cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluorescence imaging of electrical activity in cardiac cells using an all-solid-state system

Tracking spatial and temporal determinants of cardiac arrhythmogenesis at the cellular level presents challenges to the optical mapping techniques employed. In this paper, we describe a compact system combining two nontraditional low-cost solutions for excitation light sources and emission filters in fluorescence measurements of transmembrane potentials, V/sub m/, or intracellular calcium, [Ca/sup 2+/]i in cardiac cell networks. This is the first reported use of high-power blue and green light emitting diodes (LEDs), to excite cell monolayers stained with V/sub m/- (di-8-ANEPPS) or [Ca/sup 2+/]i (Fluo-3) sensitive dyes. In addition, we use simple techniques for fabrication of suitable thin emission filters with uniform properties, no auto-fluorescence, high durability and good flexibility for imaging V/sub m/ or [Ca/sup 2+/]i. The battery-operated LEDs and the fabricated emission filters, integrated with a fiber-optic system for contact fluorescence imaging, were used as tools to characterize conduction velocity restitution at the macro-scale. The versatility of the LEDs for illumination is further emphasized through (1) demonstration of their usage for epi-illumination recordings at the single-cell level, and (2) demonstration of their unique high-frequency light modulation ability. The LEDs showed excellent stability as excitation light sources for fluorescence measurements; acceptable signal-to-noise ratio and negligible cell photodamage and indicator dye photobleaching were observed.
Direct-to-consumer pharmacogenomic testing is associated with increased physician utilisation

Background Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genomic testing has generated controversy, however the actual impact of testing on consumer behaviour has been understudied, particularly for pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing. Methods We recruited a sample of adults who purchased a DTC genomic test and had previously received their genomic test results for complex disease risk. All participants additionally underwent PGx testing. At follow-up, to assess the impact of PGx testing on consumer behaviour, healthcare utilisation and psychological status were compared between approximately a third of participants who had received their PGx results and the remaining two-thirds of participants who were still awaiting results. The PGx test included genetic testing for drug effectiveness or risk of side effects for 12 medications. Results At follow-up, there were 481 PGx test recipients and 844 non-recipients still awaiting results. PGx test recipients had more physician visits (p=0.04) and were more likely to share their results with their physician (p=0.001). Both groups showed a decrease in anxiety symptoms from baseline to follow-up, with a trend for PGx recipients to show less of a decrease compared with non-recipients (p=0.10). PGx recipients were more likely to report that their physician ordered additional tests (p=0.01) based on their genomic test. There were no group differences in follow-up test-related distress (p=0.67). Conclusions DTC PGx risk profiling among a selected sample of individuals was associated with increased physician utilisation and did not result in any adverse changes in psychological health or follow-up test-related distress.
A Brief Overview of Psychosocial Research on Hemodialysis Patients

As the title of this chapter states, it will center on the psychosocial aspects of maintenance hemodialysis research. My introduction will be limited to giving my views, or overviews, of the growth of research, of the difficulties encountered in these studies, and of the various objectives or directions these investigations have taken.
On the Impact of Our Feedback: Students Choosing, and Using, to Learn

Do our students actually read and use the feedback we provide? If so, what purpose does it serve them? Although these should be concerns, if we provide the adequate tools and guidance on how to use our feedback, this question should not be a pedagogical burden. Ultimately, learning, thinking, and understanding are the products of good feedback to a student, which includes feedback that may not be as concrete as students would like. But concrete ambiguity may be the key in helping our students develop their thinking, as well as their writing.
Structure of the soluble domain of cytochrome f from the cyanobacterium Phormidium laminosum.

Cytochrome f from the photosynthetic cytochrome b6f complex is unique among c-type cytochromes in its fold and heme ligation. The 1.9-A crystal structure of the functional, extrinsic portion of cytochrome f from the thermophilic cyanobacterium Phormidium laminosumdemonstrates that an unusual buried chain of five water molecules is remarkably conserved throughout the biological range of cytochrome f from cyanobacteria to plants (Martinez et al. (1994) Structure 2 ,9 5-105). Structure and sequence conservation of the cytochrome f extrinsic portion is concentrated at the heme, in the buried water chain, and in the vicinity of the transmembrane helix anchor. The electrostatic surface potential is variable, so that the surface of P. laminosum cytochrome f is much more acidic than that from turnip. Cytochrome f is unrelated to cytochrome c1, its functional analogue in the mitochondrial respiratory cytochrome bc1 complex, although other components of the b6f and bc1 complexes are homologous. Identical function of the two complexes is inferred for events taking place at sites of strong sequence conservation. Conserved sites throughout the entire cytochrome b6f/bc1 family include the cluster-binding domain of the Rieske protein and the heme b and quinone-binding sites on the electrochemically positive side of the membrane within the b cytochrome, but not the putative quinone-binding site on the electrochemically negative side.
Expression from the transferrin gene promoter in transgenic mice.

