cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-atherosclerosis or No Anti-atherosclerosis: That is the miR-33 question.

Cholesterol/lipid abnormalities, such as high low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and elevated circulating triglycerides, are associated with cardiometabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. Cholesterol/lipid homeostasis is controlled by complex gene regulatory circuits involving both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. For example, the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) 1 and 2 family of transcription factors controls the expression of genes involved in both cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake, as well as fatty acid, phospholipid, and triglyceride production.1 Several groups recently discovered that the human SREBP–encoding genes harbor intronic microRNAs termed miR-33a (present in the SREBF2 gene) and miR-33b (located in the SREBF1 gene).2–6 By contrast with humans and other mammals, rodents lack miR-33b and only have miR-33a in the Srebf2 gene. The miR-33a/b microRNAs, which differ by 2 nucleotides, act in concert with their host gene products to control cholesterol/lipid homeostasis.7 For example, miR-33a/b inhibit the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), a cholesterol efflux pump with a key role in reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral tissues such as atherogenic macrophages back to the liver.2–5,8 ABCA1 also promotes the production of nascent lipid-poor HDL-C from the liver and small intestine, and mutation of the ABCA1 gene, as well as aberrant reverse cholesterol transport and low HDL-C levels, has been linked with increased atherosclerosis.9 Intensive efforts have consequently been focused on finding pharmacological tools for increasing circulating HDL-C and promoting reverse cholesterol transport as a novel therapeutic avenue to treat atherosclerosis and cardiovascular …
Mechahism of the base promoted fragmentatiom of chloroacetylhydrazide

Abstract Experiments are described supporting the positions that the visible transient intermediate occurring during the fragmentation of chloroacetylhydrazide is the anion of acetyldiazene, and that the concurrent reduction is not a simple recombination reaction.
Optical properties of surface micromachined mirrors with etch holes

We have investigated the optical properties of surface-micromachined polycrystalline silicon reflectors within the visible spectral range at five different wavelengths. The measurement results of the reflectivity of various microreflectors at four different incident angles (20/spl deg/, 30/spl deg/, 45/spl deg/, and 60/spl deg/) are presented. Optical properties of microreflectors realized using the multiuser MEMS process (MUMPS) have been investigated. Our studies have found that etch holes, widely used in the surface micromachining process to reduce the time for releasing structures by sacrificial undercutting, have a great influence on the optical properties of micromachined mirrors. Diffraction patterns created by two-dimensional etch-hole arrays on micromachined mirrors have been investigated. The diffraction by etch holes obeys the Fraunhofer diffraction theory when a collimated light source (e.g., a laser beam) is incident. We have shown that when the dimension of etch holes increases, an increasing portion of the incident power will be diffracted and transmitted due to etch holes, leading to decreasing reflectivity of surface micromachined mirrors.
Consensus Statement for the Prevention and Management of Pain in the Newborn

Objective To develop evidence-based guidelines for preventing or treating neonatal pain and its adverse consequences. Compared with older children and adults, neonates are more sensitive to pain and vulnerable to its long-term effects. Despite the clinical importance of neonatal pain, current medical practices continue to expose infants to repetitive, acute, or prolonged pain. Design Experts representing several different countries, professional disciplines, and practice settings used systematic reviews, data synthesis, and open discussion to develop a consensus on clinical practices that were supported by published evidence or were commonly used, the latter based on extrapolation of evidence from older age groups. A practical format was used to describe the analgesic management for specific invasive procedures and for ongoing pain in neonates. Results Recognition of the sources of pain and routine assessments of neonatal pain should dictate the avoidance of recurrent painful stimuli and the use of specific environmental, behavioral, and pharmacological interventions. Individualized care plans and analgesic protocols for specific clinical situations, patients, and health care settings can be developed from these guidelines. By clearly outlining areas where evidence is not available, these guidelines may also stimulate further research. To use the recommended therapeutic approaches, clinicians must be familiar with their adverse effects and the potential for drug interactions. Conclusion Management of pain must be considered an important component of the health care provided to all neonates, regardless of their gestational age or severity of illness.
Uterine-Associated Serine Protease Inhibitors Stimulate Deoxyribonucleic Acid Synthesis in Porcine Endometrial Glandular Epithelial Cells of Pregnancy

