cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retinol transport and metabolism in transthyretin-"knockout" mice.

Mice were made deficient in transthyretin (TTR), the protein that normally transports plasma retinol complexed with retinol-binding protein (RBP), by targeted mutagenesis (TTR-knockout mice). The TTR mice were healthy and fertile, despite extremely low plasma retinol and RBP levels (6% of wild type). Circulating retinoic acid was 2.3 times that of wild-type controls. Liver levels of RBP were 60% higher in the TTR-mutants compared to wild-type mice, suggesting that lack of TTR may block secretion of RBP—retinol from liver.
The Damnation of Women - The Redemption of Black Folk

In The Damnation of Women essay, W.E.B. Du Bois argues that “only at the sacrifice of intelligence and the chance to do their best can the majority of modern women bear children. This is the damnation of women” (Du Bois, 96). In a sense Du Bois’ complex thinking both anticipates but yet diverges from more recent accounts of gender, sexuality, and hegemony. I therefore hope to build a bridge beyond Du Bois’ conceptualization of the damnation of women through invoking an intersectional analysis; I argue for a resolution - that the damnation of women has become the redemption of Black Folk. Du Bois points, throughout the text, points out how white supremacy and racism make it difficult or impossible for Black men and women to satisfy heteronormative gender roles accordingly doing damage to Black people’s lives. I push his point further to not only argue against the hegemonic construction of white gender norms; but for Black women and men to reconstruct their own image of the (Black) family.
Octreotide LAR Dosage and Survival Among Elderly Patients With Distant-Stage Neuroendocrine Tumors

Introduction Octreotide long-acting repeatable (LAR) is approved for the management of carcinoid syndromes and may improve progression-free survival of patients with well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). It is unknown whether the dosage of octreotide LAR affects survival. This paper evaluates the association between initial octreotide LAR dosage and overall survival of elderly patients with NETs. Patients and methods Patients with distant-stage NET diagnosed between January 1999 and December 2009 who received octreotide LAR treatment within 12 months of diagnosis were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. Those under age 65 years, enrolled in health maintenance organizations, or without continuous enrollment in Medicare Parts A and B were excluded. We compared the 5-year survival of patients with NET based on dose per 28 days averaged over the initial 3 months: low (≤20 mg); medium (21-30 mg); high (>30 mg). Kaplan-Meier estimations and Cox proportional hazard modeling were used to examine the association between octreotide LAR dose and survival. Results Among 222 patients with distant-stage NET who received octreotide LAR treatment, 81 (36%) received a low dosage, 82 (37%) received a medium dosage, and only 59 (27%) received a high dosage. Multivariate analysis showed that compared with a medium octreotide LAR dose, a low dosage was associated with significantly worse survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.00; p = .001), whereas a high initial dosage (HR: 1.09; p = .719) did not show additional survival benefits over that observed with a medium dosage. Conclusion This population-based study suggests potential survival benefits for octreotide LAR provided within 12 months of diagnosis at a dosage of 21-30 mg among elderly patients with distant-stage NET.
Further purification and biological action of follicle stimulating hormone from sheep pituitary glands.

SummaryThe FSH preparation obtained previously from a dialyzed salt extract of sheep pituitary glands by use of anion exchange resin was purified extensively by use of columns of cation exchange resin adjusted to pH 6 and pH 5. Results obtained on assay of the preparation from the pH 6 resin in hypophysectomized male and female rats indicate that this FSH preparation is of high biological purity in that it contains very little luteinizing hormone activity.
Abstract 3634: Overcoming drug resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors by FUS1 or FHIT-gene therapy in human lung cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Dysregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and apoptotic pathways is a hallmark of human lung cancer and regulate tumor cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Inhibition of oncogenic EGFR activity is proving to be an effective therapeutic strategy for lung cancer. Though EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are promising drugs, resistance occurs frequently. ZD6474 is an orally available small-molecule that inhibits both EGFR and VEGFR2 tyrosine kinases. FUS1 and FHIT are novel tumor suppressor genes identified in the human chromosome 3p21.3 and 3p14.2 regions, respectively and have been shown to suppress tumor cell growth by induction of apoptosis and down-regulation of multiple oncogenic tyrosine kinase activities in human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of EGFR-TKIs at dose levels equivalent to those of steady-state serum levels achieved in the clinic as single agents and in combination with FUS1- or FHIT-nanoparticle-mediated gene therapy in NSCLC cells. We found that expression of wild type FUS1 or FHIT sensitized NSCLC cells to ZD6474 treatment (at 2µM), as shown by significantly enhanced inhibition of tumor cell growth in a cell proliferation assay. A combination treatment with FUS1-nanoparticles and ZD6474 also significantly enhanced inhibition on tumor cell-induced colony formation in H322 cells compared to treatment with either agent alone. Combination treatment with ZD6474 and FUS1 or FHIT-nanoparticles increased down-regulation of the EGFR signaling pathway and up-regulation of the apoptosis pathway as indicated by the reduced expression of the phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2 and by enhanced expression of cleaved PARP on Western blots. We found that the expression level of p-Met, which is one of acquired resistant factors to EGFR-TKIs, was reduced by FHIT-gene therapy in H1975 cells. We evaluated the antitumor effects of combination therapy using a fluorometric migration assay and found that the migration of H1299-GFP cells were inhibited by co-treated with ZD6474 and FHIT-gene therapy. Our findings imply that a combination treatment with FUS1 or FHIT-gene therapy and ZD6474 may be a useful strategy for enhancing lung cancer therapy. (supported by NIH Lung SPORE P50CA70907 and RO1CA116322) Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3634.
Historical Trends and Variations in Educational Homogamy

