cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Obesity and cancer: A mechanistic overview of metabolic changes in obesity that impact genetic instability

Obesity, defined as a state of positive energy balance with a body mass index exceeding 30 kg/m2 in adults and 95th percentile in children, is an increasing global concern. Approximately one-third of the world's population is overweight or obese, and in the United States alone, obesity affects one in six children. Meta-analysis studies suggest that obesity increases the likelihood of developing several types of cancer, and with poorer outcomes, especially in children. The contribution of obesity to cancer risk requires a better understanding of the association between obesity-induced metabolic changes and its impact on genomic instability, which is a major driving force of tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss how molecular changes during adipose tissue dysregulation can result in oxidative stress and subsequent DNA damage. This represents one of the many critical steps connecting obesity and cancer since oxidative DNA lesions can result in cancer-associated genetic instability. In addition, the by-products of the oxidative degradation of lipids (e.g., malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal, and acrolein), and gut microbiota-mediated secondary bile acid metabolites (e.g., deoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid), can function as genotoxic agents and tumor promoters. We also discuss how obesity can impact DNA repair efficiency, potentially contributing to cancer initiation and progression. Finally, we outline obesity-related epigenetic changes and identify the gaps in knowledge to be addressed for the development of better therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity-related cancers.
Harnessing Progress in Psychiatric Genetics to Advance Population Mental Health.

Advances in genomics and neuroscience have ushered in unprecedented opportunities to increase our understanding of the biological underpinnings of mental disorders, yet there has been limited progr...
Knowledge Graph Programming with a Human-in-the-Loop: Preliminary Results

In this paper we introduce knowledge graph programming, a new method for writing extremely succinct programs. This method allows programmers to save work by writing programs that are brief but also underspecified and underconstrained; a human-in-the-loop "data compiler" then automatically fills in missing values without the programmer's explicit help. It uses modern data quality mechanisms such as information extraction, data integration, and crowdsourcing. The language encourages users to mention knowledge graph entities in their programs, thus enabling the data compiler to exploit the extensive factual and type structure present in modern KGs. We describe the knowledge graph programming user experience, explain its conceptual steps and data model, describe our prototype KGP system, and present some preliminary experimental results.
Vulvar and gluteal manifestations of Crohn disease.

A 37-year-old woman presented with recurring painful swelling and erythema of the vulva over the last year. Despite a series of negative vaginal cultures, she was prescribed multiple courses of antifungal and antibacterial treatments, while her symptoms continued to worsen. She had no other relevant
ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ANALYSES OF RABBIT NICTITATING MEMBRANE CONDITIONING

Publisher Summary Analyzing the neurobiological substrates of conditioning in mammalian brain is a broad problem area, which can be approached in a variety of ways. To define this research problem more specifically, the formation of the tone-signaled nictitating membrane (NM) conditioned reflex in rabbit has been chosen as a behavioral system for analysis. Cochlear nucleus and auditory cortex, components of the afferent portion of the reflex arc, have been examined. The chapter discusses the series of behavioral, neuroanatomical, and neurophysiological studies of rabbit NM conditioning. It is essential to locate the regions linking the tone CS and the air puff US to cause the NM CR. A systematic anatomical, neurophysiological, and behavioral analysis seems appropriate for the analytic task. Considering the formation of the NM conditioned reflex arc as a problem in sensorimotor integration for the rabbit should be productive for the understanding of the anatomical and physiological bases of learning.
Innovative Language Teaching and Learning at University: Integrating Informal Learning into Formal Language Education

The edited book Innovative Language Teaching and Learning at University: Integrating Informal Learning into Formal Language Education, built on the 2017 Innovative Language Teaching and Learning at University conference (InnoConf), collected chapters with the theme: “Integrating informal learning into formal language education” (p. 3). Focusing on the exploration of innovative technologies for the purpose of language learning, the editors present a variety of approaches, including online courses, Wikipedia, social networking apps, online learning platforms, game-based tasks, video-based support, and Twitter. Based on the aims of the articles, the editors organized the chapters into two sections, with the first section addressing users’ feelings about these technologies and the second section addressing users’ evaluations of the technologies. The third section is an interview between the editor Tita Beaven and Richard Simcott, a founder of the Polyglot Conference. The interview emphasizes the importance of learning languages in informal ways.
Septum Pellucidum Chronic Encapsulated Hematoma With Osseous Metaplasia Mimicking Recurrent Astrocytoma and Shunt-Related Foreign Body Granuloma.

