cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-speed digital imaging of cytosolic Ca2+ and contraction in single cardiomyocytes

A charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, with the capacity for simultaneous spatially resolved photon counting and rapid frame transfer, was utilized for high-speed digital image collection from an inverted epifluorescence microscope. The unique properties of the CCD detector were applied to an analysis of cell shortening and the Ca2+ transient from fluorescence images of fura-2-loaded [corrected] cardiomyocytes. On electrical stimulation of the cell, a series of sequential subimages was collected and used to create images of Ca2+ within the cell during contraction. The high photosensitivity of the camera, combined with a detector-based frame storage technique, permitted collection of fluorescence images 10 ms apart. This rate of image collection was sufficient to resolve the rapid events of contraction, e.g., the upstroke of the Ca2+ transient (less than 40 ms) and the time to peak shortening (less than 80 ms). The technique was used to examine the effects of beta-adrenoceptor activation, fura-2 load, and stimulus frequency on cytosolic Ca2+ transients and contractions of single cardiomyocytes. beta-Adrenoceptor stimulation resulted in pronounced increases in peak Ca2+, maximal rates of rise and decay of Ca2+, extent of shortening, and maximal velocities of shortening and relaxation. Raising the intracellular load of fura-2 had little effect on the rising phase of Ca2+ or the extent of shortening but extended the duration of the Ca2+ transient and contraction. In related experiments utilizing differential-interference contrast microscopy, the same technique was applied to visualize sarcomere dynamics in contracting cells. This newly developed technique is a versatile tool for analyzing the Ca2+ transient and mechanical events in studies of excitation-contraction coupling in cardiomyocytes.
Cognitive deficits triggered by early life stress: The role of histone deacetylase 1

Studies showed that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can reverse cognitive deficits found in neurodegenerative disorders and age-related memory decline. However, the role of HDACs in stress-induced cognitive deficits has not been investigated. In the stress-susceptible mouse strain Balb/c, early life stress triggers a persistent decrease in HDAC expression in the forebrain neocortex, including reduced expression of class I HDACs. The same mice show pronounced cognitive deficits in adulthood, namely deficits in working memory and attention set-shifting. Here we show that these mice also exhibit reduced association of HDAC1 with promotor III of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) gene, and that cognitive testing leads to abnormally increased Bdnf mRNA expression. A pharmacological reduction of Bdnf-tropomyosine kinase B receptor signaling effectively reverses the cognitive deficits, indicating that enhanced transcriptional activation of the Bdnf gene contributes to their emergence. In contrast to Balb/c mice, C57Bl/6 mice only develop attention set-shifting deficits when raised by Balb/c foster mothers during the time the pups are exposed to early life stress. HDAC1 levels at Bdnf promotor III are unaltered in such C57Bl/6 mice, although they exhibit decreased levels of HDAC1 at the promotor of the early-growth response gene 2 (Egr2) and abnormally increased Egr2 mRNA expression after cognitive testing. Hence, contrary to the beneficial effects of HDAC inhibition in neurodegenerative diseases, the reduced HDAC1 levels at promotors of distinct plasticity-associated genes predispose animals exposed to early life stress to enhanced expression of these genes upon cognitive challenge, an effect that negatively influences cognitive task performance.
In Defense of Plural Marriage

With over half of Americans now in favor of marriage equality, it is clear that societal norms of marriage are being quickly redefined. The growing belief that the state may not discriminate against gays and lesbians calls into question whether the state may limit other types of marital unions, including plural marriage. While much has been written about same-sex marriage, as of yet there has been no book-length legal treatment of unions among three or more individuals. The first major study on plural marriage and the law, In Defense of Plural Marriage begins to fill this lacuna in the scholarly literature. Ronald C. Den Otter shows how the constitutional arguments that support the option of plural marriage are stronger than those against. Ultimately, he proposes a new semi-contractual marital model that would provide legal recognition for a wide range of intimate relationships.
Identification of molecular targets in vulvar cancers

