cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using megestrol acetate to ameliorate protein‐energy wasting in chronic kidney disease

SUMMARY Background Various populations are affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD), and a low dose appetite stimulant megestrol acetate (MA) is sometimes recommended in patients with CKD to ameliorate protein-energy wasting (PEW). Patients with CKD are at greater risk of developing PEW since the progression of their disease can cause decreased nutrient intake, catabolic effects, systemic inflammation and metabolic changes. Providers can detect PEW in CKD by identifying low serum levels ≤3.8 g/dl of albumin, <30 mg/dl of transthyretin, or <100 mg/dl of cholesterol. Other characteristics include BMI <22 kg/m2 (for ≤65 years), unintentional weight loss of ≥5% in three months or ≥10% in six months, body fat percentage <10%, with muscle wasting of a reduction of ≥5% in three months or ≥10% in six months of muscle mass. Method A review of research was completed and data collected from small population-based retrospective studies to determine the effect of MA. Results Clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of MA by showing increases in BMI up to 9%, albumin levels up to 1.1 g/dl, with reported protein and energy intake increases from 27% to 42%. There are potential adverse effects of using MA in CKD. Conclusion After reviewing the available literature, the benefits of using MA should be evaluated against the potential side effects. For further examination of MA's potential benefits, long-term, prospective, large clinical trials should be carried out.
An algebraic approach for $${\mathcal{H}}$$-matrix preconditioners

Hierarchical matrices ($${\mathcal{H}}$$-matrices) approximate matrices in a data-sparse way, and the approximate arithmetic for $${\mathcal{H}}$$-matrices is almost optimal. In this paper we present an algebraic approach for constructing $${\mathcal{H}}$$-matrices which combines multilevel clustering methods with $${\mathcal{H}}$$-matrix arithmetic to compute the $${\mathcal{H}}$$-inverse, $${\mathcal{H}}$$-LU, and the $${\mathcal{H}}$$ -Cholesky factors of a matrix. Then the $${\mathcal{H}}$$-inverse, $${\mathcal{H}}$$-LU or $${\mathcal{H}}$$-Cholesky factors can be used as preconditioners in iterative methods to solve systems of linear equations. The numerical results show that this method is efficient and greatly speeds up convergence compared to other approaches, such as JOR or AMG, for solving some large, sparse linear systems, and is comparable to other $${\mathcal{H}}$$-matrix constructions based on Nested Dissection.
Muscle cramps in liver disease

Muscle cramps are common in patients with liver disease and adversely influence quality of life. The exact mechanisms by which they occur remain unclear, although a number of pathophysiological events unique to liver disease may contribute. Clinical studies have identified alterations in 3 areas: nerve function, energy metabolism, and plasma volume/electrolytes. Treatments have focused on these particular areas with varied results. This review will focus on the clinical features of muscle cramps in patients with liver disease and review potential mechanisms and current therapies.
Role of bacteria in health and disease of periodontal tissues

The interaction between bacteria and eukaryotic cells is complex; active processes must exist that allow us to live harmoniously with the bacteria which normally live on and within our bodies. Periodontal diseases, a series of infections of the periodontal tissues which eventually can lead to loss of teeth, is a form of aberrant inflammation resulting from a complex biofilm of friendly commensal and periodontopathic bacteria and their products, triggering the human inflammatory response. A shift in microbial species in the gingival sulcus from gram-positive, facultative, fermentative microorganisms to predominantly gram-negative, anaerobic, chemoorganotrophic, and proteolytic organisms (214) has been strongly associated with periodontal tissue breakdown (65, 154). However, the level of periodontal breakdown has long been associated with the degree of host predisposition (59). A significant portion of the host predisposition to disease may relate to
Studies of Tritrichomonas batrachorum I. The trophic organism

SUMMARY. High variability within cultures of Tritrichomonas batrachorum (from Bufo boreas halophilus, Rana catesbeiana, and Rana pipiens) casts doubt on the validity of length measurements for species designation. The morphology differs from that described previously. The axostylar capitulum is a complex structure with a preblepharoplastic portion and a perinuclear cup spreading laterally in curved membranes ending in filaments. The parabasal apparatus is Y-shaped with a very short base. Two types of amoeboid activity occur. Filopodia are used for anchorage. Their bases migrate and the filopodia may fuse and reseparate as in foraminifers. Ingestion is an amoeboid process utilizing lobopodia. Food adherent to a lobopod is invested in a food cup at the surface. Ingrowth of the lip of the food cup forms the food vacuole, or in cases of cannibalism, constricts the prey and forms a food tube pushing a vacuole before it. Repeated, this produces an alternating series of vacuoles and tubes. There is a pseudo-amoeboid degenerative process in which the flagella, withdrawn into the cytosome, continue to move and produce non-functional lobopod-like protrusions. An actual cytostome has not been observed, but there is a region of reduced staining intensity ventral to the axostylar capitulum.
Radar obstacle detection: finding moving targets in noisy range data