We present a very rare case of chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematoma involving the septum pellucidum and the foramen of Monro that by location radiological appearance, and clinical history was mimicking a recurrent astrocytoma or a shunt-related foreign body granuloma. A young adult underwent the resection of a juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma as a child, and with a mass encasing the tip of an old non-functioning ventricular catheter, the differential diagnosis of shunt-related foreign body granuloma versus recurrent low-grade glioma was raised. Although chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematomas have been reported in the literature, the anatomical location of the lesion in the presented case was unique, with radiological and history findings also posing a peculiar diagnostic challenge. Chronic encapsulated intracerebral hematomas are benign entities that may also be found to involve deep and midline supra-tentorial structures usually not prone to spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhages. When symptomatic, surgical resection of the hematoma can be both diagnostic and curative.
Taegeuk Warriors with Blue Eyes: A Media Discourse Analysis of the South Korean Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey Team and Its Naturalized Athletes:

This study examines media discourses of the naturalized athletes of the South Korean men’s national ice hockey team. Building on the conceptual frameworks of imagined community, ethnic nationalism,...
Effect of Sequential and Simultaneous Patching Regimens in Unilateral Amblyopia.

Purpose Many clinicians treat unilateral amblyopia with glasses alone and initiate patching when needed; others start glasses and patching simultaneously. In this study, we reviewed the outcomes of the two approaches at our institution. Design Retrospective nonrandomized clinical trial. Methods Setting: Institutional practice. Patient population: All patients diagnosed with amblyopia at Boston Children's Hospital between 2010 and 2014. Inclusion criteria: Unilateral amblyopia (visual acuity (VA) 20/40 to 20/200 with interocular difference ≥3 lines,) age 3 to 12 years, with a 6-month follow-up visit. Exclusion criteria: Deprivation amblyopia, prior amblyopia treatment, treatment other than patching, surgery. Patients were categorized as “simultaneous treatment” (concurrent glasses and patching therapy at their first visit) or “sequential treatment” (glasses alone at first visit, followed by patching therapy at second visit.) Observation procedures: Patient demographics, VA, and stereopsis were compared. Outcome measures: VA and stereopsis at the last visit on treatment. Results We identified 98 patients who met inclusion criteria: 36 received simultaneous treatment and 62 sequential treatment. Median amblyopic eye VA improved similarly between the simultaneous (∆0.40; interquartile range [IQR], 0.56-0.30 logMAR) and sequential (∆0.40; IQR, 0.52-0.27 logMAR) groups. Patients without stereopsis at first visit had better stereopsis outcomes with sequential treatment (5.12 [IQR, 4.00-7.51] log stereopsis) compared with simultaneous treatment (8.01 [IQR, 5.65-9.21]) log stereopsis, P = 0.046). Conclusions VA improved approximately 4 lines regardless of treatment type. For children without stereopsis at first presentation, sequential patching yielded better stereopsis outcomes. These findings require further validation and highlight the importance of evaluating stereopsis in future studies.
Rethinking Coliform Vaccine Programs

Core-antigen vaccine technology has been available for the prevention of coliform mastitis for over ten years. However, unresolved issues regarding the most effective method to incorporate this technology into a dairy herd health program remain. These include number of vaccinations, effect of vaccinations on milk production of cows, and if risk factors associated with the incidence of clinical coliform mastitis correlate to vaccination schedules. This paper will discuss the immunological justification and limitations of vaccination protocols for coliform mastitis, and propose applications of this information.
First-Year Students’ Perceptions and Consideration of Foregone Earnings During the College-Search Process

Concerns regarding the costs associated with earning a college degree are prominent in the national discourse. However, there is little discussion of the highest cost associated with earning a college degree: foregone earnings. The purpose of this mixed methods study is to explore first-time-in-college (FTIC), first-year, traditional-age students’ perceptions of foregone earnings during the college search process. This study also addresses a gap in the literature related to students’ consideration of the topic during their search. 13 students were invited to participate in an interview. 10 students accepted resulting in a 77% response rate (N=10). Drawing on human capital theory, the stimulus response model of higher education consumer behavior, and the Perna (2006) conceptual search and choice model, interview data was electronically coded and analyzed in ATLAS.ti© to uncover qualitative themes and quantitative insights. Research concluded that students perceive foregone earnings in terms of time, completion, and loss of money and opportunity. Additionally, this study concluded that students’ search and choice behaviors were largely irrational when considered alongside human capital theory; a finding consistent with the work of consumer behaviorists. Finally, a new model termed the ‘combined analysis model’ is proposed to guide future investigation into the phenomena.
Critical properties of the Anderson mobility edge: Results from field theory

