cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fountain of Youth: aged blood-forming stem cells could be rejuvenated by young microenvironment

Fountain of Youth: aged blood-forming stem cells could be rejuvenated by young microenvironment
Pre- and postsynaptic serotonergic manipulations in an animal model of depression☆

Rats working on a food-reinforced operant schedule and exhibiting behavioral depression following administration of D,L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) were pretreated with one of three drugs: methysergide, fluoxetine, or amitriptyline. The former two drugs were used to establish a basis for distinguishing between pre- and postsynaptic events. We found that methysergide, a known postsynaptic blocker of serotonin, almost completely abolished the depressive effect of 5-HTP, whereas fluoxetine, a known specific uptake blocker of serotonin, potentiated the depressive effect of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) precursor. Amitriptyline, one of the commonly prescribed antidepressive drugs, reduced the behavioral depression following 5-HTP by approximately 50%. These data indicate that amitriptyline can act as an antagonist of 5-HT at the postsynaptic receptor. The results of this study, as well as those recently reported from CNS membrane binding studies, suggest that the therapeutic effects of some antidepressive drugs may be explained by their postsynaptic rather than presynaptic properties at central serotonergic receptors. Thus, these studies support the hypothesis that some types of human depression may be primarily due to an excess of free 5-HT acting at postsynaptic receptors.
Uniaxial stress-relaxation and stress-strain responses of human amnion

The mechanical behavior of human amnion is examined under uniaxial tensile loading conditions. Monotonic strain-to-failure and stress-relaxation tests are described for membrane strip samples of amnion obtained by removing the chorion cell layer from specimens of whole chorioamnion. The monotonic behavior of the amnion is characterized by a large stress-free strain (approximately 10%) prior to a quadratic load-displacement response. Substantial stress relaxation behavior (ranging from 20-80%) is observed, described by a two time-constant exponential decay. The effects of the application of a topical antiseptic and of prior straining and relaxation on subsequent monotonic failure properties are examined. The results suggest that while amnion is a remarkably resilient tissue material, its mechanical behavior is typical of nonlinear viscoelastic materials, and depends strongly on its history.
A partial correlation test for the Goodman‐Kruskal λ on a dichotomy

Goodman & Kruskal (1954) introduced a measure λ of predictive association when predicting the category of a variable A from a category of a variable B. The measure λ is such that 0≤λ≤1 with a zero value meaning no predictive gain, while λ=1 indicates a perfect predictive association between A and B. Turek & Suich (1983) developed an exact test of H0:λ = 0 versus H1:λ>0 where the variable A is dichotomous. This test is analogous to a test for the significance of the correlation coefficient. This paper analyses the partial λ coefficient in order to answer the question of whether knowledge of a third (fourth, fifth, etc.) classification results in a significant increase in ability to predict the dichotomous variable A. This test, developed for qualitative categorical variables, is analogous to the test for partial correlation coefficients for quantitative variables.
Time-reversed ultrasonically encoded optical focusing into scattering media.

Light focusing plays a central role in biomedical imaging, manipulation and therapy. In scattering media, direct light focusing becomes infeasible beyond one transport mean free path. All previous methods used to overcome this diffusion limit lack a practical internal ‘guide star’. Here, we propose and experimentally validate a novel concept called time-reversed ultrasonically encoded (TRUE) optical focusing to deliver light into any dynamically defined location inside a scattering medium. First, diffused coherent light is encoded by a focused ultrasonic wave to provide a virtual internal guide star. Only the encoded light is time-reversed and transmitted back to the ultrasonic focus. The time-reversed ultrasonically encoded optical focus—defined by the ultrasonic wave—is unaffected by multiple scattering of light. Such focusing is particularly desirable in biological tissue, where ultrasonic scattering is ~1,000 times weaker than optical scattering. Various fields, including biomedical and colloidal optics, can benefit from TRUE optical focusing.
Enhancing the carotenoid content of atherosclerotic plaque: implications for laser therapy.

Abstract Selective laser ablation of human atherosclerotic plaque is possible because endogenous carotenoid pigments found in atherosclerotic plaque confer a twofold preferential absorption of laser radiation at 450 to 500 nm. In this study, patients with carotid endarterectomy were pretreated with oral beta carotene to determine if the carotenoid content and therefore laser selectivity of plaque could be increased in vivo. Beta carotene-treated patients had a significant, nearly twofold increase in their plaque carotenoid concentration, which increased from 0.22 to 0.40 μg beta carotene/mg cholesterol. These results suggest that selective ablation of atherosclerotic plaque may be enhanced by pretreating patients with doses of oral beta carotene for short periods of time. (J Vasc Surg 1989;9:563–7.)
Porcine circovirus type 2-associated disease: Update on current terminology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and intervention strategies

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2)-associated disease (PCVAD) continues to be an important differential diagnosis on pig farms in the United States and worldwide. Case trend analyses indicate that the incidence of PCVAD is on the rise in the United States. Accurate diagnosis is important in order to implement appropriate intervention strategies. PCVAD can manifest as a systemic disease, as part of the respiratory disease complex, as an enteric disease, as porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, or as reproductive problems. PCVAD may be only a sporadic individual animal diagnosis; however, PCVAD may also manifest as a severe herd problem accelerated and enhanced by concurrent virus or bacterial infections. This article is intended to discuss the most common disease manifestations, pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and intervention strategies associated with PCVAD in North America.
RGS-GAIP, a GTPase-activating protein for Galphai heterotrimeric G proteins, is located on clathrin-coated vesicles.