Protease inhibitors are major secretory components of the mammalian uterus that are thought to mediate pregnancy-associated events primarily by regulating the activity of proteolytic enzymes. In the present study, we examined the mitogenic potentials of two serine protease inhibitors, namely secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) and uterine plasmin/trypsin inhibitor (UPTI) in primary cultures of glandular epithelial (GE) cells isolated from early pregnant (Day 12) pig endometrium, using the [(3)H]thymidine incorporation assay. Purified porcine SLPI (pSPLI), porcine UPTI (pUPTI), or recombinant human SLPI (rhSLPI), all of which exhibited anti-trypsin activity, increased (p < 0.05) labeled thymidine incorporation into DNA of serum-deprived GE cells when tested at a range of 10-1000-ng/ml concentrations. Polyclonal antibodies directed against either hSLPI or pSLPI abrogated the effect of SLPI. Co-addition of pSLPI and pUPTI increased DNA synthesis in these cells to a level higher (p < 0.05) than that observed with either protease inhibitor. The glycosaminoglycan heparin, which has been previously shown to increase the anti-protease activity of SLPI, exhibited a tendency (p = 0.08) to enhance SLPI and UPTI induction of cellular DNA synthesis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated that the messenger RNAs for both protease inhibitors were present in the endometrium throughout pregnancy and, within this tissue, in GE cells to a greater extent (p < 0.05) than in stromal fibroblastic cells. Results demonstrate that, in addition to their well-documented anti-protease activities, SLPI and UPTI may constitute autocrine growth promotants for the uterine epithelium. These data suggest a novel mechanism whereby locally produced protease inhibitors may modulate periimplantation events and embryo-maternal communication.
Polycystic kidney disease: etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment

Once viewed as hopelessly incurable disorders and the dustbin for careers in academic medicine, the polycystic kidney diseases have emerged as prime targets of pathophysiologic study and palliative and definitive treatment in the era of molecular medicine. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) may be hereditary or acquired. The major inherited types are autosomal dominant (AD) and autosomal recessive (AR). ADPKD is caused by at least two (and possibly three) genes located on separate chromosomes, while ADPKD-1 is due to a 14 kb transcript in a duplicated region on the short arm of chromosome 16 very near the alpha-globin gene cluster and the gene for one form of tuberous sclerosis. ADPKD-2 has been assigned to the long arm of chromosome 4. ARPKD is due to a mutated gene on both copies of the long arm of chromosome 6. Cysts originate in renal tubules. Proliferation of tubule epithelial cells modulated by endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors is a major element in the pathogenesis of renal cystic diseases. In addition, fluid that is abnormally accumulated within the cysts is derived from glomerular filtrate and, to a greater extent, by transepithelial fluid secretion. Abnormal synthesis and degradation of matrix components associated with interstitial inflammation are additional features in the pathogenesis of renal cystic diseases. The ADPKD genotypes are characterized by bilateral kidney cysts, hypertension, hematuria, renal infection, stones, and renal insufficiency. ADPKD is a systemic disorder; cysts appear with decreasing frequency in the kidneys, liver, pancreas, brain, spleen, ovaries, and testis. Cardiac valvular disorders, abdominal and inguinal hernias, and aneurysms of cerebral and coronary arteries and aorta are also associated with ADPKD. Treatment is supportive: dietary regulation of salt and protein intake, control of hypertension and renal stones, and dialysis and transplantation at the end stage. ARPKD is a relatively rare disease that causes clinical symptoms at birth, with significant mortality in the first month of life. The cysts develop primarily in the collecting ducts because of a failure in the maturation process. Early complications include Potter's syndrome; excessive size of the kidneys, causing respiratory dysfunction; hypertension; and renal insufficiency. Hepatic fibrosis is an associated extrarenal problem that results in significant morbidity in young children and adolescents. Treatment includes supportive care, dialysis, and renal transplantation. Acquired cysts (solitary/simple) are commonplace in older persons. Multiple cysts may be seen in association with potassium deficiency, congenital disorders, metabolic diseases, and toxic renal injury.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Asymptomatic Antibody-mediated Rejection After Heart Transplantation Predicts Poor Outcomes

Background Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) has been associated with poor outcome after heart transplantation. The diagnosis of AMR usually includes endomyocardial biopsy findings of endothelial cell swelling, intravascular macrophages, C4d+ staining, and associated left ventricular dysfunction. The significance of AMR findings in biopsy specimens of asymptomatic heart transplant patients (normal cardiac function and no symptoms of heart failure) is unclear. Methods Between July 1997 and September 2001, AMR was found in the biopsy specimens of 43 patients. Patients were divided into 2 groups: asymptomatic AMR (AsAMR, n = 21) and treated AMR (TxAMR with associated left ventricular dysfunction, n = 22). For comparison, a control group of 86 contemporaneous patients, without AMR, was matched for age, gender, and time from transplant. Outcomes included 5-year actuarial survival and development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Patients were considered to have AMR if they had ≥ 1 endomyocardial biopsy specimen positive for AMR. Results The 5-year actuarial survival for the AsAMR (86%), TxAMR (68%), and control groups (79%) was not significantly different ( p = 0.41). Five-year freedom from CAV (≥ 30% stenosis in any vessel) was AsAMR, 52%; TxAMR, 68%; and control, 79%. Individually, freedom from CAV was significantly lower in the AsAMR group compared with the control group ( p = 0.02). There was no significant difference between AsAMR vs TxAMR and TxAMR vs control for CAV. Conclusions Despite comparable 5-year survival with controls after heart transplantation, AsAMR rejection is associated with a greater risk of CAV. Trials to treat AsAMR to alter outcome are warranted.
Rapid low fidelity turbomachinery disk optimization

