cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lymph Node Yield from Laparoscopic Lymphadenectomy in Cervical Cancer: A Comparative Study

Pretreatment surgical staging in cervical cancer has been studied extensively but remains controversial because a surgical procedure is required and the information gained may benefit only a small portion of the patients staged. Pelvic and paraaortic laparoscopic lymphadenectomies have been successfully performed in animal models and humans. Little information regarding the validity of the procedure in patients who have had subsequent laparotomy exists. In this series, we report our preliminary experience in 12 patients who underwent laparoscopic lymphadenectomy and then laparotomy. Overall, 377 pelvic nodes were removed, with 282 (75%) obtained at laparoscopy. The average number of pelvic nodes removed at laparoscopy was 23.5 (range 7-33). Two patients had positive pelvic nodes. No patient with negative nodes at laparoscopy had positive nodes at laparotomy. When studied in chronological order, the lymph node yield from our second 6 patients was much improved over our first 6 patients, 85% versus 63% (P < 0.005). Laparoscopy also proved to be a better predictor of lymph node spread than computed tomography. Two patients also had right-sided paraaortic lymphadenectomies, yielding 8 and 5 nodes. No additional right-sided paraaortic nodes were detected at laparotomy for either patient. In this preliminary series, laparoscopic lymphadenectomy appears to be a feasible procedure for surgical staging of cervical cancer. The yield of pelvic lymph nodes is adequate and improved with experience. Most importantly, no positive lymph nodes were missed by laparoscopy. The indications for operative laparoscopy have expanded rapidly. Gynecologic oncologists performing this procedure should be involved in prospective studies of this technique to set the standards and indications of this new technology.
A Z-matrix building algorithm for unbalanced power systems with mutually coupled lines

A generalized personal-computer-based algorithm is described for constructing the three-phase bus impedance matrix from transmission line data and load/generator impedances. The algorithm incorporates optimal line ordering and shunt elements in the network. In addition to these features, the algorithm accounts for direct and indirect mutual coupling of three-phase lines. The algorithm is unique in that the primitive impedance matrix necessary to process a mutually coupled line is computed when the line is processed. >
Plasma wave FET for sub-wavelength THz imaging

In this paper, the image of the transistor responsivity pattern is recorded as a dependence of the drain- to- source voltage, induced by the THz laser radiation versus the displacement of the transistor in perpendicular plane in respect to the laser beam. The micrometer scale and even nanometer scale resolution imaging can be achieved with the field effect transistor operating in a plasma wave detector mode by changing drain and gate biases. This paper reports on the first ever THz imaging employing plasma wave field-effect transistors FET, unlike references reporting on THz sensing.
Studies of the functional significance of angiotensin II receptors in the rat olfactory bulb: evidence for alterations in normal fluid intake.

The effects of continuous infusion of angiotensin II (ANG II, 1 μg hr−1) into the olfactory bulb (O.B.) were studied on rats with chronically indwelling intracerebral cannulae. Chronic infusion (ALZA minipump system) of ANG II into the O.B. elicited a moderate dipsogenesis as compared to saline infused animals. The increased drinking occurred only during the dark phase (6 pm - 6 am) and appeared to be associated with food intake, which also occurred during this time. Removal of the food or disconnection of the minipump reduced water consumption to comparable levels in both groups. Acute injection of ANG II (250 ng) into the O.B. failed to elicit drinking. Since the olfactory bulb has a high concentration of ANG II receptors, these experiments suggest that ANG II may interact with the O.B. to facilitate the drinking associated with food intake.
Induction of Cytidine to Uridine Editing on Cytoplasmic Apolipoprotein B mRNA by Overexpressing APOBEC-1

Post-transcriptional editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA is regulated in hepatic cells to achieve a steady state proportion of edited and unedited RNA molecules. This activity is catalyzed by APOBEC-1 (apoB mRNA editing catalytic subunit 1) in what has been widely accepted as nuclear event occurring during or after mRNA splicing. Introns impair the efficiency of editing within an adjacent exon in a distance-dependent manner in reporter RNAs. We show here that this inhibition can be overcome by overexpressing APOBEC-1 and that the enhanced editing efficiency on these reporter RNAs occurred after splicing on cytoplasmic transcripts. Given the absolute requirement of auxiliary proteins in apoB mRNA editing, the data suggested that auxiliary proteins were distributed with APOBEC-1 in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of McArdle cells. In fact, immunolocalization of one such auxiliary protein, APOBEC-1 complementation factor (ACF) demonstrated a nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution. We also demonstrate that in the absence of alterations in APOBEC-1 expression, changes in edited apoB RNA induced by ethanol arise through the stimulation of nuclear editing activity. The finding that apoB mRNA editing can occur in the cytoplasm but normally does not suggests that under biological conditions, restricting editing activity to the nucleus must be an important step in regulating the proportion of the edited apoB mRNAs.
The Host Environment Is Responsible for Aging-Related Functional NK Cell Deficiency