RGS-GAIP (Gα-interacting protein) is a member of the RGS (regulator of G protein signaling) family of proteins that functions to down-regulate Gαi/Gαq-linked signaling. GAIP is a GAP or guanosine t...
Institutionalism For What: To Understand Inevitable Progress or For Policy Relevance?

Mayhew's view, although inconsistent with the history of institutionalism, is consistent with long-held Western biases. Stephen Gould has stated that "6much of our evolutionary thinking reflects some of the deepest biases of Western thought" [Gould 1983, p. 95]. "In a crazy
Implementing Higher Order Absorbing Boundary Conditions in Vector Finite Element Methods

It is vital to use appropriate mesh truncation schemes and accurate absorbing boundary conditions (ABC) on the truncation surfaces to achieve reliable computational results while solving electromagnetic radiation and scattering problems in unbounded regions with the finite element method (FEM). Previously derived higher order ABCs had difficulties in implementation which lead either to destruction of sparsity and symmetry of the FEM matrix or reduction of accuracy. The ABC proposed in this paper is not only capable of producing credible numerical results but also can easily be formulated and implemented via introduction of a cement variable on the surface it is imposed. In addition it is possible theoretically to extend the ABC to higher orders in a hierarchical way by improving the quality of approximation employed
Effects of field-contaminated sediments and related water soluble components on haemocyte function and Perkinsus marinus susceptibility and expression in oysters.

This paper reviews and discusses our recent findings on the effects of contaminated sediments (CSs) and related water-soluble fractions (WSFs) on haemocyte function/activity and the onset and progression of an infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Perkinsus marinus (Dermo) in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. Sediments used to generate WSFs and sediments used for the whole CS exposure experiments were collected in different areas of the southern branch of the Elizabeth River, a heavily polluted sub-estuary of the Chesapeake Bay, USA. The WSFs were dominated by low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The CSs used for whole CS exposure experiment had elevated concentrations of high molecular weight PAHs. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals were also present in the CSs. No PCBs were detected in the WSFs. In vitro exposure of haemocytes to WSFs derived from CSs reduced to haemocytes' chemotaxic, phagocytic, and chemiluminescent responses to some extent. Ex...
Proactive network fault detection

The increasing role of communication networks in today's society results in a demand for higher levels of network availability and reliability. At the same time, fault management is becoming more difficult due to the dynamic nature and heterogeneity of networks. We propose an intelligent monitoring system using adaptive statistical techniques. The system continually learns the normal behavior of the network and detects deviations from the norm. Within the monitoring system, the measurements are segmented, and features extracted from the segments are used to describe the normal behavior of the measurement variables. This information is combined in the structure of a Bayesian network. The proposed system is thereby able to detect unknown or unseen faults. Experimental results on real network data demonstrate that the proposed system can detect abnormal behavior before a fault actually occurs.
Some further studies on the transition to turbulent convection

In a horizontal convecting layer of fluid, several distinct transitions occur at certain distinct Rayleigh numbers R, for a given Prandtl number Pr. The regime diagram has been extended to include the Prandtl-number range2·5 × 10−2 [les ] Pr [les ] 0·85 × 104.In particular it is found that distinct changes in the slope of the heat-flux curve occur even for Pr = 2·5 × 10−2. The flow is steady up to R = Rt = 2·4 × 103. For R > Rt, the period of oscillation is compared with the theoretical values of Busse. For Pr = 0·71 decreases as well as increases in the slope of the heat-flux curve are observed.For R just greater than Rc, the preferred orientation of rolls in various side-wall geometries is investigated. For high Prandtl number, the effect of curvature of the roll axis, forced by curved side walls, upon the second transition at RII is investigated. It is found that curvature, as well as previously discussed effects, leads to a lowering of RII. These results, along with the observed hysteresis, support the view that there are metastable states attainable by finite amplitude instability. Finally the nature of the time-dependent flow at large R and high Prandtl number is investigated in a Hele-Shaw cell. It is shown unequivocally that the observed periodicity at a fixed point is due to hot or cold plumes moving past the point.
Effect of cinnamon and turmeric on urinary oxalate excretion, plasma lipids, and plasma glucose in healthy subjects.