The field theoretic formulation of the Anderson localization of an electron moving in periodic lattice with random on site potentials and/or hopping is reviewed. Mean field theory for Gaussian bond randomness is presented and found to predict a mobility edge with a vanishing density of extended states. Fluctuations about this mean field solution are studied. The upper critical dimension is eight, and to all orders in perturbation theory, this mobility transition is in the same universality class as that describing the statistics of lattice animals and the Yang-Lee singularity in a random imaginary field. Critical exponents are very accurately determined for all spatial dimension d, 2 < d < 8, by a Flory approximation for the correlation length exponent: ν = 5/(2(d + 2) ). Localized states are studied via localized solutions of finite action of the field theory, which in the simplest treatment predict that the density of localized states vanish at the mobility edge. This singular behavior of the density of states violates general theorems for the case of pure Gaussian site randomness but may have a regime of validity when there is Gaussian bond randomness. A modified model with Lorentzian site randomness and Gaussian bond randomness is shown to have conducting states at all energies in mean field theory.
Understand the Air-Sea Coupling Processes in High Wind Conditions Using a Synthesized Data Analysis/Modeling Approach

Abstract : The long-term goal of this project is to understand the air-sea interaction processes in the coastal region in high-wind conditions and to improve the boundary layer and surface flux parameterizations for high-resolution mesoscale model (COAMPS) in high-wind conditions.
Administration of exogenous melatonin increases spreading activation in lexical memory networks.

Objective Several studies have examined the effect of exogenous melatonin on memory and cognitive functioning. Many of these investigations have reported improvement in recall and recognition as well as performance on various other indices of neuropsychological functioning. However, there have been no investigations reported that have examined the effects of exogenous melatonin administration on spreading activation in lexical and semantic memory networks. Hence, the purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of melatonin on spreading activation. Methods Participants were randomly assigned to either a 3-mg or 5-mg dose group, and spreading activation was measured both before and after administration. Spreading activation was measured by calculating the average word frequencies for words generated on the controlled oral word association test and the semantic fluency test. Results A significant main effect for time was found, with the controlled oral word association test average word frequency being significantly higher at baseline than after taking melatonin. Also, a significant group × time interaction was found when using log transformed data. Multiple comparisons indicated that the 3-mg group exhibited significantly greater spreading activation following melatonin than the 5-mg group. The results indicate that melatonin may produce an increase in spreading activation in lexical memory networks. These results potentially provide an explanation for the benefits of melatonin on memory functioning. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do you speak African? Teaching for diversity awareness in an era of globalization

Africa is a continent, not a country. Yet, a monolithic misunderstanding of Africa as a country is prevalent especially in the United States (U.S.). Thus, Africans in the diaspora [1] who speak heritage languages other than English are asked frequently if they speak African. This study countered existing misunderstandings through cultural immersion in Kenya, Africa. A comparison of pre and post-visit data showed that participants (n=140) developed critical cultural understanding, and became less ethnocentric. [2] This was an essential transformation especially in the context of contemporary globalization. [1] Authors use the term Africans in the diaspora to denote all African-born immigrants. In this study, the focus is on the experiences of African immigrants living in the U.S. [2] Ethnocentrism is the practice of judging negatively unfamiliar culture/s (other people’s cultures) using familiar ones (one’s own culture/s) as the benchmark/s. Ethnocentrism demeans “other” cultures.
Design of Robust Decentralized Process Control Systems

A decentralized controller design methodology is presented for finite dimensional linear time-invariant systems within the framework of the model reference scheme. The design is performed in two stages: feedforward and feedback design. In the feedforward design the theory of A-generalized polynomials is used as presented in [1], [2]. In the feedback design the novel concept of robust block generalized dominance is introduced and effectively utilized. Finally an example is given to illustrate the method.
MO-AB-201-02: The RSO and The RSC: Challenges and Opportunities

The role of the Radiation Safety Officer at a medical facility can be complicated. The complexity of the position is based on the breadth of services provided at the institution and the nature of the radioactive materials license. Medical practices are constantly changing and the use of ionizing radiation continues to rise in this area. Some of the newer medical applications involving radiation have unique regulatory and safety issues that must be addressed. Oversight of the uses of radiation start at the local level (radiation safety officer, radiation safety committee) and are heavily impacted by outside agencies (i.e. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, State Radiologic Health, The Joint Commission (TJC), etc). This session will provide both an overview of regulatory oversight and essential compliance practices as well as practical ways to assess and introduce some of the new applications utilizing radioactive materials into your medical facility. Learning Objectives: Regulatory Compliance and Safety with New Radiotherapies: Spheres and Ra-223 (Lance Phillips) 1. Understand the radioactive materials license amendment process to add new radiotherapies (i.e., SIR-Spheres, Therasphere, Xofigo). 2. Understand the AU approval process for microspheres and Xofigo. 3. Examine the training and handling requirements for new procedures. 4. Understand the process involved with protocol development, SOP in order to define roles and responsibilities. The RSO and The RSC: Challenges and Opportunities (Colin Dimock) 1. Understand how to form an effective Committee. 2. Examine what the Committee does for the Program and the RSO. 3. Understand the importance of Committee engagement. 4. Discuss the balance of the complimentary roles of the RSO and the Committee. The Alphabet Soup of Regulatory Compliance: Being Prepared for Inspections (Linda Kroger) 1. Recognize the various regulatory bodies and organizations with oversight or impact in Nuclear Medicine, Radiology and Radiation Oncology. 2. Examine 10CFR35 requirements as they relate to the everyday practice of Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Oncology. 3. Understand the nature of available guidance documents (e.g., NUREG 1556). 4. Examine the commonalities between TJC and CMS preparedness.
Evidence for genetic influences on human energy intake: results from a twin study using measured observations.