NK cells play an important role in immunity against infection and tumors. Aging-related functional NK cell deficiency is well documented in humans and mice. However, the mechanism for this is poorly understood. Using an adoptive transfer approach in mice, we found that NK cells from both young and aged mice responded vigorously to priming by pathogen-derived products after being cotransferred into young mice. In contrast, NK cells from young mice responded poorly to priming by pathogen-derived products after being transferred to aged mice. In addition to defects in NK cell priming, maturation of NK cells under steady-state conditions is also impaired in aged mice, resulting in a decreased proportion of CD27(-) mature NK cells. We found that bone marrow from young and aged mice gave rise to CD27(-) mature NK cells similarly in young mixed bone marrow chimeric mice. Furthermore, by using a novel bone marrow transfer approach without irradiation, we found that after being transferred to aged mice, bone marrow from young mice gave rise to NK cells with maturation defects. Finally, we found that aging-related functional NK cell deficiency was completely reversed by injecting soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes. In contrast, blockade of IL-10 signaling, which broadly augments inflammatory responses to pathogen-derived products, had little effect on aging-related defects in NK cell priming. These data demonstrate that the aged host environment is responsible for aging-related functional NK cell deficiency. Additionally, our data suggest that IL-15 receptor agonists may be useful tools in treating aging-related functional NK cell deficiency.
Pitirim A. Sorokin's Integralism and Public Sociology

Major features of the thought of Pitirim A. Sorokin are related to Michael Burawoy’s four forms of sociology. The article develops the theme that Sorokin’s system of sociology makes major contributions to identifying standards of excellence for professional, critical, policy, and public sociology and for their interrelationships. Sorokin’s integral ontology and epistemology are described and identified as sources of the distinctive characteristics of his system of thought.
Conservation Contracting in Heterogeneous Landscapes: An Application to Watershed Protection with Threshold Constraints

A key issue in the design of land use policy is how to integrate information about spatially variable biophysical and economic conditions into a cost-effective conservation plan. Using common biophysical scoring methods, in combination with economic data and simple optimization methods, an illustration is provided for how to identify a set of priority land parcels for conservation investment. This study also demonstrates a way in which conservation agencies can incorporate concerns about biophysical thresholds in the identification of their priority land parcels. These methods are applied using Geographic Information System data from a New York conservation easement acquisition initiative for water quality protection.
The ultrastructure of nematocysts from the fishing tentacle of the Hawaiian bluebottle, Physalia utriculus (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Siphonophora)

Fishing tentacle nematocysts of the hydrozoan, Physalia utriculus, from Hawaiian coastal waters, were examined by light microscopy, as well as by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). Hawaiian P. utriculus has been assumed to be conspecific with the Australian morph based on general macroscopic descriptions. Ultrastructural examination using SEM and TEM revealed that the cnidome was composed of two sizes of heterotrichous anisorhizas as well as rare rhopoloids (less than one observed per 1000 nematocysts). Beyond classification of the cnidome of Hawaiian P. utriculus, an unprecedented morphological structure was observed. Specifically, SEM revealed fibers (<1 μm in diameter) along the spiral crest of spines of some discharged tubules of P. utriculus anisorhizas. A hypothetical model of spine morphogenesis was formulated based on comparative analysis of hundreds of discharged tubules.
Description of removable sample mount apparatus for rapid thermal conductivity measurements

Described in this paper is an apparatus in which bulk samples can easily be mounted on a removable puck for thermal conductivity measurements and then placed in the described measurement system. This rapid mounting and measurement system uses a standard steady-state absolute thermal conductivity measurement but allows for rapid measurement and excellent thermal stability coupled with the use of a closed cycle refrigerator. The distinction of this system is rapid mounting and measurement of thermal conductivity over a broad temperature range without sacrificing accuracy and precision in data acquisition. In addition, this system allows for versatility in its use. The design of this apparatus, measurement specifications, and thermal conductivity data on several standard materials measured in this system are presented.
Assessment of Voltage Unbalance

This paper endeavors to present a comprehensive summary of the causes and effects of voltage unbalance and to discuss related standards, definitions, and mitigation techniques. Several causes of voltage unbalance on the power system and in industrial facilities are presented as well as the resulting adverse effects on the system and on equipment such as induction motors and power electronic converters and drives. Standards addressing voltage unbalance are discussed and clarified, and several mitigation techniques are suggested to correct voltage unbalance problems. This paper makes apparent the importance of identifying potential unbalance problems for the benefit of both the utility and customer.
Parish Nurse-Initiated Interdisciplinary Mobile Health Care Delivery Project

Parish nurses and a school of pharmacy faculty collaborated on a mobile health project to bring screening and preventive services to low-income neighborhoods. Outcome measures indicated that older women were most likely to use these services. This project fostered a positive, trusting client–provider relationship that formed the basis of clients' motivation to make lifestyle changes. Future direction includes collaboration with an academic nursing center to expand services in chronic care management.
Reporting factor analyses in mass media research: A review of methods

