cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Updates in hormonal emergency contraception.

In recent years there have been many updates in hormonal emergency contraception. Levonorgestrel emergency contraception has been available for several years to prevent pregnancy when used within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure and it was recently approved for nonprescription status for patients aged 17 years or older. Current research suggests that the primary mechanism of action is delaying ovulation. Ulipristal is the newest emergency contraception available by prescription only approved for use up to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The primary mechanism of action is delaying ovulation. When compared with levonorgestrel emergency contraception ulipristal was proven noninferior in preventing pregnancy. Evidence suggests that ulipristal does not lose efficacy from 72-120 hours; however more studies are warranted to support this claim. Many misconceptions and controversies about hormonal emergency contraception still exist. Research does not support that increased access to emergency contraception increases sexual risk-taking behavior. Several studies suggest that health care providers including pharmacists could benefit from increased education about emergency contraception. It is important for pharmacists to remain up-to-date on the most recent hormonal emergency contraception products and information as pharmacists remain a major point of access to emergency contraception.
Furthering the Understanding of Parent–Child Relationships: A Nursing Scholarship Review Series. Part 5: Parent–Adolescent and Teen Parent–Child Relationships

This paper is the fifth in a series of papers published in this journal to examine nursing’s contribution to knowledge development about the parent–child relationship. The overall purpose of this integrative review series is to explore published nursing scholarship concerning the parent–child relationship. In this paper, we aim to (a) examine nursing research approaches to the study of parent–child relationships between parents and adolescents, and teens who become parents; (b) critique the substantive and methodological aspects of nursing scholarship about parent–child relationships; and (c) identify directions for future nursing research. The topic, parent–child relationships, is vast, with considerable contribution from many disciplines. Nursing’s contribution to knowledge development has not been captured and highlighted. What is unique about knowledge development of parent–child relationships from a nursing perspective, in contrast to other disciplines, is the goal of developing an evidence base to improve the nursing care of parents and children and adolescents.
Experiences of AIDS‐dedicated nurses in alleviating the stress of AIDS caregiving

Experiences of AIDS-dedicated nurses in alleviating the stress of AIDS caregiving From the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, there have been individuals dedicated to the care of patients with AIDS. However, there has been little research regarding their perceptions and experiences of AIDS caregiving and the strategies they use to alleviate the stress and promote their willingness to care. Based on the experiences of 12 nurses at one hospital, who had chosen to work on an AIDS-dedicated unit, this exploratory study, conducted in 1998, explored the following: the physical, emotional or spiritual risks and stresses associated with AIDS caregiving; factors that provide resistance to the stresses of AIDS caregiving and promote a willingness to care; and strategies recommended by AIDS-dedicated nurses in caring for patients with AIDS. The data reveal important themes related to the physical stress of AIDS caregiving, specifically being aware of risks, but not paralysed by fear, and bombardment of the senses. The coping strategies of nurses included taking the risk in their stride, reframing the risk, and protecting oneself. The emotional stress of AIDS caregiving included witnessing suffering, experiencing unresolved grief, accepting diversity, being emotionally connected, distress from the dismantling of the AIDS unit and work demands, and declining team spirit. Coping strategies included balancing personal and professional life, releasing pain, respecting yet controlling feelings, managing demands, and asking for help. Nurses maintained their spiritual perspective. They experienced through AIDS caregiving a greater sense of shared humanity and a new perspective of life. Findings indicate that AIDS-dedicated nurses use many coping strategies. The experiences of these nurses can assist clinicians, educators and administrators in supporting nurses’ caregiving and promoting the quality of care offered to patients with AIDS.
Interaction between Tropical Atlantic Variability and El Niño–Southern Oscillation

The interaction between tropical Atlantic variability and El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is investigated using three ensembles of atmospheric general circulation model integrations. The integrations are forced by specifying observed sea surface temperature (SST) variability over a forcing domain. The forcing domain is the global ocean for the first ensemble, limited to the tropical ocean for the second ensemble, and further limited to the tropical Atlantic region for the third ensemble. The ensemble integrations show that extratropical SST anomalies have little impact on tropical variability, but the effect of ENSO is pervasive in the Tropics. Consistent with previous studies, the most significant influence of ENSO is found during the boreal spring season and is associated with an anomalous Walker circulation. Two important aspects of ENSO's influence on tropical Atlantic variability are noted. First, the ENSO signal contributes significantly to the ''dipole'' correlation structure between tropical Atlantic SST and rainfall in the Nordeste Brazil region. In the absence of the ENSO signal, the correlations are dominated by SST variability in the southern tropical Atlantic, resulting in less of a dipole structure. Second, the remote influence of ENSO also contributes to positive correlations between SST anomalies and downward surface heat flux in the tropical Atlantic during the boreal spring season. However, even when ENSO forcing is absent, the model integrations provide evidence for a positive surface heat flux feedback in the deep Tropics, which is analyzed in a companion study by Chang et al. The analysis of model simulations shows that interannual atmospheric variability in the tropical Pacific-Atlantic system is dominated by the interaction between two distinct sources of tropical heating: (i) an equatorial heat source in the eastern Pacific associated with ENSO and (ii) an off-equatorial heat source associated with SST anomalies near the Caribbean. Modeling this Caribbean heat source accurately could be very important for seasonal forecasting in the Central American-Caribbean region.
Effect of grape seed extract on physicochemical properties of ground, salted, chicken thigh meat during refrigerated storage at different relative humidity levels

