cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunotherapy with a posttranscriptionally modified DNA vaccine induces complete protection against metastatic neuroblastoma

The successful induction of a T-cell–mediated tumor-protective immunity against poorly immunogenic malignancies remains a major challenge for cancer immunotherapy. We achieved this by immunization with a tyrosine hydroxylase (mTH)–based DNA vaccine, enhanced with the posttranscriptional regulatory acting RNA element (WPRE), derived from woodchuck hepatitis virus in combination with an antibody-cytokine fusion protein (ch14.18–IL-2) that targets interleukin-2 (IL-2) to the tumor microenvironment. This DNA vaccine mTH-WPRE was carried by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium and applied by oral gavage in a mouse model of neuroblastoma. Mice immunized with the mTH-WPRE vaccine, and which additionally received a boost with suboptimal doses of ch14.18–IL-2, were completely protected against hepatic neuroblastoma metastases. In contrast, all controls presented with disseminated metastases. Both T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell–dependent mechanisms were involved in the induction of a systemic tumor-protective immunity. Thus, up-regulation of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) expression in CD8+ T cells occurred only in those animals that received the mTH-WPRE vaccine plus the ch14.18–IL-2 boost. Up-regulation of this proinflammatory cytokine was not observed in mice immunized with mTH-WPRE vaccine alone. A role for NK cells was indicated by the complete abrogation of systemic tumor-protective immunity in all animals that were depleted of NK cells in vivo. Taken together, these data demonstrate that immunization with a posttranscriptionally enhanced DNA vaccine encoding the WPRE sequence, combined with a boost of the ch14.18–IL-2 fusion protein, completely protects against hepatic metastases in a murine model of neuroblastoma and therefore may lead to a new strategy for immunotherapy and prevention of metastatic neuroblastoma.
Investigation into scaling I/O bound streaming applications productively with an all-FPGA cluster

The Reconfigurable Computing Cluster project is exploring novel parallel computing architectures in high performance computing with FPGA devices. Although there are no discrete microprocessors in the system, highly-integrated FPGAs (with embedded processors) are capable of hosting Linux-based systems and can run arbitrary MPI applications. This work present an investigation into accelerating I/O bound streaming applications through the coupling of custom computing cores, a hardware filesystem, and an integrated on-chip and off-chip network on the all-FPGA node cluster. Such an infrastructure enables productivity by minimizing hardware design while maintaining high performance. A hardware implementation of the BLASTn algorithm is used to demonstrate the performance gains and scalability of the custom computing cores across the Spirit cluster. Results show linear speedup across multiple nodes while supporting productivity by eliminating modifications to the original hardware core when scaling up to 512 parallel cores on the cluster.
Inhibition of T‐cell responses by hepatic stellate cells via B7‐H1–mediated T‐cell apoptosis in mice

In the injured liver, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) secrete many different cytokines, recruit lymphocytes, and thus participate actively in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Little is known of the role of HSCs in immune responses. In this study, HSCs isolated from C57BL/10 (H2b) mice were found to express scant key surface molecules in the quiescent stage. Activated HSCs express major histocompatibility complex class I, costimulatory molecules, and produce a variety of cytokines. Stimulation by interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) or activated T cells enhanced expression of these molecules. Interestingly, addition of the activated (but not quiescent) HSCs suppressed thymidine uptake by T cells that were stimulated by alloantigens or by anti-CD3-mediated T-cell receptor ligation in a dose-dependent manner. High cytokine production by the T cells suggests that the inhibition was probably not a result of suppression of their activation. T-cell division was also found to be normal in a CFSE dilution assay. The HSC-induced T-cell hyporesponsiveness was associated with enhanced T-cell apoptosis. Activation of HSCs was associated with markedly enhanced expression of B7-H1. Blockade of B7-H1/PD-1 ligation significantly reduced HSC immunomodulatory activity, suggesting an important role of B7-H1. In conclusion, the bidirectional interactions between HSCs and immune cells may contribute to hepatic immune tolerance.
Use of physician services in a population-based cohort of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica over the course of their disease.

