cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of 1-Ethyl-3-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl) Carbodiimide Suture Coating on Tendon Repair Strength and Cell Viability in a Canine Model.

Purpose To determine if impregnating a suture with a cross-linking agent, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), improved suture pull-out strength and cell viability. Methods Canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were cut in canine zone D, and a single suture loop was placed in each end, with sutures soaked in either saline or an EDC solution with a concentration of 1%, 10%, or 50%. Suture pull-out strength, stiffness, and elongation to failure was determined by pulling the loop until failure. Cytotoxicity of the EDC treatment was evaluated by suspending treated sutures over cultured tenocytes. Results Mechanical properties for the EDC-treated side were improved over controls when treated with the 10% and 50% EDC solutions. The ratio of dead to live cells was significantly increased at all distances from the suture for the 50% EDC-treated group. Conclusions Suture treated with a 10% EDC solution provided the best combination of mechanical reinforcement and limited toxicity. Clinical relevance Sutures so treated may improve the ability of a tendon repair to sustain early mobilization.
Effects of a Three-Year Exercise Program on Motor Function and Cognitive Processing Speed in Older Women

This study evaluated the effects of a three-year exercise program on motor performance and cognitive processing speed of previously sedentary older women, ages 57-85. Variables tested were simple and choice reaction time (CRT), balance, sit and reach flexibility, shoulder flexibility, and grip strength. Subjects participated three times a week in exercise performance classes designed to meet American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Results indicate that performance was significantly improved on all measures during the course of the study (p less than .01) except for the sit and reach test (SRT), where significance was approached (p less than .027), but not reached. A comparison of the exercise subjects with a comparable group of nonexercising control subjects revealed significant interactions between treatment and time on all variables except CRT and grip strength. Pretest to posttest scores of the exercise subjects tended to improve over the three-year period, whereas the scores of the control subjects declined. Improved reaction time indicated exercise is effective in reversing or at least slowing ceratin age-related declines in motor performance and in speed of cognitive processing.
Noise performance of low power 0.25 micron gate ion implanted D-mode GaAs MESFET for wireless applications

We report on the noise performance of low power 0.25 /spl mu/m gate ion implanted D-mode GaAs MESFETs suitable for wireless personal communication applications. The 0.25 /spl mu/m/spl times/200 /spl mu/m D-mode MESFET has a f/sub t/ of 18 GHz and f/sub max/ of 33 GHz at a power level of 1 mW (power density of 5 mW/mm). The noise characteristics at 4 GHz for the D-mode MESFET are F/sub min/=0.65 dB and G/sub assoc/=13 dB at 1 mW. These results demonstrate that the GaAs D-mode MESFET is also an excellent choice for low power personal communication applications. >
Indium oxide/indium iron oxide thin films for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production with a-silicon solar cells

In this paper we focus on indium oxide and indium iron oxide as an alloy to fabricate a protective thin film (transparent, conductive, and corrosion resistant; TCCR) for amorphous silicon-based solar cells, which can be used in immersion-type photoelectrochemical cells for hydrogen production. From the work completed, the results indicate that samples made at 250 °C with indium and indium iron oxide targets powered at 30 and 100 W, respectively, and a sputter deposition time of 90 min produced optimal results when deposited directly on single-junction amorphous silicon solar cells. At 0.65 V (versus SCE), the best sample conditions display a maximum current density of 21.4 µA/cm2.
Course of illness after the onset of chronic rejection in lung transplant recipients

BACKGROUND Despite the overall negative impact of chronic rejection on quality of life and survival after lung transplant, the specific clinical indicators of deterioration have not been identified. OBJECTIVES To describe the course of illness after the onset of chronic rejection, including demographic and transplant variables, morbidity, mortality, health resource utilization, and end-of-life care, and to identify clinical indicators of deterioration in health and limited survival after the onset of chronic rejection. METHODS The medical records of 311 recipients of lung transplants between 1998 and 2004 were reviewed retrospectively to identify 60 recipients who experienced chronic rejection. RESULTS Median survival after chronic rejection was 31.34 months. Time to rejection (mean, 26.05 months; SD, 16.85) was significantly correlated with overall survival without need of a retransplant (r = 0.64; P < .001). The earlier the onset of chronic rejection or the need for oxygen at home, the shorter was the period of survival after chronic rejection and the more frequent were hospital and intensive care unit admissions and prolonged stays. Of the 26 recipients who died, 65% died at the transplant center, and all but 1 died in the intensive care unit; 3 died after multiple attempts of cardiopulmonary resuscitation; life support was ultimately withdrawn in 69%. CONCLUSIONS Lung transplant recipients who experience chronic graft rejection have high rates of morbidity, mortality, and health resource utilization; however, the course of illness after chronic rejection is highly variable.
Source correlation in a K-out-of-M multiple-access channel

