cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adiponectin alters renal calcium and phosphate excretion through regulation of klotho expression

The kidney controls systemic calcium and phosphate levels and disturbances of its control mechanisms can lead to a variety of diseases. The insulin-sensitizing adipokine adiponectin is renoprotective and accelerates functional recovery following renal injury. However, unlike other adipokines, adiponectin is reduced in obesity. High adiponectin levels are also correlated with bone loss, suggestive of an additional action in mineral metabolism. Using knockout, wild-type, and adiponectin-overexpressing transgenic mice, we sought to identify the mechanistic basis for adiponectin's ability to regulate calcium and phosphate balance at the level of the kidney. Adiponectin knockout mice exhibited lower serum calcium, lower urinary calcium excretion, and markedly lower serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels, although circulating klotho concentrations were significantly higher than in wild-type littermates. The transgenic mice exhibited lower bone mass and strength, particularly compared to adiponectin knockout mice. The transgenic mice were hyper-responsive to a 2% phosphate-enriched diet, exhibiting 2-fold higher serum FGF23 and concomitantly higher fractional phosphate excretion. These mice also excreted more calcium with calcium-enriched diet and had less renal klotho protein expression. In contrast, the knockout mice exhibited a smaller increase in FGF23 and maintained elevated klotho levels on both mineral challenges. Kidney-specific adiponectin expression in doxycycline-inducible adiponectin mice and adiponectin addition in vitro confirmed adiponectin's ability to reduce tubular epithelial cell klotho secretion. Thus, adiponectin alters calcium and phosphate balance and renal mineral excretion, in part, through klotho. This work highlights the profound effects of adipose tissue on renal function and has identified a new mechanism by which adiponectin may regulate bone mass.
Synthesis and bioactivity investigation of quinone-based dimeric cationic triazolium amphiphiles selective against resistant fungal and bacterial pathogens

A series of synthetic dimeric cationic anthraquinone analogs (CAAs) with potent antimicrobial activities against a broad range of fungi and bacteria were developed. These compounds were prepared in 2-3 steps with high overall yield and possess alkyl chain, azole, quinone, and quaternary ammonium complexes (QACs). In vitro biological evaluations reveal prominent inhibitory activities of lead compounds against several drug-susceptible and drug-resistant fungal and bacterial strains, including MRSA, VRE, Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus. Mode of action investigation reveals that the synthesized dimeric CAA's can disrupt the membrane integrity of fungi. Computational studies reveal possible designs that can revive the activity of QACs against drug-resistant bacteria. Cytotoxicity assays in SKOV-3, a cancer cell line, show that the lead compounds are selectively toxic to fungi and bacteria over human cells.
Extending the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) Model to E-Textbook Usage by Students and Instructors

Thesis (Ph.D.)-- Wichita State University, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Dept. of Psychology
Significance of Karyopherin alfa 2 (KPNA2) expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 170 Background: Recently, we identified Karyopherin alpha 2 (KPNA2) expression as a tumor specific gene in esophageal cancer (BBRC 2006). KPNA2, a nuclear transport protein, is known as Importin alpha 1 or RAG cohort 1. In breast cancer, KPNA2 is a prognostic factor and plays a role in the transportation of BRCA1. However, the role of KPNA2 in esophageal cancer has not yet been reported. To evaluate the clinical significance of KPNA2 in esophageal cancer, we examined KPNA2 expression in the esophageal cancer patients. Methods: KPNA2 expression was evaluated in 86 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients who received esophagectomies from 1995 to 2002 by immunohistochemistry, and the results were compared with the clinicopathological findings of the subjects. Results: The patients consisted of 13 in stage1, 17 in stage2a, 20 in stage 2b, 22 in stage 3, 4 in stage 4a, and 10 in stage 4b (UICC pTNM stage). Age was 62.5(+), consisting of 67 males and 19 females. Immunohistochemical staining was done mainly in nuclei but cytoplasm was also occasionally stained. Average staining count of 5 areas of each slide ranged from 6% to 78% (average 34.3%). In 95% of the cases, more than 10% of the tumor cells were stained. In the normal esophageal epithelial cells, KPNA2 was not stained in the layer cells of the basement membrane. Then, KPNA2 expression was classified as follows: The cases with KPNA2 positive expression with less than 30% of the tumor cells (weak expression n=35) and KPNA2 positive expression of more than 30% of the tumor cells (strong expression n=51). Finally, we classified strong KPNA2 expression as KPNA2 positive. KPNA2 positivity tended to be associated with pN factor (p=0.071), however, KPNA2 expression was not associated with other clinicopathological factors of the patients. As a result, the KPNA2 positive patients tended to have a worse prognosis than that of KPNA2 negative patients (Wilcoxon p=0.373), however, multivariate analysis revealed that KPNA2 positivity was not an independent prognostic factor of the patient . Conclusion: Our results suggested that nuclear transportation is activated in esophageal cancer patients. Although 95% of esophageal cancer patients expressed KPNA2 in more than 10% of the tumor cells, KPNA2 was not a prognostic factor of the esophageal cancer patients. However, KPNA2 was not expressed in the layer cells of the basement membrane in normal epithelial cells. Thus, KPNA2 may become a new therapeutic promoter target for esophageal cancer patients.
Psychiatric disorders moderate the relationship between insomnia and cognitive problems in military soldiers.