Abstract Objectives To identify molecular alterations that contribute to vulvar cancer pathogenesis with the intent of identifying molecular targets for treatment. Methods After retrospective analysis of a database of molecularly-profiled gynecologic cancer patients, 149 vulvar cancer patients were included and tested centrally at a CLIA laboratory (Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ). Tests included one or more of the following: gene sequencing (Sanger or next generation sequencing [NGS]), protein expression (immunohistochemistry [IHC]), and gene amplification (C/FISH). A Fisher's exact test was used when indicated with a p -value≤0.05 indicating significance. Results Median age was 65. 85% had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 15% adenocarcinoma (ADC) histologies. 46% had metastatic (Stage IV) disease. Targeted hot-spot sequencing identified variants in the following genes: TP53 (33%), PIK3CA/BRCA2 (8%, 10%, respectively), HRAS/FBXW7 (5%, 4%, respectively) and ERBB4/GNAS (3%, 3% respectively). Mutations in AKT1 , ATM , FGFR2 , KRAS , NRAS (n=1, respectively) and BRAF (n=2) also occurred. Specific protein changes for targetable genes included clinically pathogenic mutations commonly found in other cancers (e.g. PIK3CA : exon 9 [E545K], RAS : G13D, Q61L, BRCA2 : S1667X, BRAF : R443T, FBXW7 : E471fs, etc.). Drug targets identified by IHC and ISH methodologies include cMET (32% IHC, 2% ISH), PDL1 (18%), PTEN loss (56%), HER2 (4% IHC, 2% ISH) and hormone receptors (AR, 4%; ER, 11%; PR, 4%). Comparisons between SCC and ADC identified differential rates for AR, ER, HER2 and GNAS with an increased presence in ADC ( p -values all Conclusions Molecularly-guided precision medicine could provide vulvar cancer patients alternative, targeted treatment options.
Less Treatment Related Mortality with Variable Intensity Conditioning Than Non-Myeloablative Conditioning in Unrelated and Related Adult Allogeneic Transplant Recipients.

For the past four years our adult allogeneic transplant program has employed two alternative approaches to standard recipient conditioning, the use of non-myeloablative “mini” conditioning and variable intensity conditioning. We now report a retrospective comparison of relapse, day +100 and one year survival, engraftment and grades I-II and III-IV acute GVHD in unrelated as well as related recipients in these two preparative regimen groups. Patients with a variety of malignancies were not randomized to receive either non-myeloablative (Group 1) or variable intensity (Group 2) conditioning. Twenty patients with a median age of 49 (range 27–64, Group 1) and 17 patients also with a median age of 49 (range 24–58, Group 2) received either marrow or peripheral blood stem cells, usually with a 6/6 match grade; one recipient in Group 2 received a cord blood transplant (4/6 match). Group 1 regimen consisted of fludarabine 30 mg/m 2 x 3d and TBI 200 cGY. Group 2 regimen consisted of Campath 20 mg/d either 5 or 3 days, fludarabine x 5d and melphalan 140 mg/m 2 x 1d. GVHD prophylaxis was the same in both groups (standard dose cyclosporine or tacrolimus and MMF.) All patients received an adequate CD34+ cell dose and none of the products was manipulated. Relapse rate was 37% in Group 1 and 53% in Group 2. Day+100 survival and one year survival were 55% and 20%, respectively, in Group 1 vs 69% and 33% in Group 2. Only one patient in Group 2 had acute GVHD, grades I-II; none had grades III-IV. However, in Group 1, 6 patients had grades I-II and 8 had grades III-IV (40%). Graft failure occurred in five patients in Group 1, while no patients in Group 2 experienced it. We conclude, first, that in our program the application of variable intensity conditioning has been quite successful in unrelated transplant recipients, as well as in related. Second, significant treatment related mortality in the form of graft failure and acute GVHD occurred less frequently in recipients who received this conditioning than in those receiving non-myeloablative conditioning. This regimen requires some further modification to enhance its tumoricidal properties; however, its treatment-related toxicity is minimal and allows us to offer this therapy to patients with co-morbid conditions and older age.
Myeloid-derived NF-κB negative regulation of PU.1 and c/EBP-β-driven pro-inflammatory cytokine production restrains LPS-induced shock:

Sepsis is a life-threatening event predominantly caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Bacterial infection causes a pronounced macrophage (MΦ) and dendritic cell activation that leads to excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production (cytokine storm), resulting in endotoxic shock. Previous experimental studies have revealed that inhibiting NF-κB signaling ameliorates disease symptoms; however, the contribution of myeloid p65 in endotoxic shock remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate increased mortality in mice lacking p65 in the myeloid lineage (p65Δmye) compared with wild type mice upon ultra-pure LPS challenge. We show that increased susceptibility to LPS-induced shock was associated with elevated serum level of IL-1β and IL-6. Mechanistic analyses revealed that LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production was ameliorated in p65-deficient bone marrow-derived MΦs; however, p65-deficient 'activated' peritoneal MΦs exhibited elevated IL-1β and IL-6. We show that the elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion was due, in part, to increased accumulation of IL-1β mRNA and protein in activated inflammatory MΦs. The increased IL-1β was linked with heightened binding of PU.1 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-β to Il1b and Il6 promoters in activated inflammatory MΦs. Our data provide insight into a role for NF-κB in the negative regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in myeloid cells.
Conducting Religious/Spirituality/Belief Assessments and Histories in Clinical Practice

This chapter discusses how to approach the issue of spirituality religion with individual clients, families, and couples. Erikson’s theory of development , Fowler’s six-stage model of spiritual development, and Wilber’s holarchy model are also discussed. Various approaches to the taking of a religious–spiritual history are provided, as well as clinical examples.
DEVICE CLOSURE VERSUS MEDICAL THERAPY ALONE FOR PATENT FORAMEN OVALE IN PATIENTS WITH CRYPTOGENIC STROKE: AN UPDATED COMPREHENSIVE META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Epidemiologic studies suggest that patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with cryptogenic stroke, especially in younger patients. However, three early randomized controlled trials (RCTs) failed to prove the superiority of PFO closure compared to medical therapy alone. One of the main limitations
Chromatin Structure, from Angstrom to Micron Levels, and Its Relationship to Mammalian Cell Proliferation

