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This study presents electrical modelling of the arterial system to understand the effect of adrenaline on the aortae and small arteries in terms of their resistance and compliance. There is no categorical documentation in the current literature on the precise locations of arterial resistance (R) and compliance (C) in vasculature. Knowledge of their exact locations in the arterial tree enables re-assessment of the differential action of vasoactive drugs on resistance versus compliance vessels once we resolve beat-to-beat changes in R and C in response to these drugs. Isolated goat aortae and small arteries were perfused with a pulsatile pump and lumen pressures were recorded before and after addition of adrenaline. Equivalent electrical models were simulated, and biological data was compared against the electrical equivalents to derive interpretations. In the aortae, systolic pressure increased, diastolic pressure decreased, pulse pressure increased (P = .018); but the mean pressure remained the same (P = .357). Whereas in small artery, vasoconstriction caused an increase in systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures (P = .028). Simulations allow us to infer that vasoconstriction in the aorta leads to a reduction in compliance, but an increase in resistance if any, is not sufficient to alter the mean aortic pressure. Whereas vasoconstriction in small arteries increases resistance, but a decrease in compliance, if any, does not affect any of the pressure parameters measured. The presented study is first of its kind to give experimental evidence that large arteries and aorta are the only compliance vessels and small arteries are the only resistance vessels.

The consideration of social and environmental factors in companies’ supply chain is a prevalent research topic because stakeholders are now inquisitive about the social and environmental impacts of companies’ suppliers. Using a sample of S&P 500 firms, we find that board gender composition and board independence are positively associated with sustainable supply chain responsibility (SSCR). We also identify three channels (CEO duality, sustainability committee and sensitive industries) through which board gender composition and board independence affect SSCR, where board gender composition consistently explains SSCR, but the effect of board independence is less pronounced in firms with CEO duality and firms with a sustainability committee. Finally, we explore the reason for the less‐pronounced findings for board independence in our subsample analyses and find that, compared with independent female directors who continue to display significant associations with SSCR, independent male directors do not engender SSCR across the three subsample tests.

This study investigates whether obese peers are a contributing factor in childhood body-weight outcomes. Using an instrumental variables method on exogenously assigned peers (i.e., new peers), we find that the weight of peers within the same grade and school significantly impacts body mass index (BMI) z-score of an individual student. The size of the peer effect, however, is negligible. We find no evidence of interaction between newly assigned peer groups prior to assignment. Furthermore, the obese peers variable is significant only for those peers with whom a student interacts.

Detailed dynamic nuclear polarization and electron spin resonance studies were carried out for 3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidine-1-oxyl, 3-carboxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidine-1-oxyl,3-methoxycarbonyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethy pyrolidine-1-oxyl nitroxyl radicals and their corresponding deuterated nitroxyl radicals, used in Overhauser-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for the first time. The dynamic nuclear polarization parameters such as DNP factor, longitudinal relaxivity, saturation parameter, leakage factor and coupling factor were estimated for deuterated nitroxyl radicals. DNP enhancement increases with agent concentration up to 3 mM and decreases above 3 mM. The proton spin-lattice relaxation time and the longitudinal relaxivity parameters were estimated. The leakage factor increases with increasing agent concentration up to 3 mM and reaches plateau in the region 3-5 mM. The coupling parameter shows the interaction between the electron and nuclear spins to be mainly dipolar in origin. DNP spectrum exhibits the FWHM values are higher for undeuterated nitroxyl radicals compared with deuterated nitroxyl radicals, which leads to the increase in DNP enhancement. The ESR parameters such as, the line width, line shape, signal intensity ratio, rotational correlation time, hyperfine coupling constant and g-factor were calculated. The narrow line width was observed for deuterated nitroxyl radicals compared with undeuterated nitroxyl radicals, which leads to the higher saturation parameter value and DNP enhancement. The novelty of the work permits clear understanding of the DNP parameters determining the higher DNP enhancement compared with the undeuterated nitroxyl radicals.

