cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fully convolutional structured LSTM networks for joint 4D medical image segmentation

Longitudinal medical image analysis has great potential to reveal developmental trajectories and monitor disease progression. This process relies on consistent and robust joint 4D segmentation. Traditional methods highly depend on the similarity of images over time and either build a template or assume the images could be co-registered. This process may fail when image sequences present major appearance changes. Recently, deep learning (DL) approaches have achieved state-of-the-art results for related challenges in computer vision. These approaches make use of models such as fully convolutional networks (FCNs) for end-to-end pixel-wise segmentation and recurrent neural networks (RNNs) with long short-term memory (LSTM) units for sequence-to-sequence modeling. In this paper, we propose a new DL framework called FCSLSTM for 4D image segmentation with FCNs for the spatial model and LSTM for the temporal model. This is the first DL framework with deep integration of FCNs and LSTM for joint 4D segmentation that could be trained end-to-end. Our approach achieves promising results with the demonstrated application to longitudinal pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation.
Metabolic Complications of Parenteral Nutrition in Infants and Children

Metabolic complications of TPN in infants and children are numerous and frequent. Properly designed nutrient solutions, careful monitoring, knowledge of potential problems, and appropriate management are essential to avoid serious complications.
THERMOACOUSTIC REFRIGERATION: LOW-TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS AND OPTIMIZATION

During the past two decades the thermoacoustic refrigeration and prime mover cycle has gained importance in a variety of refrigeration applications. Sound can be used to generate temperature differences that allow the transport of heat from a low temperature reservoir to an ambient at higher temperature, resulting in a thermoacoustic refrigeration system. The thermoacoustic energy pumping cycle can also be reversed and a temperature difference imposed along the stack plates can lead to sound generation. In this situation the thermoacoustic system operates as a prime mover. Sound generated by means of the thermoacoustic energy conversion process can be utilized to drive different types of refrigeration devices that require oscillatory flow for their operation, such thermoacoustic refrigerators, pulse tubes and Stirling engines. In order for a thermoacoustic refrigeration or prime mover system as well as a thermoacoustic prime mover driving a non-thermoacoustic refrigeration system to be competitive on the current market, it has to be optimized in order to improve its efficiency. Depending on the application, different optimization criteria can be used to design such systems, and some of these criteria are discussed in the paper.
Rapid Assessment of Mental Status in the Infant and Young Child

This article reviews some of the tests for determining mental status in the infant and child. This assessment, in the setting of acute insult, is considerably more difficult than it is in the adult, since language skills and performance expectations differ in this age group.
Advances in genetics in dermatology.

The spectacular growth of cellular and molecular biology in the past two decades has led to important advances in our understanding of many diseases. This also has been true for disorders of the skin, most particularly those with a clear genetic basis. This review will consider a number of genodermatoses in which significant progress has been made or is about to be realized. In some of these diseases the skin appears to be uniquely involved, while in others the abnormality is widespread, affecting many organs. The organization of this chapter does not imply any fundamental difference in pathogenesis, but is merely a convenient way of approaching the disorders.
Characterization of Ultrasonic Focused Transducers Using Axial Scans and C-Scans

In the ultrasonic community there is a growing use of models to simulate inspection processes [1,2]. One necessary input to such models is knowledge of the transducer’s radiation pattern. The radiation pattern of a commercial transducer often approximates that of an ideal, focused, piston transducer with appropriately chosen parameters (element dimensions and focal lengths), and these“ideal probe” parameters often serve as model inputs. In this paper we demonstrate beam mapping methods for determining these parameters. For probes with circularly symmetric beam cross-sections, an axial scan of the beam suffices. For more general probes, C-scan data are acquired to map out the beam cross section at several different waterpaths. In each case, the transducer parameters are determined by adjusting their values to minimize the discrepancy between the measured and model amplitudes. A technique for handling misaligned data is also described. Measured and fitted fields are compared for a variety of transducers (spherically, cylindrically, and bi-cylindrically focused) including one with a presumably damaged element. In addition, the axial scan and C-scan methods are compared for one circular, spherically-focused transducer.
Quality Control in Manufacturing of Electrospun Nanofiber Composites

Introduction The extremely small fiber size and low mass of nanofiber composites makes quality control measurement very difficult. Most commercially available contact measurement equipment cannot work with the nanofiber composite without altering its characteristics. Generally, non-contacting optical methods are not effective because the wavelength of the light used is greater than the diameter of the nanofibers. Non-contact Gamma or Beta gauges lack the necessary resolution. Research methods such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) are not practical in a production setting. Large-scale production of nanofiber composites requires unique quality control (QC) methods. Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c show examples of nanofiber composites manufactured by Donaldson. As Donaldson Company’s nanofiber production has increased to over 10,000 m per day during the last 20 years, QC methods have been developed to address these needs. Four evaluation tools that have been developed for commercial production of nanofibers will be described. These evaluation tools focus on: uniformity of nanofiber distribution, fiber size distribution, durability of fiber layer in the composite, and environmental resistance.
Examining Same-Sex Couples Using Dyadic Data Methods