Short-range (/spl sim/2-7 meter) integrated radar units in the 24 GHz (wavelength 1.2 cm) regime are now available as production prototypes, and are soon expected to be very inexpensively available to large commercial users (e.g., automobile manufacturers). We recently had an opportunity to examine the applicability of several pilot units as potential components in a "situational awareness" sensor suite for automobiles in urban traffic. The system goal is to detect, distinguish, and appropriately respond to nearby vehicles (cars, bicycles, etc.), life forms (pedestrians, dogs, etc.), and movable and fired features of the environment (trash cans, lamp posts, etc.). The question is whether the first generation radar prototypes, with all the warts typical of pioneering technologies, are nevertheless useful complements to an existing system that employs relatively mature sensor technologies, e.g., panoramic video analysis, stereo image analysis, laser rangefinding, ultrasonic range finding, integrated by an existing and reasonably well developed sensor fusion architecture. Our answer, based on a few experiments with three prototype units arranged in two geometries, is a definite maybe.
Influence of outer region mannosylphosphorylation on N-glycan formation by Candida albicans: normal acid-stable N-glycan formation requires acid-labile mannosylphosphate addition.

The pathogenic yeast Candida albicans produces large N-glycans with outer regions containing only mannose residues. The outer region comprises a primary branch with multiple secondary and tertiary branches. Tertiary branches are linked to secondary branches by phosphodiester bridges. In the current model of outer chain elongation in the genetically related yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, synthesis of the branches occurs sequentially, primary to tertiary. Thus, disruption of mannosylphosphorylation, the initial step in tertiary branch formation, should not affect primary or secondary branch production. Compared to its wild-type parent, a C. albicans mutant defective in tertiary branch mannosylphosphorylation (mnn4Δ/mnn4Δ) made outer regions with reduced susceptibility to low acid acetolysis treatment, suggesting that the secondary or primary region had been modified. Higher acid acetolysis conditions were required to release the secondary branches from the primary branches. The released secondary branches constitute the subset of the wild-type secondary branches that lack a phosphate group. In contrast, the acid-stable region of both wild-type and mnn4Δ S. cerevisiae strains required high acid acetolysis conditions to release the secondary branches, despite having smaller and less complex secondary and tertiary branches. These results suggest that the complex and longer secondary and tertiary branches of C. albicans affect the conformation of the acid-stable region to render it more susceptible to acetolysis which implies secondary and tertiary branch formation in C. albicans are interdependent events and occur concurrently, rather than sequentially.
Formal Semantics and Verification of BPMN Transaction and Compensation

Business process modeling is getting a lot of attention as a predominant technology to bridge the Business-IT gap. It bridges the gap by describing business processes using a notation understandable by all relevant users from the business analysts to the technical developers. Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN), defined by Object Management Group (OMG), is a standard notation for describing business processes. One of the distinguishing features of BPMN is support of transactions and compensation in business processes. In BPMN, cancellation of a transaction triggers rollback of the transaction and compensation for specific activities in the transaction. This feature makes it possible to depict down-to-earth business processes. However, the specification of the notation does not include formal semantics. The informal description of the semantics for transactions and compensation makes the specification confusing. This paper shows how Petri net (PN) can give semantics to a transaction and compensation of BPMN and the formal semantics makes the specification clear. This paper also shows that we can apply reachability and coverability analysis of PN to verification of business processes with transactions and compensation.
Spotlighting the Probative Findings: Reply to Parks and Yonelinas (2007).

J. T. Wixted (2007) argued that nearly every recent study that was designed to differentially test the unequal-variance signal-detection (UVSD) and dual-process signal-detection (DPSD) models has yielded findings that strongly support the UVSD model. C. M. Parks and A. P. Yonelinas (2007) did not address these studies in detail and instead focused mainly on issues that are tangential to the debate (e.g., measurement issues and neuroimaging). What few responses they did offer to the more relevant model-comparison studies did not effectively address the difficulties they posed for the DPSD model.
Spiked GBS: a unified, open platform for single marker genotyping and whole-genome profiling.

