cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and induction of vascular endothelial growth factor in a rat neonatal stroke model

Stroke is a devastating condition occurring in at least 1 in 4000 live births in the neonatal period. Since hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha can modulate ischemic injury via induction of target genes that may protect cells against ischemia, and is induced after preconditioning by hypoxia in the neonatal rat brain hypoxia-ischemia model, we evaluated whether HIF-1alpha is induced after focal ischemia-reperfusion, a model for neonatal stroke. We developed an ischemia-reperfusion model in postnatal day 10 (P10) rats by transiently occluding the middle cerebral artery (MCA) for 1.5 h. The MCA territory was reperfused for 0, 4, 8, or 24 h and the expression of HIF-1alpha and its target gene, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were delineated. HIF-1alpha protein and VEGF protein peaked at 8 h, and declined subsequently at 24 h in injured cortex following 1.5 h of MCA occlusion. Double-immunolabeling indicated that both HIF-1alpha and VEGF are expressed together in neurons with a similar time course of expression. The presence of HIF-1alpha and VEGF after moderate ischemia-reperfusion injury suggests potential avenues to exploit for neuroprotection.
Vessel origin in Cabomba

Tracheary elements of the nodal plexus in stems of Cabomba aquatica and C. caroliniana have pores in the primary wall as seen with scanning electron microscopy (SEM); these pores are adjacent to the helical thickening bands. Presence of the pores qualifies these tracheary elements as vessel elements, in agreement with our previous criteria in Nymphaeaceae, but the vessel elements differ from any hitherto described for vascular plants and thereby enhance the likelihood of polyphylesis of vessels in dicotyledons.
Prognostic factors for recent‐onset interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

UNLABELLED Study Type - Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) comprises pain perceived to be from the bladder, urinary urgency and frequency, and nocturia. As diagnosed at present, it is primarily identified in adult women. It is a chronic disease yet its natural history has not been well studied. In a prospective study of 304 incident female IC/PBS cases followed for a median of 33 months after onset, women with baseline chronic fatigue syndrome had a worse prognosis for IC/PBS. Mild IC/PBS at baseline was the only variable that was directly associated with a good prognosis. OBJECTIVE To identify baseline variables that predict the prognosis of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) in women seeking medical care for recent onset of this syndrome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS In a prospective study of women with incident IC/PBS (≤12 months of symptoms), we contacted patients at intervals and asked standardized questions about IC/PBS symptoms in the previous week. Logistic regression analyses assessed baseline variables as predictors of mild vs more severe IC/PBS at the last follow-up. RESULTS Median length of follow-up was 33 months after onset of IC/PBS; 304 (97%) patients had at least one follow-up assessment. Mild IC/PBS at baseline was the only variable that was directly associated with a mild IC/PBS endpoint. Conversely, a history of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was inversely associated with a mild endpoint of IC/PBS (i.e. individuals with CFS had a worse prognosis for their IC/PBS symptoms). CONCLUSIONS At a median of nearly 3 years after onset, baseline mild IC/PBS was directly associated with a milder disease severity. Baseline co-morbid CFS was associated with more severe disease. Whether CFS was uniquely associated or represented several co-morbid non-bladder syndromes (NBSs) could not be determined.
Pancreatic islet xenotransplantation: barriers and prospects.

Dramatic clinical advances indicate that pancreatic islet transplants can reliably restore euglycemia in insulindependent patients. However, clinical success actually highlights the pronounced deficiency of allogeneic pancreata available for islet isolation. This pressing issue has revitalized ongoing efforts to develop surrogate donor sources. Xenogeneic donors form a potential alternative tissue source because they can be generated in large numbers and are amenable to genetic engineering. However, there is less understanding of the innate and adaptive immune barriers to islet xenografts relative to those encountered by allografts. Presented evidence indicates that both innate and antigen-specific adaptive immune responses significantly contribute to islet xenograft rejection. Recent evidence suggests that the capacity to induce tolerance to islet xenografts may not differ markedly from strategies used to induce allograft tolerance.
Thermal Modeling of Unlooped and Looped Pulsating Heat Pipes

by experimental results. The visualization test showed that the oscillatory flow formed waves that traveled among the turns of PHPs. Their theoretical model could be used to estimate the pressure and displacement of oscillatory flow. Kiseev and Zolkin @7# experimentally investigated the effects of acceleration and vibration on the performance of the unlooped PHP. Acetone was used as the working fluid and the filling charge ratio was 60 percent. Their results indicated that the PHP operates successfully by various acceleration effects. There was an increase in evaporator temperature, about 30 percent by increase of the acceleration from 26g to 112g. Dobson and Harms @8# presented simple mathematical models in which the behavior of PHPs was simulated. The mathematical model was applied to the open-ended PHP. They showed that the oscillating behavior would be different for different initial values. Wong et al. @9# proposed a theoretical model of PHPs based on a Lagrangian approach in which the flow was modeled under adiabatic conditions for the entire PHP. A sudden pressure pulse was applied to simulate local heat input into a vapor plug. They were able to show the pressure and velocity variations with time for the vapor plugs. In the present study, a very detailed theoretical model will be developed to accurately simulate the behavior of liquid slugs and vapor plugs in both unlooped and looped PHPs. Heat transfer due to the phase change is also considered.
Caloric restriction, body fat and ageing in experimental models