The effect of grape seed extract (GSE, 0.1%) +/- NaCl (1%) in ground chicken thigh meat during refrigerated storage at 59%, 76%, 88%, and 99% relative humidity (RH) was examined. Compared to the untreated control, GSE (0.1%) delayed the reduction of water activity (a(w)) that occurred during refrigerated storage at different relative humidity levels but had no effect on moisture content or pH compared to the untreated control. GSE inhibited the formation of a secondary marker of lipid oxidation (TBARS) compared to the untreated control and altered the effect of NaCl on TBARS formation. The formation of TBARS was affected by RH level across all treatment groups in the order of 99% > 88% > 76% > 59%. Further analysis revealed that this effect likely is due to the presence of NaCl, which suggests that RH storage does not affect the formation of TBARS except in salted patties, the effect of which is mitigated by the addition of GSE. NaCl, but not GSE, increased both sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein solubility after 12 d of refrigerated storage, suggesting increased protein denaturation. This study shows that GSE is an effective antioxidant in ground chicken thigh meat that does not affect moisture content or pH during storage, inhibits TBARS formation, helps to mitigate the prooxidative effects of NaCl, and may alter the effect of NaCl on protein solubility in salted chicken patties. Future work is needed to determine how the physicochemical interactions of GSE affect important cooked meat quality attributes.
STRUCTURAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN GIARDIA LAMBLIA CYSTS EXPOSED TO OZONE

Because of its efficacy in inactivating waterborne protozoan cysts and oocysts, ozone is frequently used for disinfection of drinking water. The effect of ozone on cysts of Giardia lamblia was investigated in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), using an infectivity assay by scanning electron microscopy, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry. Cysts recovered from experimentally infected gerbils were exposed to an initial ozone concentration of 1.5 mg/L for 0, 30, 60, and 120 sec. This treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in cysts concentration, loss of infectivity in gerbils, and profound structural modifications to the cyst wall. Exposure for 60 sec or longer resulted in extensive protein degradation and in the disappearance of a cyst wall and a trophozoite antigen.
Slow Crack Growth in Polycrystalline Ceramics

It is now well known that slow crack growth occurs in glasses at stress levels well below that which will cause immediate fractures. Work performed on polycrystalline ceramics1,2 has shown that many undergo delayed failure in a manner similar to glasses and some slow crack growth studies have been reported3–5 Evans6 recently showed a correlation between slow crack propagation in an alumina and its delayed failure characteristics. He also showed that the time-to-fail of the alumina under a given stress could be determined through knowledge of crack velocity as a function of the stress intensity factor, KI.
Personalized Medicine: Where Do We Go from Here?

The past decade has seen a surplus of nanotechnology-based methodologies for “theranostic” application, sensors, and real-time monitoring of biological events, therapy, and image-guided precision drug delivery. While nanotechnology offers great promise to address some of the critical clinical challenges, the future of this technology toward personalized medicine will largely be predisposed by design principles for developing translatable, “safer” nanoplatforms in concert with imaging agents, therapy, and homing ligands.
Fred Vinson and the National Pastime

Frederick M. Vinson enjoyed an extraordinary career in public service, from City Attorney for Louisa, Kentucky (1914-15), to Chief Justice of the United States (1946-53), with several important stops in the federal executive and judicial branches in between. Even as he rose in office, with the associated elevations in personal and professional prestige and power, he continued to find time to watch, and occasionally play, baseball. An accomplished player in his youth, Vinson retained a love for baseball and a deep appreciation for the game throughout his adult life. Vinson played baseball as a schoolboy, and went on to become a star at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, where he played shortstop and helped the team win three state championships. Vinson then moved on to play for various semi-professional baseball teams in and around Kentucky. Finally, turning down a tryout for the St. Louis Browns, Vinson stopped played semi-pro baseball and spent more time pursuing careers in law and politics. In his mature years Vinson did from time to time take the field for fun or bragging rights. He played, for example, on the Democratic side in the annual inter-party Congressional baseball game while he was serving in the House of Representatives (1924-29, 1931-38). Vinson remained a fan of the annual game even after he left Congress. His social calendar kept by his assistant at the Supreme Court noted the game each May. In 1951, the calendar even notes that he brought Justice Sherman Minton along with him. When he was serving as a judge, Vinson could be relied upon to tell each crop of law clerks about the news coverage of the 1928 Congressional game, which included a report of Vinson’s running from the shortstop position all the way back into left field to catch a ball. On one occasion, Vinson also took his brother to the exact spot where he had made a great catch during one of the games. As he grayed, though, Vinson was more often to be found in the stands, where he was a relatively frequent and prominent celebrity spectator. What follows is a short photographic review of the love affair between Vinson and America’s national pastime.
Transradial access for visceral endovascular interventions in morbidly obese patients: safety and feasibility.