Abstract Background There has been a great deal of research on the comorbidity of insomnia and psychiatric disorders, but much of the existing data is based on small samples and does not assess the full diagnostic criteria for each disorder. Further, the exact nature of the relationship between these conditions and their impact on cognitive problems are under-researched in military samples. Method Data were collected from the All Army Study of the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Service members (unweighted N = 21, 449; weighted N = 674,335; 18–61 years; 13.5% female). Participants completed the Brief Insomnia Questionnaire to assess for insomnia disorder and a self-administered version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Screening Scales to assess for psychiatric disorders and cognitive problems. Results Military soldiers with current major depressive episode (MDE) had the highest prevalence of insomnia disorder (INS; 85.0%), followed by current generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; 82.6%) and current posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 69.7%), respectively. Significant interactions were found between insomnia and psychiatric disorders; specifically, MDE, PTSD, and GAD status influenced the relationship between insomnia and memory/concentration problems. Limitations: Cross-sectional nature of the assessment and the absence of a comprehensive neurocognitive battery. Conclusion Psychiatric disorders moderated the relationship between insomnia and memory/concentration problems, suggesting that psychiatric disorders contribute unique variance to cognitive problems even though they are associated with insomnia disorder. Results highlight the importance of considering both insomnia and psychiatric disorders in the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive deficits in military soldiers.
A green development model: transnational model-making in China’s small hydropower training programmes

ABSTRACTThe expansion of Chinese overseas investment and aid over the past decade has triggered concern that China is ‘exporting’ an environmentally destructive development model to other countries. Yet China’s foreign aid also includes training programmes in ‘green’ technologies, such as small hydropower (SHP). This paper analyzes the policies, technologies and ideas around green development that these training programmes promote, and their political and commercial benefits for Chinese actors. It frames training courses and the technology transfer activities that follow as transnational model-making in that they situate SHP as a green model that is an aspect of China’s modernization. This helps to improve China’s developmental reputation and promote its SHP industry and water infrastructure.
Organizational Factors Associated With Perceived Quality of Patient Care in Closed Intensive Care Units

Improving patient care quality in intensive care units is increasingly important as intensive care unit services account for a growing proportion of hospital services. Organizational factors associated with quality of patient care in such units have been identified; however, most were examined in isolation, making it difficult to assess the relative importance of each. Furthermore, though most intensive care units now use a closed model, little research has been done in this specific context. To examine the relative importance of organizational factors associated with patient care quality in closed intensive care units. In a national exploratory, cross-sectional study focused on intensive care units at US Veterans Health Administration acute care hospitals, unit directors were surveyed about nurse and physician staffing, work resources and training, patient care coordination, rounding, and perceptions of patient care quality. Administrative records yielded data on patient volume and facility teaching status. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and regression modeling were used for data analysis. Sixty-nine completed surveys from directors of closed intensive care units were returned. Regression model results showed that better patient care coordination (β = 0.43; P = .01) and having adequate work resources (β = 0.26; P = .02) were significantly associated with higher levels of patient care quality in such units (R2 = 0.22). Augmenting work resources and/or focusing limited hospital resources on improving patient care coordination may be the most productive ways to improve patient care quality in closed intensive care units. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2017;26:401-407)
Designing for Adult Learners’ Metacognitive Development and Narrative Identity

Adult learners are often aware of their thinking and learning strategies but tend to need more support in self-regulation, especially when challenged with self-paced learning situations and online learning environments. This research shows how social and persuasive design elements in learning environments can support learners’ metacognitive development, in which narrative identities are a key factor.
Post-acute Care for Patients with Heart Failure

Patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) frequently require post-acute care (PAC) services after discharge. This review highlights recent updates on HF patient demographics, risk predictors for adverse outcomes, and management strategies for patients with HF in post-acute care settings, particularly within skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and home health care (HHC). PAC is increasingly utilized for older patients who require ongoing intensive services in order to achieve physical or medical stability after a hospitalization for HF. Patients admitted to SNF and/or HHC frequently have multiple comorbid illnesses and suffer from functional and/or cognitive impairment. These patients are particularly vulnerable to adverse events, including rehospitalization or mortality. Deficits in transitional care, lack of standardized disease management protocols in PAC, and the higher complexity of comorbid illness in this population contribute to their poor outcomes. Legislative initiatives have emphasized improving the quality and efficiency of care delivery in PAC. Interventions that improve care transitions, delivery of care within SNFs, and patient education have shown promise in improving outcomes. Patients with HF in PAC have high medical acuity and need consistent and focused HF care to improve outcomes. Transitions between the hospital and PAC are a perilous time for these patients and new innovative practices of care are promising.
Strengthening the Tie: Creating Exchange Relationships That Encourage Employee Advocacy as an Organizational Citizenship Behavior:

