further investigation. Research to uncover the many characteristics and mechanisms of action of carnitine in somatic and germ cells may provide insights into the pathophysiology of germ cell apoptosis, the prevention of germ cell death, and possibly specific therapy of some forms of infertility. Further well-controlled, carefully designed, larger-scale studies are necessary and desirable before widespread clinical use as an infertility therapy can be contemplated.
Synthesis of 3-alkylidene phthallmidines by reaction of isocyanates with ortho-manganated aromatic ketones.

Abstract Heating ortho-manganated aromatic ketones and RNCO (R = Et, n -Pr, p -tolyl) in dioxane for 3 – 7 h leads to production of 3-alkylidene phthalimidines. The alkylidene phthalimidines derived from aliphatic isocyanates were unstable and were reduced to phthalimidines prior to purification and characterization.
LQ approach to an “all-solutions” formula for H ∞ output feedback control

An “all-solutions” extension to the LQ-feedback formulation of H ∞ output feedback control is presented in this paper. Our results demonstrate that with suitable notation the general case can be handled directly without loop shifting, thereby simplifying both the representation and the computation of general H ∞ output-feedback controllers. In standard theory for general H ∞ output-feedback control and in the associated software, certain preliminary “loop-shifting” transformations are needed. These add unnecessarily to the complexity of the H ∞ theory and its implementation in software. In this paper, we revisit the CoS derivations for the general H ∞ output feedback problem without the usual assumptions or “loop-shifting” transformations to arrive at an “all-solutions” output feedback formulation.
Isolation and characterization of endothelial progenitor cells from mouse embryos

The cardiovascular system develops early in embryogenesis from cells of mesodermal origin. To study the molecular and cellular processes underlying this transition, we have isolated mesodermal cells from murine embryos at E7.5 with characteristic properties of endothelial progenitors by using a combination of stromal cell layers and growth conditions. The isolated embryonic cells displayed unlimited stem-cell-like growth potential and a stable phenotype in culture. RNA analysis revealed that the embryonic cells express the endothelial-specific genes tie-2 and thrombomodulin (TM) as well as the early mesodermal marker fgf-3. The GSL I-B4 isolectin, a marker of early endothelial cells, specifically binds to the isolated cells. The in vitro differentiation with retinoic acid and cAMP led to a 5- to 10-fold induction of flk-1, von Willebrand Factor (vWF), TM, GATA-4 and GATA-6. Electron microscopy revealed that in vitro differentiation is associated with increased amounts of rER and Golgi, and a dramatic increase in secretory vesicles packed with vWF. When cultured in Matrigel, the embryonic cells assume the characteristic endothelial cobblestone morphology and form tubes. Injection into chicken embryos showed incorporation of the embryonic cells in the endocardium and the brain vasculature. The expression of TM, tie-2, GATA-4 and GATA-6 suggests that the isolated embryonic endothelial cell progenitors are derived from the proximal lateral mesoderm where the pre-endocardial tubes form. The properties of the endothelial cell progenitors described here provide a novel approach to analyze mediators, signaling pathways and transcriptional control in early vascular development.
Mechanisms of Gas Precipitation in Plasma- Exposed Tungsten

Abstract Precipitation in subsurface bubbles is a key process that governs how hydrogen isotopes migrate through and become trapped within plasma-exposed tungsten. We describe a continuum-scale model of hydrogen diffusion in plasma-exposed materials that includes the effects of precipitation. The model can account for bubble expansion via dislocation loop punching, using an accurate equation of state to determine the internal pressure. This information is used to predict amount of hydrogen trapped by bubbles, as well as the conditions where the bubbles become saturated. In an effort to validate the underlying assumptions, we compare our results with published positron annihilation and thermal desorption spectroscopy data, as well as our own measurements using the tritium plasma experiment (TPE).
Association of the Recombination-Deficient Phenotype of Bacillus subtilis recC Strains with the Presence of an SPO2 Prophage

The recombination-defective phenotype associated with the recC genetic locus in Bacillus subtilis is not due to a chromosomal mutation at this site but rather to the presence of an integrated SPO2 prophage.
Alert Hypnotic Inductions: Use in Treating Combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Alert hypnosis can be a valuable part of the treatment protocol for the resolution of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research indicates that combat veterans with PTSD are more hypnotically susceptible than the general population. For that reason, it is hypothesized that they should be better able to use hypnosis in treatment. As opposed to the traditional modality, eyes-open alert hypnosis allows the patient to take advantage of hypnotic phenomena while participating responsibly in work, social life, and recreation. Three case studies are reported on combat veterans with PTSD who learned to overcome their symptoms using alert hypnosis.
Molecular Heterogeneity in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas

Context: The use of next-generation sequencing has resulted in the identification of recurrent somatic mutations underlying primary aldosteronism (PA). However, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the relationship between tumor aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) expression and somatic mutation status. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate tumor CYP11B2 expression and somatic aldosterone-driver gene mutation heterogeneity. Methods: Fifty-one adrenals from 51 PA patients were studied. Immunohistochemistry for CYP11B2 was performed. Aldosterone-producing adenomas with intratumor CYP11B2 heterogeneity were analyzed for mutation status using targeted next-generation sequencing. DNA was isolated from CYP11B2-positive, CYP11B2-negative, and adjacent normal areas from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections. Results: Of 51 adrenals, seven (14 %) showed distinct heterogeneity in CYP11B2 by immunohistochemistry, including six adenomas with intratumor heterogeneity and one multinodular ...
Finance Market and Currency Union Integration in the Americas, with Regard to Foreign Corporate Activity on the American Stock Markets

The purpose of this study is to provide a contribution to the analysis of foreign cross-listing behaviour in general, and on the state of the integration of the American region's capital markets and economies in specific; while also examining the market preferences of U.S. firms in the Americas and around the world; as well as analysing the role of the growth and integration of the Mexican stock exchange into the American financial markets in regard to the 2008 credit crisis and in general. A logistic regression model based on Piotroski and Srinivasan's 2008 study is developed which takes into consideration exchange, firm, geographic, and industrial regressors in order to determine whether firms prefer listing on the New York Stock Exchange as compared to the Toronto Stock Exchange. Logistic regressions are also run on foreign corporations operating in Bermuda, Mexico and Brasil. Unit-root causality tests and ARCH regressions are run on the economy and stock exchange characteristics of the American economies to analyse currency union and finance market integration possibilities. The American economies are more integrated than their stock exchanges, though due to the fact that currency unions are much more political than stock market mergers, it is suggested that stock markets in the Americas will continue to integrate with a greater propensity than currency unions.
Variations in Legislative Success Among Executives in Westminster Democracies

A number of studies have been published on the topic of executives’ success in the legislative arena and have provided us with an understanding of many of the factors that seem to influence the rate of success that executives actually enjoy. Few, however, have provided a guiding framework for studying the matter in comparative context. One hypothesis that appears to have some empirical support is the “Westminster hypothesis,” namely, that executives in Westminster-style democracies excel all others in the rates of success that they achieve. However, there it is hard to ground this hypothesis theoretically, and the empirical basis for it seems questionable. I present the preliminary version of an alternative framework that synthesizes Saiegh’s (2011) findings on executive uncertainty and Tsebelis’ (2002) veto players theory, tying legislative failure to both the extent of the error that an executive can make when designing and introducing a bill and the level of error that will nonetheless lead to a bill that is acceptable to the parliamentary majority. I then test several factors that shape the institutional and political contexts and that might therefore cause the levels of likely error and acceptable error to vary. The existence of an executive-controlled majority in the lower house and strong constitutional powers afforded to the upper house appear to be the most significant factors in this preliminary test.
Urban water sustainability: an integrative framework for regional water management

Abstract. Traditional urban water supply portfolios have proven to be unsustainable under the uncertainties associated with growth and long-term climate variability. Introducing alternative water supplies such as recycled water, captured runoff, desalination, as well as demand management strategies such as conservation and efficiency measures, has been widely proposed to address the long-term sustainability of urban water resources. Collaborative efforts have the potential to achieve this goal through more efficient use of common pool resources and access to funding opportunities for supply diversification projects. However, this requires a paradigm shift towards holistic solutions that address the complexity of hydrologic, socio-economic and governance dynamics surrounding water management issues. The objective of this work is to develop a regional integrative framework for the assessment of water resource sustainability under current management practices, as well as to identify opportunities for sustainability improvement in coupled socio-hydrologic systems. We define the sustainability of a water utility as the ability to access reliable supplies to consistently satisfy current needs, make responsible use of supplies, and have the capacity to adapt to future scenarios. To compute a quantitative measure of sustainability, we develop a numerical index comprised of supply, demand, and adaptive capacity indicators, including an innovative way to account for the importance of having diverse supply sources. We demonstrate the application of this framework to the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. Our analyses demonstrate that water agencies that share common water supplies are in a good position to establish integrative regional management partnerships in order to achieve individual and collective short-term and long-term benefits.
OF LIFE OR LIMB: THE ROLE OF ANTICOAGULATION IN NATIVE VALVE INFECTIVE ENDOCARDITIS