Objective To describe the use of generalist and rheumatologist services in a population-based cohort of patients with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and to identify predictors of rheumatology care. Methods We identified all incident cases of PMR among residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota between 1970 and 1999. Patients were followed for a maximum of 5 years after their incidence date. Logistic regression and zero-inflated Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between rheumatology care and age, sex, giant cell arteritis (GCA), PMR relapses, corticosteroid complications, comorbidity, and various laboratory findings, adjusting for the total number of visits. Results Of the 364 incident cases of PMR eligible for this analysis, 67% were women and the mean age at incidence was 73 years. Over a mean followup of 4.1 years, individuals in this cohort utilized a total of 5,108 physician office visits and 2,015 telephone calls. The mean number of generalist and rheumatologist visits per person-years of followup during the first year of PMR was 7.02 and 2.15, respectively. Thereafter, there was a steady decline in both generalist and rheumatologist visits. One hundred forty-four (40%) patients had no rheumatologist visits and 102 (28%) had only 1 rheumatologist visit, mostly for diagnostic confirmation. Men and patients with several comorbid conditions were significantly more likely to be seen by rheumatologists (P < 0.001). However, once referred, women, older patients, and those with GCA, PMR relapses, and corticosteroid complications had significantly more rheumatologist visits (P < 0.001). Conclusion The use of physician services in PMR is considerable. Generalists provide the large majority of care. Rheumatologist involvement is generally limited to diagnostic confirmation and management of complications. The relative paucity of rheumatology care following the period of diagnosis may represent an opportunity for improving the care of patients with PMR.
GUARDD: user-friendly MATLAB software for rigorous analysis of CPMG RD NMR data

Molecular dynamics are essential for life, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been used extensively to characterize these phenomena since the 1950s. For the past 15 years, the Carr-Purcell Meiboom-Gill relaxation dispersion (CPMG RD) NMR experiment has afforded advanced NMR labs access to kinetic, thermodynamic, and structural details of protein and RNA dynamics in the crucial μs-ms time window. However, analysis of RD data is challenging because datasets are often large and require many non-linear fitting parameters, thereby confounding assessment of accuracy. Moreover, novice CPMG experimentalists face an additional barrier because current software options lack an intuitive user interface and extensive documentation. Hence, we present the open-source software package GUARDD (Graphical User-friendly Analysis of Relaxation Dispersion Data), which is designed to organize, automate, and enhance the analytical procedures which operate on CPMG RD data ( http://code.google.com/p/guardd/ ). This MATLAB-based program includes a graphical user interface, permits global fitting to multi-field, multi-temperature, multi-coherence data, and implements χ 2-mapping procedures, via grid-search and Monte Carlo methods, to enhance and assess fitting accuracy. The presentation features allow users to seamlessly traverse the large amount of results, and the RD Simulator feature can help design future experiments as well as serve as a teaching tool for those unfamiliar with RD phenomena. Based on these innovative features, we expect that GUARDD will fill a well-defined gap in service of the RD NMR community.
A specific, UV-induced RNA-protein cross-link using 5-bromouridine-substituted RNA

The well-characterized RNA binding site of the bacteriophage R17 coat protein has been used to investigate the cross-linking of protein to 5-bromouridine (BrU)-substituted RNA using medium-wavelength UV light. The authors have demonstrated a specific RNA-protein cross-link and identified the site on the RNA of protein attachment. Formation of the covalent complex is dependent upon the presence of BrU at position {minus}5 of the RNA and specific binding of the RNA by coat protein. The amount of cross-linking increases with time and depends on the light source and conditions used. Irradiations using a broad-spectrum UV transilluminator (peak at 312 nm) or monochromatic XeCl excimer laser (308 nm) gave levels of cross-linking exceeding 20 and 50%, respectively. The quantum yield of photo-cross-linking, determined with 308-nm excitation, was 0.003. While little strand breakage or debromination of the RNA occurred, significant protein photodamage was observed.
Embryonic development in superovulated dairy cattle exposed to elevated ambient temperatures between Days 1 to 7 post insemination

