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In this study low-input RNA-sequencing was used to annotate the molecular identity of endothelial cells isolated and immunopurified with CD144 microbeads. Using this technique, comparative gene expression profiling from healthy subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus identified both known and novel pathways linked with EC dysfunction. Modeling of diabetes by treating cultured ECs with high glucose identified shared changes in gene expression in diabetic cells. Overall, the data demonstrate how purified ECs from patients can be used to generate new hypotheses about mechanisms of human vascular disease.

The purpose of the study is to explore whether a multidimensional profiling approach can be useful in predicting a table tennis player's actual and future (one year later) performance. Data on anthropometrics, age from peak height velocity, motor-skills, psychological skills and training histories were gathered among Scottish elite youth male table tennis players (n = 14). Significant correlations emerged between: (a) actual performance rating and age from peak height velocity (r = 0.71), sprint test (r = -0.69), number of years of practice (r = 0.84), positive refocusing (r = -0.58), and self-regulation in learning -- self-monitoring (r = -0.60), and evaluation (r = 0.57); (b) performance rating one year later and positive refocusing (r = -0.58), self-monitoring (r = -0.50), and number of years of practice (r = 0.80). Results also showed significant correlations between progression scores (2017 rating score minus 2016 rating score) and age from peak height velocity (r = -0.77), sprint test (r = 0.63), number of years of practice (r = -0.52), self-monitoring (r = 0.69), and evaluation (r = -0.58). These results provided preliminary evidence for the usefulness of a multidimensional profiling approach for predicting performance and progression in youth table tennis players.

The primary goal of activity-based models is a fundamental examination of the behavioral processes that results in revealed travel behavior. To reveal this process, a new computer program, REACT!, has been developed to collect data for a study of the determinants of travel and activity behavior in households. These data are inherently dynamic, since respondents record planned activity schedules and them update these schedules on a daily basis, fully defined in time and space. The resultant data will facilitate the identification of fundamental inter-relationships among a comprehensive range of revealed travel and activity participation variables, leading toward the identification of the critical variables, relationships and rules that govern that behavior. It is believed that an internet-based travel survey, particularly one as rich in resultant content as REACT!, will significantly reduce data collection costgs, improve data quality and quantity, and allow for continuous data collection. The purpose of this paper is to describe features of REACT! and to present preliminary results from a pilot study.

The rapid advancement of technology has created the opportunity for applying new, powerful tools to transportation engineering problems, but often the very speed of technological change hinders the adoption of these tools in a research environment. This paper documents the development of an extensible data collection unit (EDCU). The unit combines a standard GPS unit, a cellular data modem, and an embedded processor running the Linux operating system. Some preliminary uses and applications of the EDCU are presented as well. The EDCU satisfies multiple functional requirements, due to the flexibility of its modular components and its full-powered operating system. The EDCU will serve the in-vehicle data collection needs of travel demand modelers and ITS researchers for the forseeable future.

The primary goal of activity-based models is a fundamental examination of the behavioral process that results in revealed travel behavior. To reveal this process, a new computer program, iCHASE, has been developed to collect data for a study of the determinants of travel and activity behavior in households. These data are inherently dynamic, since respondents record planned activity schedules and then update these schedules on a daily basis, fully defined in time and space. The resultant data will facilitate the identification of fundamental inter-relationships among a comprehensive range of revealed travel and activity participation variables, leading toward the identification of the critical variables, relationships and rules that govern that behavior. It is believed that an Internet-based travel survey, particularly one as rich in resultant content as iCHASE, will significantly reduce data collection costs, improve data quality and quantity and allow for continuous data collection.