A sample of 443,520 married couples from the 1970 U.S. Census is examined to determine trends and variations in educational homogamy and husband-hypogamy, partially replicating a study from the 1960 Census. Assortative mating by education has implications for both social differentiation and marriage patterns. Educationally homogamous marriages are now occurring at levels higher than expected by chance but lower than would occur if equality of education were determinate in mate selection. However, levels of homogamy remain lower than at the beginning of the century. Change in educational homogamy from cohort to cohort is strongly related to change in the educational distributions of husbands and wives. A trend for white women in heterogamous marriages to marry up in education is also related to change in the relative education of men and women. Education remains a major factor in mate selection, a major discriminating characteristic in American society, and potentially a major source of differences in marital patterns.
Ischemic Stroke or Systemic Embolism After Transseptal Ablation of Arrhythmias in Patients With Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices

Background Incidental mobile thrombi are commonly found on endovascular leads of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Transseptal puncture for catheter ablation of arrhythmia poses a risk for paradoxical embolism. We examined risk of ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or systemic embolism after transseptal ablation in patients with and without CIEDs. Methods and Results Using a national administrative claims database, 31 720 patients who underwent a transseptal catheter ablation between January 2004 and September 2014 were identified. Two propensity‐matched cohorts were created by matching demographic variables, administrative variables, Charlson Comorbidity Index, CHA2DS2‐Vasc score, and year and indication for ablation (5533 and 11 300 patients with and without CIEDs). Incidence rates and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate risk of ischemic stroke, TIA, or systemic embolism for patients with and without CIEDs. Impact of oral anticoagulation (OAC) use on the endpoint was examined. Over a mean follow‐up of 2.1 years, the incidence of the combined endpoint was 1.9 per 100 person‐years in patients with CIEDs and 1.5 per 100 person‐years in patients without CIEDs ( P =0.03). Among patients not on OAC, presence of a cardiac device was associated with an increased risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.71 [1.24–2.35]; P <0.01), whereas there was no association noted among patients treated with OAC (HR, 0.98 [0.75–1.28]). Conclusion CIEDs are associated with an increased risk of stroke, TIA, or systemic embolism after transseptal ablation, but this risk is attenuated with postablation OAC use. Role of anticoagulation post‐transseptal ablation in patients with CIED warrants further investigation.
Analysis on Training Methods of the Middle-Long Distance Running Events

On the theoretic background of the development tendency and innovative trend of training methods of the middle-long distance running events,it has made an analysis of the characters and training methods of the middle-long distance running events and its exertion during training practice.It tries to amplify efficiency of various training methods during training of the middle-long distance running events so as to propel the course of sientific training of the middle-long distance running events in China.
Neuroinflammatory and autonomic mechanisms in diabetes and hypertension

Interdisciplinary studies in the research fields of endocrinology and immunology show that obesity-associated overnutrition leads to neuroinflammatory molecular changes, in particular in the hypothalamus, chronically causing various disorders known as elements of metabolic syndrome. In this process, neural or hypothalamic inflammation impairs the neuroendocrine and autonomic regulation of the brain over blood pressure and glucose homeostasis as well as insulin secretion, and elevated sympathetic activation has been appreciated as a critical mediator. This review describes the involved physiology and mechanisms, with a focus on glucose and blood pressure balance, and suggests that neuroinflammation employs the autonomic nervous system to mediate the development of diabetes and hypertension.
Inside Pipe Inspection: A Review Considering the Locomotion Systems

It is possible to observe that the fast technological development in the fields of instrumentation, control and embedded systems are increasing the employment of robotic systems for the execution of a large variety of tasks, for example, oil exploration or load transportation. In this way, there are many situations where it is very reasonable to use automatized systems, with special attention to the inspection of pipelines in the oil industry. There is a large quantity of systems developed and in the literature it is possible to find several reviews about inspection robots considering specifics applications. However, none of those reviews presents the methodology to acquire defect’s position. The main objective of this paper is to review the technical literature, describing the differences between robots employed to internal pipe inspection considering some features as application, adaptability, locomotion, sensors inspection and odometers.
Biomimicry Promotes the Efficiency of a 10-Step Sequential Enzymatic Reaction on Nanoparticles, Converting Glucose to Lactate

