cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An open-source research tool to study triaxial inertial sensors for monitoring selected behaviors in sheep

The use of automated systems for monitoring animal behavior provides information on individual animal behavior and can be used to enhance animal productivity. However, the advancement of this industry is hampered by technology costs, challenges with power supplies, limited data accessibility, and inconsistent testing approaches for confirming the detection of livestock behaviors. Development of open-source research tools similar to commercially available wearable technologies may contribute to the development of more-efficient and affordable technologies. The objective of this study was to demonstrate an open-source, microprocessor-based sensor designed to monitor and enable differentiation among selected behaviors of adult wethers. The sensor was comprised of an inexpensive espressif ESP-32-WROOM-32 microprocessor with Bluetooth communication, a generic MPU92/50 motion sensor that contains a three-axis accelerometer, three-axis magnetometer, a three-axis gyroscope, and a 5-V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The open-source Arduino IDE software was used to program the microprocessor and to adjust the frequency of sampling, the data packet to send, and the operating conditions. For demonstration purposes, sensors were placed on six housed sheep for three 1-h increments with concurrent visual behavioral observation. Sensor readings (x-, y-, and z-axis) were summarized (mean and SD) within a minute and compared to animal behavior observations (also on a by-minute basis) using a linear mixed-effect model with animal as a random effect and behavioral classifier as a fixed effect. This analysis demonstrated the basic utility of the sensor to differentiate among animal behaviors based on sensed data (P < 0.001). Although substantial additional work is needed for algorithm development, power source testing, and network optimization, this open-source platform appears to be a promising strategy to research wearable sensors in a generalizable manner.
Altered neuronal excitability in a Hodgkin-Huxley model incorporating channelopathies of the delayed rectifier potassium channel

Channelopathies involving acquired or genetic modifications of the delayed rectifier K+ channel Kv1.1 include phenotypes characterized by enhanced neuronal excitability. Affected Kv1.1 channels exhibit combinations of altered expression, voltage sensitivity, and rates of activation and deactivation. Computational modeling and analysis can reveal the potential of particular channelopathies to alter neuronal excitability. A dynamical systems approach was taken to study the excitability and underlying dynamical structure of the Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) model of neural excitation as properties of the delayed rectifier K+ channel were altered. Bifurcation patterns of the HH model were determined as the amplitude of steady injection current was varied simultaneously with single parameters describing the delayed rectifier rates of activation and deactivation, maximal conductance, and voltage sensitivity. Relatively modest changes in the properties of the delayed rectifier K+ channel analogous to what is described for its channelopathies alter the bifurcation structure of the HH model and profoundly modify excitability of the HH model. Channelopathies associated with Kv1.1 can reduce the threshold for onset of neural activity. These studies also demonstrate how pathological delayed rectifier K+ channels could lead to the observation of the generalized Hopf bifurcation and, perhaps, other variants of the Hopf bifurcation. The observed bifurcation patterns collectively demonstrate that properties of the nominal delayed rectifier in the HH model appear optimized to permit activation of the HH model over the broadest possible range of input currents.
Impact of resonance decays on critical point signals in net-proton fluctuations

The non-monotonic beam energy dependence of the higher cumulants of net-proton fluctuations is a widely studied signature of the conjectured presence of a critical point in the QCD phase diagram. In this work we study the effect of resonance decays on critical fluctuations. We show that resonance effects reduce the signatures of critical fluctuations, but that for reasonable parameter choices critical effects in the net-proton cumulants survive. The relative role of resonance decays has a weak dependence on the order of the cumulants studied with a slightly stronger suppression of critical effects for higher-order cumulants.
Is cognition the secret to working dog success

Dogs' special relationship with humans not only makes them ubiquitous in our lives, but working dogs specifically perform essential functions for us such as sniffing out bombs and pulling wheelchairs for the disabled. To enhance the performance of working dogs, it is essential to understand the cognitive skills that underlie and lead to their success. This review details recent work in the field of canine cognition, including how dogs have evolved socio-cognitive skills that mimic or, in some cases, rival even our closest primate relatives. We review how these findings have laid the foundation for new studies that hope to help enhance working dog programs. This includes work that has begun to reveal the development and stability of the most important traits for service work. Discoveries like these suggest the possibility of translating what we have learned to improve breeding, selection, and training for these jobs. The latest research we review here shows promise in contributing to the production of better dogs and, consequently, more help for people.
Anti-amphiphysin positive stiff-person syndrome due to invasive ductal carcinoma in a male patient.

Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare progressive neurological disorder characterised by painful muscle spasms and progressive muscle rigidity, leading in some cases to impaired ambulation. Anti-amphiphysin positive SPS is a paraneoplastic variant, frequently associated with breast carcinomas and small cell lung cancers. We report the case of a 53-year-old patient who developed symptoms of anti-amphiphysin positive SPS 3 years before being diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. Specifically, computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT), mammogram, colonoscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not identify malignancy during the 3 years following the onset of symptoms. Following diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma and completion of curative-intent oncological treatment, the patient experienced improvement, though not complete resolution, in his SPS symptoms. This case highlights the importance of thorough oncological workup when clinical presentation and diagnostic testing are suggestive of anti-amphiphysin positive SPS.
The Future of Affirmative Action in U.S. Higher Education

In 1961’s Executive Order 10925, President John F. Kennedy introduced Affirmative Action, which included a provision that all government contractors — including public and private colleges and universities — “take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin.” Subsequently, in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued Executive Order 11246, which prohibits an employer’s discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, and sex, extending the responsibility of government contractors to provide Equal Opportunity for women and minorities: a fuller embodiment of the EEOC, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, education is the catalyst through which underrepresented populations, primarily people of color, can transcend social, political, and economic boundaries and live freely in America: Diversifying institutions of higher education is indeed a compelling government interest. Through a summary of Affirmative Action case law in higher education, it is clear that institutions of higher education share my sentiment.
Adult survivors of moderate and great complexity congenital heart disease undergoing general surgery procedures: How do they fare?

Abstract Background Patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) are now commonly surviving well into adulthood. We describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes for a cohort of adult patients with moderate and great complexity CHD undergoing general surgery procedures. Methods The electronic records of two tertiary centers were queried to identify adult patients with moderate and great complexity CHD who underwent a general surgery procedure between 2007 and 2017. Results 118 adult patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 36 ± 17 years and 49.2% were male. The most common cardiac diagnoses were pulmonary valve anomaly (24.6%), tetralogy of Fallot (18.6%), coarctation of the aorta (15.3%) and common/single ventricle (10.2%). The most common general surgery procedures performed were cholecystectomy (23.7%), herniorrhaphy (23.7%) and colorectal resection (9.3%). In-hospital mortality and morbidity were 2.5% and 11.9%, respectively. Conclusion Adults survivors of moderate and great complexity CHD undergoing common general surgery procedures in this study experienced excellent in-hospital outcomes.
Evolution Equations: Present and Future

This volume features chapters that present contemporary research focus and results in the theory of Evolution Equations and its applications in the physical and natural sciences, in a unique combination of mathematical rigor and realistic background.
What if health care worked like everything else

Doctors use up-to-date communication technology in their personal lives, but the tools they use to communicate with professional colleagues are much more limited. In light of new research exploring the use of WhatsApp in Israel, this commentary explores the barriers to such use and the technological, legal, and cultural factors that enable adoption of such technologies for medical communication. Common tools can be used for professional collaboration but must be adapted for that use as well as culturally acceptable for broad implementation.
Abstract T P169: The Questionable Cost-effectiveness of Hypercoagulable Testing in Arterial Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Hypercoagulable states may be associated with arterial ischemic stroke, particularly in cryptogenic stroke and incidence in the young. Prior studies identify an association with arterial stroke of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and hyperhomocysteinemia, possible association of Factor V Leiden and Prothrombin mutation, and little or no association of Protein C, Protein S, and Antithrombin III deficiencies. Little data exists regarding the cost-effectiveness of routine testing in selected cases. Hypothesis: Routine hypercoagulable testing at our institution rarely changes management and a selected testing approach is more cost-effective. Methods: Based on known associations of hypercoagulable states with acute ischemic stroke, we created a revised testing criteria to exclude states (1) primarily associated with venous occlusion and (2) unlikely to change medical management in secondary stroke prevention. As part of a quality assurance review, we retrospectively applied these criteria to 94 stroke patients who consecutively received the hypercoagulable panel over 2 years. Results: Assuming current costs of hypercoagulable testing at our institution, a potential $120,000 in health care costs could potentially have been saved with no additional diagnostic value and the same outcome on medical management for secondary stroke prevention. Conclusion: A selected testing criteria for hypercoagulable states in diagnosis of arterial ischemic stroke may be more cost effective. Further prospective study in select stroke cases is warranted.
A Model of “Tax-Free” Exchange of Farmland

This study considers the alternatives available for transferring agricultural property on the urban periphery. The model examines the conditions under which market participants sell or exchange farmland. Contrary to popular opinion, we find that simultaneous exchanges are still feasible in the presence of delayed exchanges, particularly when the relinquished property is very large. The model also explains the observed phenomenon that the sellers of agricultural property get replacement properties of lesser market value in exchanges.
Communicating through deep space

NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) consists of a worldwide set of communication stations and a central control facility in California, enabling communication with spacecraft thousands of millions of miles from earth. The stations have gone from 26 m diameter antennas operating at 960 MHz to 70 m diameter (by 1988) at 8400 MHz. The DSN provides exceptional performance in high gain steerable antennas, ultra-low noise receivers, high power transmitters, frequency and time standards, and precise radio metric data. Spacecraft missions envisaged in the 1990's for the continuing exploration of the Solar System include an array of increasingly complex visits to the inner planets, asteroids and comets and the outer planets. The Deep Space Network planned for the mid-1980s may not meet all the needs of these missions without substantial change. Deep space stations may require conversion to operation with beam waveguides, higher frequency and relative frequency stability of 10 to the -16th. A deep space relay station in earth orbit could permit operation at higher frequencies, with attendant higher performance. Long range planning to select the appropriate future network configurations and develop the technologies essential to their implementation is underway.
Response Conflict and Affective Responses in the Control and Expression of Race Bias.

Models of racial attitudes traditionally have assumed that individual differences in the strength of underlying, ‘implicit’ associations between racial categories and stereotypical traits are the primary determinant of the expression of race bias. Thus, individual differences in performance on laboratory tasks designed to assess implicit race bias tend to be interpreted in terms of association strength. Here, we argue that such associations tell only part of the story, and probably the least interesting part. We posit that response conflict and its regulation are critical to understanding the need for control, and that affect-related processes help to determine the extent to which control resources will be implemented to overcome biased associations. We present data from a number of recent behavioral and psychophysiologic studies in support of this idea, as well as conceptual accounts that point toward a model of race bias regulation that depends upon processes identified as important for regulation of thought, affect and action more generally.
Unsupervised Deep Learning for Hippocampus Segmentation in 7.0 Tesla MR Images

Recent emergence of 7.0T MR scanner sheds new light on the study of hippocampus by providing much higher image contrast and resolution. However, the new characteristics shown in 7.0T images, such as richer structural information and more severe intensity inhomogeneity, raise serious issues for the extraction of distinctive and robust features for accurately segmenting hippocampus in 7.0T images. On the other hand, the hand-crafted image features (such as Haar and SIFT), which were designed for 1.5T and 3.0T images, generally fail to be effective, because of the considerable image artifacts in 7.0T images. In this paper, we introduce the concept of unsupervised deep learning to learn the hierarchical feature representation directly from the pre-observed image patches in 7.0T images. Specifically, a two-layer stacked convolutional Independent Subspace Analysis (ISA) network is built to learn not only the intrinsic low-level features from image patches in the lower layer, but also the high-level features in the higher layer to describe the global image appearance based on the outputs from the lower layer. We have successfully integrated this deep learning scheme into a state-of-the-art multi-atlases based segmentation framework by replacing the previous hand-crafted image features by the hierarchical feature representations inferred from the two-layer ISA network. Promising hippocampus segmentation results were obtained on 20 7.0T images, demonstrating the enhanced discriminative power achieved by our deep learning method.
Penicillin-binding protein 1 of Staphylococcus aureus is essential for growth.

pbpA , a gene encoding penicillin-binding protein (PBP) 1 of Staphylococcus aureus , was cloned in an Escherichia coli MC1061 transformant which grew on a plate containing 512 μg of vancomycin per ml. This gene encodes a 744-amino-acid sequence which conserves three motifs of PBPs, SXXK, SXN, and KTG. The chromosomal copy of pbpA could be disrupted only when RN4220, a methicillin-sensitive S. aureus strain, had additional copies of pbpA in its episome. Furthermore, these episomal copies of pbpA could not be eliminated by an incompatible plasmid when the chromosomal copy of pbpA was disrupted beforehand. Based on these observations, we concluded that pbpA is essential for the growth of methicillin-sensitive S. aureus.
Application of the finite efficacy ratio for one-sample location

Theoretical results needed to apply the finite efficacy ratio to the class of linear signed rank statistics for one-sample location are provided. These results are applied to compare three forms of the one-sample location normal scores test. It is concluded that tests using approximate scores can be preferable to the test based on exact expected normal scores. Lastly, exact critical values based on the approximate scores tests are provided.
THz-frequency intrinsic oscillations in double-barrier quantum well systems

Abstract Traditional implementations of double-barrier quantum well structures (DBQWSs) have not been successful as oscillator sources at THz frequencies because they are utilized in an extrinsic (i.e., external charge exchange) manner. Indeed, the true failing of a “traditional” DBQWS-based oscillator is tied directly to the physical principles associated with its implementation. In this paper, greater insight into the physics of instabilities within nanoscale tunneling structures is revealed. Here, self-consistent, time-dependent Wigner–Poisson simulations demonstrate sustained THz-frequency current-oscillations in a DBQWS that arise without the benefit of external charging processes. More importantly, dependencies between the emitter-boundary structure and the DBQWS are identified that strongly influence the internal instability phenomenon. These new results offer potential methodologies for inducing and controlling intrinsic oscillations in DBQWSs.
Drug abusers show impaired performance in a laboratory test of decision making.

