cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adaptive force regulation of muscle strengthening rehabilitation device with magnetorheological fluids

In rehabilitation from neuromuscular trauma or injury, strengthening exercises are often prescribed by physical therapists to recover as much function as possible. Strengthening equipment used in clinical settings range from low-cost devices, such as sandbag weights or elastic bands to large and expensive isotonic and isokinetic devices. The low-cost devices are incapable of measuring strength gains and apply resistance based on the lowest level of torque that is produced by a muscle group. Resistance that varies with joint angle can be achieved with isokinetic devices in which angular velocity is held constant and variable torque is generated when the patient attempts to move faster than the device but are ineffective if a patient cannot generate torque rapidly. In this paper, we report the development of a versatile rehabilitation device that can be used to strengthen different muscle groups based on the torque generating capability of the muscle that changes with joint angle. The device is low cost, is smaller than other commercially available machines, and can be programmed to apply resistance that is unique to a particular patient and that will optimize strengthening. The core of the device, a damper with smart magnetorheological fluids, provides passive exercise force. A digital adaptive control is capable of regulating exercise force precisely following the muscle strengthening profile prescribed by a physical therapist. The device could be programmed with artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust the target force profile to optimize rehabilitation effects. The device provides both isometric and isokinetic strength training and can be developed into a small, low-cost device that may be capable of providing optimal strengthening in the home.
LCD Display Strength: Why Edge Preparation Matters

The structural strength of liquid crystal displays (LCD) is largely controlled by the quality of the glass edges, since most fractures originate at an edge. This paper reviews the failure mechanism of glass and the importance of edge preparation. Various edges preparation techniques are described and their effect on edge strength is discussed.
The hidden effect of hearing acuity on speech recall, and compensatory effects of self-paced listening.

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this research was to determine whether negative effects of hearing loss on recall accuracy for spoken narratives can be mitigated by allowing listeners to control the rate of speech input. Design: Paragraph-length narratives were presented for recall under two listening conditions in a within-participants design: presentation without interruption (continuous) at an average speech-rate of 150 words per minute; and presentation interrupted at periodic intervals at which participants were allowed to pause before initiating the next segment (self-paced). Study sample: Participants were 24 adults ranging from 21 to 33 years of age. Half had age-normal hearing acuity and half had mild- to-moderate hearing loss. The two groups were comparable for age, years of formal education, and vocabulary. Results: When narrative passages were presented continuously, without interruption, participants with hearing loss recalled significantly fewer story elements, both main ideas and narrativ...
Inhalation of ultrafine carbon particles alters heart rate and heart rate variability in people with type 2 diabetes.

Background: Diabetes may confer an increased risk for the cardiovascular health effects of particulate air pollution, but few human clinical studies of air pollution have included people with diabetes. Ultrafine particles (UFP, ≤100 nm in diameter) have been hypothesized to be an important component of particulate air pollution with regard to cardiovascular health effects. Methods: 17 never-smoker subjects 30–60 years of age, with stable type 2 diabetes but otherwise healthy, inhaled either filtered air (0–10 particles/cm 3 ) or elemental carbon UFP (~10 7 particles/cm 3 , ~50 ug/m 3 , count median diameter 32 nm) by mouthpiece, for 2 hours at rest, in a double-blind, randomized, crossover study design. A digital 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded continuously for 48 hours, beginning 1 hour prior to exposure. Results: Analysis of 5-minute segments of the ECG during quiet rest showed reduced high-frequency heart rate variability with UFP relative to air exposure (p = 0.014), paralleled by non-significant reductions in time-domain heart rate variability parameters. In the analysis of longer durations of the ECG, we found that UFP exposure increased the heart rate relative to air exposure. During the 21- to 45-hour interval after exposure, the average heart rate increased approximately 8 beats per minute with UFP, compared to 5 beats per minute with air (p = 0.045). There were no UFP effects on cardiac rhythm or repolarization. Conclusions: Inhalation of elemental carbon ultrafine particles alters heart rate and heart rate variability in people with type 2 diabetes. Our findings suggest that effects may occur and persist hours after a single 2-hour exposure.
Shoulder rotator torque and wheelchair dependence differences of national wheelchair basketball association players