Background High oxalate intake resulting from consuming supplemental doses of cinnamon and turmeric may increase risk of hyperoxaluria, a significant risk factor for urolithiasis. Objective This study assessed urinary oxalate excretion from supplemental doses of cinnamon and turmeric as well as changes in fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol, and triacylglycerol concentrations. Design Eleven healthy subjects, aged 21-38 y, participated in an 8-wk, randomly assigned, crossover study that involved the ingestion of supplemental doses of cinnamon and turmeric for 4-wk periods that provided 55 mg oxalate/d. Oxalate load tests, which entailed the ingestion of a 63-mg dose of oxalate from the test spices, were performed after each 4-wk experimental period and at the study onset with water only (control treatment). Fasting plasma glucose and lipid concentrations were also assessed at these time points. Results Compared with the cinnamon and control treatments, turmeric ingestion led to a significantly higher urinary oxalate excretion during the oxalate load tests. There were no significant changes in fasting plasma glucose or lipids in conjunction with the 4-wk periods of either cinnamon or turmeric supplementation. Conclusions The percentage of oxalate that was water soluble differed markedly between cinnamon (6%) and turmeric (91%), which appeared to be the primary cause of the greater urinary oxalate excretion/oxalate absorption from turmeric. The consumption of supplemental doses of turmeric, but not cinnamon, can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels, thereby increasing risk of kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals.
Use of CultureSwab Plus Swabs with Amies Gel Agar for Testing of Naris Specimens with the GeneOhm MRSA Assay

The GeneOhm MRSA assay detects nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We compared the use of seeded swabs with liquid Stuart's medium and that of seeded swabs with Amies gel for the assay. Overall, the swabs with liquid Stuart's medium detected significantly greater numbers of MRSA than the swabs with Amies gel (P = 0.0003).
Impact of the leaner P/Q‐type Ca2+ channel mutation on excitatory synaptic transmission in cerebellar Purkinje cells

Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels cause cerebellar ataxia in mice and humans, but the underlying mechanism(s) are unknown. These Ca(2+) channels play important roles in regulating both synaptic transmission and intrinsic membrane properties, and defects in either could contribute to ataxia. Our previous work described changes in intrinsic properties and excitability of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) resulting from the leaner mutation, which is known to reduce whole-cell Ca(2+) currents in PCs and cause severe ataxia. Here we describe the impact of this mutation on excitatory synaptic transmission from parallel and climbing fibres (PFs, CFs) to PCs in acute cerebellar slices. We found that in leaner PCs, PF-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (PF-EPSCs) are approximately 50% smaller, and CF-evoked EPSCs are approximately 80% larger, than in wild-type (WT) mice. To investigate whether reduced presynaptic Ca(2+) entry plays a role in attenuating PF-EPSCs in leaner mice, we examined paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). We found that PPF is enhanced in leaner, suggesting that reduced presynaptic Ca(2+) entry reduces neurotransmitter release at these synapses. Short-term plasticity was unchanged at CF-PC synapses, suggesting that CF-EPSCs are larger in leaner PCs because of increased synapse number or postsynaptic sensitivity, rather than enhanced presynaptic Ca(2+) entry. To investigate the functional impact of the observed EPSC changes, we also compared excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) elicited by PF and CF stimulation in WT and leaner PCs. Importantly, we found that despite pronounced changes in PF- and CF-EPSCs, evoked EPSPs in leaner mice are very similar to those observed in WT animals. These results suggest that changes in synaptic currents and intrinsic properties of PCs produced by the leaner mutation together maintain PC responsiveness to excitatory synaptic inputs. They also implicate other consequences of the leaner mutation as causes of abnormal cerebellar motor control in mutant mice.
Genetic analysis of the β-lactamases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis and susceptibility to β-lactam antibiotics

Mycobacteria produce beta-lactamases and are intrinsically resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. In addition to the beta-lactamases, cell envelope permeability and variations in certain peptidoglycan biosynthetic enzymes are believed to contribute to beta-lactam resistance in these organisms. To allow the study of these additional mechanisms, mutants of the major beta-lactamases, BlaC and BlaS, were generated in the pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain H37Rv and the model organism Mycobacterium smegmatis strain PM274. The mutants M. tuberculosis PM638 (DeltablaC1) and M. smegmatis PM759 (DeltablaS1) showed an increase in susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics, as determined by disc diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The susceptibility of the mutants, as assayed by disc diffusion tests, to penicillin-type beta-lactam antibiotics was affected most, compared to the cephalosporin-type beta-lactam antibiotics. The M. tuberculosis mutant had no detectable beta-lactamase activity, while the M. smegmatis mutant had a residual type 1 beta-lactamase activity. We identified a gene, blaE, encoding a putative cephalosporinase in M. smegmatis. A double beta-lactamase mutant of M. smegmatis, PM976 (DeltablaS1DeltablaE : : res), had no detectable beta-lactamase activity, but its susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics was not significantly different from that of the DeltablaS1 parental strain, PM759. The mutants generated in this study will help determine the contribution of other beta-lactam resistance mechanisms in addition to serving as tools to study the biology of peptidoglycan biosynthesis in these organisms.
IL-10 Produced by Induced Regulatory T Cells (iTregs) Controls Colitis and Pathogenic Ex-iTregs during Immunotherapy