Holstein heifers (n = 29) were used to determine whether thermal stress during the first 7 d of embryonic development may increase the incidence of embryonic abnormalities in dairy cattle. Heifers were acclimated to environmental chambers at 20 degrees C for 9 d and superovulated with follicle stimulating hormone-pituitary (FSH-P; 40 mg total), beginning on Days 9 to 11 of the estrous cycle. Prostaglandin F(2)alpha (Lutalyse; 50 mg total) was administered on Day 3 of FSH-P. Heifers were inseminated artificially at estrus and then maintained at either thermal neutrality (20 degrees C) or under hyperthermic conditions (daily exposure up to 16 h at 30 degrees C and 8 h at 42 degrees C) for 7 d beginning at 30 h after the onset of estrus. On Day 7 post estrus, embryos were recovered nonsurgically and evaluated morphologically for stage of development and quality. The distribution of embryos classified as normal, abnormal, retarded or as unfertilized ova, differed (P<0.001) between heat stress and thermoneutral treatments. Only 20.7% of 82 embryos recovered from stressed heifers were normal compared with 51.5% of 68 embryos from thermoneutral animals. Stressed heifers had a higher incidence of abnormal and retarded embryos with degenerate nonviable blastomeres. Responses indicated that thermal stress from 30 h after the onset of estrus to Day 7 post estrus increases the incidence of abnormal and retarded embryos in superovulated heifers.
The behavior of rings of coupled oscillators.

Coupled oscillators in a ring are studied using perturbation and numerical methods. Stability of waves with nearest neighbor weak coupling is shown for a class of simple oscillators. Linkens' [23] model for colorectal activity is analyzed and several stable modes are found. Stability of waves with general (non nearest neighbor coupling) is determined and comparisons to the nearest neighbor case are made. Approximate solutions to a ring with inhomogeneities are compared with numerical simulations.
Sierra Nevada-Great Basin boundary zone: Earthquake hazard related to structure, active tectonic processes, and anomalous patterns of earthquake occurrence

Precise epicentral determinations based on local network recordings are compared with mapped faults and volcanic features in the western Great Basin. This region is structurally and seismically complex, and seismogenic processes vary within it. In the area north of the rupture zone of the 1872 Owens Valley earthquake, dispersed clusters of epicenters agree with a shatter zone of faults that extend the 1872 breaks to the north and northwest. An area of frequent earthquake swarms east of Mono Lake is characterized by northeast-striking faults and a crustal low-velocity zone; seismicity in this area appears to be related to volcanic processes that produced thick Pliocene basalt flows in the Adobe Hills and minor historic activity in Mono Lake. In the Garfield Hills between Walker Lake and the Excelsior Mountains, there is some clustering of epicenters along a north-trending zone that does not correlate with major Cenozoic structures. In an area west of Walker Lake, low seismicity supports a previous suggestion by Gilbert and Reynolds (1973) that deformation in that area has been primarily by folding and not by faulting. To the north, clusters of earthquakes are observed at both ends of a 70-km-long fault zone that forms the eastern boundary of the Sierra Nevada from Markleeville to Reno. Clusters of events also appear at both ends of the Dog Valley Fault in the Sierra west of Reno, and at Virginia City to the east. Fault-plane solutions for the belt in which major earthquakes have occurred in Nevada during the historic period (from Pleasant Valley in the north to the Excelsior Mountains on the California-Nevada Border) correspond to normaloblique slip and are similar to that found by Romney (1957) for the 1954 Fairview Peak shock. However, mechanisms of recent moderate earthquakes within the SNGBZ are related to right- or left-lateral slip, respectively, on nearly vertical, northwest-, or northeast-striking planes. These mechanisms are explained by a block faulting model of the SNGBZ in which the main fault segments trend north, have normal-oblique slip, and are offset or terminated by northwest-trending strike-slip faults. This is supported by the observation that seismicity during the period of observation has been concentrated at places where major faults terminate or intersect. Anomalous temporal variations, consisting of a general decrease in seismicity in the southern part of the SNGBZ from October 1977 to September 1978, followed by a burst of moderate earthquakes that has continued for more than 18 months, is suggestive of a pattern that several authors have identified as precursory to large earthquakes. The 1977 to 1979 variations are particularly noteworthy because they occurred over the entire SNGBZ, indicating a regional rather than local cause for the observed changes.
On the equivalence of quaternary codewords with the same PMEPR