Abstract Objective: Shoulder rotator muscle imbalances can contribute to subacromial impingement. The forces and movement patterns of wheelchair locomotion may contribute to these imbalances. This study attempted to determine whether National Wheelchair Basketball Association players of differing classifications had significant differences ( p ≤.05) in concentric isokinetic peak shoulder rotator torque and torque ratios, and wheelchair locomotion dependence. Design: Fifty-seven (class 1=12, class 2=24, class 3=21) of 117 total tournament participants (class 1=25, class 2=49, class 3=43) served as the convenience sample of volunteers for the survey portion, and 33 of these subjects (class 1=11, class 2=12, class 3=10) also entered the isokinetic portion of this study. Setting: National wheelchair basketball tournament. Results: Class 1 and 2 players had greater wheelchair dependence than class 3 players ( p ≤ .05). Peak torque or torque ratios generally did not differ among player classifications or with other populations. Class 1 players had weaker nondominant shoulder external rotator torque production at 60°/sec ( p ≤ .03) compared with other classes and at 180°/sec compared with class 3 players ( p = .02), suggesting an inability to develop the "attenuation of dominance" noted among other groups. Diminished torque-producing capacity at 60°/sec related to greater wheelchair dependence among class 1 players ( p = .034). Conclusions: Class 1 players failed to demonstrate the acquired shoulder external rotator torque symmetry evident among class 2 and 3 players (with specific weakness of the nondominant shoulder external rotators). This torque symmetry difference was related to their greater dependence on wheelchair locomotion.
Some Thoughts on Proficiency Testing in Forensic Toxicology

Proficiency testing in forensic toxicology is now In the Initial stages of development; the time is right for forensic toxicologists to influence the form it takes. This paper discusses the benefits of proficiency testing to the practicing toxicologist, enumerates desirable features for such programs and considers the role of drug metabolites in proficiency testing.
Functional diversification of two UGT80 enzymes required for steryl glucoside synthesis in Arabidopsis

Steryl glucosides (SG) are abundant steroid conjugates in plant membranes. Beyond structural roles in lipid bilayers, functions in sugar transport, storage, and/or signalling are predicted. UDP-glucose:sterol glucosyltransferase 80A2 (UGT80A2) and UGT80B1, which share similarity to fungal counterparts, are implicated in SG synthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. A third related enzyme, which seems specific to the plant lineage, is encoded by UGT713B1/At5g24750. Genetic and biochemical approaches were employed to determine the role of each UGT gene in the production of specific SGs and acyl SGs (ASGs). Using direct infusion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS), SG and acyl SG (ASG) contents of ugt80 and ugt713 mutants, and triple and double mutants were profiled in seeds. In vitro enzyme assays were performed to assay substrate preferences. Both UGT80A2 and UGT80B1, but not UGT713B1 were shown to be coordinately down-regulated during seed imbibition when SG levels decline, consistent with similar functions as UGT80 enzymes. UGT80A2 was found to be required for normal levels of major SGs in seeds, whereas UGT80B1 is involved in accumulation of minor SG and ASG compounds. Although the results demonstrate specific activities for UGT80A2 and UGT80B1, a role for UGT713B1 in SG synthesis was not supported. The data show that UGT80A2, the more highly conserved enzyme, is responsible for the bulk production of SGs in seeds, whereas UGT80B1 plays a critical accessory role. This study extends our knowledge of UGT80 enzymes and provides evidence for specialized functions for distinct classes of SG and ASG molecules in plants.
Social Ties and Colorectal Cancer Screening among Blacks and Whites in North Carolina

Few studies have examined the relationship between social networks and colorectal cancer screening in diverse populations. Prior research suggests that the type of social support as well as the amount or frequency of support available from one's social network may be associated with health outcomes. Therefore, the current study examined relationships between both structural (i.e., quantitative aspects of the social network, such as number of ties and frequency of contact with ties) and functional (i.e., functions provided by social network ties, such as offering emotional or instrumental support) aspects of social ties and utilization of colorectal cancer screening tests. Analyses included 697 randomly selected Blacks and Whites ages 51 to 80 years enrolled as controls in the North Carolina Colon Cancer Study. Social tie and screening information was obtained from face-to-face interviews. Forty-seven percent of participants (40% Blacks and 51% Whites) reported use of one of the options for colorectal cancer screening according to the guidelines at that time. Compared with those with the fewest social connections, those who were most socially connected were more likely to report recent use of colorectal cancer screening [odds ratio (OR), 3.2; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.7-6.2]. This association was stronger among Blacks (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.3-10.7) than Whites (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2-6.9; P for interaction = 0.006). There were also positive associations between being a church group (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.4-2.7) and other group member (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.2) and screening. Neither emotional (e.g., offering reassurance that one is cared for) nor instrumental (e.g., giving material assistance) support was associated with screening behavior. These data suggest that structural rather than functional aspects of social ties may be important in influencing colorectal cancer screening behavior.
Retrovirus infected cells contain viral microRNAs

The encoding of microRNAs in retroviral genomes has remained a controversial hypothesis despite significant supporting evidence in recent years. A recent publication demonstrating the production of functional miRNAs from the retrovirus bovine leukemia virus adds further credence to the fact that retroviruses do indeed encode their own miRNAs. Here we comment on the importance of this paper to the field, as well as examine the other known examples of miRNAs encoded by RNA viruses.
HELPING OTHER CEOS AVOID BAD PRESS:IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT SUPPORT AMONG CEOS TOWARDS JOURNALISTS

