cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different techniques for isoelectric focusing on polyacrylamide gel slabs using bacterial asparaginases

Abstract The possibility has been investigated with bacterial asparaginases that the multiple bands from electrophoretically homogeneous proteins in polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing may be due to artifacts or experimental variation. Although the pH profile, and hence the resolution, in different areas can be altered by washing the polymerized gel, the type of polymerization used, and the application of the carrier ampholytes, the isoelectric points of the individual asparaginase preparations are similar. An improved resolution in the basic region of the gel can be obtained by employing a refrigerated platen in contact with the glass base-plate. Varying the position of the sample application does not alter the isoelectric points in a standard 24 hr run on a narrow-range gel with the acidic asparaginase preparation, whereas the basic asparaginases require a longer period (36 hr) to reach equilibrium. When excised focused protein bands are rerun, identical isoelectric points are obtained. The formation of artifacts from protein-ampholyte buffer interaction is therefore ruled out.
Inflammatory Cells in Bronchial Asthma

A diagrammatic representation of the interactions between mediators of hypersensitivity and leukocytes in early, late-phase, and ongoing asthma is shown in Figure 1. Early phase or immediate reactions are largely the result of bronchoconstriction consequent to the release of mediators such as histamine, PGD2, LTC4/D4, and PAF. The principal mediator cell (MC) is the mast cell (although other IgE receptor-bearing cells such as the macrophage, eosinophil, and platelet might also be involved in this immediate response). The stimulus for mediator cell activation may be either immunologic (IgE-dependent) or nonimmunologic (i.e., changes in osmolarity as a result of the respiratory water loss associated with exercise-induced asthma). Late-phase reactions appear to be a consequence of infiltration with neutrophils (N), eosinophils (E), and macrophages (M phi). These cells are recruited and activated either by mast cell-associated chemotactic factors [such as LTB4, PAF, the eosinophil chemotactic factor of anaphylaxis (ECF-A), or high-molecular weight neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA (HMW))] and/or "lymphokines" derived from T-helper cells (TH) which have been stimulated by antigen processed by the antigen-processing cells (APC). These mononuclear cell interactions are under the control of regulatory T cells [T suppressor (TS) cells] and it is speculated that the availability of these subsets may determine the magnitude of the late-phase response. Lymphokines and monokines which selectively activate neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes include LIF, EAF, and IFN-gamma, respectively. Macrophage-derived tumor necrosis factor (TNF) also amplifies the inflammatory response by its capacity to enhance eosinophil cytotoxicity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Tensile Testing of Carbon Steel in High Pressure Hydrogen

An infrastructure of new and existing pipelines and systems will be required to carry and to deliver hydrogen as an alternative energy source under the hydrogen economy. Carbon and low alloy steels of moderate strength are currently used in hydrogen delivery systems as well as in the existing natural gas systems. It is critical to understand the material response of these standard pipeline materials when they are subjected to pressurized hydrogen environments. The methods and results from a testing program to quantify hydrogen effects on mechanical properties of carbon steel pipeline and pipeline weld materials are provided. Tensile properties of one type of steel (A106 Grade B) in base metal, welded and heat affected zone conditions were tested at room temperature in air and high pressure (10.34 MPa or 1500 psig) hydrogen. A general reduction in the materials ability to plastically deform was noted in this material when specimens were tested in hydrogen. Furthermore, the primary mode of fracture was changed from ductile rupture in air to cleavage with secondary tearing in hydrogen. The mechanical test results will be applied in future analyses to evaluate service life of the pipelines. The results are also envisioned to be part of the bases for construction codes and structural integrity demonstrations for hydrogen service pipeline and vessels.
Detection of Circulating BRAFV600E in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

BRAFV600E is a common mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) correlated with aggressive features. Our objective was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of a novel RNA-based blood assay to identify individuals with a high-risk tumor mutation in patients with PTC. Patients with benign or malignant thyroid disorders were included between September 2013 and July 2014 before either thyroidectomy (n = 62) or treatment of recurrent or metastatic PTC (n = 8). RNA was isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes and reverse transcribed and followed by two rounds of nested PCR amplification with a restriction digest specific for wild-type BRAF. BRAFV600E levels were quantified with standardization curves. Circulating BRAFV600E levels were compared with BRAF mutation status from surgical pathologic DNA-based tissue assays. Testing characteristics and receiving-operator curve using tissue results as the gold standard were assessed. Matched blood and tissue assays for BRAFV600E were performed on 70 patients with PTC (stages I to IV, n = 48) or other (n = 22) thyroid tumors. Sixty-three percent of PTC patients tested positive for BRAFV600E with conventional tissue assays on surgical specimens. The correlation between the RNA-based blood assay and tissue BRAF status was 0.71. PTC patients harbor detectable BRAFV600E circulating tumor cells. This blood assay is feasible and has potential as a biomarker for prognosis, surveillance, clinical decision making, and assessment of treatment response to BRAF-targeted therapies.
Scalable Energy Efficiency with Resilience for High Performance Computing Systems: A Quantitative Methodology