Human obesity is associated with greater-than-average energy intake, although relatively few studies have tested the heritability of food intake. The present study examined the genetic architecture of measured caloric intake during laboratory test meals in 36 monozygotic and 18 dizygotic twin pairs. A series of analyses tested the hypotheses that (1) there would be a genetic influence on total caloric intake, (2) there would be genes influencing total caloric intake above and beyond those influencing body composition, (3) there would be a phenotypic association between total caloric intake and fat mass above and beyond any genetic influences, and (4) there would be genetic influences on macronutrient intake (i.e., fat, carbohydrate, and protein intake) above and beyond total caloric intake. Results suggested genetic influences on age- and sex-adjusted total caloric intake (24–33% of the variance), although 95% confidence intervals were wide and suggested that “true” heritability estimates might be considerably lower or higher. Caloric intake was influenced by both common and unique environmental factors. Greater-than-average caloric intake was associated with increased adiposity, despite probable genetic influences on both phenotypes. Finally, there was evidence for macronutrient-specific familial influences, although the extent to which they were genetic or environmental in origin could not be teased apart. Results suggest that human obesity may be influenced by behaviors that are themselves genetically regulated. However, further studies are needed to obtain more precise heritability estimates and a better understanding of the conditions under which genetic influences on energy intake emerge.
Controlled Invariance of Discrete Time Systems

An algorithm for computing the maximal controlled invariant set and the least restrictive controller for discrete time systems is proposed. We show how the algorithm can be encoded using quantifier elimination, which leads to a semi-decidability result for definable systems. For discrete time linear systems with all sets specified by linear inequalities, a more efficient implementation is proposed using linear programming and Fourier elimination. If in addition the system is in controllable canonical form, the input is scalar and unbounded, the disturbance is scalar and bounded and the initial set is a rectangle, then the problem is decidable.
Stable Convergence and Asymptotic Capacity Measures

Let Bt denote Brownian motion taking values in Rd, d ≥ 3. Let Dn be a sequence of closed sets in Rd Let σn denote the first hitting time of Dn We study conditions under which the stopping times tn have, in a certain sense, a weak limit, denoted by T. We will refer to this type of convergence as stable convergence. The limit T of the σn is a randomizes stopping time, and will turn out to be an “exponential killing time”, where the rate h is function of position in Rd. If we denote the sample space of standard Brownian motion by C (path space) then we will consider our randomized stopping times to be defined on Cx[0,1], where [0,1] means the unit interval with besesgue measure. σn→T stable simply means that σn∣A converges in distribution to T ∣Ax[0,1] for each measurable subset A of C. The sets Dn are to be thought of as consisting of many small bodies, which become ever smaller and more densely distributed as n → ∞. The function h represents a “limiting capacity density” for these bodies, as will be made clear.
Digital signal processing in predicting secondary structures of proteins

Traditionally protein secondary structure prediction methods work with aggregate knowledge gleaned over a training set of proteins, or with some knowledge acquired from the experts about how to assign secondary structural elements to each amino acid. We are proposing here a methodology that is primarily targeted for any given query protein rather being trained over a pre-determined training set. For some query proteins our prediction accuracies are predictably higher than most other methods, while for other proteins they may not be so, but we would at least know that even before running the algorithms. Our method is based on homology-modeling. When a significantly homologous protein (to the query) with known structure is available in the database our prediction accuracy could be even 90% or above. Our objective is to improve the accuracy of the predictions for the so called "easy" proteins (where sufficiently similar homologues with known structures are available), rather than improving the bottom-line of the structure prediction problem, or the average prediction accuracy over many query proteins. We use digital signal processing (DSP) technique that is of global nature in assigning structural elements to the respective residues. This is the key to our success. We have tried some variation of the proposed core methodology and the experimental results are presented in this article.
RS-34 (Peacekeeper Post Boost Propulsion System) Orbital Debris Application Concept Study