A typical mammalian cell contains DNA strand a few meters long; this DNA, covered with acidic and basic proteins, is folded into the cell nucleus whose diameter is only a few microns. Likely DNA structure and cell function are intimately and causally related. The question then arises as to how DNA is geometrically organized from the angstrom up to the micron level within the nucleus, and how histone and non-histone proteins interact with DNA to modulate its structure and conversely cell function.
The Value of Business Plans for New Ventures: Company and Entrepreneur Outcomes

Writing business plans is often the first step for entrepreneurs in developing new venture ideas. Trade press publications support their value and include templates or even software for crafting the business plan. However, the academic literature supporting the value of a business plan is limited, particularly on how the plan directly affects entrepreneurs and their standard of living. This study polls a national cross section of owner/operators of small to mid-sized business start-ups in operation less than ten years to determine the value of the business plan for the business, its success and longevity, and even its value, separately, for the founding entrepreneur. Results indicate a relationship between the use of a business plan in start up and the age of the business, its financial success, strong company success, and the achievement of financial return goals. Findings support the link between a business plan and the achievement of an "excellent" overall organization.
Asymptotic Distribution of Eigenvalues of Block Toeplitz Matrices

Let g(λ), —π∆λ∆π, be a p×p (p — 1, 2, …) matrix-valued Hermitian function. Further g(λ) is bounded on [—π, π], that is, its elements are bounded on [—π, π]. The Fourier coefficients $$\begin{array}{lll}{*{20}{c}} {{\alpha _k} = \frac{1}{{2\pi }}\int_{ - \pi }^{ - \pi } {{e^{ik{\rm{\lambda }}}}g(\lambda )d\lambda,} } & {k = 0, \pm 1, \cdot \cdot \cdot } \\\end{array}$$ (1) are then bounded in k. We call the np×np matrix $${A_n} = ({a_{j - k}};j,k = 1, \cdot \cdot \cdot,n)$$ (an n×n matrix of the p×p blocks aj-k) the nth section block Toeplitz matrix generated by g(λ). Notice that the block Toeplitz matrix An is generally not Toeplitz. Our interest is in obtaining the asymptotic distribution of eigenvalues of A „ as n→∞. The proof is suggested by an argument given in the one-dimensional case (p=1) (see [3]) and is based on results in the multidimensional prediction problem [5].
Outcomes related to immediate extubation after stage 1 Norwood palliation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Abstract Objective Immediate extubation may have outcome benefits when judiciously instituted after neonatal congenital cardiac surgery. We sought to evaluate the outcomes of immediate extubation specifically in neonates undergoing stage 1 Norwood palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Methods Consecutive neonates undergoing stage 1 Norwood (January 2010 to December 2016) for hypoplastic left heart syndrome were retrospectively studied. Immediate extubation was defined as successful extubation before termination of anesthetic care. Preoperative and intraoperative variables were compared between immediate extubation and nonimmediate extubation groups, and bivariate analyses and descriptive methods were used to express the association of outcome variables with immediate extubation. Data were expressed as number and percent for categoric variables, and median and interquartile range for continuous variables. Results Of 23 patients who underwent stage 1 palliation, 5 had immediate extubation (22%). There were no differences in preoperative or intraoperative factors between patients who did and did not undergo immediate extubation. There were no deaths in the immediate extubation group. In the nonimmediate extubation group, 3 patients died before hospital discharge. One patient who had immediate extubation and 4 patients among those who did not have immediate extubation had to be reintubated in the 96 hours that followed extubation (P = 1). Intensive care unit length of stay was 8 (3-17) and 8 (5-18) (days) for the immediate extubation group and nonimmediate extubation groups, respectively (P = .71). Conclusions Immediate extubation strategy was safely accomplished in one-fifth of this cohort of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. A larger cohort may delineate the determinants of immediate extubation and its benefits in infants undergoing stage 1 single ventricle palliation.
Baloxavir Marboxil: The First Cap-Dependent Endonuclease Inhibitor for the Treatment of Influenza.