The increasing availability of population-level data on same-sex couples has given family demographers greater insight into the characteristics of same-sex couples in the United States as well as the implications of gender and sexuality for individual well-being across multiple outcomes. Whereas most nationally representative research on same-sex couples focuses on individuals, surveys such as the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) can be used to construct couple-level data files, enabling researchers to consider how couple-level indicators and variables for both partners affect individual well-being. In this chapter, we detail the benefits of dyadic data methods for research on couples and demonstrate a dyadic data analysis of 1262 same-sex couples and 113,642 different-sex couples derived from the 2012 to 2016 NHIS person-level files. Specifically, we examine the effects of respondent gender × partner gender on: reported health status; partner education and reported health; and union status and reported health among those in same-sex versus different-sex couples. Our results suggest that analysis of same-sex couples using dyadic data methods yields more nuanced results than analyses of individuals. For instance, there is a significant positive association between partner college degree and reported health status that is greater in magnitude for women than men—but only if women are in different-sex relationships. In addition, cohabitation and marriage are similarly associated with health for men in same-sex relationships, but cohabitation is associated with poorer health for men and women in different-sex relationships. We conclude with suggestions for future research using dyadic data methods for research on couples.
Accurate, Efficient and Scalable Graph Embedding

The Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) model and its variants are powerful graph embedding tools for facilitating classification and clustering on graphs. However, a major challenge is to reduce the complexity of layered GCNs and make them parallelizable and scalable on very large graphs — state-of the art techniques are unable to achieve scalability without losing accuracy and efficiency. In this paper, we propose novel parallelization techniques for graph sampling-based GCNs that achieve superior scalable performance on very large graphs without compromising accuracy. Specifically, our GCN guarantees work-efficient training and produces order of magnitude savings in computation and communication. To scale GCN training on tightly-coupled shared memory systems, we develop parallelization strategies for the key steps in training: For the graph sampling step, we exploit parallelism within and across multiple sampling instances, and devise an efficient data structure for concurrent accesses that provides theoretical guarantee of near-linear speedup with number of processing units. For the feature propagation step within the sampled graph, we improve cache utilization and reduce DRAM communication by data partitioning. We prove that our partitioning strategy is a 2-approximation for minimizing the communication time compared to the optimal strategy. We demonstrate that our parallel graph embedding outperforms state-of-the-art methods in scalability (with respect to number of processors, graph size and GCN model size), efficiency and accuracy on several large datasets. On a 40-core Xeon platform, our parallel training achieves 64x speedup (with AVX) in the sampling step and 25x speedup in the feature propagation step, compared to the serial implementation, resulting in a net speedup of 21x. Our scalable algorithm enables deeper GCN, as demonstrated by 1306x speedup on a 3-layer GCN compared to Tensorflow implementation of state-of-the-art.
Writing Our Identities for Successful Endeavors: Resettled Refugee Youth Look to the Future

This article highlights recently resettled refugee teenagers’ visions for their futures and their aims to improve the lives of their loved ones and transform society. Data collected in an afterscho...
Effect of incubation with crystalloid solutions or medications on packed red blood cells.

Background American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) guidelines suggest that packed red blood cells (PRBCs) be administered through a dedicated intravenous (IV) catheter. Literature supporting this broad-scope declaration are scarce. Obtaining additional IV access is painful, costly, and an infectious risk. We evaluated the effect of co-incubating PRBCs with crystalloids and medications on PRBC hemolysis, membrane deformability, and aggregation, as well as medication concentration. Methods PRBCs were co-incubated 5 minutes with plasma, normal saline (NS), 5% dextrose in water (D5W), Plasmalyte, epinephrine (epi), norepinephrine (norepi), dopamine (dopa), or Propofol (prop). Samples were then assessed for hemolysis (free hemoglobin, serum potassium), membrane deformability (elongation index [EI]), aggregation (smear, critical shear stress [mPa]) and drug concentration (High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry [LCMS-MS]). Significance (p ≤ 0.05) was determined by Wilcoxon-paired comparisons or Wilcoxon/Kruskall Willis with post-hoc Dunn's test. Results Compared to co-incubation with plasma: 1) co-incubation resulted in significantly increased hemolysis only when D5W as used (free hemoglobin, increased potassium); 2) EI trended lower when co-incubated with D5W and trended toward higher when co-incubated with prop; 3) aggregation was significantly lower when PRBCs co-incubated with NS, D5W, or Plasmalyte, and trended lower when co-incubated with epi, norepi, or dopa. Medication concentrations were between those predicted by distribution only in plasma and distribution through the entire intra- and extracellular space. Conclusion Our data suggest that 5 minutes of PRBC incubation with isotonic crystalloids or catecholamines does not deleteriously alter PRBC hemolysis, membrane deformability, or aggregation. Co-incubation with D5W likely increases hemolysis. Propofol may promote hemolysis.
Relationship between incidence of bacillary dysentery and meteorological factors