Ever-growing performance of supercomputers nowadays brings demanding requirements of energy efficiency and resilience, due to rapidly expanding size and duration in use of the large-scale computing systems. Many application/architecture-dependent parameters that determine energy efficiency and resilience individually have causal effects with each other, which directly affect the trade-offs among performance, energy efficiency and resilience at scale. To enable high-efficiency management for large-scale High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems nowadays, quantitatively understanding the entangled effects among performance, energy efficiency, and resilience is thus required. While previous work focuses on exploring energy-saving and resilience-enhancing opportunities separately, little has been done to theoretically and empirically investigate the interplay between energy efficiency and resilience at scale. In this article, by extending the Amdahl’s Law and the Karp-Flatt Metric, taking resilience into consideration, we quantitatively model the integrated energy efficiency in terms of performance per Watt and showcase the trade-offs among typical HPC parameters, such as number of cores, frequency/voltage, and failure rates. Experimental results for a wide spectrum of HPC benchmarks on two HPC systems show that the proposed models are accurate in extrapolating resilience-aware performance and energy efficiency, and capable of capturing the interplay among various energy-saving and resilience factors. Moreover, the models can help find the optimal HPC configuration for the highest integrated energy efficiency, in the presence of failures and applied resilience techniques.
Ethnic Studies: The Cyclical Fight, Conquer, and Struggle

Spring quarter, senior year. I had finally completed the required courses for my major and would only need this last class to fulfill unit requirements: Asian American 157- Asian American Education. I remember sitting in that classroom thinking, “Only 10 weeks of this class and I can graduate. This will be an easy A.” Fast-forward 10 weeks and did I stand corrected. I had never been so challenged to think about education as an Asian American student. We had a majority of Asian American students in the class, but we also had White, Black, and Latino students, and international exchange students from England and Australia. With each class, we explored identities, discussed theories, and shared stories. Not only was this class not an “easy A,” but, by the end of the 10 week trimester, I wished we had another 10 or 15 weeks to delve deeper into the topics of the model minority myth, typical Asian American stereotypes, meritocracy, and the unending debate of ethnic studies courses. I felt empowered to continue the conversations outside the classroom with my student affairs colleagues, and motivated to connect the
Controlled and Extended In Vitro Release of Bioactive Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors from a Microsphere-Hydrogel Drug Delivery System.

ABSTRACTPurpose: To demonstrate controlled and extended release of bioactive anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents (ranibizumab or aflibercept) from an injectable microsphere-hydrogel drug delivery system (DDS).Methods: Anti-VEGF agents were radiolabeled with iodine-125 and loaded into poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) 75:25 microspheres using a modified double-emulsion, solvent evaporation technique. Microspheres were then suspended in an injectable poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based thermo-responsive hydrogel to create a microsphere-hydrogel DDS. Release profiles were performed in phosphate buffered saline at 37°C and at predetermined intervals, release samples were collected. Microspheres were also made using non-radiolabeled anti-VEGFs to determine the bioactivity of the DDS throughout release. Bioactivity and cytotoxicity of release samples were determined using human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) under VEGF-induced proliferation.Results: The DDS is capable of releas...
Improved Accuracy of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems in Pediatric Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Results from Two Studies.

Abstract Objective: This study was designed to evaluate accuracy, performance, and safety of the Dexcom (San Diego, CA) G4® Platinum continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system (G4P) compared with the Dexcom G4 Platinum with Software 505 algorithm (SW505) when used as adjunctive management to blood glucose (BG) monitoring over a 7-day period in youth, 2–17 years of age, with diabetes. Research Design and Methods: Youth wore either one or two sensors placed on the abdomen or upper buttocks for 7 days, calibrating the device twice daily with a uniform BG meter. Participants had one in-clinic session on Day 1, 4, or 7, during which fingerstick BG measurements (self-monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG]) were obtained every 30 ± 5 min for comparison with CGM, and in youth 6–17 years of age, reference YSI glucose measurements were obtained from arterialized venous blood collected every 15 ± 5 min for comparison with CGM. The sensor was removed by the participant/family after 7 days. Results: In comparison of 2,922...
Surgical Management of Clostridium difficile Infection: The Role of Colectomy

Management of Clostridium difficile infections is usually accomplished through appropriate antimicrobial therapy. However, in patients that do not respond to this therapy, rapid and potentially lethal progressive organ dysfunction care occurs. Although supportive care and continued antimicrobial therapy is important, surgical therapy is critical to eradication of the inflammatory process and reversal of the dysregulated immunity associated with severe C. difficile infections. In the following paper, the role of colectomy is reviewed.
Studies on lymphocytes. XI. Differences in the lymphocytopoietic activity of peripheral lymphoid organs.