(1977). Reporting factor analyses in mass media research: A review of methods. Journal of Broadcasting: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 187-198.
Codling Moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) Control by Dissemination of Synthetic Female Sex Pheromone

Permeation of a synthetic pheromone mixture through an isolated Asian pear orchard provided excellent control of the codling moth in the Sacramento Valley of California during a 2-yr period. The synthetic pheromone mixture was applied in 1,050 plastic twist-tie dispensers and at the rate of 100 g codlemone, 50 g dodecanol, and 10 g of tetradecanol per hectare. Female codling moth antennae give electroantennogram responses to these compounds.
Projection-forcing multisets of weight changes

Let F be a finite field. A multiset S of integers is projection-forcing if for every linear function @f:F^n->F^m whose multiset of weight changes is S, @f is a coordinate projection up to permutation and scaling of entries. The MacWilliams Extension Theorem from coding theory says that S={0,0,...,0} is projection-forcing. We give a (super-polynomial) algorithm to determine whether or not a given S is projection-forcing. We also give a condition that can be checked in polynomial time that implies that S is projection-forcing. This result is a generalization of the MacWilliams Extension Theorem and work by the first author.
Anthropology and Development: Evil Twin or Moral Narrative?

The academy has chosen to categorize development anthropology as the discipline's evil twin, since the livelihoods of those in the academy depend upon the intensive study of those whom development anthropology would change forever. But development anthropology can also be viewed as a project that provides a moral narrative, based on ethical concerns, that justifies involvement in the fate of others. These concerns are examined through four lenses: the postmodern critique of anthropology, an examination of what development anthropologists really do, the argument for an engaged anthropology, and the contribution of development ethics. By embedding development anthropology in this broader philosophical and historical context, it can then be viewed, and perhaps appreciated, as the discipline's moral--rather than its evil--twin.
THE IMPACT OF CROPPING ON PRIMARY PRODUCTION IN THE U.S. GREAT PLAINS

Land use and altered carbon dynamics are two of the primary components of global change, and the effect of land use on carbon cycling is a crucial issue in regional scale biogeochemistry. Previous studies have shown that climate and soil conditions control net primary production (NPP) at regional scales, and that agricultural land use can influence NPP at local scales through altered water availability and carbon allocation patterns. However, few studies have attempted to quantify the effect of cultivation on NPP at regional scales, and no studies have examined this relationship for the most heavily cultivated region of the United States, the Great Plains. We quantified current regional aboveground and belowground productivity (including cultivation) for nine years on a county basis from (1) USDA agricultural census data, and (2) STATSGO range site production values. By comparing these data with values of native vegetation NPP (precultivation) derived from STATSGO, we estimated that cultivation is increasing regional NPP by ∼10%, or 0.046 Pg C/yr. In addition, we examined the relationship between cultivation of particular crops and NPP change and characterized the influence of individual crops on primary productivity.
Acoustic emission from hydrogen saturated type 304L stainless steel

Effects of hydrogen on tensile deformation and fracture of austenitic stainless steels vary widely, depending upon the steel composition and treatment, hydrogen exposure, and loading conditions. In alloys such as Type 310 and Type 316 stainless steel, the ductility loss is small; and the fracture mode is unchanged. In contrast, Type 304L, 21-6-9, and Tenelon display large ductility losses with a change from ductile rupture to transgranular cleavage at 200 to 270 K. Intergranular fractures are observed in notched tensile tests of sensitized stainless steel at room temperature. Transgranular cleavage is observed after hydrogen exposure. The cleavage varies with test temperature, hydrogen concentration, and grain size. Microcracks form preferentially aong coherent twin boundaries throughout the deformed metal but are observable only after a 12 to 14% plastic strain. Microcracks along grain boundaries occur less frequently. The microcracks and consequent cleavage failure appear closely related to the stability of the austenite with respect to the epsilon-phase as measured by stacking-fault energy and may also be related to the strain induced martensite. The mechanism of microcrack nucleation and growth is not certain.
Reference standards in evaluating system performance.

The paper in this issue by Hripcsak and Wilcox, “Reference Standards, Judges, and Comparison Subjects: Roles for Experts in Evaluating System Performance,”1 is well written and presents a thoughtful analysis of the topic. As the authors acknowledge, however, there is more to the evaluation of clinical informatics systems than can be accomplished through comparison to experts.2,3 Hripcsak and Wilcox focus on “how to use experts in evaluating systems when one needs them,” whereas this commentary focuses on the question, “when should one use experts as part of a system's evaluation” The two perspectives are complementary rather than contradictory. As noted previously,4 System evaluation in biomedical informatics should take place as an ongoing, strategically planned process, not as a single event or small number of episodes. Complex software systems and accepted medical practices both evolve rapidly, so evaluators and readers of evaluations face moving targets. … [C]urrent thinking recognizes that such systems are of value only when they help users to solve users' problems. Users, not systems, characterize and solve clinical diagnostic problems. The ultimate unit of evaluation should be whether the user plus the system is better than the unaided user with respect to a specified task or problem.… If the ultimate evaluation of a system depends on whether users of the system perform a specified task better when they use the system than when they don't, …
Flow over a thin circular disk at low to moderate Reynolds numbers