In western democracies like Canada, children develop understandings of themselves by participating in physical, social, and civic activities. Such activities occur in the built environments within which they live, learn, and play. Children with motor impairments are only able to engage in these activities in environments that are accessible. These children comprise a small, marginalized population that has rarely been included as research participants. Hence, very little is known about their perspectives of the accessibility of their environments. To redress this knowledge gap, we conducted an exploratory sequential mixed methods study with and for physically disabled children to garner research evidence that could be used to optimize Canadian public policies. Using child- and disability-friendly methods, we aimed to determine: 1) the accessibility of homes, schools, and neighborhoods; and 2) how disabled children navigated and evaluated these environments. To these ends, we conducted an ethnographic Case Study Series (n=13), which yielded intensive research findings. Using the key ethnographic findings, we developed a cross sectional survey for a larger sample of children and youth (n=428). This article describes the strategies used and challenges faced to design and conduct this research.

This paper reports on a load balancing system for an academic department, which can be used as an implementation mechanism for strategic planning. In essence, it consists of weighting each activity within the department and performing workload allocation based on this transparent scheme. The experience to date has been very positive, in terms of achieving strategic change and staff contentment.

Abstract After revelations of participation by psychiatrists and psychologists in interrogation of prisoners at Guantánamo Bay and Central Intelligence Agency secret detention centers, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association adopted Position Statements absolutely prohibiting their members from participating in torture under any and all circumstances, and, to a limited degree, forbidding involvement in interrogations. Some interrogations utilize very aggressive techniques determined to be torture by many nations and organizations throughout the world. This paper explains why psychiatrists and psychologists involved in coercive interrogations violate the Geneva Conventions and the laws of the United States. Whether done with ignorance of professional ethical obligations or not, these psychiatrists and psychologists have crossed an ethical barrier that may best be averted from re-occurring by teaching medical students and residents in all medical specialties about the ethics principles stemming from the 1946–1947 Nuremberg trials and the Geneva Conventions, together with the Ethics Codes of the World Medical Association and the American Medical Association; and, with regard to psychiatric residents and psychological trainees, by the teaching about The Principles of Medical Ethics With Annotations Especially Applicable to Psychiatry and the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, respectively. In this way, all physicians and psychologists will clearly understand that they have an absolute moral obligation to "First, do no harm" to the human beings they professionally encounter.