A K-out-of-M multiple-access channel is a mathematical model for transmission of information between a large number of potential transmitters and one receiver, where at any transmission interval only a (usually small) number of transmitters are actively transmitting their messages. We study the problem of matching between correlated information sources and a K-out-of-M multiple-access channel. We show that by employing the correlation between the information sources and using a two-step coding scheme better results can be achieved compared to separate source and channel coding. A coding and decoding scheme is described and sufficient conditions for reliable transmission of the correlated information sources via the K-out-of-M multiple-access channel, based on this scheme are obtained. >
Geostatistically based management of arsenic contaminated ground water in shallow wells of Bangladesh

This paper investigates the effectiveness of geostatistical approaches, specifically ordinary kriging, for regional management of arsenic contaminated shallow ground water in Bangladesh. The arsenic database for reference comprised the nation-wide survey (of 3534 drinking wells) completed in 1999 by the British Geological Survey (BGS) in collaboration with the Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) of Bangladesh. A Monte Carlo (MC) framework was devised for selection of randomly-sampled networks of wells from this reference database. Each randomly sampled network was assumed an equi-probable exploratory field campaign designed commensurably with the requirements of rapidity and cost-effectiveness in a rural setting. In general, the kriging method was found to underestimate the arsenic concentration at non-sampled locations. This underestimation exceeded the safe limits at the Holocene region of Southcentral Bangladesh. The probability of successful prediction of safe wells for this region was found to be 72% (WHO safe limit – 10 ppb) and 78% (Bangladesh safe limit – 50 ppb). For the Pleistocene Northwestern region of Bangladesh, the safe well prediction probability was in the ranges of 90%–97%. The relatively more contaminated Holocene region in Southcentral Bangladesh, on other hand, was found more amenable to accurate geostatistical prediction of unsafe wells. Findings from this study exemplify that, while mainstream geostatistical approaches (e.g., ordinary kriging) may not provide the most accurate prediction of mean arsenic concentration at non-sampled locations, they can delineate an approximate strategy for management of arsenic contaminated shallow ground water if applied carefully. The kriging methodology is applied to a test case in Bangladesh; the approach, however, is general and is expected to have application in rural settings for other developing countries where arsenic contamination of ground water is also widespread (e.g., parts of India, Vietnam, Taiwan and Mexico).
Orientation Preferred Structures in BaTiO3 Thin Films on Ni Substrates

We report the fabrication of the orientation preferred structures in BaTiO 3 thin films on Ni substrates using pulsed laser deposition. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed that the films consist of crystalline structures of tetragonal BaTiO 3. More than 60% of BaTiO 3 grains in the films exhibit nearly the same crystallographic orientation with their a-axis lying in the film plane and the (011) direction parallel to the growth direction. Such orientation preferred structures were grown on a Ni nanocrystalline buffer layer. This result demonstrated the possibility of approximating an oriented single crystalline ceramic oxide structures on metallic substrates.
Reply to Dupieux et al

TO THE EDITOR—We thank Dupieux et al for their thoughtful response to our article [1]. They present convincing data that excision of the β-toxin bacteriophage from Staphylococcus aureus strains does not contribute to host intracellular cytotoxicity. These data suggest that the increased virulence we observed in our animal models depends on extracellular effects of β-toxin. We agree with their analysis. Dupieux et al indicate that we suggested one mechanism of β-toxin involvement in virulence in vivo, namely its nucleoprotein
Schr\"odinger-Pauli Equation for the Standard Model Extension CPT-Violating Dirac Equation

It is instructive to investigate the non-relativistic limit of the simplest Standard Model Extension (SME) CPT-violating Dirac-like equation but with minimal coupling to the electromagnetic fields. In this limit, it becomes an intuitive Schr\"odinger-Pauli-like equation. This is comparable to the free particle treatment as explored by Kostelecky and Lane, but this exercise only considers the $a$ and $b$ CPT-violating terms and $\vec{p}/m$ terms to first order. Several toy systems are discussed.
Carbon Cycling in the Ocean

Carbon is the essential element for life. Yet, carbon in an easily mobilized form is rare on Earth. The atmosphere contains only 330 ppm of CO2 and the ocean 25 mg of dissolved inorganic carbon per kilogram of seawater.
Validation of an image-derived input function method for [11C](R)-rolipram in a large population of subjects with depression