Caloric restriction in animal models delays many age-related pathological conditions. Ageing rats have characteristically increased body weight, fat mass and a specific body fat distribution. This report will focus on the potential cause-effect relationship between increased fat mass and accelerated ageing. In humans, increased fat mass (obesity), and in particular increases in abdominal obesity as a result of deposition of visceral fat, are associated with the metabolic syndrome of ageing. This syndrome is associated with hyperinsulinaemia, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, hypercoagulability and hypertension. Fat tissue, however, plays a major role by secreting multiple metabolically active factors, which are potentially responsible for the development of insulin resistance. This article will review various experimental models (in animals) used to prevent insulin resistance of ageing by decreasing fat mass, and in particular, decreasing visceral fat. We suggest that this decrease in fat mass and its beneficial repercussions observed in ageing animal models may apply also to human ageing and its related pathology.
Sponsorship of Internal Medicine Subspecialty Fellowships Since 2000: Trends and Community Hospital Involvement

Background: Since 2002, market studies have predicted a physician shortage with an increasing need for future subspecialists. A Residency Review Committee (RRC) rule that restricted sponsorship of fellowships was eliminated in 2005, but the influence of this change on the number of fellowships is not known. We believed that the rules change might make it possible for community hospitals to offer fellowships. Our objectives were to determine the extent of change in the number of fellowships in university and community hospitals from 2000 through 2008, both before and after the RRC regulation change in 2005, and to determine whether community hospitals contributed substantially to the number of new fellowships available to internal medicine graduates. Methods: We used archived Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) data from July 2000 through June 2008. The community hospital category included multispecialty clinics, community programs, and municipal hospitals. Results: Of the 94 newly approved internal medicine subspecialty fellowships in this time period, 59 (63%) were community sponsored. As of 6/02/08, all were in good standing. Thirteen programs were started as a department of medicine solo fellowship since 2005. The number of new programs approved between 2005 and 2008 was roughly three times the number approved between 2000 and 2004. Conclusions: The number of subspecialty fellowship programs and approved positions has increased dramatically in the last 8 years. Many of the new programs were at community hospitals. The change in RRC rules has been associated with increased availability of fellowship programs in the university and community hospital setting for subspecialty training. Keywords: Specialists, workforce, supply
Medicaid HMO penetration and its mix: did increased penetration affect physician participation in urban markets?

States have recently increased their use of Medicaid managed care in order to assure predictable cost increases by shifting financial risk onto plans and to potentially improve patient access and quality of care. Enrollment in Medicaid managed care increased from 32.1 percent in 1995 to 60.7 percent in 2004, while enrollment specifically in Medicaid health maintenance organizations (HMOs) increased even more rapidly from 14.1 percent in 1995 to 39.5 percent in 2004 (CMS 2005). Early research on Medicaid managed care found that shifts in the type and site of care (e.g., lower specialty care and emergency room [ER] use) occurred but found little evidence of increased physician visits, preventive care or changes in hospitalizations; cost savings appeared minimal but enrollees reported no worse satisfaction or quality (Hurley et al. 1993; Kaiser Commission 1995). More recent research continues to find mixed results for utilization and access. Duggan (2004) found increased state spending and no corresponding improvement in infant health outcomes when welfare-related enrollees were mandated to enroll in Medicaid HMOs. One goal of Medicaid managed care was to “mainstream” Medicaid enrollees into private physician practices. While Medicaid managed care did appear to improve some aspects of access in some geographic areas, less is known about how it changed the participation of office-based physicians or how local market characteristics affect these and related outcomes. Most evaluations have focused on enrollee service use or expenditures, and few have examined changes in the provider system through which it might work. Moreover, studying physician participation under Medicaid managed care is hampered by the lack of reliable and timely encounter data from HMOs (Howell 1996); claims or survey data are needed. In this paper, we use 3 years of data from the Community Tracking Study's Physician Survey (CTS-PS) in 51 urban markets to examine the following questions: Were increases in the penetration of Medicaid managed care in the 1990s associated with increases in physician participation? Did this association vary for commercial versus Medicaid-dominant plan penetration? Did certain physicians respond to expansions in Medicaid managed care differently? Were Medicaid reimbursement rates among the other factors that affected physician participation across urban markets? Now is an opportune time to examine these questions as states face rising budget pressure from Medicaid spending and threats of federal cuts. It is important for states to know the impact of capitated managed care within the context of their provider reimbursement policies and the role that other factors play.
Computer-Based Clinical Simulation State of the Art