This study investigates the communication elements within organizations that enhance social exchanges and influence an individual’s willingness to spread positive information about their employer. ...
Acute Pancreatitis: A Multifaceted Set of Organelle and Cellular Interactions

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the exocrine pancreas associated with tissue injury and necrosis. The disease can be mild, involving only the pancreas, and resolve spontaneously within days or severe, with systemic inflammatory response syndrome–associated extrapancreatic organ failure and even death. Importantly, there are no therapeutic agents currently in use that can alter the course of the disease. This article emphasizes emerging findings that stressors (environmental and genetic) that cause acute pancreatitis initially cause injury to organelles of the acinar cell (endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and endolysosomal–autophagy system), and that disorders in the functions of the organelles lead to inappropriate intracellular activation of trypsinogen and inflammatory pathways. We also review emerging work on the role of damage-associated molecular patterns in mediating the local and systemic inflammatory response in addition to known cytokines and chemokine pathways. In the review, we provide considerations for correction of organelle functions in acute pancreatitis to create a discussion for clinical trial treatment and design options.
Management of Hyponatremia in End-Stage Liver Disease

The proper diagnosis of hyponatremia is a vital component of the perioperative care of liver transplant patients, as hyponatremia is common among patients with end-stage liver disease. The general recommendation for the treatment of chronic hyponatremia is to limit the speed of correction. Unfortunately, the peri-transplantation period is often punctuated by large fluctuations in serum sodium concentration, which increases the risk of neurologic complications and osmotic demyelination syndrome. Consequently, the therapeutic goals and management strategies for hyponatremia vary greatly between the pre-transplantation, intraoperative, and post-transplantation periods. In this chapter, the definition, prognosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of hyponatremia in patients with cirrhosis are reviewed.
Testing terror management health model and integrating its predictions with the theory of psychological reactance

Two experiments (Nstudy1 = 203; Nstudy2 = 177), using STD prevention messages and a 2 (mortality: salient, control) × 2 (freedom threat: high, low) design, tested the Terror Management Health Model...
Study on Diagnostic Values of Astrocyte Elevated Gene 1 (AEG-1) and Glypican 3 (GPC-3) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Objectives To investigate the diagnostic potential of AEG-1 and GPC-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods AEG-1 and GPC-3 immunohistochemistry were performed on HCC, adjacent nontumor tissue (ANT), and dysplastic nodules (DN). Results H score of AEG-1 or GPC-3 in HCC was significantly higher than in ANT or DN. In HCC, 92% and 54% showed AEG-1 and GPC-3 positivity, respectively. In ANT, 16.2% were AEG-1 and 7.6% GPC-3 positive. AEG-1 staining was mostly diffuse, whereas GPC-3 frequently showed focal staining. AEG-1 alone showed high sensitivity but low specificity and accuracy. GPC-3, on the other hand, showed high specificity but low sensitivity and accuracy. Combination of both stains boosted the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy to 94.6%, 89.5%, and 90.5%, respectively, when only diffuse staining was considered as positive. Conclusions AEG-1 or GPC-3 alone seemed not an ideal marker for HCC. The combination of AEG-1 and GPC-3 might improve early diagnosis of HCC.
Bounding trust under uncertain topology information in reputation-based trust systems

Reputation-based trust evaluation relies on the feedback of an entity's past interactions to estimate its trustworthiness for future behavior. Past work commonly assumes that all the information needed in trust evaluation is always available, which, unfortunately, often does not hold in practice, due to a variety of reasons. A key problem is thus to study the quality of trust evaluation in the presence of incomplete information. In this paper, we investigate techniques to bound the output of a trust evaluation under uncertain graph topologies of a reputation system. We present a rigorous formalism of the problem, and establish connections between uncertain topology information and missing feedback information through a property called edge reducibility. We show that the trust bounding problem can be efficiently solved if a trust function is edge reducible.
End-of-Life Communication

Effective end-of-life (EOL) communication between pediatric oncology providers and child and family members is essential to minimizing unnecessary additional distress and to maximizing quality of life as care goals shift from curative-focused to comfort and end-of-life (EOL) care. EOL communication is information-sharing among children, family members, and health care providers regarding the child’s illness, prognosis, and goals of care as the child transitions to the end of his/her life. Information-sharing comprises components of communication and types of communication within the context of the child’s and family’s lifestyle and culture. Communication experiences that occur at the diagnosis of cancer and early in the ill child’s illness trajectory can leave a lasting imprint and shape future communication experiences. Research indicates that offering the ill child, when appropriate, and family members the opportunity to engage in information-sharing that is direct, open, honest, and caring, optimal short- and long-term outcomes related to goal-concordant and high-quality care and bereavement are achieved. Health care providers are key participants and often the drivers of information-sharing with children and family members about the child’s condition. However, research demonstrates that pediatric oncology providers can struggle with barriers to promoting effective EOL communication. This chapter summarizes the scientific foundation related to EOL communication in pediatric oncology and includes recommendations for clinical practice to achieve optimal communication outcomes during EOL.
Differences Between Science and Engineering Undergraduate Students’ Perceived Support: Exploring the Potential of College Profiles