376 Objectives We previously showed that an image-derived input function (IDIF) from carotid arteries reliably quantified the binding of [11C](R)-rolipram, a tracer of PDE4. Our IDIF method was however validated using a HRRT (2.5 mm spatial resolution). Thus, the question remains as to whether this method could be used on standard PET cameras. Moreover, our IDIF method was validated only in healthy subjects. We investigate whether IDIF can replace the full arterial sampling in depressed patients who have lower cortical uptake of [11C](R)-rolipram. Methods The metabolite-corrected IDIF was obtained from the carotid time-activity curve and 4 arterial blood samples. The samples were used to calculate the recovery and the spill-in coefficients by linear least-squares analysis and also to obtain the parent concentration by fitting a monoexponential function through the parent/whole-blood ratio calculated by HPLC analysis in those same four blood samples. The method was tested in 25 healthy subjects and 26 patients with major depressive disorder, whose images were acquired using a 6 mm resolution PET camera. We calculated the Logan-VT ratio using the IDIF and the reference full arterial sampling. In some subjects, we measured arteriovenous differences in [11C](R)-rolipram concentration to see whether venous samples could be used instead of arterial samples. Results The IDIF method yielded very accurate Logan-VT estimates. VT ratio was 0.99 ± 0.05 for controls (ICC = 0.98) and 1.00 ± 0.04 for depressed patients (ICC = 0.99). Out of 51 subjects, 41 had a VT estimation error of Conclusions Over a large population of 51 subjects, both healthy and depressed, IDIF is an accurate alternative to full arterial sampling for [11C](R)-rolipram PET studies
Subgroup mixable inference on treatment efficacy in mixture populations, with an application to time‐to‐event outcomes

In tailored drug development, the patient population is thought of as a mixture of two or more subgroups that may derive differential treatment efficacy. To find the right patient population for the drug to target, it is necessary to infer treatment efficacy in subgroups and combinations of subgroups. A fundamental consideration in this inference process is that the logical relationships between treatment efficacy in subgroups and their combinations should be respected (for otherwise the assessment of treatment efficacy may become paradoxical). We show that some commonly used efficacy measures are not suitable for a mixture population. We also show that the current practice of over-simply extending the least squares means concept when estimating the efficacy in a mixture population is inappropriate. Proposing a new principle called subgroup mixable estimation, we establish the logical relationships among parameters that represent efficacy and develop a simultaneous inference procedure to confidently infer efficacy in subgroups and their combinations. Using oncology studies with time-to-event outcomes as an example, we show that the hazard ratio is not suitable for measuring treatment efficacy in a mixture population and provide appropriate efficacy measures with a rigorous inference procedure.
"There's a Footnote to History!" Memory and the History of Martin Luther King's October 1960 Arrest and Its Aftermath

Politicians possess characteristics with distinct implications for oral history. On the one hand, they tend to be gregarious and affable, are relatively at ease with the microphone and tape recorder, have been interviewed on numerous occasions, and often have a highly developed sense of historical consciousness, living in a world that they have clearly influenced. As the number of political oral history projects increases, politicians may also realize that oral history interviews "come with the territory." On the other hand, politicians-especially the more senior ones -can easily develop and present an inflated sense of their own importance in the governmental process. They are also interested in the protection of their established public images and reputations. This is especially true of those still in or contemplating office, who must regularly face voters, constituents, and the media, and who have ongoing political obligations.1 Interviews with former southern politicians display their own special problematic aspects, particularly when the subject turns to race, segregation, or desegregation. Many white politicians grew up amid and defended segregation, ended up on the losing side, then adapted to new politicial realities. Understandably, they are often hesitant, cautious, or uncomfortable discussing the past, especially in the presence of interviewers from a different generation who have been raised with dramatically different values and practices concerning race. Yet oral history interviews with politicians can prove crucial in shedding new light on even the most celebrated of events. This essay explores the history and memory of an incident that looms large in the nation's recent political history: the October 1960 arrest of Martin Luther KingJr. and the subsequent intervention ofJohn F and Robert Kennedy in the affair. From Theodore White and Arthur M. Schlesinger
Effect of lateral bed roughness variation on particle suspension in open channels

In this paper the effect of variation of bed roughness along lateral direction on suspension concentration distribution in open channel turbulent flows was investigated. Starting from the mass and momentum conservation equations, this study demonstrates that both the Reynolds shear stress $$(-\overline{u'v'})$$ and sediment diffusivity depends on bed roughness. From the theoretical analysis, it is found that both the Reynolds shear stress and the sediment diffusivity increase over smooth bed surfaces and decrease over rough bed surfaces. At the junction of smooth and rough bed surface, the effect of bed roughness on the Reynolds shear stress and sediment diffusion is almost negligible. Including this effect, suspension concentration distribution is also studied and from the Hunt’s diffusion equation, an analytical model for predicting suspension concentration is proposed. Apart from this effect, the effects of moveable bed roughness and stratification are also considered in the model. It is observed that the Rouse equation is obtained from the proposed model as a special case when the flow is considered as single phase and there is no effect of secondary current, stratification and bed roughness variation. On the basis of experimental data available in literature, the proposed model is validated and also compared with the Rouse equation. To get a quantitative idea about the goodness of fit, weighted relative error is calculated. The comparison results and calculated errors indicate that the present model is capable of describing the suspension concentration distribution more accurately than Rouse model throughout the flow depth in open channel flow.
Epitaxial Growth of Cubic and Hexagonal InN Thin Films via Plasma-Assisted Atomic Layer Epitaxy