Infective endocarditis (IE) remains a complex and often deadly disease. Systemic emboli occur in up to 50% of patients, although the role of anticoagulation in native valve IE continues to be uncertain. A 62-year-old woman with a past medical history of atrial fibrillation on Coumadin and heart
Lipids and Egg Production of Podisus maculiventris (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Under Low Rates of Predation

Spined soldier bugs, Podisus maculiventris (Say), were fed different regimens of prey and then dissected at different ages to measure lipid content and reproductive status to determine how the predator allocates food reserves between metabolic and reproductive needs under low prey inputs. We found that as the interfeeding interval increased, the amount of lipids increased and the number of eggs oviposited decreased. When starved individuals were switched from a low- to a high-prey input regimen, the number of eggs laid increased after 4d. These findings suggest that to maintain longevity, lipids were stored, while at the same time, reproduction declined. Such trade-offs probably allow P. maculiventris to persist in various environments, including those characterized by scarce or unpredictable food inputs.
Experiences affecting associate degree in nursing program graduates' decisions to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing degree

This qualitative research study explored those experiences that influenced associate degree in nursing (ADN) graduates’ decisions to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing degree (BSN) after they had graduated from a two year nursing program at a state community college in a Southeast region state. The research design used was phenomenological research tradition, using semi-structured interviews to identify participants’ experiences, and Moustakas’ phenomenal data analysis to analyze the collected narrative data to determine themes from the acquired experiences. ADN registered nurses (RN) who had graduated from a specific state community college nursing program participated in this study. Life experiences involving long term interactions with family, work and academic peers, academic institutions, and workplace were significant in leading the participants to successfully enroll in an RN to BSN program. The cumulative effect of the experiences of family, from parents in childhood to raising children in adulthood was found to have most significant influence on ADN graduates’ decisions to pursue a BSN.
The Gaussian Radon transform as a limit of spherical transforms

Abstract The Gaussian Radon transform is an analog of the traditional Radon transform in an infinite dimensional Gaussian setting. We show that this infinite dimensional transform can be obtained as a limit of Radon transforms on finite dimensional spheres.
Health Effects of Microwave Exposures: A Review of the Recent (1995–1998) Literature

Occupational or residential exposures to radio frequency radiation, including microwaves, have been alleged to result in health problems, including leukemia, other cancers, and reproductive mishaps. This review covers the recent literature (from 1995 to 1998) dealing with possible health effects, including original studies, reviews, commentaries, and editorials. A number of these articles have presented misconceptions, errors in citation, and inaccuracies regarding the alleged effects. Epidemiological reviews and studies dealing with exposures to radio frequency radiation from television transmitters, cellular telephones and towers, magnetic resonance imaging, phased array radar systems, and other occupational exposures are analyzed. On the basis of studies reported in the past several years, one can conclude that the evidence for any proven health effects of low-level microwave exposure is minimal to non-existent.
Abstract 238: Nuclear Renin-Angiotensin System in Renal Proximal Tubule Cells

Compelling evidence for an intracellular renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is evident in multiple tissues including the heart, vasculature, brain and kidney. Indeed, the full complement of angiotensin receptors is localized on renal cortical nuclei; however, elucidation of the intracellular pathways that contribute to the expression of Ang II or Ang-(1-7) is incomplete. The current study sought to identify a proximal tubule epithelial cell model to facilitate our understanding of the regulation and function of this intracellular system. Utilizing the rat-derived NRK52E epithelial cells, immunofluorescent staining and western blots revealed nuclear expression of angiotensinogen (Aogen), renin and the prorenin receptor (PRR). Further characterization of Aogen expression utilizing an antibody against the protein region distal to Ang I ([des-Ang I]-Aogen) revealed a single 60 kDa band evident in the nuclear and the cytosolic fractions of the cells. A second antibody to the Ang I sequence of Aogen revealed expression in the cytosol and collected cell media, but not the nuclear fraction. The large molecular form of renin in the nuclear fraction suggests the predominance of prorenin in the nucleus. Basal renin activity in the nuclear fraction as measured by Ang I generation was significantly inhibited by the specific renin inhibitor aliskiren [770 ± 46 vs. 129 ± 14 pg Ang I/mg protein, n=3; p
One Novel 2.43Kb Deletion and One Single Nucleotide Mutation of the INSR Gene in a Chinese Neonate with Rabson-Mendenhall Syndrome

