cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cyclic GMP Phosphodiesterases and Regulation of Smooth Muscle Function

Cyclic GMP (cGMP) made in response to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) or nitric oxide (NO) is an important regulator of short-term changes in smooth muscle tone and longer-term responses to chronic drug treatment or proliferative signals. The ability of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to utilize different combinations of phosphodiesterase (PDE) isozymes allows cGMP to mediate these multiple processes. For example, PDE5 as a major cGMP-hydrolyzing PDE effectively controls the development of smooth muscle relaxation. In order for contraction to occur, PDE5 is activated and cGMP falls. Conversely, blockade of PDE5 activity allows the relaxation cycle to be prolonged and enhanced. A recently shown direct activation of PDE5 by cGMP binding to the GAF A domain suggests that this regulatory site might be a target for new drug development. The calcium surge associated with vasoconstrictor initiated contraction also activates a calcium/calmodulin-dependent PDE (PDE1A). Together, PDE5 and PDE1A lower cGMP sufficiently to allow contraction. Longer term, both PDE5 and PDE1A mRNA are induced by chronic stimulation of guanylyl cyclase. This induction is a major cause of the tolerance that develops to NO-releasing drugs. Finally, high levels of cGMP or cAMP also act as a brake to attenuate the proliferative response of SMCs to many mitogens. After vessel damage, in order for SMC proliferation to occur, the levels of cGMP and cAMP must be decreased. In humans, this decrease is caused in large part by induction of another Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent PDE (PDE1C) that allows the brake to be released and proliferation to start.
Substance abuse and psychosocial risk factors among teenagers: associations with sex, age, ethnicity, and type of school

The search for the one causal influence to account for youthful drug use has always failed. An alternate approach is advocated and tested that relates exposure to and impact of various types of psychosocial risk factors to understanding substance use. Data were obtained from 2,926 students in the 7th, 9th, and 11th grades. Twelve risk factors were selected and tested. These 12 variables were able to explain over 50% of the variance in a measure of general drug use. A unit-weighted, summed index of risk factors was linearly related to use and abuse (heavy use) of cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, hard drugs, and a composite substance use score. Differential exposure to and impact of risk factors on drug-taking behaviors were tested for differences by sex, age, ethnicity, and type of school attending. Patterns of exposure were somewhat different than patterns of vulnerability and impact, and can partially account for the status-group differences in drug use.
Role of arsenic as a reproductive toxin with particular attention to neural tube defects

Arsenic has been recognized as a human toxicant for over 2000 years. More recently it has been readily accepted as a human carcinogen. Animal research has demonstrated arsenic's ability to have profound detrimental effects on the developing embryo in avian and mammalian species. This article comprehensively reviews the human and animal literature on the subject of the reproductive toxicity of arsenic. A variety of endpoints are considered, including spontaneous abortion, cardiovascular defects, and arsenic's role in the causation of neural tube defects (NTDs). A summary of the literature that has examined the various postulated mechanisms by which arsenic may produce NTDs is also considered. In addition, a discussion of literature relative to the presence of arsenic in the general environment and in the workplace is presented. This article reaches the conclusion that while further research is clearly needed, particularly on the potential toxicity of organic arsenical compounds, the current literature suggests it may be prudent and appropriate to treat inorganic arsenic as a probable human reproductive toxin.
From Shape from Shading to Object Recognition

Recognition of objects is one of the main goals of computer vision. Several approaches have been proposed to solve this problem using 3-D shapes. In most of them it is assumed that the 3-D shape (depth map) is available. Several object recognition systems use range images to extract the 3-D shape. We present a method that uses a shape from shading algorithm to perform 3-D object recognition for simple objects. This method extracts the 3-D information from a single intensity image, then segments the object into regions. After computing the properties of the regions, it compares the input object with the model objects in the database. To test our method, several images with slightly different viewing angles of single objects are matched against five models in the database.
Growth of Hyperactive Children Treated with Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate in daily doses of 10 to 20mg was administered for an average period of 16 months to 36 boys of school age who showed hyperactive behavior associated with signs of minimal brain dysfunction and learning disorders. The percentile distributions of heights and weights recorded before and after treatment were not significantly different, and the rates of annual growth were above normal in 23 patients (64%), A possible growth-stimulant effect was apparent in six patients between 5 and 8 years of age. Relatively small doses of methylphenidate are well tolerated and do not cause growth suppression in hyperactive children with minimal brain dysfunction.
Reclaiming Sacred Sparks: Linguistic Syncretism and Gendered Language Shift among Hasidic Jews in New York