A key limitation of impression management as a social influence tactic is that it can be interpreted as self-serving, and thus less credible to the influence target. In this study we examine an alt...
Yoga, Mindful Eating, and Weight Management

Physical inactivity, overweight, and obesity are serious issues plaguing the American public. The extent to which regular yoga participation may be associated with the adoption and maintenance of health enhancing behaviors necessitates further investigation. Through a mixed method of inquiry, this study investigated the exercise and eating habits of adults who participate in yoga on a regular basis exploring facets of mindful eating, exercise habits, and body mass index. Survey packets were distributed across seven yoga studios and fitness facilities in central New Jersey; 87 adults with a mean age of 47 years self-selected to participate. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected including a Mindful Eating Questionnaire, a 7-Day Physical Activity Recall, height and weight, yoga tenure recorded in months/years of consistent yoga participation, and average daily fruit and vegetable intake. Results showed that mindful eating was inversely correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) and that 72% of the yoga participants had a BMI of 24.9 or less, placing them in the normal weight category. A significant difference existed in mindful eating score relative to yoga tenure and vegetable and fruit intake relative to yoga tenure. Participants reported a mean of 239 minutes of weekly exercise other than yoga participation. Qualitative data were collected through two open-ended questions to ascertain the participantsâ€™ perceptions of yoga and their health-related behaviors; the data revealed that 87% of participants felt yoga enhanced their exercise adherence and 91% reported yoga promoted the adoption of positive health habits. The results suggest that yoga participation is associated with mindful eating and the adoption and maintenance of other positive health-related outcomes such as regular physical activity and weight management
Durkheim’s Individual

Puzzles over the nature of the individual mount, unanswered, in the course of the Rules and Suicide. The Baconian doctrine of idola supplies us with a picture of the nature of falsity in thinking about individual action, and of the inadequacies of intentional language. ‘Currents’, impulses, and the rest are the ‘scientific’ terms Durkheim himself used in action explanations, and these suggest a picture of the individual. His comments in the preface to the second edition of the Rules on the analogies between the psychological laws governing the combination of and “the manner in which social representations adhere to and repel one another, how they fuse or separate from one another, etc.” (1964, p. li; 1982, pp. 41–42; 1937, p. xix) and the laws of sociology governing collective representations are suggestive. But how do they fit together, and how do they fit into the logic of his argument and his practice? Other questions, of where the composition of causes occurs, and about the details of the causal mechanisms involved, of the relation between ‘impulses’, individual predispositions, and various social facts, arise from Durkheim’s own usages. His technical usages, particularly his statistical methods, also raise questions about his individual as a real, causal structure.
Chagas disease: are we there yet?

Hotez et al.1 described Chagas Disease as the “new HIV/AIDS of the Americas” in 2012, three years after the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Chagas disease. Three more years have passed: has this description born out? As immigration from Latin America, the traditional locus of Trypanosoma cruzi infections, continues to increase, are care providers seeing more of the disease in emergency rooms or in offices? And what about the blood supply - how safe is it from Chagas disease? And if not, what can we do to guarantee its safety? There have been several excellent clinical reviews on Chagas over the years, including but not limited to the recent Bern paper in NEMJ2 and Rassi’s in Lancet in 20103. Additional studies have emerged that investigate the epidemiology of Chagas outside of South America, in small and large cities, often using transfusion as the vehicle for case diagnosis, and show a higher prevalence than expected4–12. However there has been no review of transfusion studies that covers the best practices in transfusion medicine when confronting this now worldwide pathogen. This is particularly critical today given the geographic and therefore knowledge gap between medicine in traditional Chagas strongholds in the Southern Hemisphere and the disease’s new world in Europe and the United States. This issue of Blood Transfusion addresses this urgent need; beyond giving an up to date, accessible overview of Chagas disease, it combines what we know today about the geography of T. cruzi outside of South America with the best practices of large transfusion centers in securing the blood supply13. Angheben and Colleagues provide an opportunity for readers to become both current on Chagas disease and learn about the different strategies to reduce its transmission.
Climate policy under uncertainty: a case for solar geoengineering

Solar Radiation Management (SRM) has two characteristics that make it useful for managing climate risk: it is quick and it is cheap. SRM cannot, however, perfectly offset CO2-driven climate change, and its use introduces novel climate and environmental risks. We introduce SRM in a simple economic model of climate change that is designed to explore the interaction between uncertainty in the climate's response to CO2 and the risks of SRM in the face of carbon-cycle inertia. The fact that SRM can be implemented quickly, reducing the effects of inertia, makes it a valuable tool to manage climate risks even if it is relatively ineffective at compensating for CO2-driven climate change or if its costs are large compared to traditional abatement strategies. Uncertainty about SRM is high, and decision makers must decide whether or not to commit to research that might reduce this uncertainty. We find that even modest reductions in uncertainty about the side- effects of SRM can reduce the overall costs of climate change in the order of 10%.
Contribution of Facial Feature Dimensions and Velocity Parameters on Particle Inhalability