For nanobiotechnology to achieve its potential, complex organic-inorganic systems must grow to utilize the sequential functions of multiple biological components. Critical challenges exist: immobilizing enzymes can block substrate-binding sites or prohibit conformational changes, substrate composition can interfere with activity, and multistep reactions risk diffusion of intermediates. As a result, the most complex tethered reaction reported involves only 3 enzymes. Inspired by the oriented immobilization of glycolytic enzymes on the fibrous sheath of mammalian sperm, here we show a complex reaction of 10 enzymes tethered to nanoparticles. Although individual enzyme efficiency was higher in solution, the efficacy of the 10-step pathway measured by conversion of glucose to lactate was significantly higher when tethered. To our knowledge, this is the most complex organic-inorganic system described, and it shows that tethered, multi-step biological pathways can be reconstituted in hybrid systems to carry out functions such as energy production or delivery of molecular cargo.
Life History Diversity of Snake River Steelhead Populations between and within Management Categories

AbstractGrouping populations for management may overlook the fine-scale diversity underpinning the stability and resilience of meta-populations and fisheries. A bimodal timing distribution of summer-run steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss (anadromous Rainbow Trout) historically was observed at Bonneville Dam (BON), the first barrier to upstream migration in the Columbia River basin. Early mode fish (A-run) tended to be younger and smaller (<78 cm) than later fish (B-run). While A-run fish spawn throughout the Columbia River basin, B-run fish spawn primarily in the Snake River basin. Managers used indices of these modes to make fishery decisions, and later these criteria were adopted for conservation. It is still unclear how life history and body size differences among wild Snake River populations are related to the categories at BON. We examined population parameters characterizing the two categories (date of passage at BON, length) and parameters directly affecting population dynamics (age composition, sex rat...
Self-Injurious Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Enrolled in the Study to Explore Early Development.

We assessed potential factors associated with “current” or “ever” self-injurious behaviors, reported in the Autism Diagnostic Interview–Revised, among children with autism spectrum disorder (n = 69...
Ectopic Expression of DNA Repair Enzymes Modulates Survival following Ultraviolet Irradiation Challenge

In Escherichia coli, the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway removes ultraviolet (UV) light-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and 6-4 dipyrimidine photoproducts (6-4 PPs). Activation of alternative repair pathways, such as base excision repair (BER) and nucleotide incision repair (NIR), is inoperative because this organism lacks both the necessary BER DNA glycosylase and NIR UV endonuclease to initiate repair of these lesions. To determine if initiation of either pathway would enhance survival to biologically-relevant UV irradiation, the BER and NIR pathways were activated by expression of Chlorella virus-1 pyrimidine dimer glycosylase (cv-pdg) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe UV endonuclease (UVDE), respectively. The substrate specificity of cv-pdg includes CPDs and ring-fragmented purines, 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine and 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine, but not 6-4 PPs. In contrast, while UVDE incises DNA containing CPDs and 6-4 PPs, it was not previously known if the substrate specificity of UVDE included DNA containing ring-fragmented purines. Mass spectrometry was used to establish that these oxidatively-induced lesions were not substrates for UVDE. Expression of either cv-pdg or UVDE in NER-deficient E. coli significantly enhanced survival following UVB irradiation, but not to the levels of wild type (WT) cells. Survival of NER-proficient, homologous recombination-deficient cells could also be significantly enhanced by expression of either enzyme, suggesting that in response to UVB exposure, interactions between NER and activated BER or NIR pathways could be additive. Further, expression of cv-pdg or UVDE in WT E. coli enhanced survival following solar-simulated light (SSL) exposures.
A probabilistic approach to using big data reveals Complex I as a potential Alzheimer's disease therapeutic target

Identifying gene expression markers for Alzheimer9s disease (AD) neuropathology through meta-analysis is a complex undertaking because available data are often from different studies and/or brain regions involving study-specific confounders and/or region-specific biological processes. Here, we developed a probabilistic model-based framework, DECODER, leveraging these discrepancies to identify robust biomarkers for complex phenotypes. Our experiments present: (1) DECODER9s potential as a general meta-analysis framework widely applicable to various diseases (e.g., AD and cancer) and phenotypes (e.g., Amyloid-β; (Aβ) pathology, tau pathology, and survival), (2) our results from a meta-analysis using 1,746 human brain tissue samples from nine brain regions in three studies -- the largest expression meta-analysis for AD, to our knowledge --, and (3) in vivo validation of identified modifiers of Aβ toxicity in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model expressing AD-associated Aβ, which pinpoints mitochondrial Complex I as a critical mediator of proteostasis and a promising pharmacological avenue toward treating AD.
Generalized Estimating Equations Model Based Recursive Partitioning: Applied to Distracted Driving