Turbomachinery disks are heavy, highly stressed components used in gas turbines. Improved design of turbomachinery disks could yield a significant reduction in engine weight. This paper focuses on rapid low fidelity design and optimization of isotropic and transversely isotropic disks. Discussion includes the development of a one dimensional plane stress model, disk parameterization methods, and the implementation of a genetic algorithm for shape optimization. Three traditional geometry definition methods are compared to two new methods that are described and produce more optimum designs. Hardware from the GE E^3 is used as an example. The analysis code is open-source, graphical, interactive, and portable on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
The Year in Epidemiology, Health Services Research, and Outcomes Research

In this paper, we summarize a few of the highlights in the fields of epidemiology, health services research, and outcomes research published between roughly April 2008 and June 2009. Our overview is necessarily selective, because the sheer number of articles published in these areas over the past
Broccoli Storage: Effect of N6-benzyladenine, Packaging, and Icing on Color of Fresh Broccoli

Broccoli plants and heads were treated with N6-benzyladenine (BA) as either a preharvest spray (25 or 50 ppm) or a postharvest dip (25 or 50 ppm) with 0.1% Tween 20. BA-treated and untreated samples were stored at 0–l°C for 10 wk using one of three storage methods - control, icing, or packaging. Subjective color evaluation was the most sensitive measure of color changes during storage. Chlorophyll concentration was a better objective measurement of color changes than instrumental color values. Acceptable broccoli color was noted in iced and packaged samples at 10 wk of storage. Preharvest treatment with BA (25 ppm) resulted in the best color retention in iced and packed samples. Use of a yellowing-resistant variety and storage treatments (icing and packaging) were the most important factors in improved shelf-life.
Revisiting the TTL-based controlled flooding search: optimality and randomization

In this paper we consider the problem of searching for a node or an object (i.e., piece of data, file, etc.) in a large network. Applications of this problem include searching for a destination node in a mobile ad hoc network, querying for a piece of desired data in a wireless sensor network, and searching for a shared file in an unstructured peer-to-peer network. We limit our attention in this study to the class of controlled flooding search strategies where query/search packets are broadcast and propagated in the network until a preset TTL (time-to-live) value carried in the packet expires. Every unsuccessful search attempt results in an increased TTL value (i.e., larger search area) and the same process is repeated. The primary goal of this study is to derive search strategies (i.e., sequences of TTL values) that will minimize the cost of such searches associated with packet transmissions. The main results of this paper are as follows. When the probability distribution of the location of the object is known a priori, we present a dynamic programming formulation with which optimal search strategies can be derived that minimize the expected search cost. We also derive the necessary and sufficient conditions %on the location distribution for two very commonly used search strategies to be optimal. When the probability distribution of the location of the object is not known a priori and the object is to minimize the worst-case search cost, we show that the best strategies are randomized strategies, i.e., successive TTL values are chosen from certain probability distributions rather than deterministic values. We show that given any deterministic TTL sequence, there exists a randomized version that has a lower worst-case expected search cost. We also derive an asymptotically (as the network size increases) optimal strategy within a class of randomized strategies.
Vitamin D deficiency in the 21st century: an overview

Vitamin D deficiency in the past was defined by the clinical recognition of nutritional rickets, a disease nearly eradicated by vitamin D fortification. Today, the definition of vitamin D deficiency is controversial, and is based on serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a marker of storage rather than of function. The level of 25(OH)D that is optimal for bone health may differ from that required for non-skeletal benefits. Observational studies suggest wide-ranging effects of vitamin D status on metabolic, immunologic, infectious, cardiovascular, neoplastic, and degenerative disorders. There is likely wide individual variation in the functional implications of a given level of 25(OH)D. As randomized controlled trials confirm the benefits of vitamin D in non-skeletal diseases, the recommended intake of vitamin D and optimal 25(OH)D concentration may need to be adjusted to account for these outcomes. The future will bring an individualized approach to assessing vitamin D status and needs. Even when the factors known to influence 25(OH)D concentrations are accounted for, most of the individual variation of 25(OH)D values is difficult to explain. This variation is partially explained by genotypic variants of the vitamin D binding protein, vitamin D receptor, and the hydroxylase enzymes of the vitamin D metabolic pathway. With more widespread use of genome-wide analysis, it may be possible to personalize an individual’s vitamin D requirement, particularly in view of other disease risk factors. Measurement of the physiological effects of vitamin D that relate to bone metabolism, the immune system, or other effectors of disease could allow tailoring of the dose of vitamin D to attain maximal physiological benefit. Additional markers of the functional response to vitamin D at the individual level may be available in the future. Vitamin D has exciting potential, and a flurry of research activity is now underway to explore its potential benefits.
Taking Time Seriously: The Federal Constitutional Right to be Free from 'Startling' State Court Overrulings