Objective: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical trials, and clinical implications of baloxavir marboxil. Data Sources: A MEDLINE search was conducted using the terms baloxavir, ba...
Passive processing of active nodal seismic data: estimation of V P ∕ V S ratios to characterize structure and hydrology of an alpine valley infill

Abstract. The advent of cable-free nodal arrays for conventional seismic reflection and refraction experiments is changing the acquisition style for active-source surveys. Instead of triggering short recording windows for each shot, the nodes are continuously recording over the entire acquisition period from the first to the last shot. The main benefit is a significant increase in geometrical and logistical flexibility. As a by-product, a significant amount of continuous data might also be collected. These data can be analyzed with passive seismic methods and therefore offer the possibility to complement subsurface characterization at marginal additional cost. We present data and results from a 2.4 km long active-source profile, which have recently been acquired in western Colorado (US) to characterize the structure and sedimentary infill of an over-deepened alpine valley. We show how the “leftover” passive data from the active-source acquisition can be processed towards a shear wave velocity model with seismic interferometry. The shear wave velocity model supports the structural interpretation of the active P-wave data, and the P-to-S-wave velocity ratio provides new insights into the nature and hydrological properties of the sedimentary infill. We discuss the benefits and limitations of our workflow and conclude with recommendations for the acquisition and processing of similar datasets.
Psychological linguistics: A natural science approach to the study of language interactions.

Kantor’s theoretical analysis of “psychological linguistics” offers a natural science approach to the study of linguistic behavior and interactions. This paper includes brief descriptions of (a) some of the basic assumptions of the approach, (b) Kantor’s conception of linguistic behavior and interactions, (c) a compatible research method and sample research data, and (d) some areas of research and application.
Spontaneous visual search during the first two years: Improvement with age but no evidence of efficient search

Abstract Efficient visual search, wherein reaction times to acquire targets are largely independent of array size, is commonly observed in adults. Evidence for efficient search in infants may imply that selective attention to visual features is similar across development. In the current cross-sectional eye-tracking study, we examined spontaneous visual search at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Infants were presented with Random arrays (one target among 7, 13, or 26 pseudorandomly distributed elements) and Circle arrays (one target among 4, 7, or 13 elements arranged in a circle). Contrary to predictions, we did not find evidence of efficient search among infants. With increasing array size, time-to-target increased, the proportion of targets fixated (analogous to accuracy) decreased, and the proportion of first looks to the target decreased for both types of array (ps
Understanding Social Display Rules: Using One Person's Emotional Expressions to Infer the Desires of Another.

In social contexts, people?s emotional expressions may disguise their true feelings but still be revealing about the probable desires of their intended audience. This study investigates whether children can use emotional expressions in social contexts to recover the desires of the person observing, rather than displaying the emotion. Children (7.0?10.9 years, N = 211 across five experiments) saw a protagonist express one emotional expression in front of her social partner, and a different expression behind her partner?s back. Although the protagonist expressed contradictory emotions (and the partner expressed none), even 7-year-olds inferred both the protagonist?s and social partner?s desires. These results suggest that children can recover not only the desire of the person displaying emotion but also of the person observing it.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Drug- and Alcohol-Related Arrest Outcomes in a Southwest County From 2009 to 2018.

Objectives. To estimate the association between race/ethnicity and drug- and alcohol-related arrest outcomes.Methods. We used multinomial logistic regression and general estimating equations to est...
Combined atomistic–crystal plasticity analysis of the effect of beta phase precipitates on deformation and fracture of lamellar γ + α2 titanium aluminide

Atomistic simulations based on the use of interatomic potentials and a finite element method based on the crystal plasticity theory are combined to investigate the deformation and fracture behaviour of polycrystalline lamellar γ-TiAl + α2-Ti3Al material containing 10 vol % of body centred cubic beta phase precipitates. The effects of both stable beta phase precipitates, which deform by slip, and metastable beta phase precipitates, which deform by a combination of stress-induced martensitic transformation and slip, are studied. To model the cracking along the grain boundaries and the matrix–precipitate interfaces, the grain boundaries and interfaces are modelled using a cohesive zone approach. The grain boundary–interface potentials are determined by carrying out atomistic simulations of the grain boundary–interface normal separation (decohesion) and sliding.
Unsupervised Hierarchical Graph Representation Learning by Mutual Information Maximization.

Graph representation learning based on graph neural networks (GNNs) can greatly improve the performance of downstream tasks, such as node and graph classification. However, the general GNN models do not aggregate node information in a hierarchical manner, and can miss key higher-order structural features of many graphs. The hierarchical aggregation also enables the graph representations to be explainable. In addition, supervised graph representation learning requires labeled data, which is expensive and error-prone. To address these issues, we present an unsupervised graph representation learning method, Unsupervised Hierarchical Graph Representation (UHGR), which can generate hierarchical representations of graphs. Our method focuses on maximizing mutual information between "local" and high-level "global" representations, which enables us to learn the node embeddings and graph embeddings without any labeled data. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we perform the node and graph classification using the learned node and graph embeddings. The results show that the proposed method achieves comparable results to state-of-the-art supervised methods on several benchmarks. In addition, our visualization of hierarchical representations indicates that our method can capture meaningful and interpretable clusters.
Fusarium graminearum isolates obtained from wheat and wild grasses in northeastern New York display comparable range of phenotypes, including virulence on crop hosts

