cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Improvements in blood rheology after cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training in patients with coronary heart disease

Abstract Objectives Our purpose was to examine the effect of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training on blood rheology in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Although increased blood and plasma viscosity have been associated with an increased risk of CHD, the effects of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training on blood rheology in patients with CHD are uncertain. Methods We assessed whole blood effective viscosity (μ), hematocrit standardized blood viscosity (μ 45 ), red blood cell transport efficiency (τ rbc ), and plasma viscosity (PV) in 23 nonsmoking patients with CHD before and after a phase II cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training program. In addition, we compared the group data with the data of a healthy reference group of 10 subjects. Results Patients with CHD had significantly elevated μ (3.35 ± 0.35 cp vs 3.06 ± 0.19 cp, P 45 (3.51 ± 0.29 cp vs 3.12 ± 0.06 cp, P rbc (12.7% ± 1.0% · cp -1 vs 14.2% ± 0.7% · cp -1 , P P 45 (3.58 ± 0.22 cp vs 3.39 ± 0.22 cp, P rbc (12.4% ± 0.8% · cp -1 vs 13.2% ± 0.9% · cp -1 , P Conclusions Cardiac rehabilitation improves blood rheology in patients with CHD by reducing μ 45 and PV and elevating τ rbc . These improvements may contribute to the increased functional capacity and reduced morbidity and mortality that is associated with participation in cardiac rehabilitation and exercise programs. (Am Heart J 2002;143:349-55.)
Role of RBM25/LUC7L3 in Abnormal Cardiac Sodium Channel Splicing Regulation in Human Heart Failure

Background—Human heart failure is associated with decreased cardiac voltage-gated Na+ channel current (encoded by SCN5A), and the changes have been implicated in the increased risk of sudden death in heart failure. Nevertheless, the mechanism of SCN5A downregulation is unclear. A number of human diseases are associated with alternative mRNA splicing, which has received comparatively little attention in the study of cardiac disease. Splicing factor expression profiles during human heart failure and a specific splicing pathway for SCN5A regulation were explored in this study. Methods and Results—Gene array comparisons between normal human and heart failure tissues demonstrated that 17 splicing factors, associated with all major spliceosome components, were upregulated. Two of these splicing factors, RBM25 and LUC7L3, were elevated in human heart failure tissue and mediated truncation of SCN5A mRNA in both Jurkat cells and human embryonic stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes. RBM25/LUC7L3-mediated abnormal SCN5A...
Mechanisms of Surface Flashover Along Solid Dielectrics in Compressed Gases: a Review

Surface flashover in compressed-gas insulated systems is a much studied, but poorly explained phenomenon. In this paper we review the literature of surface flashover with primary emphasis on the understanding of physical processes leading to discharge initiation and insulator flashover under high voltage excitation. The flashover models presently in vogue will first be discussed, followed by the results of some recent experiments which are likely to have an impact on further modeling. Included in this context are phenomena such as ionization, surface charging, partial discharges, optical activity, and gas/dielectric interactions. Finally, the influence of system parameters such as insulator size, shape, surface condition, triple junction geometry, voltage waveform, gas formulation and particle contamination are discussed with regard to their effect on the flashover characteristics. Mechanisms are suggested in an effort to provide a physical explanation for the observed phenomena. Although the physics of the discharge initiation and propagation processes are presently not well understood, and the present models only account for a few of the mechanisms known to be important in the discharge development, all the work points to an interaction between the spacer and the various electron/photon processes in the surrounding gas volume. This interaction has not been accounted for in the discharge models proposed to date. Further modeling work should incorporate these interactions and the intrinsic properties of the dielectric ric which are related to these interactions. More basic research is suggested to provide a better understanding of the physics of the discharge initiation and breakdown phenomena.
The group member's view of inner and outer reality: the Janus phenomenon applied to the group

This paper surveys some theoretical aspects of psychodynamic group treatment from the vantage point of the “Janus phenomenon.” This focus may provide some clarification in understanding how group therapy facilitates growth, especially in the relationships between “inner” realities and the realities of the external world. The paper explores and seeks bridges and connections between the dynamics of the group and intrapsychic dynamics. The “inner” view may be understood as intimately connected with intrapsychic concerns, whereas the issues for patients in groups do, to a degree, concern interpersonal processes in and projections onto the “external” world. The paper concludes that, thus far, we must accept less than perfect integration of theory and settle for “limited domain reasoning” (Scheidlinger, 1982).
Obstetrical Hysterectomy, cesarean delivery and abnormal placentation.

Objective. To examine the incidence, risk factors, and complications associated with Obstetrical Hysterectomy at a single University Hospital.Study design. This was a retrospective study of all cases of Obstetrical Hysterectomy performed between January 1993 and December 2005 at Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The current procedural terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify patients, and chart review was used to collect demographics and indications.Results. During the study years, 19 patients underwent Obsterical Hysterectomy. Of these, 14 (73.7%) had cesarean during their current delivery. Further, 9 (47.4%) of the 19 had previous cesarean deliveries (CDs), with 5 (56%) of the 9 having had two or more previous CDs. Only two women (10.5%) never had cesarean either in the current or previous pregnancy. Eighteen of the women had singleton pregnancies, while only one woman had a twin gestation. A total of 42.1% of the cases had abnormal placentation with 21% experiencing placenta ...
A photolysis-triggered heme ligand switch in H93G myoglobin.