This article proposes that when state courts overrule established state common law property doctrines, such courts should concurrently make three distinct determinations: (1) the substantive decision to overrule established law; (2) the temporal decision to identify those transactions to which the changed rules apply; and (3) the remedial decision to provide remedies - such as damages, injunctive relief, and/or a period to amortize investments - to those deprived of their reasonable expectations.
Do Incentive Plans for Exemplary Employees Lead to Productive or Counterproductive Outcomes

Using data from a retail chain, this paper studies the effects of a preferential plan providing incentives only to exemplary employees. Such plans incorporate elements of tournaments (through the selection of employees chosen largely on the basis of past performance but incorporating some managerial discretion) and linear incentives to align employees with company goals and values. We find that, on average, the implementation of the preferential incentive plan was associated with improvements in sales. Also, we find that this plan was associated with greater improvements in sales and gross profits, and reductions in the incidence of bad audits in stores where employees were initially less likely to be aligned with company goals. However, the plan was associated with lower sales and gross profits, and higher incidence of bad audits, absenteeism, and turnover in some situations where employees could have perceived the plan to be unattainable or unfair. Our study sheds light on the impact of preferential incentive plans, and the conditions under which these plans are more or less effective.
Comparison of Locust borer Megacyllene robiniae Forster (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) attacks on coal strip-mined lands and lands not mined

Locust borer attacks on black locust trees were compared on 9 strip-mined and 14 unmined sites in Maryland. Current attack rates were significantly higher on the strip-mined sites. Tree size and form and several soil factors were significantly different between sites. Survival of borers from the larval to the adult stage, determined by trapping of adults, was significantly greater on strip-mined sites, and beetle survival rates from the larval to adult stage on all sites increased with increasing attack density.
Volumetric Photoacoustic Endoscopy

Photoacoustic endoscopy provides unique functional information through its broad spectroscopic imaging capability. The imaging results presented here suggest its potential for use as a comprehensive endoscopic tool in various medical applications.
Crimes against children in nineteenth-century France - Child abuse

Abuse of children is not entirely a modern phenomenon but the definition and classification of abusive practices has changed. Modern concepts of child abuse date only from the 1880s in France. Child abuse in twentieth-century terms of emotional and physical assault, neglect, abandonment, and sexual molestation was not considered a crime during most of the past century. Prior to the 1880s, only two acts, abortion and infanticide, constituted crimes against children. Child abandonment, rather than a crime, was the state supported, societally acceptable alternative to abortion and infanticide. After abandonment, malnourishment and neglect of these children, even to the point of death, likewise were not crimes. With changes in attitudes of the 1880s, parental neglect, assault, and starvation of children became defined as child abuse as did perceived immoral behavior of the parents such as habitual drunkenness and debauchery. Under these new definitions of abuse, state officials could deprive parents of their legal rights and make the children wards of the state for their own protection. The state becamein loco parentis. This essay explores the changing perceptions of child abuse, and the increasing state intervention for the care of abused children after the 1880s.
Psychosocial aspects of oocyte donation in older couples.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the recent studies addressing psychosocial aspects of advanced parental age in oocyte donation including treatment risks, motivations for participation, and impact on the children. RECENT FINDINGS It is recommended that women aged 45 and older have a rigorous medical screening before participation in oocyte donation, but the risk of pregnancy complications for that age group remains a concern. There is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that paternal age has an unfavorable impact on assisted reproduction outcomes. Although there are limited data on the effect of parental age on the psychological wellbeing of children conceived through assisted reproduction, a recent study found that children of older mothers appear to be thriving as well as children born to younger mothers. SUMMARY The trend toward delayed parenthood has resulted in a growing number of older couples entering oocyte donation programs. The literature has begun to address this phenomenon, but we need to learn more about psychosocial issues unique to older intended parents and their oocyte donation conceived children.
Integrated Scheduling and Dynamic Optimization by Stackelberg Game: Bilevel Model Formulation and Efficient Solution Algorithm

We propose a novel method to solve the integrated scheduling and dynamic optimization problem for sequential batch processes. The scheduling problem and the dynamic optimization problems are collaborated by a Stackelberg game (leader–followers game). Mathematically, the integrated problem is formulated into a bilevel program. The scheduling problem in the upper level acts as the leader, while the dynamic optimization problems in the lower level are the followers. The follower problems have their own objectives, but the leader problem can coordinate the follower problems to pursue its objective. To efficiently solve the bilevel program, we develop a decomposition algorithm. It first solves the lower-level problems to determine the response functions. The response functions are then represented by piecewise linear functions to solve the upper-level problem. The integrated method is consistent with the ISA 95 standard and can be easily implemented in an IT infrastructure following the standard. The performan...
Jonson vs. Shakespeare: The Roman Plays