Objective To study the relationship between incidence of bacillary dysentery and meteorological factors and predict its weekly incidence by multiple linear regression and principal component analysis,and set up an early warning system for it.Methods Data of weekly incidence of bacillary dysentery and daily meteorological data in Haidian District of Beijing during January 1,2004 to July 31,2007 were collected to establish a database for linear correlation,principal component and multiple linear regression analyses by software of SPSS 11.5 version and SAS 8.0 version.Results Weekly incidence of bacillary dysentery correlated positively with average air temperature,vapour-atmospheric pressure,air humidity,maximal and minimum air temperature and minimum relative air humidity,and reversely with wind speed and average daily atmosphere pressure at sea level.Principal component analysis showed some meteorological factors with greater influence on incidence of bacillary dysentery including sunshine time,vapour-atmospheric pressure,average daily air temperature at sea level and air temperature.Conclusion ① Incidence of bacillary dysentery in Haidian District presented obvious seasonal fluctuation.The longer sunshine time,higher air temperature,higher air humidity and lower atmospheric pressure were,the higher incidence of bacillary dysentery was.② An estimated equation based on principal component analysis and multiple linear regression could effectively predict weekly incidence of bacillary dysentery.
Hypoxia Suppresses High Fat Diet-Induced Steatosis And Development Of Hepatic Adenomas.

National Institute of HealthUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA [CA184920, T32 T32CA009213, T32CA009213-32S1, R01CA129688-03S1]; National Cancer Institute Cancer Center Support GrantUnited States Department of Health & Human ServicesNational Institutes of Health (NIH) - USANIH National Cancer Institute (NCI) [P30CA023074]
Reconsidering an Essential Premise in Kessler, M. M., & Graham, S. S. (2018). Terminal Node Problems: ANT 2.0 and Prescription Drug Labels. Technical Communication Quarterly, 27(2), 121-136

I appreciate that this paper was applauded for its thoughtful approach to assessing “prescription drug labels (PDLs)” using rhetorical principles. However, I believe the authors’ invention of the c...
An Eulerian-Lagrangian-Lagrangian method for 2D fluid-structure interaction problem with a thin flexible structure immersed in fluids

Abstract In this paper, the Eulerian-Lagrangian-Lagrangian (ELL) method is extended to solve fluid–structure interaction (FSI) problem with a very thin flexible structure immersed in the fluid. Such a new approach overcomes the failure of the immersed finite element method (IFEM) in handling the FSI problem when a reduced solid model is used for the thin structure. In this work, a continuum-based (CB) beam theory is adopted to model the 2D flexible thin structure that undergoes large deformation. In the ELL approach, the solid meshes can always coincide with the Lagrangian fluid meshes in a so-called “composite solid” domain that allows the accurate imposing of the changing interface boundary conditions in the FSI zone. The proposed approach is verified using three benchmarking problems of flow over a flexible vertical beam, flow over a cylinder beam system and 2D flapping flag in the uniform flow. The results are compared with those from the open literature. Other numerical examples are also computed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the ELL method.
Sinopsis de las especies del género Abarema Pittier (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) que crecen en Colombia

espanolResumen Se presenta la sinopsis de las especies del genero Abarema (Leguminosae) que crecen en Colombia; se reconocen 16 especies distribuidas en cinco variedades, tres especies endemicas (A. callejasii Barneby & Grimes, A. josephi Barneby & Grimes y A. lehmannii (Britton & Rose ex Britton & Killip) Barneby & Grimes) y dos nuevos registros para la flora de Colombia (A. acreana (J.F. Macbr.) L. Rico y A. racemiflora (Donn. Sm.) Barneby & Grimes). Se proporcionan dos claves dicotomicas para la identificacion de las especies: una para ejemplares con presencia de flor o fruto, y otra utilizando caracteres estrictamente vegetativos. Se incluye una breve discusion de cada taxon: sus caracteres morfologicos diagnosticos, notas sobre la distribucion geografica y altitudinal, su floracion y fructificacion, los nombres comunes y los usos, y una lista de los exsiccata estudiados. En Colombia las especies de Abarema se encuentran predominantemente en bosques humedos y pluviales, sobre todo en las regiones andina y amazonica. EnglishAbstract A synopsis of the species of the genus Abarema (Leguminosae) growing in Colombia is presented. Sixteen species are recognized, including five varieties, three endemic species (A. callejasii Barneby & Grimes, A. josephi Barneby & Grimes and A. lehmannii (Britton & Rose ex Britton & Killip) Barneby & Grimes) for the country and two new records for the Colombian flora (A. acreana (J.F. Macbr.) L. Rico and A. racemiflora (Donn. Sm.) Barneby & Grimes). Two dichotomous keys are provided for the identification of the species: One for specimens with the presence of flower and/or fruit, and another that uses strictly vegetative characters. A brief discussion is included for each taxon highlighting its diagnostic morphological characters, notes on their geographical and altitudinal distribution, flowering and fruiting times, common names and uses, as well as a list of the herbarium specimens studied. In Colombia, the species of Abarema are predominantly found in humid and rain forests, mainly in the Andean and Amazonian regions.
A solitary extraventricular subependymal giant cell astrocytoma in the absence of tuberous sclerosis.