In this article I examine the relationship between linguistic boundaries and community boundaries, shaped by religious beliefs about gender and difference. I focus on gendered language shift and syncretic registers of Yiddish and English among Hasidic Jews in New York. Hasidic Jews, an example of a nonliberal (fundamentalist) urban religious community, claimed essentialized gender and ethno-religious identities by using syncretic language practices. Syncretism was a resource which allowed believers to participate in secular modernity while rejecting any aspect which threatened their way of life. This has implications for those who study syncretic languages and simultaneities as well as social reproduction and change in nonliberal religious communities.
True to the power of one? Cognition, argument, and reasoning

While impressed by much of what Mercier & Sperber (M&S) offer through their argumentative hypothesis, we question whether the specific competencies entailed in each system are adequate. In particular, whether system 2 might not require independent reasoning capabilities. We explore the adequacy of the explanations offered for confirmation bias and the Wason selection task.
Weight loss from inappropriate insulin manipulation: an eating disorder variant in an adolescent with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

This is the first in a series ofpapers being sponsored by the Psychosocial Committee ofAADE that will highlight psychosocial issues encountered in the treatment of diabetes. The present case describes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a young woman with IDDM who inappropriately manipulated her insulin to lose weight. The discussion focuses on the role of the diabetes treatment team in the early detection and prevention of maladaptive weight-loss behaviors. This is achieved through routine assessment, diabetes-specific dietary counseling, and the education of young patients and their parents on the serious health and financial consequences of inappropriate insulin a adjustment.
Developing originating requirements: defining the design decisions

A process for developing originating requirements is described. Originating requirements are the cornerstone upon which the systems engineering process is based. These requirements do not just appear, but involve a great deal of work using several important systems engineering tools: the operational concept, the external systems diagram, and the objectives hierarchy. In addition, this work provides a unified perspective on what requirements are, an appropriate taxonomy for originating requirements and an outline of the originating requirements document. This paper should serve as a discussion point for refining what may be the most important systems engineering activity.
Black Male Perspectives on Their Educational Experiences in High School

This study examines the impact of the zero-tolerance policies on Black males’ educational experiences and outcomes. Individual interviews were conducted with Black males who dropped out of high school. Using counter-storytelling within a critical race theory framework, Black males discussed the influence of the zero-tolerance policies on their school experiences. These men’s narratives affirm that these policies created an inhospitable school environment and poor student–teacher relationship. Furthermore, school personnel’s use of the most punitive measures of the policies, suspension and expulsion of students, led to their school failure.
SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS AND PROCESSING YIELD OF BONELESS HAMS OBTAINED FROM GILTS ADMINISTERED EXOGENOUS PORCINE SOMATOTROPIN

Two studies were conducted to evaluate effects of administration of porcine somatotropin (pST) to growing gilts on subsequent processing and sensory characteristics of porcine ham muscles. The Semimembranosus muscle was separated from the other major muscles prior to pumping to 120% of green weight with a brine solution. Treatment with pST in vivo increased the weight of Semimembranosus compared with controls (P 0.05).
Efficient non-coding RNA gene searches through classical and evolutionary methods

Successful non-coding RNA gene searching requires examination of long-range intramolecular base pairing possibilities. This results in search algorithms with extremely long run times such that large-scale use of the algorithms often becomes computationally infeasible. Methods for the efficient search of the solution space are examined. A review of the standard dynamic-programming covariance model search algorithm is given. An analysis of the statistically probable regions of the search space is undertaken and a method of limiting the traditional dynamic-programming algorithm to this region is shown. An alternative search method using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) which favours the probable region of the search space is also given.
Variability of manual lumbar spine segmentation

Background The application of kinematic data acquired during biomechanical testing to specimen-specific, three-dimensional models of the spine has emerged as a useful tool in spine biomechanics research. However, the development of these models is subject to segmentation error because of complex morphology and pathologic changes of the spine. This error has not been previously characterized.
Sparse Inverse Covariance Analysis of human brain for Alzheimer's disease study

Analysis of functional neuroimaging data in the studies of human brain has become very critical in understanding neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The most common approach in AD neuroimaging studies has been of univariate nature, where individual brain regions/voxels are analyzed separately. In many cases these techniques prove to be effective. However, they could not shed light on inter brain region connectivity associated with the brain function or disease of interest. Indeed, human brain is a very complex organ anatomically and the functional interactions between its regions are even more. As a result, there is a need to understand this interdependency or inter-connection of brain regions.
Bacterial rhodopsins: Evolution of a mechanistic model for the ion pumps