Critics rarely bring Ben Jonson's two Roman tragedies – Sejanus and Catiline – into proximity with Shakespeare's four Roman tragedies – Titus Andronicus, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, and Coriolanus. Yet doing so in terms of some dramatic features they share illuminates qualities of these plays not easily discernible by other approaches to them. This is especially the case when one adds Shakespeare's tragicomedy Cymbeline to this grouping. Establishing metaphysical perspectives based on ironic Christian allusions in all but one of Shakespeare's Roman plays throws into relief a Catholic dimension of Sejanus and religious dynamics of Catiline more involved in this tragedy than previous critics have realized. Bringing Jonson's and Shakespeare's Roman drama into mutual play also focuses the homeopathic, neo-Aristotelian catharsis of Coriolanus by reference to those in Sejanus and Catiline, as well as the dangerous position of historians and poets in Roman society, as evidenced by the fates of Cordus in...
Research on Grid Resource Management and Schedule

Grid computing is a fast developing wide area net work computing technique. Its objective is to combine internet into a whole very large-scale computer system in order to share all computing resources,storage resources, information resources and knowledge resources, and resources management and schedule is core of grid computing, in this article, grid resource management is introduced, three kinds of resources schedule strategy is analyzed, and a schedule strategy based on the trusting degree is provided, the algorithm of the resources schedule strategy based on the trusting degree is described in details ,so the quality of service is integrated with the resources schedule strategy organisely.
New findings and the potential use of the growth hormone

Use and potential use of human growth hormone (GH). The benefit of GH in classical growth hormone deficiency is well known. For the past six years, the availability of biosynthetic human growth hormone has permitted the investigation of the effect of GH in a variety of growth disorders. GH has been shown to be helpful in children with idiopathic short stature, Turner's syndrome, neuroendocrine deficiency, and chronic renal insufficiency. Although the experience is limited, GH would appear helpful in short children with intrauterine growth retardation and Noonan's and Prader-Willi syndromes. GH increases muscle mass and strength and decreases fat mass in young adults with GHD and treatment is under consideration. One of the areas of present interest and potentially of great benefit is the use of growth hormone in catabolic conditions (burns, surgical operations, patients with a prolonged stay in intensive care units, malnourished patients and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). In catabolic conditions, GH is effective in decreasing nitrogen loss, in maintaining nitrogen balance, even with hypocaloric diets, and in increasing protein synthesis and skeletal muscle mass when combined with adequate nutrition. GH has proven helpful in inducing ovulation and improving fertility in patients with GHD and in patients with ovarian resistance to gonadotropins. The field of growth hormone therapy is expanding and potentially GH could be of benefit to many children and adults with a variety of disorders.
Cochlear nerve injuries caused by manipulations in cerebellopontine angle: Part I. Electrophysiological and morphological study in dogs

Cochlear nerve injuries caused by manipulations in the cerebellopontine angle were electrophysiologically and morphologically investigated using dogs. Compression injuries were developed at the portions of the cochlear nerves that were directly retracted by a retractor. The blood vessels supplying the cochlear nerve trunk easily ruptured and the Schwann-glial junctions of the cochlear nerve were separated, due to traction force derived from the manipulations in the CP angle. From these results, some technical points to preserve hearing during CP angle surgery were discussed.
Tristetraprolin as a Therapeutic Target in Inflammatory Disease

Members of the tristetraprolin (TTP) family of RNA-binding proteins are found in all major eukaryotic groups. TTP family members, from plants through humans, can bind adenosine-uridine rich elements in target mRNAs with high affinity. In mammalian cells, these proteins then promote deadenylation and decay of target transcripts. Four such proteins are found in mice, of which the best studied is TTP. When the gene encoding TTP is disrupted in mice, the animals develop a severe syndrome of arthritis, autoimmunity, cachexia, dermatitis, and myeloid hyperplasia. Conversely, recent overexpression studies have demonstrated protection against several experimental models of immune inflammatory disease. This endogenous anti-inflammatory protein could serve as the basis for novel approaches to therapy of similar conditions in humans.
Application of partial rootzone drying to improve irrigation water use efficiency in grapefruit trees