CBX, a clinical simulation model developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners, was studied as an evaluation instrument. These studies show that CBX measures need not be influenced by prior ...
Molecular dynamics simulation of preferential sputtering from isotopic mixtures

The nonstoichiometric sputtering of different isotopes from elemental targets containing two and three isotopes is simulated with molecular dynamics. Cu targets consisting of isotopes with artificially high mass differences ranging from 10% to 30% are bombarded with normally incident 5 keV Ar^+ ions. Both liquid and single crystal targets are studied. Both backward and forward sputtering spectra are examined. Overall enrichments of the lighter isotopes in the sputtering material are observed in all cases with a consistent lower enrichment in the material sputtered forward for the liquid targets. Simulation results show a linear dependence of the isotopic fractionation (fractional change of the isotopic ratio in the sputtered atoms from the stoichiometric value) on the mass difference in the three-isotope system within statistical uncertainties. A clear dependence of the isotopic fractionation on the angle of emission with a larger enhancement of the lighter isotope in materials ejected toward the surface normal is observed for the crystal targets but not for liquid. For the liquid targets, a larger isotopic fractionation in the backward sputtering yield is seen. An ion mass dependence is also noted with a higher fractionation effect for the lighter ion.
Regulation of Ceramide Biosynthesis by TOR Complex 2

Ceramides and sphingoid long-chain bases (LCBs) are precursors to more complex sphingolipids and play distinct signaling roles crucial for cell growth and survival. Conserved reactions within the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway are responsible for the formation of these intermediates. Components of target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2) have been implicated in the biosynthesis of sphingolipids in S. cerevisiae; however, the precise step regulated by this complex remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that yeast cells deficient in TORC2 activity are impaired for de novo ceramide biosynthesis both in vivo and in vitro. We find that TORC2 regulates this step in part by activating the AGC kinase Ypk2 and that this step is antagonized by the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. Because Ypk2 is activated independently by LCBs, the direct precursors to ceramides, our data suggest a model wherein TORC2 signaling is coupled with LCB levels to control Ypk2 activity and, ultimately, regulate ceramide formation.
Validation of self-reported colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in a study of ethnically diverse first-degree relatives of CRC cases

Background: Evidence about the accuracy of self-reports of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is lacking. We conducted a validation protocol in a randomized trial to increase CRC screening among high-risk individuals. Methods: First-degree relatives ( n = 1,280) of CRC cases who were due for CRC screening were included in the parent trial. All subjects who completed the follow-up interview ( n = 948) were asked to participate in validation activities. Self-reports of receipt of CRC screening during the 12-month study period were verified via physicians. Results: Although 60% ( n = 567) verbally agreed, only 171 subjects (18% of original sample) returned the signed validation form with the physician name and contact information and a medical information release statement. The signed forms were mailed to physicians with a $10 incentive and the request to list the dates of recent CRC screening tests. One hundred twenty-three physicians (72% of physicians contacted, 13% of original sample) returned completed validation forms. Rates of agreement were low across all three screening types with physicians verifying self-reported screening for 29% of fecal occult blood testing, 56% of sigmoidoscopy, 55% of colonoscopy, and 57% of any screening test. Conclusion: Validation of self-report using the type of protocol we used for subjects receiving medical care in many community settings may be unfeasible and cost inefficient. Given the overall low participation rate in validation activities and considerable challenges in collecting high quality data, conclusions about the accuracy of self-reported CRC screening are difficult to make based on the results of this study. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(4):791–8)
Algebraic simplification: a guide for the perplexed

Algebraic simplification is examined first from the point of view of a user who needs to comprehend a large expression, and second from the point of view of a designer who wants to construct a useful and efficient system. First we describe various techniques akin to substitution. These techniques can be used to decrease the size of an expression and make it more intelligible to a user. Then we delineate the spectrum of approaches to the design of automatic simplification capabilities in an algebraic manipulation system. Systems are divided into five types. Each type provides different facilities for the manipulation and simplification of expressions. Finally we discuss some of the theoretical results related to algebraic simplification. We describe several positive results about the existence of powerful simplification algorithms and the number-theoretic conjectures on which they rely. Results about the nonexistence of algorithms for certain classes of expressions are included.
MISSING LINK FOUND, 1880: THE RHETORIC OF COLONIAL PROGRESS IN ISABELLA BIRD’S UNBEATEN TRACKS IN JAPAN