InN thin films possessing either a novel cubic or a hexagonal phase were grown by plasma-assisted atomic layer epitaxy on an a-plane sapphire, Si(111), and GaN/sapphire templates, simultaneously. Two ALE growth temperature windows were found between 175–185 °C and 220–260 °C, in which the growth process is self-limiting. In the lower temperature ALE window, InN on an a-plane sapphire crystallized in a face-centered cubic lattice with a NaCl type structure, which has never been previously reported. InN grown on other substrates formed the more common hexagonal phase. In the higher temperature ALE window, the InN films grown on all substrates were of hexagonal phase. The NaCl phase and the epitaxial nature of the InN thin films on the a-plane sapphire grown at 183 °C are confirmed independently by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and numerical simulations. These results are very promising and demonstrate the tremendous potential for the PA-ALE in the growth of crystalline III-N materials...
Abstract 1602: Deletion of cyclooxygenase-2 in mouse mammary epithelial cells delays breast cancer onset

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) enzyme, which catalyzes the synthesis of several pro- and anti-tumorigenic prostanoids, is associated with more than 40% of breast cancers. Selective and non-selective COX-2 inhibitors were shown to decrease the risk of tumorigenesis and breast cancer recurrence. However, the precise role of COX-2 in the mammary epithelium, and the potential role of COX-1, remains ill-defined. This is in part because of infertility, renal pathology and short life-span that accompanies global deletion of the COX-2 gene in mice. To study the role and mechanisms of COX-2 actions in breast cancer, we engineered mice on a pure FVB/N background that lack COX-2 only in mammary epithelial cells (MECs). Mice transgenic for COX-2 exons 5 and 6, flanked by loxP sites (COX-2flox/flox), were crossed with mice expressing cre recombinase under control of the mouse mammary tumor virus (mmtv) promoter (Cremmtv) to generated the MEC-targeted deletion of COX-2. MECs harvested from wild type (WT; COX-2flox/flox) and knock-out (KO; Cremmtv COX-2flox/flox) mice were treated, in vitro, with or without a single dose of 5µg/ml lipopolysaccaride (LPS). KO MECs showed about 80% less COX-2 mRNA and protein expression. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 production was similarly reduced in KO MECs, despite unchanged levels of COX-1 mRNA and protein (n=5-7). We confirmed COX-2 as the principle source of PGE2 in MECs using inhibitors specific for COX-2 (rofecoxib) or COX-1 (FR122047) (n=6). Expression of COX-2 and COX-1 mRNA and protein, and PGE2 generation, were not significantly different in untreated or LPS-treated peritoneal macrophages obtained from WT and KO mice (n=5-6) confirming the specificity of the targeted COX-2 deletion to MECs. Unlike global COX-2 deficiency, mice lacking COX-2 in MECs were viable, fertile and disease-free making them highly suitable for cancer studies. To induce breast tumorigenesis, 6 week old virgin female WT and KO mice received medroxyprogesterone acetate implants (75 mg/pellet, 21 day release) subcutaneously followed, at 9 weeks of age, by 1mg/week of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) administration for 4 weeks. This regime causes predominantly mammary tumor development in mice. Starting from week 13, mice were checked weekly for mammary tumors. The onset of breast cancer, denoted as the week of age during which a mammary tumor was palpated in the glands of a live mouse, was significantly delayed in KO mice compared to their WT counterparts (p=0.03); the median duration of tumor free period was 28 weeks for KO animals (n=36) versus 22 weeks for WT mice (n=20). These data indicate that targeted deletion of COX-2 in mammary epithelium affords significant protection against initiation and progression of breast tumorigenesis. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1602.
Remote control of transplanted neurons in Parkinson’s disease

The prospect of controlling movement deficits in Parkinson’s disease (PD) using dopaminergic neuron replacement therapy has garnered attention, particularly given the interest in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology. Transplantation of neural progenitor cells derived from hPSCs in animal models of PD has produced some encouraging results. Yet, to help realize the potential of cell replacement therapy, achieving proper functional integration into existing neural circuits and precisely regulating neurotransmitter release are crucial goals. In new work, Chen and colleagues tackle this issue by engineering DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drug) into hPSCs to enable fine-tuning of the activity of differentiated midbrain dopaminergic neurons using the receptor agonist clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). Both inhibitory and excitatory DREADDs were knocked-in to H9 human embryonic stem (ES) cells using CRISPR technology. The activity of differentiated midbrain dopaminergic neuron cultures was responsive to CNO treatment, with excitatory DREADDs promoting depolarization and action potential generation, and inhibitory DREADDs having the opposite effect. Dopaminergic neuron progenitors were transplanted into mice with 6-hydroxydopamine-induced lesions in the substantia nigra, a model of PD. Engrafted neurons showed substantial innervation of the host striatum and expression of midbrain dopamine neuron markers. Medium spiny neurons downstream of dopamine signaling were responsive to excitatory DREADD activation, and this was blocked by dopamine D1 receptor antagonists. Finally, excitatory DREADD activation provided enhanced benefit in measures of locomotor function over that observed with a graft that had not been treated to modulate its activity. This work provides evidence that modulating the activity of transplanted human neurons is a potential way to maximize therapeutic benefit in PD. In this study, excitatory DREADD activation leading to augmented dopaminergic neuron activity provided restoration of motor function. However, it is unclear whether this work can be translated to treating patients with PD. The potential dysfunction of engrafted neurons could lead to graft-induced dyskinesias; thus, a better understanding of graft-host interactions is necessary. Despite this, the ability to fine-tune graft output using chemically-controlled DREADDs represents a conceptual advance that may move us a step closer to achieving success with cell replacement therapy in treating PD. Y. Chen et al ., Chemical control of grafted human PSC-derived neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Cell Stem Cell . 10.1016/j.stem.2016.03.014 (2016). [[PubMed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27133795
Endoscopic lithotripsy for bile duct stones