Walther Stoeckenius received a MD degree at the University of Hamburg, Germany in 1950. After 18 months of clinical work as an intern, he began postdoctoral work on the development of pox viruses at the Institute for Tropical Medicine in Hamburg using mainly electron microscopy techniques. After two years he moved as Assistant Professor to the Department of Pathology at the University of Hamburg and became Docent for Pathology in 1958. In addition to teaching and routine pathology work, he continued to use electron microscopy to explore the fine structure of cells and developed an interpretation of the triple-layered appearance of membranes in electron micrographs in terms of molecular structure and the chemistry of osmium tetroxide fixation. In 1959 he obtained a position as Research Associate in Keith Porter's laboratory at Rockefeller University. This was changed after a few months to Assistant Professor and he stayed there, later as Associate Professor, for eight years. The work on membrane structure continued, and a model was developed that described the membrane as a lipid bilayer with embedded protein domains. In efforts to isolate such domains, the purple membrane and bacteriorhodopsin were discovered. In 1966, the lure of California became irresistible and Dr. Stoeckenius accepted a professorship at the University of California at San Francisco. The work on bacteriorhodopsin continued there with the emphasis changing from electron microscopy to spectroscopy and biochemical techniques. He is now Professor Emeritus there in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and the Cardiovascular Research Institute.
Influence of motivation on behaviour in the hermit crab, Pagurus samuelis

Both the need for shelter and the need for food can be motivations that alter animal behaviour. We tested the hypothesis that the hermit crab, Pagurus samuelis, deprived of food, shells, or both will respond differently from control hermit crabs when presented with food and shells concurrently. We measured the number of contacts made with both food and shells, and time elapsed until hermit crabs either began feeding or inserted into shells. We interpreted making few contacts and initiating behaviour quickly to be an indication of short decision time and high motivation; whereas, making many contacts and having long initiation time indicated a long decision time and low motivation to acquire resources. Control (C) hermit crabs made 72% more contacts with food and 53% more contacts with shells than shell-less (S) crabs. Control hermit crabs also made 34% more contacts with food and 35% more contacts with shells than starved and shell-less (StS) hermit crabs. This suggests that S hermit crabs were more motivated to acquire shells than C crabs. In addition, StS hermit crabs chose to insert into provided shells, while hermit crabs remaining in their shells chose to feed. Results indicate that being shell-less is a stronger motivation than being starved, such that finding shelter takes priority over finding food when both are needed. In rocky intertidal environments, resources such as food and shells are likely to be ephemeral. Hermit crabs that are motivated to make appropriate decisions to acquire specific resources may have a distinct advantage over those that are distracted by numerous objects in their environment.
TACHYARRHYTHMIAS ASSOCIATED WITH ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Tachyarrhythmias in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are very common. The actual incidence approaches 100% if out-of-hospital events are included. 26,27 The greatest incidence of serious arrhythmias occurs early in the course of AMI. In some cases, ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the presenting event. In fact, when one is considering sudden cardiac death (SCD), 80% of patients have ischemic heart disease, although direct evidence of recent thrombotic occlusion coronary artery may vary. 4,6,16,36,39 Once the patient with AMI presents to the ED, a rapid yet thorough assessment is necessary. Decisions about methods of reperfusion (e.g., thrombolytic agents versus primary angioplaty), adjunctive medical therapy (e.g., aspirin, heparin, β-adrenergic blockade, ace inhibition, nitrates, etc.), and management of coexisting factors (e.g., congestive heart failure, electrolytes disturbances) are of prime importance and should be addressed immediately. Concomitantly, recognition and treatment of supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias must be made because these conditions may exacerbate the ischemia or lead to a decline in clinical stability.
A New Framework for Time-Use Analysis

Do Americans spend more time watching TV and shopping than do Britons? If so, then where does the additional time come from? In this study, we present evidence that aggregate time-use comparisons are potentially misleading, because they ignore differences in sample and population composition that directly affect how people plan their daily lives. These aggregate comparisons are also potentially misleading because they do not take into account the highly censored and sparse nature of time-use data as well as the fact that we all work on the same budget of 1440 minutes each day. For these reasons, we propose a framework for time-use analysis that provides insights into how demography and geography affect the value people assign to time spent on the various activities of daily life, while taking into account the unique features of time-use data. We use this framework to compare how Americans and Britons differ in their time-use, after accounting for other demographic and geographic factors affecting the value of time.
Uncertainties in the Validation of Harbor Wave Models

Various sources of uncertainties contributing to the difficulties in the validation of harbor wave models with field measurements are discussed in this paper. Some aspects of a new theoretical formulation for removing these uncertainties for estimates of waves in harbors are presented. Implementation of the new formulation is illustrated for waves incident on a planar beach by comparing numerical model predictions to the closed-form analytical solution for normal incident waves and to the results from an one-dimensional Helmholtz equation for oblique waves.
Evaluation of Faecal Salmonella Shedding Among Dogs at Seven Animal Shelters across Texas.