"Natural" regulatory T cells (nTregs) that express the transcription factor Foxp3 and produce IL-10 are required for systemic immunological tolerance. "Induced" regulatory T cells (iTregs) are nonredundant and essential for tolerance at mucosal surfaces, yet their mechanisms of suppression and stability are unknown. We investigated the role of iTreg-produced IL-10 and iTreg fate in a treatment model of inflammatory bowel disease. Colitis was induced in Rag1(-/-) mice by the adoptive transfer of naive CD4(+) T cells carrying a nonfunctional Foxp3 allele. At the onset of weight loss, mice were treated with both iTregs and nTregs where one marked subset was selectively IL-10 deficient. Body weight assessment, histological scoring, cytokine analysis, and flow cytometry were used to monitor disease activity. Transcriptional profiling and TCR repertoire analysis were used to track cell fate. When nTregs were present but IL-10 deficient, iTreg-produced IL-10 was necessary and sufficient for the treatment of disease, and vice versa. Invariably, ∼85% of the transferred iTregs lost Foxp3 expression (ex-iTregs) but retained a portion of the iTreg transcriptome, which failed to limit their pathogenic potential upon retransfer. TCR repertoire analysis revealed no clonal relationships between iTregs and ex-iTregs, either within mice or between mice treated with the same cells. These data identify a dynamic IL-10-dependent functional reciprocity between regulatory T cell subsets that maintains mucosal tolerance. The niche supporting stable iTregs is limited and readily saturated, which promotes a large population of ex-iTregs with pathogenic potential during immunotherapy.
Influence of Sex Steroid Hormones on Rat Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor and Somatostatin in Dispersed Pituitary Cells*

The modulatory effects of glucocorticoid and sex steroid hormones on the effects of rat GH-releasing factor (GRF) and somatostatin (SRIF) on GH release and biosynthesis were studied in monolayer cultures of rat anterior pituitary cells with RIA and quantitative immunoprecipitation methods. Dexamethasone (10(-7) M), a potent synthetic glucocorticoid, increased both the sensitivity and maximum response of GH release stimulated by GRF. Progesterone (10(-7) M) also enhanced GH release stimulated by GRF. The stimulatory effects of dexamethasone and progesterone were dose dependent and required a latent period of at least 24 h to be evident. Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and 17 beta-estradiol showed no apparent influence on GRF-induced GH release under the same conditions. None of the hormones studied showed significant influences on basal or SRIF-suppressed GH release. Progesterone added to the maximally effective concentrations of dexamethasone had no additional effects on GRF-induced GH release. The effect of progesterone was attenuated by both 5 alpha-dihydronorethindrone, a progesterone antagonist and 17 alpha-methyltestosterone, a glucocorticoid antagonist. In terms of GH synthesis, stimulatory effects of GRF on GH synthesis were apparent only when pituitary cells were pretreated with dexamethasone. These results indicate that: pretreatment with glucocorticoid or progesterone enhances the effects of GRF on GH release and/or synthesis; these two steroids share at least one common step to enhance GRF effects; and steroid hormones have little influence on basal or SRIF-suppressed GH release.
Erythrocyte macrocytosis in feline leukemia virus associated anemia

Using erythrocyte volume distribution histograms (erythrograms), erythrocyte macrocytosis and anisocytosis were quantitated in 139 cats tested for feline leukemia virus group-specific antigen. Feline leukemia virus-negative cats with non-regenerative anemia or normal packed cell volumes had normal mean corpuscular volume values. Uninfected cats with regenerative anemia had prominent significantly increased macrocytosis and anisocytosis (p less than 0.01). Ninety percent of 62 feline leukemia virus-positive cats had altered erythrograms. Thirty-three feline leukemia virus-positive cats with non-regenerative anemia had marked macrocytosis. Their mean corpuscular volume values (mean 60 fl +/- 2 fl standard error, reference range of 37-49 fl) were significantly greater than those of feline leukemia virus-negative cats except for those with regenerative anemia. Feline leukemia virus-positive, non-anemic cats had significantly increased mean corpuscular volume values of intermediate magnitude. Nine adult cats experimentally infected with feline leukemia virus developed non-regenerative anemia with significant increases in mean corpuscular volume and anisocytosis. However, the macrocytosis observed in these cats was considerably less than in naturally occurring feline leukemia virus-positive cats with non-regenerative anemia. These observations indicate there are events in the pathogenesis of feline leukemia virus-associated anemia other than simple erythroid hypoplasia. We suggest that hemolysis and erythrocyte regeneration occur before erythroid hypoplasia and may partially account for macrocytosis observed in the face of non-regenerative anemia.
Cholecystokinin and EGF activate a MAPK cascade by different mechanisms in rat pancreatic acinar cells

The effects of activating the Gqprotein-coupled cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor on different proteins/signaling molecules in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade in pancreatic acinar ...
A Machine Learning Approach to Automated Design Classification, Association and Retrieval

Acquisition and recall of associations between problem descriptions and solutions is a critical task of case based design systems. The organization of design knowledge impacts the quality of inference and support a designer may derive from a case based system. Machine learning over case data may be used to create an intelligent interface between designer requirements and available design knowledge. Such an interface assists the designer in navigating the case base for effective case based retrieval. This paper explores two neural architectures based upon the Adaptive Resonance Theory for automated generation of design representations useful during the preliminary stages of case based retrieval. A standard bridge design case base is used to demonstrate the approach.
Biocompatibility of supercritical CO2-treated titanium implants in a rat model.