Abstract Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGAs) are the most common intracranial tumors in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Very few cases of solitary SEGA without a diagnosis of TSC have been described. Most of these previously reported solitary SEGAs were located near the caudothalamic groove or in close proximity to the lateral ventricles. Here, we describe a unique case of solitary extraventricular SEGA in a 17-year-old boy who presented with new-onset seizures in the absence of the clinical and genetic diagnosis of TSC. This extraventricular SEGA was involving white matter and cortex of the occipital lobe and was predominantly hypointense on T1 and T2-weighted images with a markedly hypointense signal on susceptibility-weighted images likely secondary to dense internal calcifications. Solitary SEGA can occur in the extraventricular location in patients without TSC and should be included in the differential diagnosis of a densely calcified supratentorial intra-axial tumor in children, especially during the second decade of life.
Determining the incidence of postbariatric surgery emergency department utilization: an analysis of a statewide insurance database.

Abstract Background Prior studies have found rates of emergency department (ED) visits after bariatric surgery approach 15% with the majority (>60%) not requiring admission. The timeframe for which ED utilization remains elevated postoperatively remains unknown. We hypothesize that ED utilization following bariatric surgery remains elevated for months after surgery with the majority of visits not requiring admission. Objective No study has determined the impact bariatric surgery has on health care resource utilization in the two years following surgery. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of ED visitation in the 2 years following bariatric surgery. Settings Database study, single state-wide insurance database. Methods We queried the Colorado All Payers Claim Database. Patients with data 1 year before and 2 years after surgery were included. Primary outcomes of interest were ED visits or readmissions during the 2-year period. Bariatric surgeries were identified using CPT codes. Diagnoses for an ED visit or readmission were determined by ICD codes. Results A total of 5399 patients underwent bariatric surgery from January 2013–November 2017. Of these, 59% underwent sleeve gastrectomy, 38% Roux-en-Y, 2% gastric band, and 1% another surgery. Median age was 44 (IQR 35–54) years, and 82% were female. Overall, 3103 patients (57%) visited the ED at least once with a total of 12,988 visits, 1267 of which (9.8%) resulted in admission. ED use was highest in the 30 days following surgery (17%) but remained above presurgery baseline for 8 months (7.4% at 8 mo compared with baseline mean 6.4% [95% CI 6.0%–6.8%]). Conclusions ED visits remain elevated for 8 months post bariatric surgery with over 90% of visits not requiring an admission. Interventions that prevent emergency department utilization should be key focus of quality improvement projects to limit health care resource utilization following bariatric surgery.
BOO induces fibrosis and EMT in urothelial cells which can be recapitulated in vitro through elevated storage and voiding pressure cycles.

To determine the unique contributions from elevated voiding and storage pressures in the development of fibrosis and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in urothelial cells, and how progressive BOO pressure cycling is an important mechanical cue leading to these pathological changes. Urothelial cells isolated from control, SHAM, 2 (acute)- or 6 (chronic)-week BOO rats treated with an inflammasome inhibitor or no drug. Total RNA was isolated and RT-PCR was conducted with custom primers for pro-fibrotic and EMT genes. In separate experiments, a rat urothelial cell line was exposed to cyclic pressure regimes characteristic of acute and chronic BOO in the presence or absence of an inflammasome inhibitor. Following exposure, RT-PCR was conducted, collagen content was determined and intracellular caspase-1 activity was measured. Urothelial cells isolated from acute and chronic BOO rat models demonstrated expression of pro-fibrotic and EMT genes. Similarly, MYP3 rat urothelial cells subjected to pressure cycling regimes that reflect intravesical pressures in the acute or chronic BOO bladder also demonstrated increased expression of pro-fibrotic and EMT genes, along with elevated soluble collagen. Treatment with inflammasome inhibitors reduced expression of pro-fibrotic genes in the rat model and pressure cycling model but had a limited effect on EMT. These results indicate that acute and chronic BOO pressure cycling are essential in the initiation and progression of fibrosis in the bladder via the NLRP3 inflammasome, but also provide new evidence that there is also an alternative NLRP3-independent pathway leading to EMT and fibrosis.
2 – Trends in food production practices relative to foodborne parasites

Food production has undergone remarkable advances, particularly in developed countries. Along with advances in the quantity of food produced, the safety of food has also improved. Nevertheless, there are ongoing risks due to a number of zoonotic parasites on produce (fresh fruits and vegetables) and in meat animals. Modern food production systems have incorporated many practices that reduce or prevent exposure to certain parasites. For example, modern pork production systems have dramatically reduced the risk of acquiring Trichinella from pork. Continued research into safe food production systems, along with transfer of new technologies to food producers through educational outreach, is a key for ongoing improvement of food safety relative to parasites. This chapter reviews some of the major risks for the contamination of food with parasites and specific mitigations that can reduce these risks. These general principles can be extrapolated across most commodity groups.
Functional Morphology of the Large Intestine

