Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CCK-A receptor antagonists have selective effects on nutrient-induced food intake suppression in rats

Trigazis, L. , F. J. Vaccarino, C. E. Greenwood, and G. H. Anderson. CCK-A receptor antagonists have selective effects on nutrient-induced food intake suppression in rats. Am. J. Physiol. 276 (Regulatory Integrative Comp. Physiol. 45): R323–R330, 1999. —To provide additional support to the hypothesis that only dietary protein (Pro; chicken egg albumin) and not amino acids (AA; patterned after albumin), carbohydrates (CHO; cornstarch), or fats (Fat; corn oil) produces a satiating effect via CCK receptors, two CCK-A receptor antagonists (PD-140,548 and devazepide) were coadministered with each nutrient. Given alone [4 ml intragastrically (ig)] Pro (1.0 g), AA (1.0 g), CHO (1.4 g), and Fat (2.4 g) suppressed (P , 0.05) food intake on average during the first 2 h of feeding by 1.4 (36%), 1.5 (48%), 1.0 (33%), and 1.2 g (41%), respectively. Devazepide (0.5 mg/kg) and PD-140,548 (1.0 mg/kg) given alone increased food intake during 0–2 h by 0.7 g (18%) and during 0–1 h by 0.5 g (15%), respectively. When coadministered with PD-140,548 (1.0 mg/kg ip), the suppression of food intake caused by Pro was modulated during 0–2 h by 57% (Pro 3 drug interaction, P , 0.05), but AA-, CHO-, and Fat-induced suppression of feeding was not affected (nutrient 3 drug interaction, P . 0.05). Devazepide (0.5 mg/kg ip) did not modulate AA-, CHO-, and Fat-induced food intake suppression during any time period (nutrient 3 drug interaction, P . 0.05). These studies provide additional evidence that CCK-A receptors play a role in Pro (albumin) but not AA-, CHO (cornstarch)-, or Fat (corn oil)-induced food intake suppression in rats.
Randomized trial of anger control training for adolescents with Tourette's syndrome and disruptive behavior.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a 10-session individually administered anger control training (ACT) for adolescents with Tourette's syndrome (TS) and disruptive behavior. METHOD Twenty-six subjects (24 boys and 2 girls; mean age 12.7 years, SD 0.88) with TS and high levels of disruptive behavior were randomly assigned to ACT or treatment-as-usual (TAU). The parent-rated Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale rated by the independent evaluator were used as primary outcome measures. RESULTS All randomized subjects completed end-point evaluation, and all subjects in the ACT group completed 3-month follow-up evaluation. The Disruptive Behavior Rating Scale score decreased by 52% in the ACT group compared with a decrease of 11% in the TAU control group (p <.001). On the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale, the independent evaluator rated 9 (69%) of 13 subjects in the ACT condition as much improved or very much improved compared with 2 (15%) of 13 in the TAU condition (p <.01). This reduction of disruptive behavior in the ACT group was well maintained at 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Anger control training seems to reduce disruptive behavior in adolescents with TS. Larger trials are needed to confirm these results.Clinical trial registration information-Anger Control Training for Youth With Tourette's Syndrome. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00486551.
Detection of pancreatic islet allograft impairment in advance of functional failure using magnetic resonance imaging

This study evaluated the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict failure of pancreatic islets (PI) transplanted into the hepatic portal vein. Brown‐Norway (n = 18) and Lewis (n = 6) rats received islets isolated from Lewis donors. The rejection process in Brown‐Norway recipients was mitigated by two different immunosuppressive regimens [tacrolimus + hydrocortisone for 3 months (n = 6) or tacrolimus for 12 days (n = 12)]. Longitudinal MRI monitoring of recipients at post‐transplantation weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 confirmed the ability to detect SPIO labeled PI after transplantation into the liver. The relative number of MRI signals related to PI isografts remained stable up to study completion. Recipients of PI allografts were normoglycemic until the end of study; signals declined gradually to 44 ± 17% in these animals. In animals with islets failure during post‐transplant week 12, the number of signals decreased to 25 ± 10% of initial values. The difference between groups (islet function/failed) became significant post‐transplant week 3. Our data demonstrate that the MRI changes attributable to rejection become apparent within 3 weeks after transplantation, i.e. at least 8 weeks before functional allograft failure.
When is there a Kuznets curve