In the field of OFDM technology, it is known that the phase rotations and reverse of a block quaternary codeword give the same peak-to-mean-envelope-power-ratio (PMEPR) as that of the original word. In this paper, we show that there exist the third and fourth operations that also result in the same PMEPR.
Does the cranial mesenchyme contribute to neural fold elevation during neurulation

The central nervous system is derived from the neural plate, which undergoes a series of complex morphogenetic events resulting in formation of the neural tube in a process known as neurulation. The cellular behaviors driving neurulation in the cranial region involve forces generated by the neural tissue itself as well as the surrounding epithelium and mesenchyme. Of interest, the cranial mesenchyme underlying the neural plate undergoes stereotypical rearrangements hypothesized to drive elevation of the neural folds. As the neural folds rise, the hyaluronate-rich extracellular matrix greatly expands resulting in increased space between individual cranial mesenchyme cells. Based on inhibitor studies, expansion of the extracellular matrix has been implicated in driving neural fold elevation; however, because the surrounding neural and epidermal ectoderm were also affected by inhibitor exposure, these studies are inconclusive. Similarly, treatment of neurulating embryos with teratogenic doses of retinoic acid results in altered organization of the cranial mesenchyme, but alterations in surrounding tissues are also observed. The strongest evidence for a critical role for the cranial mesenchyme in neural fold elevation comes from studies of genes expressed exclusively in the cranial mesenchyme that when mutated result in exencephaly associated with abnormal organization of the cranial mesenchyme. Twist is the best studied of these and is expressed in both the paraxial mesoderm and neural crest derived cranial mesenchyme. In this article, we review the evidence implicating the cranial mesenchyme in providing a driving force for neural fold elevation to evaluate whether there are sufficient data to support this hypothesis. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Tibial Osteotomy for Unloading Osteochondral Defects in the Medial Compartment of the Knee

BackgroundHigh tibial osteotomy is a well-established method for the treatment of symptomatic medial unicompartmental cartilage degeneration. While the findings of several outcome studies have led to the widely practiced postoperative goal alignment of 8° to 10° of valgus, there exists no literature to account for patient-specific measurements such as body weight, baseline geometry, and medial chondral defect size. Furthermore, there is a lack of literature to support the ideal goal alignment when using high tibial osteotomy to unload isolated chondral defects.PurposeTo identify a relationship between these patient-specific factors and the ideal postoperative alignment.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsHigh tibial osteotomy was performed on 8 human cadaveric knees and was fixed with a dynamic external fixator. The fixator was used to vary the tibiofemoral alignment from 12° valgus to 10° varus. At each alignment, force, contact area, and pressure distribution were recorded. This pattern was r...
Seeding of the Reaction‐Bonded Aluminum Oxide Process

The effect of the initial α-Al 2 O 3 particle size in the reaction-bonded aluminum oxide (RBAO) process on the phase transformation of aluminum-derived γ-Al 2 O 3 to α-Al 2 O 3 , and subsequently densification, was investigated. It has been demonstrated that if the initial α-Al 2 O 3 particles are fine (∼0.2 μm, i.e., 2.9 × 10 14 γ-Al 2 O 3 particles/cm 3 ), then they seed the phase transformation. The fine α-Al 2 O 3 decreases the transformation temperature to ∼962°C and results in a finer microstructure. The smaller particle size of the seeded RBAO decreases the sintering temperature to as low as ∼1135°C. The results confirm that seeding can be utilized to improve phase transformations and densification and subsequently to tailor final microstructures in RBAO-derived ceramics.
Hall effect magnetic regulation systems for the CESR injector