PurposeTransradial access (TRA) has been shown to lower morbidity and bleeding complications compared to transfemoral access in percutaneous coronary interventions. Morbid obesity, commonly defined...
Microstructure/property studies supporting development of low cost processes for TiAl automotive valves

Lightweight gamma titanium aluminide automotive valves may significantly improve engine performance and fuel economy. However, low cost mass production processes must be developed to realize these gains. Permanent mold casting processes and low cost heat treatments are being developed to enable commercial introduction of TiAl automotive valves. Microstructural development, tensile, creep, and high cycle fatigue properties of permanent mold Ti-47Al-2Nb-1.75Cr (at%) castings are compared with investment castings of similar size. A recommendation is made to use as-HIP castings for components not designed to damage tolerant criteria. This work was performed as part of a vertically integrated team effort to transfer aerospace TiAl technology to the automotive market.
Spectroscopic study of the vibrational modes of magnesium nickel chromite, MgxNi1−xCr2O4

Abstract Raman and infrared spectroscopy were performed on synthesized spinel oxide powders of solid solution Mg x Ni 1 − x Cr 2 O 4 , over the full range of composition 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 , to determine the dependence of the vibrational modes on the divalent cation, which occupies the tetrahedral site of the normal spinel lattice. X-ray diffraction shows a nearly linear change in the lattice parameter of the solid solution. Our data agree with literature values for the pure chromites, NiCr 2 O 4 and MgCr 2 O 4 . Solid solution data are reported here for the first time. All observed vibrational modes exhibit one-mode behavior and increase in wavenumber when nickel is replaced by magnesium. The wavenumbers of the highest-wavenumber Raman mode, A 1 g , and the two higher-wavenumber infrared modes, ν 1 and ν 2 , do not significantly change with substitution of the divalent cation, while the lower-wavenumber Raman and infrared modes are affected by this cation substitution on the tetrahedral site. The E g and F 2 g ( 1 ) modes exhibit a nonlinear increase in wavenumber.
S98 A Novel Human Model To Study Alveolar Injury And Repair

Introduction The development of regenerative therapies holds promise for the future treatment of parenchymal lung diseases. However, encouraging preclinical data from animal models have translated poorly in clinical trials. The cellular and molecular response to lung injury is difficult to study in man. To address this fundamental question, we have developed a novel in vitro human model. Precision cut lung slice (PCLS) culture is a well-established tool in airway biology and pharmacology. Here, we demonstrate lung parenchyma can be maintained and manipulatedin vitro generating a tractable model, which allows study of lung injury and repair in man. Methods PCLS (500 µm) were generated from agarose-inflated lung lobes from human lungs maintained ex-vivo by perfusion and ventilation (EVLP). The slices were cultured in serum-free medium in a rotating incubator (37oC, 5% CO2) and analysed at days 1, 3 and 7. Cell specific immunofluorescence markers were used to identify smooth muscle, type I and type II alveolar epithelial cells (AT1, AT2), vascular endothelial cells and proliferating cells (using αSMA, Aquaporin5, ProSPC, PECAM1 and Phospho-histone H3 respectively). Slice viability was confirmed using MitoTracker, LDH and Live/Dead assays. Results All of the expected cell types were identified in PCLS by immunofluorescence demonstrating that human PCLS maintained cellular differentiation in culture. Pro-SPC was predominant in the alveolar wall cells, particularly in the alveolar septal junctions, corresponding to known location of AT2 cells; AQ5 was distributed in thin bands lining the alveolar walls suggestive of the apical membrane of AT1 cells; αSMA was positive around airways, the known location of smooth muscle cells (SMCs); PECAM-1 was positive within alveolar walls corresponding to microvascular capillaries within alveolar septae. There was no significant cell proliferation during culture under basal conditions. Finally, cell viability studies demonstrated that PCLS can be maintained for up to 1 week in serum-free culture. Conclusion PCLS of human lung parenchyma remain differentiated and viable for up to 7 days in serum-free culture. In future, human PCLS derived from normal and injured regions of lung from the EVLP model may provide a novel means of studying alveolar repair in human lung in vitro.
Topological Features of Hot Carrier Induced Anisotropic Breakdown on Silicon Diode Surfaces.