In plant breeding, there are two primary applications for DNA markers in selection: 1) selection of known genes using a single marker assay (marker-assisted selection; MAS); and 2) whole-genome profiling and prediction (genomic selection; GS). Typically, marker platforms have addressed only one of these objectives. We have developed spiked genotyping-by-sequencing (sGBS), which combines targeted amplicon sequencing with reduced representation genotyping-by-sequencing. To minimize the cost of targeted assays, we utilize a small percent of sequencing capacity available in runs of GBS libraries to “spike” amplified targets of a priori alleles tagged with a different set of unique barcodes. This open platform allows multiple, single-target loci to be assayed while simultaneously generating a whole-genome profile. This dual-genotyping approach allows different sets of samples to be evaluated for single markers or whole genome-profiling. Here, we report the application of sGBS on a winter wheat panel that was screened for converted KASP markers and newly-designed markers targeting known polymorphisms in the leaf rust resistance gene Lr34. The flexibility and low-cost of sGBS will enable a range of applications across genetics research. Specifically in breeding applications, the sGBS approach will allow breeders to obtain a whole-genome profile of important individuals while simultaneously targeting specific genes for a range of selection strategies across the breeding program.
Market-Based Multi-robot Coalition Formation

Task allocation is an issue that every multi-robot system must address. Recent task allocation solutions propose an auction based approach wherein robots bid for tasks based on cost functions for performing a task. This paper presents RACHNA, a novel architecture for multi-robot task allocation based on a modified algorithm for the winner determination problem in multi-unit combinatorial auctions. A more generic utility based framework is proposed to accommodate different types of tasks and task environments. Preliminary experiments yield promising results demonstrating the system’s superiority over simple task allocation techniques.
Relationships and Divergence of Vegetation and Mapping Classifications

Mapping of vegetation classifications has generally relied on the use ofremotely sensed data to define landscape patches, or polygons, and to relate a class identifier to these polygons. This is the point where many of the current problems in landcover mapping occur. The field data-derived classes are stripped of their quantitative underpinnings and converted to nominal (categorical) variables for one-to-one translation to map units. This process substantially reduces the dimensionality and content of the original data, and inappropriately attempts a translation contrary to spatial and temporal scales. Mapping should be equally dependent on analysis ofquantitative field data rather than solely aerial photography, videography, satellite image, biogeophysical or other thematic map data interpretation, which has generally not been the case. More thoughtful approaches must be developed that allow for the parameterization of biogeophysical data and relationship to specific remote sensing data and types of analysis. Remote sensing data are used to identify conservation sites, to direct field sampling and research for biological and ecological data acquisition and to provide mapped descriptions of landscape units at varying spatial and temporal scales. Remote sensing-based mapping is reliant on classification systems describing natural and modified vegetation communities for the development of correspondingly appropriate map units.
Determinants of spread in an urban landscape by an introduced lizard

Urban landscapes are a mixture of built structures, human-altered vegetation, and remnant semi-natural areas. The spatial arrangement of abiotic and biotic conditions resulting from urbanization doubtless influences the establishment and spread of non-native species in a city. We investigated the effects of habitat structure, thermal microclimates, and species coexistence on the spread of a non-native lizard (Anolis cristatellus) in the Miami metropolitan area of South Florida (USA). We used transect surveys to estimate lizard occurrence and abundance on trees and to measure vegetation characteristics, and we assessed forest cover and impervious surface using GIS. We sampled lizard body temperatures, habitat use, and relative abundance at multiple sites. At least one of five Anolis species occupied 79 % of the 1035 trees surveyed in primarily residential areas, and non-native A. cristatellus occupied 25 % of trees. Presence and abundance of A. cristatellus were strongly associated with forest patches, dense vegetation, and high canopy cover, which produced cooler microclimates suitable for this species. Presence of A. cristatellus was negatively associated with the ecologically similar non-native A. sagrei, resulting in reduced abundance and a shift in perch use of A. cristatellus. The limited spread of A. cristatellus in Miami over 35 years is due to the patchy, low-density distribution of wooded habitat, which limits dispersal by diffusion. The presence of congeners may also limit spread. Open habitats—some parks, yards and roadsides—contain few if any A. cristatellus, and colonization of isolated forest habitat appears to depend on human-mediated dispersal.
General versus Situation-Specific Trait Anxiety in Prediction of State Anxiety during Group Therapy

Sf~mmary.-This study 'examined the relativ~ strength of a general trait anxiety ( A-Trait) measure and a situation-specific A-Trait measure in predicting state anxiety (A-State) among patients during the initi.al session of a therapy group. Forty patients who participated in group therapy at a university counseling center were administered at the time of referral a general A-Trait scale and a situation-specific A-Trait scale designed to measure proneness toward experiencing anxiety in a therapy group. Although both measures were significantly correlated in a positive direction with A-State scores during the first session, the general A-Trait measure tended to be more predictive of A-State than the situation-specific A-Trait measure. The findings were discussed in terms of the possibility that the relative effectiveness of general A-Trait measures in predicting A-State reactions is enhanced in situations where there is a threat to self-esteem, and when the subject has had little prior knowledge and no experience related to the feared situation.
Determination of Correlation Parameters in π-Conjugated Polymers