Resonance Raman spectroscopy and step-scan Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have been used to identify the ligation state of ferrous heme iron for the H93G proximal cavity mutant of myoglobin in the absence of exogenous ligand on the proximal side. Preparation of the H93G mutant of myoglobin has been previously reported for a variety of axial ligands to the heme iron (e.g., substituted pyridines and imidazoles) (DePillis, G., Decatur, S. M., Barrick, D., and Boxer, S. G. (1994) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 116, 6981-6982). The present study examines the ligation states of heme in preparations of the H93G myoglobin with no exogenous ligand. In the deoxy form of H93G, resonance Raman spectroscopic evidence shows water to be the axial (fifth) ligand to the deoxy heme iron. Analysis of the infrared C-O and Raman Fe-C stretching frequencies for the CO adduct indicates that it is six-coordinate with a histidine trans ligand. Following photolysis of CO, a time-dependent change in ligation is evident in both step-scan FTIR and saturation resonance Raman spectra, leading to the conclusion that a conformationally driven ligand switch exists in the H93G protein. In the absence of exogenous nitrogenous ligands, the CO trans effect stabilizes endogenous histidine ligation, while conformational strain favors the dissociation of histidine following photolysis of CO. The replacement of histidine by water in the five-coordinate complex is estimated to occur in <5 Is. The results demonstrate that the H93G myoglobin cavity mutant has potential utility as a model system for studying the conformational energetics of ligand switching in heme proteins such as those observed in nitrite reductase, guanylyl cyclase, and possibly cytochrome c oxidase. In heme proteins both ligand conformation and electro- static environment provide a mechanism to control the reactivity of the heme iron. Strain in the proximal histidine conformation, coupled to protein structure, modulates the binding affinity of diatomic ligands CO, NO, and O2 to the distal side of the heme. The binding of these ligands, in turn, affects the binding affinity of the histidine for the heme iron. For example, the backbone geometry in the T state of hemoglobin (Hb) 1 induces strain on the proximal histidine,
Terrestrial ecologists ignore aquatic literature: Asymmetry in citation breadth in ecological publications and implications for generality and progress in ecology☆

Abstract The search for generality in ecology should include assessing the influence of studies done in one system on those done in other systems. Assuming generality is reflected in citation patterns, we analyzed frequencies of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater citations in papers categorized as terrestrial, marine and freshwater in high-impact “general” ecological journals. Citation frequencies were strikingly asymmetric. Aquatic researchers cited terrestrial papers ~ 10 times more often than the reverse, implying uneven cross-fertilization of information between aquatic and terrestrial ecologists. Comparisons between citation frequencies in the early 1980s and the early 2000s for two of the seven journals yielded similar results. Summing across all journals, 60% of all research papers (n = 5824) published in these journals in 2002–2006 were terrestrial vs. 9% freshwater and 8% marine. Since total numbers of terrestrial and aquatic ecologists are more similar than these proportions suggest, the representation of publications by habitat in “general” ecological journals appears disproportional and unrepresentative of the ecological science community at large. Such asymmetries are a concern because (1) aquatic and terrestrial systems can be tightly integrated, (2) pressure for across-system understanding to meet the challenge of climate change is increasing, (3) citation asymmetry implies barriers to among-system flow of understanding, thus (4) impeding scientific and societal progress. Changing this imbalance likely depends on a bottom-up approach originating from the ecological community, through pressure on societies, journals, editors and reviewers.
Nitric oxide modulates vascular inflammation and intimal hyperplasia in insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and the metabolic syndrome, both characterized by insulin resistance, are associated with an accelerated form of atherosclerotic vascular disease and poor outcomes following vascular interventions. These vascular effects are thought to stem from a heightened inflammatory environment and reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). To better understand this process, we characterized the vascular injury response in the obese Zucker rat by examining the expression of adhesion molecules, the recruitment of inflammatory cells, and the development of intimal hyperplasia. We also evaluated the ability of exogenous NO to inhibit the sequela of vascular injury in the metabolic syndrome. Obese and lean Zucker rats underwent carotid artery balloon injury. ICAM-1 and P-selectin expression were increased following injury in the obese animals compared with the lean rats. The obese rats also responded with increased macrophage infiltration of the vascular wall as well as increased neointima formation compared with their lean counterparts (intima/media = 0.91 vs. 0.52, P = 0.001). After adenovirus-mediated inducible NO synthase (iNOS) gene transfer, ICAM-1, P-selectin, inflammatory cell influx, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression were all markedly reduced versus injury alone. iNOS gene transfer also significantly inhibited proliferative activity (54% and 73%; P < 0.05) and neointima formation (53% and 67%; P < 0.05) in lean and obese animals, respectively. The vascular injury response in the face of obesity and the metabolic syndrome is associated with increased adhesion molecule expression, inflammatory cell infiltration, oxidized LDL receptor expression, and proliferation. iNOS gene transfer is able to effectively inhibit this heightened injury response and reduce neointima formation in this proinflammatory environment.
A new gene that controls seed coat wrinkling in soybean