To examine whether the actual dimensions of human facial features are important to the development of a low-velocity inhalable particulate mass sampling criterion, this study evaluated the effect of facial feature dimensions (nose and lips) on estimates of aspiration efficiency of inhalable particles using computational fluid dynamics modeling over a range of indoor air and breathing velocities. Fluid flow and particle transport around four humanoid forms with different facial feature dimensions were simulated. All forms were facing the wind (0.2, 0.4 m s(-1)), and breathing was simulated with constant inhalation (1.81, 4.3, 12.11 m s(-1)). The fluid flow field was solved using standard k-epsilon turbulence equations, and laminar particle trajectories were used to determine critical areas defining inhaled particles. The critical areas were then used to compute the aspiration efficiency of the mouth-breathing humanoid. One-tailed t-tests indicated that models with larger nose and lip features resulted in significantly lower aspiration efficiencies than geometries with smaller features, but the shape of the orifice into the mouth (rounded rectangle versus elliptical) had no effect on aspiration efficiency. While statistically significant, the magnitudes of differences were small: on average, the large nose reduced aspiration efficiency by 6.5% and the large lips reduced aspiration efficiency by 3.2%. In comparison, a change in breathing velocity from at-rest to heavy increased aspiration efficiency by an average of 21% over all particle sizes, indicating a much greater impact of aspiration efficiency on breathing rate in the facing-the-wind orientation. Linear regression models confirmed that particle diameter and breathing velocity were significant predictors to the aspiration fraction, while the facial feature dimensions were not significant contributors to a unifying model. While these effects may be less pronounced as the orientation changes from facing-the-wind, their impact confirms the importance of breathing velocity and, to a lesser extent, facial feature dimensions on exposure estimates in low freestream velocities typical of occupational environments.
Reimbursement for Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy: Update

Reimbursement policies of third-party payers, including Medicare, reflect a variety of coverage patterns. For a limited group of Medicare patients who are, in Medicare terms, confined to home and require skilled and intermittent care, Medicare Part A covers home care services deemed medically necessary by a physician. Medical equipment and supplies may be included under this coverage. Medicare Part B covers physician services, laboratory tests, and drugs used by out-patients. The latter must be administered directly by a physician or by an employee of a physician with direct supervision by a physician. These restrictions have, in general, prevented reimbursement by Medicare for iv antibiotic therapy in the home. Medicaid, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, various commercial insurers, and health maintenance organizations usually cover iv antibiotics, but in many cases prior approval is necessary for coverage.
The State of the Evidence for Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care

Integrated behavioral health care is a complex, multifaceted healthcare delivery approach that is geared towards addressing mental and behavioral health concerns in primary care. There are a number of different models for integrated behavioral health care, with components that can be conceptualized as structures of care, processes of care, or principles of care. Common models include the IMPACT model (care management for depression), the three-component model (care management, enhanced mental health support, and a prepared practice), and the primary mental health care model of colocated integrated behavioral health care (on-site mental health specialists who collaborate with primary care providers), among others. Meta-analysis has shown that integrated behavioral health care improves health outcomes, although the extant evidence primarily pertains to depression. It is not well known which components of integrated behavioral health care are either necessary or sufficient for improving outcomes. There are many evidence gaps in integrated behavioral health care, including implementation and dissemination and the effects of integrated behavioral health care on disease contexts other than depression, behavioral medicine (e.g., lifestyle change in primary care), diverse populations, and cost and sustainability outcomes. Multiple methodologies should be deployed to address these gaps, including quasi-experimental, mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative), and observational designs.
Synthesis, doping and properties of two-dimensional materials

In this article, we present an overview of some popularly adopted synthesis methods of two-dimensional (2D) materials. We demonstrate doping methods which provide insights into the substrate impacts on synthesis of materials and provide routes to manipulate 2D layered materials‟ intrinsic electronic and magnetic properties of monolayer MoS2. We also describe methods of synthesizing different heterostructures and elucidate their new transport and electronic properties.
A general characterization of the Hardy Cross method as sequential and multiprocess algorithms

Abstract The Hardy Cross method of moment distribution admits, for any problem, an entire family of distribution sequences. Intuitively, the method involves clamping the joints of beams and frames against rotation and balancing moments iteratively, whether consecutively, simultaneously, or in some combination of the two. We present common versions of the moment distribution algorithm and generalizations of them as both sequential and multiprocess algorithms, with the latter exhibiting the full range of asynchronous behavior allowed by the method. We prove, in the limit, that processes so defined converge to the same unique solution regardless of the distribution sequence or interleaving of steps. In defining the algorithms, we avoid overspecifying the order of computation initially using a sequential, nondeterministic process, and then more generally using concurrent processes.
Studies of Host Plant Preference and Suitability Exhibited by Early-instar Range Caterpillar Larvae