The crop pathogen Fusarium graminearum often colonizes non-cultivated grasses, but the phenotypic variation found in isolates recovered from these hosts has not been thoroughly investigated or compared to that observed in isolates collected from crop hosts. Fusarium graminearum growth, perithecia formation, and virulence on crops (maize seedlings, wheat seedlings, wheat spikes) were measured in laboratory and greenhouse experiments using isolates (n = 24) recovered from three non-cultivated grasses (Bromus inermis, Dactylis glomerata, and Phalaris arundinacea) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) found at a single research farm in northeastern New York. While individual isolates varied significantly for all phenotypes measured, grass and wheat derived isolates displayed a comparable range of phenotypic values. Trichothecene genotypes were determined from the TRI12 and TRI1 loci, and mycotoxin production was quantified in mature wheat spikes. Trichothecene genotype and phenotype were largely concordant and were not related to isolate source. These findings support consideration of non-cultivated hosts as sources of diverse pathogen inoculum that may cause crop disease.
Taxonomy of Pain Terms and Syndromes

Taxonomy focuses on basic definition of pain terms, including the definition of pain itself. This chapter provides questions aimed at testing knowledge of terms and definitions used in pain practice. While this is not an exhaustive list of terms, it can help serve as the basis going forward. More terms, specifically as it relates to diagnostics, can be found throughout the book.
Interorganelle communication, aging, and neurodegeneration

Our cells are comprised of billions of proteins, lipids, and other small molecules packed into their respective subcellular organelles, with the daunting task of maintaining cellular homeostasis over a lifetime. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that organelles do not act as autonomous discrete units but rather as interconnected hubs that engage in extensive communication through membrane contacts. In the last few years, our understanding of how these contacts coordinate organelle function has redefined our view of the cell. This review aims to present novel findings on the cellular interorganelle communication network and how its dysfunction may contribute to aging and neurodegeneration. The consequences of disturbed interorganellar communication are intimately linked with age-related pathologies. Given that both aging and neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the concomitant failure of multiple cellular pathways, coordination of organelle communication and function could represent an emerging regulatory mechanism critical for long-term cellular homeostasis. We anticipate that defining the relationships between interorganelle communication, aging, and neurodegeneration will open new avenues for therapeutics.
Development and validation of the trolling emotional action and response scale

The aim of this scale was to understand the emotional effects of trolling on internet users, as well as coping strategies. Pilot testing was conducted with 26 students and one expert who is a professor of public health and psychiatry. The results of the pilot were used to develop the 22-item scale. Data were collected from 347 participants via social media platforms and analysed using SPSS. The Toronto empathy scale was used as a validity index. Three sub-scales were developed: emotional experience of trolled targets, emotional experience of bystanders, and action of bystanders. Reliability among the five items of the emotional experience of trolled targets sub-scale was 0.779, among the three items of the emotional experience of bystanders sub-scale was 0.678, and among the two item of the action of bystanders sub-scale was 0.594. The Toronto empathy scale was significantly correlated with each of the three sub-scales.
On-site detection of food and waterborne bacteria - current technologies, challenges, and future directions.

Abstract With the rise in outbreaks of pathogenic bacteria in both food and water resulting in an increased instance of infection, there is a growing public health problem in both developed and developing countries. In this increasing threat the most effective method for control and prevention is rapid and cost-effective detection. Research has shifted in recent years towards the development of rapid and on-site assays for the detection of these kinds of bacteria. However, there are still some limitations in the implementation of these assays in the field. This article discusses the current on-site detection methods. Current scope of advancements and limitations in the development or use of these on-site technologies for food and waterborne bacterial detection is evaluated in this study. With the continued development of these technologies, on-site detection will continue to impact many areas of public health. As these methods continue to improve and diversify further, on-site detection could become more widely implemented in food and water analysis.
Selective and Marked Blockade of Endothelial Sprouting Behavior Using Paclitaxel and Related Pharmacologic Agents.

Whether alterations in the microtubule cytoskeleton affect the ability of endothelial cells (ECs) to sprout and form branching networks of tubes was investigated in this study. Bioassays of human EC tubulogenesis, where both sprouting behavior and lumen formation can be rigorously evaluated, were used to demonstrate that addition of the microtubule-stabilizing drugs, paclitaxel, docetaxel, ixabepilone, and epothilone B, completely interferes with EC tip cells and sprouting behavior, while allowing for EC lumen formation. In bioassays mimicking vasculogenesis using single or aggregated ECs, these drugs induce ring-like lumens from single cells or cyst-like spherical lumens from multicellular aggregates with no evidence of EC sprouting behavior. Remarkably, treatment of these cultures with a low dose of the microtubule-destabilizing drug, vinblastine, led to an identical result, with complete blockade of EC sprouting, but allowing for EC lumen formation. Administration of paclitaxel in vivo markedly interfered with angiogenic sprouting behavior in developing mouse retina, providing corroboration. These findings reveal novel biological activities for pharmacologic agents that are widely utilized in multidrug chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of human malignant cancers. Overall, this work demonstrates that manipulation of microtubule stability selectively interferes with the ability of ECs to sprout, a necessary step to initiate and form branched capillary tube networks.
Microplasma Generation in Low-Power Microwave Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) Structures*