SummaryA comparative study of the proliferative activity of lymphocytes in the Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph node, prescapular lymph node and spleen was performed. The proliferative activity was assessed by determining the flash labeling index after a single iv injection of 3H-TdR. The mean flash-labeling index of the Peyer's patches was approximately 3 × greater than that of the mesenteric lymph node which in turn had a mean flash-labeling index approximately twice that of the prescapular lymph node and the spleen. These results suggest that under normal circumstances the magnitude of proliferative activity of peripheral lymphoid organ is related to the degree of antigenic stimulation.
Comparative Studies on Some Tang-Time Dialects of Shazhou

Les dialectes chinois historiques qui sont examines dans cet article, etaient parles au cours des 7 et 8 e siecles (Dynastie Tang) dans la province de Shazhou et ont ete conserves dans leur transcription tibetaine (textes Dunhuang). L'A. en se fondant sur ces transcriptions tente de reconstruire le systeme phonologique de ces dialectes
Investigation and analysis of intervention effect on immunization coverage rates among left-behind children in Wuji County of Shjijiazhuang City

[Objective]To explore the effective measures for improving the vaccination rate among left-behind children in Wuji County of Shjijiazhuang City.[Methods]The comprehensive intervention measures,including new vaccination model,regular supplementary immunization activities,strengthening supervision,improving vaccination service form and health education,have implemented for one year in Wuji County.The left-behind children under 6 years old were investigated for the coverage rate,and a questionnaire survey was conducted among their guardians to study the awareness rate of knowledge about immunization.Meanwhile,children around whose age and sex were similar and both parents were at home were collected as the control group.The data were statistically analyzed.[Results]316 left-behind children and 323 control children were investigated,and the whole course vaccination rate of the national immunization planning was 95.72% and 96.35% respectively,which the difference was not significant(χ2= 1.336,P = 0.248).The coverage rate of booster immunization was 93.83% and 94.71% respectively,and the difference was not significant(χ2= 1.015,P = 0.314).The awareness rate of knowledge about immunization among the guardians of two groups was 93.86% and 94.86% respectively,and the difference was not significant(χ2= 3.407,P = 0.065).[Conclusion]The coverage rates of left-behind children and control children have reached 90% after intervention,which achieve the requirements of the Ministry of health.
Development and implementation of a pharmacy directed community health education and screening program

Purpose: A major obstacle to successfully offering health care education programs is a lack of access to large numbers of people. To capture a large audience we proposed a pharmacy directed community health education and screening program using the hockey games at the University of Utah as the venue to educate a significant population. The objectives of this project were to evaluate the patrons' perception of health care screening/education sessions offered at hockey games and to discover the number of patrons participating in the programs. Methods: A variety of health care screening/education programs were offered at 12 hockey games on the University of Utah campus. Health care professionals were present to provide information, conduct screenings, and answer questions. All patrons who participated were asked to complete an anonymous survey to determine if the health sessions in this setting were beneficial. Results: A total of 801 useable surveys were received from patrons who were screened and/or educated. Overall, the health care screening/education sessions were well perceived with 92% of the patrons rating the overall value of the sessions as "very good" or "excellent." Patrons who were identified as being at risk for certain disease states were encouraged to follow-up with a physician. Conclusion: The health care education/screening sessions provided at the University of Utah hockey games were successful based on the survey results and the number of patrons who participated. This program also demonstrated pharmacists can play a very effective role in designing and delivering health education to large numbers of patients.
Morphometric comparisons between automated and manual karst depression inventories in Apalachicola National Forest, Florida, and Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA

Karst depression catalogs are critical to assessing the hydrology and geohazards of an area; yet, the delineation of these features within a landscape can be a difficult, time-consuming and subjective task. This study evaluates the efficacy of karst depression inventorying using an automated fill-difference method operating on high-resolution lidar-derived digital elevation models (DEMs). The resulting catalog is compared with existing karst depression inventories for two low-development areas of the USA, Mammoth Cave National Park (MACA) and Apalachicola National Forest (ANF), where karst depressions have been mapped previously using a manual closed-contour approach. The automated fill method captures 93 and 85 % of these previously mapped karst depressions at MACA and ANF, respectively. Field observations and topographic analysis suggest that the omitted features were likely misclassified within the existing catalogs. The automated routine returns 797 and 3377 additional topographic depressions, at MACA and ANF, respectively, which are not included in the existing catalogs. While the geology of ANF is mostly homogenous Quaternary deposits, the newly identified, typically smaller-scale depressions found within MACA tend to be disproportionally located in non-carbonate-dominated formations, where the development of karst may be restricted by geologic heterogeneity. Within both areas, the size distributions of the two inventories are statistically identical for features larger than ~103 m2 in area or ~3 m in depth. For individual depressions captured by both methods at MACA, the automated fill-difference routine tends to return a slightly larger estimate of depression size and aggregate small depressions into larger ones. Conversely, at ANF, some low-relief depressions may be disaggregated by the fill-difference technique, with a trend toward smaller estimated depression areas when the automated method is employed. The automated fill-difference method, operating on high-resolution lidar-derived DEMs, can reproduce and expand the existing inventories of karst depressions, while minimizing false detections that may be inherent within pre-existing catalogs.
A UWB Pulse Transmission Scheme - Switched Resonant Antenna