Conventional statistical methods have utilized a coarse aggregation of information crosswise over subjects that may not be illustrative of any single person. Despite the fact that Generalized Estimating Equations system stretches out summed up direct model to take into account examination of repeated estimations or other similar observations, the non-linear connection between dependent and independent variables that could hinder model performance. In this study, we propose Generalized Estimating Equation based tree model that combines the benefits of both models by separating the data set recursively into subsets with different parameter estimates. For the best use of the proposed model, distracted driving on the intersection is examined. Past examinations have concentrated on evaluating the singular effect of individual geometry and human characteristic variables on driving behaviors. Interactions between factors related with red-light running (e.g., cell phone use, cell phone interface, and driver age) introduce diverse levels of distraction on red-light running. We recognize interactions that are sensitive to red-light running and different as a function of the level of the speed and yellow interval duration. Drivers are more vulnerable to cell phone distractions when their location is close the stop line of the intersection at the beginning of yellow interval.
Improved Retinal Capillary Perfusion Following Treatment of Severe Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

The authors report a photodocumented case of improved retinal capillary perfusion accompanied by visual acuity improvement after treatment of severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Thoralf Skolem, Hermann Weyl and “Das Gefühl der Welt als Begrenztes Ganzes”

Die menschliche Vernunft hat das besondere Schicksal in einer Gattung ihrer Erkenntnisse: das sie durch Fragen belastigt wird, die sie nicht abweisen kann; denn sie sind ihr durch die Natur der Vernunft selbst aufgegeben, die sie aber auch nicht beantworten kann; denn sie ubersteigen alles Vermogen der menschlichen Vernunft.
LiquidPi: Inferrable Dependent Session Types

The Pi Calculus is a popular formalism for modeling distributed computation. Session Types extend the Pi Calculus with a static, inferable type system. Dependent Types allow for a more precise characterization of the behavior of programs, but in their full generality are not inferable. In this paper, we present LiquidPi an approach that combines the dependent type inferencing of Liquid Types with Honda’s Session Types to give a more precise automatically derived description of the behavior of distributed programs. These types can be used to describe/enforce safety properties of distributed systems. We present a type system parametric over an underlying functional language with Pi Calculus connectives and give an inference algorithm for it by means of efficient external solvers and a set of dependent qualifier templates.
Continuous Functions on an Interval

Intervals are convex (4.1.4) and closed intervals are compact (4.5.4); these special properties of intervals are reflected in special properties of continuous functions defined on them. Applications include the construction of n’th roots, a characterization of injectivity (§6.4) and automatic continuity of inverse functions (§6.5).
The Coexistence of Multiple Neuroactive Substances in the Retina

Examples of the coexistence of neuroactive substances in individual neurons have been reported in increasing numbers throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems (Burnstock, 1976; Cuello, 1982; Osborne, 1983; Lundberg and Hokfelt, 1983; Chan-Palay and Palay, 1984; Lam, 1988). However, the obvious questions of whether the coexistence of neuroactive substances reflects co-transmission and/or co-function, as well as the mechanisms and rationale underlying such co-operativities, remain largely unanswered. Over the past three and one-half years, several reports of the co-occurence of neuroactive substances in retinal neurons have emerged, and it is not unanticipated that many additional examples will be revealed in the near future (Lam et al, 1985; Lam et al., 1986). To date, peptide-transmitter (Weiler and Ball, 1984; Watt et al., 1984; Watt et al., 1985b; Watt et al., 1986; Su et al., 1986; Watt et al., 1987; Zucker and Adolph, 1988), peptide-peptide (Li et al., 1985; Katayama-Kumoi, 1985a, Katayama-Kumoi, 1985b; Li et al., 1986), peptide-peptide-transmitter (Watt et al., 1988; Wu and Lam, 1988) and transmitter transmitter (Osborne and Beaton, 1986; Brecha et al., 1987; Wassle and Chun, 1987; Vaney and Young, 1988; Johnson et al., 1988; O’Malley and Masland, 1988) colocalizations have been demonstrated in the retinas of various submammalian and mammalian species.
Understanding School in Rural Cambodia: Portraits of Elementary Teachers

Few qualitative studies have been done in Cambodia, a country held hostage by the murderous Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. Still struggling to recover from these atrocities, Cambodia looks to education to aid in its redevelopment. This ethnographically-informed case study describes the classrooms of four Cambodian primary school teachers in the post Pol Pot era. The richness of their classrooms, their practices in the face of crowded classrooms with few supplies, and their belief in education is apparent. Alongside this is the teacher propensity to see themselves and their practice through a deficit lens. The article describes forces that impact literacy development, including well-meaning gifts from abroad.
Synthesis, photophysical properties, and self-dimerization studies of 2-λ5-phosphaquinolin-2-ones