Partial rootzone drying (PRD) has been reported to potentially improve crop water use efficiency (WUEcrop) compared to full irrigation in different fruit trees; however, field studies on the effect of PRD in citrus are scarce. In this field study, three irrigation strategies were tested in an orchard of mature grapefruit trees during two consecutive seasons (2013/2014 and 2014/2015): drip PRD (two drip lines, alternating irrigation between lines every month), microsprinkler irrigation, and double-line drip irrigation (control). Irrigation was applied during the fruit enlargement stage (April–August). The aims of this field study were: 1) to provide a quantitative comparison of irrigation water productivity among irrigation treatments; and 2) to study their effects on fruit quality, yield, tree growth, and flowering. Drip PRD saved 43 to 47% of irrigation water compared to control irrigation, and microsprinkler irrigation saved 12 to 18% of water compared to control irrigation PRD-irrigated trees maintained or increased yield compared to microsprinkler-irrigated and control trees, depending on the experimental season. Therefore, WUEcrop in PRD-irrigated trees was significantly higher than in control and microsprinkler-irrigated trees at the end of both seasons. Fruit and juice quality parameters were statistically similar among all treatments. PRD irrigation did not reduce the flowering potential of the trees although it delayed the onset of flowering in trees relative to the other treatments in 2013/2014. There was a similar timing of flowering among treatments in 2014/2015 and there were no differences in vegetative growth among the irrigation treatments by the end of March (86 Julian data) in both experimental seasons. Our results suggest that PRD can be economically beneficial for citrus growers who use double-line drip irrigation systems, and a strategy to sustain tree growth, tree health and yield during seasons of extreme drought or when high water restrictions are placed in citrus-producing areas.
Urinary Excretion of Citrate — Influence Of Metabolism and Acid-Base Conditions

Citrate, a known inhibitor of calculus formation, is important in the field of urolithiasis, since a reduced citrate excretion has been reported in some idiopathic calcium stone formers1. This presentation reviews the urinary excretion of citrate with special emphasis on the influence of acid-base effects.
CIB1 Regulates Thrombosis through Integrin αaIIbβ3 Outside-in Signaling, but Not Inside-out Signaling.

Abstract Abstract 2992 Poster Board II-969 Platelet aggregation plays an important role in physiological hemostasis and pathological thrombosis. Platelet agonists induce a series of signaling events called inside-out that leads to the activation of integrin αaIIbβ3. Upon ligand binding to integrin αaIIbβ3, a cascade of signaling known as outside-in signaling is induced through the integrin that regulates platelet aggregation and clot retraction. The regulation of these signaling events is not well understood. Previously, we had identified a calcium- and integrin-binding protein (CIB1) that specifically interacts with integrin αaIIbβ3. Using a novel technique to inhibit interaction of CIB1 with integrin αaIIbβ3 in intact platelets, we have shown that CIB1 regulates outside-in signaling through integrin αaIIbβ3. Recently, using Cib1-/- mice, we confirmed that CIB1 is a key regulator of hemostasis. FeCl3-induced carotid artery thrombosis, a well recognized in vivo model of thrombosis showed a significantly extended time of occlusion in Cib1-/- mice compared to wild type (WT) mice. Since CIB1 is expressed both in the endothelium and in platelets, the observed defect could arise from the lack of CIB1 in either cell types. To identify the specific involvement of platelets, we performed a collagen-epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism assay. In this assay, pulmonary vessel occlusion occurs due to platelet thrombus formation without injury to the endothelium. We found no difference in the number of Cib1-/- mice and WT mice that died within two minutes (n=20). When analyzed for the extent of pulmonary vascular occlusion by Evans blue exclusion as well as histochemical analysis, no difference between Cib1-/- and WT mice was observed. Consistent with this finding, agonist-induced platelet aggregation and secretion was normal in Cib1-/- platelets. Furthermore, expression or activation of integrin αaIIbβ3 was also not affected by Cib1 deficiency. When we analyzed the rate of clot retraction, we found that incomplete and significantly (P Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Effects of visual feedback and memory on unintentional drifts in performance during finger-pressing tasks

This study tested two hypotheses on the nature of unintentional force drifts elicited by removing visual feedback during accurate force production tasks. The role of working memory (memory hypothesis) was explored in tasks with continuous force production, intermittent force production, and rest intervals over the same time interval. The assumption of unintentional drifts in referent coordinate for the fingertips was tested using manipulations of visual feedback: young healthy subjects performed accurate steady-state force production tasks by pressing with the two index fingers on individual force sensors with visual feedback on the total force, sharing ratio, both, or none. Predictions based on the memory hypothesis have been falsified. In particular, we observed consistent force drifts to lower force values during continuous force production trials only. No force drift or drifts to higher forces were observed during intermittent force production trials and following rest intervals. The hypotheses based on the idea of drifts in referent finger coordinates have been confirmed. In particular, we observed superposition of two drift processes: a drift of total force to lower magnitudes and a drift of the sharing ratio to 50:50. When visual feedback on total force only was provided, the two-finger forces showed drifts in opposite directions. We interpret the findings as evidence for the control of motor actions with changes in referent coordinates for participating effectors. Unintentional drifts in performance are viewed as natural relaxation processes in the involved systems; their typical time reflects stability in the direction of the drift. The magnitude of the drift was higher in the right (dominant) hand, which is consistent with the dynamic dominance hypothesis.
Post-fabrication modification of electrospun nanofiber mats with polymer coating for membrane distillation applications