Summary Estimates of prevalence of faecal Salmonella shedding among dogs in the United States have varied widely. Surveillance among shelter dogs has been limited, although dogs in animal shelters may be at elevated risk of Salmonella infection because of their previous exposure history as well as factors inherent to shelter environments. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella shedding among shelter dogs across Texas, to identify risk factors for shedding and to characterize the isolates. Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we collected faecal samples from dogs on two or three visits to each of seven Texas animal shelters between May 2013 and December 2014. Standard bacteriologic culture methods were used to isolate Salmonella from samples, and isolates were characterized via serotyping and anti-microbial susceptibility testing. The prevalence of faecal Salmonella shedding among sampled dogs was 4.9% (27/554), and within-shelter prevalence ranged from 1.9% to 8.3%. There was a marginal association (P = 0.09) between watery faecal samples and positive Salmonella status, as estimated by a logistic regression model that controlled for shelter as a random effect. However, over 60% of Salmonella-positive dogs had grossly normal faeces. Salmonella prevalence did not vary significantly by age group or sex. The most common serovars were Newport (22%) and Javiana (15%), both of which were widespread among shelters. Resistance to anti-microbial agents was uncommon. The prevalence of faecal Salmonella shedding among shelter dogs in Texas appears to be comparable to that seen among pet dogs in general.
P2-01-13: Impact of Erlotinib on MSC-Mediated TIC Expansion and EMT.

Background: Recently, we have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and MSC secreted factors (MSC-CM) have a profound effect on tumor initiating cells (TIC) enriched mammosphere formation and latency of tumor xenografts formation from breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore these interactions increased the expression of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins which are associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis as well as the TIC phenotype. (Klopp, A. H. et al., 2010, PLoS One. 5, e12180). Our data suggest that the presence of MSC in the tumor microenvironment may increase metastases by conferring stem progenitor cell biology on more differentiated non-metastatic cells. In addition, preliminary data suggested MSC-CM upregulated EGFR signaling in breast cancer cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that inhibiting EGFR signaling with erlotinib (tyrosin kinase inhibitor) can suppress MSC-mediated TIC expansion and EMT. Methods & Results: In order to demonstrate that erlotinib inhibits MSC-CM promoted expansion of TIC, we cultured breast cancer cells lines (SUM149, SUM159, SUM190, MDA-IBC3 and MCF-7) in anchorage independent conditions with MSC-CM and treated them with increasing concentrations of erlotinib. The efficiency of mammosphere formation was examined after 5 days. We found that erlotinib inhibited MSC mediated increase in mammosphere formation in triple negative cell lines SUM149 and SUM159, and HER2−positive cell lines SUM190 and MDA-IBC3, but not in ER-positive, erlotinib resistant MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of erlotinib on cell cultures grown with breast cancer patient-derived fluids, such as seroma and malignant pleural effusions. We observed that the effect of erlotinib on mammospheres formation was attenuated by both types of patient fluids. Discussion: Patients with triple negative breast cancer have the highest rates of metastases and no available targeted therapies for treatment. EGFR is expressed in a significant proportion of triple negative breast cancers, and recent clinical and preclinical studies suggest that EGFR may contribute to the metastasis or aggressiveness of triple negative breast cancer. Here we demonstrate that host and environmentally-derived factors are critical for determining resistance to erlotinib. In vivo studies regarding the ability of erlotininb to prevent MSC-enhanced TIC survival and metastases are underway. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P2-01-13.
Convection and Constitutional Supercooling Cells in Laser Annealed Silicon

The formation of convection and constitutional supercooling induced cells has been studied in indium implanted, laser annealed silicon using plan-view and cross-section electron microscopy. The convection cells were associated with the spatial inhomogeneity in the laser pulse, which leads to large temperature gradients in the lateral direction. The average size of constitutional supercooling cells decreases with increasing velocity of solidification, and it also decreases from (111) orientation to (100). The results of a perturbation theory will be discussed, which predicts the cell size and limiting concentration of instability as a function of velocity of solidification.
Tree-ring-based estimates of long-term seasonal precipitation in the Souris River Region of Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Manitoba

Historically unprecedented flooding occurred in the Souris River Basin of Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Manitoba in 2011, during a longer term period of wet conditions in the basin. In order to develop a model of future flows, there is a need to evaluate effects of past multidecadal climate variability and/or possible climate change on precipitation. In this study, tree-ring chronologies and historical precipitation data in a four-degree buffer around the Souris River Basin were analyzed to develop regression models that can be used for predicting long-term variations of precipitation. To focus on longer term variability, 12-year moving average precipitation was modeled in five subregions (determined through cluster analysis of measures of precipitation) of the study area over three seasons (November–February, March–June and July–October). The models used multiresolution decomposition (an additive decomposition based on powers of two using a discrete wavelet transform) of tree-ring chronologies from Cana...
Synthesis and initial evaluation of FDGamines, pro-drug FDG derivatives for imaging the acidic tumor microenvironment