The electron spin resonance studies were carried out for 2 mm concentration of 14 N-labeled and 15 N-labeled 3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidine-1-oxyl, 3-carboxy-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidine-1-oxyl, 3-methoxycarbonyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidine-1-oxyl and their deuterated nitroxyl radicals using X-band electron spin resonance spectrometer. The electron spin resonance line shape analysis was carried out. The electron spin resonance parameters such as linewidth, Lorentzian component, signal intensity ratio, rotational correlation time, hyperfine coupling constant and g-factor were estimated. The deuterated nitroxyl radicals have narrow linewidth and an increase in Lorentzian component, compared with undeuterated nitroxyl radicals. The dynamic nuclear polarization factor was observed for all nitroxyl radicals. Upon 2 H labeling, about 70% and 40% increase in dynamic nuclear polarization factor were observed for 14 N-labeled and 15 N-labeled nitroxyl radicals, respectively. The signal intensity ratio and g-value indicate the isotropic nature of the nitroxyl radicals in pure water. Therefore, the deuterated nitroxyl radicals are suitable spin probes for in vivo/in vitro electron spin resonance and Overhauser-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging modalities. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a multifactorial psychiatric behavior disorder. Disulfiram is the first approved drug by the Food and Drug Administration for alcohol-dependent patients, which targets the ALDH2 enzyme. Several genes are known to be involved in alcohol metabolism; mutations in any of these genes are known to be associated with AUD. The E504K mutation in the ALDH2 of the precursor protein or the E487K of the mature protein (E504K/E487K; ALDH2*2 allele) is carried by approximately 8% of the world population. In this study, we aimed to test the known inactive allele ALDH2*2, to validate the use of our extensive computational pipeline (in silico tools, molecular modeling, and molecular docking) for testing the interaction between the ALDH2*2 allele, NAD+, and Disulfiram. In silico predictions showed that the E504K variant of ALDH2 to be pathogenic and destabilizing with the maximum number of prediction in silico tools. Consequently, we studied the effect of this mutation mainly on the interaction between NAD+ -E504K and Disulfiram-E504K complexes using molecular docking technique, and molecular dynamics (MD) analysis. From the molecular docking analysis with NAD+ , we observed that the interaction affinity of the NAD+ decreases with the impact of E504K variant. On the other hand, the drug Disulfiram showed similar interaction in both the native and mutant ALDH2 proteins. Further, the comprehensive MD analysis predicted that the E504K destabilizes the protein and influences the NAD+ and Disulfiram interactions. Our findings reveal that the interaction of NAD+ to the protein is disturbed by the E504K/E487K variant whereas the drug Disulfiram has a similar effect as both native ALDH2 and ALDH2 bearing E504K/E487K variant. This study provides a platform to understand the effect of E504K/E487K on the molecular interaction with NAD+ and Disulfiram.

Chromothripsis is a recently discovered form of genomic instability, characterized by tens to hundreds of clustered DNA rearrangements resulting from a single dramatic event. Telomere dysfunction has been suggested to play a role in the initiation of this phenomenon, which occurs in a large number of tumor entities. Here, we show that telomere attrition can indeed lead to catastrophic genomic events, and that telomere patterns differ between cells analyzed before and after such genomic catastrophes. Telomere length and telomere stabilization mechanisms diverge between samples with and without chromothripsis in a given tumor subtype. Longitudinal analyses of the evolution of chromothriptic patterns identify either stable patterns between matched primary and relapsed tumors, or loss of the chromothriptic clone in the relapsed specimen. The absence of additional chromothriptic events occurring between the initial tumor and the relapsed tumor sample points to telomere stabilization after the initial chromothriptic event which prevents further shattering of the genome.

Background and Purpose Phantom limb pain (PLP) can be disabling for nearly two thirds of amputees. Hence, there is a need to find an effective and inexpensive treatment that can be self administered. Among the non-pharmacological treatment for PLP, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to the contralateral extremity and mirror therapy are two promising options. However, there are no studies to compare the two treatments. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare mirror therapy and TENS in the management of PLP in subjects with amputation. Methods The study was an assessor blinded randomized controlled trial conducted at Physiotherapy Gymnasium of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Christian Medical College, Vellore. Twenty-six subjects with PLP consented to participate. An initial assessment of pain using visual analogue scale (VAS) and universal pain score (UPS) was performed by a therapist blinded to the treatment given. Random allocation into Group I-mirror therapy and Group II-TENS was carried out. After 4 days of treatment, pain was re-assessed by the same therapist. The mean difference in Pre and Post values were compared among the groups. The change in pre–post score was analyzed using the paired t test. Results Participants of Group I had significant decrease in pain [VAS ( p = 0.003) and UPS ( p = 0.001)]. Group II also showed a significant reduction in pain [VAS ( p = 0.003) and UPS ( p = 0.002)]. However, no difference was observed between the two groups [VAS ( p = 0.223 and UPS ( p = 0.956)]. Discussion Both Mirror Therapy and TENS were found to be effective in pain reduction on a short-term basis. However, no difference between the two groups was found. Substantiation with long-term follow-up is essential to find its long-term effectiveness. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Using a panel dataset at the grade level from Arkansas public schools, this study finds that changes in the obesity prevalence at the oldest grade are associated with changes in obesity prevalence at younger grades. Furthermore, analysis across different school types shows that the peer effects are statistically significant but the magnitude of the effect is greater in kindergarten to fourth-grade schools than in kindergarten to sixth-grade schools. We also use tests on spatial and temporal dimensions, as well as by weight status grouping, to provide evidence that these peer effects are more than just a statistical correlation.