This work-in-progress research paper stems from a larger project where we are developing and gathering validity evidence for an instrument to measure undergraduate students’ perceptions of support in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The refinement of our instrument functions to extend, operationalize, and empirically test the model of co-curricular support (MCCS). The MCCS is a conceptual framework of student support that explains how a student’s interactions with the professional, academic and social systems within a college could influence their success more broadly in an undergraduate STEM degree program. Our goal is to create an instrument that functions diagnostically to help colleges effectively allocate resources for the various financial, physical, and human capital support provided to undergraduate students in STEM. While testing the validity of our newly developed instrument, an analysis of the data revealed differences in perceived support among College of Engineering (COE) and College of Science (COS) students. In this work-in-progress paper, we examine these differences at one institution using descriptive statistics and Welch’s t-tests to identify trends and patterns of support among different student groups.
Factors Associated With Patient Satisfaction After Nasal Breathing Surgery.

This cohort study examines subjective patient-reported outcomes after nasal breathing surgery and identifies factors associated with patients’ perception of the procedure’s value.
“Be a Gutsy Girl!”: Essentialism in Success-at-Work Books for Women

This article examines how essentialism is depicted in recent popular press “success-at-work” books that are marketed for women. Our qualitative content analysis of fourteen advice books published from 2013 to 2018 identifies the subtle, yet powerful, messages about how men and women supposedly “are” and the depictions of men and women at work. We find a persistent tension in the advice that relies on two types of essentialism in this success discourse: (1) women are deficient, and, simultaneously, (2) women have unique strengths. We argue that these contradictory depictions of essentialism are embedded in the organizational logic of workplaces and bolster gendered ideal worker norms in the new economy. We discuss the implications of these conflicting representations and speculate about their impact and consequences for eradicating gender inequality at work.
Women’s bargaining power and contraception use in post-Soviet Tajikistan

This article aims to examine the relationship between women’s household bargaining power and their adoption of modern contraception in post-Soviet Tajikistan using the 2012 Demographic and Health S...
Sleep Duration during Pregnancy using an Activity Tracking Device

Objective The aim of this study was to describe sleep duration across gestation in women who wore an activity-tracking device (ATD) during pregnancy, and to study the association between sleep duration and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes Study Design Women ≥ 18 years old who owned a smartphone were approached to participate in 2016 to 2017. Participants received instructions to wear and sync an ATD daily. Steps, sedentary hours, and sleep duration were wirelessly transmitted via cellular technology. We measured sleep duration for the main episode of sleep and excluded sleep times Results The majority of 94 participants self-reported minority racial–ethnic status (33% non-Hispanic black and 51% Hispanic), had government insurance (83%), were nulliparous (61%), and had pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity (56%). The mean (standard deviation) duration of sleep was 7.2 ± 2.4 hours per 24 hours. In mixed models analyses, gestational age was statistically significantly associated with mean hours of sleep (β = −0.02; 95% confidence interval: −0.04 to −0.01; p 0.05 for all comparisons. Conclusion The mean sleep duration was 7.2 ± 2.4 hours among the 94 women in this cohort and decreased with advancing gestational age. Further research is required to evaluate sleep measurements with ATD in pregnant women and how sleep duration and quality is related to maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Psychobiosocial states in competitive badminton: Similarities and differences between juniors, adolescents and adults

Emotions affect the way elite athletes respond during competitive play. Elite athletes who identify and regulate emotions can increase their consistency and optimize high quality play. This cross-sectional study examined the extent to which psychobiosocial states of elite badminton players vary by age. Ninety-one elite badminton players in three age groups (lower juniors, upper juniors, and adults) rated their post-play perceptions on eight components of psychobiosocial states (Bortoli, et al., 2008) for both their best and worst performance during the tournament. Descriptive statistics assessed the relative strength of emotions on each item and an analysis of variance examined differences between the three groups. Age differences were found in the perception of the psychobiosocial states in competitive badminton matches in terms of most identified states and intensity. The findings inform coaches’ understanding athlete's individual zone of optimal function (IZOF) and can help them cope with psychobiosocial states during matches.
Preparing for the Hybridization of the Accounting Profession: A CISA Boot Camp Case Study