Abstract Transferrin is an iron-binding protein that is expressed as a major product in liver and secreted into the plasma. To study the tissue-specific regulatory regions of this gene, the genomic mouse transferrin (mTf) gene was cloned and characterized by partial sequence analysis and S1 nuclease mapping of the transcriptional start site. Fusion genes containing the transferrin gene promoter and 5'-flanking sequences were ligated to the human growth hormone (hGH) gene and used to produce transgenic mice. A deletion construct containing the -581 to +50 region of the transferrin gene was sufficient to direct a high level of liver-specific expression resembling endogenous transferrin gene expression. Deletion to -139 base pairs of 5'-flanking sequence gave a construct which retained liver specificity, but the magnitude of expression decreased severalfold. These results demonstrate the presence of a liver-specific transcriptional element between -139 and +50 and suggest the presence of a distal element between -581 and -139 that can further increase expression. Surprisingly, fusion constructs containing -3 kilobase pairs (kb) of 5'-flanking sequence gave higher levels of mRNA in nonhepatic tissues than did either the -581 or -139 construct. Further studies indicated that the high levels of circulating hGH in these transgenic mice specifically induced the endogenous transferrin and albumin genes in liver and also stimulated the normally low levels of expression of the endogenous transferrin gene in brain, heart, kidney, and muscle. A mutated hGH gene that does not produce active growth hormone was fused to the -3- to +50-kb transferrin sequences to produce the -3-kb mTf-hGX construct. A liver-specific pattern of expression was observed in transgenic mice harboring the -3-kb mTf-hGX construct, and this mutated transgene was shown to be induced four- to sevenfold by either bovine or human growth hormone. These results demonstrate the presence of a growth hormone-responsive element between -3 and +50 kb in the 5'-flanking region of the mTf gene promoter.
Long-term maintenance therapy with azathioprine in systemic lupus erythematosus.

One hundred ten patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were classified into two groups, patients with central nervous system (CNS) or severe renal disease (usually associated with a poor prognosis) and patients without these manifestations, to define criteria for azathioprine therapy. Fifty-four of 68 patients with a poor prognosis received azathioprine. Azathioprine-treated patients showed improved long-term survival (72% vs 29%, P less than .005) and fewer hospitalizations (0.24/patient-years vs 0.89/patient-years, P less than .001). Azathioprine therapy in 19 of 42 patients with a good prognosis was associated with fewer hospitalizations (.02/patient-years vs .17/patient-years, P less than .05), but no decrease in maintenace prednisone requirement. Progression from a good to a poor prognosis was less frequent (1 of 20 vs 11 of 34, P = less than .05) among azathioprine-treated patients. Toxicity of azathioprine was minimal. Azathioprine therapy is indicated in patients with CNS or severe renal disease, and in patients whose prognosis was good with frequent hospitalizations or a maintenance prednisone requirement greater than 15 mg/day.
Cohesion of wireless sensor networks with MIMO communications

Wireless sensor networks are an enabling technology for many future surveillance-oriented applications. Before a practical wireless sensor network is realized, however, significant challenges must be overcome. Chief among the obstacles to netted sensors is providing low power, robust communications between sensor nodes. Multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) communication promises performance enhancements over conventional single input, single output (SISO) technology for the same radiated power. If leveraged in a sensor network, MIMO may be able to provide significant network performance improvements in power consumption, latency, and network robustness. However, improvements in the physical layer are not always realized in the higher layers. This paper investigates the benefit of MIMO implementations in multihop wireless sensor networks in terms of network cohesion - that is, the ability of the sensor nodes to form a completely connected network.
Distributional Issues in the Analysis of Preventable Hospitalizations

Objective To describe patterns in ambulatory care sensitive (ACS) admissions at the zip code level based on zip code demographic and other characteristics. These patterns include trends over time, persistence within zip codes over time, and variation between and within socioeconomic strata.
Diverse electrophysiological spectrum of the Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome

Among 13 patients with the Lambert-Eaton myathenic syndrome (LEMS), three different patterns on the repetitive nerve stimulation test were observed at the time of initial testing. Type 1 pattern, seen in one patient, had low normal CMAP amplitude, decremental response at the low rate of stimulation (LRS), and relatively normal response at the high rate of stimulation (HRS). Type 2, seen in nine patients, had the classical triad: low CMAP amplitude, decremental response at LRS, and incremental response at HRS. Type 3, seen in three patients, showed low CMAP amplitude, decremental response at LRS, and initial decremental response at HRS. We believe that these three patterns represent different degrees of blocking in LEMS, from the mildest in type 1 to the most severe in type 3. Since types 1 and 3 can be misinterpreted as myasthenia gravis patterns, they must be recognized in LEMS and an incremental response documented by prolonged stimulation at HRS.
Woman suffrage and the French municipal elections

Because of the part played by municipal councils in the selection of senators, local elections in France involve the suffrage issue.
Trilling Field Crickets in a Zone of Overlap (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Gryllus)