Endoscopic sphincterotomy and common duct stone extraction is successful in 85-90% of patients using conventional balloons and baskets. However, most patients with biliary stones > 2 cm will require mechanical, electrohydraulic, or laser lithotripsy prior to stone extraction. Mechanical lithotripsy is inexpensive, easy to perform, and effective in 80-90% of cases. Most failures result from inability to entrap the stone in the lithotripsy basket. These cases may be successfully treated using either electrohydraulic or laser lithotripsy (intraductal shockwave lithotripsy). In most cases, intraductal shockwave lithotripsy requires direct visual control. Due to difficulty with peroral cholangioscopy, these techniques will not be widely used until a smaller, more maneuverable "mother and baby scope" system is developed. We recommend mechanical lithotripsy as the initial treatment for large biliary stones. Failed cases should be referred to specialized centers for a repeat attempt with intraductal shockwave lithotripsy. With this approach, an experienced endoscopist is successful in removing biliary stones in over 95% of patients. Long term biliary stenting remains a viable option for the high risk patients with large common bile duct stones.
Polypoid Lesions of the Colon: Which Should Be Removed?

Although there are many interdependent etiologic factors suggested for colonic carcinoma, the surgeon can make his best contribution to improvement of its management by the aggressive eradication of polypoid lesions of the colon, since it has been shown morphologically and biologically that these lesions are related both to each other and to carcinoma.
A New Strategy for Inverse Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis

Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) in the N-to-C direction (inverse SPPS [1–4]) provides the synthetically versatile peptide C-terminal carboxyl group for further modification, which is particularly useful in synthesis of C-terminally modified peptide mimetics. As part of our ongoing program to find peptide mimetic protease and penicillin-binding protein inhibitors, a strategy for inverse SPPS based on amino acid t-butyl esters has been developed. A principle advantage of this approach is the commercial availability of suitably side chain protected amino acid t-butyl esters. Based on this strategy, peptide trifluoromethyl ketones and peptide aldehydes have also been prepared, as well as several peptide aldehyde derivatives. These results demonstrate the feasibility and utility of this approach for peptide mimetic synthesis.
Genome Evolution in Plants

The genomes of land plants vary dramatically in size and chromosome number, and ongoing studies are clarifying the processes that shape their composition, structure and function. Polyploidy produces an entirely duplicated genome where the processes of nonfunctionalisation, subfunctionalisation and neofunctionalisation occur at individual loci or across entire genetic pathways, with both short- and long-term effects. Transposable elements mould and alter genomes via a wide array of direct and indirect mechanisms extending well beyond their capacity to move throughout genomes. Horizontal gene transfer affects genome evolution of a lineage by incorporating novel genetic material from a separate lineage. Alternative splicing results in the inclusion and exclusion of a gene's exons and introns in processed messenger ribonucleic acid, altering the amino acid sequence and increasing an organism's protein repertoire without altering gene number. The impacts of these processes on plant genome evolution are just beginning to emerge as nonmodel genomes are sequenced. Key Concepts Polyploidy, or whole-genome duplication, can result in immediate genomic and genetic variation. Gene retention or loss following polyploidy may depend on gene function and expression levels. Transposable elements can actively or passively alter genome composition and genetic networks via a variety of processes. Horizontal gene transfer has been most commonly found in plant mitochondrial genomes, although more cases are being found in nuclear genomes. Alternative splicing can provide multiple gene products from a single nucleotide sequence. The conservation and evolutionary significance of alternative splicing patterns are just beginning to be elucidated in plants. Genome size in plants varies from among the smallest eukaryotic genomes to the largest eukaryotic genomes yet determined. Keywords: polyploidy; whole-genome duplication; horizontal gene transfer; transposable elements; alternative splicing; plant evolution; genome size
Characterization and Standardization of Cultured Cardiac Fibroblasts for Ex Vivo Models of Heart Fibrosis and Heart Ischemia