An efficient UWB monocycle pulse transmission scheme is presented in this paper. By integrating RF switches at particular positions on a resonant antenna such as a patch antenna, the modulating signal can turn on and off the antenna's radiation by open- or short-circuiting the radiation slots directly, resulting in the transmission of short pulses with high instantaneous radiated power. An in-house FDTD code that can incorporate time-varying lumped circuit elements into the simulations is applied to validate the pulse transmission performance of the proposed scheme through a full-wave simulation. Both the radiation gain and radiation efficiency of the scheme are discussed based on FDTD simulations and the equivalent circuit model.
Evidence for Increased Response to Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Myeloid Cells in Acquired Aplastic Anemia

Autoimmune response targeting the hematopoietic stem cells highlights the current understanding of acquired aplastic anemia (AAA) pathogenesis. Upregulation of the unfolded protein response is the cell's rejoinder to a variety of stresses, which either result in restoring homeostasis or cell death by increased expression of the transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein. We hypothesized that there is an inherent increased sensitivity to various cellular stressors, including the ones that target endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in AAA leading to a decreased proliferation and potentially contributing to susceptibility to autologous cytotoxicity. Using archived bone marrow aspirate samples, we demonstrate that the culture-expanded AAA myeloid cells have an increased response to ER stress induced by tunicamycin leading to decreased cell proliferation. Within the AAA myeloid samples, we show that the disease status, active versus response to therapy at the time of sampling does not alter the ER stress response. This is the first report, which provides evidence for an inherent defective stress control in the myeloid cells as a possible mechanism of evolution of the disease process in AAA.
Energy efficient routing for Internet of Things (IoT) applications

Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to improve the way we interact with things. IoT envisions the idea of universal connectivity of everything which is defined as the global network of uniquely identifiable and addressable smart things posing the capability to interact and communicate with other smart things. Every smart object consists of a microprocessor, transceiver module, sensors and power source. Most of the times these systems have to deal with low power and lossy networks (LLNs), where nodes have limited memory, processing capability, and power. However, stringent Quality of Service (QoS) is mandatory which is challenging to provide as the sensors are interconnected using lossy links. A routing protocol is needed as these devices can be scattered in an unplanned manner. Considering unanticipated characteristics of LLNs, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) developed, and standardized the Routing Protocol for LLNs (RPL). RPL is an IPv6 network and builds a tree-like topology which is based on few network metric optimization process using different Objective Functions (OF) to fulfill desired routing process. In this paper, we proposed a routing and a transmission power control algorithm to design a reliable energy efficient and low-cost RPL based system for IoT applications.
The Research Agenda

In studying the chapters in this book and discussing them, I have kept several questions in mind. I believe the reader of this volume who has intellectual and policy interests ought to find answers (sometimes indirect) or clearly stated, researchable propositions, related to the following questions.
Time-Domain Simulation of Nonlinear Wave Impact Loads On Fixed Offshore Platform And Decks

Greenwater damage to offshore structures results from high pressures and dynamic loads that occur when wave crests inundate the structure far above the waterline in areas not designed to withstand such pressures. In the present study, a Navier-Stokes numerical method has been employed for the prediction of impact loads of both 3D shortcrested and 2D long-crest waves on a fixed platform and its topside equipments. The violent free surface flow generated by large hurricane waves that reach into the platform deck is resolved by an interfacecapturing level-set method. The Navier-Stokes equations are formulated in curvilinear coordinate system and discretized using the finite-analytic method. The level set equations of interface evolution and re-initialization were solved using an implicit 5-order WENO (weighted essentially non-oscillatory) scheme. An overset grid system is employed to facilitate the simulation of complex flow around a fixed platform with 8 platform legs, an array of 20 risers, and 32 rectangular pegs representing major topside equipments. A new and very efficient grid-interpolation program has been developed to provide the required interpolation data for this complex chimera grid system. Time-domain simulation were performed for both the uni-directional long-crested and directional short-crested waves based on the directional wave spectra of Hurricane Katrina. The simulation results successfully captured the evolution of the wave crest as it propagates through the platform decks while exerting impact loads on the topside equipments in its path. A detailed comparison of the wave impacts and loading difference between the 2D uni-directional waves and 3D directional short-crested wave clearly indicates that the impact loads from short-crested waves differ drastically from those of long-crested waves. Truly big 3D shortcrested waves occur in very rare occasions when all wave components of the directional wave spectrum are in phase. However, these extreme storm waves are capable of producing severe local damages to platform decks and topside equpments. The simulation results provide useful guidance for designing new platforms as well as assessing the continued reliability of existing structures.
Old Town Plantation