The sections in this article are: 1 Comparative Anatomy 1.1 Invertebrates 1.2 Chordata 2 Human Large Intestine 2.1 Gross Anatomy of Human Large Intestine 2.2 Development 3 Histology and Ultrastructure of Adult Mammalian Large Intestine 3.1 Cecum, Colon, Appendix, and Upper Rectum 3.2 Tunica Mucosa 3.3 Tela Submucosa 3.4 Tunica Muscularis 3.5 Lymphoid Tissue and Appendix 3.6 Tunica Serosa (Serosa) 3.7 Lower Rectum and Anal Canal 4 Restitution 5 Concluding Remarks
Education and Economic Well-Being in Racially Diverse Rural Counties: The Role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in increasing the education and economic well-being of rural Blacks is not, perhaps, as clear today as in the past given the aboli-tion of formal segregation in public education. This paper presents evidence that HBCUs still play a major role in improving the economic well being of rural counties with high concentrations of Blacks. Further, the impact of HBCUs in promoting college education among Blacks is above and beyond that of other colleges and universities. Increased rates of college education generate, in turn, higher income growth.
Improved blood utilization using real-time clinical decision support.

Background We analyzed blood utilization at Stanford Hospital and Clinics after implementing real-time clinical decision support (CDS) and best practice alerts (BPAs) into physician order entry (POE) for blood transfusions. Study Design and Methods A clinical effectiveness (CE) team developed consensus with a suggested transfusion threshold of a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 7 g/dL, or 8 g/dL for patients with acute coronary syndromes. The CDS was implemented in July 2010 and consisted of an interruptive BPA at POE, a link to relevant literature, and an “acknowledgment reason” for the blood order. Results The percentage of blood ordered for patients whose most recent Hb level exceeded 8 g/dL ranged at baseline from 57% to 66%; from the education intervention by the CE team August 2009 to July 2010, the percentage decreased to a range of 52% to 56% (p = 0.01); and after implementation of CDS and BPA, by end of December 2010 the percentage of patients transfused outside the guidelines decreased to 35% (p = 0.02) and has subsequently remained below 30%. For the most recent interval, only 27% (767 of 2890) of transfusions occurred in patients outside guidelines. Comparing 2009 to 2012, despite an increase in annual case mix index from 1.952 to 2.026, total red blood cell (RBC) transfusions decreased by 7186 units, or 24%. The estimated net savings for RBC units (at $225/unit) in purchase costs for 2012 compared to 2009 was $1,616,750. Conclusion Real-time CDS has significantly improved blood utilization. This system of concurrent review can be used by health care institutions, quality departments, and transfusion services to reduce blood transfusions.
Antipsychotic prescribing for behavioral disorders in US youth: physician specialty, insurance coverage, and complex regimens.

PURPOSE: To assess antipsychotic prescribing patterns according to insurance coverage type and physician specialty in the outpatient treatment of behavioral disorders (BD) in US youth. METHODS: We used 2003-2010 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data to compare antipsychotic prescribing in the outpatient treatment of BD in youth (6-19 years) according to insurance coverage (public vs. private) and physician specialty (psychiatrist vs. non-psychiatrist) using population-weighted Chi-square and multivariable analyses. Also, we examined co-prescribing of antipsychotics with other psychotropic medication classes. Subgroup analyses were conducted in BD visits with no other clinician-reported psychiatric diagnosis (non-comorbid BD visits). RESULTS: A large majority (71.0%) of BD visits were provided by non-psychiatrists. However, psychiatrists prescribed antipsychotics far more frequently than non-psychiatrists (24.2% vs. 4.6%; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.1 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.8-9.2]) in total BD visits as well as in non-comorbid BD visits (18.6% vs. 3.6%; AOR = 5.8 [95% CI, 3.2-10.5]). Antipsychotic prescribing was nearly two-fold greater in visits by publicly insured 6-12 year olds (11.3% vs. 5.8%; AOR = 1.9 [95% CI, 1.1-3.5]) and 13-19 year olds (16.2% vs. 8.9%; AOR = 2.0 [95% CI, 1.1-3.6]) compared with their privately insured counterparts. In more than one-third of antipsychotic-prescribed BD visits, antipsychotics were prescribed concomitantly with ≥2 psychotropic medication classes regardless of age group, insurance coverage, or even in the absence of psychiatric comorbidities. CONCLUSION: In outpatient visits by youth for BD, antipsychotics were primarily prescribed by psychiatrists, concomitantly, and for the publicly insured. These treatment patterns merit further investigation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Alternatives to the Grandmother Hypothesis A Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Grandparental and Grandchild Survival in Patrilineal Populations