The preferences of instar II range caterpillar, Hemileuca olivae Cockerell, were tested relative to blue grama grass. Buffalograss, sorghum, foxtail millet, and sudan grass were highly preferred. Larvae fed upon, but did not prefer, Kentucky bluegrass, Russian wildrye, and side-oats grama. Non-preferred species were Japanese millet, western wheatgrass, corn, proso millet, wheat, barley, and oats. The grasses most suitable for instar I and II larval development were sorghum, sudan grass, blue grama, and com. Foxtail millet, western wheatgrass and wheat were intermediate, Japanese millet, oats, barley, Russian wildrye, and Kentucky bluegrass least suitable. In general, plants possessing the C4-dicarboxylic acid pathway of carbon fixation (C4 plants) were preferred and more suitable for larval growth than species possessing only the C3-Calvin cycle pathway (C3 plants).
Cardioversion or rate control for atrial fibrillation: balancing risks and benefits.

In managing atrial fibrillation, should physicians try to restore and maintain sinus rhythm, or take a more conservative approach and try only to control the heart rate and prevent thromboembolism?
Influence of Population Level and Trap Spacing on Capture of Tobacco Hornworm Moths in Blacklight Traps with Virgin Females

In 1966, traps equipped with blacklight lamps and baited with 2 virgin female Manduca sexta Johannson moths per trap were tested to determine effectiveness of the combination in capturing moths from native populations. Baited and unbaited traps were arranged with 1- and 2-mile spacings in each of 2 sections, the moth populations being relatively high in 1 section and low in the other. In 1967 the area, covered by baited traps all spaced about 1 mile apart, was increased from about 3 to 16 square miles. The number of male moths captured in traps baited with virgin females was nearly 4 times greater than the number caught in unbaited traps. Trap spacings had no apparent effect on moth captures in either baited or unbaited traps. In the section with low population, the ratio of male to female moths captured in baited traps showed a greater increase over unbaited traps than in the section with high population. Effectiveness of baited traps appeared to be slightly reduced when the area covered was increased from 3 to 16 square miles.
Seasonal Sensitivity of the Eddy-Driven Jet to Tropospheric Heating in an Idealized AGCM

AbstractA dry dynamical core is used to investigate the seasonal sensitivity of the circulation to two idealized thermal forcings: a tropical upper-tropospheric heating and a polar lower-tropospheric heating. The thermal forcings are held constant, and the response of the circulation in each month of the year is explored. First, the circulation responses to tropical warming and polar warming are studied separately, and then the response to the simultaneously applied forcings is analyzed. Finally, the seasonality of the internal variability of the circulation is explored as a possible mechanism to explain the seasonality of the responses. The primary results of these experiments are as follows: 1) There is a seasonal sensitivity in the circulation response to both the tropical and polar forcings. 2) The jet position response to each forcing is greatest in the transition seasons, and the jet speed response exhibits a seasonal sensitivity to both forcings, although the seasonal sensitivities are not the same...
Mechanisms for protection of berberine against LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice

AIM: To investigate the mechanisms by which berberine attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury, and provide a new strategy for the treatment of the lung injury due to LPS. METHODS: BALB/c mice were randomly assigned into three groups (control, LPS group, and berberine treatment group). Mice were administered intragastrically with distilled water (0.1 mL/10 g) or neutral sulfate berberine (50 mg/kg) once a day for 3 days, 1 h after intragastrical treatment on day 3, LPS (20 mg/kg) or normal saline was injected intraperitoneally (ip). All animals were sacrificed 12 h after LPS injection, the left lung tissue sections were prepared for histology analysis and the right lung were used to determine the ratio of wet to dry lung tissue weight (W/D). In another experiment, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected, and then the total protein content, and the amounts of white blood cells (WBC) and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in BALF were determined. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) was detected with immunohistochemical analysis by using phospho-cPLA2(Ser505) antibody, and the contents of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) in BALF, malondialdehyde (MDA) in the lungs, and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in lung tissues were also determined.RESULTS: LPS induced acute lung injury, activated cPLA2, and increased TXB2 content in the BALF and MDA level in the lung tissue. The pretreatment with berberine significantly attenuated lung injury, lung edema and protein leakage induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. The expression of phospho-cPLA2 in the lung tissues and TXB2 content in the BALF in the berberine treatment group were lower than those in LPS group (P0.05). In addition, the content of MDA in the lung tissue was lower in the berberine treatment group than LPS group (P0.05), but there was no significant difference in activity of lung SOD between the berberine treatment and LPS group (P0.05). CONCLUSION: Pretreatment with berberine remarkably reduces the LPS-induced lung injury, which is, at least in part, through inhibiting phosphorylation of cPLA2 and decreasing lipid peroxidation. These findings provide a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of LPS-induced acute lung injury.
49 NOVEL ROLE OF PRE-B-CELL COLONY-ENHANCING FACTOR IN PULMONARY ENDOTHELIAL BARRIER REGULATION.

