Maladaptive rumination moderates the effects of written emotional disclosure on ambulatory blood pressure levels in females.

Written emotional disclosure (WED) has beneficial effects on health outcomes. However, its effectiveness is influenced by a number of variables. This exploratory study tested whether trait rumination, which comprises brooding, a maladaptive component, and reflection, an adaptive component, moderated the effects of WED on ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in female participants. Fifty-two participants were randomized to write about their most stressful/traumatic life experience(s) or non-emotive topics, for 20 minutes, on 3 consecutive days. Two weeks and 14 weeks later, ABP was recorded over a single day. Using hierarchical linear modelling, an effect of condition was found at 2 weeks but not at 14 weeks indicating that higher levels of ABP were observed following WED. There was also a significant condition by brooding interaction at two weeks such that higher ABP was observed in low brooders in the WED condition compared with low brooders in the control condition. However, within the WED condition, the lowest ABP was exhibited by participants high in brooding. The findings indicated that WED led to short-lived increases in ABP which disappeared in the medium term. Researchers ought to build upon this exploratory study and investigate further the potential moderating role of brooding within WED. Individual differences in brooding may account for (some of) the mixed and inconsistent findings in past WED research

Archaeological Monitoring of Proposed Improvements to the Cleveland-Partlow House, Liberty, Liberty County, Texas

Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI) was contracted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (CLIENT), to conduct archaeological monitoring for proposed improvements to the Cleveland-Partlow House, Liberty, Liberty County, Texas. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a Recorded Texas Landmark, and documented as archaeological Site 41LB84. The project proposed to alleviate drainage issues around the house through the excavation of a wide, shallow trench in which geofabric and river gravels were placed along the perimeter of the house to divert water and install new support piers below the house. In total, eleven piers were excavated under the house, eight of which were located on the western side of the home. In November 2017, Carter Design Associates, the architectural firm associated with the project, sought guidance from the Texas Historical Commission (THC) concerning the planned improvements. As the property is under the ownership of a political subdivision of the State, the project was subject to review under the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resource Code, Title 9, Chapter 191). All work was conducted under Texas Antiquities Code Permit No. 8502 with Ashley E. Jones serving as Principal Investigator. Ms. Jones conducted monitoring of drainage trench excavations on July 30 through August 1, 2018, and pier excavations on August 31 and September 1, 2018. All of the matrix that was excavated during construction activities was screened and diagnostic artifacts were collected. The material culture observed in the perimeter trench for drainage alleviation included white earthenwares, milk glass, window glass, lamp glass, container glass (amber, aqua, and colorless), wire nails, terracotta flower pots, and fragments of brick. Three small personal items, a button, a faux pearl, and a marble, were recovered. The open crawl space under the house contained architectural materials, including brick, tile, and shingles. Other artifacts observed included animal bone, some with processing marks, and larger fragments of white earthenware and leaded glass. As no significant features were encountered during the installation of the new drainage feature and piers, RKEI does not recommend any further archaeological investigations of the monitored areas. However, should additional excavation of trenches, or further excavation of newly installed trenches or piers exceed their current depths, further work may be required. All field records and artifacts produced during monitoring activities are curated at the Center for Archaeological Studies at Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas

Cultural Resources Investigations of the Concho River Veribest Pipeline Replacement Project, San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas

Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI), was contracted by Kleinfelder (CLIENT), on behalf of Valley Proteins, Inc., to perform cultural resources investigations for a pipeline rehabilitation and replacement project east of San Angelo in Tom Green County, Texas. The pipeline targeted for replacement is located within the channel of the Concho River, approximately 18 feet below the current banks. Archaeological investigations of this lower terrace focused on areas that may be impacted by the project, which includes laydown and equipment staging areas, as well as ingress and egress areas. Ashley E. Jones acted as Principal Investigator and Rhiana D. Ward served as Project Archaeologist. Rhiana D. Ward and Chris Matthews completed field investigations, which resulted in negative findings. All work was conducted under Texas Antiquities Committee Permit No. 8286. Although the pipeline is controlled by a privately-owned wastewater company, the project is located within and adjacent to lands owned by the City of San Angelo, a political subdivision of the state. As such, the project was subject to review under the jurisdiction of the Antiquities Code of Texas (Texas Natural Resource Code, Title 9, Chapter 191). Furthermore, because the proposed project will directly impact the Concho River, compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (54 United States Code 306108) and its implementing regulations (36 Code of Federal Regulations 800) will be required. A preliminary review conducted by the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the U. S. Army Corp of Engineers-Fort Worth Division (USACE-FW) determined that archaeological investigations were required for the project due to its proximity to the Concho River, as well as its location within the boundaries of known archaeological site 41TG307. Site 41TG307 is designated as eligible for listing as a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) property and was designated as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL) in 1996. Archaeological investigations for the San Angelo Veribest Pipeline Replacement Project were conducted on January 24-25, 2018. Investigations consisted of an intensive pedestrian survey augmented with shovel testing of the 1.26-acre Area of Potential Effects (APE). Twelve shovel tests (STs) were excavated, with eight on the western side of the Concho River and four on the eastern side. Excavations encountered compact to very hard silty clay soils with modern refuse identified as deep as 50 centimeters below surface (cmbs) (ST 5 and ST 10). STs were excavated to a depth of 60 cmbs, except in locations where bedrock was shallowly buried beneath the soil. Compact soils and the presence of modern refuse indicated that the APE has been impacted, likely from the construction of Farm to Market 380 and the existing pipeline right-of-way. Additional disturbances documented include multiple sewer manholes near the western APE terminus, and an underground electric cable to the north of the APE. Approximately 0.27-acres of the western APE is located within the site boundaries of 41TG307. Site 41TG307 is a prehistoric open campsite recorded in 1991 atop an upper terrace of the Concho River. During a revisit in 1996, the site tested positive for multiple occupational components that date as early as the Early Archaic (5170-8210 B.C.). The artifact assemblage consists of burned rock, mussel shell fragments, lithic chert flakes at ground surface, and one possible rock-lined hearth feature. Site 41TG307 was designated as eligible for listing as a NRHP property and listed as an SAL in 1996 (THC 2018). Investigations conducted a total of five shovel tests (ST 1-5) within the known site boundaries of 41TG307, none of which identified any evidence of cultural materials or features. The portion of the site within the APE has been impacted from road and utility construction, evidenced by compact soils and the presents of modern materials (two aluminum pull tabs) at 20 to 40 cmbs within ST 5. Given this conclusion, RKEI does not recommend further archaeological investigations for the documented site located within the boundaries of the APE. Furthermore, no further work is recommended for the remaining APE. However, should changes be made to the project area, it is recommended that additional testing be conducted to determine the extent and significance of cultural deposits beyond the currently defined boundaries. Furthermore, because site 41TG307 is designated as eligible for listing as a NRHP property and is listed as an SAL, avoidance measures are recommended to prevent impacts of any cultural deposits that might not have been identified during investigations. The regulating agencies have required avoidance measures of the site and request the use of timber mats or other protective materials to prevent ground disturbance within the laydown area within the site boundary

A Racial Impact Analysis of HB 869/SB 274

Virginia is growing. Between 1990 and 2000, Virginia’s population rose by over 14% - the largest population growth experienced by the state in a single decade (Pollard, 2007). And the state continues to grow. It has been estimated that by 2030, Virginia’s total population may exceed 9.8 million people (Pollard, 2007). Along with population growth, land development has increased which in turn affects transportation, housing and job placement across the Commonwealth. In fact, in many parts of the state, development has outpaced population growth. According to Pollard, “If current patterns continue, Virginia will develop more land in the next 40 years than in the previous 400 years (p.8).” In an effort to curb sprawling development and decrease transportation expenditure, the Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 3202 in 2007. One major outcome of this multifaceted legislation was the introduction of mandatory Urban Development Areas (UDAs). The goal of UDAs was for localities to concentrate growth and development in order to reduce the cost of transportation and increase opportunities to build multi-use developments and expand affordable housing. In 2012, the General Assembly passed House Bill 869 and Senate Bill 274 which effectively make UDAs no longer mandatory but optional for all localities in the Commonwealth. In this paper, we analyze the racial impact and explore the political history of HB 869/SB 274 while addressing the larger issue of sprawl across the Commonwealth. Smart Growth policies are known to positively impact the environment but they also positively impact low-income and minority communities by increasing access to housing, transportation and ultimately jobs. The story behind Urban Development Areas in the Commonwealth is one of politics and regulation but issues as critical as housing, transportation and job access should be focused much more on the citizens of the Commonwealth. The friction created by the UDA policy between the localities and the state has the potential to spark a statewide conversation about land use and more importantly - the need for people-centered solutions to a growing problem