Two distinct Hall effect regulation systems have been designed for reduction of hysteresis effects in the linac and transfer line magnets used for injection into the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) synchrotron. One magnetic field probe described integrates a precision Hall sensor element with low-drift preamplification electronics in a temperature-regulated remote sensing module. Magnetic field stability better than five parts in 10/sup 4/ is achieved by a prototype system which includes this module and its associated signal processing electronics. A second Hall effect regulator design utilizes an inexpensive monolithic linear sensor/amplifier device to attain a minimum repeatable accuracy of 0.5%. The radiation and mechanical stress sensitivity of the Hall sensors employed is evaluated to estimate their operational viability in the injector environment. It is concluded that the service lifetime of either Hall probe type will be at least three years in the CESR injector, given an average neutron exposure rate not exceeding 10/sup 10/ n/cm/sup 2//s. >
A translational approach to probe the proarrhythmic potential of cardiac alternans: a reversible overture to arrhythmogenesis?

Electrocardiographic alternans, a phenomenon of beat-to-beat alternation in cardiac electrical waveforms, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death...
Arrays of Microplasma Jets Generated by Double Parabolic Microcavities in an Hourglass Configuration

Microplasma jets have been generated in double parabolic microcavities arranged in an hourglass structure with a 300-μm-diameter throat. Fabricated by micropowder blasting of nanoporous alumina grown on Al foil, the parabolic cavities are situated back-to-back and operated with a feedstock gas having a flow rate of ~ 1.5-6 standard L/min. Arrays as large as 6 × 6 jets have been demonstrated for which the jet pitch and fill factor are 1.25 mm and 17%, respectively. Images of the visible fluorescence produced by the expansion of He microplasma jets in laboratory air provide a vivid picture of the extent of the He(23S) → N2+ Penning ionization reaction zone.
Magnetic phase transitions of ultra-thin Fe films

Magnetic properties of ultra-thin Fe( 100) films are studied experimentally, with an emphasis on the temperature dependence of the magnetization and the influence of the substrate on magnetic properties. It is found that the nature and orientation of the substrate, here Au(100) and Pd(100), have significant effects on the character of the ferromagnetic phase transition, in particular the thermodynamic behavior near the Curie point is strongly dependent on the details of the system, in contrast to the case of bulk Fe. These results are consistent with predictions for the XY model with crystalline anisotropies.
An Active Disturbance Rejection Approach to Tension and Velocity Regulations in Web Processing Lines

In this paper, a unique disturbance rejection control strategy is proposed for a class of tension and velocity regulation problems found in web process lines. The proposed control system actively estimates and rejects the effects of both dynamic changes in the system and external disturbances. Both open-loop and closed-loop tension regulation schemes are investigated. A tension observer is designed in order to facilitate closed loop tension control in the absence of a tension transducer. The performance of existing schemes and the proposed ones are compared and the results show marked improvements in tracking and disturbance rejection by the proposed solutions.
Involvement of p21(WAF1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1) in intestinal epithelial cell differentiation