Mutations in the insulin receptor (INSR) gene are responsible for Donohue syndrome (DS) and Rabson-Mendenhall syndrome (RMS). Insulin resistance is a feature of both diseases. Our patient was a Chinese neonate suffering from abnormal glucose homeostasis, hyperinsulinemia, dry skin, heavy hair, growth retardation and an elevated testosterone level. To search for candidate point mutations, small insertions or deletions and copy number variants, 2742 inherited disease-gene panel sequencing was performed. One pathogenic mutation (c.3355C>T, p.Arg1119Trp) and a novel 2.43Kb deletion (chr19:7150507-7152938) in INSR were found. The patient was diagnosed as RMS. Sanger sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the missense variant and microdeletion, respectively. We therefore supposed that these variants were candidate mutations in this case. We report a novel 2.43Kb deletion in INSR gene and provide further proof of the power of next generation sequencing in rare disease diagnosis.
Genetic Counseling Dynamics: Transference, Countertransference, Distress, Burnout, and Compassion Fatigue

Being an effective genetic counselor requires an awareness of issues that impact the relationships counselors form with patients. This chapter discusses several critical dynamics that affect genetic counseling relationships. The chapter begins by defining patient transference and identifying ways to recognize and respond to transference and by defining genetic counselor countertransference and ways to manage this experience. Next genetic counselor distress, burnout, and compassion fatigue are defined (sources, symptoms, risk factors, etc.), and compassion fatigue is distinguished from distress and burnout. A range of strategies for coping with distress, burnout, and compassion fatigue is described. The content and related activities and written assignments in this chapter are designed to assist students in developing skills that will allow them to “thrive” as opposed to “survive” in their work and throughout their career.
Low Power Generation of Broadband Single Kerr Solitons in Silicon Nitride Resonators

We report the generation of broadband, single soliton frequency combs with dual dispersive waves in 1 THz and 333 GHz FSR silicon nitride microresonators using an on-chip pump-power as low as 12 mW.
The Shapers of Memory: The Theatrics of Islamic Historiography

This paper employs and describes an experimental methodology of viewing medieval Arabic authors through the lens of stage actor performance theory. In particular, it argues that semi-canonical writings, such as al-Ṭabarī’s History of the Prophets and Kings, become the “script” that later authors, such as Ibn al-Athīr and Ibn Kathīr “perform” as actors. This methodology is novel, and argues that by examining the changes authors made to narratives presented in earlier Arabic texts, we can draw important conclusions about the authors’ opinions of the relative importance of narrative elements, the authors’ literary-narrative strategies for endowing memories with meaning, and establish each author's "super-objective" (his primary thematic or narrative concerns).
If I Were Restricted to One Film: Wit (2001)

Wit is likely the most well known film in this collection; and for good reason. Centering on a literature professor with end-stage ovarian cancer, this film is the quintessential teaching film in American medical schools regarding end of life, code status discussions, nursing ethics, moral distress and death and dying. The film also teaches what is known as the “hidden curriculum”—bedside behaviors and professionalism. However, for some students, it also serves as an introduction to narrative medicine (not just because of the obvious fact that it is a film about medicine), but by introducing the student to the poetry of John Donne (1572–1631). In fact, this film would be equally at home in a poetry or medical humanities course.
Planning and strategic planning in some personnel management area in practice

The process of enlargement the Czech republic to the European is continued. This article is focusing on the firm competitiveness of the agricultural sector and the different elements of the human resources management and personnel management at the firm level. Managers are responsible for the process of the increasing management quality and strategic personnel activities planning and managing. Managers manage personnel in situations of taking decisions and applying the principles of management for going to the prosperity, for increasing productivity and competitiveness on the globalization area.
Adoption Issues: Preparation of Psychologists and an Evaluation of the Need for Continuing Education

This study is an investigation of the level of preparation psychologists have in dealing with adoption issues and an assessment of the need for further education in treating triad members. A questionnaire was mailed to 497 psychologists randomly selected from the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology who received doctoral degrees between the years of 1990 and 1996. Two hundred and ten psychologists, all of whom were currently treating clients, participated in the study. Psychologists completed a Likert rating of their sense of preparation to treat triad members. The largest group (51%) rated themselves as “Somewhat prepared,” with the second largest group (23%) rating themselves as “Not very prepared.” Ninety percent reported they needed more education in adoption, and 81% reported interest in taking a continuing education course in adoption. Of the 210 participants, only 67 reported taking courses that dealt with adoption as part of their formal education. Of those psychologists who reported taking courses that involved adoption, they averaged only 1.3 courses during their undergraduate education, and 1.5 courses during graduate education, while the remaining 143 psychologists received no education in this area. When one considers the proportion of triad members seen clinically, this study suggests psychologists need more education and background information about the effects of the adoption process.
Resilient and low stretch routing through embedding into tree metrics