Abstract Post-treatment of electrospun nanofibers is a versatile and scalable approach for the fabrication of membranes with controlled pore size, porosity, and morphology. In this study, we demonstrate a novel solution-based approach for the fabrication of membrane distillation (MD) membranes with adjustable pore size and performance through non-solvent induced phase separation of a polymeric solution over an electrospun fiber mat. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) was dissolved in a blend of acetone and dimethylacetamide and used to produce a highly porous electrospun fiber mat with an average pore diameter of ~1.2 µm. Surface coating of the PVDF-HFP nanofibers with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) through phase separation enabled control of the membrane pore size by filling the empty domains between the fibers. The coated fiber mats were characterized for their surface hydrophobicity, porosity, and structure. The PVDF polymeric coating layer integrated within the electrospun mat decreased the average pore diameter to 99.9%) and a water flux of 30 L m−2 h−1 in direct contact MD experiments with 40 °C temperature difference between the feed and permeate solutions. This coating procedure is compatible with current roll-to-roll membrane fabrication processes, making it a viable approach for large-scale fabrication of electrospun membranes with exceptional performance for MD applications.
NMR Analysis of Amide Hydrogen Exchange Rates in a Pentapeptide-Repeat Protein from A. thaliana.

At2g44920 from Arabidopsis thaliana is a pentapeptide-repeat protein (PRP) composed of 25 repeats capped by N- and C-terminal α-helices. PRP structures are dominated by four-sided right-handed β-helices typically consisting of mixtures of type II and type IV β-turns. PRPs adopt repeated five-residue (Rfr) folds with an Rfr consensus sequence (STAV)(D/N)(L/F)(S/T/R)(X). Unlike other PRPs, At2g44920 consists exclusively of type II β-turns. At2g44920 is predicted to be located in the thylakoid lumen although its biochemical function remains unknown. Given its unusual structure, we investigated the biophysical properties of At2g44920 as a representative of the β-helix family to determine if it had exceptional global stability, backbone dynamics, or amide hydrogen exchange rates. Circular dichroism measurements yielded a melting point of 62.8°C, indicating unexceptional global thermal stability. Nuclear spin relaxation measurements indicated that the Rfr-fold core was rigid with order parameters ranging from 0.7 to 0.9. At2g44920 exhibited a striking range of amide hydrogen exchange rates spanning 10 orders of magnitude, with lifetimes ranging from minutes to several months. A weak correlation was found among hydrogen exchange rates, hydrogen bonding energies, and amino acid solvent-accessible areas. Analysis of contributions from fast (approximately picosecond to nanosecond) backbone dynamics to amide hydrogen exchange rates revealed that the average order parameter of amides undergoing fast exchange was significantly smaller compared to those undergoing slow exchange. Importantly, the activation energies for amide hydrogen exchange were found to be generally higher for the slowest exchanging amides in the central Rfr coil and decreased toward the terminal coils. This could be explained by assuming that the concerted motions of two preceding or following coils required for hydrogen bond disruption and amide hydrogen exchange have a higher activation energy compared to that required for displacement of a single coil to facilitate amide hydrogen exchange in either the terminal or penultimate coils.
A large kinome in a large cell: Stentor coeruleus possesses highly expanded kinase families and novel domain architectures

Background: Stentor coeruleus is a large ciliated protist, about 1 mm in length, with the extraordinary ability to fully regenerate each fragment after being cut into pieces, perfectly restoring cell polarity and morphology. Single-cell regeneration in Stentor remains one of the greatest long-standing mysteries of biology, but the recently published Stentor genome now enables studies on this organism at the molecular and genetic levels. Here we characterize the complete complement of kinases, or kinome, of Stentor, in order to begin to understand the signaling capacities that underlie Stentor9s unique biology. Results: The genome of S. coeruleus contains over 2000 kinases, representing 6% of the predicted proteome. Classification of the kinase genes reveals large expansions in several kinase families, particularly in the CDPKs, the DYRKs, and in several mitotic kinase families including the PLKs, NEKs, and Auroras. The large expansion of the CDPK and DYRK kinase families is an unusual feature of the Stentor kinome compared to other ciliates with sequenced genomes. The DYRK family in Stentor, notably, contains only a single pseudokinase which may suggest an important role in Stentor growth and survival, while the smaller PEK family contains a novel pseudokinase subfamily. The Stentor kinome also has examples of new domain architectures that have not been previously observed in other organisms. Conclusion: Our analysis provides the first gene-level view into the signaling capabilities of Stentor and will lay the foundation for unraveling how this organism can coordinate processes as complex as regeneration throughout a giant cell.
A luminescent bis(pyridyl)-substituted benzimidazole platinum(II) complex exhibiting an intermolecular anagostic interaction.