Cold plasma is a critical technology in many application fields. However, plasma sources are typically very expensive, require either high-voltage pulses (in the range of 100s of Volts to kV) or high-power RF/microwave sources (in the range of 10s of Watts to MW). Therefore, plasma generation based on low-power and readily-available supplies is critical for many end-user applications.
Pelvic colonization with Actinomyces in women using intrauterine contraceptive devices

Recent reports suggest a relationship between intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) use and colonization or infection of the genietal tract with Actinomyces species. This prospective, case-controlled study was designed to determine the incidence of colonization or infection with Actinomyces in IUD users. None of 50 control patients and four of 50 study patients (8%) had Actinomyces identified. None of the patients with positive results had symptomatic pelvic infection. Cervical cytology was effective in detecting each of the four study patients with positive results. It appears that the presence of any type of IUD is a major predisposing factor to colonization with Actinomyces.
An analysis of recent rainfall conditions in eastern Africa

This article examines recent rainfall conditions in two sectors of eastern Africa, the summer rainfall region and the equatorial rainfall region with rainy seasons in the boreal spring and boreal autumn. The analysis covers the years 1998–2014 and is carried out using TRMM 3B43 Version 7 rainfall estimates. In both regions, extensive periods of anomalously low rainfall and prolonged drought have prevailed since roughly 2008. Prior to that time, only three periods of drought are noteworthy 1998/1999, 2000, and 2005. The post-2008 drought conditions were interrupted by floods in both regions in February 2010 and in several years in the equatorial region. This rapid alternation between extremes creates additional hardships on the population. Two notable results emerge from this analysis. One is the tendency for similar trends in interannual variability in both regions, despite vastly different rainfall regimes. The other is the persistence of recent droughts through several rainy seasons. The implication of these results is that one or more factors in interannual variability is operative in all seasons. This could account for the common trends in the equatorial and summer rainfall regions.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV-1) channels contribute to cutaneous thermal hyperaemia in humans

The initial, rapid increase in skin blood flow in response to direct application of heat is thought to be mediated by an axon reflex, which is dependent on intact cutaneous sensory nerves. We tested the hypothesis that inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV-1) channels, which are putative channels located on sensory nerves, would attenuate the skin blood flow response to local heating in humans. Ten subjects were equipped with four microdialysis fibres which were randomly assigned one of four treatments: (1) vehicle control (90% propylene glycol + 10% lactated Ringer solution); (2) 20 mm capsazepine to inhibit TRPV-1 channels; (3) 10 mm l-NAME to inhibit NO synthase; and (4) combined 20 mm capsazepine + 10 mm l-NAME. Following baseline measurements, the temperature of skin heaters was increased from 33°C to 42°C at a rate of 1.0°C every 10 s and local temperature was held at 42°C for 20–30 min until a stable plateau in skin blood flow was achieved. An index of skin blood flow was measured directly over each microdialysis site via laser-Doppler flowmetry (LDF). Beat-by-beat blood pressure was measured via photoplethysmography and verified via automated brachial auscultation. At the end of the local heating protocol, temperature of the heaters was increased to 43°C and 28 mm nitroprusside was infused to achieve maximal vasodilatation. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated as LDF/mean arterial pressure and normalized to maximal values (%CVCmax). Initial peak in capsazepine (44 ± 4%CVCmax), l-NAME (56 ± 4%CVCmax) and capsazepine +l-NAME (32 ± 6%CVCmax) sites was significantly attenuated compared to control (87 ± 5%CVCmax; P < 0.001 for all conditions). The plateau phase of thermal hyperaemia was significantly attenuated in capsazepine (73 ± 6%CVCmax), l-NAME (47 ± 5%CVCmax) and capsazepine +l-NAME (31 ± 7%CVCmax) sites compared to control (92 ± 5%CVCmax; P < 0.001 for all conditions). These data suggest TRPV-1 channels contribute substantially to the initial peak and modestly to the plateau phases of thermal hyperaemia. These data further suggest a portion of the NO component of thermal hyperaemia may be due to activation of TRPV-1 channels.
Ethical Issues in Rural Counselling Practice

Counsellors in rural areas find themselves facing unique challenges in striving to practice ethically and meet the needs of clients and communities. These challenges include dealing with: (1) multiple relationships, (2) limits of competence and resources, (3) geographic or professional isolation, (4) community values and expectations, and (5) inter-agency relationships. These challenges lead rural counsellors to examine and question their daily practice and lives in an attempt to balance ethical codes with the realities of rural life. Further illumination of the issues, along with suggestions to minimize practice risk, can contribute to the ethical practice of counselling that is most appropriate to rural areas and small communities.
Modeling the Effects of Internal Waves on Long-Range Propagation