Both Gunn and Morozov have reported breakdown paths (tracking) on the surface of germanium under hot carrier conditions. Many silicon and gallium arsenide device failures appear to have been caused by similar breakdown tracks extending between contacts or across junctions. In the present work on silicon, extremely anisotropic tracking has been observed on the surface of long, thin, forward biased, n+ - p - p+, silicon diodes. The tracks propagate only in 〈100〉 crystallographic directions, independent of the applied field orientation, the temperature, or the crystal growth direction. For example, on a sample with a {100} surface plane, having the field oriented along a 〈110〉 direction, the tracks propagate along 〈100〉 directions which are 45° away from the applied field. Tracks on {100}-plane, disk shaped diodes, propagate radially from the center (positive biased) ohmic contact region, and mark off the 〈100〉 directions within 2°. Tracking requires both high current densities (~ 5 × 103 A/cm2) and high fields (~ 15 kV/cm), and occurs most readily on the p-region of 10 Ω cm, n+ - p - p+, 〈100〉 oriented diodes. Diodes with n+ - p - p+ structures having n-regions ~ 1 Ω cm, and n+ - n - n+ structures of ~ 1 Ω cm will also track, but require much higher fields and the 〈100〉 tracking orientation is not clearly defined. Tracking does not occur on diodes having the field oriented along a 〈111〉 direction. Two basic types of tracks are observed. The first resembles a series of tiny explosion craters (~ 10 μ m diam). The second appears to be continuous in nature, even though it is extended by each applied pulse. These tracks may be several micrometers wide and deep. It is also shown that hot-minority-carrier sample explosions are anisotropic and not, as generally assumed, caused by thermal breakdown. Typically a {110} 〈111〉 oriented n+ - p - p+ sample requires 4 to 6 times more impulse energy to explode than a {100} 〈100〉 oriented sample.
Management Judgment Forecasts, Composite Forecasting Models, and Conditional Efficiency:

In an empirical study of sales forecasts, management judgment forecasts are compared with systematic forecasts (based on the Box-Jenkins ARIMA method). A composite sales forecasting model is develo...
Quality Control During the Sampling Process of Hygienic Detection for Central Air Conditioning

In order to ensure the representativeness and validity of samples,the comprehensive quality control in terms of personnel,equipments,environment,materials and methods was carried out during the sampling process of hygienic detection for central air conditioning.Accordingly,an accurate and valid detection result could be achieved,which could be served as the scientific evidence for hygienical evaluation on central air conditioning.
Translation Initiation is Controlled by RNA Folding Kinetics via a Ribosome Drafting Mechanism.

RNA folding plays an important role in controlling protein synthesis as well as other cellular processes. Existing models have focused on how RNA folding energetics control translation initiation rate under equilibrium conditions but have largely ignored the effects of nonequilibrium RNA folding. We introduce a new mechanism, called “ribosome drafting”, that explains how a mRNA’s folding kinetics and the ribosome’s binding rate collectively control its translation initiation rate. During cycles of translation, ribosome drafting emerges whenever successive ribosomes bind to a mRNA faster than the mRNA can refold, maintaining it in a nonequilibrium state with an acceleration of protein synthesis. Using computational design, time-correlated single photon counting, and expression measurements, we demonstrate that slow-folding and fast-folding RNA structures with equivalent folding energetics can vary protein synthesis rates by 1000-fold. We determine the necessary conditions for ribosome drafting by character...
Effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and naproxen sodium (naproxen) on ovulation, prostaglandin, and progesterone production in the rabbit *

Objective To determine the effects of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and naproxen sodium (naproxen) on ovulation, ovarian prostaglandins (PG), and P production in the rabbit via in vivo and in vitro studies. Design Aspirin and naproxen were administered IV 6.5 and 7 hours, respectively, after hCG administration to New Zealand White adult female rabbits. Laparotomy was performed 24 hours after hCG administration. For in vitro experiments, control animals underwent laparotomy 6.5 (aspirin) and 7 hours (naproxen) after hCG administration. The treated animal received aspirin and naproxen; laparotomy was performed 1 hour later. One ovary was perfused for 6 hours with aspirin or naproxen whereas the contralateral ovary served as a control and was perfused with control medium (M199; GIBCO, Grand Island, New York). Perfusate samples were collected at 1-hour intervals for PG and P determination. Setting A conventional laboratory setting. Interventions In vivo experiments used IV administration of 100mg/kg aspirin and 10 and 50mg/kg naproxen. In vitro perfusion was also carried out with 100 μ g/mL aspirin and 10 and 50 μ g/mL naproxen added to the perfusate. Main Outcome Measures Ovulatory efficiency (no. of ovulations/no mature follicles) and ovarian vein PG and P concentration were determined. Results Ovulatory efficiency was 88% for control, 41% for in vivo aspirin-treated, and 40% (10mg/kg) and 0% (50mg/kg) for naproxen-treated rabbits. Aspirin and naproxen were associated with decreased ovulatory efficiency when administered in vitro to both in vivo control and in vivo treated ovaries (control-medium=70%; control-aspirin=14%; aspirin-medium=34%; aspirin-aspirin=0%; control-naproxen=25%; naproxen-medium=38%; naproxen=0% with 10 μ g/mL, and control-naproxen=13%; naproxen-medium=0%; naproxen=0% with 50 μ g/mL). Prostaglandin F2 α was undetectable in the perfusate of those ovaries perfused either with aspirin or naproxen. Ovarian venous concentration of P in the perfusate was similar in all groups. Conclusions Aspirin and naproxen significantly reduced ovulatory efficiency and PG production both in vivo and in vitro in hCG-treated rabbits. A critical period of 6.5 and 7 hours after hCG administration was established.
Clinical applications of combining IMRT with electron beams