A bimodal distribution of pulse rates in field recordings of calling songs suggests that the ranges of the morphologically similar field crickets Gryllus rubens Scudder and G. nr. integer Scudder (5"integer") overlap for at least 300 km in western Florida. When sons were reared from 42 females collected at 5 sites on 7 trips to this region during 1977—1978, those within a sibship had similar modal pulse rates. At Milton, the westernmost site, 28 of 31 females produced sons with mean modal pulse rates typical of G. rubens; the other 3 were among 6 females collected 1 October 1977 and 30 September 1978 and had modal pulse rates in or near the "integer" range. None of the 11 females from other sites had sons with a mean modal pulse rate indicative of "integer." Most progenies of females collected at Milton on 25 September 1982 were reared as 2 cohorts of contrasting initial density, and each son was recorded on 2 dates. The mean, temperature-adjusted modal pulse rates of the 39 recorded cohorts, from 22 females, showed no effect of initial density but fell nearly evenly into 2 discrete groups: 46—60 pulses s 21 with a mean of 52 (G. rubens) and 64—78 pulses s 21 with a mean of 71 ("integer"). Lack of intermediate sibships indicates that G. rubens and "integer" remain distinct in their zone of overlap. A spring-adult generation of "integer" in western Florida is postulated but not confirmed. Reared under the same conditions, G. rubens males from fall females had a significantly lower mean modal pulse rate than males from spring females (52 versus 55), indicating a parental effect. G. rubens males reared from fall females had a significantly higher mean modal pulse rate than captured spring-adult males (52 versus 49), and males reared from spring females had a significantly lower modal pulse rate than captured fall-adult males (55 versus 59). Because G. rubens is bivoltine, both of these comparisons indicate that developmental conditions affect calling-song pulse rate. Fall males of "integer" had a significantly higher mean modal pulse rate than males reared from fall females (79 versus 70), indicating one or both effects. These are the 1st parental and developmental effects on pulse rates reported for crickets.
DNA Sequences Involved in the Transcriptional Activation of a Human Placental Lactogen Gene

To identify regulatory elements in the promoter of a human placental lactogen gene (hPL3) that are important for its transcriptional activation, sequences 5' to the start of transcription were linked to the reporter gene chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and transiently transfected into JEG-3 cells, a human placental choriocarcinoma cell line. In the presence of the hPL3 enhancer, deletion of the promoter sequence between -142 and -129 basepairs resulted in an 8-fold decrease in CAT activity. Similar results were seen with the SV40 enhancer and the hPL3 promoter in HepG2 liver cells. Nuclear proteins from HepG2, HeLa, and JEG-3 cells formed specific binding complexes with this region of the hPL3 promoter by a gel mobility shift assay, indicating that the DNA-binding protein was not tissue specific. The -142 to -129 basepair region contains a sequence similar to that of a variant binding site for the transcription factor Sp1. An oligonucleotide containing Sp1-binding sites specifically competes for proteins binding the hPL3 promoter, and the methylation interference pattern is similar to that for an Sp1-binding site. This suggests that the hPL3 promoter binds Sp1- or an Sp1-like trans-acting factor, and this binding site is important for transcriptional regulation by the hPL3 enhancer in PL-producing cells.
Freezing-induced alterations in thyroglobulin from iodine deficient and iodine sufficient rats.

Soluble thyroid extracts from iodine sufficient and iodine deficient rats, labeled with radioiodine for varying periods, were frozen for 2 hr or more in the presence of 0.05m methylmercaptoimidazole (MMI), and after thawing were analyzed by sucrose gradient density centrifugation. The freezing-MMI procedure produced 2 types of alteration in the sedimentation pattern: a) a decrease in the sedimentation constant of thyroglobulin, indicating some conformational change in the protein, and b) dissociation of thyroglobulin into 11–12S subunits. With thyroid glands from iodine sufficient rats labeled for a few hr or more, the former change predominated, and there was minimal dissociation. With thyroid glands from iodine deficient rats, however, even after equilibrium labeling, the freezing-MMI procedure resulted in extensive dissociation, as well as in a marked downward shift in the S value of the remaining undissociated thyroglobulin. Labeled prethyroglobulin (14.4S) displayed practically complete dissociation ...
Self-Regulatory Discourse: Corrective or Quiescent?:

External organizational discourse can have effects on society through the policies it helps to create or the policies it helps to defeat. One type of external discourse that shapes policies is corp...
The N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Antagonist MK-801 Fails to Protect Dopaminergic Neurons from 1-Methyl-4- Phenylpyridinium Toxicity In Vitro

: Recent reports suggest that NMDA receptor antagonists when administered in vivo can protect dopaminergic neurons from the toxic actions of MPP+. In the present study the possible neuroprotective effects against MPP+ toxicity of the noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 was studied in primary cultures of fetal rat mesencephalic dopamine neurons. MK-801 failed to protect dopaminergic neurons from MPP+ toxicity at concentrations that completely block NMDA-induced toxicity of these same neurons. In contrast to work carried out in cerebellar granule cells, MPP+ toxicity of mesencephalic dopamine neurons was unaffected by preexposure to subtoxic concentrations of either NMDA or cycloheximide. Our findings suggest that the toxic effects of MPP+ on dopaminergic neurons are not mediated through a direct interaction with the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor.
A Single-Beam, Ponderomotive-Optical Trap for Energetic Free Electrons