An Intensive Cultural Resources Survey of 107 Acres Along Galm Road, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

In December 2016, the Northside Independent School District (Client) contracted with Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc. (RKEI) to perform a cultural resources pedestrian survey within a 107-acre tract near Galm Road in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. The purpose of this survey was to determine whether cultural resources were located within the Area of Potential Effects (APE), and if feasible, assess their significance and eligibility for designation as State Antiquities Landmarks (SALs) and for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The project was sponsored by the Client and the owner of the project is currently George Weimer (soon to be owned by the Client). Since the area of potential effects (APE) is owned by a political subdivision of the state, the project falls under the Antiquities Code of Texas, as administered by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Additionally, the APE is 2.5 kilometers to the southeast of Government Canyon State Natural Area. The field work was carried out between January 10 and 13, 2017 under Texas Antiquities Committee Permit No. 7866, issued to Kristi M. Nichols, who served as Principal Investigator. Mark Luzmoor served as the Project Archaeologist and Chris Murray, Richard Sample, Chris Matthews, and Kendra Brownlow assisted during the field work. Background research revealed that no previously recorded archaeological sites are located within the boundary of the APE. However, there are five archaeological sites within a 1-kilometer radius of the APE. In total, 19 shovel tests (STs) were excavated within the APE. Surface visibility was around 80% throughout the APE. Approximately 75% of the APE was open-plowed fields, with the other 25% located in fairly thick underbrush. During the pedestrian survey, 25 isolated artifacts were encountered within the plowed fields of the APE. These included secondary and tertiary flakes, bifaces, and utilized flakes; only the tools were collected. A historic bottle dump also was encountered during the pedestrian survey on the eastern end of the APE. The bottles date to the middle of the twentieth century. Two shovel tests (ST 3 & 5) were positive for cultural material in the top 20 centimeters below surface (cmbs) (two pieces of debitage and one burned rock). 41BX2162 was designated as a multi-component archaeological site due to the large amount of surface finds, the two positive STs, and the historic bottle dump, all along the eastern end of the APE. However, no cultural deposits were encountered beneath 20 cmbs, the majority of the cultural material was recorded on the surface, and no diagnostic prehistoric material was encountered. Thus, RKEI finds that the site lacks research potential and recommends no further archaeological work within the project boundaries. All field records generated by this project will be curated in accordance with the Texas Archaeology Research Laboratory guidelines

A randomised trial comparing combination chemotherapy using mitomycin C, mitozantrone and methotrexate (3M) with vincristine, anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (VAC) in advanced breast cancer.

This paper describes a randomised clinical trial in patients with advanced breast cancer, comparing the regimen 3M, mitomycin C 7-8 mg m-2 (day 1), mitozantrone 7-8 mg m-2 (day 1 and 21), methotrexate 35 mg m-2 (day 1 and 21) given on a 42 day cycle with a standard anthracycline containing regimen, VAC, vincristine 1.4 mg m-2 (day 1), anthracycline (adriamycin or epirubicin) 30 mg m-2 (day 1), cyclophosphamide 400 mg m-2 (day 1) given on a 21 day cycle. Of a total of 217 patients, 107 were randomised to 3M and 110 to VAC and a mean of 5.5 courses was given per patient. The overall response rate (complete and partial) was 53% (95% Confidence Limits (CL): 43-62%) for 3M and 49% (CL; 39-58%) for VAC. The response according to sites of metastases was the same for both treatment groups. Symptomatic toxicity including alopecia, neuropathy, vomiting (P less than 0.001) and nausea (P less than 0.01) were significantly less for 3M. Myelosuppression including leucopenia (P less than 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (P less than 0.001) was significantly greater with 3M at day 21, although there was no difference in nadir counts in patients at special risk of myelosuppression and there was no evidence of an increase in infective or bleeding complications. There was no significant difference in the duration of response to 3M (10 months, CL 6-15) and VAC (11 months, CL 7-12), nor in survival (3M, 8 months, CL 6-12; VAC, 10 months, CL 8-12). These results indicate that 3M is as effective as, but has significantly less symptomatic toxicity than, an anthracycline containing regimen for the treatment of advanced breast cancer

Changes in Statin Adherence Following an Acute Myocardial Infarction Among Older Adults: Patient Predictors and the Association With Follow‐Up With Primary Care Providers and/or Cardiologists