A defining feature of drug addiction is persistent drug use despite long-term adverse consequences. This study examined the performance of drug abusers on a neuropsychological test that requires evaluation of long-term outcomes in the presence of a complex set of mixed reward/punishment contingencies (the Gambling Task). In order to control for generalized deficits related to choice and planning, subjects were also administered the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task. Thirty polysubstance abusers were compared to a comparison group of 24 subjects who did not use illicit drugs of abuse. Drug abusers performed much more poorly on the Gambling Task (net score = 10.2 +/- 4.7, mean +/- s.e.m.) than controls (26.0 +/- 5.3), but did not differ from controls on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Task. The results show that drug abusers are more likely to make maladaptive decisions in the Gambling Task that result in long-term losses exceeding short-term gains. These findings indicate that the Gambling Task may be a useful model in laboratory studies of cognitive dysfunctions associated with drug abuse.
Mapping of polypeptide reinitiation sites within the β-galactosidase structural gene

Abstract A method is described for mapping reinitiation sites within structural genes. The mapping techniques are used to demonstrate the presence of two such sites in the z gene of the lac operon. The results suggest that the reinitiation sequence is not AUG acting alone.
Design And Vlsi Implementation Of An On-Line Algorithm

We present a design and its VLSI implementation of a radix-2 on-line algorithm for the basic function Y = AX + B in NMOS technology and discuss its area/time characteristics. The design uses internal pipelining to achieve a short step time of about three gate delays. The on-line delay is 5. The implementation is modular using a 150-transistor bit-slices. We also illustrate the use of the module in implementing a root solver for a polynomial equation.
Astrocytes express specific variants of CaM KII δ and γ, but not α and β, that determine their cellular localizations

Multiple isoforms of type II Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaM KII) are composed of two major neuron-specific subunits, designated alpha and beta, and two less well-characterized subunits that are also expressed in non-neuronal tissues, designated delta and gamma. Regulated expression of these 4 gene products, and several variants produced by alternative splicing, shows temporal and regional specificity and influences intracellular targeting. We used immunoblotting and RT-PCR to analyze subunit and variant expression and distribution in cultured cerebellar astrocytes and neurons, and whole cerebellar cortex from rodent brain. The data indicate that: (i) astrocytes express a single splice variant of delta, namely delta(2); (ii) like neurons, astrocytes express two forms of CaM KII gamma; gamma(B) and gamma(A); (iii) these CaM KII variants are enriched in the supernate fraction in astrocytes, and the particulate fraction in neurons; (iv) unlike neurons, astrocytes do not express detectable levels of alpha or beta subunits or their respective splice variants. The results indicate that neurons and astrocytes express distinct CaM KII subunits and variants that localize to distinct subcellular compartments and, by inference, exert distinct cellular functions.
Selective retention in saline ice of extracellular polysaccharides produced by the cold-adapted marine bacterium Colwellia psychrerythraea strain 34H

The retention of salts in laboratory-grown ice was compared to the retention of extracellular polysaccharide substances (EPS) produced by the cold-adapted marine gammaproteo- bacterium, Colwellia psychrerythraea strain 34H. Saline ice was formed, by means of a cold-finger apparatus, from artificial sea-water solutions containing either native dissolved EPS from strain 34H, the same EPS but heat-treated, or dissolved EPS from the uninoculated growth medium. Results indicated that only the native (unheated) EPS of strain 34H was retained preferentially in the ice. Temperature and volumetric measurements of the ice further suggested a link between the heat-labile fraction of this EPS of marine bacterial origin and potential habitat alteration. Bacterial EPS may join algal EPS in our understanding of how extracellular polymers help to establish and sustain the microbial community that inhabits sea ice.
Decidual signals in the establishment of pregnancy: The prolactin family

Summary Decidual cells are responsible for creating a uterine environment supportive of the development of extraembryonic and embryonic tissues. A hormone family structurally related to pituitary PRL is a component of the efferent decidual cell response. Thus far, members of the PRL gene family have been identified in primates and in the rat. Patterns of expression during gestation suggest a role for members of the decidual PRL family in the establishment and maintenance of the gestational state. Precise physiological roles for each member of the decidual PRL family remain to be elucidated.
Modeling and Laboratory Investigation of Microbial Transport Phenomena in Porous Media