Computation of viscous flow over a circular disk of aspect ratio 10 (thickness/diameter) in the Reynolds number (Re) range of 10 to 300 was performed. The following flow regimes were observed: (I) steady axisymmetric flow when Re < 135, with the presence of a toroidal vortex behind the disk; (II) regular bifurcation with loss of azimuthal symmetry but with planar symmetry and a double-threaded wake, for 135 ≤ Re < 155; (III) three-dimensional flow with periodic shedding of double-sided hairpin-shaped vortex structures and periodic motion of the separation region for 155 ≤ Re < 172; (IV) regular shedding of double-sided hairpin-shaped vortex structures with planar and spatio-temporal symmetry for 172 ≤ Re < 280; (V) periodic three-dimensional flow with irregular rotation of the separation region when Re = 280–300. This transition process for the disk differs from that for the sphere as we observe a loss of the symmetry plane in Regime III due to a twisting motion of the axial vorticity strands in the wake of the disk. The periodic flow was characterized by double-sided hairpin structures, unlike the one-sided vortex loops observed for the sphere. This resulted in the drag coefficient oscillating at twice the frequency of the axial velocity. In Regime IV, the vortex loops were shed from diametrically opposite locations and with equal strength, resulting in the lift coefficient oscillating symmetrically about a zero mean. These results imply the presence of spatio-temporal symmetry.
Remodeling of cellular cytoskeleton by the acid sphingomyelinase/ceramide pathway

The chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin is widely used in treatment of solid tumors. In breast cancer cells, cisplatin produces early and marked changes in cell morphology and the actin cytoskeleton. These changes manifest as loss of lamellipodia/filopodia and appearance of membrane ruffles. Furthermore, cisplatin induces dephosphorylation of the actin-binding protein ezrin, and its relocation from membrane protrusions to the cytosol. Because cisplatin activates acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase), we investigate here the role of the ASMase/ceramide (Cer) pathway in mediating these morphological changes. We find that cisplatin induces a transient elevation in ASMase activity and its redistribution to the plasma membrane. This translocation is blocked upon overexpression of a dominant-negative (DN) ASMaseS508A mutant and by a DN PKCδ. Importantly; knockdown of ASMase protects MCF-7 cells from cisplatin-induced cytoskeletal changes including ezrin dephosphorylation. Reciprocally, exogenous delivery of D-e-C16-Cer, but not dihydro-C16-Cer, recapitulates the morphotropic effects of cisplatin. Collectively, these results highlight a novel tumor suppressor property for Cer and a function for ASMase in cisplatin-induced cytoskeletal remodeling.
On line diagnostics and support as a key part of process module control

A new method of service delivery in the semiconductor industry is required. Current equipment support implementations fail to address the requirements of the industry for both the equipment supplier and the semiconductor manufacturer. This work examines the development, impact, and direction of "e-diagnostics" as a viable, if not necessary, method of support delivery.
Surgical treatment of obesity and its effect on diabetes: 10-y follow-up

Since 1980 we have performed the identical Greenville gastric bypass (GGB) procedure on 479 morbidly obese patients with an acceptable morbidity and a mortality rate of 1.2%. The weight loss in the series was well maintained over the follow-up period of 10 y. The GGB can control non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in most patients. The group of 479 patients included 101 (21%) with NIDDM and another 62 (13%) who were glucose impaired. Of these 163 individuals, 141 reverted to normal and only 22 (5%) remained with inadequate control of their carbohydrate metabolism. Those patients who were older or whose diabetes was of longer duration were less likely to revert to normal values. The gastric bypass operation is an effective approach for the treatment of morbid obesity. Along with its control of weight, the operation also controls the hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance of the majority of patients with either glucose impairment or frank NIDDM.
Familial Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome

Background: The circadian rhythms of sleep propensity and melatonin secretion are regulated by a central circadian clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. The most common types of sleep disorders attributed to an alteration of the circadian clock system are the sleep/wake cycle phase disorders, such as delayed sleep phase syndrome and advanced sleep phase syndrome (ASPS). Advanced sleep phase syndrome is characterized by the complaint of persistent early evening sleep onset and early morning awakening. Although the complaint of awakening earlier than desired is relatively common, particularly in older adults, extreme advance of sleep phase is rare. Objective: To phenotypically characterize a familial case of ASPS. Methods: We identified a large family with ASPS; 32 members of this family gave informed consent to participate in this study. Measures of sleep onset and offset, dim light melatonin onset, the Horne-Ostberg morningness-eveningness questionnaire, and clinical interviews were used to characterize family members as affected or unaffected with ASPS. Results: Affected members rated themselves as “morning types” and had a significant advance in the phase of sleep onset (P,.001) and offset (P=.006) times. The mean sleep onset was 2121 hours for the affected family members and 0025 hours for the unaffected family members. The mean sleep offset was 0507 hours for the affected members and 0828 hours for the unaffected members. (Times are given in military form.) In addition, the phase of the circadian rhythm of melatonin onset for the affected family members was on average 3 1 ⁄2 hours earlier than for the unaffected members. Conclusions: The ASPS trait segregates with an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. The occurrence of familial ASPS indicates that human circadian rhythms, similar to those in animals, are under genetic regulation. Genetic analysis of familial sleep and circadian rhythm disorders is important for identifying a specific gene(s) responsible for the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythms in humans.
The Network Interpolation of Population for Flow Modeling Using Dasymetric Mapping