The Advanced Concepts Office (ACO) at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) lead a study to evaluate the Rocketdyne produced RS-34 propulsion system as it applies to an orbital debris removal design reference mission. The existing RS-34 propulsion system is a remaining asset from the de-commissioned United States Air Force Peacekeeper ICBM program; specifically the pressure-fed storable bi-propellant Stage IV Post Boost Propulsion System. MSFC gained experience with the RS-34 propulsion system on the successful Ares I-X flight test program flown in the Ares I-X Roll control system (RoCS). The heritage hardware proved extremely robust and reliable and sparked interest for further utilization on other potential in-space applications. Subsequently, MSFC is working closely with the USAF to obtain all the remaining RS-34 stages for re-use opportunities. Prior to pursuit of securing the hardware, MSFC commissioned the Advanced Concepts Office to understand the capability and potential applications for the RS-34 Phoenix stage as it benefits NASA, DoD, and commercial industry. Originally designed, the RS-34 Phoenix provided in-space six-degrees-of freedom operational maneuvering to deploy multiple payloads at various orbital locations. The RS-34 Concept Study, preceded by a utilization study to understand how the unique capabilities of the RS-34 Phoenix and its application to six candidate missions, sought to further understand application for an orbital debris design reference mission as the orbital debris removal mission was found to closely mimic the heritage RS-34 mission. The RS-34 Orbital Debris Application Concept Study sought to identify multiple configurations varying the degree of modification to trade for dry mass optimization and propellant load for overall capability and evaluation of several candidate missions. The results of the RS-34 Phoenix Utilization Study show that the system is technically sufficient to successfully support all of the missions analyzed. The results and benefits of the RS-34 Orbital Debris Application Concept Study are presented in this paper.
Mechanism of nerve block.

THE recent paper by Ochoa et al.1 seems to imply that the only mechanism for nerve block by compression is that of direct mechanical deformation of the nerve fibres. Acute application of high pressure such as they applied (1,000 mm Hg) was first used for the production of experimental differential block of large nerve fibres by Bishop, Heinbecker and O'Leary2 and no one would question the extreme case of impulse blockage due to fibre compression when the nerve is struck with a hammer. The authors have a sound point in the principle that tissue-deforming pressure, the pressure difference between the compressed and neighbouring regions, is necessary to produce deformation block. Only excessively great pressures applied to a whole nerve, essentially an incompressible liquid, produce any effect, although there are certainly clinical circumstances, like the hammer blow, where acute, focally-applied, great pressure occasions nerve damage.
Nonoxidative ethanol metabolism: expression of fatty acid ethyl ester synthase-III in cultured neural cells.

Abstract Alcohol metabolism in the human brain has been characterized as essentially nonoxidative in nature, with the esterification of ethanol with fatty acids via fatty acid ethyl ester synthase. This pathway of ethanol metabolism is related to end organ damage in the brain but the neural cell type expressing FAEES has not been identified. In this study human and rodent neuroblastoma and glioma cell lines are assayed for fatty acid ethyl ester synthase activity. Cells with neuronal properties demonstrated higher activity than glioma cell lines. We confirmed the presence of the mRNA for one type of synthase, fatty acid ethyl ester synthase-III in three neuronal cell lines - N1E115 cells, PC12 cells, and SK-N-MC cells. These results support the hypothesis that FAEES activity is expressed chiefly in cells with neuronal properties and suggest that non-oxidative ethanol metabolism is potentially related to the toxic effect of ethanol on the human brain.
Implications of an absolute simultaneity theory for cosmology and universe acceleration.

An alternate Lorentz transformation, Absolute Lorentz Transformation (ALT), has similar kinematics to special relativity yet maintains absolute simultaneity in the context of a preferred reference frame. In this study, it is shown that ALT is compatible with current experiments to test Lorentz invariance only if the proposed preferred reference frame is locally equivalent to the Earth-centered non-rotating inertial reference frame, with the inference that in an ALT framework, preferred reference frames are associated with centers of gravitational mass. Applying this theoretical framework to cosmological data produces a scenario of universal time contraction in the past. In this scenario, past time contraction would be associated with increased levels of blueshifted light emissions from cosmological objects when viewed from our current perspective. The observation that distant Type Ia supernovae are dimmer than predicted by linear Hubble expansion currently provides the most direct evidence for an accelerating universe. Adjusting for the effects of time contraction on a redshift–distance modulus diagram produces a linear distribution of supernovae over the full redshift spectrum that is consistent with a non-accelerating universe.
Leakage mechanisms in the trench transistor DRAM cell

The authors discuss a band-to-band tunneling mechanism in the trench transistor cell (TTC), which is used in Texas Instruments' 4-Mbit DRAM. This effect should be operative in the class of trench cells in which the charge is stored inside the trench and the substrate forms a capacitor plate. This effect does not compromise the functionality of the cell; in fact, it has the potential of improving the long-term reliability of the cell by preventing electrical overstress of the trench capacitor oxide. >
Gene therapy for disorders of the nervous system

While the technical feasibility of introducing genetic material for expression in humans and other higher organisms is fairly well established, little is known of what is required to obtain therapeutic expression to treat or cure particular diseases. The realization that gene therapy could potentially be applied to a large number of acquired and inherited diseases is leading to new and creative approaches in vector and strategy design, as reseachers seek ways of targeting specific diseases. It is gradually becoming obvious that features of different systems will probably need to be combined to create the most efficient system
Some results on robust stability of general input-output systems