Simulation and experimental results on the transport of microbes and nutrients in one-dimensional cores are presented, and the development of a three-dimensional, three-phase, multiple-component numerical model to describe the microbial transport phenomena in porous media is described. The governing equations in the mathematical model include net flux of microbes by convection and dispersion, decay and growth rates of microbes, chemotaxis and nutrient consumption, and deposition of microbes on rock grain surfaces. Porosity and permeability reductions due to cell clogging have been considered, and the production of gas by microbial metabolism has been incorporated. Governing equations for microbial and nutrient transport are coupled with continuity and flow equations under conditions appropriate for a black oil reservoir. The computer simulator has been used to determine the effects of various transport parameters on microbial transport phenomena. The model can accurately describe the observed transport of microbes, nutrients, and metabolites in coreflooding experiments. Input parameters are determined by matching laboratory experimental results. The model can be used to predict the propagation of microbes and nutrients in a model reservoir and to optimize injection strategies. Optimization of injection strategy results in increased oil recovery due to improvements in sweep efficiency. 16 refs., 9 figs., 5more » tabs.« less
A computational experiment on single-walled carbon nanotubes

A computational experiment that investigates single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been developed and employed in an upper-level undergraduate physical chemistry laboratory course. Computations were carried out to determine the electronic structure, radial breathing modes, and the influence of the nanotube’s diameter on the curvature-induced strain. The students used a new graphical user interface to the TubeGen nanotube builder, which we have implemented as an extension to the open-source molecular editor Avogadro, to build and visualize SWNTs. Geometry optimizations, molecular orbital calculations, and frequencies were computed by an external quantum chemical program.
The Leadership Dimensions of Education Deans

Education deans in the United States describe their approach to solving leadership problems that were cast as organizational dilemmas. The deans who participated in the study had been education deans for at least 6 to 7 years, indicating that they had avoided the revolving door syndrome of 4.5 years in a single appointment. Deans described their problem solving in interviews that asked for a response to vignettes. The answers were analyzed using a conceptual model that was developed over a period of 7 years. The framework consisted of four dimensions of leadership: intellectual, emotional, social, and moral. All 14 deans used all four dimensions in responding to the vignettes yet relied on the intellectual dimension as the basis for employing the other three dimensions. Within each dimension, education deans used specific themes (e.g., defining problems) more frequently than other themes. Implications for the professional development of deans are explored.
NanoFIBrication of a Two-Dimensional Phononic Crystal in a Free Standing Membrane

A two-dimensional phononic crystal (PnC) that can operate in the GHz range is created in a freestanding silicon substrate using NanoFIBrication (using a focused ion beam (FIB) to fabricate nanostructures). First, a simple cubic 6.75 × 6.75 μm array of vias with 150 nm spacing is generated. After patterning the vias, they are backfilled with void-free tungsten scatterers. Each via has a diameter of 48 nm. Numerical calculations predict this 2D PnC will generate a band gap near 22 GHz. A protective layer of chromium on top of the thin (100 nm) silicon membrane confines the surface damage to the chromium, which can be removed at a later time. Inspection of the underside of the membrane shows the vias flaring out at the exit, which we are dubbing the ‘trumpet effect’. The trumpet effect is explained by modeling the lateral damage in a freestanding membrane.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Ultrasound on the Internet Surfing the Ultrasound Wave

This project shows the value development of an ultrasound resource on the Internet and provides an overview of the process involved in its creation. The research behind this project is intended to provide the ultrasound community with the benefit of this resource and the encouragement to develop others like it.
Sex preferences for colonoscopists and GI physicians among patients and health care professionals.

Background There are indications that many women prefer female health care providers. Objective To determine whether (1) patients and health care professionals have sex preferences for gastroenterologists (for office visit and colonoscopy) and (2) the reasons behind these preferences. Design Prospective survey. Setting Patients from primary care clinics at a Veterans Affairs and a community hospital and health care professionals. Patients A total of 1364 individuals completed the survey: 840 patients (566 men and 274 women) and 524 health care professionals (211 men and 313 women). Main Outcome Measurements Sex preferences for colonoscopists and gastroenterologists at a clinic. Results Women had a stronger sex preference (compared with no preference) for an office visit with a gastroenterologist (44.3%) and for a colonoscopist (53%) than men (23% and 27.8% respectively; P P P P = .003). Limitations Single city, patient population from only 2 institutions. Conclusions Female patients and female health care professionals have sex preferences in choosing a gastroenterologist for an office visit and colonoscopy, and the reasons for this are significantly influenced by their level of education.
Room Temperature Synthesis of Highly Magnetic Cobalt Nanoparticles by Continuous Flow in a Microfluidic Reactor