Seed coat wrinkling is a major factor affecting the germinability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed produced in high-temperature environments, such as in the Early Soybean Production System of the midsouthern United States. Exposure of seed to high temperatures, coupled with alternating periods of wet and dry conditions, promotes seed coat wrinkling. This can predispose the seed to mechanical damage at harvest, further reducing germinability, and reducing the usability of the grain for seed beans. Previous studies identified a single recessive gene (shr) in a mutant line (T-311), located on chromosome 13 (linkage group F), which causes seed shriveling and seed coat wrinkling. The current study was undertaken to identify and genetically map new gene(s) that affect seed coat wrinkling. Crosses were made between a smooth-seeded accession (PI 567743) and a wrinkled-seeded accession (PI 87623). The parents, F1, F2, and BC1 generations were phenotyped for seed coat wrinkling in a greenhouse in Stoneville, MS during the summer of 2006. Genetic analysis indicated that the wrinkled seed coat trait in PI 87623 was inherited as a single recessive gene. A test for allelism, conducted in the greenhouse with a segregating F2 population derived from T-311 × PI 87623, showed that the gene from PI 87623 is different from the shr gene in T-311. A field study of a larger population, derived from a reciprocal cross of the same parents, confirmed these results, but also suggested epistatic interactions between the genes. A linkage map was developed using 195 SSR and SNP markers on 168 F2 individuals of the cross PI 567743 × PI 87623. Linkage analysis identified only one significant locus which was located on chromosome 5 (linkage group A1), confirming identification of a new gene that controls seed coat wrinkling in soybean. This study demonstrates genetic control of seed coat wrinkling, which offers the potential for selecting cultivars with less seed coat wrinkling for heat-stressed production environments.
A narrow band fiber Bragg grating filter for lidar receivers

Summary form only given. For a space-based water vapor differential absorption lidar (DIAL) system there is a need for improved optical receiver filters especially for daytime operation to reject background radiation on the detector. Present dielectric interference filters have transmission bandwidths of approximately 1 nm and are not tunable. To achieve good system performance the daytime filter bandwidth should be 10 pm a factor of about 100 narrower than interference filters. Unless a better filter can be found, future space based DIAL systems may only be able to operate at night. Fortunately a new technology has emerged that could allow very narrow bandwidth filters to be made in optical fibers. These Bragg gratings have been applied to the communications industry at the 1.55-micron wavelength, but there is evidence that the same technology will work at the 946 nm wavelength of interest to water vapor DIAL receivers. The paper discuss research on the testing of a new optical receiver using an ultra-narrow fiber Bragg grating optical filter at 946 nm for potential use on space borne lidar.
Autonomous depth adjustment for underwater sensor networks

To fully understand the ocean environment requires sensing the full water column. Utilizing a depth adjustment system on an underwater sensor network provides this while also improving global sensing and communications. This paper presents a depth adjustment system for waters of up to 50m deep that connects to the AquaNode sensor network. We performed experiments characterizing the system and demonstrating its functionality. We discuss the application of this device in improving acoustic communication.
A robust asynchronous multiuser STBC-OFDM transmission scheme for frequency-selective channels

In this paper, we propose a robust STBC transmission scheme to combat timing synchronization errors over frequency-selective multiple-access channels. We start by deriving the equivalent channel model in the presence of timing synchronization errors. Based on this correlated equivalent channel model, the statistical channel power gain profile is analyzed and shown to exhibit unequal channel power gains on different subcarriers. Furthermore, a robust statistical bit loading algorithm is proposed to optimize the BER performance in scenarios where link adaptation based on instantaneous channel information is infeasible or undesirable. Simulation results show that our proposed scheme is robust to timing synchronization errors, providing around 7.5 dB SNR advantage at the BER of 10-4 over the conventional scheme in various channel environments.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN TEMPERATURE TRENDS

ABSTRACT Trends in the average temperature for land surfaces in midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere (LMNH) are associated with geographical patterns of long-term temperature variations. Alternating areas with strong positive and negative associations for January suggest systematic changes in advection. The patterns for July and the year are more homogeneous; associations are positive for many of the areas for which data are available. While spatial patterns of long-term temperature trends are coherent, significant changes in associations can occur. Variations in atmospheric circulation patterns have, in some areas, led to changes in the sign of the connection between the LMNH curve and long-term trends in local temperature. Shifts in circulation also have caused parallel temperature trends in adjacent areas to suddenly diverge. Such changes in associations cannot be ignored considering their implications for climatic predictions and the search for teleconnections.
Biological Mechanism Profiling Using an Annotated Compound Library