Abstract : This project aims to understand the fluctuations in low frequency (100 Hz, for example) acoustical propagation in the ocean over long distances (50 km to thousands of km.), as well as other effects of internal waves and other small-scale variability in the speed of sound. OBJECTIVES The objective is to model results of recent low-frequency, deep-water acoustic-propagation experiments, constraining the model environment from the measurements of those environments. Phenomena such as intensity fluctuations and deep arrivals are of more concern than travel time fluctuations, as the physics of travel time fluctuations is much better understood. APPROACH This project has concentrated mostly on the analysis of environmental data to separate the physical processes leading to sound speed fluctuations, and then to use semi-empirical models of these processes for acoustic propagation calculations. Small-scale internal waves and "spice" are the processes of concern for predictions of fluctuations of intensity and spatial correlations and of the deep arrivals. CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth as measured by pressure) profiles are used to extract the small-scale internal waves and "spice". PE (parabolic equation) calculations have been used up until now to simulate the acoustics, but mode equation techniques are superior for some purposes.
Acceleration of epithelial cell syndecan-1 shedding by anthrax hemolytic virulence factors

It has been recently reported that major pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa accelerate a normal process of cell surface syndecan-1 (Synd1) ectodomain shedding as a mechanism of host damage due to the production of shedding-inducing virulence factors. We tested if acceleration of Synd1 shedding takes place in vitro upon treatment of epithelial cells with B. anthracis hemolysins, as well as in vivo during anthrax infection in mice. The isolated anthrax hemolytic proteins AnlB (sphingomyelinase) and AnlO (cholesterol-binding pore-forming factor), as well as ClnA (B. cereus homolog of B. anthracis phosphatidyl choline-preferring phospholipase C) cause accelerated shedding of Synd1 and E-cadherin from epithelial cells and compromise epithelial barrier integrity within a few hours. In comparison with hemolysins in a similar range of concentrations, anthrax lethal toxin (LT) also accelerates shedding albeit at slower rate. Individual components of LT, lethal factor and protective antigen are inactive with regard to shedding. Inhibition experiments favor a hypothesis that activities of tested bacterial shedding inducers converge on the stimulation of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases of the Syk family, ultimately leading to activation of cellular sheddase. Both LT and AnlO modulate ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, while JNK pathway seems to be irrelevant to accelerated shedding. Accelerated shedding of Synd1 also takes place in DBA/2 mice challenged with Bacillus anthracis (Sterne) spores. Elevated levels of shed ectodomain are readily detectable in circulation after 24 h. The concerted acceleration of shedding by several virulence factors could represent a new pathogenic mechanism contributing to disruption of epithelial or endothelial integrity, hemorrhage, edema and abnormal cell signaling during anthrax infection.
Current Status of the EBOP Code

The efficient light-curve synthesis computer code EBOP is described. The model is purposely tied to light-curve defmed parameters rather than “astrophysical” ones. The major applications of the model during the past 10 years have been to well-detached eclipsing systems where proximity effects are minimal. Such systems provide well-defined stellar parameters because of their simplicity. Astrophysical parameters can be inferred from empirically calibrated surface fluxes and standardized colors of the components. Improvements to the code have been implemented and others are planned, largely as a result of continued use and suggestions by the astronomical community.
Development and initial evaluation of Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT) for veterans with affective disorders

Considerable attention has focused on the growing need for evidence-based psychotherapy for veterans with affective disorders within the Department of Veteran Affairs. Despite, and possibly due to, the large number of evidence-based protocols available, several obstacles remain in their widespread delivery within Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. In part as an effort to address these concerns, newer transdiagnostic approaches to psychotherapy have been developed to provide a single treatment that is capable of addressing several, related disorders. The goal of the present investigation was to develop and evaluate a transdiagnostic psychotherapy, Transdiagnostic Behavior Therapy (TBT), in veterans with affective disorders. Study 1 provided initial support for transdiagnostic presentation of evidence-based psychotherapy components in veterans with principal diagnoses of affective disorders (n=15). These findings were used to inform the development of the TBT protocol. In Study 2, an initial evaluation of TBT was completed in a second sample of veterans with principal diagnoses of affective disorders (n=29). The findings of Study 2 demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, posttraumatic stress, and related impairment across participants with various principal diagnoses. Together, the investigation provided preliminary support for effectiveness of TBT in veterans with affective disorders.
Analysis of Accident Data and Fatal Risk for Occupational Use of Extension Ladders

This paper presents the results of analyses of injury and fatality accidents associated with the occupational use of metal extension ladders. Data contained in seven different data bases differing in geographic representation and level of severity of injury were analyzed to identify the type of accidents that occur and their frequency. In addition, the risks of fatality and of electrocution fatality associated with occupational use of extension ladders were estimated and compared with the fatal risk for various occupations. The overall fatal risk for extension ladder use by workers is less than the overall fatality risk for the construction industry.
Changes in glycerolipids and their fatty acid composition during maturation of tobacco seeds