Supercritical phase CO 2 is a promising method for sterilizing implantable devices and tissue grafts. The goal of this study is to evaluate the biocompatibility of titanium implants sterilized by supercritical phase CO 2 in a rat subcutaneous implantation model. At 5 weeks post implantation titanium implants sterilized by supercritical phase CO 2 produce a soft tissue reaction that is comparable to other methods of sterilization (steam autoclave, ultraviolet light radiation, ethylene oxide gas, and radio-frequency glow-discharge), as indicated by the thickness and density of the foreign body capsule, although there were some differences on the capillary density. Overall the soft tissue response to the implants was similar among all methods of sterilization, indicating supercritical phase CO 2 treatment did not compromise the biocompatibility of the titanium implant.
Ephrin-A1 induces tumor cell migration via a Rho GTPase and Jak kinase-dependent pathway

5471 It is increasingly clear that the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases play a critical role in tumor progression. In particular, one family member, the EphA2 receptor, is overexpressed in both tumor cells and tumor endothelium in a variety of cancers. In addition, the extent of EphA2 overexpression correlates with tumor malignancy. In this study using a cell culture model system and a soluble ligand molecule, we show that ephrin-A1 induces tumor cell migration by activating members of the Rho family of GTPases and Jak kinases. The Ephrin-A1 ligand also induces EphA2 internalization via a clathrin-mediated endocytic pathway. Blocking EphA2 receptor endocytosis either by potassium depletion or sucrose pre-treatment results in sustained EphA2 receptor phosphorylation and Jak kinase activation. These results suggest a role for EphA2 receptor endocytosis in down-regulation of EphA2 signaling. We are currently dissecting signaling events downstream of Rho and Jak that regulate tumor cell migration. We are also exploring alternative signaling pathways that may require EphA2 receptor internalization.
Standardization of ABO Typing Sera for the Manual Microplate Technique

This study outlines the standardization of ABO typing sera for the manual microplate technique. This investigation was started after the authors experienced 43 discrepancies and three errors in 150,000 ABO determinations over a 30-month period. To determine the working dilution of typing sera, the authors found it important to use subgroups of A weaker than A2 and A2B. The sensitivity of the test system was increased by including a roomtemperature incubation before reading the results. The importance of using freshly collected reagent cells is also demonstrated.
In vitro Action of Urea-Sulfonamide Mixtures

SummaryContrary to previous reports the present experiments indicate that concentrations of urea which are not bacteriostatic do not counteract sulfonamide inhibitors, nor do they potentiate the bacteriostatic action of the sulfonamides against resistant organisms. High concentrations of urea have a bacteriostatic action of their own which may be of value when they are used in combination with the sulfonamides.
Studies of Laser Annealed GaAs (100), (110) and (111) Surfaces

The surface regions of (100), (110) and (111) oriented single crystals of GaAs have been investigated by the combine techniques of LEED, AES and RBS subsequent to their irradiation in UHV with the output of a Q–switched, ruby laser (0.15−0.8 J/cm2, 15 × 10−9 sec). Clean surfaces, as determined by AES, were obtained after Ar+ sputtering followed by laser irradiation. LEED observations indicate that the degree of disorder in the outermost surface layers remaining after irradiation depends on the crystal orientation. Although the relative intensities of Ga and As Auger transitions in spectra obtained from sputtered and laser annealed surfaces are similar, the differences in lineshape in these spectra of the M2,3M4,5M4,5 Ga Auger transition indicate that in the laser annealed case there are local regions which are nonstoichiometric. These observations are confirmed by RBS results, and this technique has been used to determine the stoichiometry and to characterize the damage in the subsurface region for all orientations.
Multi‐model analysis of the Atlantic influence on Southern Amazon rainfall

Amazon rainfall is subject to year-to-year fluctuation resulting in drought and flood in various intensities. A major climatic driver of the interannual variation of the Amazon rainfall is El Nino/Southern Oscillation. Also, the Sea Surface Temperature over the Atlantic Ocean is identified as an important climatic driver on the Amazon water cycle. Previously, observational datasets were used to support the Atlantic influence on Amazon rainfall. Furthermore, it is found that multiple global climate models do reproduce the Atlantic-Amazon link robustly. However, there exist differences in rainfall response, which primarily depends on the climatological rainfall amount.
Sanitary Status of Suppliesand Utensils in Public Places in Tonghai County,2011-2013