Using exact finite-size diagonalizations of extended Peierls-Hubbard Hamiltonians for systems of up to 15 sites, we study the excited state spectra of models for the finite oligomer analogs of trans– and cis– polyacetylene. We use a novel “phase randomization” technique and a variety of other methods to extract maximal information from these small systems. For several electron-phonon couplings in the expected range, we discuss the extent to which we are able to find consistent values of the Hubbard on-site (U) and nearest-neighbor (V) correlation parameters such that the band gap, the 2 1Ag state, optical phonon frequency, and the optical absorptions for charged and neutral solitons and dimers occur in the experimentally expected ranges. Our results suggest that these correlation parameters are in the intermediate coupling regime (U ⋍ 2.5t0), beyond the range of perturbation theory.
THE TRADE CYCLE IN BRITAIN, 1790–1850

With the long-delayed publication of the results of the work on British business cycles from 1790 to 1850 carried out under the auspices of the Columbia University Council for Research in the Social Sciences,1 students are provided with what is perhaps the fullest picture that has yet been made available of the evidence relating to fluctuations in the British economy in any period of its history. The work was carried out under the direction of the lateA. D. Gayer between 1936 and 1941. Various obstacles have caused itspublication to be delayed till now, and in an addendum to the preface Professor Rostow and Mrs Schwartz, who were Professor Gayer’s chief collaborators,briefly review contributions to the field that have appeared since the work was completed.
Functions of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ecm27p, a putative Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, in calcium homeostasis, carbohydrate storage and cell cycle reentry from the quiescent phase

The quiescent phase of the cell cycle is of fundamental importance for fungi, yet our understanding of this phase of the cycle is much less well understood than the mitotic cell cycle. We found that the ECM27 gene, which encodes a Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, is responsible for influx of calcium from the extracellular space and release from intracellular stores during membrane stress. Wild type cells increase total Ca(2+) in quiescence but cells lacking ECM27 gene fail to do so and are defective in cell cycle reentry from the quiescent phase. ecm27Δ cells are also defective in maintaining trehalose levels throughout this phase. Addition of high levels of CaCl2 to the growth medium can increase total cellular calcium in ecm27Δ cells during quiescence and can also restore trehalose levels as well as partially restore ability of cells to reenter the mitotic cell cycle. ecm27Δ cells also have altered glycogen levels in exponentially growing cells. Our results show that Ecm27p and Ca(2+) play roles in maintaining a high level of trehalose in quiescent cells, which in turn is important in the ability of cells to rapidly return to proliferation.
Landslide Susceptibility in Cemented Volcanic Soils, Ask Region, Iran

Landslides are a major geohazard in the Alborz Mountains along the transportation links in Haraz valley, northern Iran. To find the appropriate analysis method for slope stability assessment of volcanic soils, a susceptible slope in the volcanic region of Ask has been modeled using finite difference and finite element methods. Slope stability is evaluated using both limit equilibrium and shear strength reduction methods. Analysis using the finite difference method coupled with shear strength reduction provided a more explicit explanation of the observed failure mode for moderately-cement volcanic soils in the region. Numerical analysis indicates a critical stability condition for the eastern flank of the slope. The failure is localized at the lower face of a travertine layer in the upper part of the slope. Travertine crust on top of the slope is in a state of tensional yield and fracturing. Crack opening in the top stone layer due to tensile strength reduction increases surface-water inflow and contributes to overall soil mass weakening by wetting.
Institutions and Long Term Planning Lessons from the California Electricity Crisis

Between the spring of 2000 and the spring of 2001, the electricity industry in California suffered through one of the worst regulatory crises in modern American history. In a few months, five years of painstaking and revolutionary reform were wiped out, and two of the three large private utilities in the state were forced into insolvency. At the end of this period of crisis, California was left with an electric power sector that was largely dominated by the state government, and faced electricity rates far above national averages (and above pre-reform rates), rather than the decentral-
Concussion: A Primer for the Physician

1This is best demonstrated in athletes, a population of patients at greatest risk for repeated head injuries. In fact, concussions are the most common head injury sustained by athletes; 8.9% of all high school sports injuries reported are concussions and account for 19% of all non-fatal injuries in football. 2 The incidence of concussion among American teen athletes has grown from 300,000 incidents annually 10 years ago to upward of three million cases now. The increase is likely due to the increased awareness by the sports community, leading to greater recognition and reporting. It is unclear if changes in rules and protective equipment has changed incidence. Nonetheless, these figures underestimate the frequency of concussions, as those with minor head injuries are often unlikely to seek care. In a survey by the Associated Press in 2009, 3 it was found that at the professional level, nearly one-fifth of 160 NFL players had hidden or downplayed the effects of their concussions. Athletes fear being removed from play and letting teammates down. Coaches, sideline personnel, and athletes themselves often do not recognize their own symptoms as a concussion. According to a McGill University study, 70.4% of athletes surveyed retrospectively reported experiencing the symptoms of a concussion during the past year, but only 23.4% realized that they had sustained a concussion in real time. 4 The study also found that 84.6% of athletes with a concussion had actually experienced more than one concussion. Part of the dilemma in diagnosing concussions is that the definition itself has been evolving. At this time, the most accepted definition of con cussion is a clinical one, introduced in 2001. 5
Chapter 64 – Skeletal Muscle Adaptation to Exercise