In spatial analysis, population frequently is aggregated into source units having an areal extent. When using such data in a flow model, distances are calculated as an average between each source unit and a set of destinations. In a network, this average distance might be the shortest path between a destination and the centroid of a source unit. However, population is never concentrated at centroids nor is it uniformly distributed within each spatial unit. In urban areas, it is more likely located proximate to the road system that traverses most areal units. This article presents a method for interpolating areally aggregated data to the segments of the road network bounding an areal unit using a dasymetric approach. A case study for Phoenix, Arizona, compares using a network-interpolated population distribution with the area-based approach for the problem of defining service areas for a given set of facilities. A comparison of the road network used, the total demand within each service area, and the total weighted travel distance to facilities shows that the areal-based method underestimates the portion of road network used in travel and misestimates both the expected demand of each service area and the overall travel distance to a facility. 在空间分析中，群体频繁的集聚于具有一定面积范围的源区域。当在流模型中应用这类数据时，距离计算往往采用每个源区域与目标区域之间的平均值。在一个网络中，这种平均距离可能是终点区域和源区域质心的最短路径。然而，人口并不集中于质心或均匀分布于每个空间单元中。在城市地区，人口最有可能位于横贯多数空间单元的道路系统周围。基于密度插值的方法，本文提出了将空间聚集数据插值至以道路网络为边界的区域单元。以亚利桑那州菲尼克斯进行实证分析，针对给定服务设施集合下提供服务范围的问题，比较了道路网络插值和基于区域插值方法得到的人口分布。利用道路网络的每个服务区的总需求和到服务设施的总体加权通行距离进行比较，基于区域的插值方法低估了用于通行的道路网络比例，同时也误估了每个服务区的期望需求和到一个服务设施的总体通行距离。
Mycophenolate and nephrology

Several large, randomized trials have established mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as an effective immunosuppressant for kidney transplantation. Inhibition of inosine 5′-monophospate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) by MMF appears to have pleiotropic effects on both immune and non-immune cells. In addition to B- and T-cell inhibition, in vitro and in vivo data suggest that MMF also has inhibitory effects on smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and myofibroblasts, findings that may be relevant in considering treatment of primary immune mediated kidney diseases. Clinical trials have established the efficacy of MMF for the treatment of lupus nephritis, as discussed in detail elsewhere in this supplement. Although animal studies have provided the rationale for human trials of MMF in primary glomerular diseases, most of the evidence thus far is conflicting or based largely on pilot studies. Data from larger, controlled trials will soon emerge and may clarify the role of MMF in the treatment of these disorders.
Prüfer domains and pure submodules of direct sums of ideals

It is shown that an integral domain R has the property that every pure submodule of a finite direct sum of ideals of R is a summand if and only if R is an h-local Prufer domain; equivalently, ( J + K : I ) = ( J : I ) + ( K : I ) for all ideals I , J and K of R . These results are extended to submodules of the quotient field of an integral domain.
Dexamethasone activates expression of the PDGF-α receptor and induces lung fibroblast proliferation

Corticosteroids (CSs) are commonly used for anti-inflammatory therapy in asthma and in interstitial lung diseases. In attempting to understand the mechanisms through which CSs control cell prolifer...
Chapter 22 Economics of Conflict: An Overview

Abstract In this chapter, we review the recent literature on conflict and appropriation. Allowing for the possibility of conflict, which amounts to recognizing the possibility that property rights are not perfectly and costlessly enforced, represents a significant departure from the traditional paradigm of economics. The research we emphasize, however, takes an economic perspective. Specifically, it applies conventional optimization techniques and game-theoretic tools to study the allocation of resources among competing activities – productive and otherwise appropriative, such as grabbing the product and wealth of others as well as defending one's own product and wealth. In contrast to other economic activities in which inputs are combined cooperatively through production functions, the inputs to appropriation are combined adversarially through technologies of conflict. A central objective of this research is to identify the effects of conflict on economic outcomes: the determinants of the distribution of output (or power) and how an individual party's share can be inversely related to its marginal productivity; when settlement in the shadow of conflict and when open conflict can be expected to occur, with longer time horizons capable of inducing conflict instead of settlement; how conflict and appropriation can reduce the appeal of trade; the determinants of alliance formation and the importance of intra-alliance commitments; how dynamic incentives for capital accumulation and innovation are distorted in the presence of conflict; and the role of governance in conflict management.
Effect of Weight Loss, Diet, Exercise, and Bariatric Surgery on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. NAFLD is the most common liver disease in developed countries. Weight reduction of 3% to 5% is associated with improved steatosis; reductions of 5% to 7% are necessary for decreased inflammation; with 7% to 10%, individuals may experience NAFLD/NASH remission and regression of fibrosis. No specific dietary intervention has proven beneficial beyond calorie restriction. Physical activity without weight loss seems to decrease hepatic steatosis. Bariatric surgery is associated with decreased cardiovascular risk and improved overall mortality in addition to reduction in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.
Thiophene-fused borepins as directly functionalizable boron-containing π-electron systems.