We conducted a meta-analysis of 17 studies that tested for an association between grandparental survival and grandchild survival in patrilineal populations. Using two different methodologies, we found that the survival of the maternal grandmother and grandfather, but not the paternal grandmother and grandfather, was associated with decreased grandoffspring mortality. These results are consistent with the findings of psychological studies in developed countries (Coall and Hertwig Behavioral and Brain Sciences 33:1-59, 2010). When tested against the predictions of five hypotheses (confidence of paternity; grandmothering, kin proximity, grandparental senescence, and local resource competition), our meta-analysis results are most in line with the local resource competition hypothesis. In patrilineal and predominantly patrilocal societies, the grandparents who are most likely to live with the grandchildren have a less beneficial association than those who do not. We consider the extent to which these results may be influenced by the methodological limitations of the source studies, including the use of retrospective designs and inadequate controls for confounding variables such as wealth.
Predictors of urinary levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, 3-phenoxybenzoic acid, and pentachlorophenol in 121 adults in Ohio

Abstract Limited data exist on the driving factors that influence the non-occupational exposures of adults to pesticides using urinary biomonitoring. In this work, the objectives were to quantify the urinary levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), and pentachlorophenol (PCP) in 121 adults over a 48-h monitoring period and to examine the associations between selected sociodemographic and lifestyle factors and urinary levels of each pesticide biomarker. Adults, ages 20–49 years old, were recruited from six counties in Ohio (OH) in 2001. The participants collected 4–6 spot urine samples and completed questionnaires and diaries at home over a 48-h monitoring period. Urine samples were analyzed for 2,4-D, TCP, 3-PBA, and PCP by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Multiple regression modeling was used to determine the impact of selected sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on the log-transformed (ln) levels of each pesticide biomarker in adults. The pesticide biomarkers were detected in ≥89% of the urine samples, except for 3-PBA (66%). Median urinary levels of 2,4-D, TCP, 3-PBA, and PCP were 0.7, 3.4, 0.3, and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. Results showed that 48-h sweet/salty snack consumption, 48-h time spend outside at home, and ln(creatinine) levels were significant predictors ( p p = 0.093) of the adults’ ln(urinary 2,4-D) concentrations. Strong predictors ( p p p p = 0.056) of the adults’ ln(urinary PCP) concentrations. In conclusion, specific sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were identified that increased the exposures of these adults to several different pesticides in their daily environments.
The First Vanadium Aluminophosphates: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Structure of Cs[(VO)Al(PO4)2] · H2O, Rb[(VO)Al(PO4)2] · H2O, (NH3CH2CH2NH2)[(VO)Al(PO4)2], and CH3NH3[(VO)Al(PO4)2]

The first vanadium aluminophosphates, Cs[(VO)Al(PO 4 ) 2 ] · H 2 O (1), Rb[(VO)Al(PO 4 ) 2 ] · H 2 O (2), (NH 3 CH 2 CH 2 NH 2 )[(VO)Al(PO 4 ) 2 ] (3), and CH 3 NH 3 [(VO)Al(PO 4 ) 2 ] (4), have been hydrothermally prepared from a vanadium source, AlCl 3 · 6H 2 O, H 3 PO 4 , H 2 O, and a charge compensating organic species. The phosphates are built up from tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum and phosphorous atoms; phosphates (1), (2), and (3) contain octahedrally coordinated vanadium atoms, and phosphate (4) contains a square pyramidal vanadium atom. The frameworks in phosphates (1)–(4) are structurally related and incorporate cations of similar size and charge. In phosphate (3) the 1-aminoethane-2-ammonium cation is bonded through the nitrogen to the vanadium as a monodentate ligand, providing the sixth vertex of the vanadium octahedron, with the other five present as oxygen atoms. In phosphates (1), (2), and (4), the Cs + , Rb + , and methylammonium cations, respectively, replace the charge compensating organic ligand present in phosphate (3). The four phosphates are conceptually constructed of one-dimensional aluminophosphate chains connected into three-dimensional frameworks via vanadium polyhedra that corner share to the phosphate tetrahedra. The Al is oxo bridged only to P 5+ with no Al–O–V bonds present. Crystal data for (1): monoclinic, space group P 2 1 / n (#14) with a = 8.014(2), b = 8.088(2), c = 14.141(2) A, β = 105.98(1)°, V = 881.2(4) A 3 , Z = 4, D calc = 3.262 g · cm −3 ; for (2): monoclinic, space group P 2 1 / n (#14) with a = 7.880(2), b = 8.063(2), c = 14.062(2) A, β = 105.83(1)°, V = 859.5(3) A 3 , Z = 4, D calc = 2.977 g · cm −3 ; for (3): monoclinic, space group P 2 1 / n (#14) with a = 8.172(2), b = 14.232(2), c = 8.873(1) A, β = 109.88(1)°, V = 970.5(2) A 3 , Z = 4, D calc = 2.299 g · cm −3 ; for (4): triclinic, space group P 1 (#2) with a = 8.151(1), b = 8.784(2), c = 7.842(2), α = 116.22(2)°, β = 95.88(2)°, γ = 69.16(1)°, V = 469.7(2) A 3 , Z = 2, D calc = 2.191 g · cm −3 .
Biomechanical Study of Sternal Closure Using Rigid Fixation Techniques in Human Cadavers