This paper investigates when is there a Kuznets curve, that is, under which conditions economic growth is associated with a decline in income inequality. The analysis is done on a sample of 26 ex-socialist countries from Eastern Europe, during the post-socialist years. These countries had very similar characteristics when socialism collapsed, but very di¤erent experiences with the transition afterwards, which makes them a suitable group for analysing the relationship between GDP and in- equality. We focus on four factors that may shape this relationship - labour market institutions, market power of companies, social bene? ts and taxes. Findings suggest that inequality (before government re- distribution) declines with economic growth when labour markets are more regulated, anti-monopoly policy is more exective and taxes are higher. Taxes seem to be the single most important factor.
Nonquadratic ${{\cal H}}_\infty$ Stabilization Conditions for Observer-Based T–S Fuzzy Control Systems

This paper investigates the nonquadratic output-feedback stabilization problem for nonlinear systems in Takagi-Sugeno's (T-S) form. To achieve improved performance in the H∞ sense, this paper provides two kinds of relaxation techniques: one for the case where all premise variables are measurable and one for the case where the premise variables are immeasurable. In particular, the emphasis of the second technique is the use of estimated premise variables for nonquadratic Lyapunov functions.
VIRAL EPIZOOTIC REVEALS INBREEDING DEPRESSION IN A HABITUALLY INBREEDING MAMMAL

Abstract Inbreeding is typically detrimental to fitness. However, some animal populations are reported to inbreed without incurring inbreeding depression, ostensibly due to past “purging” of deleterious alleles. Challenging this is the position that purging can, at best, only adapt a population to a particular environment; novel selective regimes will always uncover additional inbreeding load. We consider this in a prominent test case: the eusocial naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber), one of the most inbred of all free-living mammals. We investigated factors affecting mortality in a population of naked mole-rats struck by a spontaneous, lethal coronavirus outbreak. In a multivariate model, inbreeding coefficient strongly predicted mortality, with closely inbred mole-rats (F ≥ 0.25) over 300% more likely to die than their outbred counterparts. We demonstrate that, contrary to common assertions, strong inbreeding depression is evident in this species. Our results suggest that loss of genetic diversity through inbreeding may render populations vulnerable to local extinction from emerging infectious diseases even when other inbreeding depression symptoms are absent.
RIP3-mediated necrotic cell death accelerates systematic inflammation and mortality

Significance Atherosclerosis is one of the major causes of human death in modern society. A high blood cholesterol level resulting from cholesterol metabolism dysfunction is a key known contributing factor for premature atherosclerosis. Using a mouse model of high blood cholesterol, we show that a specific activation marker of a programmed necrosis mediated by the kinase receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3) can be detected in the core of atherosclerotic plaques. Mice lacking the RIP3 gene showed a significant reduction of proinflammatory monocytes in the blood and delayed mortality. This study suggests that RIP3-mediated necrotic cell death is part of a self-amplifying proinflammatory cycle that contributes to the premature death of animals with the pro-atherosclerosis trait. Systematic inflammation contributes to the development of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. How such inflammation is initiated and maintained throughout the course of disease remains unclear. In the current study, we report the observation of specific phosphorylation of the receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3) kinase that marks the activation of programmed necrosis (also called the “necroptosis pathway”) in the atherosclerotic plaques in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-knockout mice. The mRNA expression levels of 10 inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α, were decreased significantly in the plaque regions of mice lacking RIP3. Lymphocyte infiltrations in the adipocyte tissue and in skin lesions of ApoE single-knockout mice were significantly mitigated in ApoE/RIP3 double-knockout mice. The high percentage of inflammatory monocytes with high levels of lymphocyte antigen 6C in the blood of ApoE single-knockout mice also was greatly decreased in the ApoE/RIP3 double-knockout mice. Most significantly, the double-knockout mice displayed dramatically delayed mortality compared with ApoE single-knockout mice. Our findings indicate that necrotic death in areas such as atherosclerotic plaques may release cytokines that mobilize monocytes from bone marrow to the lesion sites, exacerbating the lesions in multiple tissues and resulting in the premature death of the animals.
Changes in Heel Skin Temperature under Pressure in Hip Surgery Patients