In Unbeaten Tracks in Japan (1880), Isabella Bird, one of the most celebrated travel writers of her time and the first female member of the Royal Geographical Society, asserts that she has found “the ‘MISSING LINK’” in the deep interior of Japan, on the island of Hokkaido (270). According to Bird, a wizened individual barely resembling man sits “crouched” in front of a disheveled hut, showing no “signs of intelligence” (270). In fact, this “missing link” Bird purports to have discovered was one of the Ainu, the native people of Hokkaido, who suffered the consequences of Japanese developmental schemes. Bird's identification of the forlorn figure as the “missing link,” an anachronistic being that lacks history and culture, is puzzling, as she encounters this haggard man after having already spent several days with the Ainu in Biratory, a small village in Hokkaido. During her stay, the Ainu villagers constantly speak of the strained relationship between themselves and the Japanese, as well as their discontent at Japanese prohibitions on Ainu traditions. In other words, they divulge the oppressiveness of Japan's so-called “modernizing” regulations and policies, and they attempt to inform their visitor of the history between the two conflicting peoples. However, their efforts seem to be lost on Bird. Rather than interpret the Ainu individual's ruined body as a corporeal text on which the history of colonial violence and exclusion is imprinted, Bird judges the man's beastly existence to be the evidence of his people's inferiority.
Identification of soil degradation during earthquake excitations by Bayesian inference

A Bayesian inference approach is introduced to identify soil degradation behaviours at four downhole array sites. The approach of inference is based on a parametric time-varying infinite impulse response filter model. The approach is shown to be adaptive to the changes of filter parameters and noise amplitudes. Four sites, including the Lotung (Taiwan), Chiba (Japan), Garner Valley (California), and Treasure Island (California) sites with downhole seismic arrays are analysed. Our results show two major types of soil degradation behaviour: the well-known strain-dependent softening, and reduction in stiffness that is not instantaneously recoverable. It is also found that both types of soil degradation are more pronounced in sandy soils than in clayey soils. The mechanism for the second type of soil degradation is not yet clear to the authors and suggested to be further studied. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the equivalence of conglomerability and disintegrability for unbounded random variables

We extend a result of Dubins (Ann Probab 3:89-99, 1975) from bounded to unbounded random variables. Dubins showed that a finitely additive expectation over the collection of bounded random variables can be written as an integral of conditional expectations (disintegrability) if and only if the marginal expectation is always within the smallest closed interval containing the conditional expectations (conglomerability). We give a sufficient condition to extend this result to collections ofrandomvariablesthathavefiniteexpectedvalueandwhoseconditionalexpectations are finite and have finite expected value.
Some theory of population growths effect on technical change in an industrial context.

The evidence for the assumption that additional people reduce the rate of innovation due to reduced wages is examined. The author concludes that any negative effect is counteracted by the impact of increased demand due to population growth. (ANNOTATION)
Corn Steepwater as Protein Bait for Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Field trials were conducted to determine the potential use of corn steepwater, an acid-hydrolyzed corn product, as a liquid bait for the Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew), in Florida. Preference tests compared relative attractiveness among aqueous solutions of standard torula yeast plus sodium borate pellets or 10% steepwater (vol:vol) plus 1, 3, 5, and 10% (wt:vol) borax in traps. Total number of females trapped decreased from 474 in fresh bait solution to 197 and 154 in 2–3-d old and 4–6-d old bait solutions, respectively. When freshly prepared solutions were tested, the torula yeast-borax solution was the most attractive and the 10% steepwater with 1% borax the second most attractive bait formulation, capturing 45 and 23% of the trapped females, respectively. After 2–3 d of field-use, there was less discrimination among the baits, although the 10% steepwater with 1% borax and with 10% borax each captured 29% of the trapped flies. By the last 4–6 d of field use, the 10% steepwater with 1% borax was most preferred and captured 45% of the trapped flies. Dissections of subsamples of trapped females indicated that only 50% of the females from tortula yeast-borax traps were unmated, while 80–95% of the females caught in any of the steepwater traps were unmated. The addition of 1, 3, 5, and 10% borax increased the initial pH of the acidic steepwater to 5.95, 7.76, 8.44, and 8.76, respectively. The relative attractiveness of the 10% steepwater with 1% borax increased as this bait approached a neutral pH over the 6 d of field use.
Postoperative Corynebacterium endophthalmitis following uneventful cataract extraction with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens placement

A 68-year-old woman presented with a red and scratchy left eye 4 weeks after uneventful cataract surgery. On presentation, the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/25 in the affected eye; slitlamp examination revealed 2+ anterior chamber cells with keratic precipitates. No vitreous cells were noted. Topical prednisolone acetate was started. During the antiinflammatory therapy, a capsular plaque developed with persistent anterior chamber uveitis. An anterior chamber tap and intracameral injection of vancomycin were performed. The aqueous culture grew Corynebacterium species. Two additional anterior chamber washouts and intracameral injections of vancomycin were performed, which resulted in removal of the capsular plaque; however, the inflammation recurred. A pars plana vitrectomy with complete capsulectomy and removal of the posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) was eventually performed. A sulcus IOL was sutured secondarily, resulting in a CDVA of 20/30. Financial Disclosure None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Microstructural Size and Alignment Effects on the Dielectric Response of Inhomogeneous Media