Background. We believe rigid plate fixation may be superior to wire fixation in sternal closure, as rigid fixation used in the craniofacial skeleton has shown greater stability, lower postoperative pain, and accelerated bone healing. We hypothesize that sterna fixed with titanium plates are more stable mechanically than sterna fixed with wires. Methods. The sterna from human cadavers were used in this two-phased study. Phase I compared wires to four-hole titanium straight plates. Phase II compared wires to four-hole titanium custom H plates. The sterna were tested biomechanically using all fixation methods. Results. Phase I showed no statistically significant difference in the stiffness or lateral displacement between the wired and straight plated sterna. Phase II showed a statistically significant greater stiffness (p < 0.05) and less lateral displacement (p < 0.05) in the custom plated sterna over the wired sterna. Conclusions. Our results showed that custom titanium H plates were superior to wire fixation. Furthermore, our results established the importance of plate configuration in sternal fixation. Our study may have beneficial clinical implications, as decreased motion at the sternotomy site could mean less postoperative pain, a decreased incidence of infection, and accelerated bone healing.
The Cross-Border Consumer: Investigation of Motivators and Inhibitors in Dining Experiences

Consumers who cross national borders potentially participate in multiple consumption experiences. This study focuses on one of the most common—the dining experience. It examines the variables that motivate or inhibit crossing national borders to dine and profiles motivational segments of cross-border diners. A sample of 466 cross-border diners living near the U.S.-Canada border provided information about an array of potential influencing variables. Factor analysis revealed the existence of eight dimensions: ethnocentrism, value drivers, variety seeking, awareness, affective/social considerations, ease of border crossing, perceived differences between restaurants on the two sides of the border, and distance fromthe border. Ethnocentrism and affective/social considerations exerted the strongest influence on consumer cross-border-dining perceptions and behaviors. Three distinct motivational segments emerged—variety seekers, comfort seekers, and value seekers. Discussion profiles each segment, identifies mark...
Transforming growth factor β1 mediates cell-cycle arrest of primitive hematopoietic cells independent of p21Cip1/Waf1or p27Kip1

The regulation of stem cell proliferation is a poorly understood process balancing rapid, massive blood cell production in times of stress with maintenance of a multipotent stem cell pool over decades of life. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) has pleiotropic effects on hematopoietic cells, including the inhibition of primitive cell proliferation. It was recently demonstrated that the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p21Cip1/Waf1 (p21) and p27Kip1 (p27), can inhibit the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells, respectively. The relation of TGF-β1 stimulation to p21 and p27 was examined using a fine-mapping approach to gene expression in individual cells. Abundant TGF-β1 expression and p21 expression were documented in quiescent, cytokine-resistant hematopoietic stem cells and in terminally differentiated mature blood cells, but not in proliferating progenitor cell populations. TGF-β1 receptor (TβR II) was expressed ubiquitously without apparent modulation. Cell- cycle–synchronized 32D cells exposed to TGF-β1 demonstrated a marked antiproliferative effect of TGF-β1, yet neither the level of p21 mRNA nor the protein level of either p21 or p27 was altered. To corroborate these observations in primary cells, bone marrow mononuclear cells derived from mice engineered to be deficient in p21 or p27 were assessed. Progenitor and primitive cell function was inhibited by TGF-β1 equivalently in −/− and +/+ littermate controls. These data indicate that TGF-β1 exerts its inhibition on cell cycling independent of p21 and p27 in hematopoietic cells. TGF-β1 and p21 or p27 participate in independent pathways of stem cell regulation, suggesting that targeting each may provide complementary strategies for enhancing stem or progenitor cell expansion and gene transduction.
Signature biomarkers in Crohn's disease: toward a molecular classification

In an effort to develop a molecular classification scheme for Crohn's disease (CD), mucosal biopsies from 69 CD patients and 28 normal controls were analyzed for expression of the RelA subunit of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, A20 (a negative regulator of NF-kappaB), polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin (IL)-8. Principal component analysis was used to classify individuals into three subsets based on patterns of biomarker expression. Set 1 included normal subjects and CD patients with mild disease and good responses to therapy, thus defining "normal" biomarker expression. CD patients in set 2, characterized by low expression of all five biomarkers, had moderate to severe disease and poor responses to immunosuppressive and anti-TNF therapy. Patients in set 3, characterized by low expression of RelA, A20, and pIgR, normal TNF and elevated IL-8, had acute inflammation that responded well to therapy. Classification of CD patients by these biomarkers may predict disease behavior and responses to therapy.
Binding of the Photoaffinity Ligand 17β-Hydroxy-4,6- Androstadien-3-One to Rat Androgen-Binding Protein: Comparison with the Binding of 17β-Hydroxy-5α- Androstan-3-One*