Rationale Our prior genomic and genetic studies identified pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) as a potential novel biomarker in acute lung injury (ALI) (Ye et al, 2005). To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying PBEF in the pathogenesis of ALI, we assessed the role of PBEF in in vitro vascular barrier regulation using confluent human pulmonary artery endothelial cell (HPAEC) or microvascular cells (HMVEC-L) monolayers since increased vascular permeability is a cardinal feature of ALI. Methods Inhibition of PBEF expression was achieved by the PBEF siRNAs. Overexpression of the PBEF gene was accomplished by adeno-PBEF. Endothelial cells (EC) were transfected with PBEF siRNA or infected with adeno-PBEF for 48 hours before treated with thrombin (0.1 U/mL) or S1P (1 mm) for various time. Parameters to evaluate endothelial cell barrier functions include transendothelial electric resistance (TER), actin staining, myosin light chain phosphorylation, calcium influx. Results Reductions in PBEF protein expression (> 70%) by siRNA significantly attenuated EC barrier dysfunction induced by the potent edemagenic agent, thrombin reflected by reductions in TER (60 to 70% reduction). Furthermore, PBEF siRNA blunted thrombin-mediated increases in increases in Ca 2+ entry, polymerized actin formation, and myosin light chain phosphorylation, events critical to the thrombin-mediated permeability response. Overexpression of PBEF by adeno-PBEF vector significantly increases EC permeability reflected by decreased TER in HMVEC-L by ≈30%, indicating that overexpression of PBEF results in dysfunction. Conclusions These in vitro observations strongly support that PBEF is critically involved in the endothelial cell barrier regulation. It encourages us to further explore the mechanistic insight into PBEF in the murine model of ALI. Funded by NHLBI SCCOR-Molecular Approaches to Ventilator-Associated Lung Injury (U01HL 073994).
Overt and Covert Shandyism of Nabokov's Nikolai Gogol

In her article "Overt and Covert Shandyism of Nabokov's Nikolai Gogol" Margarit Ordukhanyan examines Vladimir Nabokov's 1942 novel, an unusual biography of the nineteenth-century Russian author. Ordukhanyan discusses parallels between Nabokov's biography of Gogol and Laurence Sterne's Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy. She highlights the direct allusions and textual references Nabokov makes to Sterne's novel and argues that Nabokov uses Tristram Shandy as the model for creating and interpreting his biography of Gogol by fictionalizing Gogol and portraying him as a Shandean character. Further, Ordukhanyan discusses how Nabokov uses Sterne's novel to undermine the genre of literary biography.
Markov chain formalism for generalized radiative transfer in a plane-parallel medium, accounting for polarization

A Markov chain formalism is developed for computing the transport of polarized radiation according to Generalized Radiative Transfer (GRT) theory, which was developed recently to account for unresolved random fluctuations of scattering particle density and can also be applied to unresolved spectral variability of gaseous absorption as an improvement over the standard correlated-k method. Using Gamma distribution to describe the probability density function of the extinction or absorption coefficient, a shape parameter a that quantifies the variability is introduced, defined as the mean extinction or absorption coefficient squared divided by its variance. It controls the decay rate of a power-law transmission that replaces the usual exponential Beer-Lambert-Bouguer law. Exponential transmission, hence classic RT, is recovered when a→∞. The new approach is verified to high accuracy against numerical benchmark results obtained with a custom Monte Carlo method. For a<∞, angular reciprocity is violated to a degree that increases with the spatial variability, as observed for finite portions of real-world cloudy scenes. While the degree of linear polarization in liquid water cloudbows, supernumerary bows, and glories is affected by spatial heterogeneity, the positions in scattering angle of these features are relatively unchanged. As a result, a single-scattering model based on the assumption of subpixel homogeneity can still be used to derive droplet size distributions from polarimetric measurements of extended stratocumulus clouds.
Differential CD4+ cell count increase and CD4+ :CD8+ ratio normalization with maraviroc compared with tenofovir