1124 Objectives Solid tumors are poorly perfused and secrete acids, resulting in an interstitial microenvironment which is mildly acidic, with pH typically ranging from 6.5 - 7.0. We hypothesized that a pro-drug approach could be used to image interstitial pH, in which FDG is conjugated with an acid labile protecting group. We selected conjugation with aniline derivatives on the basis of prior reports demonstrating acid lability of N-aryl-glycosylamines. In this report, we describe the synthesis of a series of N-Aryl-18F-fluorodeoxyglycosylamines (FDGamines), evaluation in a cell culture model of malignancy, and PET imaging in wild type mice. Methods Radiosynthesis of FDGamines was accomplished in one step from 18F-FDG. Uptake of the resulting prodrugs was assessed in a PC3 cell culture assay by incubating the FDG analogs in RPMI at pH 7.4 or 6.5 at the indicated pH, harvesting the cells and counting the cell-associated activity. PET imaging was performed on a microPET/CT system by performing static imaging over 10 minutes, beginning 1 hour after injection of the tracer. Results We found that some FDGamines were stable at pH 7.4, but decomposed to FDG at pH 6.5. Overall, the rate of decomposition is accelerated by electron donating substituents on the aryl ring. In PC3 cells, uptake of FDGamine 3 was blocked at pH 7.4, but not at pH 6.5, while uptake of FDG was similar at both pH values. PET imaging in wild type mice using FDG demonstrated uptake in brain, skeletal muscle, and heart, as expected. Conversely, for FDGamine 3 we only observed clearance via the renal and hepatobiliary systems. Conclusions We have demonstrated the radiosynthesis, in vitro evaluation, and initial in vivo PET imaging evaluation of FDGamines. These are a promising class of compounds for imaging the acidic tumor interstitial environment. Research Support Dr. Flavell acknowledges support from NIH grant 5T32EB001631-10.
Optical Interaction Between LED Backside Reflectors and Die Attach Adhesives

Adding optical reflectors to the backside of GaN-based light-emitting diode (LED) chip has been adopted for enhancing the light output. The optical effectiveness of backside reflectors (BRs) in enhancing light output is investigated by studying the light output of packaged mid-power blue and white LED emitters based on BR-based and BR-free chips. It is found that the effectiveness is strongly dependent on the optical properties of die attach adhesive (DAA) materials. When epoxy-silver DAA is applied, the difference in light output between the gold BR-based and BR-free blue LED chips is about 9% points at 40% coverage. However, with optically clear or reflective DAAs, BR-free chips show higher light output than the gold BR-based chips. For the optically clear DAA with 40% coverage, a 20% point enhancement of the output power of blue LED chips is obtained by the high transmittance of the DAA and high reflectance of the silver plating on the leadframe. With the optically reflective DAA, the enhancement for blue LED chips is $\sim 22$ % points due to the high reflectance of the DAA. This letter suggests a cost-effective method for enhancing the light output of mid-power LED emitters based on relatively low-cost BR-free LED chips by using optically clear or reflective DAAs depending on the applications and with a low fillet coverage for both materials.
Economic model predictive control designs for input rate-of-change constraint handling and guaranteed economic performance

Abstract Economic model predictive control (EMPC) has been a popular topic in the recent chemical process control literature due to its potential to improve process profit by operating a system in a time-varying manner. However, time-varying operation may cause excessive wear of the process components such as valves and pumps. To address this issue, input magnitude constraints and input rate-of-change constraints can be added to the EMPC optimization problem to prevent possible frequent and extreme changes in the requested inputs. Specifically, we develop input rate-of-change constraints that can be incorporated in Lyapunov-based EMPC (LEMPC) that ensure controller feasibility and closed-loop stability. Furthermore, we develop a terminal equality constraint for LEMPC that can ensure that the performance of LEMPC is at least as good as that of a Lyapunov-based controller in finite-time and in infinite-time. Chemical process examples demonstrate the incorporation of input rate-of-change constraints and terminal state constraints in EMPC.
Oligoantiemesis or Inadequate Prescription of Antiemetics in the Emergency Department: A Local and National Perspective