17β-Hydroxy-4,6-androstadien-3-one (δ-testosterone), because of its αβ,unsaturated carbonyl group, appeared, on a theoretical basis, to be a potential photoaffinity label for rat androgen-binding protein (ABP). However, before we attempted to use this compound as an affinity label, we first determined if it would bind to ABP and compared its binding parameters with those of 17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one (5α- DHT), the most potent natural ligand for ABP. We have demonstrated, using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation, and a charcoal assay method, that both [3H]δ6-testosterone and [3H]5α-DHT bind to a low capacity component in rat epididymal cytosol having the same relative mobility and sedimentation coefficient as ABP. Competitive binding studies, performed using a charcoal adsorption procedure, indicated that the relative affinities of 10 unlabeled steroids for ABP are essentially iden ical regardless of whether [3H]δ6testosterone or [3H]5α-DHT was used as the ligand....
Donor number estimation for oxygen- and nitrogen-containing solvents via proton NMR shift of chloroform

A linear correlation was determined for oxygen- and nitrogen-containing solvents between the proton NMR shift of chloroform, dilute in a solvent, and the donor number (DN) of that solvent. Results are given for water and for 13 organic solvents. The best straight line is given by DN=7.4–16.6Δδ (CHCl3) where Δδ (CHCl3) is the shift of pure chloroform relative to that of chloroform in dilute solution. Donor numbers of several solvents were estimated from the correlation.
Modern management of rheumatoid arthritis

The management of rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging even to the most experienced and astute physician. The rheumatoid inflammatory process can be profound, ravaging, and unremitting, and the illness is notorious for its protean manifestations and capricious course. Moreover, the response to therapy is unpredictable, although it can be quite successful in many cases. Nevertheless, the intense pain, profound disability, progressive destructive arthropathy, and negative psychological milieu that haunt patients demand that something be done therapeutically. Rheumatoid arthritis responds best to a symphony of therapeutic modalities including drugs, rehabilitation, joint surgery, and attention to psychosocial issues. The foundation of any successful therapeutic venture is an educational program designed, however simply, to imbue the patient and family with an understanding of the disease and its course and treatment, and with realistic expectations. Drug therapy is often polypharmaceutical, employing analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, both local and systemic corticosteroids, and remission-inducing drugs. Pacing of lifestyle, physical and/or occupational therapy, vocational guidance, psychological and sexual counseling, and social intervention are as much a part of modern management in rheumatoid arthritis as are drugs. The extra-articular (systemic) manifestations are addressed in a variety of ways depending upon the type and severity of involvement. Although most patients can be treated by their primary care physician, some may require the expertise provided by a specialist. Finally, despite the lack of a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, most patients respond well to treatment and return to their desired activities of daily living.
Perceptions of Dietitians on Director Management Background, Customer Satisfaction, and Clinical Nutrition Staff Participation in the Foodservice Department

Abstract The focus of this research is to assess the differences between registered dietitians (RDs) and non-RDs as Foodservice Directors. Foodservice Directors in the participants' (N = 236) facility were both RDs (118; 52%) and non-RDs (107; 48%). Participants felt that their facility would benefit if an RD was the Foodservice Director (219; 89%). The majority (175; 77%) of clinical RD staffs were housed within the foodservice department, which was felt to be an advantage (119; 53%). Statistical analysis found that there was a significant difference (p = .048) between food quality scores in the patient food category between RD and non-RD Directors, with non-RDs providing higher scores.
Effect of macropore convection on mass transfer in a bidisperse adsorbent particle

The importance of adsorption induced convection in the macropores of a bidisperse adsorbent particle is studied for a step change in mole fraction or total pressure at the surface of the particle. Material balance equations for a binary gas mixture are written for both the macropores and the macropores with allowance for convection in the macropores, which is described by Darcy's law. The coupled set o1' partial differential equations is solved by orthogonal collocation. The enhancement in mass transfer as a result of convection is assessed by comparing the fractional uptake curves obtained with and without allowance for convection. Both equilibrium-based and kinetic-based separation processes are considered. The effect of the presence of convection in determining the controlling diffusional resistance (macropore or micropore) is also examined. Due to inclusion of convection no single non-dimensional group alone can determine the relative importance of macropore and micropore resistances. Results show that convection can significantly affect the performance of an equilibrium-based macropore diffusion controlled process and that the enhancement in mass transfer is more for a particle with a high value of Darcy permeability.
Single-Dose Breath-hold Gadolinium-enhanced Three-dimensional MR Angiography of the Renal Arteries

PURPOSE: To evaluate the quality of single-dose breath-hold three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of the renal arteries optimized with a 1-mL test bolus timing examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo imaging (3.8–4.2/1.3–1.7 [repetition time msec/echo time msec], 25°–40° flip angle) was performed in 60 patients after administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine (average dose, 0.11 mmol/kg). Synchronization of contrast material administration with data acquisition was achieved with a 1-mL test dose of contrast material to estimate patient circulation parameters. Image quality was assessed by using contrast-to-noise (CNR), relative vascular enhancement, and venous-to-arterial enhancement ratios and subjective scoring of arterial and venous enhancement. The effect of the contrast material injection rate and the influence of breath holding during the timing examination also were examined. RESULTS: Overall, of 60 studies, 58 were diagnostic and 56 demonst...