We present a method for testing many biological mechanisms in cellular assays using an annotated library of 2036 small organic molecules. This annotated compound library represents a large-scale collection of compounds with diverse, experimentally confirmed biological mechanisms and effects. We found that this chemical library is (1) more structurally diverse than conventional, commercially available libraries, (2) enriched in active compounds in a tumor cell viability assay, and (3) capable of generating hypotheses regarding biological mechanisms underlying cellular processes. We elucidated biological mechanisms relevant to the antiproliferative activity of 85 compounds from this library that were selected using a high-throughput cell viability screen. We developed a novel automated scoring system for identifying statistically enriched mechanisms among such a subset of compounds. This scoring system can identify both previously known and potentially novel antiproliferative mechanisms.
Salvage Surgery After Failed Chemoradiation For Anal Canal Cancer: Should The Paradigm Be Changed For High-Risk Tumors?

It is common belief that patients failing chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for squamous cell cancer of the anus (SCCA) can be salvaged with subsequent surgery. The aim of this study was to examine our experience with abdominoperineal resection (APR) in cases of persistent or recurrent SCCA with an emphasis on survival and morbidity. All patients between 1985 and 2001 undergoing salvage APR were reviewed. Details of CRT, surgery, tumor characteristics, postoperative complications, and survival were obtained from medical records. There were 22 patients (13 women, 9 men) with a mean age of 62 years (range = 42–87). Initial tumors were AJCC stage 2 (16 cases), 3A (3 cases), and 4 (1 case). Mean radiation dose was 47.6 Gy (30–60) and most received concomitant 5-FU. In 20 patients, APR was felt to be “curative” but only 13 (65%) had negative margins on final pathology. Thirteen (59%) perineal wounds broke down with a median time to healing of 7 months. Tumor differentiation (p = 0.02) and positive resection margins (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with DFS (5-year DFS of 37%). Salvage APR in patients with poorly differentiated tumors or positive resection margins has a high morbidity and poor survival and may warrant a planned APR after CRT instead.
Fibular deficiency and the indications for Syme's amputation

Recent literature on the subject is reviewed, and the role of Syme's amputation, reconstructive surgery and prosthetic management is discussed in relation to the severity of the condition. Amputation, which should be performed between 18 months and two years old is specifically recommended for total fibula absence with ankle instability. The operative technique is detailed.
Effect of Dietary Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) on Intestinal Microecology and Bacterial Translocation in Weanling Rats

Normal intestinal bacteria can traverse the intestinal mucosa and enter otherwise sterile tissues by a process termed bacterial translocation. Experiments were designed to determine if dietary phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) could be used to study lectin-mediated bacterial translocation across a histologically intact intestinal epithelium. Weanling rats were fed a crude extract of Phaseolus vulgaris , a red kidney bean known to contain a high concentration of the lectin PHA. Treated rats had normal intestinal histology (light microscopy), retarded growth, intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and an increased incidence of translocation of intestinal bacteria ( Escherichia coli , enterococci, and alpha-streptococci) to extraintestinal tissues. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of intestinal segments showed dietary PHA was associated with a depletion of intestinal mucous-like material. This apparent depletion of mucous-like material was observed in animals whose intestinal goblet cells were somewhat refractory to stimulation by the secretagogue pilocarpine, as evidenced by a preponderance of undischarged mucin granules. These results suggested that the lectin binding properties of PHA might be useful in further studies designed to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in mucus secretion and/or bacterial translocation across an intact epithelium. Keywords: Translocation; Bacterial; Intestinal; Phaseolus vulgaris ; Phytohaemagglutinin.
The curse of natural resources: An empirical investigation of U.S. counties §

Research consistently shows that natural resource dependence tends to be associated with lower economic growth. However, the studies typically focus on differences across nations or states. We fill a gap in the literature by testing the so-called resource curse at a more disaggregated county level. Our results show clear evidence that resource-dependent counties exhibit more anemic economic growth, even after controlling for state-specific effects, socio-demographic differences, initial income, and spatial correlation. A case study analysis of Maine and Wyoming, and the counties within, highlight the growth effects of specializing in natural resource extraction.
Connecting Emergency Department Patients to Primary Care

Background: Inappropriate emergency department (ED) use among Medicaid enrollees is considered a problem because of cost. We developed and evaluated a system change innovation designed to remove system barriers to primary care access for Medicaid patients. Methods: Patients who presented to the ED without an identified primary care provider were randomized to the intervention (n = 72) or comparison group (n = 68) for a 12-month study designed to connect these patients to primary care offices. Evaluation was mixed quantitative/qualitative. Results: Significantly more intervention participants attended at least 1 primary care visit 3 months after the intervention (odds ratio [OR], 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–6.02), though this difference was not significant by 12 months (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 0.79–3.84). The intervention participants also did not have lower odds of returning to the ED for nonurgent reasons by the 12-month follow-up (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.65–2.48). Patient-reported barriers to attending a primary care appointment were primarily social and health system–related factors. Conclusion: The intervention did not decrease ED visits nor increase primary care use over the 12 months of the study period. The qualitative results provide insight into nonurgent ED utilization by patients with Medicaid, suggesting potential future interventions.
A technique for production of complete atrioventricular block in dogs