The goal of radiation therapy is to achieve local tumor control while sparing as much as possible normal structures. An important step in producing an optimal treatment plan is the selection of beam modalities in order to utilize the different characteristics of different modalities [1]. Treatment plans involving a combination of electron and photon beams are routinely used in most cancer centers. However, direct abutting of electron and photon beams usually creates hot and/or cold spots in the abutting region [2,3]. To reduce dose inhomogeneity in the abutting region, several methods have been proposed, most of which utilize specially designed beam spoilers to broaden the penumbrae of the abutting beams [4]. Recent technological advancements in MLC and inverse planning provide a viable alternative for using dynamic MLC as a photon penumbra generator [5]. In this work, we describe a technique for optimizing combined electron and IMRT treatment plans using dynamic MLC. It generates patient-specific 3D treatment plans and is able to match the electron and photon beams at a pre-specified depth or in the target volume.
Lingering representations of stimulus history at encoding influence recall organization

Several prominent theories posit that information about recent experiences lingers in the brain and organizes memories for current experiences, by forming a temporal context that is linked to those memories at encoding. According to these theories, if the thoughts preceding an experience X resemble the thoughts preceding an experience Y, then X and Y should show an elevated probability of being recalled together. We tested this prediction by using multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) of fMRI data to measure neural evidence for lingering processing of preceding stimuli. As predicted, memories encoded with similar lingering thoughts (about the category of preceding stimuli) were more likely to be recalled together, thereby showing that the "fading embers" of previous stimuli help to organize recall.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Bariatric Surgery Cohort Study: Rational and Study Protocol.

In Canada, there has been a disproportionate increase in adults with Class II (BMI 35.0–39.9 kg/m2) or Class III obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) affecting 9 % of Canadians with increases projected. Individuals affected by severe obesity (BMI ≥ 35) are at increased risk of high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, impaired quality of life, and premature mortality. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for severe obesity. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), a relatively new type of bariatric surgery, is growing in popularity as a treatment. The global prevalence of LSG increased from 0 to 37.0 % between 2003 and 2013. In Canada and the US, between 2011 and 2013, the number of LSG surgeries increased by 244 % and LSG now comprises 43 % of all bariatric surgeries. Since 2011, Eastern Health, the largest regional health authority in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada has performed approximately 100 LSG surgeries annually. A population-based prospective cohort study with pre and post surgical assessments at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months and annually thereafter of patients undergoing LSG. This study will report on short - to mid-term (2–4 years) outcomes. Patients (n = 200) followed by the Provincial Bariatric Surgery Program between 19 and 70 years of age, with a BMI between 35.0 and 39.9 kg/m2 and an obesity-related comorbidity or with a BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 are enrolled. The study is assessing the following outcomes: 1) complications of surgery including impact on nutritional status 2) weight loss/regain 3) improvement/resolution of comorbid conditions and a reduction in prescribed medications 4) patient reported outcomes using validated quality of life tools, and 5) impact of surgery on health services use and costs. We hypothesize a low complication rate, a marked reduction in weight, improvement/resolution of comorbid conditions, a reduction in related medications, improvement in quality of life, and a decrease in direct healthcare use and costs and indirect costs compared to pre-surgery. Limited data on the impact of LSG as a stand-alone procedure on a number of outcomes exist. The findings from this study will help to inform evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and the development of health policy.
Comparison of the Structure, Binding, and Activity of Cell Surface TFPIα and TFPIβ.

TFPI is mainly produced by endothelial cells and alternative mRNA splicing generates two forms, TFPIα and TFPIβ. A small proportion of expressed TFPI remains associated with the cell surface through both direct (TFPIβ) and indirect (TFPIα) glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-mediated anchorage. TFPIβ lacks the C-terminus and Kunitz-3 (K3) domains of TFPIα and, instead, contains an unrelated C-terminus that directs the attachment of a GPI anchor. TFPIα and TFPIβ migrate with similar MWs (~45,000) on SDS-PAGE due to differing levels of glycosylation; removal of carbohydrate produces protein MWs of 36,000 and 28,000, respectively. Stable clones of ECV304 cells, a human cell line with some endothelial properties, that express reduced levels of TFPIα, TFPIβ, or both were produced using a plasmid-based small interfering RNA gene-silencing technique (siRNA) (Table 1); empty vector transfected clones served as controls. Total TFPI on the cell surface and in the medium of the selected clones was evaluated by flow cytometry (expressed as mean fluorescence intensity) and immunoassay, respectively (Fig. 1). Surface TFPI activity was determined by a two stage chromogenic assay based on the ability of each form to inhibit FX activation by FVIIa on cells with comparable levels of tissue factor (TF). Although TFPIβ accounted for only ~20% of the cell surface TFPI, it was responsible for most of the anti-FVIIa/TF activity (Fig. 2), suggesting a potential alternative role for surface TFPIα. At physiologic concentrations, rTFPIα expressed by ECV304 and mouse C127 cells binds to ECV↓TFPIα cells, but rTFPIα produced by mammalian A-293, HepG2, and CHO cells, and by E. coli does not, implying that post-translational modifications are important for the cell binding of TFPIα. Experiments in C127 cells show that optimal cell binding of TFPIα requires its basic C terminus and the P1 residue (R199) of its K3 domain; mutations within the putative heparin binding region of K3 (K232A, K240A, K241A) do not affect binding. Additional preliminary studies suggest that the cell binding of TFPIα requires N-linked glycosylation and is also reduced by mutation of serine 2, which is phosphorylated in C127 cells. Overall, these results call into question the physiologic relevance of previous cell binding experiments that relied on the use of high concentrations of rTFPIα expressed in E. coli. table 1 | | Surface TFPIα (ng/107 cells) | Surface TFPIβ (ng/107 cells) | |:------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------- | | Each result represents the average of five independent experiments | | Cont | 2.3 | 0.5 | | ECV↓TFPIα | 0.4 | 0.5 | | ECV↓TFPIβ | 2.4 | 0.04 | | ECV↓TFPIαβ | 0.3 | 0.05 | ![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] [1]: pending:yes
Childlessness in Midlife