Synthetic protocols were developed for the gram-scale preparation of two isomeric dithienoborepins (DTBs), boron-containing polycyclic aromatics featuring the fusion of borepin and thiophene rings. DTBs exhibit reversible cathodic electrochemistry and boron-centered Lewis acidity in addition to enhanced electronic delocalization relative to benzo-fused analogues. Boron’s precise position within the conjugation pathway of DTBs significantly affected electronic structure, most clearly demonstrated by the variation in spectroscopic responses of each isomer to fluoride ion binding. In addition to excellent stability in the presence of air and moisture, DTBs could also be subjected to electrophilic aromatic substitution and metalation chemistry, the latter enabling the direct, regiospecific functionalization of the unsubstituted thiophene rings. Subsequent tuning of molecular properties was achieved through installation of donor and acceptor π-substituents, leading to compounds featuring multistep electrochemi...
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION OF THE EFFECT OF AMINOPHENYLAMIDINES COMPOUNDS,A NEW HELMINTHIC,ON TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS IN MICE

Objective To observe the effect of Aminophenylamidines Compounds (9856) on Trichinella spiralis in mice.Methods Three different dosages of the drug,10 mg/kg,20 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg were given to the infected mice.And four development stages of the worm in mice were observed after the drug treatment.Results The reduction rates of larva on the stage of excystation in intestine were 100% for the three experimental groups,and the reduction rates of worms on adult stages were 76%,91.9% and 97.4%,respectively.For the larva of migration stage in muscles,the reduction rates were 65.5%,74.8% and 92.3%,and for encystation stage were 53.2%,61.5% and 87.8%.Conclusion It indicated that Aminophenylamidines Compounds(9856) has a remarkable effect on Trichinella spiralis in all its four development stages.
Cytokine and nitric oxide production in the acute phase of bacterial cell wall-induced arthritis.

We have investigated the temporal relationship among proinflammatory cytokine expression, nitric oxide (NO) production and joint inflammation in the acute phase of bacterial cell wall-derived peptidoglycan polysaccharide(PG/PS)-induced arthritis. Acute joint inflammation was induced in female LEW/N rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of PG/PS. Arthritis index and paw volume were quantified and joint histopathology was evaluated during acute joint inflammation (0–10 days). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined by bioassay whereas nitric oxide (NO) was quantified by measuring serum nitrate/nitrite levels via the Griess procedure. We found that serum levels of TNF and serum IL-1 preceded the increase in IL-6 and NO production. Furthermore, the production of these proinflammatory cytokines and NO preceded bone erosion and osteoclast activity. Erosion of subchondral bone preceded pannus formation and cellular synovitis in the acute phase of PG/PS-induced arthritis. The temporal expression of TNF, IL-1, IL-6 and NO suggest a cascade of inflammatory mediators in which monocytes and macrophages respond to PG/PS with enhanced synthesis of TNF and IL-1, which may in turn promote the synthesis of IL-6 and NO. We postulate that one or more of these inflammatory events are responsible for initiating the subchondral bone erosion observed in acute joint inflammation.
Changes in dimethylaniline N-oxidase activity of mouse liver and kidney induced by steroid sex hormones.

Activity of the flavin-containing monooxygenase (EC 1.14.13.8, N,N-dimethylaniline N-oxidizing) was measured in liver, kidney, and lung homogenates obtained from control; gonadectomized; and testosterone-, β-estradiol-, and progesterone-pretreated CF-1 mice. The sex-related differences in liver microsomal N-oxidase activity described by Wirth and Thorgeirsson [Biochem. Pharmacol.27:601-603 (1978)] appeared to be due primarily to testosterone repression of the liver enzyme. Activity, low in the adult male, rose significantly upon castration but returned to control levels upon testosterone replacement therapy. Activity of female liver, only marginally affected by ovariectomy, was markedly depressed by testosterone but rose slightly upon progesterone administration. In contrast to liver, testosterone appears to increase the amount of monooxygenase in kidney. Activity in this organ in sexually intact males was depressed by castration or by estradiol administration. The total amount of enzyme also increased following testosterone administration to gonadectomized or sexually intact females. Sex-related differences in lung N-oxidase activities could not be detected, and activity in this organ was not affected by gonadectomy or hormone pretreatment.
Prostaglandin E2 inhibits Na-K-2Cl cotransport in medullary thick ascending limb cells.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is known to inhibit transepithelial Cl transport in medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL), but the mechanism of inhibition or the transport pathway affected has not been ide...
Electrostatic and aerodynamic forced vibrations of a thin flexible electrode: Quasi-periodic vs. chaotic oscillations