After the people in the Charles Towne settlement moved to the site of present Charleston, by 1680, the original settlement site had come to be known as “Old Towne Plantation,” and this term continued to the present when our work began. The previous chapter discussed the work done by Johnny Miller regarding his discovery of an “Old Towne Plantation,” post-Charles Towne house ruin, when the site was owned by James Le Sade.
The Role of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Patients in the Era of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

When the history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is reviewed, it is observed that the improved outcomes were a consequence of slow and incremental change over the years, as a result of prospective clinical trials or retrospective institutional or registry observations and analyses. This gradual progress of therapeutic advancement was an excellent demonstration of Darwinian evolution. Gould et al. have developed a novel evolution theory of “punctuated equilibrium,” in which periods of incremental change can be disrupted by sudden and sometimes cataclysmic events [1]. In the management of CML, the relatively sudden introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) into the disease management has led to saltatory evolutionary changes in which major paradigm shifts have taken place in the treatment of CML patients. In this chapter, we will review the results of HSCT for CML and also review the impact on standard transplantation with the emergence of imatinib and other kinase inhibitors, and how they have now redefined a new natural history for this leukemia. More importantly, with the near universal exposure of patients with CML to TKIs, it will be most critical to define when transplantation options should be pursued and offered to maintain the therapeutic goal of the best long-term outcome for patients with this disease.
Are schizophrenia and affective disorder related? A selective literature review.

Objective Although most modern investigators accept the Kraepelinian view that schizophrenia and affective disorder are biologically distinct, others have suggested the psychoses are on a continuum of liability. This article is a selective review of evidence for the continuum model. Method The author focuses on family, twin, and adoption data that do not support the Kraepelinian view of psychosis. Evidence characterized to a lesser extent includes the frequency of intermediate forms of illness (i.e., schizoaffective disorder), the inability to separate psychoses by classical symptoms into well-defined clusters, and the inability of laboratory measures to clearly define psychotic subgroups. Results The data demonstrate that schizophrenia and affective disorder do co-occur in some families. Whether this co-occurrence reflects true overlap is unclear, and significant pathophysiological heterogeneity may underlie clinical continuity. In some recent studies the inclusion of nonmelancholic depressions in the affective illness category may have masked overlap. Conclusions The author suggests that the Kraepelinian view of psychoses may need modification. Future research should focus on factors that may reveal overlap between schizophrenia and affective disorder: severity of schizophrenia and affective disorder in probands, severity of depression in relatives, the effect of the unipolar-bipolar disorder relationship on the co-occurrence of affective disorder and schizophrenia, and the relationship of nongenetic factors that might alter the clinical expression of a shared genotype. Also, investigators should not presume a dichotomy or continuum but should examine pure and mixed pedigrees and look for state- and trait-related endophenotypes, the convergence of which would provide the basis for focused molecular genetic study.
Tightly-linked antagonistic-effect loci underlie polygenic demographic variation in C. elegans

Recent work has provided strong empirical support for the classic polygenic model for trait variation. Population-based findings suggest that most regions of genome harbor variation affecting most traits. This view is hard to reconcile with the experience of researchers who define gene functions using mutagenesis, comparing mutants one at a time to the wild type. Here, we use the approach of experimental genetics to show that indeed, most genomic regions carry variants with detectable effects on complex traits. We used high-throughput phenotyping to characterize demography as a multivariate trait in growing populations of Caenorhabditis elegans sensitized by nickel stress. We show that demography under these conditions is genetically complex in a panel of recombinant inbred lines. We then focused on a 1.4-Mb region of the X chromosome. When we compared two near isogenic lines (NILs) that differ only at this region, they were phenotypically indistinguishable. When we used additional NILs to subdivide the region into fifteen intervals, each encompassing ~0.001 of the genome, we found that eleven of intervals have significant effects. These effects are often similar in magnitude to those of genome-wide significant QTLs mapped in the recombinant inbred lines but are antagonized by the effects of variants in adjacent intervals. Contrary to the expectation of small additive effects, our findings point to large-effect variants whose effects are masked by epistasis or linkage disequilibrium between alleles of opposing effect.
Social work with people with learning difficulties: making a difference

Hunter and Rowley have written a book intended to inform and guide social workers with people with learning difficulties. Their information and advice cover all developmental stages from later chil...
Diagnostic Uncertainty in a Complex Young Man: Autism Versus Psychosis.