A full understanding of cardiac fibroblast (cFB) biology is essential to study the adverse cardiac remodeling and recovery of myocardium infarction. However, compared to cardiac myocytes, cFBs are less well characterized. Important questions, including the variability introduced by cell age (neonatal vs. adult), culture conditions (passage, plate coating, and culture medium), and responses to stimuli (e.g., hypoxia and drug treatments), have not been well addressed and standardization of techniques is lacking. This variability invites inconsistency and the confounding of study conclusions. Thus, we here focus on characterizing cell responses and standardizing procedures for cFB isolation and culture conditions to provide reliable platforms to address important questions about cFB proliferation, activation, collagen matrix formation, and responses to relevant stimuli. Thirty litters of 1–3-day pups and 30 female (240–330 g) Sprague-Dawley rats were used to isolate neonatal and adult cFBs. We detail and val...
Designing information literacy instruction for the life sciences

Abstract Information literacy for the life sciences differs from other disciplines and requires an approach that addresses the specific needs of the curriculum and its students. This chapter focuses on the important aspects to consider when planning and designing information literacy for this field, including characteristics of the curriculum and students, opportunities to collaborate with instructors to integrate information literacy, and strategies for developing assessment-based approaches. It provides recommended resources, specific guidance, and practical suggestions for librarians responsible for information literacy instruction to students in the life sciences disciplines.
Anticoagulation by constant subcutaneous heparin infusion

A preliminary clinical trial was conducted to determine the feasibility of achieving and regulating therapeutic anticoagulation with heparin given by continuous subcutaneous infusion. Five patients with deep venous thrombosis confirmed by impedance plethysmography and/or venography were studied. All patients received an initial heparin dose of 5000 units by IV bolus. This was followed by a continuous subcutaneous heparin infusion at a dose of 15 to 25 units per kilogram per hour. Effective levels of anticoagulation were achieved in all five patients. Regulation and maintenance of therapeutic anticoagulation were no more difficult than with intravenous therapy. No major complications were encountered during therapy. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of heparin may have advantages over standard intravenous therapy or high dose intermittent subcutaneous therapy. However, more extensive clinical evaluation is warranted.
Translational medicine for the benefit of people and animals

I found your comment ‘Progress report – One Health’ as well as the One Health item featuring Noel Fitzpatrick in Veterinary Record earlier this year both interesting and timely ( VR , April 29, 2017, vol 180, p 410, p 413). The One Health ‘brand’ has certainly taken off and is subject to multiple interpretations. I like the view that the label shouldn’t matter so long as collaboration takes place – the fact that the label easily embraces physical, mental, social and environmental health does not …
Implant Strategies Change Over Time and Impact Outcomes : Insights From the INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support)

Objectives This study investigated how the initial intended strategy at left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation influenced patient outcomes. Background Left ventricular assist device implantation strategy impacts candidate selection, reimbursement, and clinical trial design; however, concepts of device strategy are continuing to evolve. Methods For patients entered in the INTERMACS (Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support) receiving a primary continuous flow LVAD between March 2006 and March 2011, initial strategies were bridge to transplant (BTT), bridge to candidacy (BTC) for transplant, and destination therapy (DT). Primary analyses compared BTT, BTC, and DT outcomes at 6, 12, and 24 months. Results Among 2,816 primary LVAD recipients, implant strategy was 1,060 (38%) BTT, 1,162 (42%) BTC (likely to be listed 796, moderately likely 282, unlikely 84), and 553 (20%) DT. Compared with BTC/DT, those listed at implant (BTT) had similar degrees of ventricular dysfunction and hemodynamic derangement but generally less comorbidity. Survival (alive with LVAD or transplanted) was superior at 24 months for BTT versus BTC versus DT (77.7% vs.70.1% vs. 60.7%, respectively, p Conclusions The currently accepted indications only account for 58% of LVAD implants. Across indications, patients differ by the number and types of comorbidities rather than the need for hemodynamic support. Regardless of initial implant strategy, patients often have long durations of support, and strategies often change over time, challenging the regulatory categorization of LVAD recipients as either BTT or DT.
Cannabis Intoxication Case Series: The Dangers of Edibles Containing Tetrahydrocannabinol

Study objective Cannabis and its principal active constituent, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are increasingly available as edibles resembling commercially available food products. In this case series, we describe a population of predominantly pediatric patients who were inadvertently exposed to a THC-containing product in San Francisco. Methods Twelve children and 9 adults were identified, with 16 patients having detectable serum THC and THC metabolites. All patients presented to hospitals with a variety of constitutional symptoms and all were discharged home within 12 hours. Results In general, pediatric patients had more severe symptoms and longer hospital length of stay, and, uniquely, a majority presented with leukocytosis and elevated lactic acid levels. Conclusion We recommend that efforts be made to increase general public awareness in regard to the potential hazards of THC-containing edibles resembling commercially available food products.
Availability and Use of Shared Data From Cardiometabolic Clinical Trials.