Using the conditionally immortalized human cell line tsFHI, we have investigated the role of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) in intestinal epithelial cell differentiation. Expression of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdk), and CKIs was examined under conditions promoting growth, growth arrest, or expression of differentiated traits. Formation of complexes among cell cycle regulatory proteins and their kinase activities were also investigated. The tsFHI cells express three CKIs: p16, p21, and p27. With differentiation, p21 and p27 were strongly induced, but with different kinetics: the p21 increase was rapid but transient and the p27 increase was delayed but sustained. Our results suggest that the function of p16 is primarily to inhibit cyclin D-associated kinases, making tsFHI cells dependent on cyclin E-Cdk2 for pRb phosphorylation and G1/S progression. Furthermore, they indicate that p21 is the main CKI involved in irreversible growth arrest during the early stages of cell differentiation in association with D-type cyclins, cyclin E, and Cdk2, whereas p27 may induce or stabilize expression of differentiated traits acting independently of cyclin-Cdk function.
Non-eligibility for reperfusion therapy in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Contemporary insights from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR)

Background Reperfusion therapy is lifesaving in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Contemporary data describing the characteristics and outcomes of patients presenting with STEMI not receiving reperfusion therapy are lacking. Methods Using the ACTION Registry–GWTG database, we examined 219,726 STEMI patients (January 2007–December 2013) at 721 percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)–capable hospitals in United States. Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were stratified by those who underwent reperfusion (n = 188,200; 86%), those who did not undergo reperfusion with a reason for ineligibility (n = 27,179; 12%), and those without reperfusion but had no reason for ineligibility (n = 4,347; 2%). Results Compared with STEMI patients receiving reperfusion therapy, the nonreperfusion groups were older, were more often female, and had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, prior myocardial infarction, prior stroke, atrial fibrillation, and left bundle-branch block and heart failure on presentation. The major reason for reperfusion noneligibility was coronary anatomy not suitable for PCI (33%). Presence of 3-vessel coronary disease was more common in the nonreperfusion groups (with or without a documented reason) compared with reperfusion group (38% and 36% vs 26%, P Conclusion Most patients with STEMI not receiving reperfusion therapy had a documented reason. Coronary anatomy not suitable for PCI was the major contributor to ineligibility. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients not receiving reperfusion therapy.
Effects of Homework Motivation and Worry Anxiety on Homework Achievement in Mathematics and English.

Direct and mediating effects of homework worry anxiety on homework effort and homework achievement and the differences in the structural relations among homework motivation constructs and homework achievement across mathematics and English homework were examined in 268 tenth graders in China. Homework motivation included task value, homework self-efficacy, homework worry anxiety, and motivation application. Homework accomplishments were rated by mathematics and English teachers. Homework value had positive effects on homework effort and worry anxiety in both subjects. Homework self-efficacy had positive and negative effects on homework effort and worry, respectively. Homework worry mediated the relation of homework value to effort and to achievement; the relation was more prominent in mathematics than in English homework. The mediating effects of worry anxiety in the relation of self-efficacy to homework effort and to achievement were significant only in mathematics. The domain specificity and direct and ...
Analysis of Malaria Control Effect in Dayi County During 1950-2006

Objective To evaluate the effect of malaria prevention and cure in Dayi County,and to provide scientific basis for making out malaria control strategy in the future.Methods Malaria epidemic situation of Dayi County during 1950-2006 was analy sed with descriptive epidemiology.In addition,all related factors and the whole process of malaria control were also analyzed.Results The incidence rate of malaria descended gradually with the prevention and cure progress,i.e.456.00/1000 000 in 1950s、264.37/100 000 in 1960s、181.16/100 1000 in 1970s,and declined to under 10/100 000 in 1996.The malaria control effect was obvious.Conclusion Malaria control in Dayi County has achieved the basic eliminetion standard.In addition to long-term comprehensive prevention and cure,the improvements of regional production and life condition,ameliorations of social economy and medical treatment condition,and reinforcements of disease-defending ability of one's own have vigorously promoted the malaria control.
Modern Approaches to Bile Acid Transport Proteins

New techniques for studying solute uptake across epithelial membranes in the gut are providing a clearer picture of bile acid handling. In the small intestine, liver, and other sites, membrane proteins that mediate active bile acid transport are key players. Better understanding of these transporters may lead to elucidation of disorders of bile handling and better treatment of such disorders.
Flax Seed (Linum usitatissimum) Fatty Acids