It has long been established that there is specificity in the adaptive response of skeletal muscle to repeated bouts of exercise. In general, resistance exercise characterized by high force contractions leads to an increase in muscle mass and fiber size whereas endurance exercise, characterized by lower force for longer durations leads to greater metabolic adaptations such as increased mitochondrial content of the muscle. Much of the research over the past decade has focused on identification of the signaling pathways involved in regulating the specific adaptation to these different forms of exercise. As the primary regulator of protein synthesis in the cell, the mTOR/TORC1 pathway has been shown to have a central role in mediating the increase in muscle mass following resistance exercise training. Alternatively, the change in mitochondrial content in response to endurance exercise is regulated by the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway. The purpose of this chapter is to highlight what is currently known about these distinct signaling pathways and their role in mediating the specific adaptations of skeletal muscle to different types of exercise.
Coping with Crisis: Community Response to the Shutdown

On Tuesday, the day after Jennings Lambeth announced that the Campbell Works would be shutting down, many people got up and went to work the same as they had the day before. But for hundreds of workers, that normal pattern of life would be broken by the end of the week. For thousands, their lives as steelworkers would be ending within two or three months. As steelworkers and community leaders tried to figure out the severity of the plant closing for themselves and their community, a pattern of response began to take shape. Once again, the study of natural disasters is helpful for understanding the community response to the Campbell Works shutdown. Disaster Response There are two key questions in assessing the response of a local community to a crisis event. First, to what extent are the community's traditional institutions capable of managing the crisis? And second, to what extent is external assistance needed to cope with the crisis, and what access does the community have to that assistance? According to Wenger (1978: 26), “Research on natural disasters has found that similar types of events, producing similar levels of physical disruption, can produce a disaster or crisis condition in one social context and have no such effect in a different social setting.” In other words, the quality of response is what defines a “disaster.” The critical factor is the crisismanagement capability of the community. The disaster event typically creates new needs in a community. If those needs can be met adequately through normal institutional channels, the crisis event does not constitute a disaster, but rather a community emergency.
Diabetes, diabetes severity, and coronary heart disease risk equivalence: REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS).

Background Evidence is mixed regarding whether diabetes confers equivalent risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) as prevalent CHD. We investigated whether diabetes and severe diabetes are CHD risk equivalents. Methods At baseline, participants in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study (black and white US adults ≥45 years old recruited in 2003-2007) were categorized as having prevalent CHD only (self-reported or electrocardiogram evidence; n = 3,043), diabetes only (self-reported or elevated glucose; n = 4,012), diabetes and prevalent CHD (n = 1,529), and neither diabetes nor prevalent CHD (n = 17,155). Participants with diabetes using insulin and/or with albuminuria (urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g) were categorized as having severe diabetes. Participants were followed up through 2011 for CHD events (myocardial infarction or fatal CHD). Results During a mean follow-up of 5 years, 1,385 CHD events occurred. The hazard ratios of CHD events comparing participants with diabetes only, diabetes, and prevalent CHD and neither diabetes nor prevalent CHD with those with prevalent CHD were 0.65 (95% CI 0.54-0.77), 1.54 (95% CI 1.30-1.83), and 0.41 (95% CI 0.35-0.47), respectively, after adjustment for demographics and risk factors. Compared with participants with prevalent CHD, the hazard ratio of CHD events for participants with severe diabetes was 0.88 (95% CI 0.72-1.09). Conclusions Participants with diabetes had lower risk of CHD events than did those with prevalent CHD. However, participants with severe diabetes had similar risk to those with prevalent CHD. Diabetes severity may need consideration when deciding whether diabetes is a CHD risk equivalent.
The true impact of breast magnetic resonance imaging on the management of in situ disease: more is not better.

Abstract Background The optimal role of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the management of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) remains controversial. We sought to better define the impact of breast MRIs when utilized during the workup of DCIS. Methods Patients with biopsy-proven DCIS without any additional invasive disease were prospectively enrolled in the multidisciplinary breast cancer pathway and comprised the study group. Patients who met any additional criteria for MRI screening were excluded. Results From 2008 to 2014, 93 women met the inclusion criteria. 81 patients underwent MRI as part of their workup. One patient benefited from MRI via identification of occult malignancy not previously identified. 35 MRIs identified no additional information whereas 46 had additional findings. These findings led to 23 procedures and 16 negative biopsies; recommendations for 16 radiographic studies that were normal; and influenced nodal sampling in 7 women with 1 positive metastatic focus. Conclusions The routine use of breast MRI for women diagnosed with DCIS has limited benefit. Often, it leads to multiple procedures and studies that are clinically insignificant and delays surgical treatment.
The Thousand Year Flood: University Students’ Reflections on Service Learning Experiences Before and After a Natural Disaster:

Service learning allows health sciences students to connect what they learn in the classroom with real-world experiences. The goal of this article was to examine the experiences of students in a nu...
Canadian Mines, Indigenous Communities and Accountability in Guatemala: What Role for the Media?