OBJECTIVE:The aim of the study was to examine the effect of external pressure of the bed surface on heel skin temperature in adults in the first 3 days after hip surgery. DESIGN:A quasi-experimental study in a prospective, within-subjects, repeated-measures design. SETTING:This study was performed at 2 acute-care hospitals. PARTICIPANTS:Eighteen subjects (9 men and 9 women) with a mean age of 58.3 (±16.1) years were recruited after hip surgery at the 2 hospitals. METHODS:Temperature sensors were placed on the plantar surface of each foot, close to the heels. Measures were taken when the heels were (1) suspended above the bed surface for 20 minutes (preload), (2) on the bed surface for 15 minutes (loading), and (3) suspended again above the bed surface for 15 minutes (unloading). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Heel skin temperature and demographic data. RESULTS:Heel temperature increased during loading and unloading in both legs on postoperative days 1 (P = .003) and 3 (P = .04) but not on postoperative day 2. Heel temperature in the nonoperative leg decreased in the first 3 minutes of unloading on postoperative days 2 (P = .02) and 3 (P .01). CONCLUSION:Heel temperature increased with loading and unloading on postoperative days 1 and 3. Upon immediate unloading, hyperemic response was present only in the nonoperative leg. Keeping the heels off the bed surface at all times may avoid heel skin temperature changes and prevent tissue damage. Further research is needed to identify the mechanisms that explain the effect of external pressure on heel temperature.
Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, cystatin C and eGFR indicate acute kidney injury and predict prognosis of patients with acute pulmonary embolism

Objective Risk stratification in acute pulmonary embolism (APE) includes the assessment of clinical status, right ventricular dysfunction and troponin concentrations. Since acute renal impairment is one of the important predictors of mortality in cardiovascular diseases, the authors hypothesised that it is an independent mortality marker in APE. Material and methods The authors observed 142 consecutive patients (52 M/90 F, 64±18 years) with APE diagnosed with contrast enhanced multislice CT. On admission, blood samples were collected for neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (N-GAL), cystatin C and creatinine assays. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using MDRD formula. Results Fourteen (10%) of 142 patients died by the 30th day of observation. eGFR≤60 ml/min was noted in 68 (48%) patients and eGFR≤30 ml/min in 11 (8%) patients. eGFR was higher in survivors than in non-survivors (66 (17–169) vs 46 (10–119) ml/min, respectively, p=0.02). In 80 (56%) patients, N-GAL was >50 ng/ml indicating acute kidney injury. N-GAL was higher in non-survivors than in survivors (88.8 (28.4–200.0) vs 53.0 (7.1–200.0) ng/ml, p<0.01). N-GAL level >50 ng/ml was found in 11 (79%) patients with fatal outcome. Area under the curve of N-GAL for all-cause mortality in ROC analysis was 0.715. N-GAL>75 ng/ml was present in 44 (31%) patients, while cystatin C >1900 ng/ml in 14 (10%) subjects. They showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for prediction of all-cause death ((64%, 73%, 21%, 95%) and (36%, 91%, 30% 93%), respectively). N-GAL>75 ng/ml and cystatin C>1900 ng/ml increased the risk of death (HR 4.4 (95% CI 1.48 to 13.2, p<0.01) and 4.7 (95% CI 1.56 to 13.9, p=0.01), respectively). Conclusions Acute kidney injury assessed by N-GAL occurs in 30% of APE and may contribute to the impairment of renal function present in half of them. Moreover, N-GAL, cystatin C elevation and low eGFR are associated with a poor 30-day prognosis in APE.
Students' Perceptions of the Impact and Value of First-Year Seminars at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

The rate of student departure in the first year continues to puzzle higher education researchers and policy makers. Colleges and universities have instituted first-year seminars to promote first-year students’ academic and social integration into higher education. The research on first-year seminars has documented positive effects on a variety of outcomes. However, few studies investigate the meanings students make of their experiences in first-year seminars, and even fewer studies examine racial and ethnic minority students’ experiences in first-year seminars. This study investigated the impact and value of first-year seminars from diverse first-year students’ points of view at a Hispanic-Serving Institution. It employed a case study research design. The primary sources of data collection comprised surveys and interviews. Document analysis of course evaluations complemented the survey and interview data. The results of this study reveal that first-year students at a Hispanic-Serving Institution perceived that their First-Year Experience course promoted their academic and social integration, an enhancement that, according to Tinto’s (1993) model of student departure, may influence the process by which they stay or leave institutions of higher education. These findings support the implementation and ongoing investment in first-year seminars, and can be used to inform institutional strategic planning, curriculum, and policy and program decisions.
Adaptive remodeling of hypoplastic hemodialysis fistulas salvaged with angioplasty