Objective To analyze the sanitary status of supplies and utensils in public places in Tonghai county,so as to provide basis for better supervising the sanitation of public places.Methods Data of health monitoring on supplies and utensils in public places in Tonghai in 2011-2013 were statistically analyzed.Results Among the total 1 355 samples of supplies and utensils,1 185 were qualified(87.45%).The qualified rate of hotels(94.09%) was the highest while of places of entertainment(78.71%) was the lowest.Of all the samples,bedclothes exhibited the highest qualified rate(98.17%) while cups exhibited the lowest(76.17%).Conclusion The supervision and monitoring of washing,disinfection and sanitary condition of supplies and utensils in entertainment should be strengthened.
A randomized, controlled trial of recombinant alpha-interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis B.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of recombinant alpha-interferon in chronic hepatitis B. METHODS Patients were stratified at entry according to their serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values, randomized to receive alpha-interferon (alfa-2b, 10 million units three times weekly) or to be untreated controls for 16 wk. Effect of therapy on levels of hepatitis B viral (HBV) DNA and aminotransferase activities in serum and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status was monitored. RESULTS Forty-seven patients entered the trial; 11 of 25 (44%) patients receiving interferon responded by clearing HBeAg and HBV DNA within 6 months, compared to one of 22 (5%) controls (p 100 U/L, 60% responded. Within the 6-month study period, 36% of treated patients had normal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values, and 16% had cleared hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) from serum, whereas none of the controls had normal ALT values or had lost HBsAg. Interferon was stopped early in three patients (6.5%), and dosage was reduced in a further 16 patients (35%) because of adverse effects. Predictive factors for a response were the pretreatment serum ALT and AST activities. CONCLUSIONS alpha-Interferon therapy (three times weekly) is relatively well tolerated and is effective in clearing HBeAg and HBV DNA in approximately one-third of treated patients.
The Intersection of GERD, Aspiration, and Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation is a radical but life-saving treatment option for patients with end-stage lung diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and scleroderma. In light of the proposed association and controversy linking gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to IPF and lung transplant outcome, the American Gastroenterological Association convened during the DDW in Washington in May 2015 a multidisciplinary group of experts in the field of GERD and lung transplantation to make considerations about the care of these patients based on available data and subsequent expert panel discussion at this symposium. The following topics were discussed: (1) pathophysiology of GERD-induced pulmonary symptoms, (2) GERD evaluation before and after lung transplantation, (3) outcome of lung transplantation for IPF and scleroderma, and (4) role of laparoscopic fundoplication before or after lung transplantation.
You’ve Come a Long Way Baby!

Current challenges in opiate pharmacology today are remarkably similar to those almost 40 years ago, when opiate receptors were first identified. There are two key problems to be resolved: (1) We need less-addicting opiates. (2) An understanding of addiction is lacking. Characterization of opiate receptors led to insights into the differentiation of agonists and antagonists. As mixed agonist–antagonists are less addicting, there were hopes for more effective, safer drugs – but these hopes have largely gone unrealized. Appreciation of opioid peptides as endogenous ligands for receptors portended promised further insights into addiction – but we still do not understand the fundamentals of the field. Cloning of receptors and creation of knockouts for them may help answer some of these questions.
Optimal Plasma Transfusion in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Operations With Massive Transfusion

Background Observational studies suggest that transfusion of high ratios of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to red blood cells (RBCs) reduces mortality in severe hemorrhage. There are no studies examining the impact of the FFP to RBC transfusion ratio on mortality in massively transfused patients undergoing cardiac operations. Methods A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed over an 8.5-year period. Massive transfusion was defined as at least 8 RBC units administered during the operation. Patients were classified as having received a high FFP/RBC ratio (greater than 1:1), a moderate ratio (between 1:1 and 1:2), or a low ratio ( Results Of 7,492 patients undergoing cardiac operations, 452 (6%) were massively transfused. Thirty-day mortality was 25.4% and in-hospital mortality was 30.6%. Patients with a high transfusion ratio had improved 30-day survival when compared with those with a low ratio (hazard ratio [HR] for death, 0.339; p = 0.002). High transfusion ratios were also associated with fewer reoperations for bleeding, less renal failure, more prolonged ventilation, and more atrial fibrillation compared with low ratios. Conclusions A high transfusion ratio may improve survival in patients undergoing cardiac operations with massive intraoperative transfusion but may increase the risk for prolonged ventilation and atrial fibrillation.
Discussion Networks, Issues, and Perceptions of Polarization in the American Electorate