This article examines the role of the Canadian press as corporate watchdog. A content analysis of Canadian newspapers over a five-year period reveals that human rights abuses perpetrated by Canadian mining companies in Guatemala are under-reported. Sourcing constraints, lack of newsworthiness and other traditional journalism standards help explain why this story is ‘missing’ in the traditional press. Reporting critical of the mining companies was produced principally by individual journalists with a personal interest in the issue; however readership and ownership patterns in the Canadian media detract from the potential influence that this independent reporting may have.
Variability of Complement Response toward Preclinical and Clinical Nanocarriers in the General Population

Opsonization (coating) of nanoparticles with complement C3 component is an important mechanism that triggers immune clearance and downstream anaphylactic and proinflammatory responses. The variability of complement C3 binding to nanoparticles in the general population has not been studied. We examined complement C3 binding to dextran superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoworms, SPIO NWs, 58 and 110 nm) and clinically approved nanoparticles (carboxymethyl dextran iron oxide ferumoxytol (Feraheme, 28 nm), highly PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (LipoDox, 88 nm), and minimally PEGylated liposomal irinotecan (Onivyde, 120 nm)) in sera from healthy human individuals. SPIO NWs had the highest variation in C3 binding (n = 47) between subjects, with a 15–30 fold range in levels of C3. LipoDox (n = 12) and Feraheme (n = 18) had the lowest levels of variation between subjects (an approximately 1.5-fold range), whereas Onivyde (n = 18) had intermediate between-subject variation ...
Effects of a novel microtubule-depolymerizer on pro-inflammatory signaling in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Abstract The Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway is vital for immune system regulation and pro-inflammatory signaling. Many inflammatory disorders and diseases, including cancer, are linked to dysregulation of NF-κB signaling. When macrophages recognize the presence of a pathogen, the signaling pathway is activated, resulting in the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor, NF-κB, to turn on pro-inflammatory genes. Here, we demonstrate the effects of a novel microtubule depolymerizer, NT-07-16, a polysubstituted pyrrole compound, on this process. Treatment with NT-07-16 decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 mouse macrophages. It appears that the reduction in pro-inflammatory mediators produced by the macrophages after exposure to NT-07-16 may be due to activities upstream of the translocation of NF-κB into the nucleus. NF-κB translocation occurs after its inhibitory protein, IκB-α is phosphorylated which signals for its degradation releasing NF-κB so it is free to move into the nucleus. Previous studies from other laboratories indicate that these processes are associated with the microtubule network. Our results show that exposure to the microtubule-depolymerizer, NT-07-16 reduces the phosphorylation of IκB-α and also decreases the association of NF-κB with tubulin which may affect the ability of NF-κB to translocate into the nucleus. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory activity of NT-07-16 may be explained, at least in part, by alterations in these steps in the NF-κB signaling pathway leading to less NF-κB entering the nucleus and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory mediators by the activated macrophages.
A randomized inexact proximal best-response scheme for potential stochastic nash games

This paper considers a stochastic potential game in which each player solves a parameterized stochastic convex optimization problem. We propose a randomized inexact best-response (BR) scheme to compute the Nash equilibrium (NE). In each iteration, while the other players keep their strategies invariant, a single player is randomly chosen to update its equilibrium strategy by computing an inexact proximal BR by solving a player-specific stochastic program since exact solutions are generally unavailable in finite time. By imposing suitable conditions on the inexactness sequences, we prove the almost sure (a.s.) convergence and mean convergence of the iterates generated by the scheme to an NE. Finally, we present some preliminary numerics on the problem of congestion control.
The CFTR-Associated Ligand Arrests the Trafficking of the Mutant ΔF508 CFTR Channel in the ER Contributing to Cystic Fibrosis

Background/aims The CFTR-Associated Ligand (CAL), a PDZ domain containing protein with two coiled-coil domains, reduces cell surface WT CFTR through degradation in the lysosome by a well-characterized mechanism. However, CAL's regulatory effect on ΔF508 CFTR has remained almost entirely uninvestigated. Methods In this study, we describe a previously unknown pathway for CAL by which it regulates the membrane expression of ΔF508 CFTR through arrest of ΔF508 CFTR trafficking in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) using a combination of cell biology, biochemistry and electrophysiology. Results We demonstrate that CAL is an ER localized protein that binds to ΔF508 CFTR and is degraded in the 26S proteasome. When CAL is inhibited, ΔF508 CFTR retention in the ER decreases and cell surface expression of mature functional ΔF508 CFTR is observed alongside of enhanced expression of plasma membrane scaffolding protein NHERF1. Chaperone proteins regulate this novel process, and ΔF508 CFTR binding to HSP40, HSP90, HSP70, VCP, and Aha1 changes to improve ΔF508 CFTR cell surface trafficking. Conclusion Our results reveal a pathway in which CAL regulates the cell surface availability and intracellular retention of ΔF508 CFTR.
Gas-generating nanoparticles for molecular ultrasound imaging