We have rationally designed and synthesized a library of phosphaquinolinone derivatives containing various electron-donating and -withdrawing groups on two positions of the scaffold. Distinct trends are observed between the substituents on R1 and R2 with both the photophysical properties of the molecules and their dimerization strengths. With withdrawing groups upon the scaffold, dimerization constants surpass 500 M−1 in H2O-saturated CDCl3. Computational studies on the dimeric structures corroborate the experimental findings.
Burden and characteristics of unsolicited emails from medical/scientific journals, conferences, and webinars to faculty and trainees at an academic pathology department

Background: Professionals and trainees in the medical and scientific fields may receive high e-mail volumes for conferences and journals. In this report, we analyze the amount and characteristics of unsolicited e-mails for journals, conferences, and webinars received by faculty and trainees in a pathology department at an academic medical center. Methods: With informed consent, we analyzed 7 consecutive days of e-mails from faculty and trainees who voluntarily participated in the study and saved unsolicited e-mails from their institutional e-mail address (including junk e-mail folder) for medical/scientific journals, conferences, and webinars. All e-mails were examined for characteristics such as reply receipts, domain name, and spam likelihood. Journal e-mails were specifically analyzed for claims in the message body (for example, peer review, indexing in databases/resources, rapid publication) and actual inclusion in recognized journal databases/resources. Results: A total of 17 faculty (4 assistant, 4 associate, and 9 full professors) and 9 trainees (5 medical students, 2 pathology residents, and 2 pathology fellows) completed the study. A total of 755 e-mails met study criteria (417 e-mails from 328 unique journals, 244 for conferences, and 94 for webinars). Overall, 44.4% of e-mails were flagged as potential spam by the institutional default settings, and 13.8% requested reply receipts. The highest burden of e-mails in 7 days was by associate and full professors (maximum 158 or approximately 8200 per year), although some trainees and assistant professors had over 30 e-mails in 7 days (approximately 1560 per year). Common characteristics of journal e-mails were mention of “peer review” in the message body and low rates of inclusion in recognized journal databases/resources, with 76.4% not found in any of 9 journal databases/resources. The location for conferences in e-mails included 31 different countries, with the most common being the United States (33.2%), Italy (9.8%), China (4.9%), United Kingdom (4.9%), and Canada (4.5%). Conclusions: The present study in an academic pathology department shows a high burden of unsolicited e-mails for medical/scientific journals, conferences, and webinars, especially to associate and full professors. We also demonstrate that some pathology trainees and junior faculty are receiving an estimated 1500 unsolicited e-mails per year.
A Theoretical Literature Review on Adaptive Structuration Theory as Its Relevance to Human Resource Development

The ProblemAdaptive structuration theory (AST) has had little to no attention within the human resource development (HRD) literature. It is important for HRD scholars and scholar-practitioners to b...
Säuren und Basen

Nach einer kurzen Einfuhrung in die Saure-Basen-Chemie wird erklart, wie Aufgrund der Konzentration einer Saure oder Base in einer wassrigen Losung deren pH-Wert berechnet werden kann. Neben der zwar genauen, aber mathematisch anspruchsvollen quadratischen Gleichung, werden auch Naherungsgleichungen vorgestellt. Mit deren Hilfe man kann die gesuchten pH-Werte in vielen Fallen mit einer im Laboralltag zumeist ausreichenden Genauigkeit abschatzen.
Cardiovascular actions of parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone–related protein signaling

Abstract All osteotropic hormones have vasculotropic actions. This pithy statement of fact most certainly holds true for the prototypic bone anabolic polypeptides parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone–related protein (PTHrP) (aka PTHLH). The cardiovascular actions of PTH were first identified in 1925, when Collip and Clark injected anesthetized Dog 164 with intravenous parathyroid extract and documented hypotensive actions. However, only since the end of the 20th century has the fundamental role of PTH/PTHrP receptor (PTH1R) signaling in cardiovascular development, physiology, and disease been fully vetted—but this is not yet widely appreciated. For example, PTH1R signaling is required for normal aortic valve and myocardial development. Paracrine vascular smooth muscle PTHrP/PTH1R signaling has emerged as important in the homeostatic regulation of renovascular blood flow, while endothelial PTH1R actions convey the endocrine regulation of blood flow to bone in response to PTH. In addition to its bone anabolic actions, intermittent pharmacological dosing with PTH(1–34) mitigates the endothelial dysfunction associated with aging and suppresses arteriosclerotic responses to dysmetabolic states such as diabetes. These observations, among others, provide a second “bookend” that, with Collip and Clark's early observation, serves to brace the first century of PTH/PTHrP research—a century that has continuously pointed to cardiovascular actions of the PTH family of ligands. Thus, a fundamental understanding of PTH/PTHrP biology must encompass a better understanding of actions within and upon the cardiovascular system.
Meth Cooking as a Job: Identity and Dirty Work