Abstract Background Nausea and vomiting are common, but prevalence of antiemetic use in ED patients is unknown. Objectives We determined the use of antiemetics in emergency department (ED) patients presenting with nausea and vomiting (NV). Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of ED patients presenting to a local ED with NV and analyzed data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Care Survey for similar patients to determine the frequency of administration of antiemetics in the ED. Results Of 3876 patients presenting to a local ED with NV in 2014, 2637 (68% [95% confidence interval (CI) 67–69%]) received an antiemetic. Of an estimated 11.3 million U.S. ED visits for NV in 2011 (the latest year available), antiemetics were prescribed in 56% (95% CI 53–59%). Females, older patients, and those with vomiting were more likely to receive antiemetics. Use of antiemetics was associated with reduced admissions in the single institution (odds ratio [OR] 0.62, 95% CI 0.52–0.74), but not in the national database (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.74–1.60). Conclusions Many patients presenting with NV do not receive antiemetics while in the ED. Effort should be made to further study and reduce the phenomenon of undertreatment of nausea or vomiting, coined “oligoantiemesis.”
Discussion of methods for specimen collection in the tick-borne risk evaluation

Objective To discuss the methods for specimen collection in the tick-borne risk evaluation in natural scenic area.Methods Free and parasitic ticks were collected in Lake Jingpo at different month and habitats.Comparing the acquisition efficiency of different cloth flag,different trap circuit to tick and the host.Results 99 ticks collected in May was much higher than that of June and July;Tick-acquisition efficiency of towels cotton cloth flag was 7 times higher than that of the traditional cloth flag;Ticks couldn't be collected after May in Lake Jingpo;High efficiency was found in rodent and parasite collection to lakeside line.Conclusion Lake Jingpo scenic area in tick-borne risk,the tick and host specimen collection should be paid attention to the seasonal variation of the tick,tools and methods of innovation.
Intra-islet glucagon-like peptide 1.

Abstract Purpose Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is originally identified in the gut as an incretin hormone, and it is potent in stimulating insulin secretion in the pancreas. However, increasing evidence suggests that GLP-1 is also produced locally within pancreatic islets. This review focuses on the past and current discoveries regarding intra-islet GLP-1 production and its functions. Main findings There has been a long-standing debate with regard to whether GLP-1 is produced in the pancreatic α cells. Early controversies lead to the widely accepted conclusion that the vast majority of proglucagon is processed to form glucagon in the pancreas, whereas an insignificant amount is cleaved to produce GLP-1. With technological advancements, recent studies have shown that bioactive GLP-1 is produced locally in the pancreas, and the expression and secretion of GLP-1 within islets are regulated by various factors such as cytokines, hyperglycemia, and β cell injury. Conclusions GLP-1 is produced by the pancreatic α cells, and it is fully functional as an incretin. Therefore, intra-islet GLP-1 may exert insulinotropic and glucagonostatic effects locally via paracrine and/or autocrine actions, under both normal and diabetic conditions.
Economics of mechanical ventilation.

SUMMARY Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving medical advance. It has allowed many patients who previously would have died as a result of acute respiratory failure to survive. It has also created a population of patients who are unable to recover completely from their acute illness and who require prolonged mechanical ventilator support. The care for these patients raises many ethical, legal, social, economic, and medical issues. Data are needed to adequately meet the challenges of the ventilator-dependent patients in the future.
Body mass index, inflammatory biomarkers and neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected persons.

To determine the relationships among body mass index (BMI), and HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment and the potential mediating effects of inflammatory cytokines. Among the HIV-infected individuals (N = 90) included in this study, obesity was associated with slower processing speed (β = -.229, standard error (SE) = 2.15, p = .033), compared to participants with a normal BMI, after controlling for psychosocial and HIV clinical factors. Serum concentrations of the interleukin-16 (IL-16) cytokine were significantly associated with slowed processing speed (β = -.235, SE = 1.62, p = .033) but did not mediate the relationship between obesity and processing speed These findings suggest that obesity may contribute to cognitive processing speed deficits in HIV-infected adults. Elevated concentrations of IL-16 are also associated with slowing, though the results suggest that obesity and IL-16 may exert independent effects.
The HCV care continuum among people who use drugs: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

The diagnosis, management, and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (the “HCV care continuum”) have improved in recent years. People who use drugs (PWUD) have a prevalence of HCV infection from 30 to 70 %, yet rates of testing, engagement in care, and treatment for HCV are disproportionately low compared to other populations. Delineating the progression of PWUD through the steps in the HCV care continuum in the USA is important in informing efforts to improve HCV outcomes among PWUD. Scientific databases will be searched using a comprehensive automated search strategy; gray literature and reference lists will be manually searched. Eligible reports will provide original research data related to the HCV care continuum in the USA including proportions of PWUD engaging in the following discrete steps: screening/testing, engagement in care (including receiving an HCV clinical assessment), treatment initiation and completion, and rates of those with successful HCV treatment. A quality-rating tool will be developed to ascertain the level of bias (including selection bias) in each report, and a quality score will be assigned to each eligible report. A tool adapted from the Pragmatic Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary-2 instrument will be developed to assess the extent to which an included report reflects an effectiveness or efficacy study design. Pooled estimates and measures of association will be calculated using random effects models, and heterogeneity will be assessed at each stage of data synthesis. Through this review, we hope to quantify the proportion of PWUD at each progressive step and to help identify key individual, social, and structural points of leakage in the HCV care continuum for PWUD. In meeting these objectives, we will identify predictors to progress along the HCV care continuum, which can be used to inform policy to directly improve HCV care for PWUD. PROSPERO CRD42016034113
Integrated Information Systems, Alliance Formation, and the Risk of Information Exchange between Partners