Background:Sharing of patient-level clinical trial data has been widely endorsed. Little is known about how extensively these data have been used for cardiometabolic diseases. We sought to evaluate...
Structure-Activity Relationship of LH and FSH Releasing Hormone

During the past few years, several peptide hormones have been purified from hypothalamic tissue, their molecular structures determined and syntheses performed (Schally et al., 1973a). Studies carried out in vitro and in vivo clearly demonstrated that these peptides can selectively stimulate or inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones from the anterior pituitary gland (Schally et al., 1973a). Careful clinical and veterinary evaluation of these hormones is in progress. It is likely that in the course of the next few years additional hypothalamic hormones will be isolated, identified, and synthesized. The purpose of this chapter is to review the methods of isolation and particularly synthesis of one of these hypothalamic hormones, the LH and FSH releasing hormone (LH-RH/FSH-RH) and to report the latest findings on the structure-activity relationships of this hormone.
Short Interval Intracortical Inhibition Responses to Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Under Multiple Interstimulus Intervals and Conditioning Intensities

BACKGROUND The extent to which short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) responds to low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) remains inconclusive with reports of increased, decreased and unchanged response following modulation. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate if the variability of SICI following rTMS is explained by the interstimulus interval (ISI) and/or the conditioning stimulus intensity (CSI). METHODS Two experiments with pretesting/posttesting and an rTMS session (1 Hz, 90% RMT, 900 pulses) were done. Experiment I (N = 15): SICI with multiple ISIs (1.0-4.0 msec, 0.2 msec increment). Experiment II (N = 15): SICI with CSIs (50-95% of RMT, 5% increment). In both experiments, the cortical silent period (cSP) was also collected. RESULTS After low-frequency rTMS, no significant change (p > 0.10) in SICI at any specific ISI or CSI was observed, nor did the optimal ISI or CSI change. However, a significant decrease was observed in SICI responses when assessed under the range of ISIs (p = 0.0001), but not CSIs. cSP inhibition increased significantly (p < 0.0015) for both experiments. CONCLUSIONS The optimal ISI or CSI did not shift or reveal SICI changes after inhibitory rTMS. However, when the whole curve of SICI responses were evaluated from a wide range of ISIs, a decrease in inhibition was found. The contrast between the results of individual ISI tests and the wide range of ISI assessment may be due to higher intersubject variability of SICI and/or sample size, rendering traditional SICI testing methods ineffective for measuring changes in inhibition. Further, it is possible that rTMS modulates GABAA and GABAB mediated inhibitory processes differently, which would explain the conflicting results for SICI and cSP.
The temperature variation of the Harned coefficient in the system HCl−NaCl

The Harned coefficient measures the effect of an added electrolyte on the activity coefficient of another electrolyte. It is composite, depending partly on properties of solutions containing only one electrolyte and partly on the magnitude of a coefficient characteristic of interaction between two like charged ions in the mixed electrolyte solution. From the meager data available, the latter coefficient depends little upon temperature. The consequences of assuming temperature independence are discussed.
The relationship of modern plant remains to water depth in alkaline lakes in New England, USA

Paleohydrologists sometimes use macrofossils of aquatic vascular plants as one of several independent lines of evidence to infer changes in past lake-levels. Typically, this usage relies on an assumption that the seeds of aquatic species are not dispersed far from the source plants. The water depth over the coring site at the time the seeds were deposited is inferred from the water depth at which the species generally grows today. We determined the water depths at which particular plant-remain types are deposited, and tested whether they can be used successfully as proxy evidence for lake level. The results should aid the interpretation of fossil seeds in paleohydrological studies. A total of 189 surface sediment samples from 13 lakes in Maine and Massachusetts were examined for plant remains, and vegetation was surveyed in the immediate vicinity of each sediment sampling-site. The seeds of some taxa were found in sediment from water-depth ranges much broader than those in which living plants occur. However, in combination, even plant-remain types with broad depth ranges can be used effectively to reconstruct water depth. Presence of plant-remain types can be used to infer water depth regardless of abundance. Test samples indicate that inferring water depth from plant remains works well for shallow, alkaline lakes in New England.
Prevention and Treatment of Cervical Cancer by Vaccination

Causality requires a judgment based on scientific evidence from human and experimental studies, as strict causality studies are often not appropriate in humans. Evidence linking certain human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes to cervical carcinoma is extensive and compelling. More than two decades of research has led to the fulfillment of criteria, as proposed by Hill, to establish a causal link between high risk HPV infection and cervical cancer (Table 1). HPV DNA was first isolated from biopsies of cervical cancer more than 30 years ago (1, 2). HPV DNA is detected in 99.7% of cervical carcinomas worldwide. The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that persistent high risk HPV infection is a necessary but not sufficient cause of this cancer (3).
Solutions for Shearing Flows