ABSTRACT Fortune Magazine (2019) recently touted technology as reshaping the future, resulting in the hybridization of more than 250 occupations. Within the accounting profession, Robert Half (2018...
On Cosmological Evolution with the Λ-term and any Linear Equation of State

Recent observational indications of an accelerating universe enhance the interest in studying models with a cosmological constant. We investigate cosmological expansion (FRW metric) with Λ > 0 for a general linear equation of state p = wp, w > -1, so that the interplay between cosmological vacuum and quintessence is allowed, as well. Four closed-form solutions (flat universe with any w, and w = 1/3 , -1/3 , -2/3 ) are given, in a proper compact representation. Various estimates of the expansion are presented in a general case when no closed-form solutions are available. For the open universe a simple relation between solutions with different parameters is established: it turns out that a solution with some w and (properly scaled) Λ is expressed algebraically via another solution with special different values of these parameters. The expansion becomes exponential at large times, and the amplitude at the exponent depends on the parameters. We study this dependence in detail, deriving various representations...
Effects of an After-School Program Focused on Physical Activity and Social–Emotional Learning

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of a 4-week, physical activity-infused social–emotional and character development (SECD) intervention on students’ self-perceptions. Children (N=29) identified as “at risk” (The Great Schools Partnership, 2013) in Grades 2 through 5 who were enrolled in an after-school program participated in the study. A quasi-experimental design was used as children were placed into 2 groups at each after-school program (ASP) site. Data collection included student completion of the Social Emotional Learning Scale (SELS) prior to the intervention and the Social-Emotional Character Development Scale (SECD) pre- and post-intervention. A 2 x 2 repeated measures analysis of covariance (RM-ANCOVA) was used to evaluate main effects and interactions among the independent variables (group and time) on the dependent variable (SECDS). Several covariates were also accounted for when analyzing differences including grade, gender, and students’ baseline trait scores on the SELS. Although no statistical interactions were found, the trend in the data across the groups and grades does provide information for the impact and feasibility of this type of program. More research is needed including interventions with longer duration and studies with larger sample sizes.
The power of advertising in society: does advertising help or hinder consumer well-being?

Good marketers see consumers as complete human beings with all the dimensions real people have.Jonah SachsSince its inception, advertising has spawned criticism because of the questionable motivati...
Brain–Computer Interfaces in Neurorecovery and Neurorehabilitation

Recent advances in brain-computer interface technology to restore and rehabilitate neurologic function aim to enable persons with disabling neurologic conditions to communicate, interact with the environment, and achieve other key activities of daily living and personal goals. Here we evaluate the principles, benefits, challenges, and future directions of brain-computer interfaces in the context of neurorehabilitation. We then explore the clinical translation of these technologies and propose an approach to facilitate implementation of brain-computer interfaces for persons with neurologic disease.
Adverse childhood experiences amplify the longitudinal associations of adult daily stress and health

Abstract Background and objective The long-term negative impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is now well-recognized; however, little research has explored the link between ACEs and daily stress processes in adulthood. The current study aimed to examine the effect of ACEs in the association between daily stressor exposure and daily negative affect, and whether such associations would predict long-term health and well-being. Methods Using data from the National Study of Daily Experiences 2 (NSDE 2) and the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) studies, multilevel moderated mediation analyses were conducted to account for daily measurements nested within individuals. We tested whether the indirect effect of daily stressor exposure on prospective chronic health conditions and prospective depressive symptoms through daily negative affect would differ by adults' levels of ACEs. Results We found significant positive associations between daily stressor exposure and daily negative affect at both the within- and between-person levels. Between-person daily negative affect was, in turn, associated with more chronic health conditions and higher depressive symptoms ten years later. This indirect effect was stronger for adults with high ACEs compared to those with low ACEs. Conclusions The current study demonstrated that a history of ACEs may exacerbate the negative health effects of daily stress processes over time. Programs focusing on coping with daily stressors and resilience may benefit adults with ACEs and promote their health and well-being.
An Imitation-Based Approach to Modeling Homogenous Agents Societies

The present paper concentrates on one modeling approach for homogenous societies of agents in a given environment. It is an extension of the existing Interactivist-Expectative Theory on Agency and Learning to multiagent environments. The uniagent theory's key phrases are expectancy and learning through interactions with the environment. Motivated by the research done in the domain of imitation in humans, this paper introduces learning by imitation through interaction between akin agents. The social consequences of such an environment from the perspective of learning and emergence of language are discussed as well.
Radiation damage in BaF 2 crystals

Summary form only given. The effects of radiation damage and recovery have been studied in BaF/sub 2/ crystals exposed to /sup 60/Co radiation. The change in optical transmission and scintillation light output has been measured as a function of dose up to 4.7*10/sup 6/ rad. Although some crystals exhibit a small change in transmission, a greater change in scintillation light output is observed. Several 25-cm-long crystals have been irradiated which show large changes in both transmission and light output. Recovery from radiation damage has been studied as a function of time and exposure to UV light. A long-lived radiation-induced phosphorescence has been observed in all irradiated samples which is distinct from the standard fast and slow scintillation emissions. The emission spectrum of the phosphorescence has been measured and shows a peak at approximately 330 nm, near the region of the slow scintillation component. >
The core model up to a woodin cardinal