Given a network, the simplest routing scheme is probably routing on a spanning tree. This method however does not provide good stretch--the route between two nodes can be much longer than their shortest distance, nor does it give good resilience -- one node failure may disconnect quadratically many pairs. In this paper we use two trees to achieve both constant stretch and good resilience. Given a metric (e.g., as the shortest path metric of a given communication network), we build two hierarchical well-separated trees using randomization such that for any two nodes u, v, the shorter path of the two paths in the two respective trees gives a constant stretch of the metric distance of u, v, and the removal of any node only disconnect the routes between O(1/n) fraction of all pairs. Both bounds are in expectation and hold true as long as the metric follows certain geometric growth rate (the number of nodes within distance r is a polynomial function of r), which holds for many realistic network settings such as wireless ad hoc networks and Internet backbone graphs. The algorithms have been implemented and tested on real data.
Postdural Puncture Headache

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is an infrequent, but troubling, syndrome following therapeutic or diagnostic dural puncture. The classic feature of PDPH is its postural nature: worse when upright and relieved when supine. Other findings such as visual and auditory changes, nausea, vomiting, neck pain and cranial nerve palsies may occur. The syndrome typically occurs 1 to 3 days following dural puncture. The pathophysiology is related to leakage of CSF, with resultant cerebral traction and reflex vasodilation. PDPH is more common in young patients.
Development of a Home Health Patient Assessment Tool for Disaster Planning.

Background Historically, older adults have been disproportionately affected by disasters. In particular, homebound adults are especially at risk. As one facet of bolstering community resilience, home health agencies have been tasked with improving their patients' disaster preparedness. However, home health practitioners often lack the information necessary to fulfill these requirements. Providing resources about disaster preparedness will allow these practitioners, often seen as trusted advisors, to better prepare their patients. Objective This study explores the utility of implementing a checklist-style assessment tool to guide Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC) practitioners in disaster preparedness assessments of their patients. Methods The HBPC Patient Assessment Tool for Disaster Planning ("Tool") was fielded by practitioners at 10 VHA HBPC programs with all patients seen over the course of a 3-week period. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis of the data collected via the Tool were used to understand the baseline levels of preparedness education provided by practitioners to their patients. Data from a follow-up survey and follow-up interviews with Program Managers were analyzed, the latter using content analysis methods. Results 754 surveys were returned for analysis. We examined how frequently practitioners reviewed the included preparedness items with their patients. Of those patients on oxygen, adherence ranged from 67 to 94% for practitioners covering a discussion about smoking materials/open flame, despite strong efforts to achieve high compliance on this measure as reported by several program managers. Of those items applicable to the general population, certain items were more frequently discussed than others. How to activate 911 services was most frequently reviewed (87%). Providing information about emergency shelter registration and specialty transport was the item least frequently reviewed (44%). Strengths about the Tool included its ease of use, flow, comprehensiveness, and that it fits on one page. Conclusion Home-based care programs, such as the VHA HBPC program, are tasked with supporting the emergency preparedness of their patients, but often do not have the expertise to do so. This study shows that the checklist-like structure of an assessment tool can assist with this role by encouraging practitioners to cover key points with patients and their caregivers.
NLPAR: Non-local smoothing for enhanced EBSD pattern indexing.

Abstract Due to continued advances in phosphor sensitivity and camera technology, electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) within a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has become an increasingly popular method for determining crystal orientations within a given microstructure. Concurrent advances in computational processing have also made it possible to store each individual diffraction pattern as it is collected, which has allowed more complex algorithms to be deployed for post-processing and indexing patterns. This paper proposes a new post-processing technique for pattern enhancement that aids in re-indexing by leveraging a non-local smoothing kernel whose weights are based on the exponential decay of the Euclidean distance between patterns. The advantage of this approach is its ability to utilize very large smoothing kernels without losing integrity near interface boundaries and while still operating on timescales comparable to traditional indexing approaches. Using an Inconel 600 nickel alloy sample, the capabilities and performance of the proposed approach are compared to other indexing schemes, including neighbor pattern averaging with re-indexing (NPAR) and a dictionary-based approach. The results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently produces a higher index success rate (ISR) than NPAR and comparable ISRs to the dictionary-based approach, a method with orders-of-magnitude greater computational demands. Source code for the NLPAR algorithm is available at https://github.com/USNavalResearchLaboratory/NLPAR