AbstractPeople who engage in dirty work manage the stigma of their jobs by employing various narrative techniques that allow them to diminish the work’s negative attributes. Doing so enables them t...
Rummer’s function

Rummer’s function1 1 F 1(a; c; z) is defined by the function, and all its analytic continuations, represented by the infinite series \(\sum\limits_{n = 0}^\infty {\frac{{{{(a)}_n}}}{{{{(c)}_n}}}\frac{{{z^n}}}{{n!}}} \). That is, $$_1{F_1}(a;c;z) = \sum\limits_{n = 0}^\infty {\text{ }} \frac{{{{(a)}_n}}}{{{{(c)}_n}}}\frac{{{{(z)}^n}}}{{(n)!}}, \ne 0, - 1, - 2 \ldots {\text{ }} = \frac{{\Gamma (c)}}{{\Gamma (a)}}\sum\limits_{n = 0}^\infty {\text{ }} \frac{{\Gamma (a + n)}}{{\Gamma (c + n)}}\frac{{{{(z)}^n}}}{{(n)!}}.$$
11 – Outcomes Assessment

Publisher Summary Psychologists have always been very interested in the effectiveness of the treatment they provide. The outcomes of treatment for many types of psychotherapy were normally assessed through conversation during the termination stage of therapy. Patients and their therapists commonly reflected on the progress that was made along with challenges that could be anticipated and invitations to return to therapy as needed. More recently, adding standardized outcomes assessment to these conversations has been found to be highly valuable as well. These are becoming more important priorities as demands for accountability grow and strategies are developed that can improve the quality of health care through the ongoing monitoring of responses to treatment. The potential for improving effectiveness through the monitoring of outcomes deserves special attention from clinicians and managers. Though outcome assessment was easily avoided in clinical practice in the past, it is becoming increasingly unavoidable. This is particularly the case when behavioral health care is viewed from the biopsychosocial perspective—the effectiveness with which patients' needs are met is a top priority from this perspective.
Relative value units do not adequately account for operative time in pediatric urology.

Abstract Background Relative value units (RVUs) are the measure of value used in United States Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. The Relative Update Committee (RUC) determines physician work RVU (wRVUs) based on operative time, technical skill and effort, mental effort and judgment, and stress. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether operative time is adequately accounted for in the wRVU system in pediatric urology. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric Participant User File (ACS-NSQIPP-PUF) was reviewed from 2012 to 2017. Most common single pediatric urology current procedural terminology (CPT) codes were included. The primary variable was wRVU per hour of operative time (wRVU/h). Linear regression analysis was used to assess the relative influence that operative time had on wRVU/h. Results 25,432 cases were included in the final study population from 45 unique CPT codes. The median operative time was 79 min, and the median RVU/h was 12.2. Procedures with operative time less than 79 min had higher wRVU/h compared with procedures longer than 79 min (14.5 vs 10.5, p Conclusion This analysis of contemporary large pediatric population national-level data suggests that the wRVU system significantly favors shorter and less complex procedures in Pediatric Urology. Pediatric urologists performing longer and more complex procedures are not adequately compensated for the increase in complexity. Evidence level III Retrospective comparative study.
Unfolding cytochromes c-b562 and Rd apo b562

Abstract We have analyzed the early stages of unfolding of cytochromes c-b562 (PDB ID: 2BC5) and Rd apo b562 (PDB ID: 1YYJ). Our geometrical approach proceeds from an analysis of the crystal structure reported for each protein. We quantify, residue-by-residue and region-by-region, the spatial and angular changes in the structure as the protein denatures, and quantify differences that result from the seven residues that differ in the two proteins. Using two independent analyses, one based on spatial metrics and the second on angular metrics, we establish the order of unfolding of the five helices in cyt c-b562 and the four helices in the apo protein. For the two helices nearest the N-terminal end of both proteins, the ones in the apo protein unfold first. For the two helices nearest the C-terminal end, the interior helix of the apo protein unfolds first, whereas the terminal helix of the holo protein unfolds first. Excluded-volume effects (repulsive interactions) are minimized in turning regions; the overall range in Δ values is Δ = 36.3 A3 for cyt c-b562 and Δ = 36.6 A3 for the apo protein, whereas the span for all 20 amino acids is Δ = 167.7 A3. As our work indicates that the interior helix of cytochrome c-b562 is the first to fold, we suggest that this helix protects the heme from misligation, consistent with ultrafast folding over a minimally frustrated funneled landscape.
Covid-19 and the Mandate to Redefine Preventive Care.