ABSTRACT Alliances are an important strategic tool for many companies. However, they are inherently risky and a large percentage of alliances fail. We examine the effects of integrated information systems (IISs) and alliance formalization (i.e., formal alliance controls) on information exchange risk and overall alliance risk. We develop a model that predicts that when firms are engaged in alliances with greater collaboration intensity (i.e., alliances with multiple objectives) they are more likely to use an IIS and a broad portfolio of formal controls to manage alliance risk. Using a survey of chief financial officers, we find that collaboration intensity is positively associated with IIS and alliance formalization. IISs are negatively associated with information exchange risk, but this effect is mediated by alliance formalization, suggesting that the formal controls implemented throughout the alliance, and within the IIS, are integral to reducing information exchange risk and, subsequently, overall allia...
Modeling Rabbit Responses to Single and Multiple Aerosol Exposures of Bacillus anthracis Spores

Survival models are developed to predict response and time-to-response for mortality in rabbits following exposures to single or multiple aerosol doses of Bacillus anthracis spores. Hazard function models were developed for a multiple-dose data set to predict the probability of death through specifying functions of dose response and the time between exposure and the time-to-death (TTD). Among the models developed, the best-fitting survival model (baseline model) is an exponential dose-response model with a Weibull TTD distribution. Alternative models assessed use different underlying dose-response functions and use the assumption that, in a multiple-dose scenario, earlier doses affect the hazard functions of each subsequent dose. In addition, published mechanistic models are analyzed and compared with models developed in this article. None of the alternative models that were assessed provided a statistically significant improvement in fit over the baseline model. The general approach utilizes simple empirical data analysis to develop parsimonious models with limited reliance on mechanistic assumptions. The baseline model predicts TTDs consistent with reported results from three independent high-dose rabbit data sets. More accurate survival models depend upon future development of dose-response data sets specifically designed to assess potential multiple-dose effects on response and time-to-response. The process used in this article to develop the best-fitting survival model for exposure of rabbits to multiple aerosol doses of B. anthracis spores should have broad applicability to other host-pathogen systems and dosing schedules because the empirical modeling approach is based upon pathogen-specific empirically-derived parameters.
Interpersonal Violence Exposure and Chronic Pain in Adult Sickle Cell Patients

Almost half of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients develop chronic, debilitating physical pain with uncertain genesis for which they primarily receive opiate-based palliative treatment. Psychological trauma exposure, especially interpersonal victimization, has been linked to the perception of pain in several medical diseases, but has yet to be examined in SCD patients. This study examines self-reported chronicity of pain and use of prescribed opiates in 50 adult SCD patients with and without a history of interpersonal violence exposure. We conducted a retrospective chart review of 50 consecutive SCD patients seen for medical care in an adult subspecialty hematology clinic. Data collected included demographics, opiate use, pain chronicity, and measures of anxiety, depression, and interpersonal violence exposure. Sixty-eight percent of patients reported past interpersonal violence exposure. The mean number of types of interpersonal violence exposure, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, was 2.76 (...
Hierarchical calibration and validation for modeling bench‐scale solvent‐based carbon capture. Part 1: Non‐reactive physical mass transfer across the wetted wall column

A hierarchical model calibration and validation are proposed for quantifying the confidence level of mass transfer prediction using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, where the solvent-based carbon dioxide (CO2) capture is simulated and the predicted results are compared to the corresponding bench-scale experimental data. Two unit problems with an increasing level of complexity are proposed to break down the complex physical/chemical processes of solvent-based CO2 capture into relatively simpler problems to separate the effects of physical transport and chemical reaction. This paper focuses on the calibration and validation of the first unit problem, i.e., the CO2 mass transfer across a falling ethanolamine (MEA) film in the absence of chemical reaction. This problem is investigated both experimentally and numerically using non-reactive nitrous oxide (N2O) as a surrogate for CO2. To capture motion of the gas-liquid interface, a volume of fluid method is employed with a one-fluid formulation to compute the mass transfer between the two phases. Parallel bench-scale experiments are designed and conducted to validate and calibrate the CFD models using a general Bayesian calibration approach. Two important transport parameters, Henry's constant and gas diffusivity, are calibrated to produce the posterior distributions, which will be used as input for the second unit problem to address the chemical absorption of CO2 across the MEA falling film, where both mass transfer and chemical reaction are involved. Mass transfer coefficients predicted by CFD are also compared with those predicted by the traditional/empirical correlations under both steady and wavy falling film conditions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of affiliation motivation on the intention to use groupware in an MBA program