Infertility is a worldwide problem that affects many individuals. As men and women age, the likelihood of conception begins to decline, resulting in an increased prevalence of infertility. Treatmen...
Adenosine to facilitate the clipping of cerebral aneurysms: Literature review

Cerebral aneurysms have a high mortality rate when ruptured. Endovascular techniques have improved substantially in treating this pathology. However, surgical clip ligation remains the preferred option for some aneurysms. Various techniques are used intraoperatively to assist the surgeon in dissecting the aneurysmal dome free of surrounding tissue and placing a clip around the neck safely and effectively so that no nearby perforating vessels are affected and no residual remains. These techniques include temporary clip ligation, endovascular balloon occlusion and cardiac standstill. Adenosine use is one viable option for induced cardiac arrest leading to a short period of controlled hypotension. Its predictable course of action, rapid onset and offset and rare incidence of adverse side effects make it an attractive agent in this regard. Below, we provide an introduction to adenosine use, describing its pharmacokinetic properties, indications, contraindications, complications and future directions.
Is the Serotonin1b Receptor Involved in Arterial Serotonergic Hypersensitivity in Deoxycorticosterone Acetate-Salt Hypertension?

P27 The 5-HT1B receptor has been recently implicated in mediating arterial contraction to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT).The 5-HT1B receptor is unmasked/enabled by depolarizing stimuli. It is possible that 5-HT1B receptors in arteries from hypertensive animals, arteries reported to have a depolarized resting potential in smooth muscle cells, are enabled and participate in the supersensitivity observed to 5-HT in hypertension. To test this hypothesis, we utilized an isolated tissue bath apparatus and examined the response of thoracic aorta from normotensive sham rats [systolic blood pressure (SBP) 123 +2 mmHg] and hypertensive deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt rats [SBP 194 + 10 mmHg]. The 5-HT1B agonist RU24969 and the 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist sumatriptan (10-9 -10-5 M) caused a maximal contraction [50 % + 12 of phenylephrine (10-5 M) contraction] in tissues from DOCA-salt rats; no contraction was observed in normotensive arteries. The 5-HT1B antagonist SB216641 (30 nM) was unable to block the RU24969-induced contraction as well as the 5-HT (10-9 -10-4 M)-induced contraction in aorta from both DOCA-salt and normotensive rats. Tissues from normotensive rats were incubated with 15mM KCl as a depolarizing stimulus, and then curves were performed to 5-HT, RU24969, and sumatriptan. These studies were performed in the presence of ketanserin (10 nM, 5-HT 2A receptor antagonist) to remove the contribution of the 5-HT2A receptor. The 5-HT-induced contraction was not changed in the presence of the KCl stimulus. High concentrations (10-5 M) of RU24969 did result in a 30% + 9 contraction. However, the presence of a depolarizing stimulus was unable to produce a leftward shift of the response to resemble that of aorta from DOCA-salt rats. These data support the conclusions that 5-HT1B receptors do not contribute significantly to the 5-HT-induced contraction in the rat aorta or to the hypersensitivity to 5-HT observed in DOCA-salt hypertension. In addition, these data support the conclusion that the arterial hypersensitivity to 5-HT in hypertension is not due to membrane depolarization alone.
Morphogen gradient reconstitution reveals Hedgehog pathway design principles

In developing tissues, cells estimate their spatial position by sensing graded concentrations of diffusible signaling proteins called morphogens. Morphogen-sensing pathways exhibit diverse molecular architectures, whose roles in controlling patterning dynamics and precision have been unclear. In this work, combining cell-based in vitro gradient reconstitution, genetic rewiring, and mathematical modeling, we systematically analyzed the distinctive architectural features of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway. We found that the combination of double-negative regulatory logic and negative feedback through the PTCH receptor accelerates gradient formation and improves robustness to variation in the morphogen production rate compared with alternative designs. The ability to isolate morphogen patterning from concurrent developmental processes and to compare the patterning behaviors of alternative, rewired pathway architectures offers a powerful way to understand and engineer multicellular patterning.
Profiles of Practicing Female Orthopaedists Caring for Medicare Patients in the United States