In this paper, transverse vibrations of an electrostatically actuated thin flexible cantilever perturbed by low-speed air flow are studied using both experiments and numerical modeling. In the experiments, the dynamic characteristics of the cantilever are studied by supplying a DC voltage with an AC component for electrostatic forcing and a constant uniform air flow around the cantilever system for aerodynamic forcing. A range of control parameters leading to stable vibrations are established using a dimensionless operating parameter that is the ratio of the induced and the free stream velocities. Numerical results are validated with experimental data. Assuming the amplitude of vibrations are small, then a non-linear dynamic Euler-Bernoulli beam equation with viscous damping and gravitational effects is used to model the equation of motion. Aerodynamic forcing is modelled as a temporally sinusoidal and uniform force acting perpendicular to the beam length. The forcing amplitude is found to be proportional to the square of the air flow velocity. Numerical results strongly agree with the experiments predicting accurate vibration amplitude, displacement frequency, and quasi-periodic displacement of the cantilever tip.
Generalizable spatial feature for human positioning based on Bluetooth beacons

Every year smaller, cheaper and more precise technologies for ambient intelligence are emerging. One of them has been particularly gaining a lot of traction in the past few year. Indeed, due to their low cost and long battery life, the so-called Bluetooth beacons are being used for a wide range of applications including indoor localization of human. Our team has been using them to gather statistics about room occupancy in health monitoring. In this paper, we consider the beacons signals as time series and we define a new spatial feature that generalize across any configuration (floor plan, beacons number, etc.). The feature is used to distinguish positioning information from the resident. The results of leave-one-out experiments with various floor plans shows promising results.
Tibetan Singing Prayer Wheel: A Hybrid Musical-Spiritual Instrument Using Gestural Control

This paper presents the Tibetan Singing Prayer Wheel, a hand-held, wireless, sensor-based musical instrument with a human-computer interface that simultaneously processes vocals and synthesizes sound based on the performer_A_s hand gestures with a one-to-many mapping strategy. A physical model simulates the singing bowl, while a modal reverberator and a delay-and-window effect process the performer_A_s vocals. This system is designed for an electroacoustic vocalist interested in using a solo instrument to achieve performance goals that would normally require multiple instruments and activities.
Challenges and Prospects for the Paradigm of Naturalistic Decision Making

This is a report on developments in naturalistic decision making (NDM) with respect to current challenges and prospects discussed at the 2015 NDM International Conference. Emphasis is placed on orienting scientific resources to address the challenges expressed by the Human Systems Priority Steering Council. Participants and presenters at the NDM conference were asked to discuss ways in which the NDM paradigm can be extended and applied to address current and emerging national, international, and societal challenges.
The influence of motivational orientation on the satisfaction of university students

ABSTRACTA common finding in the area of motivation and psychological well-being is that internally motivated individuals exhibit greater levels of happiness than externally motivated individuals. In this paper we answer the question of whether internally or seemingly externally motivated students report higher levels of satisfaction than individuals who are conflicted in their motivations or are amotivated. We show that both seemingly externally motivated individuals and internally motivated individuals report higher levels of happiness than non-motivated individuals or individuals who are conflicted in theirmotivations. These findings are consistent with self-determination theory. These findings are important in recognizing that well internalized external motivations are likely not detrimental to the well-being of undergraduate college students. Aspirations which are consistent, regardless of whether they are internal or seemingly external likely result in higher levels of happiness among university stud...
Destroying the Spectacle in Urban Education

In 2004, rapper Mos Def released an album entitled The New Danger, which stunned many album critics who were expecting the hard-hitting beats and rhymes that were synonymous with traditional rap albums and Mos Def’s previous work. On the album, he experimented with funk, rock, and soul music and covered subject matter that ranged from the commercialization of Hip Hop by corporations to loss and heartbreak.
The Influence of Body Mass Index on Overall Survival Following Surgical Resection of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract Background Population studies suggest that high body mass index (BMI) correlates with a reduced risk for death from lung cancer. The aim of our study was to evaluate definitively the influence of BMI on long-term overall survival (OS) in surgical patients with NSCLC. Methods The study population consisted of 1935 patients who underwent surgical resection for lung cancer at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (2000–2014). Study variables included both patient- and treatment-related characteristics. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with OS. Results On univariate analysis, significant predictors of improved survival were higher BMI, pathologic tumor stage (stage I versus stage II, III, or IV), type of surgical procedure (lobectomy/pneumonectomy versus wedge resection/segmentectomy), younger age, female sex, and adenocarcinoma histologic subtype (versus squamous) (all p 2 ) ( p = 0.05), overweight (BMI ≥ 25 and 2 ) ( p = 0.13), or healthy weight (BMI 2 ) ( p = 0.37) (hazard ratio = 0.727, 0.848, 0.926, and 1, respectively). On multivariate analysis, BMI remained an independent predictor of survival ( p = 0.02). Propensity matching analysis demonstrated significantly better OS ( p = 0.003) in patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m 2 or higher as compared with a BMI of 25 kg/m 2 . Conclusions In this large, retrospective, single-center series, after control for disease stage and other variables, higher BMI was associated with improved OS after surgical resection of NSCLC. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the precise relationship between BMI and treatment outcomes.
Epigenomics and human adaptation to high altitude