A simple and reliable technique for producing complete atrioventricular (AV) block in dogs by the injection of a 38% formaldehyde solution into the area of the AV node is described. This technique, a modification of previous methods utilizing formaldehyde injection for the production of complete AV block, uses the coronary sinus as the major landmark. Complete heart block was produced in 20 of 20 dogs. The technique is simple and associated with few problems, does not require special equipment, is associated with little or no hemorrhage from the injection site, and does not enter a cardiac chamber. The only side effect noted was the development of ventricular arrhythmias in 2 of 20 dogs. A detailed description of the technique is included with comparisons to previous techniques utilizing injection of a 40% formaldehyde solution.
Lobbying on Effective Legislation: Revolving Door Lobbyists’ Targeted Legislative Influence

In this paper, we examine whether certain types of lobbyists are associated with bills that advance further in the legislative process. That is, we ask whether some advocates are more likely to target bills that are reported out of committee, that pass on the chamber floor(s), and that become law. We link original data on lobbyists’ previous professional backgrounds and present occupational status to new data on reported bill activities on disclosure reports. We then connect bills mentioned by our sample of lobbyists to data on legislative sponsorship, issue salience, and bill advancement in the 110th Congress. This process yields 82,970 lobbyist-bill mention dyads that we analyze at both the bill- and lobbyist-level of analysis. We find that lobbyists with significant professional experience on Capitol Hill are more likely to lobby on bills perceived as important by political elites and that are institutionally privileged by party leaders’ agendas. We infer that greater access to higher priority legislation explains why revolving door lobbyists are associated with rare changes to the policy status quo (Baumgartner et al 2009). Our results contribute new insights into both legislative effectiveness and lobbying influence.
Removal of Cryptosporidium by in-line filtration: effects of coagulant type, filter loading rate and temperature

Eight pilot-scale runs were performed to evaluate the impacts of coagulant type, filter loading rates and temperature on the removal of seeded Cryptosporidium oocysts by in-line filtration. The coagulant was either aluminum sulphate or ferric chloride, the filter loading rate was either 5 or 10 m/h and temperature was controlled at 20 or 4.5°C. Cryptosporidium samples were collected on an hourly basis during each run and analysed by solid phase cytometry. Depending on the operating conditions, observed average Cryptosporidium removals ranged from 1.0 log (std dev.=0.2 log) to >4.2 log (std dev.=0.1 log).
Lessons Learned from Alternative Transportation Fuels: Modeling Transition Dynamics

Report focuses on understanding how analytical system modeling and data from AFV experiences could improve our understanding of the dynamic forces governing the transition to a hydrogen future.
M2 Gripper: Extending the Dexterity of a Simple, Underactuated Gripper

In the development of robotic hands, researchers have sought to increase inherent functionality without incurring greater complexity and cost. In this paper, we extend the manipulation capabilities of a simple gripper through a novel, underactuated design that produces several distinctive modes of operation. The proposed asymmetric hand design, the Multi-Modal (M2) Gripper, consists of a modular thumb with varying degrees of passive compliance and a dexterous, tendon-driven forefinger that can produce either underactuated or fully-actuated behaviors. With only two actuators and basic open-loop control, the hand is able to adaptively grasp objects of varying geometries, pinch-grasp smaller items, and perform some degree of in-hand manipulation via rolling and controlled sliding. We also detail the properties of this hand morphology that make it well-suited for future work in medical applications, haptic exploration, and studies on controlled stick-slip manipulation tasks.
Application of an improved k-means algorithm based on outliers and original clustering center

The classic algorithm of k-means is discussed,which is one of the most widespread methods in clustering,including both strong points and weak points.Not only is it sensitive to the original clustering center,but also it may be affected by the outliers.Given these shortages,an improved algorithm is discussed,which makes improvements in outliers and selection of original clustering center.The outlier detection based on the distance method.To select original clustering center based on the nearest neighbour is assimilated.Checking experiment has been done,which indicates the improved one is more stable,more accurate and the affection by the outliers is down to a much low figure.
Tachykinins mediate slow excitatory postsynaptic transmission in guinea pig sphincter of Oddi ganglia.

Intracellular recording techniques were used to test whether tachykinins could be mediators of slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in guinea pig sphincter of Oddi (SO) ganglia. Applicat...
Engagement practices that join scientific methods with community wisdom: designing a patient-centered, randomized control trial with a Pacific Islander community.