In 1957, it was shown that charged particles interacting with an oscillating electromagnetic field will experience a force proportional to the gradient of the field intensity in the direction of decreasing intensity.1 This so-called ponderomotive force results in the rapid expulsion of free electrons from a high-intensity Gaussian laser focus.2 If, however, the gradient of the intensity is made to point inwards, this force could be used to confine rather than repel. This was known for the case of RF-fields in 1958,3 and was extended to laser fields in 1966.4 Since that time, laser peak intensities have seen a dramatic rise.5 This has led to the observation of a vast array of non-linear light-matter interactions, but the accompanying increase in the magnitude of the ponderomotive force has made the observation of some effects difficult. In this paper, we re-visit the idea of ponderomotive trapping, but with a specific goal in mind: the confinement of electrons in a high-field region, with the expectation of observing second-harmonic generation from their relativistic oscillations.6 We present a novel scheme to generate a single-beam, three-dimensional trap, along with simulated electron trajectories that demonstrate confinement in a high-field region. Also, we present images of the trapping beam generated with a high-power laser. It is important to note that there exist other schemes of laser-based trapping 7,8 These more complicated methods would trap electrons in only two dimensions, while our single-beam trap offers three dimensions of confinement. To our knowledge, this is the only single-beam, three-dimensional trap for energetic electrons to be proposed, and the only trap of any kind to be generated with a high-power laser.
Regulation of Hepatic Metabolism by the Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin

Lipids are essential for many cellular and organismal processes, yet an excess of lipids can cause toxicity. The liver is a key organ for the maintenance of lipid homeostasis, performing lipogenesis as well as mediating the exchange of lipoproteins with peripheral tissues. In this chapter, we focus primarily on the regulation of lipogenesis in the liver by the protein kinase mTOR (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin), a central sensor of environmental cues that coordinates growth, protein synthesis and metabolism with nutrient availability. The mTOR protein kinase is found in two distinct complexes, each of which plays a role in the regulation of lipogenesis. We discuss the regulation of lipogenesis both directly by hepatic mTOR, indirectly by mTOR in other organs, and the regulation of hepatic lipogenesis by hormones and growth factors that regulate mTOR. This regulation by mTOR is an extremely complex process that we are only now beginning to fully understand.
Crystalline Path Formation in Nanoglasses of PCM

This work presents an analytical model of crystalline phase formation in nanoglasses of phase change memory. We describe a data loss mechanism when the cell resistance changes significantly at elevated temperatures over long periods of time with no electrical bias applied. Unlike the standard approach, which relates crystalline shunt formation to aggregates of crystalline particles forming the percolation cluster, we look at the rare events of almost rectilinear path formation in very thin structures. They can occur at crystalline volume fractions considerably lower than the critical volume fraction required for percolation. We find the characteristic parameters which can describe statistics of these rare events.
Oxidation products of cholesteryl linoleate are resistant to hydrolysis in macrophages, form complexes with proteins, and are present in human atherosclerotic lesions.

Accumulation of the insoluble lipid-protein complex, ceroid, is a characteristic of atherosclerotic plaques. To determine whether deficient processing of cholesteryl esters in oxidized (ox) low density lipoprotein (LDL) contributes to ceroid formation, we studied the hydrolysis of internalized [3H] cholesteryl linoleate (CL) in oxLDL by mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM). The hydrolysis by MPM of [3H]CL incorporated into oxLDL or LDL did not differ, suggesting that products of lipid and/or apoB oxidation had no impact on the lysosomal hydrolysis of [3H]CL. To evaluate the hydrolysis of oxCL by MPM, we subjected extensively ox[3H]CL to fractionation by TLC. The predominant fraction (D) consisted of sterols and oxysterols esterified to scission products of oxidized fatty acids containing terminal carbonyl groups, i.e., lipid core aldehydes. The extent of hydrolysis of [3H]-fraction D by MPM cultures, as well as by MPM extracts at pH 4.0, was significantly reduced when compared to the hydrolysis of intact [3H]CL. Fraction D also formed complexes with serum proteins, and the purified core aldehyde, cholesteryl 9-oxononanoate reacted with epsilon-amino group of lysines. Finally, several cholesteryl ester aldehydes were detected in lipid extracts of human atheroma. These results suggest that decomposition products of extensively oxidized cholesteryl linoleate that are also present in atherosclerotic lesions, are not adequately degraded by mouse peritoneal macrophage lysosomes and could interact with proteins to form ceroid.
Effectiveness of Group Format Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Compared to Treatment as Usual in a Community Outreach Organization