The dielectric response of inhomogeneous media presents a complex boundary problem dependent upon dielectric susceptibility and volume fraction of its components, as well as the physical size of the heterogeneities. In this paper, we have used the LOCALF method to examine the size dependent problem for cubic and columnar defects for ZrO2 dielectric films of varying microstructure size and volume fraction. Both the alignments of low dielectric components with respect to the applied field and their size can effectively modulate the composite response. Comparison of these results with the conventional effective medium approximation methods reinforces the need to include microstructural detail in the modeling approach.
Obesity-specific neural cost of maintaining gait performance under complex conditions in community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract Background Recent evidence of obesity-related changes in the prefrontal cortex during cognitive and seated motor activities has surfaced; however, the impact of obesity on neural activity during ambulation remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine obesity-specific neural cost of simple and complex ambulation in older adults. Methods Twenty non-obese and obese individuals, 65 years and older, performed three tasks varying in the types of complexity of ambulation (simple walking, walking + cognitive dual-task, and precision walking). Maximum oxygenated hemoglobin, a measure of neural activity, was measured bilaterally using a portable functional near infrared spectroscopy system, and gait speed and performance on the complex tasks were also obtained. Findings Complex ambulatory tasks were associated with ~ 2–3.5 times greater cerebral oxygenation levels and ~ 30–40% slower gait speeds when compared to the simple walking task. Additionally, obesity was associated with three times greater oxygenation levels, particularly during the precision gait task, despite obese adults demonstrating similar gait speeds and performances on the complex gait tasks as non-obese adults. Interpretation Compared to existing studies that focus solely on biomechanical outcomes, the present study is one of the first to examine obesity-related differences in neural activity during ambulation in older adults. In order to maintain gait performance, obesity was associated with higher neural costs, and this was augmented during ambulatory tasks requiring greater precision control. These preliminary findings have clinical implications in identifying individuals who are at greater risk of mobility limitations, particularly when performing complex ambulatory tasks.
A novel in vitro model of early human adult B lymphopoiesis that allows proliferation of pro-B cells and differentiation to mature B lymphocytes

A novel in vitro model of early human adult B lymphopoiesis that allows proliferation of pro-B cells and differentiation to mature B lymphocytes
Cereal Leaf Beetle, Oulema melanopus (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Responses to Time in Cold Storage

Days in storage at 5°C significantly affected subsequent behaviors and mortality at 27°C of virgin female cereal leaf beetles, Oulema melanopus (L.). As storage time increased from 7 to 235 days, there was a corresponding decrease in: 1) days to death, feeding, oviposition or inactivity after feeding; 2) feeding days to oviposition; and 3) females not feeding or that became inactive after feeding. Feeding days to inactivity and percent females that oviposited or died increased. Prediapause (0 storage time) females displayed the same types of behaviors, but for different physiological reasons. Therefore, their percentages and times usually differed substantially from extrapolations of post-storage behavioral equations at 0 storage days.
Protective Effects of Fuwai Modified Solution Combined with Nicoranil on Endothe-lium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor-Mediated Relaxation in Sphena Vessel Graft

Objective: To discuss the protective effects of Fuwai modifed solution(FWM) combined with nicoranil(NCR) on the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor(EDHF)mediated relazation relaxation of saphena vessel graft(SVG).Methods:Fresh saphena rings were sudied in organ chamber after incubating with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate solutions(KH),FWM,KH with 0.1mmol/L NCR,FWM with 0.1 mmol/L NCR at 37 ℃ for 1 hour. Precontraction induced by prostaglandin F2(U46619 30 nmol/L)and endotheliumdependent relaxation induced by calcium ionophore(A23187 10-10～10-6 mol/L) were measured in the presence of indomethacin(7 μmol/L) and LNNA(300 μmol/L).Result:No significant changes were found in the 4 groups under the light microscope.Under the transmission eletronmicrograph,the endothelial cell had a slightly injury in the group NCR+KH and FWM,while group FWM+NCR had a better protection for endothelia cell than the other three groups. After exposing to FWM+NCR and KH+NCR solution,the maximal relaxation response induced by A23187(10-6 mmol/L) was significantly higher than that of in the FWM and KH [(84.55±10.54)%,(70.85±10.02)%,(72.53±10.36)%,(49.32±12.48)%,P0.05 respectively].Conclusions:FWM solution combined with NCR have a better preservation effect on the EDHF-mediated relaxation of SVG.
Rice High Temperature Stress and Heat Resistance Technology

Due to the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization,carbon dioxide emissions increased year by year,the global warming,leading to high temperature stress has become severe challenges for China and the world's modern agricultural production system.High temperature stress makes the rice growth activities of the accumulated temperature increase,which brings great influence on rice production. The main achievements are as following: effects of high temperature on rice growth and development,yield formation and quality and main physiological and biochemical processes; rice heat resistance performance,which is suggested to be beneficial to rice in the stress and heat stress.
HISTIOCYTOSIS X (EOSINOPHILIC GRANULOMA OF BONE, LETTERER-SIWE DISEASE, AND SCHUELLER-CHRISTIAN DISEASE). FURTHER OBSERVATIONS OF PATHOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE.