Abstract Triacylglycerol, which was one of the minor lipid components in immature seeds of tobacco, accumulated dramatically between 7 and 27 days after flowering and, in mature seeds at 37 days, the fatty acid methyl esters of the triacylglycerols comprised 96.3% of those of the total lipids. Diacylglycerols and sterol ester also increased significantly during seed development. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, which were major components in immature seeds, decreased constantly with increasing maturation as well as the quantities of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylglycerol. Monogalactosyldiacylglycerols, digalactosyldiacylglycerols and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols also decreased and disappeared in mature seeds. In the triacylglycerols the percentages of palmitate, stearate and linolenate fell with increasing seed age, while that of linoleate increased up to 75.3% in mature seeds. A similar trend was observed in the fatty acid composition in the diacylglycerols and sterol ester. Generally, in the phospholipids the proportions of linoleate and linolenate decreased with concomitant increases of stearate and oleate.
In-situ noise characterization of a 20–35 GHz 32 nm SOI CMOS reconfigurable LNA using a broadband on-chip noise source

A novel broadband current-mode noise source implemented in 32 nm SOI CMOS and appropriate for the in-situ testing of wide-band millimeter-wave low noise amplifiers is presented. The noise source was used to characterize a 20-35 GHz low noise amplifier and it was found that the noise source ENR is sufficiently repeatable to enable accurate noise measurements without the individual calibration of each integrated circuit. To the authors' knowledge, this work represents the first time that a CMOS integrated noise source has been used to characterize the noise performance of a millimeter-wave amplifier.
PREFERENCE FOR MOTIVATOR AND HYGIENE FACTORS IN A HYPOTHETICAL INTERVIEW SITUATION: FURTHER FINDINGS AND SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW

Managers, supervisory personnel, clerical workers, and high school students were administered questionnaires which asked them to indicate whether or not they would discuss various work-related factors if they were applicants in an employment interview situation. A systematic tendency was found for respondents to prefer to discuss “motivators” as opposed to “hygiene factors” as characteristics they would seek in a new job, or as reasons for dissatisfaction with a previous one. Responding to a modified version of the questionnaire, twenty professional employment interviewers indicated that it is in fact wise to emphasize motivators and deemphasize hygiene factors if the applicant's intent is to maximize the likelihood of being offered a job.
Long-Term Results of Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Primary Refractory or Relapsed Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Abstract Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has become standard therapy for primary refractory (PR REF) or relapsed (REL) Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL); however, more than half of these patients eventually relapse and die of their disease. We studied long-term outcomes and evaluated factors influencing progression-free survival (PFS) in 141 patients with PR REF or REL HL who underwent ASCT between 1985 and 2003. Median age at ASCT was 30 years (range, 7–60 years); 21 patients had PR REF, and 120 had REL HL. With a median follow-up of 6.3 years (range, 1–20 years), the probability of PFS at 5 and 10 years was 48% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39%–57%) and 45% (95% CI, 36%–54%) and that of overall survival (OS) was 53% (95% CI, 44%–62%) and 47% (95% CI, 37%–57%), respectively. Transplant-related mortality at 100 days was 1.4%. Among 45 5- to 20-year survivors, no late relapses of HL were observed. In multivariate analysis, 3 factors were independently predictive of poor PFS: chemoresistant disease (relative risk [RR], 2.9; 95% CI, 1.7–5.0), B-symptoms at pretransplantation relapse (RR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.3–3.4), and presence of residual disease at the time of transplantation (RR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1–4.8). Patients with 0 or 1 of these 3 adverse factors (low-risk disease) had a 5–year PFS of 67% (95% CI, 55%–79%) compared with 37% (95% CI, 22%–52%) in those with 2 factors (intermediate-risk group) and 9% (95% CI, 0–20%) in those with all 3 factors (high-risk group) (P
Advances in emulsion polymerization for coatings applications: Latex blends and reactive surfactants

The utilization of latex blends to prepare zero-VOC coatings and the use of reactive surfactants in emulsion polymerization are two advances in waterborne technology that are of increasing interest to coatings formulators. The first part of this paper focuses on an investigation of the influence of the interface between high and low Tg latex particles on the gloss and surface morphologies offilms obtained from model latex blends. Gloss was influenced by the concentration of carboxyl groups present on the surface of the latex particles (optimal concentration for maximum gloss = 13% on the high Tg particles, the degree of neutralization of these groups (higher gloss with increased extent of neutralization), the type and concentration of the neutralizing base (higher gloss for stronger bases), and the presence of added surfactant (higher gloss with added surfactant). Gloss was found to be correlated with the surface smoothness of the film. The kinetics, partide size, molecular weight, and location of the reactive surfactant after polymerization, as well as the contact angle of films prepared from these latexes, are examined in the second part of this paper. The polymerization rate profiles were similar to those obtained using a conventional surfactant; however, the dependency of the rate on the number of particles was significantly lower. The amound bound increased and the molecular weight decreased with increasing surfactant concentration.