Objective Studies exploring the immunologic effects of maraviroc (MVC) have produced mixed results; hence, it remains unclear whether MVC has unique immunologic effects in comparison with other antiretroviral drugs. We sought to determine whether MVC has differential effects compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) during initial antiretroviral therapy. Design Prospective study in AIDS Clinical Trials Group A5303, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (N = 262) of MVC vs. TDF, each combined with boosted darunavir and emtricitabine. Methods A total of 31 cellular and soluble biomarkers were assayed at weeks 0 and 48. Polychromatic flow cytometry was performed on cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Soluble markers were assayed in plasma using ELISA kits. Analyses were as treated. Results Analyses included 230 participants (119 in MVC arm and 111 in TDF arm). Over 48 weeks of treatment, no significant differences were detected in declines in markers of inflammation and activation with MVC vs. TDF. A greater CD4 T-cell count increase (median +234 vs. +188 cells/μl, P = 0.036), a smaller CD8 T-cell count decrease (-6 vs. -109 cells/μl, P = 0.008), and a smaller CD4 : CD8 ratio increase (0.26 vs. 0.39, P = 0.003) occurred with MVC. Among participants with a baseline CD4 : CD8 ratio less than 1, a smaller proportion of MVC group normalized to a ratio greater than 1 at week 48 (15 and 36%, P Conclusion MVC resulted in less improvement in the CD4 : CD8 ratio driven by greater increase in CD4 cell count but smaller decline in CD8 cell count. Changes in soluble or cellular biomarkers of inflammation and immune activation were not different between MVC and TDF.
Use of a simulation intervention to examine differences in nursing students' hand hygiene knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors

Abstract Background Although hand hygiene remains an essential aspect of quality care, adherence to best patient safety practices continues to pose major challenges. Objectives The objectives of this study are to examine hand hygiene knowledge, beliefs, practices, perceived importance and behaviors using Social Cognitive Theory and simulation-based intervention. Design Participants were taken from a convenience sample of 131 undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a nursing fundamentals course at an urban university in the midwestern United States, and then randomly assigned to their respective groups. Using an experimental pretest-posttest design, control and intervention groups received the same lecture pertaining to hand hygiene and 3 data collection points where van de Mortel's Hand Hygiene Questionnaire (HHQ) was administered. In addition, the intervention group viewed a 6.5 min video related to healthcare acquired infection and participated in 4 simulated situations requiring hand hygiene, based on World Health Organization guidelines. For all students, the hand hygiene technique was assessed through the use of Glo Germ, followed by handwashing and photography under ultraviolet light (posttest only). Image illumination was analyzed using image processing software. Microbiological sampling plates (pretest-posttest) were assessed quantitatively by colony counting. Results Study findings did not support differences in the intervention group for the 5 hypothesized relationships. Social desirability responding and negative item confusion were found to occur with the HHQ in the student population. There was a significant difference in the UV hand photographs, with students in the afternoon having lower values than students in the morning. Conclusions Given the study results, there were no definitive educational recommendations to teach hand hygiene to nursing students. Future research should continue to further examine multi-focal modalities to enhance adherence to hand hygiene practices, as well as control for extraneous mediating or moderating variables found in educational settings.
Exploring the spiritual needs of families with seriously ill children

Although we know that families of seriously ill children experience spiritual distress, especially at the end of the child's life, there is little information on the specific spiritual needs of families. In order to develop further training for nurses in paediatrics and help nurses develop skills for communicating about spirituality, this research examined the spiritual needs of families based on nurses' experiences with families of seriously ill children. Nurses' experiences revealed that families' anger with God, blame/regret, forgiveness, and ritual and cultural traditions are salient spiritual needs requiring effective nurse communication skills to support families of ill children.
Factors Affecting the Teaching Basic Technology in Secondary Schools in Ika South Local

The research assessed the challenges of teaching Basic Technology in Secondary Schools in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State. Five research hypotheses were formulated. There is a significant relationship between laboratory facilities and the learning of Basic Technology, there is significant relationship between teachers’ experience and qualified teachers and the quality of teaching Basic Technology.
Immediate transient thrombocytopenia at the time of alemtuzumab infusion in multiple sclerosis

Background:Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody approved for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Although Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) has been reported as a secondary autoimmune phenom...
Minimal access surgery compared to laparotomy for secondary surgical cytoreduction in patients with recurrent ovarian carcinoma: Perioperative and oncologic outcomes