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an exposition of the current state of core model theory, and in particular, of the core model theory for large cardinals up to a Woodin cardinal. The existence of a Woodin cardinal is equiconsistent with the axiom of determinacy for Σ 1 2 formulas, and that the existence of infinitely many Woodin cardinals is equiconsistent with the full axiom of determinacy. This work has led to major advances in core model theory. It has provided an additional impetus to the study of cardinals small enough that a core model theory is practical at the present time, while on the other hand, it has provided new tools together with a new understanding of some of the older tools. “The true core model” is a model, denoted by K, which contains all of the large cardinal structure existing in the universe, but which is, at the same time, as much as possible like the constructible sets L. The existence of this model is speculative, but K is known to exist under appropriate assumptions restricting the size of large cardinals existing in the universe. The results discussed in the chapter imply that it exists under the assumption that there is no Woodin cardinal together with a further technical assumption.
Utilitiy accrual scheduling with Real-Time Java

Graceful performance degradation during overload conditions is the primary objective of soft real-time systems. Utility accrual soft real-time scheduling algorithms allow specification of highly customized temporal system behavior during overload. Such algorithms are typically found in real-time supervisory systems where significant run-time uncertainty exists. This paper outlines an investigation of several utility accrual scheduling algorithms implemented in a Real-Time Java (RTJ) environment. These alternate schedulers are constructed, tested, and evaluated under the MIT FLEX/RTJ Compiler Infrastructure. The scheduling framework for this environment and its associated scheduling primitives are described and the corresponding performance characteristics are profiled. Furthermore, we outline the architecture of an experimental distributed Real-time Java scheduler.
Purification, Primary Structure Characterization, and Cellular Distribution of Two Forms of Cellular Retinol-binding Protein, Type II from Adult Rat Small Intestine

Abstract Cellular retinol-binding protein type II (CRBP(II)) is a major protein in the small intestine, accounting for more than 1% of the soluble protein recovered from rat jejunal mucosa. Two forms of the protein, called CRBP(II)A and CRBP(II)B, were purified from rat small intestine using a three-column procedure. The two forms were present in equal abundance. The primary structures of CRBP(II)A and CRBP(II)B were determined using a combination of techniques including amino acid composition and sequence analyses, and fast atom bombardment and gas chromatography-electron impact mass spectrometry. The primary structures of both proteins were found to be identical, but they differed in their NH2-terminal processing. CRBP(II)B was acetylated at its NH2 terminus, while CRBP(II)A was not. The results also confirmed the amino acid sequence of CRBP(II)A that was deduced from the cDNA sequence by Li et al. (Li, E., Demmer, L. A., Sweetser, D. A., Ong, D. E., and Gordon, J. I. (1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83, 5770-5783). Antibodies capable of distinguishing between the two forms of CRBP(II) were used for immunohistochemical studies which indicated that the organ and cellular distributions of the two forms were identical. The 50% acetylation observed here in vivo fits the pattern predicted by recent in vitro studies which described the effect of NH2-terminal sequence on cotranslational NH2-terminal processing of cytosolic proteins (Boissel, J. P., Kasper, T. J., and Bunn, H. F. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 8443-8449). Our results provide a basis for investigating the possibility of different roles of CRBP(II)A and CRBP(II)B within cells, as well as the importance of acetylation of the amino terminus for these biological functions.
Molecular pathology of liver diseases

Molecular Basis of Hepatic Physiology.- Gross and Cellular Anatomy of the Liver.- Liver Zonation.- Hepatocytes.- Biliary Epithelial Cells.- Stellate Cells.- Kupffer Cells.- Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells.- Carbohydrate Metabolic Functions of the Liver.- Protein Metabolic Functions of the Liver.- Fat Metabolic Functions of the Liver.- Detoxification Functions of the Liver.- Synthetic Functions of the Liver.- Bilirubin Metabolism.- Bile Acid Metabolism.- Liver Development.- Transcriptional Control of Hepatic Differentiation.- Liver Regeneration.- Liver Stem Cells.- Apoptosis and Necrosis.- Hepatic Fibrosis and Cirrhosis.- Ischemia-reperfusion Injury.- Fatty Liver.- Cholestasis.- Portal Hypertension.- Inflammation.- Oxidative Stress.- NAFLD.- ALD.- Viral Hepatitis.- Autoimmune Hepatitis.- Toxic Liver Injury.- Wilson's Disease.- Hemochromatosis.- Glycogen Storage Diseases.- al-Antitrypsin Deficiency.- Hepatic Artery Obstruction.- Portal Vein Obstruction.- Hepatic Vein Thrombosis.- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis.- Benign Hepatic Tumors.- Benign Biliary Tumors.- Experimental Carcinogenesis.- Cancer Stem Cells.- Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma.- Fibrolamellar Variant of HCC.- Metastatic Diseases to the Liver.- Cholangiocarcinoma.- Molecular Pathology of Extrahepatic Bile Ducts and Gall Bladder.- Developmental Disorders of the Extrahepatic Bile Duct.- Choledocholithiasis, Cholangitis, Gallstones.- and Cholecystitis.- Carcinoma of Extrahepatic Bile Duct.- Gall Bladder Neoplasms.- Index.
Head Pose Computation for Very Low Bit-rate Video Coding