Cobalt nanoparticles were synthesized using continuous-flow (CF) chemistry in a stainless steel microreactor for the first time at high output based on the ethanol hydrazine alkaline system (EHAS) producing a yield as high as 1 g per hour [1, 2]. Continuous-flow (CF) synthetic chemistry provides uninterrupted product formation allowing for advantages including decreased preparation time, improved product quality, and greater efficiency. This successful synthetic framework in continuous-flow of magnetic Co nanoparticles indicates feasibility for scaled-up production. The average particle size by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the as-synthesized cobalt was 30±10 nm, average crystallite size by Scherrer analysis (fcc phase) was 15±2 nm, and the estimated magnetic core size was 6±1 nm. Elemental surface analysis (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy [XPS]) indicates a thin CoO surface layer. Assynthesized cobalt nanoparticles possessed a saturation magnetization (Ms) of 125±1 emu/g and coercivity (Hc) of 120±5 Oe. The actual Ms is expected to be greater since the as-synthesized cobalt mass was not weight-corrected (nonmagnetic mass: reaction by-products, solvent, etc.). Our novel high-output, continuous-flow production (>1 g/hr) of highly magnetic cobalt nanoparticles opens an avenue toward industrial-scale production of several other single element magnetic nanomaterials.
High altitude acclimatization and athletic performance in horses

High altitude acclimatization produces a suite of physiological changes that might support an improved athletic performance at low altitude and thus lead to the strategy of athletic training at high altitude. Although there is substantial literature on high altitude physiology in humans, there are few studies on horses. Our interest in the physiological responses to high altitude in equids has been driven by the concerns of how athletic performance is altered at altitude and how conditioning at altitude may improve performance subsequently at low altitude. This review serves to illustrate what is currently know about the physiological changes of horses to altitude, at rest and during exercise, and to highlight how performance is impacted both at high altitude and subsequent return to low altitude.
Comparing ethical ideologies across cultures

Using measures developed by Singhapakdi et al. (1996, Journal of Business ethics 15, 1131–1140) the perceived importance of ethics and social responsibility (PRESOR) is measured among MBA students in the United States, Malaysia and Ukraine revealing a stockholder view and two stakeholder views. Relativism and Idealism are also measured. The scores of MBA students are compared among each other and with those of the U.S. managers who were part of the original study. Managers' scores tend to be significantly higher on the Stockholder and Stakeholder II views, and much lower on Relativism than the MBA students. The Malaysian MBA students scored higher than did the American MBA students on Relativism, Idealism and the Stockholder view. The Ukrainian MBA students' scores on the three PRESOR factors are generally similar to those of the American MBAs, while they had the highest scores of any group on the Relativism scale. Overall, the patterns of responses, as much as the significant differences on specific scales, support the notion that culture, however defined, affects both values and ethics. Several directions for future research are identified.'
Insulin-Mediated Inhibition of Tyrosinase Activity and Protein Synthesis in Melanoma Cell Cultures*

Insulin lowers basal levels of tyrosinase activity and inhibits the MSH-induced increase in tyrosinase in Cloudman S-91 mouse melanoma cell cultures. Insulin exerts its inhibitory effects in a typical dose-response manner, with maximal inhibition of enzyme activity occurring at 10−7 m. At maximal inhibition, tyrosinase activity is reduced to approximately 50% of the control levels. This inhibition precedes the observed inhibitory effect on cellular proliferation. Insulin not only lowers cell responsiveness to MSH, but also inhibits the tyrosinase stimulation produced by either theophylline or (Bu)2cAMP. Neither control levels nor MSH-mediated elevated cellular levels of cAMP were altered by insulin (10−7 m). These findings suggest that insulin exerts its inhibitory effects at a site distal to cAMP production. The inhibitory effect of insulin on tyrosinase activity could not be mimicked by either (Bu)2cGMP or 8-bromo-cGMP, suggesting that insulin does not exert its effects by altering cellular levels of th...
Assessing the Structural Ensemble and Folding Propensity of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

The coupled folding and binding mechanism of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) creates energetic consequences that yield strong, specific interactions yet with the ability to adapt toward multiple different binding targets. To understand the role of IDP structural flexibility, characterization of the conformational ensemble of the unbound molecule along with determination of its trajectory toward the bound state is required. We used small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) to investigate the structural ensemble of an intrinsically disordered region of activator for thyroid hormone and retinoid receptor (ACTR), a binding partner of the transcription coactivator CREB binding protein (CBP). The structures generated computationally using the ensemble optimization method (EOM) to fit the SANS data displayed size distributions that indicate unbound ACTR samples compact states that are comparable to the bound form and may be most amenable toward binding CBP. We also investigated the folding propensity of ACTR and its target IDP region of CBP using circular dichroism spectroscopy and osmotic stress. Both IDPs adopt increased alpha-helical content with applied osmotic stress for several different osmolytes, which demonstrates the ability of these regions to fold absent of a binding partner. This research presents new opportunities for investigating IDP structures.
A Facile and Cost-Effective Method for Separation of Oil–Water Mixtures Using Polymer-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Catastrophic oil spills and oil from waste waters such as bilge and fracking waters pose major environmental concerns. The limitations of existing cleanup techniques for benign oil remediation has inspired a recent scientific impetus to develop oil-absorbing smart nanomaterials. Magnetic nanocomposites were here designed to allow easy recovery from various systems. In this study, sorption of reference MC252 oil with easy-to-synthesize and low-cost hydrophilic polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated iron oxide nanoparticles is reported for the first time. The one-step modified polyol synthesis in air directly generates water-soluble nanoparticles. Stable polyvinylpyrrolidone-coatings are known to minimize environmental alterations of nanoparticles from aggregation and other processes. Iron oxide provides effective magnetic actuation, while both PVP and iron oxide have low toxicity. These nanoparticles gave quantitative (near 100%) oil removal under optimized conditions. The facile synthesis and ease of use represents ...
Common genetic variations in the LEP and LEPR genes, obesity and breast cancer incidence and survival