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether immature hemodialysis fistulas undergo flow‐induced adaptive remodeling after successful percutaneous angioplasty. Background: Approximately 50% of radiocephalic fistulas remain immature after surgery and cannot be used for hemodialysis. Small fistulas with anastomotic inflow stenoses may undergo salvage angioplasty, but the time course of outward remodeling after successful treatment has not been defined. Methods: Thirty‐two of 39 patients (82%) with inaccessible, hypoplastic radiocephalic fistulas underwent attempted salvage angioplasty of inflow stenoses involving the arteriovenous anastomoses. Twenty patients experienced salvage of their fistulas and successfully underwent hemodialysis (51%). Results: Eleven patients had serial angiographic procedures, which allowed paired sequential quantitative angiographic measurements of the fistulas to be made during a median follow‐up of 200 days (range 5–2,298 days). Fistula diameters increased from 4.5 ± 1.3 mm to 8.0 ± 2.5 mm (mean ± S.D.). The mean growth of the fistulas was 1.0 ± 0.9 mm per year. Conclusions: The mechanism of adaptive remodeling transforms nonmaturing hypoplastic autogenous fistulas into functioning accessible dialysis accesses after successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of inflow anastomotic stenoses. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Parathyroid adenoma localization with 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT: a meta-analysis

Purpose The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic utility of parathyroid scintigraphy with technetium-99m (99mTc)-sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for localization of parathyroid adenoma. Materials and methods We performed a systematic search of medical databases PubMed and Medline/OVID for literature on 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT parathyroid scintigraphy, using the search terms hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid adenoma/hyperplasia, SPECT/CT, and SPECT-CT. Citations for 981 articles and 128 abstracts of full articles were reviewed by two coauthors for relevance. Twenty-four peer-reviewed studies on SPECT/CT parathyroid scintigraphy qualified for inclusion. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool was used to assess study quality. Meta-analytical techniques were used to obtain pooled estimates of the parathyroid adenoma localization rate using a random-effects model. Results A total of 24 studies published between January 2003 and March 2014 with 1276 patients (334 men, 762 women, and 180 of unspecified sex) met the inclusion criteria. Data on the test performance of dual-phase 99mTc-sestamibi SPECT/CT showed an estimated pooled sensitivity (per-patient analysis) of 0.86 [confidence interval (CI) 0.81–0.90]. Sensitivity of SPECT/CT was superior to that of SPECT (0.74; CI 0.66–0.82) and planar (0.70; CI 0.61–0.80) techniques. Heterogeneity was present in the reported literature (I2=80.3%). The rate of ectopic parathyroid adenomas ranged between 4 and 20% and SPECT/CT was superior to SPECT and planar imaging for localization of ectopic sites. Conclusion Utilization of SPECT/CT fusion imaging for 99mTc-sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy improves the test performance compared with planar and SPECT imaging; it assists preoperative planning for a minimally invasive surgical approach for the neck and is of value in subgroups with ectopic glands or coexisting nodular thyroid disease.
Breed means for average daily gain, feed conversion and intake of beef bulls during postweaning feedlot performance tests.