We consider general input-output systems governed by nonlinear operator equations that relate the system's input, state, and output. The systems under consideration need not be of a feedback type. Assuming that the governing equations depend on a parameterA in a linear space that is allowed to vary in a vicinity Nr(A0) of a “nominal” valueA0, we study conditions under which the system is stable for each A∈Nr (A0), i.e., when the system is robust. By stability we essentially mean that the input-output map is continuous. Depending on the type of continuity used, two concepts of robustness are introduced. The main theorem shows that a certain generalized monotonicity condition imposed on the nominal system combined with a Lipschitz-like condition imposed on the perturbed system guarantees robustness. Moreover, several particular cases of the governing equations are investigated. As examples, we consider (1) a singular system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (a semistate equation), (2) a feedback system, and (3) a feedback, feedforward system. At the end of this paper some extensions and modifications of the presented theory are discussed.
Effect of Enteral versus Parenteral Nutrition on Leptin Gene Expression and Release into the Circulation

Leptin, a putative satiety hormone in rodents, is acutely regulated by fasting and refeeding. To determine the role of satiety hormones that are secreted by the gastrointestinal tract on leptin regulation, leptin mRNA and serum concentrations were measured after feeding rats similar calories with standard chow or infusion of total parenteral nutrition into the duodenum or intravenously. We have demonstrated that leptin gene expression and hormone secretion into the circulation are stimulated equally in the three experimental paradigms; it is unlikely that satiety factors secreted by the intestinal tract play a significant role in leptin regulation. Furthermore, intravenous infusion of individual components of TPN demonstrated that intravenous glucose infusion was mostly responsible for stimulation of the leptin gene and hormone secretion.
A retrospective analysis of the clinical performance of human papillomavirus testing using SurePath sample collection.

Introduction We present a retrospective analysis of our high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) test performance using SurePath samples, and we compare these results to published results from Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, where hr-HPV testing was performed using collection in standard transport medium. Methods and materials We retrospectively identified histopathologic cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+ from 2010 through 2012, as well as all hr-HPV results performed from SurePath samples in these women. Testing for hr-HPV in our laboratory consisted of either Hybrid-Capture 2 or Cervista. These results were used to calculate false negative rates for CIN 2+, CIN 3+, and carcinoma, for both test methods, and these rates are compared with those published by Kaiser Permanente of Northern California. Results The false negative rate for hr-HPV testing from SurePath samples (combined Hybrid-Capture 2 and Cervista) at the histopathologic level of CIN2+ was 7.9% (95% confidence interval: 5.9-10.2). This is compared with the false negative rates from collection in standard transport medium reported by Kaiser Permanente of Northern California for CIN 2+ of 20.4% (95% confidence interval: 18.9-22.0). Similar calculations for CIN 3+ and carcinoma are presented, along with comparison to the Kaiser Permanente of Northern California results. With regard to false negative hr-HPV results, for all levels of histopathologic abnormality, our hr-HPV testing from SurePath samples showed either significantly better performance (for CIN 2+ regardless of method, CIN 3+ using Cervista), or equivalent performance (for CIN 3+ using Hybrid-Capture 2 and carcinoma regardless of method). Conclusions Our retrospective analysis demonstrates that hr-HPV testing from SurePath samples meets the proposed sensitivity of ≥90% in cases of biopsy proven CIN 2+.
Regulation of competence for milk production in Diploptera punctata: interaction between mating, ovaries and the corpus allatum

Summary The brood sac of the viviparous cockroach Diploptera punctata produces a protein-rich milk to nourish its young during gestation. Competence for milk production begins 7 days postoviposition and 5 days prior to the onset of milk synthesis. Brood sacs that have become competent and have not begun to produce milk can be identified by their ability to generate milk when implanted into the hemocoel of females that are actively synthesizing milk. Factors responsible for the development of competence were examined by various experimental treatments. Topical application of the juvenile hormone analog, 7S-hydroprene, to postoviposition females in doses sufficient to support a second vitellogenesis prevented competence; lesser doses permitted competence. Thus, elevated juvenile hormone titer during vitellogenesis (days 34) is sufficient to prevent competence at this time but the low titers that follow the onset of oviposition are not. Allatectomy of mated animals demonstrated dependence on the corpora alla...
Hyperbaric Swimming Simulator

This paper contains hyperbaric test facility equipped with swimming simulator description dedicated to diving apparatuses decompression research. This stand has been constructed within two scientific projects financed from research funds from the Polish Ministry of Sciences and Higher Education in 2009-2012 and it was realised in the Naval Academy of Gdynia.
A question of strength: on NPIs in interrogative clauses