Covid-19 and the Mandate to Redefine Preventive Care As we define the new normal for ambulatory care in the Covid era, we need a new approach to providing routine preventive care. Failure to advanc...
Direct patient care services by community and ambulatory care pharmacists in Idaho

Background Pharmacists are one of the most accessible but unoptimized healthcare providers in the community. They are medication experts and have authority to independently prescribe in Idaho. Through the provision of direct patient care services (i.e., those distinct from traditional prescription dispensing functions), pharmacists have a greater opportunity to impact chronic disease prevention and management across the state. This can be done by filling gaps in community care (e.g., prescribing recommended therapy) and directly managing and preventing chronic diseases. However, current practices surrounding pharmacist-provided direct patient care services are unknown. Objective To characterize direct patient care services provided by Idaho community and ambulatory care pharmacists as well as to assess individual pharmacists’ and their work sites’ capacity and barriers in providing and expanding services. Setting Community and ambulatory care pharmacists’ work sites in Idaho. Method We administered a cross-sectional, electronic, 20-min survey to Idaho community and ambulatory care pharmacists. Main outcome measure The survey focused on collecting data on current practices, capacity, and barriers related to pharmacist-provided direct patient care services. Results The survey was completed by 280 eligible community and ambulatory care pharmacists with the majority of respondents (n = 250) offering pharmacist-provided direct patient care services. Pharmacists most often prescribed therapy for tobacco cessation (nicotine replacement, bupropion, varenicline), naloxone, and devices for patients with diabetes. Top barriers to individual pharmacists providing services were dispensing load and workload while top barriers to work sites (e.g., environment) were reimbursement/billing, number of available staff, and workflow. Conclusion Idaho community and ambulatory care pharmacists currently offer direct patient care services to patients across the state, but face barriers in providing and increasing services offered.
Longitudinal Correlates of Maternal Involvement and Spanking in Spanish-speaking Latinas Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence.

Mothers experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) have been found to have negative long-term parenting outcomes, such as reduced maternal involvement and greater use of physical punishment, whic...
Did the Orlando shooting at pulse nightclub affect sexual minority mental health? Results and challenges using population-based data

Forty-nine people were killed in the Orlando shooting at Pulse nightclub on June 12, 2016. The objective of this study was to examine the association between the Orlando shooting and sexual minorit...
Relationship between community capitals and governance: The perspective of local actors in the Maya Biosphere Reserve

Abstract Internationally, the decentralization of forest management from central government control to collaborative stewardship by local communities is gaining popularity. Forest decentralization is seen as a means of promoting both conservation and community economic development while decreasing government agencies’ management burdens. However, not all community forest programs have been able to successfully achieve both forest conservation and socio-economic development. A growing body of literature identifies under what circumstances local groups can collective action dilemmas in resource management. While a wealth of literature focuses on institutional influence in common-pool resource management, recent research emphasizes the need to understand both how the local context and local governance structures influence community forestry outcomes. The goal of this study is to understand how governance and community resources interact to facilitate or impede the establishment and management of community-based forest enterprises. This paper addresses this question through a cross-case analysis of community forest enterprises in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Results highlight the importance of social capital reflecting a growing body of research that has found that local-level network-based relationships are an important factor that either facilitates or impedes community governance processes. In addition, for many attributes of good governance, the resources that are typically seen as the most difficult to measure such as cultural capital, human capital and social relationships were also seen as having the greatest impact on governance.
Application of Smartphones in Pavement Profile Estimation Using SDOF Model-Based Noisy Deconvolution

The new generation of smartphones, equipped with various sensors, such as a three-axis accelerometer, has shown potential as an intelligent, low-cost monitoring platform over the past few years. This paper reports the results of an analytical and experimental study on a proposed SDOF model-based noisy deconvolution (SMND) coupled with a deechoing technique to estimate pavement profiles and to modify their geometry using a smartphone inside a vehicle. In the analytical study, the acceleration response of the car was obtained, where the input was a road profile with an arbitrary pattern. Two different methods, classical band-pass filter and wavelet-denoising technique, were used for denoising the acceleration response. In a 2-step deconvolution process coupled with a deechoing technique, the pavement profile was extracted and compared with the original pavement profile, demonstrating good agreement. In the next step, a parametric study was performed to evaluate the effect of vehicle characteristics and speeds. Then, a case study was conducted in Blacksburg, VA, to evaluate the capability of the proposed method in identifying profile types such as potholes and speed bumps. The acceleration-versus-time responses in vertical direction were recorded using smartphone accelerometers located in a moving vehicle. Then, the proposed approach was applied to remove the echo and vehicle dynamics effects to obtain the pavement profiles and to modify their geometry. The results showed that the proposed approach can remove the echo and vehicle dynamics effect from the response to obtain the pavement profile even if the vehicle characteristics and speed are changed.
Level of Evidence on Platelet-rich Plasma in Plastic Surgery.