The photophysical properties of transition metal complexes of the 5,6-dimethyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmeth­yl)-1H-benzimidazole ligand are of inter­est. Di­chlorido­[5,6-dimethyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1-(pyridin-2-ylmeth­yl)-1H-benzimidazole-κ2N2,N3]platinum(II), [PtCl2(C20H18N4)], is luminescent in the solid state at room temperature. The compound displays a distorted square-planar coordination geometry. The Pt—N(imidazole) bond length is shorter than the Pt—N(pyridine) bond length. The extended structure reveals that symmetry-related mol­ecules display weak C—H⋯N, C—H⋯Cl, and C—H⋯Pt hydrogen-bonding inter­actions that are clearly discernable in the Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint plots. The inter­molecular C—H⋯Pt and C—H⋯N inter­actions have been explored using density functional theory. The result of an analysis of the distance dependence of C—H⋯Pt yields a value consistent with that observed in the solid-state structure. The energy of inter­action for the C—H⋯Pt inter­action is found to be about −11 kJ mol−1.
Przezwyciężyć racjonalność: Fiorenski i Frank

Some philosophers and theologians state that there is a limit to rational reasoning beyond which experience or intuition should be used. Forceful arguments for the limitation of some logical principles are presented by Florensky and Frank. Some of their arguments are investigated in the present paper.
To what is the review process relevant? What’s right and what’s wrong with peer review for academic business journals

The purpose of this paper is to consider various strengths and weaknesses of the academic review process with an emphasis on the effect the process has on the relevance of business journals, particularly in the marketing literature.,The authors not only highlight some of the literature addressing the review process but also present insight and opinion largely based on decades of experience editing, reviewing, writing and publishing.,Reviewers can help develop research papers, but reviewers remain gatekeepers who, theoretically, protect journals from publishing research that would diminish the truthful body of knowledge within a field. However, many inefficiencies, some of which involve volition, allow one to question whether the review process as we know it best accomplishes that purpose.,Recognizing that reviewers affect journal prestige, the paper concludes with a number of ideas for improving the gate-keeping and developmental functions for academic articles.,Society should extract value from what appears in publicly circulated, academic, refereed journals. However, to the extent that the publication process interferes with objective dissemination of knowledge, that value is diminished and perhaps even absent.,The paper intends to stimulate frank conversation about the Academy’s refereed publication process and factors that tend to interfere with its function.
Use of complementary and alternative medicine in older adults with diabetes

Older adults with diabetes are at high risk for having multiple chronic conditions and diabetes complications and often take multiple medications concomitantly. Studies have shown that many Americans are using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to either improve or manage their health (1,2). Individuals have diverse purposes for using CAM, from treating specific conditions, such as back and neck pain (e.g., acupuncture and chiropractic), to improving general health and wellness (e.g., meditation and tai chi). Since relatively little is known about the prevalence and patterns of CAM use in older adults with diabetes, we investigated this topic to guide integrated, patient-centered health care use for this population. We used data from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which is an annual cross-sectional in-person interview survey demonstrating health care trends among noninstitutionalized civilians in the U.S. (3). The NHIS collects comprehensive CAM-related information every 5 years. The sample included adults aged 65 or older who reported having …
Why be regular? Part II

Abstract We provide a novel perspective on “regularity” as a property of representations of the Weyl algebra. In Part I, we critiqued a proposal by Halvorson [2004, “Complementarity of representations in quantum mechanics”, Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics 35 (1), pp. 45–56], who advocates for the use of the non-regular “position” and “momentum” representations of the Weyl algebra. Halvorson argues that the existence of these non-regular representations demonstrates that a quantum mechanical particle can have definite values for position or momentum, contrary to a widespread view. In this sequel, we propose a justification for focusing on regular representations, pace Halvorson, by drawing on algebraic methods.
Using Wheelchair Simulations to Teach About Inclusion

(2005). Using Wheelchair Simulations to Teach About Inclusion. SCHOLE: A Journal of Leisure Studies and Recreation Education: Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 140-145.
Antenatal steroids and thyroid hormone function in preterm infants.

Antenatal steroids (ANS) are used widely for women at risk of preterm delivery. Evidence on the effects of ANS on thyroid hormone function in preterm infants is limited. To determine effects of ANS on thyroid hormone function in preterm infants. A retrospective cohort study of preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation. Infants were divided into no ANS, partial ANS, and complete ANS groups. Thyroid function tests at day of life 30 were compared. 260 Infants were included. A significantly higher proportion of patients were started on levothyroxine (LT4) in no ANS group and partial ANS group compared to complete ANS group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that infants in no ANS group are more likely to have TSH > 6 μIU ml−1 and started on LT4 compared to complete ANS group. Infants in no ANS group are more likely to have thyroid dysfunction compared to complete ANS group.