In bilharzia-endemic areas, schistosomiasis is a common infection. Prostate cancer is also a common urological condition affecting people in both bilharzia and non-bilharzia-endemic areas. The association of these familiar conditions is infrequent and the relationship between these entities still controversial. We are adding to the literature a rare case of prostatic bilharzia on needle biopsy, and the subsequent finding of prostatic adenocarcinoma on transurethral resection of prostate specimens. Level of evidence: 4 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this short communication we call attention to the discovery of a ring depression (a circumferential constriction) in the horncore of a feral bull. This discovery casts doubt on the attribution of similar lesions in archaeological deposits as conclusive evidence of ‘cord impressions’ resulting from yoking or reining cattle for traction. Drawing upon evidence of horncore depressions in other species, we suggest that they reflect metabolic problems following horn development; additional research is required to test this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to examine changes to tourists' image of a destination throughout a trip experience. Using Blackberry technology, a group of Canadian student travelers to Peru were asked to record images and experience about their trip during several key moments (pre-trip, upon arrival, half-way, departure, and post-trip). The results of this mixed methods study indicate that tourists' destination image is dynamic and continuously evolving throughout their trip, and various incidents during the trip could impact it. Of particular importance are the impressions made upon arrival and departure, as they are powerful determinants of post-trip images. Affective image appear to be rather haphazard during the trip whereas most respondents' cognitive image follows a specific pattern where the subjects go through an adjustment period at the beginning of the trip (resulting in lowered scores) but then rebound in a positive direction from that point. Further, post-trip cognitive scores tend to continue to rise significantly while affective scores tend to return to pre-trip levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Examines the experience of a tourist trail versus a tourist destination. [•] Employs a novel data collection method designed for mobile tourist experiences. [•] Use of both immediate and recollection research methods to investigate experiences. [•] The Inca Trail is a meaningful experience related to self-identity and ability. [•] Pain and struggle emerge as a significant tourist experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a methodology that addresses the need to assess disabled children's mobility and access in the context of the built environment. A novel combination of automated Global Positioning System tracking technologies, visualization using time diaries and 3-D maps, and interactive interviewing with disabled children is used to explore the real-world accessibility issues these children face. Pilot test results are used to illustrate the multi-stage method of data collection, a summary of results, and methodological challenges. Future studies should capitalize on automated activity tracking to minimize the need for participant recall and maximize the time spent engaging participants in discussion of pertinent issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of local induced hyperthermia or thermotherapy for dermatologic infections has not been fully explored in the more recent medical literature. Herein, we discuss the rationale behind the use of thermotherapy and review reported clinical experience with its use in the management of cutaneous infections. Learning objectives: After completing this learning activity, participants should be able to describe the possible rationale for the use of heat in dermatologic infections, identify infections that might be appropriately managed with thermotherapy, distinguish between the various forms of thermotherapy and determine which form is most advantageous in different clinical settings, and recognize those infectious processes where both thermotherapy and application of cold (cryotherapy) may be clinically beneficial. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Chronic immunosuppression is a known risk factor for allowing latent tuberculosis (TB) infection to transform into active TB. Immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory therapies, while highly efficacious in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, may be associated with an increased rate of active TB in patients receiving some of these therapies. Objective: Our aim was to arrive at a consensus on screening for latent TB infection in psoriasis patient treated with systemic and biologic agents. Methods: Reports in the literature were reviewed regarding immunosuppressive therapies and risk of TB. Results: Screening patients for latent TB infection before commencement of treatment is of utmost importance when beginning treatment with the tumor necrosis factor–α inhibitors, T-cell blockers, cyclosporine, or methotrexate. The currently recommended method for screening is the tuberculin skin test. It is preferable that positively screened patients be treated with a full course of latent TB infection prophylaxis before immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory therapy is initiated. However, in the opinion of many experts, patients may be started on the immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory therapy after 1 to 2 months, if their clinical condition requires, as long as they are strictly adhering to and tolerating their prophylactic regimen. Limitations: There are few evidence-based studies on screening for latent TB infection in psoriasis patients treated with systemic and biologic agents. Conclusions: The biologic TNF–α inhibitors are very promising in the treatment of psoriasis. However, because TNF–α is also an important cytokine in preventing TB infection and in keeping latent TB infection from becoming active disease, the use of TNF–α inhibitors has been associated with an increased risk of developing active TB. A higher incidence of TB has also been reported with other immunosuppressive/immunomodulatory treatments for psoriasis. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to appropriately screen all patients for latent TB infection prior to initiating any immunologic therapy. Delaying immunologic therapy until latent TB infection prophylaxis is completed is preferable. However, if the patient is adhering to his prophylactic regimen and is appropriately tolerating the regimen, therapy may be started after 1 to 2 months if the clinical condition requires. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peripheral stent fracture is a major precursor to restenosis of femoral artery atherosclerosis that has been treated with stent implantation. In this work, we validate a workflow for performing in silico stenting on a patient specific peripheral artery with heterogeneous plaque structure. Six human cadaveric femoral arteries were imaged ex vivo using intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH) to obtain baseline vessel geometry and plaque structure. The vessels were then stented and the imaging repeated to obtain the stented vessel lumen area. Finite element (FE) models were then constructed using the IVUS-VH images, where the material property constants for each finite element were calculated using the proportions of each plaque component in the element, as identified by the IVUS-VH images. A virtual stent was deployed in each FE model, and the model lumen area was calculated and compared to the experimental lumen area to validate the modeling approach. The model was then used to compare stent performance for heterogeneous and homogeneous artery models, to determine whether plaque geometry or composition had added effects on stent performance. We found that the simulated lumen areas were similar to the corresponding experimental values, despite using generic material constants. Additionally, the heterogeneous and homogeneous lumen areas were also similar, implying that plaque geometry is a stronger predictor of stent expansion performance than plaque composition. Comparing stent stress and strain for heterogeneous and homogeneous models, it was found that stress from these two models had a strong linear correlation, while the strain correlation was weaker but still present. This implies that stent performance may be predicted with a simple homogeneous material models accounting for overall geometry of the plaque, providing that stent fatigue is calculated using stress criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]