ABSTRACTForty-four participants recruited from a community outreach organization were assigned to receive either group format Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) or group format treatment as usual (TAU). The expected interaction between time and condition was such that participants in the PCIT group experienced a significantly greater decrease in internalizing and externalizing behavior problems compared to participants in the TAU group. This interaction was not significant regarding parenting stress or child abuse potential between the PCIT and TAU conditions. There was a significant increase in positive caregiver skills from pretreatment to posttreatment for the PCIT group; however, there was not a significant decrease in caregiver negative talk.
Tradable Credit Scheme to Control Bottleneck Queue Length

This paper proposes to use tradable credits to control the maximum queue length at a bottleneck. Given a queue length threshold specified by the traffic authority, the authors designed a tradable credit scheme to maintain the queue length of the bottleneck to be less than the threshold for homogenous travelers. The scheme was compared against a multistep tolling scheme under demand uncertainty. The authors then studied the capability of the tradable credit scheme in the presence of two types of user heterogeneity: proportional heterogeneity and heterogeneity in unit schedule penalty associated with late arrival (γ heterogeneity). It was found that the proposed scheme could successfully maintain the queue length under proportional heterogeneity, but not necessarily under γ heterogeneity. However, if the distribution of γ heterogeneity were known in advance, the scheme could be modified to ensure success in controlling queue length.
The over-consumption of Native American imagery and the ongoing results for contemporary reality

This paper originally served as a complement to the 123 slides of contemporary Native American images, shown as a looping slideshow at the Contemporary Indigenous Realities conference held at the University of Montenegro in the summer of 2015. These popular images have patterns that include primitivism, savagery, sex objectification, buffoons, anachronisms, and stereotypes. The prevalence of these images can be found in commercialism, sports, movies and television, literature and magazines, toys, the military, and endless entertainment celebrities dressed as Native Americans for fun (not roles). This paper examines the “cause and effect” of this phenomenon that is ubiquitous worldwide. The misinformation, lies, stereotypes, and myths about Native Americans have resulted in an image, held by both Natives and non-Natives, that is archaic at best and psychologically harmful at worst. This (mis)perception of indigenous peoples has become American schema due to pervasive and myth borne legacy. Numerous scholars over the last century have measured the effects of related oppressive societal qualities, always with the results harming the psyche of those so poorly portrayed.
P4.33 A relationship based sexual health framework for sti prevention among adult sti clinic attendees

Introduction Relationship-based sexual behaviours are important elements in sexual health approaches to STI prevention. Method STI-clinic recruited men and women (n=423, 18–30 years.) contributed quarterly sexual health information and weekly urine-based STI specimens over 12 weeks. Sexual health was a standardised, 10-item index of partner-associated measures (relationship quality, sexual satisfaction, control over sexual activity, shared social and sexual decision making, condom use efficacy, emotional commitment, partner meeting needs, knowing partner well, frequency of seeing partner, perceived STI chances). STI- behaviours were: condom use during vaginal sex , condom use during anal sex , given money for sex (no/yes) and partner forced sex (no/yes). STI was NAAT diagnosis of chlamydia (CT), gonorrhoea (GC) and trichomonas (TV). Analyses were mixed-effect logistic or poisson regression (Stata, v.13); models were stratified by gender and monogamy, controlling for age, race and partner age difference, and number of partners and condom use (STI models). Results Sexual health was associated with more frequent condom use during vaginal sex for men and women (IRR=1.92–2.18) and for monogamous and non-monogamous (IRR=1.72–3.01) relationships, with lower odds of men’s or women’s (OR=0.16–0.19) being paid for sex, with lower odds of women’s (OR=0.09) and monogamous and non-monogamous relationships’ (OR=0.24–0.15) reporting forced sex. Controlling for total partners and condom use, sexual health lowered men’s and women’ odds of CT (OR=0.38–0.43), men’s (OR=0.40) and non-monogamous relationships’ odds of GC (OR=0.41), and men’s odds of TV (OR=0.33). Conclusion Among men and women, and even in non-monogamous partnerships, a relationship-based measure of sexual health is linked to fewer STI risk behaviours and lower STI incidence. Our data are empirical evidence of the importance of sexual health in relationships as a means of STI control.
Word-Finding Deficits in Aphasia: Brain—Behavior Relations and Clinical Symptomatology

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the brain–behavior relations and clinical symptomatology related to word-finding deficits in aphasia. Aphasia is a general term for a language impairment following brain damage. Such impairments can take the form of difficulty in fluent production of connected speech, impaired speech comprehension, a failure or difficulty in reading, writing, repetition, or any combinations of these or other communicative syndromes. Language deficits arise ordinarily from lesions in the left hemisphere of the brain in a region bounded anteriorly by the third frontal convolution, posteriorly to the angular gyrus in the parietal lobe, and vertically from the inferior temporal gyrus to the supramarginal gyrus. This area, generally surrounding the Sylvian fissure, is properly called the language zone. Lesions outside of this area rarely produce deficits of language, whereas damage within this area usually does. The left-hemisphere laterality for language functions is by far the overwhelming rule in right-handers. The chapter discusses in detail the clinical forms of anomia. It also describes the cues from error patterns in aphasic naming failures. Different types of paraphasia are also discussed in the chapter.
Gravimetric biosensor based on a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer functionalized with peptide ligands