It is common physical experience that when a nondilute multicomponent fluid is placed in a viscometric testing device, the flow that is produced is not a viscometric flow, that is, the velocity gradient is not necessarily constant, and the concentration is not uniform. Instead, relatively thin layers of fluid with relatively few suspended particles accumulate near the boundaries. These layers exhibit high shear rates. The suspended particles accumulate at some distance from the boundaries, giving a high local viscosity and a low shear rate. These phenomena are so mathematically robust that they are exhibited by a large number of theories for suspensions. Here, we consider two properly invariant theories of multicomponent fluids. We investigate the simplest type of viscometric test, steady flow between parallel plates with one plate stationary and the other plate moving parallel to it at constant speed. We also consider steady flow in a channel, with the flow forced by a pressure gradient. For one theory, it is possible to demonstrate exact solutions to the field equations. For the other, plausible approximate solutions are found. Both types of solutions exhibit the phenomenon of a core of concentrated suspension surrounded by a layer of clear fluid.
DIGITAL MARKETING IN METAL PROCESSING COMPANIES IN PRIJEDOR REGION // DIGITALNI MARKETING U METALOPRERAĐIVAČKIM PREDUZEĆIMA REGIJE PRIJEDOR

Marketing, as a very important business activity of modern companies, regardless of their size, also suffers a certain level of change caused by the use of new ICTs. So today we have got a completely new form of marketing called digital marketing. The aim of the research was to learn about understanding and deploying digital marketing tools and techniques in the small and medium metal processing companies in Prijedor region. The results have shown alow level of companies’ information on marketing as the key business process and use of modern digital marketing for promotion and communication with clients.Although there is a large amount of distrust in online communication and media channels, metal processing companies in Prijedor, although shyly, are trying to get involved in contemporary trends in this domainof modern business.
Varicella and zoster.

Varicella-zoster virus is an infectious disease that causes fever and a pruritic papulovesicular rash that starts on the face and scalp; progresses to the trunk and, to a lesser extent, the extremities; and emerges in crops of lesions over a few days. Painful mucosal lesions can also occur. Varicella is an airborne disease, spread by respiratory secretions, and is highly contagious. The varicella virus remains latent in sensory ganglion neurons, and zoster is a later reactivation of the virus (typically in patients aged ≥50 years), resulting in a painful vesicular rash localized to a single dermatome. Varicella and zoster are usually diagnosed clinically, although serology or PCR testing may be used. Treatment is supportive in uncomplicated cases in immunocompetent patients; immunocompromised or severely affected patients may be treated with antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir. Vaccines are available for both varicella and zoster.
A co-curricular diabetes-specific elective with interprofessional students and faculty.

Abstract Background and purpose Develop and assess the effectiveness of an interprofessional co-curricular elective in improving pharmacy students’ confidence in providing diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) to patients. Educational activity and setting As part of an interprofessional collaboration, a student organized diabetes-specific enrichment elective, was offered originally to medical students and then extended to include pharmacy students. The interprofessional elective included an overview of diabetes and its prevention, medications, insulin therapy/administration, blood glucose monitoring, insulin pumps, nutrition and fitness. This elective served as a co-curricular activity, in that it was not offered for course credits, rather provided an opportunity to learn in an interprofessional environment with small group, unstructured interactions. The impact of the elective on pharmacy student confidence was evaluated using a retrospective pre-post survey. Findings A total of 16 pharmacy students participated (response rate of 63%). A Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed an increase in students’ confidence in most of the areas assessed. Eighty percent of respondents found the elective valuable. Summary An interprofessional co-curricular diabetes-specific elective significantly improved pharmacy students’ confidence in providing DMSES to patients in the majority of assessed areas. Pharmacy and medical students were given the opportunity to learn alongside one another and learn from an interprofessional team of instructors in a setting that modeled such communication and collaboration. Developing such enrichment electives may be beneficial to equip students with the skills needed to provide education/support to patients with chronic diseases and interact with other health professionals effectively.
Macromodel of G4FET Enabling Fast and Reliable SPICE Simulation for Innovative Circuit Applications

A macromodel of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) four-gate transistor (G4FET) is presented in this paper to aid circuit designers to explore innovative applications circuit with this multi-gate transisto...
Valoración de terrenos urbanos para efectos fiscales en un sector de San Pablo de Heredia, a partir de una aplicación en un sistema de información geográfica

Se diseno una aplicacion en QGis 2.18 Las Palmas, que le permite a las municipalidades del pais valorar terrenos urbanos para el calculo del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, segun la Ley No. 7509 y sus reformas. La aplicacion esta basada a partir de informacion geoespacial o capas de predios, tipo de vias, zonas homogeneas, pendiente, nivel y los servicios de agua, electricidad, telefono, alumbrado publico, acera y cordon y cano. Con base a estas capas, se calcula en forma automatica los parametros del terreno: area, frente, forma, tipo de via, ubicacion, pendiente, nivel, servicios 1 y servicios2. Para el calculo de cada uno de los parametros del terreno se aplicaron funciones de geometria de Python; por ejemplo: Length(), Area(), Distance(), Intersects(), Clip(), etc.; que fue parte esencial en la programacion. Posteriormente, se le definio al predio a valorar la zona homogenea que le corresponde. Los resultados obtenidos en la aplicacion fueron comparados y validados con el modelo de valoracion del Organo de Normalizacion Tecnica