The literature on histiocytosis X has been reviewed from 1952 to date. Clinical and pathological observations during this period tended to substantiate the integrated concept of histiocytosis X as a nosological entity embracing eosinophilic granuloma of bone, Letterer-Siwe disease (when this is non-neoplastic), and Schuller-Christian disease. The impression has been reinforced that the lesion of eosinophilic granuloma is the pathological expression of an early, rather rapidly developing reaction to an etiological agent. This appears to be especially true in the chronic disseminated form of the malady (Schuller-Christian disease). Recent recorded experience has added new sites of involvement—the liver, kidneys, female genitalia, and, possibly, the cranial nerves and eye, as well. Altogether, the manifestations of the disease may be quite protean. Especially noteworthy are the numerous reports on pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma, occurring with or without demonstrable lesions elsewhere. Stress was placed on the practical importance of making a clear distinction between acute (or subacute) histiocytosis X and neoplastic reticuloendotheliosis, both of which require different therapy. From existing evidence it would appear that cytotoxic agents, radioactive isotopes, and the like should be avoided in acute disseminated histiocytosis X since they may seriously injure an already damaged bone marrow. In these circumstances, as in many severe cases of chronic disseminated histiocytosis X (Schuller-Christian disease), the experience of recent years points up the value of steroids in tiding patients over critical situations. Collaterally, the value of selected antibiotics in combating secondary infections and of roentgen therapy, especially for mucocutaneous and skeletal lesions, has been further documented. Among the features brought out by our own material are: (1) specific involvement of the liver in chronic disseminated histiocytosis X, leading to serious intrahepatic obstructive jaundice; (2) extension of eosinophilic granuloma in bone to regional lymph nodes (reinforcing the concept of infection); and (3) reappearance of the lesion of eosinophilic granuloma as the pathological expression of recrudescence in chronic disseminated histiocytosis X (Schuller-Christian disease) of long standing.
Reviewing the research in children’s spirituality (2005–2015): proposing a pluricultural approach

AbstractResearch on children’s spirituality seems to continue to be scarcely represented in the field of early childhood. In reviewing the literature, looking at empirical data-driven studies, this paper compiles an international review of the work completed in the last 10 years (2005–2015) on the topic of children’s spirituality. The research-based works reviewed are analysed and sorted taking into account: research methods, participant demographics (age, gender, ethnicity) and location (urban vs. suburban/rural, school vs. home), yet are presented in categories found related to their topic of study: (1) spiritual meaning-making and relationships to/with God, (2) children’s spirituality in education and (3) identity formation and sense of self. Finally, identification of gaps in the research literature regarding the study of children’s spirituality is presented. As well, avenues for future research are proposed, identifying methods and approaches. Also, the term pluricultural as a means to guide research...
Separation surgery for spinal metastases: effect of spinal radiosurgery on surgical treatment goals.

Background: The treatment of epidural spinal cord compression due to metastatic cancer represents an important clinical challenge. The NOMS (neurologic, oncologic, mechanical, and systemic) framework facilitates the determination of the optimal combination of systemic, radiation, and surgical therapies for individual patients. Spinal stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective and safe modality for achieving durable control of local disease. Integrating SRS into the postoperative treatment plan allows surgical goals to be modified, thus decreasing the extent of tumor resection required. Methods: Separation surgery is indicated for patients with spinal cord compression secondary to solid tumor metastases. During separation surgery, the spinal column is stabilized and the epidural tumor is resected without requiring significant vertebral body resection. Results: Tumor separation from the spinal cord allows patients to undergo postoperative SRS. Conclusions: The combination of separation surgery and high-dose hypofractionated or single-fraction SRS results in high local tumor control at 1 year and is an effective palliative paradigm for this patient population.
Mechanisms of Estrogen Action in Bone