This work presents a gravimetric biosensor based on a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT). Resonant and acoustic wave devices have recently been studied extensively for chem/bio sensing applications. Small membrane mass and high resonance frequency along with high quality factor of CMUTs facilitate a highly sensitive biosensor system. The limit for the minimum detectable loaded mass per unit area achieved in this work is 0.44 ag/μm2. Here we demonstrate a selective human immune protein immunoglobulin G (IgG) sensor with hexamer peptide ligand HWRGWV.
Transanal Robot-Assisted TME with Multiport Abdominal Laparoscopy

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is a “bottom-up” rather than “top-down” approach to radical proctectomy for rectal cancer. The surgical tools utilized to perform taTME continue to evolve. This chapter will review the robotic technical approach to performing taTME and summarize the published experience to date. Lastly, the perceived benefits and drawbacks associated with robotic taTME will be discussed.
Three-Dimensional Surface Point Cloud Ultrasound for Better Understanding and Transmission of Ultrasound Scan Information

Ultrasound is notoriously plagued by high user dependence. There is a steep drop-off in information in going from what the sonographer sees during image acquisition and what the interpreting radiologist is able to view at the reading station. One countermeasure is probe localization and tracking. Current implementations are too difficult and expensive to use and/or do not provide adequate detail and perspective. The aim of this work was to demonstrate that a protocol combining surface three-dimensional photographic imaging with traditional ultrasound images may be a solution to the problem of probe localization, this approach being termed surface point cloud ultrasound (SPC-US). Ultrasound images were obtained of major vessels in an ultrasound training phantom, while simultaneously obtaining surface point cloud (SPC) 3D photographic images, with additional scanning performed on the right forearm soft tissues, kidneys, chest, and pelvis. The resulting sets of grayscale/color Doppler ultrasound and SPC images are juxtaposed and displayed for interpretation in a manner analogous to current text-based annotation or computer-generated stick figure probe position illustrations. Clearly demonstrated is that SPC-US better communicates information of probe position and orientation. Overall, it is shown that SPC-US provides much richer image representations of probe position on the patients than the current prevailing schemes. SPC-US turns out to be a rather general technique with many anticipated future applications, though only a few sample applications are illustrated in the present work.
Examination of the Wrist

The wrist is a very complicated joint which is susceptible to a number of diseases, injuries, and arthritic changes. Because there is very little subcutaneous fat and the skin is closely applied to the various structures of the wrist, physical examination is enhanced. Obviously, a very through knowledge of the anatomy of the region is required, especially that of the surface representation of the various bony landmarks. Since many of these are palpable, the best teaching aid is examination of one’s own wrist, especially in conjunction with a skeletal specimen for referral.
Influence of Overconfidence, Critical Thinking and Creative Thinking on Project Manager's Decision Making Skills – A Conceptual Paper

Project management is a challenging profession as project managers need to be multi-skilled i.e. both technical and people oriented in handling all the scarce resources and minimizing risk to accomplish quality deliverables within deadlines set (PMI, 2008). However, there is still lack of understanding or research on how overconfidence, critical and creative thinking skills had influenced project managers’ decision making skills. This research model is based on “input-process-output” approach of General Systems Theory (Bertalanffy, 1968; McGrath, 1984) in which overconfidence, critical and creative thinking are hypothesized to influence project managers’ decision making skills. Research contributions are also included in this paper.
Integrating the Internal and External Worlds of Clinical Social Work: A Philosophical and Political Search

This chapter is a review of concepts from philosophy and psychoanalysis in their application to both clinical social work and our tradition of change agent. Having strayed from earlier values and traditions by stressing our clinical identification with other professions using psychoanalytic theory, we have lost our professional compass to the split. We need to reexamine our historical values and reintegrate them into more relevant responses to relieve the stresses of contemporary life. To recapture what we still prize of those lost values requires a conscious integration of our lives as citizens with our clinical work as they interact within the social environment that Winnicott called “transitional space” (Grolnick, Barkin, & Muensterberger, 1978). This is a complex process that many of us in the profession want to bridge.
Critical Period for Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Control in Pickling Cucumber

Field studies were conducted in North Carolina to determine the critical period for Palmer amaranth control (CPPAC) in pickling cucumber. In removal treatments (REM), emerged Palmer amaranth were allowed to compete with cucumber for 14, 21, 28, or 35 d after sowing (DAS) in 2014 and 14, 21, 35, or 42 DAS in 2015, and cucumber was kept weed-free for the remainder of the season. In the establishment treatments (EST), cucumber was maintained free of Palmer amaranth by hand removal until 14, 21, 28, or 35 DAS in 2014 and until 14, 21, 35, or 42 DAS in 2015; after this, Palmer amaranth was allowed to establish and compete with the cucumber for the remainder of the season. The beginning and end of the CPPAC, based on 5% loss of marketable yield, was determined by fitting log-logistic and Gompertz equations to the relative yield data representing REM and EST, respectively. Season-long competition by Palmer amaranth reduced pickling cucumber yield by 45% to 98% and 88% to 98% during 2014 and 2015, respectively. When cucumber was planted on April 25, 2015, the CPPAC ranged from 570 to 1,002 heat units (HU), which corresponded to 32 to 49 DAS. However, when cucumber planting was delayed 2 to 4 wk (May 7 and May 21, 2014 and May 4, 2015), the CPPAC lasted from 100 to 918 HU (7 to 44 DAS). This research suggested that planting pickling cucumber as early as possible during the season may help to reduce competition by Palmer amaranth and delay the beginning of the CPPAC.Nomenclature: Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. AMAPA; cucumber, Cucumis sativus L.
Is bad performance the answer to saving the nuclear power industry