CASE:James is a 7½-year-old boy born in Vietnam to a mother with mental illness. Little is known about his early history; he spent the first 6 months of his life in an orphanage, followed by foster care and a disrupted adoption. He moved to the U.S. at age 1½ and joined his current adoptive family a
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 channels are important regulators of parenchymal arteriole dilation and cognitive function

Objective Hypertension-associated PA dysfunction reduces cerebral perfusion and impairs cognition. This is associated with impaired TRPV4-mediated PA dilation; therefore, we tested the hypothesis that TRPV4 channels are important regulators of cerebral perfusion, PA structure and dilation, and cognition. Methods Ten- to twelve-month-old male TRPV4 knockout (WKY-Trpv4em4Mcwi ) and age-matched control WKY rats were studied. Cerebral perfusion was measured by MRI with arterial spin labeling. PA structure and function were assessed using pressure myography and cognitive function using the novel object recognition test. Results Cerebral perfusion was reduced in the WKY-Trpv4em4Mcwi rats. This was not a result of PA remodeling because TRPV4 deletion did not change PA structure. TRPV4 deletion did not change PA myogenic tone development, but PAs from the WKY-Trpv4em4Mcwi rats had severely blunted endothelium-dependent dilation. The WKY-Trpv4em4Mcwi rats had impaired cognitive function and exhibited depressive-like behavior. The WKY-Trpv4em4Mcwi rats also had increased microglia activation, and increased mRNA expression of GFAP and tumor necrosis factor alpha suggesting increased inflammation. Conclusion Our data indicate that TRPV4 channels play a critical role in cerebral perfusion, PA dilation, cognition, and inflammation. Impaired TRPV4 function in diseases such as hypertension may increase the risk of the development of vascular dementia.
Long-term effects of neonatal exposure to isobutylmethylxanthine. I. Retardation of learning with antagonism by mianserin.

Pregnant women regularly ingest the methylxanthines, caffeine and theophylline, during pregnancy and lactation. Also, theophylline is used to treat apnea in premature infants. In this study, rat pups were treated with 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), on days 7–10 of life. Transient IBMX treatment during infancy caused a retardation of acquisition of a delayed reinforced autoshaped lever touch response in adulthood. Treated rats required more trials to learn the task, but did not show altered exploratory activity in the operant chambers. Coadministration of the serotonin (5-HT) antagonist mianserin with IBMX was able to attenuate significantly the effects of IBMX in both males and females, even though mianserin treatment alone caused an apparent learning deficit in the males. The results indicate that 5-HT and 5-HT receptors are important during development for normal expression of a specific cognitive function later in life. Furthermore, a 5-HT system appears to play a role in the mechanism whereby perinatal methylxanthine exposure could lead to learning impairments or other undesirable behavioral consequences. The use of IBMX in developing rats may also offer a model for studying the long-term consequences of the expression of opioid withdrawal during the neonatal period, since this agent induces a quasi-morphine withdrawal syndrome (QMWS) in mature rats. It is of interest that mianserin can block or attenuate effects of both quasi- and true morphine withdrawal.
Fucosyltransferase gene expression in goat endometrium during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.

Abstract Regulation of the expression of the alpha(1,2)fucosyltransferase (FUT) genes and their enzymatic products, including the H-type 1 antigen (HT1), on the luminal surface of the uterus is believed to be critical for establishment of pregnancy in mammals. The FUT1 gene is a marker for conception rates in dairy cows and HT1 is a marker for uterine receptivity in rodents. To determine the spatiotemporal expression patterns of FUT1 and FUT2 genes in goats, endometrial tissues were obtained on six days spanning the estrous cycle (Days 5, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19) and seven days spanning early pregnancy (Days 5, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 25). In all data, we found no effect of status (cyclic or pregnant; P > 0.1) and pooled data where appropriate. We cloned FUT1 cDNA from goat endometrium and made probes from it for Northern and slot blot analyses. The analyses indicated that FUT1 gene expression was high until Day 13, and then declined. In situ hybridization revealed a change in the cell-specificity of FUT1 gene expression over the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. In situ hybridization signal intensity scores indicated that FUT1 expression by uterine epithelium was high on Day 5, moderate on Day 11, and minimal on subsequent days. In situ hybridization signals in uterine glandular epithelial cells remained high from Day 5 to Day 13, with weaker signals thereafter. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) assays were used for quantitation of FUT1 and FUT2 mRNAs. Quantitative RT-qPCR data were generated from endometrium collected from cyclic and pregnant animals on Days 5, 11 and 17. Relative levels of FUT1 mRNA were high on Days 5 and 11, but then fell 5-fold by Day 17 (P
Advantages of an Anterior-Based Muscle-Sparing Approach in Transitioning From a Posterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Minimizing the Learning Curve