In this paper we examine the problem of determining 3D human head pose from a sequence of 2D grey scale images. Computation of head pose is vital in many areas of human head modeling and applications include model-based video compression, face recognition, 3D head tracking, and Human Computer Intelligent Interaction (HCII). A significant amount of research has been done in the general area of 3D object alignment for recognition and modeling purposes with much of the work concentrating on applying techniques to simple polyhedral objects such as cubes or polyhedrons. We take these techniques a step further and apply them to grey scale images of human heads using a set of distinguishing facial features. Using at least 3 of these features visible in each 2D image, we compute the pose relative to a given 3D model. We optimize the selection of feature points by minimizing the error in mapping the remaining points with the computed pose. The results we obtain for a wide range of head orientations and scales proved to be quite accurate. In addition, the computational efficiency of the system is high enough to be used in real-time head tracking or a model-based video coding system.
Determining the Main Idea: Instructional Strategies That Work

The ability to identify the main idea through close reading of informational text is a higher-level skill students develop in elementary grades as a foundation for the acquisition of other critical...
Wear effects on microstructural features of amorphous-carbon thin films

Amorphous-carbon thin films used as protective coatings for magnetic hard disks were subjected to wear by full-sized alumina-titanium carbide sliders. The associated microstructural changes were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Raman spectroscopy did not detect structural differences between worn and unworn regions. However, TEM micrographs directly showed structural differences between worn and unworn regions, and indicated increased graphitic content. For comparison, unworn carbon samples were annealed and analyzed. The annealed unworn carbon films showed structural changes similar to those of worn samples. This paper presents the experiments and the correlation between the temperature and microstructure of the films, and proposes a wear mechanism.
Doppler echocardiographic flow velocity measurements in the superior vena cava during the valsalva maneuver in normal subjects

Abstract The hemodynamic manifestations of the Valsalva maneuver are in part the result of changes in the venous return accompanying changes in intrathoracic pressure. Doppler echocardiography was performed during Valsalva maneuver in 13 normal subjects. Superior vena cave flow velocities and flow velocity integrals were measured in all 13 subjects. In the 5 subjects in whom the superior vena cava was clearly visualized throughout the maneuver, vane cava diameter was also analyzed. The superior vena cava flow velocity integral at rest was 17 ± 2 cm. It diminished significantly, disappeared or reversed (-13 ± 6 cm, p
Low serum α-fetoprotein level and sex chromosome monosomy

A case of 45,X karyotype in association with low maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein levels is reported. Previous cases of trisomy have been linked to low alpha-fetoprotein levels. Cases of sex chromosome aneuploidy may be included in the group of aneuploidies with low levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein.
Coated vesicles from developing and adult rat skeletal muscles contain multiple molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase.

The main purpose of this work was to determine which of the multiple isoforms of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) are associated with clathrin-coated vesicles (CVs) from developing and adult rat skeletal muscles. CV-enriched preparations were obtained by subcellular fractionation/equilibrium sedimentation and further purified by immunoadsorption to anti-clathrin IgG-coated Staphylococcus aureus cells. Analysis of individual AChE isoforms by velocity sedimentation ultracentrifugation showed that (a) while both globular (G-forms) and asymmetric (A-forms) AChE were detected in all subcellular fractions evaluated, the CV-enriched fraction contained a higher proportion of A-forms (mainly the A12 species); (b) most of the AChE activity contained in such a CV fraction was recovered following immunoadsorption; (c) alkaline extraction conditions (pH 8.5) which depolymerize clathrin were necessary to detect a large proportion of A-forms in both the CV-enriched and immunoprecipitated preparations, while most of the G-forms (especially G1 + G2 AChE) were detected following extraction at pH 6.8; and (d) comparison of AChE isoform profiles from neonate and adult muscle CV-enriched fractions showed a greater concentration of A-forms in the former. These data suggest that considerable amounts of A12 and, to a lesser extent, G4 AChE are sequestered within muscle CVs which may be destined for the plasmalemma. Our findings also indicate that the relative proportions of AChE isoenzymes in rat muscle CVs vary according to the extent of muscle development and lend support to the contention that CVs participate in the externalization of functionally important AChE isoenzymes.
Hypothalamic Melanocortin Receptors and Chronic Regulation of Arterial Pressure and Renal Function