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the mechanisms of estrogen action in bone. The mechanisms of the bone-sparing effects of estrogen appears to be particularly complex as it involve the regulated production of cytokines from hematopoietic cells and bone cells and the responsiveness of stromal cells to these cytokines. In addition, the contribution of specific factors to postmenopausal bone varies as the system adapts over time to the hormonal withdrawal. Estrogen downregulates the production of several proosteoclastogenic factors, including IL-1, IL-6, TNF, M-CSF, and PGE2. Estrogen represses the monocytic production of IL-1 and IL-6 and the proliferation of T cells in the bone marrow, thus leading to decreased T-cell TNF production. Sex steroids also regulate the production of IL-6, OPG, and TGFβ by stromal cells and osteoblasts. The enhanced osteoclastogenesis and the increased osteoclastic bone resorption leading to postmenopausal bone loss result from the stimulated production of inflammatory cytokines. Among them, monocytic IL-1 and T-cell-produced TNF play a particularly important role. The increase in bone marrow levels of IL-1 and TNF induced by estrogen deficiency leads to the selection of a population of stromal cells that exhibit increased Egr-1 phosphorylation, decreased binding of Egr-1 to Sp-1, and enhanced free Sp-1 levels. This, in turn, results in increased Sp-l-induced M-CSF production. The IL-1 and TNF increase the production of M-CSF and RANKL by stromal cells and osteoblasts. The T-cell-produced TNF also augments the capacity of RANKL to stimulate the differentiation of osteoclast precursors into mature osteoclasts.
Hydrous Ferric Oxides in Sediment Catalyze Formation of Reactive Oxygen Species during Sulfide Oxidation

Abstract: This article describes the formation of reactive oxygen species as a result of the oxidation of dissolved sulfide by Fe(III)-containing sediments suspended in oxygenated seawater over the pH range 7.00 and 8.25. Sediment samples were obtained from across the coastal littoral zone in South Carolina, US, at locations from the beach edge to the forested edge of a Spartina dominated estuarine salt marsh and suspended in aerated seawater. Reactive oxygen species (superoxide and hydrogen peroxide) production was initiated in sediment suspensions by the addition of sodium bisulfide. The subsequent loss of HS-, formation of Fe(II) (as indicated by Ferrozine), and superoxide and hydrogen peroxide were monitored over time. The concentration of superoxide rose from the baseline and then persisted at an apparent steady state concentration of approximately 500 nanomolar at pH 8.25 and 200 nanomolar at pH 7.00 respectively until >97% hydrogen sulfide was consumed. Measured superoxide was used to predict hydrogen peroxide yield based on superoxide dismutation. Dismutation alone quantitatively predicted hydrogen peroxide formation at pH 8.25 but over predicted hydrogen peroxide formation at pH 7 by a factor of approximately 102. Experiments conducted with episodic spikes of added hydrogen peroxide indicated rapid hydrogen peroxide consumption could account for its apparent low instantaneous yield, presumably the result of its reaction with Fe(II) species, polysulfides or bisulfite. All sediment samples were characterized for total Fe, Cu, Mn, Ni, Co and hydrous ferric oxide by acid extraction followed by mass spectrometric or spectroscopic characterization. Sediments with the highest loadings of hydrous ferric oxide were the only sediments that produced significant dissolved Fe(II) species or ROS as a result of sulfide exposure.
Named Data Networking for tactical communication environments

Tactical communication environments are characterized by frequent disruptions, intermittent connectivity, and low bandwidth (DIL) due to the unfavorable, unfriendly, and sometimes very dynamic network conditions. Nevertheless, there is still an expectation that tactical applications can communicate seamlessly despite the challenging communication environment. In this paper, we propose and evaluate the use of Named Data Networking (NDN) in tactical communication environments. NDN has inherent functionalities that makes it more robust in a DIL environment in comparison to IP. In this work, we consider a notional tactical environment and compare network performance under IP versus NDN. In our evaluation, we consider different levels of network disruption and different data dissemination mechanisms. Our results show that NDN can provide significant improvement gains in network performance that is superior to IP, under similar network conditions.
Method for Classification of Battery Separator Defects Using Optical Inspection

Abstract The growing demand and new fields of application compel battery manufacturers to higher product quality. Thus, defect-free battery separators are a prerequisite for safe lithium-ion cells. Hence, typical production faults have to be reliably detected. Therefore, a machine vision system was developed [1] . Besides the detection of anomalies, a key element is the distinction between defect classes in order to distinguish non-quality related optical effects from faults using a machine learning approach for classification. Therefore, a method consisting of five phases is described. Starting with data analysis and preparation, expert knowledge is used to derive a database. On this basis models are generated by machine learning algorithms. The best model is chosen by a weighted evaluation of the target values using a preference matrix. Furthermore, the model gets evaluated by an analysis of the confusion matrix. Finally the implementation phase serves to transfer the results into the machine vision system and to monitor occurring process drifts. Last, the functionality of the method is proven within an application example.
Patient-Centered Decision Support: Formative Usability Evaluation of Integrated Clinical Decision Support With a Patient Decision Aid for Minor Head Injury in the Emergency Department.