Background:The increase in the percentage of women in orthopaedics in the United States over the last half century has been substantially slower than in every other surgical specialty. While this percentage has improved recently, the current demographic and practice characteristics of female orthopa
A Second Thought on Locke’s First Treatise

John Locke’s First Treatise of Government is not a forgotten work, though not so well known or highly prized as the celebrated Second Treatise. This general neglect of the prior tract rests partly on a failure to grasp its central theme. There is more to the First Treatise than a refutation of Sir Robert Filmer’s derivation of political authority from Adam by a straight line of inheritance. The target of Locke’s attack is really Filmer’s assumption that possession of the state is the basis of legitimate political authority. Locke disputes not only the divine-right theory of the monarchical state, but equally the assumptions of the dynastic state. Obviously, behind Filmer, Locke saw James II. Yet for a dynast such as Louis XIV, who was James’ model, the state was his own property. He had rights over the state, and responsibilities to its people, because he owned it. L’etat, c’est a moi, Louis XIV might have said. The dynasts’ certainty of legitimacy came from their right of inheritance; divine-right theory was the explanation and justification of what was to them a property right in fact.
Differential responses of Brachypodium distachyon genotypes to insect and fungal pathogens

Abstract To increase understanding of the interactions between Brachypodium distachyon (purple false brome) and its pathogens, six diploid and two hexaploid Plant Introductions (PI) lines were assessed for their resistance/susceptibility to nine economically important fungal pathogens and two species of insect pests affecting closely related grass species. Naturally occurring variation in resistance was found, with two lines being the most resistant and one line being the most susceptible to most of the insects and pathogens tested. Evidence was found for differential activation of key genes in pathogen defense response pathways between susceptible and resistant lines.
Molecular mechanism of migraine

The molecular and cellular origins of migraine headache are among the most complex problems in contemporary neurology. To meet these challenges, researchers have successfully applied the tools of neuroimaging, neurogenetics, neuropharmacology and neurophysiology. With recent advances, we now have a clearer description of cellular events that characterize the migraine visual aura such as cortical spreading depression. This presentation will review translational advances with special emphasis on the evidence implicating genes regulating ion channels and pumps, sex hormones and migraine prophylactic drugs as modulators of cortical spreading depression (CSD). Cortical spreading depression, a slowly propagating wave of neuronal and glial depolarization, was first linked to visual aura in the 1940 ’s based on the close correspondence between CSDs known neurophysiological characteristics and the evolving visual percept of migraine. High field strength, near-continuous BOLD imaging recordings during visual aura substantiate this association and implicate CSD as a noxious event capable of triggering headache. In knockin mice expressing the Familial Hemiplegic Migraine-1 missense mutation in a gene encoding a subunit of Cav 2.1 (P Q calcium channel), susceptibility to evoked CSDs is enhanced, but especially in female mice. In addition to sex hormones and genes regulating ion translocation, CSD is modulated in normal rats by chronic administration of migraine prophylactic drugs. These and other experimental data are consistent with the notion that headaches developing after migraine aura are caused by CSD-induced release and extracellular build-up of noxious molecules normally sequestered in neuronal and non-neuronal cellular compartments. The translational relevance and congruence of this body of work to the phenotype of common forms of migraine will be discussed.
From Como to Copenhagen: Renunciations

This chapter is a discussion of a new approach to complementarity, developed by Bohr shortly after the Como lecture. This approach was marked by Bohr’s rethinking of the question of causality in quantum theory following his initial exchanges on quantum mechanics with Einstein and was based on a new form of complementarity in the narrow sense, between the space–time description and the laws of conservation of energy and momentum. While this change was, in part, a return to Bohr’s 1925 view, it also initiated the way of thinking that ultimately led Bohr to his nonclassical version of complementarity.
Two-sample nonparametric stochastic order inference with an application in plant physiology

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a new nonparametric methodology is developed for testing whether the changing pattern of a response variable over multiple ordered sub-populations from one treatment group differs with the one from another treatment group. The question is formalized into a nonparametric two-sample comparison problem for the stochastic order among subsamples, through U-statistics with accommodations for zero-inflated distributions. A novel bootstrap procedure is proposed to obtain the critical values with given type I error. Following the procedure, bootstrapped p-values are obtained through simulated samples. It is proven that the distribution of the test statistics is independent from the underlying distributions of the subsamples, when certain sufficient statistics provided. Furthermore, this study also develops a feasible framework for power studies to determine sample sizes, which is necessary in real-world applications. Simulation results suggest that the test is consistent. The methodology is ...
Reliability and Validity of the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children and Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children Screeners in a Clinical Sample