In the present communication, the effect of water absorptions on mechanical properties of roselle fiber reinforced vinyl ester composites prepared by wet hand lay-up method was studied. Water absorption tests were conducted by immersing composite specimens into three different water environments, namely distilled water, ground water, and sea water, which were at room temperature, for a period of 10 days. The water absorption behavior of composite was found to follow a non-Fickian behavior. The maximum water absorption percent and diffusion coefficient were determined from the obtained water absorption curves. The scanning electron microscopy was used for the fractographic studies on the fractured surface of composite. The results show that composites exposed to sea water environment absorb more water absorption percent than that of other water environments. It was observed that the water absorption percent increased with increasing fiber loading. Mechanical properties of dry composite specimens were compared with wet composite specimens. Mechanical properties were found to decrease with an increasing percentage of water uptakes. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1638–1646, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Objectives: We sought to evaluate the impact of interruption of anomalous systemic arterial supply (ASAS) on clinical course and management outcome of scimitar syndrome (SS) presenting during infancy. Background: No systematic study has been reported so far on this subject, although there are conflicting sporadic reports indicating variable effect. Methods: Out of 23 children diagnosed to have SS during the past 25 years, 16 symptomatic infants had ASAS. After interrupting ASAS (coil embolization -14, surgical ligation -2), they were prospectively followed up to define their clinical course and management outcome. Results: All 16 infants had sizable ASAS and 9 had variable scimitar vein (SV) stenosis. Fifteen (94%) had pulmonary hypertension and significant left to right shunt. Post intervention, there was variable reduction of shunt in 14 and pulmonary artery pressure in 15 cases. All showed varying clinical improvement. One died of septicemia shortly afterwards. Definitive surgery was deferred for optimal results in seven children for a mean period of 8 months (range 1 month to 3 years). Remaining eight children did not require definitive surgery. One among them had closure of stenosed partial SV by Amplatzer duct occluder (“physiologic correction”). Two children on short term and six children on long term follow-up (mean 5.2 years; range 3.3–10.3 years) are doing well. Conclusion: Interruption of ASAS helps to avoid or defer definitive surgery for SS during infancy. Therefore, we recommend coil embolization of ASAS as initial palliation, and long term surveillance to assess need for further intervention. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Mental and behavioural disorders are common, and affect more than 25% of all people at some time during their lives. Mental disorders are also universal, and affect people of all countries and societies, individuals at all ages, women and men, and the rich and the poor from urban and rural environments. One in four families is likely to have at least one member with a behavioural or mental disorder. Suicide is a leading cause of death in many regions of the world and there is also a rising trend for suicides in thane regions. It is estimated that mental disorders contribute a large share to the Global Disease Burden, and account for 33% of the years lived with disability worldwide. This burden caused by neuropsychiatric disorders is expected to increase over the years and will soon surpass the burden posed by HIV/AIDS. The resources available in the form of trained mental health professionals and psychiatric services are, and will continue to be, woefully inadequate to meet the needs posed by the increasing burden. The World Health Organization in its Mental Health Global Action Programme (WHO mhGAP) has outlined the needs of those with mental health problems and the actions that are required to meet these needs. This paper provides an elaboration of a presentation at an international consultation, and the ensuing recommendations of ways in which churches could play a significant role in partnering the WHO mhGAP in bridging the ever-widening gap between resources and needs in mental health. Could mental health be the new frontier that revitalizes the commitment of the church and its congregations to the healing ministry? Introduction The World Health Organization (WHO) declared 2001 as the Year of Mental Health, and it was a watershed year for mental health because it saw the publication by the WHO of The World Health Report 2001. Mental Health: New Understanding; New Hope. (1) This report presented to the world information concerning the current understanding of mental and behavioural disorders, their magnitude and burden, effective treatment strategies, and strategies for enhancing mental health through policy and service development. The WHO had recognized the importance of mental health from its origin, and this is reflected in the definition of health in the WHO constitution as "not merely the absence of disease or infirmity", but rather, "a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing". (2) As an extension of this definition, the report made it clear that governments are as responsible for the mental health as for the physical health of their citizens, and, as responsible stewards of any health system, governments must take the responsibility for ensuring that mental health policies are developed and implemented. The report also recommended strategies that countries should pursue, including the integration of mental health treatment and services into the general health system, particularly into primary health care. While this approach is being successfully implemented in many countries, the report said that in others much more remains to be accomplished. In this paper, we shall synthesize the information provided in the report and other sources that establish the need to invest in mental health. We hope to capture the sense of urgency required in establishing the programmes and global partnerships that are needed to prevent the inexorable increase in the burden caused by mental health problems. We finally refer to the recommendations of a consultative meeting at Breklum, Germany, (3) that suggests ways in which churches and congregations could partner worldwide programmes and initiatives in the area of mental health. Diagnosing mental disorders Mental and behavioural disorders are understood as clinically significant conditions characterized by alterations in thinking, mood or behaviour, and associated with personal distress and/or impaired functioning. …