Background Despite the increased popularity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in plastic surgery, there is no detailed analysis on the level of evidence on PRP use in plastic surgery. As the number of applications of PRP in plastic surgery increases, it is important for plastic surgeons to understand the scientific and validated evidence behind its use. Therefore, we performed a literature review to identify current level of evidence on platelet-rich plasma in plastic surgery. Methods We performed a computerized search of platelet-rich plasma in plastic surgery using the MEDLINE, Cochran Library, and EMBASE databases. Data regarding the type of study, PRP application, and outcomes were collected. Then, the level of evidence was assigned using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Level of Evidence Rating. Results Our search identified 105 articles, and about 78.1% of studies were lower-quality studies: 37 level-III articles (35.2%), 32 level-IV articles (30.5%), and 13 level-V articles (12.4%). There were only 6 level-I articles and 17 level-II studies. Level-I studies were on facial rejuvenation using a laser, carpal tunnel release, cleft lip repair, trauma wounds, breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi, and hair regrowth. Conclusions Our review of the literature shows that the level of evidence on PRP use in plastic surgery is low (21.9%). Nevertheless, we believe level-III to level-V studies are still valuable, as performing high-level quality studies in plastic surgery is difficult due to variability in surgical techniques, experiences, and materials.
Practical Use of the Engine Testing Dyno with the Vehicle Simulation for the MotoGP Race Engine Development (2007-32-0043)

MotoGP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, with the world’s top riders racing 800cc prototype machines at leading venues around the world. The riders compete against each other to win the title and show their superiority. The manufacturers have improved the engines every year to gain a high power with low-fuel consumption. The percentage of the duration in fully open throttle is less than 20% of the race, but the partial throttle is used as much as 80%. Moreover, when the rider accelerates the machine, the front tire is easy to be lifted from the ground. In the mid of corner, the rider cannot open the throttle fully because of the tire slip. Therefore, it is the most important factor to appropriately control a throttle in the partial area. The Drive-By-Wire (DBW) system is one of the solutions for the force control. The vehicle simulation in the engine dyno test helped efficiently to evaluate the DBW. As a result, a controllable engine was developed and the development costs were saved lower.
Stakeholders' Views on Reducing Psychological Distress in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Abstract Context Psychological distress is highly prevalent among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the top palliative care priority identified by such patients, and associated with poor outcomes. However, patients with COPD rarely receive care for psychological distress. Objectives To identify the barriers and opportunities to reducing psychological distress among patients with COPD in the specialty pulmonary setting. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews based on Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs with key stakeholders at two pulmonary clinics, including clinicians, staff, patients, and caregivers. We focused on the relevance, identification, and management of psychological distress in COPD care. We identified emergent patterns and concepts, developed and applied codes to the text, and examined the content in each code to identify key themes. Results Thirty-one stakeholders participated in interviews (RR=64.6%). Nearly all pulmonary clinicians felt that psychological well-being was a critical, unmet patient need. Yet, most pulmonary clinicians reported that they lacked sufficient training and available resources to support patients, prioritized physical symptoms and medication management over emotional concerns, and perceived limited cultural support for such efforts in the pulmonary clinic setting. Patient and caregiver participants desired integration and prioritization of care addressing psychological distress into routine pulmonary care. Conclusion Mitigating psychological distress is a palliative care priority in COPD. Integrating efficient, effective resources, such as tools or programs that address psychological distress, into pulmonary clinic settings serving a high volume of patients with COPD may improve the provision of supportive care to patients typically underserved by specialty palliative care.
A Chemomechanical Model for Regulation of Contractility in the Embryonic Brain Tube

Morphogenesis is regulated by genetic, biochemical, and biomechanical factors, but the feedback controlling the interactions between these factors remains poorly understood. A previous study has found that compressing the brain tube of the early chick embryo induces changes in contractility and nuclear shape in the neuroepithelial wall. Assuming this response involves mechanical feedback, we used experiments and computational modeling to investigate a hypothetical mechanism behind the observed behavior. First, we measured nuclear circularity in embryonic chick brains subjected to transverse compression. Immediately after loading, the circularity varied regionally and appeared to reflect the local state of stress in the wall. After three hours of culture with sustained compression, however, the nuclei became rounder. Exposure to a gap junction blocker inhibited this response, suggesting that it requires intercellular diffusion of a biochemical signal. We speculate that the signal regulates the contraction that occurs near the lumen, altering stress distributions and nuclear geometry throughout the wall. Simulating compression using a chemomechanical finite-element model based on this idea shows that our hypothesis is consistent with most of the experimental data. This work provides a foundation for future investigations of chemomechanical feedback in epithelia during embryonic development.