We observe that the facts pertaining to the acceptability of negative polarity items (henceforth, NPIs) in interrogative environments complex than previously noted. Since Klima [Klima, E. (1964). In J. Fodor & J. Katz (Eds.), The structure of language. Prentice-Hall], it has been typically assumed that NPIs are grammatical in both matrix and embedded questions, however, on closer scrutiny it turns out that there are differences between root and embedded environments, and between question nucleus and wh-restrictor. While NPIs are always licensed in the nucleus of root questions, their acceptability in the restrictor of wh-phrases and in the nucleus of any embedded question depends on the logical properties of the linguistic environment: its strength in terms of exhaustivity [Groenendijk, J., & Stokhof, M. (1984). Studies on the semantics of questions and the pragmatic answers. Amserdam (NL), Post-Doctoral Dissertation. Heim, I. (1994). In R. Buchalla & A. Mittwoch (Eds.), Proceedings of the 9th annual IATL conference and of the 1993 IATL workshop on discourse (pp. 128–144). Akademon, Jerusalem. Beck, S., & 16 Rullmann, H. (1999). Natural Language Semantics, 7, 249–298. Sharvit, Y (2002). Natural Language Semantics, 10, 97–123] and its monotonicity properties (in the sense of von Fintel [von Fintel, K. (1999). Journal of 19 Semantics, 16, 97-148]).
Polish spaces, computable approximations, and bitopological spaces

Answering a question of J. Lawson (formulated also earlier, in 1984, by Kamimura and Tang [Theoret. Comput. Sci. 34 (1984) 275–288]) we show that every Polish space admits a bounded complete computational model, as defined below. This results from our construction, in each Polish space 〈X,τ〉, of a countable family C of non-empty closed subsets of X such that: (cp) each subset of C with the finite intersection property has non-empty intersection; (br) if x∈T and T∈τ then there exists C∈C such that x∈int(C) and C⊂T; and (r∗) for every C∈C and x∈X⧹C there is a D∈C such that C⊂int(D) and x∉D. These conditions assure us that there is another compact topology τ∗⊂τ on X such that the bitopological space 〈X,τ,τ ∗〉, is pairwise regular. The existence of such a topology is also shown equivalent to admitting a bounded complete computational model.
Corporate tax reform and business investment: Empirical estimates for structures and equipment

New econometric investment equations, separating equipment from structures, are used to evaluate the impact of the 1986 tax reform law. The computations suggest that investment in equipment will be significantly reduced, largely as a consequence of the abolition of the investment tax credit. Despite longer tax lives, investment in structures may increase because of the reduction in corporate income tax rates.
E(6) diffraction catastrophe of the primary rainbow of oblate water drops: observations with white-light and laser illumination.

Oblate drops of water illuminated perpendicular to their symmetry axis exhibit catastrophe patterns near the primary-rainbow scattering angle. Previous patterns include the hyperbolic umbilic focal section and separate lips events [see, e.g., H. J. Simpson P. L. Marston , Appl. Opt.30, 3468 (1991)]. The present observations concern a much higher-order singularity analyzed by J. F. Nye [Proc. R. Soc. London Ser. A 438, 397 (1992)], the E6 or symbolic umbilic, in the scattering by levitated drops with monochromatic and collimated white-light illumination. Photographs show the colors produced when the drop is illuminated by white light. The E6 occurs when the Gaussian curvature of the scattered wave front vanishes in both principal directions, resulting in a high degree of directional focusing. This type of focusing, although only slightly explored, is applicable to the more general problem of scattering from penetrable spheroids.
Anomalous bulk compression behaviour in a hyperstoichiometric uranium-dioxide–thorium-dioxide solid solution

The compression behaviour of a solid solution of ThO_2 and hyperstoichiometric UO_2 was examined up to 11 GPa hydrostatic pressure using x-ray diffraction. We observed a distortive phase transition above 3 GPa from fluorite-type to a structure isotypic with t-zirconia. The transition is tentatively explained by merging of local tetragonal UO_(2+δ) clusters into an itinerant structural distortion. The bulk modulus increases from 162 ± 1 to 199 ± 4 GPa in the tetragonal phase by stiffening of the c-axis compression.
Multi-Matrix System (MMX®) mesalamine for the treatment of mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis

Introduction Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease of the colon characterized by periods of active disease and remission. The pathogenesis of this disease is likely a complex interaction of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune system dysregulation, and is not completely understood. A Multi-MatriX (MMX®) system formulation of mesalamine, MMX mesalamine (SPD476; Lialda®; Mesavancol®; Mezavant®), allows for high-dose, once-daily dosing for patients with mild-to-moderate UC. Mesalamine is a topically active agent with anti-inflammatory properties. Areas covered Available literature regarding MMX mesalamine is extensively reviewed in this article, covering its chemical makeup, mechanism of action, pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety and tolerability. Expert opinion A dose of 2.4 and 4.8 g was used in large Phase III clinical trials and was efficacious for induction of clinical and endoscopic remission in UC. MMX mesalamine was also efficacious in large multicenter maintenance studies for the maintenance of clinical and endoscopic remission. The introduction of the first once-daily mesalamine has given practitioners and patients more flexibility in dosing administration, which will ultimately lead to higher satisfaction and improved clinical outcomes.
The stability group of symmetric Toeplitz matrices