Drawing on the sizable literature on polarization in the American public, we consider the link between discussion network composition and perceptions of polarization. Participants in the 2008–2009 ANES panel study were asked to complete an innovative battery; they interactively moved histograms to rate other groups’ positions on several prominent issues. These novel exercises provide data on individuals’ projections of the average attitudes of others, but critically, they also provide data on the variability of such attitudes. Thus, we use these “response-distributions” to thoroughly assess (1) the relationship between network characteristics and perceptions of the distance between party opinions, and (2) the relationship between network characteristics and perceptions of the homogeneity of opinions within parties. We find evidence that discussion networks track with individual perceptions of the parties in the electorate: exposure to interpersonal disagreement predicts the perception of less distance between (the mean opinions of) the parties, and the reporting of more heterogeneity of opinion within the parties. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for democratic functioning more generally.
The Effect of Loading Orientation on the Stress Corrosion Cracking of Al-Mg Alloys

The effect of loading orientation (S-L versus T-L) on intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) behavior was assessed in AA5083 and AA5456 in two tempers (-H116, -H131) at nitric acid mass loss test (NAMLT) levels of 24 mg/cm2 and 40 mg/cm2. Regardless of temper or composition, loading in the T-L orientation demonstrated reduced susceptibility to IGSCC as a result of delamination toughening caused by fissure propagation in the L-T plane. Electron backscatter detection analysis confirmed these fissures to be intergranular, and the fissure size/density increased in plane strain constraint conditions toward the center of the specimen. Occurrence of these out-of-plane fissures was validated by testing on NAMLT of 10 mg/cm2 and 67 mg/cm2 AA5456-H116, although delamination propagation occurred only under full immersion in 0.6 M NaCl, and not testing (fatigue or slow rising displacement) conducted in moist air. These delamination phenomena are understood further through application of a hydrogen-enhanced d...
The Value of Clean Air: Comparing Discounting of Delayed Air Quality and Money Across Magnitudes

The detrimental health effects of exposure to air pollution are well established. Fostering behavioral change concerning air quality may be challenging because the detrimental health effects of exposure to air pollution are delayed. Delay discounting, a measure of impulsive choice, encapsulates this process of choosing between the immediate conveniences of behaviors that increase pollution and the delayed consequences of prolonged exposure to poor air quality. In Experiment 1, participants completed a series of delay-discounting tasks for air quality and money. We found that participants discounted delayed air quality more than money. In Experiment 2, we investigated whether the common finding that large amounts of money are discounted less steeply than small amounts of money generalized to larger and smaller improvements in air quality. Participants discounted larger improvements in air quality less steeply than smaller improvements, indicating that the discounting of air quality shares a similar process as the discounting of money. Our results indicate that the discounting of delayed money is strongly related to the discounting of delayed air quality and that similar mechanisms may be involved in the discounting of these qualitatively different outcomes. These data are also the first to demonstrate the malleability of delay discounting of air quality, and provide important public health implications for decreasing delay discounting of air quality.
Reaction time to onset and cessation of a visual stimulus

An experiment was conducted to determine if differences exist in reaction time to onset and cessation of a large, bright, foveal light. Out of 21 replications of the experiment, eight differences, split equally between the two types of reactions, were significant. These findings are attributed to the trained subjects’ sensitivity to momentary fluctuations in their physiological and psychological states. It is concluded that no differences between the two types of reaction are apparent at these parameters.
Transient nature of negative capacitance in ferroelectric field-effect transistors

Abstract Negative capacitance (NC) in ferroelectrics, which stems from the imperfect screening of polarization, is considered a viable approach to lower voltage operation in the field-effect transistors (FETs) used in logic switches. In this paper, we discuss the implications of the transient nature of negative capacitance for its practical application. It is suggested that the NC effect needs to be characterized at the proper time scale to identify the type of circuits where functional NC-FETs can be used effectively.
New options for the management of chronic hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a frequently detected electrolyte abnormality that can cause life-threatening complications. Hyperkalemia is most often the result of intrinsic (decreased glomerular filtration rate; selective reduction in distal tubule secretory function; impaired mineralocorticoid activity; and metabolic disturbances, such as acidemia and hyperglycemia) and extrinsic factors (e.g., drugs, such as renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, and potassium intake). The frequent use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in patients who are already susceptible to hyperkalemia (e.g., patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, or congestive heart failure) contributes to the high incidence of hyperkalemia. There is a need to understand the causes of hyperkalemia and to be aware of strategies addressing the disorder in a way that provides the most optimal outcome for affected patients. The recent development of 2 new oral potassium-binding agents has led to the emergence of a new paradigm in the treatment of hyperkalemia.
Cases 1–26

A 51-year-old Caucasian man presents to your outpatient clinic with abnormal liver enzymes for several years. He is accompanied by his wife. He is asymptomatic without evidence of jaundice, fever or chills, weight loss. He has no past medical history and is on no prescribed medication. He denies any over the counter or herbal medicines. He does not drink significantly (once or twice a year) but smokes a packet of cigarettes a day and works as a salesman. He is happily married with grown up children. There is no history of intravenous drug use or cocaine. His father had Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Giant Cell Arteritis: Practical Pearls and Updates