Diagnostic ultrasound imaging often relies on contrast agents. Most common contrast agents are microbubbles that are confined to vascular compartments and molecular targets because micrometer size particles cannot escape through endothelial barriers. Therefore, a desired ultrasound contrast agent should consist of nanometer scale particles that are capable of escaping from vasculature, penetrating into tissue, and then generating sufficient contrast once they reach the target site. We developed a novel contrast agent—plasmonic nanoparticles covered by azide compounds (AzNPs), capable of on-demand laser-induced gas generation via photolysis of azide functional groups. The 50 nm diameter AzNPs were small enough to penetrate the endothelial barrier. Upon laser activation, the AzNPs generated nitrogen gas which served as ultrasound contrast agent. The feasibility of the AzNPs to produce ultrasound contrast was tested within polyethylene tube under laminar flow. Upon laser irradiation, significant ultrasound signal enhancement was observed due to the N2 gas bubbles generated by the photolysis of AzNPs. These and other studies suggest that the AzNPs may enable the ultrasound diagnosis of various diseases that conventional microbubbles cannot detect. Furthermore, these optically absorbing particles can also be used for imaging and therapeutic applications of light and sound such as ultrasound-guided photoacoustic imaging.
Image Analysis and Graphics

A common definition of computer graphics is the creation of images from mathematical descriptions. Image analysis (including machine vision, pattern recognition, etc.) is the process of finding linguistic or analytical descriptions from images while image processing deals the transformation of images. The following are some areas where image analysis or processing is of interest to computer graphics and CAD.
The Apparent Reversal of Fields at the Solar Limb

We show how the apparent reversal of longitudinal magnetic fields near the limb is a projection effect and may be used to estimate the divergence angle of the magnetic canopy. The limb distance at which the apparent reversal is not seen is the limiting angle of divergence of lines of force emerging from the surface. We have surveyed a number of polar limb magnetograms, where the unipolar field makes this easier, and found the divergence angle to be about 20° from the vertical.
β-Hydroxybutyrate Elicits Favorable Mitochondrial Changes in Skeletal Muscle

The clinical benefit of ketosis has historically and almost exclusively centered on neurological conditions, lending insight into how ketones alter mitochondrial function in neurons. However, there is a gap in our understanding of how ketones influence mitochondria within skeletal muscle cells. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the specific effects of β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) on muscle cell mitochondrial physiology. In addition to increased cell viability, murine myotubes displayed beneficial mitochondrial changes evident in reduced H₂O₂ emission and less mitochondrial fission, which may be a result of a β-HB-induced reduction in ceramides. Furthermore, muscle from rats in sustained ketosis similarly produced less H₂O₂ despite an increase in mitochondrial respiration and no apparent change in mitochondrial quantity. In sum, these results indicate a general improvement in muscle cell mitochondrial function when β-HB is provided as a fuel.
Pilot Application of Varied Equipment and Procedural Techniques to Determine Clinical Blood Pressure Measurements

High blood pressure, screened with a patient’s blood pressure (BP), is found in 1 out of 3 adults in the United States. A cohort of 39 participants had BP measured following the American Heart Asso...
Good and Righteous People and Useful Citizens of the State: The Danish 1814 School Acts and the Rise of Mass Schooling in Denmark

In 1814, the Danish King Frederik VI enacted a set of schools laws, each specifically pertaining to the countryside schools, the market town schools, Copenhagen, the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, and Jews. The legislation was a response to the agrarian reforms aimed at creating more enlightened and more independent peasants, while also being motivated by the need to provide support to the poor and uneducated children in urban areas. Given the unique needs of various parts of the Danish king’s realm, with their varied populations, administrative structure, and local conditions, this resulted in five distinct acts. In sum, in an attempt to provide schooling for the vast majority of children and create some kind of uniformity in educational outcomes, the government chose a set of acts adjusted to the local context.
Pursuing a Commitment to Public Scholarship through the Practice of Annotation

Nicole Mirra explains what annotation is and how it can lead to a better dialogue between writer and readers. She argues for annotation as a way of engaging in public scholarship and promoting equity and justice. Nicole Mirra explica lo que es la anotacion y como este metodo puede facilitar un major dialogo entre el/la escritor/a y los lectores. Ella sostiene que la anotacion es una manera de participar en la investigacion publica y promover la equidad y justicia.
Chapter 14 – Pyrimidine Biosynthesis