Comparisons of ADG, feed/gain, daily feed intake and daily feed intake as percentage of body weight may be important to beef cattle producers and researchers in breed selection and computer modeling. Data evaluated were postweaning feedlot performance test records collected from 1967 to 1986 of 3,661 individually fed bulls. Bulls originated from University of Arkansas purebred herds, Fayetteville, and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Bull Tests at Fayetteville, Hope and Monticello. Data were analyzed separately for years 1967 to 1976 (P1) (n = 1,654) and 1977 to 1986 (P2) (n = 2,007). Breeds in P1 were Hereford (HH), Angus (AN), Charolais (CH), Polled Hereford (HP) and Santa Gertrudis (SG). Breeds in P2 were HH, AN, CH, HP, SG, Simmental (SM), Maine-Anjou (MA), Brangus (BN) and Beefmaster (BM). The model fitted included initial age, breed and test number (all P less than .01 except for initial age on ADG in P1). Test number included variation of year, location and season. Breed rankings from highest to lowest for ADG in P1 were CH, SG, HH, HP and AN and in P2 were MA, CH, SM, AN, HP, SG, HH, BN and BM. Breed rankings from highest to lowest for feed/gain in P1 were AN, SG, CH, HP and HH and in P2 were BM, BN, AN, SG, HP, SM, HH, MA and CH. Breeds highest to lowest for daily feed intake (as-fed basis) in P1 were CH, SG, AN, HP and HH and in P2 were SM, MA, CH, AN, BN, HP, SG, HH and BM. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of health and social care spending constraints on mortality in England: a time trend analysis

Objective Since 2010, England has experienced relative constraints in public expenditure on healthcare (PEH) and social care (PES). We sought to determine whether these constraints have affected mortality rates. Methods We collected data on health and social care resources and finances for England from 2001 to 2014. Time trend analyses were conducted to compare the actual mortality rates in 2011–2014 with the counterfactual rates expected based on trends before spending constraints. Fixed-effects regression analyses were conducted using annual data on PES and PEH with mortality as the outcome, with further adjustments for macroeconomic factors and resources. Analyses were stratified by age group, place of death and lower-tier local authority (n=325). Mortality rates to 2020 were projected based on recent trends. Results Spending constraints between 2010 and 2014 were associated with an estimated 45 368 (95% CI 34 530 to 56 206) higher than expected number of deaths compared with pre-2010 trends. Deaths in those aged ≥60 and in care homes accounted for the majority. PES was more strongly linked with care home and home mortality than PEH, with each £10 per capita decline in real PES associated with an increase of 5.10 (3.65–6.54) (p<0.001) care home deaths per 100 000. These associations persisted in lag analyses and after adjustment for macroeconomic factors. Furthermore, we found that changes in real PES per capita may be linked to mortality mostly via changes in nurse numbers. Projections to 2020 based on 2009-2014 trend was cumulatively linked to an estimated 152 141 (95% CI 134 597 and 169 685) additional deaths. Conclusions Spending constraints, especially PES, are associated with a substantial mortality gap. We suggest that spending should be targeted on improving care delivered in care homes and at home; and maintaining or increasing nurse numbers.
A Retrospective Study of Blade Wound Characteristics in Suicide and Homicide

AbstractThe distinction between self-inflicted blade wounds and blade wounds inflicted by another can be difficult in situations where there is little available history or context. We reviewed homicides and suicides in the past 10 years at the Vermont Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to define the characteristics of homicidal and suicidal blade wounds. All homicides and suicides involving blade wounds, not just those in which blade wounds were the cause of death, were included. Information regarding victim demographics, location and type of injuries, toxicology, and evidence of suicidality was gathered. Blade wounds were the cause of death in 85.7% of homicides but only in 36% of suicides. Hanging and gunshot wounds were the cause of death in 28% and 24% of suicides, respectively. Multiple stab wounds were found in 10% of homicides and in 0% of suicides, whereas multiple incised wounds were found in 60% of suicides and only 10% of homicides. However, several unusual instances of suicide were found, including suicides with clothing damage or bone or cartilage injury from blade wounds. No characteristics of blade wounds were definitive for homicide or suicide. History and circumstances of the scene are thus crucial in determining the manner of death.
Statistical Interactions of Multiple Oxide Traps Under BTI Stress of Nanoscale MOSFETs

We report a thorough 3-D simulation study of the correlation between multiple, trapped charges in the gate oxide of nanoscale bulk MOSFETs under bias and temperature instability (BTI). The role of complex electrostatic interactions between the trapped charges in the presence of random dopant fluctuations is evaluated, and their impact on the distribution of the threshold voltage shift and on the distribution of the number of trapped charges is analyzed. The results justify the assumptions of a Poisson distribution of the BTI-induced trapped charges and of the lack of correlation between them, when accounting for time-dependent variability in circuits.