Portable Hyperpolarized Xe-129 Apparatus with Long-Time Stable Polarization Mediated by Adaptable Rb Vapor Density.

The extraordinary sensitivity of Xe, hyperpolarized by spin-exchange optical pumping, is essential for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in life and materials sciences. However, fluctuations of the polarization over time still limit the reproducibility and quantification with which the interconnectivity of pore spaces can be analyzed. Here, we present a polarizer that not only produces a continuous stream of hyperpolarized Xe but also maintains stable polarization levels on the order of hours, independent of gas flow rates.

Language exposure outside the home becomes more English-dominant from 30 to 60 months for children from Spanish-speaking homes in the United States.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to document the out-of-home exposure to English and Spanish experienced by children from Spanish-speaking homes in the United States during the preschool years.

Methodology: Primary caregivers of 149 children from Spanish-speaking homes in South Florida reported on their children's language exposure.

Data And Analysis: Descriptive statistics and paired-samples -tests described and compared children's exposure to English and Spanish outside the home.

Validation of the College Planning Behaviors Scale.

College preparation is an important topic in the educational attainment of high school students. Much of the research on college planning focuses on the importance and timing of preparing for postsecondary education; however, little research has explored the steps students actually take while preparing for college. The current study utilized the Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) framework to create a validated measure to assess choice behavior.

Providing effective inpatient care for cirrhosis by improving utilization of national guidelines.

Background: Over the past 10 years, cirrhosis incidence has increased dramatically, with a 59% increase in the need for treatment of disease complications. Cirrhosis treatment complexity and cost have increased substantially, and cirrhosis deaths are increasing by 10.5% yearly.

The Role of the Nurse Practitioner in the Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased over the past few decades because of the obesity epidemic and is also strongly associated with diabetes Type 2. Patients often present asymptomatically until the liver disease becomes advanced. Alternatively, persons with NAFLD can present with various stages of inflammation, hepatosis, or fibrosis, which can eventually result in cirrhosis and lead to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Time of Admission to the PICU and Mortality.

Objectives: To evaluate for any association between time of admission to the PICU and mortality.

Design: Retrospective cohort study of admissions to PICUs in the Virtual Pediatric Systems (VPS, LLC, Los Angeles, CA) database from 2009 to 2014.

Setting: One hundred and twenty-nine PICUs in the United States.

Early Intervention for Caregivers of Patients With Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease affects the emotional, physical, and financial aspects of caregivers' lives. Healthcare providers have an opportunity to improve the lives of both caregivers and patients by helping caregivers understand how to best cope with symptoms of the disease. Teaching for caregivers should provide an understanding of the progression of the disease and its symptoms, how to cope with difficult behaviors and avoid triggers, appropriate use of medication and common side effects, and the use of a routine as a means to decrease stress for the caregiver and the patient.

AMP-activated protein kinase inhibits transforming growth factor-β-mediated vascular smooth muscle cell growth: implications for a Smad-3-dependent mechanism.

Dysfunctional vascular growth is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Growth factor-induced activation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) results in a phenotypic switch from a quiescent, contractile state to a proliferative state foundational to vessel pathology. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional signaling protein capable of growth stimulation via Smad signaling.