Abstract Public opposition to nuclear power is an impediment for use of this energy source. The literature indicates risk perceptions are the dominant determinant of opposition. One aspect of risk involves fear of the unknown, suggesting those with more experience with nuclear mishaps should be less opposed to nuclear energy once they learn that the risk is not as bad as perceived. Evidence suggests that those who live near nuclear plants with more mishaps are more likely to support nuclear power.
Introgression of a Novel Ug99-Effective Stem Rust Resistance Gene into Wheat and Development of Dasypyrum villosum Chromosome-Specific Markers via Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS)

Dasypyrum villosum is a wild relative of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with resistance to Puccinia graminis f. tritici, the causal agent of stem rust, including the highly virulent race TTKSK...
A concept analysis of the existential experience of adults with advanced cancer.

Abstract Background Attention to the existential dimension of an individual's experience during serious illness is important. However, existential concerns continue to be poorly defined in literature, leading to neglect in the clinical realm. Purpose This concept analysis seeks to clarify the concept of the existential experience within the context of adults with advanced cancer. Methods Rodgers’ evolutionary method of concept analysis was used. Discussion Existential experience in adults with advanced cancer is a dynamic state, preceded by confronting mortality, defined by diverse reactions to shared existential challenges related to the parameters of existence (body, time, others, and death), resulting in a dialectical movement between existential suffering and existential health, with capacity for personal growth. Personal factors and the ability to cope appear to influence this experience. Conclusion These findings can drive future research and enhance clinician ability to attend to the existential domain, thereby improving patient experience at end-of-life.
Displaying All Object-Image Pairs of an Optical System

Ray diagrams are widely used in introductory physics textbooks to illustrate the behavior of ideal systems of lenses or mirrors in geometrical optics. Their virtue lies in their explicit display of multiple ray paths connecting object and image points, which leads naturally to an understanding of how a planar object is transformed into a planar image. This understanding is often followed by questions involving the general behavior of a lens. How do the image position and size change as the object is moved to different positions, or when the object also has significant axial depth? What image regions are visible for a particular lens aperture and eye position? Answering these questions using ray diagrams can be cumbersome, often requiring multiple diagrams with objects in different positions and leading to a fragmented understanding of lens behavior. This article illustrates how these kinds of questions can be addressed using a related visualization method I call an “image field diagram,” which trades the explicit constructions of ray diagrams for a more general display of object-image pairs.
Informatics and interaction: Applying human factors principles to optimize the design of clinical decision support for sepsis.

In caring for patients with sepsis, the current structure of electronic health record systems allows clinical providers access to raw patient data without imputation of its significance. There are ...
An examination of cultural-linguistic influences on PPVT-4 performance in African American and Hispanic preschoolers from low-income communities.

In this study, we examined potential influences of cultural and linguistic background on PPVT-4 performance in a community sample of preschool-age children from low-SES households. We did this by e...
Older Adults With Isolated Rib Fractures Do Not Require Routine Intensive Care Unit Admission.

Abstract Background Older adults with isolated rib fractures are often admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) because of presumedly increased morbidity and mortality. However, evidence-based guidelines are limited. We sought to identify characteristics of these patients that predict the need for ICU care. Materials and methods We analyzed patients ≥50 y old at our center during 2013-2017 whose only indication for ICU admission, if any, was isolated rib fractures. The primary outcome was any critical care intervention (e.g., intubation) or adverse event (e.g., hypoxemia) (CCIE) based on accepted critical care guidelines. We used stepwise logistic regression to identify characteristics that predict CCIEs. Results Among 401 patients, 251 (63%) were admitted to an ICU. Eighty-three patients (33%) admitted to an ICU and 7 (5%) admitted to the ward experienced a CCIE. The most common CCIEs were hypotension (10%), frequent respiratory therapy (9%), and oxygen desaturation (8%). Predictors of CCIEs included incentive spirometry Conclusions Routine ICU admission is not necessary for most older adults with isolated rib fractures. The predictors we identified warrant prospective evaluation for development of a clinical decision rule to preclude unnecessary ICU admissions.
A Fresh Look at Highly Composite Numbers

In this note we provide fresh ways to prove some of the already known properties of highly composite numbers.
Economic analysis and marketing margin of pistachios in Turkey

In this study, producer and consumer prices and the marketing structure of pistachios in Turkey were examined. Between 2003 and 2017, production, consumption, foreign trade, price fluctuations, and marketing were emphasized. It was determined that the number of fruit trees in pistachios increased. According to current and real prices, pistachio marketing margins are calculated, and producer and consumer chain indexes are calculated according to current prices and compared with annual inflation rates. Supply and demand models related to pistachio were estimated and interpreted statistically. As a result, the real price of walnut and periodicity on the amount of pistachio production, on the consumption of Pistachio, the costumer real price of pistachio, population, and periodicity were determined to be effective. Demand elasticity in pistachio (1.055) was found to be greater than supply elasticity (0.306), and consumers’ sensitivity to price changes was much higher than that of producers.
Effect of Local Tranexamic Acid on Hemostasis in Rhytidectomy.