This article illustrates how a collaborative research process can successfully engage an underserved minority community to address health disparities. Pacific Islanders, including the Marshallese, are one of the fastest growing US populations. They face significant health disparities, including extremely high rates of type 2 diabetes. This article describes the engagement process of designing patient-centered outcomes research with Marshallese stakeholders, highlighting the specific influences of their input on a randomized control trial to address diabetes. Over 18 months, an interdisciplinary research team used community-based participatory principles to conduct patient-engaged outcomes research that involved 31 stakeholders in all aspects of research design, from defining the research question to making decisions about budgets and staffing. This required academic researcher flexibility, but yielded a design linking scientific methodology with community wisdom.
Sexuality and the Disabled

SynopsisOnly a small percentage of any nation’s disabled population presently receives adequate instruction in sexuality education. The development of healthy attitudes and a positive self-concept are enhanced by education in sexuality. A sense of good self-esteem is necessary for the acceptance of one’s sexual feelings and behaviours; both disabled young people and adults benefit immeasurably from an affirmation of their sexuality.Educational programs administered through public and private schools and various governmental and private organisations need to understand the following points: all human beings, disabled and ‘normal’, are sexual from birth throughout life; each individual has the right to sexual expression – within his or her capabilities – that is voluntary, consensual, responsible and non-exploitative; a full range of information and clinical services should be made available to the disabled. People who are exposed to family life education tend to act more responsibly in their personal relat...
Metafictional Realism and the Dialectic of Allegory: Richard Flanagan’s Gould’s Book of Fish

At first sight, Richard Flanagan’s Gould’s Book of Fish (2001) may appear impossible to reconcile with a critical-theoretical account of the postcolonial historical novel predicated on realism. This ironic and self-reflexive novel violates conventions of verisimilitude, combining a satirical account of contemporary Tasmanian malaise with a secret history of the island that includes impossible events and supernatural phenomena.1 It purports to be the transcribed manuscript of a convict journal written in blood, squid-ink and powdered gemstones by William Buelow Gould, a historically documented painter who in 1827 was imprisoned at the remote Sarah Island penal station. Gould narrates the rise and fall of the Commandant, a megalomaniacal naval imposter who transforms the prison into an independent city-state modelled on Renaissance Venice. Compelled to assist the political and scientific ambitions of Sarah Island’s ruling class, Gould witnesses representative instances of the horrors of Vandemonian history, including the extermination of Indigenous Tasmanians and the brutal exploitation of convicts, until a catastrophic fire and military coup destroy the settlement. The opening chapter relates how Gould’s ‘manuscript’, illustrated throughout with authentic watercolour fish-paintings created by the real Gould and now held in the State Library of Tasmania, is discovered in twentieth-century Hobart by a forger of fake antiques called Sid Hammet — whose name alludes to Cervantes’ spurious Moorish source for Don Quixote.
Modeling of thermal conductivity and thermoelectric power factor in ultrathin SOI nanomembranes and silicon nanowires

Thermoelectric (TE) refrigeration using Si-based nanostructures is an attractive approach for on-chip thermal energy harvesting and targeted cooling of local hotspots [1] due to the ease of on-chip integration and the nanowires' enhanced TE figure of merit [2] ZT=S2σ/(κl+κe) [3]. Silicon-on-insulator (SOI) membranes [4] and membrane-based nanowires [3] and ribbons (Fig. 1) show promise for application as efficient thermoelectrics, which requires both high power factor S2σ (Fig. 2) and low thermal conductivity (Figs. 3–4).
Innovation and international business

While classical economic theories of growth emphasised international capital accumulation, and finance-based theories of foreign investment stressed international interest rate differentials and ri...
Impact of Continuous Two-Team Approach in Autologous Breast Reconstruction.

Background Autologous breast reconstruction has been noted in the literature to provide superior aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction. Additionally, free perforator flap tissue transfer has the potential for lower abdominal donor site morbidity. However, it has been noted that the percentage of women who are undergoing autologous breast reconstruction in the United States is decreasing. Factors related to the technical difficulty, prolonged operative times, and decreasing reimbursement have been implicated as the causes. Methods A retrospective review of electronic medical records over a 5-year period was performed with evaluation of 77 autologous breast reconstructions at a single institution. Patient demographics, comorbidities, number of surgeons involved, operative times, length of stay, and postoperative complications were measured. Wilcoxon rank-sum, Pearson's chi-squared, and proportional odds likelihood ratio tests were performed to compare continuous, categorical, and ordinal outcomes, respectively. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust for presurgical covariates and laterality. Results Operative time and length of stay were both significantly lower in the two- versus the single-microsurgeon groups in the unadjusted setting. When covariates and laterality were adjusted for, operative times still remained significantly shorter in the two-microsurgeon group; there were no differences in complications. Conclusion Based on our findings, we propose that the two-microsurgeon approach can be utilized in more time-consuming microsurgical cases, such as autologous breast reconstruction, to safely decrease operative times and potentially alleviate surgeon fatigue, reduce operative costs, and thus increase overall surgeon productivity.
California Drought Impact v2: Data Visualization and Sonification using Advanced Multimodal Interaction