Background: The Canadian Computed Tomography (CT) Head Rule, a clinical decision rule designed to safely reduce imaging in minor head injury, has been rigorously validated and implemented, and yet expected decreases in CT were unsuccessful. Recent work has identified empathic care as a key component in decreasing CT overuse. Health information technology can hinder the clinician-patient relationship. Patient-centered decision tools to support the clinician-patient relationship are needed to promote evidence-based decisions. Objective: Our objective is to formatively evaluate an electronic tool that not only helps clinicians at the bedside to determine the need for CT use based on the Canadian CT Head Rule but also promotes evidence-based conversations between patients and clinicians regarding patient-specific risk and patients’ specific concerns. Methods: User-centered design with practice-based and participatory decision aid development was used to design, develop, and evaluate patient-centered decision support regarding CT use in minor head injury in the emergency department. User experience and user interface (UX/UI) development involved successive iterations with incremental refinement in 4 phases: (1) initial prototype development, (2) usability assessment, (3) field testing, and (4) beta testing. This qualitative approach involved input from patients, emergency care clinicians, health services researchers, designers, and clinical informaticists at every stage. Results: The Concussion or Brain Bleed app is the product of 16 successive iterative revisions in accordance with UX/UI industry design standards. This useful and usable final product integrates clinical decision support with a patient decision aid. It promotes shared use by emergency clinicians and patients at the point of care within the emergency department context. This tablet computer app facilitates evidence-based conversations regarding CT in minor head injury. It is adaptable to individual clinician practice styles. The resultant tool includes a patient injury evaluator based on the Canadian CT Head Rule and provides patient specific risks using pictographs with natural frequencies and cues for discussion about patient concerns. Conclusions: This tool was designed to align evidence-based practices about CT in minor head injury patients. It establishes trust, empowers active participation, and addresses patient concerns and uncertainty about their condition. We hypothesize that, when implemented, the Concussion or Brain Bleed app will support—not hinder—the clinician-patient relationship, safely reduce CT use, and improve the patient experience of care. [J Med Internet Res 2017;19(5):e174]
Arts Teacher Education

The article examines the challenges and strengths implicit within teacher education practices in the disciplines of dance, music, drama/theater, and visual art education. Four specific arts teacher education themes are examined: (1) the changing nature of arts content knowledge, (2) emerging pedagogical practices, (3) professional and institutional issues, and (4) what teacher education can learn from arts teacher education. The article concludes with the suggestion that arts teacher education must be vividly portrayed and clearly heard as arts educators advocate for, research, and grapple with the complexities of teaching and learning in the arts within and across national borders.
Prescribed Fire in Grassland Butterfly Habitat: Targeting Weather and Fuel Conditions to Reduce Soil Temperatures and Burn Severity

Prescribed burning is a primary tool for habitat restoration and management in fire-adapted grasslands. Concerns about detrimental effects of burning on butterfly populations, however, can inhibit implementation of treatments. Burning in cool and humid conditions is likely to result in lowered soil temperatures and to produce patches of low burn severity, both of which would enhance survival of butterfly larvae at or near the soil surface. In this study, we burned 20 experimental plots in South Puget Sound, Washington, USA, prairies across a range of weather and fuel conditions to address the potential for producing these outcomes. Risk to diapausing butterfly larvae, assessed by measuring subsurface soil temperatures and heat dosages, was lower when air temperature was less than 26°C and dead fuel moisture was greater than 9 %. The likelihood that unburned or low-severity patches would be left was affected by dead fuel moisture, but also required pre-existing fuel discontinuities. Burns conducted in the morning hours during the summer drought season (the main prescribed-fire season in this system) were cooler and had lower severities. This research increases our understanding of how fine fuel moisture and fuel continuity during grassland burning can affect fire intensity, severity, and spread. It also provides support for burning earlier in the day as a way to increase burn heterogeneity and has allowed us to create recommendations for burning in sensitive butterfly habitat.
Twitter weather warnings: Communicating risk in 140 characters—the impact of imperative and declarative message style on weather risk perception and behavioral intentions

Understanding how individuals utilize risk messages is important for protecting lives and gaining compliance toward safe behaviors. Recent advances in technology afford users with timeliness when needing to acquire information, and research investigating imperative and declarative message styles suggests utilizing both strategies is most effective. Similarly, the element of time can play a role when an individual engages in certain behaviors. This study employed an experimental design to better understand how imperative and declarative tweets, and time can contribute to risk perceptions and behavioral intentions. Results indicate the most negative affect is experienced after receiving an imperative-only tweet in a short-lead time condition, whereas a tweet utilizing both message styles in a long-lead time condition induces the most fear. Future research should investigate stylistic message elements on new media platforms to better understand how messages can be effectively sent and received by the intended audience within character-limited platforms.