Obesity is a strong risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women and adverse prognostic indicator regardless of menopausal status. Leptin is an important regulator of adipose tissue mass and has been associated with tumor cell growth. Leptin exerts its effects through interaction with the leptin receptor (LEPR). We investigated whether genetic variations in the leptin (LEP) and LEPR genes are associated with risk of breast cancer, or once diagnosed, with survival. The polymorphisms LEP G-2548A and LEPR Q223R were characterized in population-based study consisting of mostly European-American women. The study examined 1,065 women diagnosed with first, primary invasive breast cancer between 1996 and 1997. Controls were 1,108 women frequency matched to the cases by 5-year age group. A modest increase in risk of developing breast cancer was associated with the LEP −2548AA genotype when compared to the LEP −2548GG genotype (age-adjusted OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.01–1.66). This association was stronger among postmenopausal women who were obese (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 0.95–3.64) although the interaction was of borderline statistical significance (P = 0.07). We found no evidence of an association with polymorphisms of either LEP or LEPR in relation to all-cause or breast cancer-specific mortality among women with breast cancer (mean follow-up time = 66.7 months). The effects of these genotypes on breast cancer risk and mortality did not vary significantly when stratified by menopausal status. In summary, our results show that a common variant in LEP may be associated with the risk of developing breast cancer supporting the hypothesis that leptin is involved in breast carcinogenesis.
Narratives that address affective forecasting errors reduce perceived barriers to colorectal cancer screening.

Narratives from similar others may be an effective way to increase important health behaviors. In this study, we used a narrative intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening. Researchers have suggested that people may overestimate barriers to colorectal cancer screening. We recruited participants from the US, ages 49–60 who had never previously been screened for colorectal cancer, to read an educational message about screening for the disease. One-half of participants were randomly assigned to also receive a narrative within the message (control participants did not receive a narrative). The narrative intervention was developed according to predictions of affective forecasting theory. Compared to participants who received only the educational message, participants who received the message along with a narrative reported that the barriers to screening would have less of an impact on a future screening experience. The narrative also increased risk perception for colorectal cancer and interest in screening in the next year.
Proinsulin misfolding and diabetes: mutant INS gene-induced diabetes of youth

Type 1B diabetes (typically with early onset and without islet autoantibodies) has been described in patients bearing small coding sequence mutations in the INS gene. Not all mutations in the INS gene cause the autosomal dominant Mutant INS-gene Induced Diabetes of Youth (MIDY) syndrome, but most missense mutations affecting proinsulin folding produce MIDY. MIDY patients are heterozygotes, with the expressed mutant proinsulins exerting dominant-negative (toxic gain of function) behavior in pancreatic beta cells. Here we focus primarily on proinsulin folding in the endoplasmic reticulum, providing insight into perturbations of this folding pathway in MIDY. Accumulated evidence indicates that, in the molecular pathogenesis of the disease, misfolded proinsulin exerts dominant effects that initially inhibit insulin production, progressing to beta cell demise with diabetes.
The MDS-UPDRS tracks motor and non-motor improvement due to subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation in Parkinson disease.

Background The Movement Disorders Society revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) improves upon the original UPDRS by adding more non-motor items, making it a more robust tool to evaluate the severity of motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson disease. Previous studies on deep brain stimulation have not used the MDS-UPDRS.
The contemporary ambulatory urologic practice.

m The vast majority of contemporary urologic practice is carried out in the ambulatory setting, including urologic surgery. From a financial perspective, much of the income of the average urologist arises from his/her office practice, and, indeed, the need for urologists, now and in the future, may be largely in the office setting. While the implications of this observation on future urologic training continue to be debated, there is no doubt that for current urologic trainees, more time should be invested in learning the management of urologic disease in the outpatient setting. At present, most urologic residencies are focused on the operating room, and most trainees primarily seek operative training. Because time in the operating room is not wellreimbursed, and because it takes away time from the office, urologists have found ways to bring many of the simpler urologic surgical services back to the office or ambulatory setting, thereby improving efficiency and time management and providing more convenient care for the patient. In this issue of the Urologic Clinics I have asked Dr Stephen Jones of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation to assemble up-to-date articles on the spectrum of contemporary ambulatory urologic practice. Not only is Dr Jones renowned as a urologic surgeon, but he has a wealth of experience in oversight of clinical practice, ambulatory care, and
Experience of a combined gynecology/urology clinic in the University of Michigan Medical Center