Abstract Objectives To assess the perioperative outcomes of minimal access surgery (MAS) in secondary surgical cytoreduction (SSCR) for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (ROC); to compare oncologic outcomes with laparotomy (LAP). Methods Using an institutional database, we identified all patients with ROC undergoing SSCR from 1/5/09–6/14/14. Selection for MAS or LAP was based on surgeon preference. To minimize selection bias, preoperative imaging was reviewed for all LAP cases. In this manner, we identified potential MAS candidates, who were used in the comparison. Intent-to-treat analyses were undertaken using statistical testing. Results 170 cases were identified (131 LAP, 8 LSC, 31 RBT). 68/131 (52%) LAP cases were deemed potential candidates for MAS. Feasibility analyses included 68 LAP and 39 MAS cases. Six (15%) MAS cases were converted to LAP. Median age, BMI, operative time did not differ significantly between the groups. Complete gross resection was achieved in 37/39 (95%) MAS, 63/68 (93%) LAP ( P =1.0). Median estimated blood loss was 50cm 3 (range, 5–500) MAS, 150cm 3 (range, 0–1500) LAP ( P =0.001). Median length of stay was 1day (range, 0–23) MAS, 5days (range, 1–21) LAP ( P P =0.06). The 2-year progression-free survival was 56.1% (SE 9%) MAS, 63.5% (SE 6%) LAP ( P =1.0). The 2-year overall survival was 92.2% (SE 5.4%) MAS, 81.4% (SE 5.5%) LAP ( P =0.7). Conclusions MAS for SSCR is feasible in properly selected cases. MAS is associated with favorable perioperative outcomes and similar oncologic outcomes, compared to LAP.
Home-Based Child Care Provider Education and Specialized Training: Associations with Caregiving Quality and Toddler Social-Emotional and Cognitive Outcomes.

ABSTRACTResearch Findings: Although there has been considerable research on the associations between the qualifications of teachers in center-based settings and preschool-age children’s developmental outcomes, very little is known about the relationships between home provider qualifications and the developmental outcomes of toddlers who attend licensed family child care settings or unregulated family, friend, and neighbor care settings. Analyzing a sample of toddlers and their providers drawn from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort, we found positive relationships between home-based quality and higher education degree (defined as an associate’s degree or at least a bachelor’s degree), field of major, and coursework in early childhood education or a related field. However, provider qualifications were unrelated to children’s cognitive outcomes and related to a limited number of social-emotional outcomes. Practice or Policy: Our results suggest that as states consider the spectrum of suppo...
Sacral Neuromodulation Device Heating During Lumbar and Pelvic Magnetic Resonance Imaging—a Phantom Study

Objective To evaluate radiofrequency-induced temperature rises associated with performing lumbar and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies with an implanted sacral neuromodulation device using a phantom model. Materials and Methods An accepted phantom model of radiofrequency-induced heating in human tissue was used to measure the temperature rise in the stimulator lead electrodes and impulse generator under the conditions used during routine clinical lumbar and pelvic MRIs in a 1.5Tesla MRI scanner. Testing configurations included an intact device (tined lead connected to generator), an intact lead, and a lead fragment (model of lead fracture). Variations in the position of the phantom relative to the scanner were also tested. Results During testing with the intact device or the lead fragment no significant heating was detected. In contrast, the isolated intact lead model showed heating up to 5°C. Conclusion These tests provide preliminary evidence that the risk of heating is low for clinical lumbar and pelvic MRI at 1.5-Tesla with an intact sacral neuromodulation device system and with a fractured lead. However, there is a significant temperature change in the intact lead model.
Herbarium Racketensis: a stroll through the woods (functional pearl)

Domain-specific languages are the ultimate abstraction, dixit Paul Hudak. But what abstraction should we use to build such ultimate abstractions? What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander: a language, of course! Racket is the ultimate abstraction-abstraction, a platform for quickly and easily building new ultimate abstractions. This pearl demonstrates Racket's power by taking a leisurely walk through the implementation of a DSL for Lindenmayer systems, the computational model par excellence of theoretical botany.
Quantitative Methods of Data Analysis for the Physical Sciences and Engineering

This book provides thorough and comprehensive coverage of most of the new and important quantitative methods of data analysis for graduate students and practitioners. In recent years, data analysis methods have exploded alongside advanced computing power, and it is critical to understand such methods to get the most out of data, and to extract signal from noise. The book excels in explaining difficult concepts through simple explanations and detailed explanatory illustrations. Most unique is the focus on confidence limits for power spectra and their proper interpretation, something rare or completely missing in other books. Likewise, there is a thorough discussion of how to assess uncertainty via use of Expectancy, and the easy to apply and understand Bootstrap method. The book is written so that descriptions of each method are as self-contained as possible. Many examples are presented to clarify interpretations, as are user tips in highlighted boxes.
Large-Eddy Simulations of Spray Variability Effects on Flow Variability in a Direct-Injection Spark-Ignition Engine Under Non-Combusting Operating Conditions

This research was conducted as part of the Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Bioenergy Technologies and Vehicle Technologies Offices. The submitted manuscript has been created by UChicago Argonne, LLC, Operator of Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne). Argonne, a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science laboratory, is operated under Contract No. DEAC02- 06CH11357. The U.S. Government retains for itself, and others acting on its behalf, a paid-up nonexclusive, irrevocable wsorldwide license in said article to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, by or on behalf of the Government. The research at Argonne was funded by DOE’s Office of Vehicle Technologies, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.