This study examines the impact of affiliation motivation on the intention to use a groupware system. Building on attachment theory, one personality attribute, affiliation motivation, was incorporated into the Technology Acceptance Model to explore groupware use. A study using a group of MBA students that were just beginning to use groupware was conducted to determine if affiliation motivation influences perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and intention to use. The results indicated that affiliation motivation was significantly associated with behavioral intention and perceived ease of use when use was voluntary. Implications for instructors who are using or planning to use groupware in their classes are discussed.
High-pressure discovery of β-NiBi

Herein, we present the discovery of a new high-pressure phase in the Ni–Bi system, β-NiBi, which crystallizes in the TlI structure type. The powerful technique of in situ high-pressure and high-temperature powder X-ray diffraction enabled observation of the formation of β-NiBi and its reversible reconversion to the ambient pressure phase, α-NiBi.
Proficiency Testing Program for U.S. State Weights and Measures Laboratories

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) manages a State Laboratory Program for weights and measures laboratories that includes: 1) Laboratory ...
Helping Patients With ESRD and Earlier Stages of CKD to Quit Smoking

Among the many adverse effects of tobacco exposure is the increased risk for progression of kidney disease. Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who already face increased cardiovascular event rates compared to the general population, are at even greater risk if they smoke. Despite these risks and the increased focus on smoking cessation in the general population in recent years, national guidelines have not specifically targeted individuals with CKD. There are similarly sparse data specific to individuals with CKD regarding the safety and efficacy of evidence-based smoking cessation modalities. This review aims to identify the risks of nicotine dependence in individuals with CKD and the potential benefits of smoking cessation; discuss current strategies for smoking cessation, including behavioral and pharmacologic therapies such as varenicline; and extrapolate these interventions to the unique challenges of this population. Much of the data presented stem from evidence for the general population but are described with additional consideration in dosing of nicotine replacement therapy, as well as non-nicotine pharmacotherapy and treatment modality for individuals with CKD.
The Fractal Dimension: Self-Similar and Self-Affine Scaling

In the previous chapter we provided an overview of the utility of fractal concepts in biology, and indeed of their usefulness in science in general. We now describe these concepts in greater detail.
High Purity Components for Fluorozirconate Glass Optical Fibers

Some of the pertinent research and development dedicated to the preparation of ultra-high purity starting materials necessary for the fabrication of low-loss heavy metal fluoride glass (HMFG) fiber is described. The specific areas of cation and anion purification techniques addressed are sublimation, [1] crystallization, electrolytic processing, [2] chemical vapor purification (CVP), [3] and solvent extraction. Additionally, reactive atmosphere processing (RAP) [5,6,7] is discussed in relation to removal of IR active anion impurities, the most troublesome of which is OH− due to the ubiquitous nature of its source, water. Moreover, RAP data is given relating to the elimination of black optical scattering centers emanating from fluorine deficiencies in the glass.
Abstract 4503: The paracrine role of p53 in skin

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in sunlight activates both defensive and repair pathways in the skin. As the major cell type affected by UVR, keratinocytes coordinate critical aspects of the skin response. Molecularly, the transcription factor p53 is induced by UVR in keratinocytes leading to their cell death by apoptosis (peeling). p53 also stimulates the expression of paracrine melanocyte growth factors involved in tanning defined as increase in melanocyte proliferation and melanin synthesis. Here, we investigate the less defined role of p53 in tanning. For this, we use a mouse model that has high p53 levels in keratinocytes and presents with elevated melanocyte number and melanin production. Interestingly, loss of p53 in keratinocytes completely abrogates the hyperpigmentation phenotype. These data demonstrate in a powerful way the paracrine role of p53 expressed in keratinocytes on melanocyte behavior and function. Moreover, it provides an excellent tool to examine molecular and cellular changes that accompany the melanocyte response to sunburn. Sunburn increases melanoma risk in epidemiological studies. To elucidate the role of the p53 response in melanoma, we treated mice with “sunburning” doses of UVB and followed melanocyte proliferation and the expression of keratinocyte-induced melanocyte growth factors. We present our latest findings reinforcing the signs of cross-talk between keratinocytes and melanocytes which support a paracrine role for p53 expressed in keratinocyte on promoting melanocyte proliferation through the release of paracrine factors. Citation Format: Tamara Terzian, Nema Sobhani, Rohan Mylavarapu, Manale El Kharbili, Andrew Parker, Colleen Little, Ethan Krauspe, Neil Box. The paracrine role of p53 in skin [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4503.