California Drought Impact v2 is an interactive data visualization and sonification that depict the causes and impact of the drought and promote awareness of water consumption. It uses multivariate data of the California drought to create wooden data sculptures and projection-mapping images. This newer version improved the previous version by enhancing accuracy of sensing system, incorporating tactile input system and water sound. This work expands the possibility of creating diverse audiovisual results based on user interaction, and depicts the past, present, and future of the drought, which is a major concern on our environment and society. This multimodal data representation not only provides an aesthetically meaningful visualization but also explores how to coexist between art and our environment using the hybrid practices of art and design.
The angiotensin II receptor type 1b is the primary sensor of intraluminal pressure in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells

KEY POINTS The angiotensin II receptor type 1b (AT1 Rb ) is the primary sensor of intraluminal pressure in cerebral arteries. Pressure or membrane-stretch induced stimulation of AT1 Rb activates the TRPM4 channel and results in inward transient cation currents that depolarize smooth muscle cells, leading to vasoconstriction. Activation of either AT1 Ra or AT1 Rb with angiotensin II stimulates TRPM4 currents in cerebral artery myocytes and vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries. The expression of AT1 Rb mRNA is ∼30-fold higher than AT1 Ra in whole cerebral arteries and ∼45-fold higher in isolated cerebral artery smooth muscle cells. Higher levels of expression are likely to account for the obligatory role of AT1 Rb for pressure-induced vasoconstriction. ABSTRACT: Myogenic vasoconstriction, which reflects the intrinsic ability of smooth muscle cells to contract in response to increases in intraluminal pressure, is critically important for the autoregulation of blood flow. In smooth muscle cells from cerebral arteries, increasing intraluminal pressure engages a signalling cascade that stimulates cation influx through transient receptor potential (TRP) melastatin 4 (TRPM4) channels to cause membrane depolarization and vasoconstriction. Substantial evidence indicates that the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1 R) is inherently mechanosensitive and initiates this signalling pathway. Rodents express two types of AT1 R - AT1 Ra and AT1 Rb - and conflicting studies provide support for either isoform as the primary sensor of intraluminal pressure in peripheral arteries. We hypothesized that mechanical activation of AT1 Ra increases TRPM4 currents to induce myogenic constriction of cerebral arteries. However, we found that development of myogenic tone was greater in arteries from AT1 Ra knockout animals compared with controls. In patch-clamp experiments using native cerebral arterial myocytes, membrane stretch-induced cation currents were blocked by the TRPM4 inhibitor 9-phenanthrol in both groups. Further, the AT1 R blocker losartan (1 μm) diminished myogenic tone and blocked stretch-induced cation currents in cerebral arteries from both groups. Activation of AT1 R with angiotensin II (30 nm) also increased TRPM4 currents in smooth muscle cells and constricted cerebral arteries from both groups. Expression of AT1 Rb mRNA was ∼30-fold greater than AT1 Ra in cerebral arteries, and knockdown of AT1 Rb selectively diminished myogenic constriction. We conclude that AT1 Rb , acting upstream of TRPM4 channels, is the primary sensor of intraluminal pressure in cerebral artery smooth muscle cells.
ConfChem Conference on Select 2016 BCCE Presentations: Tracking Student Use of Web-Based Resources for Chemical Education

This paper presents the technical infrastructure required to track student use of web-based resources in an introductory chemistry course, the design of a student dashboard, and the results from analyzing student web-based resource use. Students were tracked as they interacted with online homework problems and high quality course content videos. These videos were developed using funds from the National Science Foundation. We found that students did not use the online video resources as much as expected. If students do not use web-based resources, practitioners and researchers need to (i) track and analyze student use, (ii) implement strategies to increase student use, and (iii) only invest in resources students will use. This Communication summarizes one of the invited papers to the Select 2016 BCCE Presentations ACS CHED Committee on Computers in Chemical Education online ConfChem held from October 30 to November 22, 2016.
Influence of vanadate structure and support identity on catalytic activity in the oxidative cleavage of methyl ketones

Abstract Oxidative ketone scissions are an interesting class of reactions; they yield aldehyde and carboxylic acids as products, and they proceed over reducible oxides in the presence of molecular oxygen. This chemistry can be leveraged in the production of bio-based maleic anhydride (MA) from levulinic acid (LA) over supported vanadium oxides. Here, we probe the role of active site structure and support identity in dictating the rate of ketone oxidation. Specifically, we have prepared supported vanadium oxides in a range of loadings on SiO2, γ-Al2O3, TiO2 and CeO2, and we have quantified their intrinsic activity in the oxidative cleavage of 2-pentanone. FT-Raman spectroscopy and temperature programmed surface oxidation (TPSO) of adsorbed methanol were employed to probe vanadium speciation and oxidation site densities. Our analysis suggests that the intrinsic activity of supported vanadates is sensitive to both vanadium oxide structure and support identity.
Performance evaluation of nine varieties of Miscanthus in Iowa