This study examined control of cardiovascular and renal function during chronic melanocortin-3/4 receptor (MC3/4-R) activation or inhibition. Arterial and venous catheters were implanted in Sprague-Dawley rats for measurements of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) 24 h/d and for intravenous infusions, and the lateral ventricle was cannulated for chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions. In experiment 1, after a 5-day control period, rats were administered the MC3/4-R agonist MTII (n=7, 10 ng/h ICV) or 0.9% saline (n=6, ICV) for 14 days, followed by a 5-day recovery period. In experiment 2, after a 5-day control period, rats were administered the MC3/4-R antagonist SHU-9119 (n=7, 1 nmol/h ICV) or 0.9% saline vehicle (n=7, ICV), or pair-fed during SHU-9119 infusion (n=5, 1 nmol/h ICV) for 12 days, followed by a 5-day recovery period. MC4-R activation transiently decreased food intake from 23±1 to 10±2 g/d. Despite the hypophagia, MC3/4-R activation increased MAP by 7±1 mm Hg. MC3/4-R inhibition for 12 days increased food intake from 21±1 to 35±4 g/d, decreased HR by 53±11 bpm, and caused no change in MAP despite the marked weight gain. In rats that were pair-fed to prevent increased food intake, MC3/4-R inhibition further decreased HR (−87±9 bpm), whereas MAP was unchanged. Thus, chronic hypothalamic MC3/4-R activation raises arterial pressure despite decreased food intake, whereas MC3/4-R inhibition causes marked weight gain without raising arterial pressure. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that an intact hypothalamic MC3/4-R may be necessary for excess weight gain to raise arterial pressure.
Poppy Acid: Synthesis and Crystal Chemistry

It had long ago been reported that poppy acid crystals encapsulate and orient a great variety of molecules during solution growth and in so doing seem to egregiously violate the principle of isomorphism. To comprehend this surprising host−guest chemistry, and exploit it for measuring anisotropic molecular properties, we attempted to carry out the oft-used literature synthesis of poppy acid, (3-hydroxy-2,6-dicarboxy-γ-pyrone), but discovered that the standard procedures did not produce the title compound. We instead obtained a constitutional isomer as the potassium salt of 2-oxaloate-3-hydroxy-5-carboxyfuran. Therefore, we designed and carried out the first total synthesis of poppy acid. It crystallizes as either of two polymorphs, an orthorhombic form (Pbca) and a monoclinic form (C2/c), both characterized by weakly bonded layers consistent with perfect cleavages. The great majority of the dyes tested, 15 of 19, produced poppy acid crystals colored in particular growth sectors displaying strong linear dic...
Use of custom Dacron branch grafts for “hybrid” aortic debranching during endovascular repair of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

Objectives A significant number of patients with thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms are unsuitable for endovascular repair owing to the absence of graft seal zones. "Hybrid" techniques, including open aortic debranching procedures, allow creation of proximal and/or distal landing zones and expand the potential applications of endovascular repair. We report our experience with aortic arch and thoracoabdominal debranching using custom fabricated Dacron branch grafts, which greatly simplify aortic debranching by providing inflow via a single anastomosis and incorporate a side arm for introduction of the stent graft. Methods Between November 14, 2005, and December 18, 2006, a total of 53 thoracic endograft procedures were performed at our institution. Of these, 13 (25%) involved either open aortic arch or abdominal debranching to create proximal or distal landing zones for endovascular repair. Patients undergoing arch debranching (n = 7) had aneurysms involving the transverse arch with less than 2 cm of proximal landing zone distal to the innominate artery, necessitating stent graft coverage of both the innominate and left common carotid arteries. Patients undergoing complete abdominal debranching (n = 6) had either thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (extent II, n=1; extent V, n=3) or visceral button false aneurysms after prior open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (n = 2). In all cases, endovascular aneurysm exclusion was performed at the same operation. Results Mean patient age was 63 ± 11 years (range 46-83 years); all patients had significant comorbidities, including prior open aortic surgery in 8 (62%). There were no perioperative (30 day) deaths and no permanent neurologic deficits, either cerebrovascular accident or paraparesis/paraplegia. At a mean follow-up of 7.5 ± 6.0 months, there has been no late mortality and all debranching bypass grafts remain patent without need for further intervention. Computed tomographic scans demonstrate no type I or III endoleaks, and all aneurysms are thrombosed with stable (n = 4) or decreasing aortic dimensions (n = 9). Conclusions "Hybrid" aortic debranching using custom fabricated Dacron branch grafts with a single inflow source combined with endovascular aneurysm exclusion appears to be a safe alternative to conventional open repair for thoracoabdominal and arch aneurysms and avoids the need for cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamping. This technique may be ideally suited to patients with significant comorbidity or prior open aortic surgery. Longer term follow-up is needed to determine the durability of this approach.