: Glutamine, aspartate, ATP, and CO2 are used in the biosynthesis of pyrimidine NTPs. Mitochondrial carbamoyl phosphate is not used in pyrimidine biosynthesis. Pyrimidine biosynthesis is regulated differently in prokaryotes than in eukaryotes. Cytoplasmic CPS-2 involved in pyrimidine biosynthesis is distinct from mitochondrial CPS-1 involved in urea biosynthesis. In pyrimidine NTP biosynthesis, the ring is formed before the sugar of PRPP is added. UTP inhibits CPS-2 in mammals, while both PRPP and ATP stimulate its activity. Orotate accumulation in liver cells is associated with steatosis. UDP can be used to form UTP (and then CTP), or it can be utilized in dTMP biosynthesis.
Jewish identity in American art: A golden age since the 1970s: by Matthew BaigellEdited by Ken FriedenSyracuse, New York: Syracuse University Press, 2020, 235 pages ISBN: 978-0-8156-3675-5 (hardcover) Price: $80.00

Baigell’s book explores Jewish identity in American Art by focusing on a golden age of the representation of Jewish identity in American art since the 1970s. In general, Baigell’s writing is elegan...
Identifying Associations between Quality Initiatives and Quality Measures among Home Health Agencies: Findings from a National Study:

Home health performance gained visibility with the publication of Home Health Compare and the Home Health Value-Based Payment demonstration. Both provide incentives for home health agencies (HHA) to invest in quality improvements. The objective of this study is to identify the association between quality initiatives adopted by HHAs and improved performance. A 2018 national survey of 7459 HHAs, yielding a sample of 1192 eligible HHAs, provided information about 23 quality initiatives, which was linked to 5 composite Super Quality Measures (SQMs): ADL/pain, self-treatment, timely care, hospitalizations, and patient experience. Exclusions for missing data and outliers yielded a final analytical sample of 903 HHAs. Regression models estimated associations between quality initiatives and SQMs. The relationships between sixteen of the SQM/quality initiative pairs were positively associated with improvement and 7 were negatively associated. Web-based technologies for staff and care-givers improved performance but deteriorated patient experience. Web support-groups for staff and review of HHC rankings reduced hospitalization rates. While this study offers insights for quality improvement, a limitation may be a lack of sensitivity to the nuances of quality improvement implementation. Therefore, this study should be viewed as hypothesis-generating concerning initiatives likely to have the greatest potential meriting further investigation.
Spin-torque switching mechanisms of perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction nanopillars

Understanding the spin-transfer magnetization switching mechanisms of perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction nanopillars is critical to optimizing their performance in memory devices. Here, we use micromagnetics to study how the free layer's exchange constant affects its switching dynamics. Switching is shown to generally occur by (1) growth of the magnetization precession amplitude in the element center; (2) an instability in which the reversing region moves to the element edge, forming magnetic domain wall(s); and (3) the motion of the domain wall(s) across the element. For small exchange and large element diameters, step 1 leads to a droplet with a fully reversed core that experiences a drift instability (step 2). While in the opposite case (large exchange and small diameters), the central region of the element is not fully reversed before step 2 occurs. The origin of the micromagnetic structure is shown to be the free layer's non-uniform demagnetization field. More coherent, energy-efficient, and faster switching is associated with larger exchange, showing that increasing the exchange interaction strength leads to improvements in device performance.
Transitional Justice and Our Moral Fate

In Our Moral Fate, Allen Buchanan defends an account of moral change that is grounded in evolutionary biology. His account offers resources for explaining the possibility of both moral progress and moral regression, where progress and regression are a function of moral inclusion and moral exclusion, respectively. In my commentary, I first offer a brief summary of Buchanan’s argument. I then examine Buchanan’s account from the perspective of transitional justice. Transitional justice provides confirming evidence for some of Buchanan’s substantive claims and challenges the validity of others. I end with a discussion of power and time. Power plays a central role in Buchanan’s account of niche construction, but the locus of power is unspecified. Time scales for moral change are profoundly different for the timeline of transitional justice versus the timeline of evolutionary biology. My discussion of power and time raises questions the nature of the normative guidance Buchanan’s account offers in the short term.
STRUCTURAL AND DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF NEUTRAL AND INTELLIGENT NETWORKS IN BIOMEDICAL ENVIRONMENTS

Publisher Summary As biomedical materials are becoming more advanced and sophisticated, advanced techniques of combinatorial chemistry and molecular design are becoming of utmost importance in order to achieve better design and desirable response to the biological environment. In particular, hydrophilic polymer networks have attained new importance in this field, as they are particularly prone to molecular or structural changes. Their structure can be modified by copolymerization to achieve hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity. In addition, the presence of selected functional groups can make these networks responsive to environmental changes. This chapter presents an analysis of the structural and biological properties of polymer networks, both neutral and responsive. It outlines the significance of these properties in biomedical applications. An overview of currently pursued hydrogels technologies is also provided.