Over the past decade, major technological and analytical advancements have propelled efforts toward identifying the molecular mechanisms that govern human adaptation to high altitude. Despite remarkable progress with respect to the identification of adaptive genomic signals that are strongly associated with the “hypoxia-tolerant” physiological characteristics of high-altitude populations, many questions regarding the fundamental biological processes underlying human adaptation remain unanswered. Vital to address these enduring questions will be determining the role of epigenetic processes, or non-sequence-based features of the genome, that are not only critical for the regulation of transcriptional responses to hypoxia but heritable across generations. This review proposes that epigenomic processes are involved in shaping patterns of adaptation to high altitude by influencing adaptive potential and phenotypic variability under conditions of limited oxygen supply. Improved understanding of the interaction between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors holds great promise to provide deeper insight into the mechanisms underlying human adaptive potential, and clarify its implications for biomedical research.
Mouse Models of Mental Illness and Neurological Disease: Huntington s Disease

Publisher Summary Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, genetic disorder that causes progressive degeneration in the central nervous system (CNS). Patients exhibit inexorable decline in motor control and cognitive function, in addition to psychiatric disturbances. The disease, which affects up to 1 in 10,000 people worldwide, is caused by the expansion of a trinucleotide cytosine-adenineguanine (CAG) repeat within exon 1 of the HD gene. Disease onset is usually in midlife and progresses towards death within 20 years. Although some symptoms may be treated, there are currently no effective disease-modifying agents. Animal models of HD have provided insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the disease and have been used widely for preclinical assessment of therapeutic strategies. In HD, several mechanisms are likely implicated in causing neurodegeneration, including metabolic compromise, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and alterations in gene expression. Models of HD in vitro and in vivo have made a significant contribution to the current understanding of HD pathogenesis. Animal models of HD may be broadly divided into two types: those generated by neurotoxic chemical lesions of the striatum and those generated by expression of fragments or full-length mutant htt. Prior to the identification of the underlying genetic mutation in HD, animal models that mimic striatal neuronal cell loss were generated by excitotoxic lesioning of the striatum or metabolic impairment via mitochondrial disruption. Developments in recombinant virus vector technology have facilitated the generation of animal models of HD based on transfer of mutant htt expression constructs into the somatic brain cells of experimental animals. A main purpose for generating mouse models of diseases is to provide a tool for preclinical drug testing of potential therapies. There is currently no treatment that delays onset, slows progression, or reverses the course of HD.
The recovery status from delayed graft function can predict long-term outcome after deceased donor kidney transplantation.

The effect of delayed graft function (DGF) recovery on long-term graft outcome is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association of DGF recovery status with long-term outcome. We analyzed 385 recipients who underwent single kidney transplantation from brain-dead donors between 2004 and 2015. Patients were grouped according to renal function at 1 month post-transplantation: control (without DGF); recovered DGF (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2); and incompletely recovered DGF group (GFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2). DGF occurred in 104 of 385 (27%) recipients. Of the DGF patients, 70 recovered from DGF and 34 incompletely recovered from DGF. Death-censored graft survival rates for control, recovered DGF, and incompletely recovered DGF groups were 95.3%, 94.7%, and 80.7%, respectively, at 5 years post-transplantation (P = 0.003). Incompletely recovered DGF was an independent risk factor for death-censored graft loss (HR = 3.410, 95%CI, 1.114-10.437). DGF was associated with increased risk for patient death regardless of DGF recovery status. Mean GFRs at 5 years were 65.5 ± 20.8, 62.2 ± 27.0, and 45.8 ± 15.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 for control, recovered, and incompletely recovered DGF groups, respectively (P < 0.001). Control group and recovered DGF patients had similar renal outcomes. However, DGF was associated with increased risk for patient death regardless of DGF recovery status.
Predicting algorithm efficacy for adaptive multi-cue source separation

Audio source separation is the process of decomposing a signal containing sounds from multiple sources into a set of signals, each from a single source. Source separation algorithms typically leverage assumptions about correlations between audio signal characteristics (“cues”) and the audio sources or mixing parameters, and exploit these to do separation. We train a neural network to predict quality of source separation, as measured by Signal to Distortion Ratio, or SDR. We do this for three source separation algorithms, each leveraging a different cue - repetition, spatialization, and harmonicity/pitch proximity. Our model estimates separation quality using only the original audio mixture and separated source output by an algorithm. These estimates are reliable enough to be used to guide switching between algorithms as cues vary. Our approach for separation quality prediction can be generalized to arbitrary source separation algorithms.