Miscanthus is a biomass crop that has the potential to produce high dry matter yields across a wide range of environmental conditions, but may be limited by cold damage in the winter following planting.Winter losses could be exacerbated by incomplete or late senescence. A field trial was established in spring 2010 as a split-plot randomized complete block design with four replicate blocks to evaluate plant senescence timing and rates in nine different varieties of Miscanthus selected in part for cold tolerance. Photosynthetic assimilation, stomatal conductance and total leaf nitrogen (N) concentration ([N]) were measured beginning in late summer and ending at the first hard freeze as indicators of senescence timing and rates. All nine varieties of Miscanthus significantly differed in photosynthetic assimilation, stomatal conductance and leaf [N] (P = 0.0001, P = 0.0006, P = 0.0001 respectively). Four out of five Amuri-type varieties responded earlier to environmental signals for autumn and started senescence sooner and at a more rapid pace than the other six varieties of Miscanthus. Earlier senescing varieties tended to have lower 1 Department of Agronomy, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50111, USA 2 Graduate student, primary researcher and author 3 Assistant Professor 4 Author for correspondence
Multisite Evaluation of a Custom Energy-Storing Carbon Fiber Orthosis for Patients with Residual Disability After Lower-Limb Trauma.

Background The Intrepid Dynamic Exoskeletal Orthosis (IDEO) is a custom energy-storing carbon fiber ankle-foot orthosis developed for lower-extremity trauma patients. Studies conducted at the military treatment facility where the IDEO was developed demonstrated benefits of the IDEO when used with the Return to Run Physical Therapy (RTR PT) program. The current study was designed to determine if results could be replicated at other military treatment facilities and to examine whether early performance gains in patient-reported functional outcomes remained at 12 months. Methods Study participants included service members who had functional deficits that interfered with daily activities at least 1 year after a traumatic unilateral lower-extremity injury at or below the knee. Participants were evaluated before receiving the IDEO, immediately following completion of RTR PT, and at 6 and 12 months. Agility, strength/power, and speed were assessed using well-established performance tests. Self-reported function was measured using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). The Orthotics and Prosthetics Users' Survey was administered to assess satisfaction with the IDEO. Of 87 participants with complete baseline data, 6 did not complete any physical therapy and were excluded from the analysis. Follow-up rates immediately following completion of the RTR PT and at 6 and 12 months were 88%, 75%, and 79%, respectively. Results Compared with baseline, improvement at completion of RTR PT was observed in all but 1 performance test. SMFA scores for all domains except hand and arm function were lower (improved function) at 6 and 12 months. Satisfaction with the IDEO was high following completion of RTR PT, with some attenuation at the time of follow-up. Conclusions This study adds to the evidence supporting the efficacy of the IDEO coupled with RTR PT. However, despite improvement in both performance and self-reported functioning, deficits persist compared with population norms. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Effect of mixed sol-gel precursors on inorganic-organic polyurethane hybrid thermosets: DOE study

Abstract A series of organic-inorganic hybrid coatings were formulated using cyclohexane based polyester polyol reacting with hexamethylene diisocyanate isocyanurate (3HDI) as the organic polyurethane phase. The inorganic phase consisted of various sol-gel precursors [Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), Titanium(IV) isopropoxide (TIP), Zirconium(IV) propoxide (ZRP)]. 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) mono-functionalized HDI (APTES-3HDI) was used as a coupling agent to link the organic phase and inorganic phase. The hetero-bonded silicon-oxygen-metal (Si-O-Metal) colloids resulting from a mixed species of sol-gel precursors within hybrids were formed and confirmed by Solid State NMR. The effect of mixed sol-gel precursors was investigated and optimized using design of experiments (DOEs) for the viscoelastic, mechanical, and coating properties. The synergistic effect of eliminating the phase separation and enhancing coating properties were observed from small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Insurance status impacts overall survival in Burkitt lymphoma.

The impact of insurance status on clinical outcomes in Burkitt (BL) and plasmablastic (PBL) lymphomas remains unknown. We used the National Cancer Database to examine insurance status' effect on overall survival (OS) in adults diagnosed with these lymphomas between 2004 and 2014. BL patients with private insurance had significantly better OS compared to those without. In patients aged 65 years, hazard ratio for uninsured status was 8.4 (95% CI 2.5-28.3). Conversely, underinsured PBL patients experienced no difference in OS. Thus, expanding insurance-related access to care may improve survival in BL, for which curative therapy exists, but not PBL, where more effective therapies are needed. Our findings add to mounting evidence that adequate health insurance is particularly important for patients with curable cancers.
OsKNAT7 Bridges Secondary Cell Wall Formation and Cell Growth Regulation.

The plant cell wall is a complex structure composed of cellulose embedded in a matrix of polysaccharides (hemicellulose and pectin), phenolic compounds, and proteins. The primary cell wall is a thin layer formed in growing cells and is present ubiquitously, whereas the secondary cell wall is a rigid