Abstract Background Enthusiasm for anterior-based approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to increase but there is concern for increased complications during the learning curve period associated. This study aimed to investigate if there was a difference in perioperative variables, intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications, or patient-reported outcomes when transitioning from a mini-posterior approach (mPA) to an anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) approach for THA. Methods Retrospective cohort study on the first 100 primary THA cases (n = 96 patients) of the senior author (August 2016 to August 2017) using the ABMS approach. These cases were compared to primary THA cases done the year prior (July 2015 to July 2016, n = 91 cases in 89 patients) using an mPA. Data were extracted and analyzed via gamma regression with robust standard errors and using generalized estimating equation regression. Results We found no difference in the estimated blood loss (P = .452) and surgical time (P = .564) between the cohorts. The ABMS cases had a slightly shorter length of stay (P = .001) with an adjusted mean length of stay of 1.53 days (95% confidence interval 1.4-1.6) compared to 1.85 days (95% confidence interval 1.8-1.9) in the mPA cases. There was no difference in the frequency of immediate postoperative complications (all, P > .05). There was no difference in the adjusted mean change in patient-reported outcomes (all P > .05). In the ABMS group, there was no difference in surgical time or physical function computerized adaptive test between the first 20 cases (reference) and each subsequent group of 20 cases (all P > .05). Conclusion This study demonstrates no associated learning curve for an experienced senior surgeon when switching routine THA approach from mPA to ABMS. We advise careful interpretation of our results, as they may not apply to all surgeons and practices. Level of Evidence Level III Therapeutic Study: retrospective comparative study.
Problems with Rowland’s Practical Conciliationism

Richard Rowland (2017, Philosophy Compass, 12(2), 1–16) defends the following principle: if we must suspend judgement about whether it is permissible for us to φ, then it is not permissible for us to φ. He calls this the Epistemic → Metaphysical (EM) principle. This paper considers two challenges to this principle. First, assuming that both conciliationism and EM are true, then in cases where you and your epistemic peers disagree on both the permissibility of φ-ing and the permissibility of refraining from φ-ing, neither φ-ing nor refraining from φ-ing would be permissible. Thus, the view entails that moral dilemmas, which many regard as impossible, are possible. Second, EM is in conflict with the Principle of Decisive Reasons (Kiesewetter 2016, The Philosophical Quarterly, 66(265), 760–782). While EM implies that you may be obligated to φ when it is not permissible for you to believe that you ought to φ, the Principle of Decisive Reasons implies that you ought to φ only if it is permissible for you to believe that you ought to φ. Given those two challenges, I conclude that EM should be rejected.
Living in a wildfire: The relationship between crisis management and community resilience in a tourism-based destination

Abstract This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between crisis management procedures and local resilience responses. Utilizing the context of the 416 wildfire in southwest Colorado during the summer of 2018, this study proposes that community resilience is a process that is impacted by the decision-making surrounding the reduction of the disaster impact. The results of this study argue that interpreting the community response to crisis management from the lens of resilience will allow decision-makers to more thoroughly understand the impact on the community and the related tourism industry. This research proposes a path of integration between crisis management and community response to be used for navigating the challenges that occur during uncontrolled natural disasters impacting community sustainability.
Sex, drugs, and early emerging risk: examining the association between sexual debut and substance use across adolescence

Sexual debut, or first intercourse, predicts problem behaviors such as substance use. This association could reflect a direct effect of debut itself, general developmental trends, or the fact that some youth are more predisposed to a wide array of problem behaviors (e.g., risky sex, substance use). Understanding the association between sexual debut and substance use thus requires methods that can distinguish between these various accounts. In this study the association between sexual debut and substance use was investigated in a longitudinal sample of Mexican-origin youth (N = 674) assessed annually from 5th (Mage = 10.86 years, SD = 0.51) through 12th grade (Mage = 17.69 years, SD = 0.48). The longitudinal aspect of the data allowed the direct effect of sexual debut on substance use to be tested while accounting for long-term trends in substance use, and stable individual differences in those trends based on early risk and debut timing. Substance use increased over time, and early risk and debut were consistently associated with more substance use. Sexual debut also modestly predicted an increase in substance use after accounting for these effects, however. Taken together, results provide some evidence consistent with each of the potential explanations for the association between sexual debut and substance use across adolescence.
SRSD Fractions: Using Self-Regulated Strategy Development to Support Students’ Conceptual and Procedural Fraction Knowledge

Fractions are a cornerstone skill for student success in higher-level mathematics and many practical skills. However, most students do not have proficient fraction conceptual or computational knowledge. Effective and efficient interventions are needed to remediate these skills, especially for students with or at-risk for disabilities. We present a curricular overview of a self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) framework, SRSD Fractions. SRSD Fractions addresses adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, simplifying fractions, and converting fractions to mixed numbers. We summarize research on SRSD Fractions and lessons learned, including implications for future research and practice, especially for students with comorbid behavior and academic challenges.
Associations of Plasma Folate and Vitamin B6 with Blood DNA Methylation Age: An Analysis of One-Carbon Metabolites in the VA Normative Aging Study