Importance: Hematoma is the most common complication in rhytidectomy. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic that may be a useful tool to reduce intraoperative bleeding and postoperative hema...
成纤维细胞的力学生物学(下)

一、肌腱内成纤维细胞的力学生物学反应 肌腱内的成纤维细胞可以合成胶原蛋白及其他一些大分子.成纤维细胞可以将这些分子排列成组织性较高的单元,并使纤维的方向与张力方向平行[1].无论是培养的肌腱还是独立的成纤维细胞都可以对力做出相应的反应.肌腱内细胞外基质的更新受到成纤维细胞对力的反应的影响.同时细胞外基质的更新也与肌腱病的临床状况密切相关.体外研究显示,在力的作用下,肌腱成纤维细胞是发生合成代谢还是分解代谢,依赖于其所受力的类型与大小.另外,生长因子及细胞活性素也会通过肌腱的成纤维细胞对细胞外基质的更新产生较大的影响.由于肌腱大部分是承受张力的组织,因此在研究成纤维细胞在体外对力产生的反应时,我们主要施加牵拉力,例如循环双轴牵拉和循环单轴牵拉。
Concurrent Earnings Announcements and the Allocation of Investor Attention

We study how investors allocate attention between firm-specific and aggregate information in earnings announcements. We hypothesize that as the number of firms announcing earnings on a given day increases, so too does the net benefit of processing aggregate rather than idiosyncratic information in earnings announcements. Consistent with this prediction, we show that aggregate uncertainty declines on days with more earnings announcements, while simultaneously the idiosyncratic uncertainty of announcing firms increases. We further show that investor behavior reflects such an attention allocation: on days with many firms announcing earnings, investors adjust their portfolio by trading securities with higher exposure to aggregate uncertainty, and they perform more Internet searches for macro-related terms. Overall, the evidence is consistent with predictions from recent information choice models and indicates that investors rationally allocate their limited attention between different types of information.
Implementing Universal Design for Learning Elements in the Online Learning Materials of a First-Year Required Course

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a pedagogical design theory that accounts for variability across and within learners, both in physical classrooms and with online learning materials. Librarians at Washington State University implemented elements reflective of specific UDL checkpoints in a heavily-used LibGuide for a required undergraduate course. Online learning objects create opportunities for meeting UDL’s goals of not only multiple means of representation, but also engagement and action and expression extending beyond the baseline obligation to meet standard accessibility guidelines. We discuss our implementation of UDL elements, changes in LibGuide use before and after the introduction of UDL features, and usability study results, focusing on how students who face learning barriers view UDL. We explain considerations for successfully implementing UDL in online materials and the potential benefits.
The Size of it: Scant Evidence That Flower Size Variation Affects Deception in Intersexual Floral Mimicry

Mutualisms involve cooperation, but also frequently involve conflict. Plant-pollinator mutualisms are no exception. To facilitate animal pollination, flowering plants often offer pollen (their male gametes) as a food reward. Since plants benefit by maximizing pollen export to conspecific flowers, we might expect plants to cheat on pollen rewards. In intersexual floral mimicry, rewarding pollen-bearing male flowers (models) are mimicked by rewardless female flowers (mimics) on the same plant. Pollinators should therefore learn to avoid the unrewarding mimics. Plants might impede such learning by producing phenotypically variable flowers that cause bees to generalize among models and mimics during learning. In this laboratory study, we used partially artificial flowers (artificial petals, live reproductive parts) modeled after Begonia odorata to test whether variation in the size of rewarding male flowers (models) and unrewarding female flowers (mimics) affected how quickly bees learned both to recognize models and to reject mimics. Live unrewarding female flowers have 33% longer petals and have 31% greater surface area than live rewarding male flowers, which bees should easily discriminate. Yet while bees rapidly learned to reduce foraging effort on mimics, learning was not significantly affected by the degree to which flower size varied. Additionally, we found scant evidence that this was a result of bees altering response speed to maintain decision accuracy. Our study failed to provide evidence that flower size variation in intersexual floral mimicry systems exploits pollinator cognition, though we cannot rule out that other floral traits that are variable may be important. Furthermore, we propose that contrary to expectation, phenotypic variability in a Batesian mimicry system may not necessarily have significant effects on whether receivers effectively learn to discriminate models and mimics.