This study reports on the reliability and validity for two measures developed for screening of symptoms in child sexual abuse (CSA)—the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children-Screening Form (TSCC-SF...
SiC MOSFET Versus Si Super Junction MOSFET-Switching Loss Comparison in Different Switching Cell Configurations

Although SiC MOSFETs show superior switching performance compared to Si IGBTs, it is unknown whether SiC MOSFETs have the same advantage over Si super junction (SJ) MOSFETs such as CoolMOS. This paper analyzes the switching performance in different switching cell configurations and summarizes the impact factors that influence switching loss. A double pulse test is conducted for a SiC MOSFET and a CoolMOS with the same voltage and current rating. In the FET/diode cell structure, a SiC Schottky diode is used as the upper device to eliminate the reverse recovery, and the testing results show that the SiC MOSFET has 2.4 times higher switching loss than the Si CoolMOS. This can be explained by the smaller transconductance and the higher Miller voltage of the SiC MOSFET. On the other hand, the Si CooMOS has 10 times higher switching loss than the SiC MOSFET in the FET/FET cell structure because of the significant turn-on loss caused by the poor reverse recovery of its body diode.
Understanding the Personal Relationships and Reproductive Health Changes of Female Survivors of Ebola Infection in Liberia

This chapter examines the perceived impact of Ebola on the intimate relationships and reproductive health of female Ebola survivors in Liberia. Although the area of Ebola survivor research has grown greatly over the last few years, very few studies have focused on the unique consequences that Ebola survivorship can have on women. This study consisted of in-depth interviews with 69 female Ebola survivors from Montserrado, Lofa, and Bong Counties of Liberia. The chapter reports preliminary findings on relationship outcomes among these women, as well as changes in menstruation and pregnancies post-Ebola. Although experiences varied greatly across the study participants, nearly half of the women reported that the relationship that they were in at the time of their infection with Ebola had ended due to either death of partner from Ebola or abandonment by the partner. Women also reported experiences with stigma and social rejection, both among existing and new male partners. Many of the participants also reported changes in timing, frequency, and consistency of menstruation.
Identification of matrix physicochemical properties required for renal epithelial cell tubulogenesis by using synthetic hydrogels.

ABSTRACT Synthetic hydrogels with controlled physicochemical matrix properties serve as powerful in vitro tools to dissect cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions that regulate epithelial morphogenesis in 3D microenvironments. In addition, these fully defined matrices overcome the lot-to-lot variability of naturally derived materials and have provided insights into the formation of rudimentary epithelial organs. Therefore, we engineered a fully defined synthetic hydrogel with independent control over proteolytic degradation, mechanical properties, and adhesive ligand type and density to study the impact of ECM properties on epithelial tubulogenesis for inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. Protease sensitivity of the synthetic material for membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MT1-MMP, also known as MMP14) was required for tubulogenesis. Additionally, a defined range of matrix elasticity and presentation of RGD adhesive peptide at a threshold level of 2 mM ligand density were required for epithelial tubulogenesis. Finally, we demonstrated that the engineered hydrogel supported organization of epithelial tubules with a lumen and secreted laminin. This synthetic hydrogel serves as a platform that supports epithelial tubular morphogenetic programs and can be tuned to identify ECM biophysical and biochemical properties required for epithelial tubulogenesis.
Africa in the Path of Covid-19.

Africa in the Path of Covid-19 Despite intensive preparations by African countries that are no strangers to epidemics, we should have no illusions that Africa can confront the Covid-19 threat alone...
Physiological and biochemical responses to acute environmental stress and predation risk in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis

Abstract The effects of climate change and associated increases in temperature on organisms are a major focus of scientific research, but how these impacts play out within ecological contexts is complex and hence often ignored. For example, the influence of predation risk (nonconsumptive effects, NCEs) can alter behavior, creating scenarios where individual physiological responses depend on the interaction between abiotic conditions, such as temperature, and the presence of risk in the environment. Yet a mechanistic understanding of how the interplay among abiotic and biotic stressors, especially NCEs, shapes the short-term physiological performance of intertidal organisms remains limited. From both physiological and biochemical perspectives, we explored the short-term interaction between temperature, feeding history, and predation risk from a predatory snail (Nucella lapillus) on the intertidal mussel (Mytilus edulis). We measured heart rate, key aerobic (citrate synthase) and anaerobic (cytosolic malate dehydrogenase) metabolic enzymes, and total antioxidant capacity to elucidate metabolic strategies utilized by mussels in short-term, multi-stressor events. After 60 min of continuous exposure to increased temperature and predation risk, heart rate and aerobic capacity were primarily impacted by temperature, whereas total cytosolic malate dehydrogenase activity displayed an antagonistic relationship in response to the combined effects of feeding history and predation risk. In contrast, total antioxidant capacity displayed a three-way interaction among all treatments (feeding history, temperature and predation risk), driven by opposing thermal responses between fed and starved mussels in the absence of risk. Our results suggest that although mussels are fairly tolerant of acute stress events, the interaction of feeding history and predation risk may prevent them from launching a coordinated stress response when thermal stress is high.