The purpose of this review is to summarize recent updates and distill practical points from the literature which can be applied to the care of patients with suspected and confirmed giant cell arteritis (GCA). Contemporary thinking implicates a fundamental failure of T regulatory cell function in GCA pathophysiology, representing opportunity for novel therapeutic avenues. Tocilizumab has become the first Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for GCA following demonstration of efficacy and safety in a phase 3 clinical trial. There have been significant parallel advances in both our understanding of GCA pathophysiology and treatment. Tocilizumab, and other agents currently under investigation in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, presents a new horizon of hope for both disease remission and avoidance of glucocorticoid-related complications.
Surface-agnostic highly stretchable and bendable conductive MXene multilayers

Stretchable, bendable, and foldable conductive coatings are crucial for wearable electronics and biometric sensors. These coatings should maintain functionality while simultaneously interfacing with different types of surfaces undergoing mechanical deformation. MXene sheets as conductive two-dimensional nanomaterials are promising for this purpose, but it is still extremely difficult to form surface-agnostic MXene coatings that can withstand extreme mechanical deformation. We report on conductive and conformal MXene multilayer coatings that can undergo large-scale mechanical deformation while maintaining a conductivity as high as 2000 S/m. MXene multilayers are successfully deposited onto flexible polymer sheets, stretchable poly(dimethylsiloxane), nylon fiber, glass, and silicon. The coating shows a recoverable resistance response to bending (up to 2.5-mm bending radius) and stretching (up to 40% tensile strain), which was leveraged for detecting human motion and topographical scanning. We anticipate that this discovery will allow for the implementation of MXene-based coatings onto mechanically deformable objects.
From neoliberalism to structural racism: Problem framing in a teacher activist organization

AbstractPhiladelphia’s teacher-led activist group, the Caucus of Working Educators, has displayed shifts in how it frames the central problems facing public education since its emergence in 2014. I...
Chandrasekhar's Fluid Dynamics

Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar (1910–1995) is justly famous for his lasting contributions to topics such as white dwarfs and black holes (which led to his Nobel Prize), stellar structure and dynamics, ...
Breaking through the barrier: Finally hope for patients with cardiac amyloidosis

Tafamidis improves survival, reduces hospitalizations, and preserves quality of life and exercise tolerance for patients with cardiac amyloidosis.
How do migratory fish populations respond to barrier removal in spawning and nursery grounds

Connection between critical habitats is an important consideration in efforts to restore native and socio-economically important fish species or control the spread of invasive species. However, differences in fish life history might influence the effectiveness of restoration and management actions. In addition, the strength of connection among spatially separate subpopulations could affect the response of the overall population to a local environmental change. In this study, we modeled the response of migratory fish populations with different homing rates, straying distances, and reproductive modes (iteroparity and semelparity) to changes in the carrying capacity of spawning/nursery grounds in a lake-stream system. Increasing the carrying capacity of one spawning/nursery ground could increase the abundance of the local subpopulation and overall population, but both short-term (i.e., abundance change in the first 20 years) and long-term (i.e., equilibrium abundance) responses varied with life history traits. Furthermore, the abundance of some subpopulations might decrease because of the movement of straying adults toward more productive spawning/nursery grounds. In general, straying distance influenced the short-term response and spatial pattern of the population while homing rate influenced the equilibrium abundance. This study revealed the effect of life history traits on population response to restoration actions, which may be crucial for managers in charge of multi-species management, such as enhancing native fishes while controlling invasive species.
How do nurses' work arrangements influence nurse managers' communication? A qualitative study.

Aim To understand how nurses' work arrangements influence nurse managers' communication with their nurses. Background Transient work relations affect nurse coordination and the way nurse managers work, especially since giving feedback is an important managerial responsibility. Method Semi-structured interviews conducted between June 2016 and November 2017. Results Although professional communication on direct patient care is mostly standardized, nurses' work arrangements influence how nurse managers mentor and provide feedback. Conclusion Facilities must explore avenues to provide nurse managers with adequate resources so that they can mentor both permanent and temporary nurses to their full professional potential. The implementation of formal mentoring programmes is important to ensure that temporary nurses receive the same information and support that permanent nurses receive and that permanent nurses feel comfortable to critically evaluate information from trusted sources. Implications for nursing management Nurse managers with limited mentoring resources may have to make practical decisions on whom they mentor, but this practical approach becomes a problem when nurses who do not receive adequate mentoring bring their deficiencies to other facilities. The rise in alternative work arrangements requires a shift in thinking about mentoring as a managerial responsibility to improve nursing care delivery universally and not unit specific.
Temporal stitching in burst-mode filamentation

The creation of single optical filaments in air is bound by constraints on laser power, divergence, wavelength, pulse duration, and atmospheric parameters. The consequential characteristics of the filaments produced limit some potential applications, particularly those related to a filament’s spatial and temporal extent. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, the temporal concatenation or stitching of up to 32 filaments, each separated by times typically ∼0.5ns, forming a single stream of coaxial filamenting laser pulses.