One-carbon metabolism is an important contributor to aging-related diseases; nevertheless, relationships of one-carbon metabolites with novel DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging remain poorly characterized. We examined relationships of one-carbon metabolites with 3 DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging: DNAmAge, GrimAge, and PhenoAge. We measured plasma levels of 4 common one-carbon metabolites (vitamin B6, vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine) in 715 VA Normative Aging Study participants with at least 1 visit between 1999 and 2008 (observations = 1153). DNA methylation age metrics were calculated using the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. We utilized Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression models adjusted for chronological age, lifestyle factors, age-related diseases, and study visits to determine metabolites important to the aging outcomes. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression models allowed for the estimation of the relationships of single metabolites and the cumulative metabolite mixture with methylation age. Log vitamin B6 was selected as important to PhenoAge (β = -1.62 years, 95% CI: -2.28, -0.96). Log folate was selected as important to GrimAge (β = 0.75 years, 95% CI: 0.41, 1.09) and PhenoAge (β = 1.62 years, 95% CI: 0.95, 2.29). Compared to a model where each metabolite in the mixture is set to its 50th percentile, the log cumulative mixture with each metabolite at its 30th (β = -0.13 years, 95% CI: -0.26, -0.005) and 40th percentile (β = -0.06 years, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.005) was associated with decreased GrimAge. Our results provide novel characterizations of the relationships between one-carbon metabolites and DNA methylation age in a human population study. Further research is required to confirm these findings and establish their generalizability.
MATRIZES E CENÁRIOS PARA INVESTIGAÇÃO: Possibilidades para o ensino e aprendizagem de matrizes

Este trabalho expoe compreensoes de uma Oficina de Matematica inerente aoPrograma Residencia Pedagogica. As atividades desenvolveram-se numa turma desegundo ano envolvendo os conceitos de Matrizes. A perspectiva teorica que guiou otrabalho foi “Cenarios para Investigacao” a partir de uma situacao intitulada“Comprando com Matrizes: A Procura do Melhor Preco” que consistia na analise deprecos de produtos de dois estabelecimentos. Observamos mobilizacao deestrategias dos estudantes para buscar respostas aos problemas da situacao realque fugia das teorias proprias de Matrizes, condizendo a um Cenario paraInvestigacao em que se apresentam atividades/situacoes do entorno de uma semirealidade.
Chapter 10 – Size-exclusion chromatography

Over the past half century, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) has become the premier method by which to determine the molar mass (M) averages and the molar mass distribution (MMD) of natural and synthetic macromolecules. When coupled to a multiplicity of detection methods, SEC also has the ability to inform our knowledge of the physicochemical properties of polymers. This chapter provides an introduction and overview to the fundamental aspects of SEC, as appertain chromatographic retention, band broadening, and resolution. Also covered are the determination of “absolute” (i.e., calibrant-independent) M averages and MMDs by on-line coupling of SEC to viscometric and/or static light scattering detectors, and the role of SEC in two-dimensional macromolecular separations.
Bone Mineral Density at the Time of Initiating Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy Is Associated With Decreased Fractures in Women With Breast Cancer.

Women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who receive an aromatase inhibitor (AI) are at risk for fractures. We aim to determine if dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans made at the time of AI initiation are associated with decreased fractures. We retrospectively identified 25,158 women with local or regional breast cancer diagnosed between 2005 and 2013 who received AI therapy between 2007 and 2013 from the Medicare-linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and Texas Cancer Registry databases. We defined baseline DXA screening using claims made between 1 year before and 6 months after each patient's first AI claim to examine determinants of baseline screening using a multivariable GENMOD model. We included a propensity score adjustment in Cox proportional hazard models to assess the association between time-varying DXA screening and the risk of fractures. Additionally, we compared the use of antiresorptive therapy drugs between the two groups. Of the study cohort, 14,738 (58.6%) received DXA screening. The screening rates increased annually from 52.1% in 2007 to 61.7% in 2013. Higher screening rates were observed in patients with younger age, married status, non-Hispanic white race, localized disease, fewer comorbidities, more than one type of aromatase inhibitor drug claim, no state buy-in (surrogate for low socioeconomic status), higher education level, and prior osteoporosis diagnosis. Baseline DXA screening was associated with decreased risk of subsequent fractures (hazard ratio = 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.97, p < .001) after multivariable and propensity score adjustment. Bone-modifying drugs were prescribed to 4440 (30.1%) patients with screening compared with 1766 (16.9%) without (p < .001). Of the 4440 patients who received treatment, 95% received bisphosphonates. Our study demonstrated baseline DXA screening was associated with a decreased risk of fractures and a higher likelihood of receiving antiresorptive therapies. Improvement of the baseline DXA screening is still needed in practice. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).