Over a period of 30 months, 200 patients were seen in the combined gynecology/urology clinic of the University of Michigan Medical Center. Nintey-nine patients (49.5%) were referred by urologists and 86 (43%) by gynecologists. The mean number of visits by patients to the clinic was 1.7, with a range of 1–3; 78 patients (39%) visited the clinic on just one occasion; 116 patients (58%) had undergone previous gynecologic and/or urologic surgery. At least one diagnosis was confirmed in 183 patients (91.5%). A total of 151 operations were performed, 43 (28.5%) by gynecologists and urologists working together.
Assessing the new synthesis of economics and sociology: Promising themes for contemporary analysts of economic life

The emergence of the New Synthesis of economics and sociology is explored and analyzed in the context of the classical writings in economic sociology. The aim is not to provide an exhaustive survey, but rather a selective assessment that introduces the most important questions, answers, and contributions of this emerging and important specialized literature. An attempt is made to: 1. translate faithfully the internal logic of this active specialty field into a language and problematic that can be appreciated by non-specialists, 2. identify central assumptions and themes in the New Synthesis writings that seem particularly promising for the appreciation of contemporary economic happenings, and 3. indicate opportunities for the development of further theoretical richness by incorporating Old Synthesis approaches.
SU‐GG‐I‐134: Performance Evaluation of a Cone Beam O‐Arm Imaging System

Purpose: The O‐arm cone beam imagingsystem has gradually been accepted to support different orthopedic surgery applications such as spine surgical procedures, assessment of pedicle screw position, kyphoplasty procedures, etc. Its 3D mode provides enhanced imaging information and may lead to enhancement in the surgical procedure compared to radiographs or fluoroscopy alone. Dosimetric characterization of the O‐arm imagingsystem has been presented in our previous study. This study aims to evaluate performance of the O‐arm system.Method and Materials:Noise Power Spectrum (NPS), Modulation Transfer Function(MTF) and Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) were evaluated for a cone beam O‐arm system.Image quality measurements were performed with a CATPHAN 424 phantom using a 120 kVp beam filtered with 1 mm Al and 0.1 mm Cu and an exposure range of 5.03 mGy to 8.17 mGy. The CPT445 Module was used to measure MTF. Water phantom images were used to calculate NPS. Then the NPS was normalized by dividing the square of the mean signal. The Photon fluence at each exposure (q) was estimated using the SpekCalc and compared to those by Monte Carlo simulation. The DQE was calculated using the measurements of the MTF, NNPS and q. Results: The MTF indicates that the reconstruction filter of the O‐arm is over‐enhancing, meaning that it yields values greater than unity. The system has a 10% MTF at 0.45mm. The NPS shows the low frequency structured noise present. The DQE reaches a maximum value of approximately 60% at low frequency. Conclusion: The physical characteristics, including the characteristic response, MTF, NPS and DQE of the O‐arm with a Varian flat panel detector (PaxScan 4030CB) were evaluated. The O‐arm system operated at 3D mode functions as a CT system, with comparable high spatial resolution but low spatial contrast and relatively large imagenoise.
Complications of Methylprednisolone Sodium Succinate Therapy in Dachshunds with Surgically Treated Intervertebral Disc Disease

Objective: To compare the incidence of clinically evident post-operative complications, financial cost and length of hospital stay for Dachshunds with acute intervertebral disc disease treated with decompressive surgery with and without the use of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS). Design: Retrospective clinical study Setting: Veterinary Teaching Hospital Animals: Dachshunds that presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania between January 1994 and December 1999 with acute intervertebral disc disease that were treated with decompressive surgery. Intervention: None Measurements and Main Results: Dogs were divided into 2 groups dependent upon whether they had received MPSS. Medical records were examined for evidence of post-operative complications. Other parameters recorded included details of drugs administered (principally corticosteroids and gastrointestinal protectant drugs), length and cost of hospital stay and neurological status at 24 hours post-operatively and at suture removal. Compared to other corticosteroids, dogs receiving MPSS had a significantly higher incidence of clinically evident post-operative gastrointestinal complications, an increased use of gastrointestinal protectant drugs, and an increased cost for hospital stay (p<0.01). Conclusions: The use of MPSS inDachshunds with acute intervertebral disc disease is associated with an increased post-operative complication rate and an increased financial cost to the client. The use of MPSS should be carefully evaluated for each patient.