Abstract In regard to the linear subspace T (n) of n × n symmetric Toeplitz matrices over the real field, the collection L (n) of all real and orthogonal matrices Q such that QTQT ϵ L (n) whenever T ϵ T (n) forms a group, called the stability group of T (n). This paper shows that L (n) is finite. In fact, L (n) has exactly eight elements regardless of the dimension n. Group elements in L (n) are completely characterized.
Children with chronic illnesses: factors influencing family hardiness.

The current study assessed factors related to family hardiness in families of children coping with medical procedures related to a chronic illness. Participants were 68 parents of children with chronic illnesses, who were receiving complex medical treatment at a local hospital. Parents completed a scale assessing family hardiness and a semi-structured interview assessing their positive and negative coping strategies and those of their child. A linear regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between several predictors, including child age, number of medical conditions for the child, family income, number of positive and negative parent and child coping strategies, and family hardiness (outcome variable). Results indicated that parents of older children and children who exhibited negative coping strategies reported lower family hardiness. Older children may have had their chronic illness for a longer period of time, which could be wearing for the children and their families. Results of this ...
The Laminar Boundary Layer on a Hot Cylinder Fixed in a Fluctuating Stream

The equations for nonsteady, two-dimensional low-speed compressible flow in the laminar boundary layer are solved approximately by use of the Pohlhausen technique with the assumption of quartic profiles for the velocity and temperature. The external flow considered is of the form of a steady basic velocity with a superimposed small amplitude oscillation such as may arise, for example, when a sound wave is present in a uniform incident stream. The analysis is then applicable to the case of a hot cylinder fixed in such a stream. Terms of the order of the incident stream Mach number are neglected in the expressions for external flow quantities (whereas the low-speed boundary-layer equations involve errors of the order of only the square of this Mach number). Two special cases are worked out--- the flow over a flat plate for which there is fair agreement with available exact calculations, and the flow over a circular cylinder. (auth)
FREE ANTIGEN AND ANTIBODY CIRCULATING TOGETHER IN LARGE AMOUNTS (HEMAGGLUTININ AND AGGLUTINOGEN IN THE BLOOD OF TRANSFUSED RABBITS).

In rabbits transfused almost daily with the whole citrated blood of other rabbits, an extraordinary condition often develops, which manifests itself in an almost immediate clumping together of all the red cells in specimens of the shed blood. This clumping is due to one or more true agglutinins, of which the strength may be such as to cause clumping in a 1: 2,800 plasma dilution. The agglutinating principle circulates with the corpuscles against which it is effective; but under ordinary circumstances intravascular clumping fails to occur because the union of antigen and antibody can take place only at a temperature several degrees below that of the body. If the temperature is sufficiently lowered, as when a tourniquet is applied to the rabbit's ear, intravascular clumping ensues. In defibrinated blood, gradually cooled, clumping is first noted as the temperature of 35°C. is approached; and at room temperature (22°) the corpuscles will often come together in a short time into a single, solid mass. At 0°C. the agglutination is still more marked. The reaction seems to be completely reversible, for when the blood is warmed again, the clumps break up and disappear at between 35° and 36°C. Cooling and warming with the resultant clumping and dissociation can be carried out many times on the same blood specimen without apparent change in the corpuscles or in the rapidity of the reaction. The response to temperature changes is extremely prompt. Once it has been elicited, the agglutinating principle may persist for a long time after the transfusions are stopped, in one instance it was still strong 133 days after the last transfusion. During this period the plethora was succeeded by a severe anemia, which in turn was recovered from. In many rabbits no agglutinin develops, and a continuance of the transfusions will not elicit it. Indeed, when present it tends to disappear if the transfusions are persisted in. In several of the animals in which the agglutinin was strongest, the plethora was suddenly succeeded by severe anemia, despite continued transfusions. The character of the temperature control of the agglutination, which somewhat resembles that of the hemolysin in paroxysmal hemoglobinuria, has led us to consider whether the blood destruction might not be due to accidental chilling of the animal. Efforts to induce a fall in the hemoglobin by placing the rabbit's ear in ice water have as yet been unsuccessful. Thus far no adequate search for an hemolysin has been made. The object of the present paper has been to describe a condition in which large amounts of free antigen and antibody circulate together in the organism, and to demonstrate the factor which prevents their union, the results of which could easily be fatal. The causes of the condition will be dealt with in a subsequent communication.