BACKGROUND: Hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) are associated with changes in statin adherence. It is unclear to what extent adherence changes, which patients are likely to change, and how post-discharge follow-up is associated with statin adherence change. METHODS AND RESULTS: This retrospective study used Medicare data for all fee-for-service beneficiaries 66 years and older with an AMI hospitalization in 2008-2010 and statin use before their index AMI. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression models (odds ratio [OR] and 99% confidence interval [CI]) were applied to assess associations between both patient characteristics and follow-up with a primary care provider and/or cardiologist with the outcome of statin adherence change (increase or decrease) from the 6-month pre- to 6-month post-AMI periods. Of 113 296 patients, 64.0% had no change in adherence, while 19.7% had increased and 16.3% had decreased adherence after AMI hospitalization. Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to have either increased or decreased adherence than white patients. Patients who required coronary artery bypass graft surgery (OR, 1.34; 99% CI, 1.21-1.49) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty/stent procedure (OR, 1.25; 99% CI, 1.17-1.32) during their index hospitalization were more likely to have increased adherence. Follow-up with a primary care provider was only mildly associated with increased adherence (OR, 1.08; 99% CI, 1.00-1.16), while follow-up with a cardiologist (OR, 1.15; 99% CI, 1.05-1.25) or both provider types (OR, 1.21; 99% CI, 1.12-1.30) had stronger associations with increased adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Post-AMI changes in statin adherence varied by patient characteristics, and improved adherence was associated with post-discharge follow-up care, particularly with a cardiologist or both a primary care provider and a cardiologist

Exploratory insights from the right-sided electrocardiogram following prolonged endurance exercise.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged strenuous exercise has a profound effect on cardiac function. The right heart may be more susceptible to this imposition; yet, right-sided chest leads have not been utilised in this setting. METHODS: Thirty highly trained athletes at the 2014 Western States 100-mile Endurance Run from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California (body mass 68 ± 12 kg, age 45 ± 10 years, 57 ± 15 miles per week) were recruited for the study. Pre- and post-race, a right-sided 12-lead ECG was obtained and data were extracted for P, R and S waves, J point, ST segment and T wave amplitude. Data were compared using Students T-test and statistical significance set as P < .05. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in P wave amplitude (29%) and QTc interval (4%) pre- to post-race from standard 12-lead ECG. From the right-sided12-lead ECG, a 23% (P = .01) and 38% (P = .03) increase in J point amplitude in V1R and V2R and a 22% (P = .05) increase in ST segment integral in V2R and V3R were evident. T wave inversion was evident in leads V2R-V6R in 50-90% of athletes, respectively. Close examination revealed marked heterogeneity in individual ECGs. CONCLUSIONS: Completion of a 100-mile ultra-marathon resulted in significant changes in the right-sided ECG alongside more marked responses in specific individuals. P wave, ST segment and T wave changes post-race are indicative of acute exercise-induced right heart electrical adaptation

Designer Receptors Enhance Memory in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome

Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are novel and powerful tools to investigate discrete neuronal populations in the brain. We have used DREADDs to stimulate degenerating neurons in a Down syndrome (DS) model, Ts65Dn mice. Individuals with DS develop Alzheimer\u27s disease (AD) neuropathology and have elevated risk for dementia starting in their 30s and 40s. Individuals with DS often exhibit working memory deficits coupled with degeneration of the locus coeruleus (LC) norepinephrine (NE) neurons. It is thought that LC degeneration precedes other AD-related neuronal loss, and LC noradrenergic integrity is important for executive function, working memory, and attention. Previous studies have shown that LC-enhancing drugs can slow the progression of AD pathology, including amyloid aggregation, oxidative stress, and inflammation. We have shown that LC degeneration in Ts65Dn mice leads to exaggerated memory loss and neuronal degeneration. We used a DREADD, hM3Dq, administered via adeno-associated virus into the LC under a synthetic promoter, PRSx8, to selectively stimulate LC neurons by exogenous administration of the inert DREADD ligand clozapine-N-oxide. DREADD stimulation of LC-NE enhanced performance in a novel object recognition task and reduced hyperactivity in Ts65Dn mice, without significant behavioral effects in controls. To confirm that the noradrenergic transmitter system was responsible for the enhanced memory function, the NE prodrug l-threo-dihydroxyphenylserine was administered in Ts65Dn and normosomic littermate control mice, and produced similar behavioral results. Thus, NE stimulation may prevent memory loss in Ts65Dn mice, and may hold promise for treatment in individuals with DS and dementia