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an evaluation of the nutritional significance of flax seed. Flax seed is considered to be an important oil seed crop that is especially rich in essential fatty acids. The seed contains essential omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that our bodies require to maintain optimal health. It is the most abundant plant source of omega-3 fatty acid, which accounts for more than 50% of its fatty acid content. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for growth and development, and have been associated with health and the prevention and treatment of heart disease, arthritis, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Epidemiologic studies have shown that populations that consume high amounts of oils containing omega-3 fatty acids have lower rates of various types of cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, and colon. The major insoluble fiber fraction in flax seed consists of cellulose and, most importantly, lignin, which represents approximately 0.7-1.5% of the seed. Lignans are phytoestrogens, which are beneficial compounds that affect the metabolism of hormones such as estrogens in humans. Few allergic reactions to flax have been documented, and anaphylactic reactions are rare. Byssonosis has been described following exposure to flax dust during harvesting and processing of flax, and there have been reports of asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Flax seed contains various antinutrients, including phytic acid, linatine, trypsin inhibitors, oxalates, and cyanogenic glycosides.
The Impact of Hospital Resources and Availability of Professional Lactation Support on Maternity Care: Results of Breastfeeding Surveys 2009-2014.

Abstract Background: Breastfeeding provides maternal and infant health benefits. Maternity care practices encompassed in the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are positively associated with improved breastfeeding outcomes. This study assessed changes in maternity care practices and lactation support. Materials and Methods: In 2009, 2011, and 2014, New York (NY) hospitals providing maternity care services were surveyed to assess the implementation of 9 of the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, professional lactation support, distribution of formula and discharge packs, and patient and hospital barriers to breastfeeding success. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate changes over time. Results: Surveys were completed by 138/138 (2009), 128/129 (2011), and 125/125 (2014) NY hospitals. During this time period, the percent of hospitals reporting implementation of Steps 2, 4, 6, or 9 increased, and the mean number of 9 steps implemented increased from 4.3 to 5.3. Hospitals distributing for...
Safety and Efficacy of New Anticoagulants for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism After Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and potentially fatal complication of arthroplasty. Methods We reviewed randomized trials to determine which anticoagulant has the best safety and efficacy in hip and knee arthroplasty patients. We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE through January 2016. Results Compared to enoxaparin (most commonly dosed 40 mg once daily), the relative risk (RR) of VTE was lowest for edoxaban 30 mg once daily (0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.75), fondaparinux 2.5 mg once daily (0.53; 95% CI, 0.45-0.63), and rivaroxaban 10 mg once daily (0.55; 95% CI, 0.46-0.66), and highest for dabigatran 150 mg once daily (1.19; 95% CI; 0.98-1.44). The RR of major/clinically relevant bleeding was lowest for apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily (0.84; 95% CI; 0.70-0.99) and highest for rivaroxaban (1.27; 95% CI, 1.01-1.59) and fondaparinux (1.64; 95% CI, 0.24-11.35). Fondaparinux was the only agent that was more effective than enoxaparin 30 mg twice daily (VTE RR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.43-0.76). Conclusion With the possible exception of apixaban, newer anticoagulants that lower the risk of postoperative VTE increase bleeding.
Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders: Clinical Evaluation and Management

Fluid, electrolyte and acid-base disorders : , Fluid, electrolyte and acid-base disorders : , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز
Analysis of Dynamic Stall on a Pitching Airfoil Using High-Fidelity Large-Eddy Simulations

The onset of unsteady separation and dynamic stall vortex formation over a constant-rate pitching airfoil is analyzed by means of high-fidelity large-eddy simulations. The flowfields are computed b...
Intraoperative femoral head dislodgement during total hip arthroplasty: a report of four cases

Abstract Dislodgment of trial femoral heads and migration into the pelvis during total hip arthroplasty is a rarely reported complication with limited published cases. There are three primary mechanisms of femoral head separation: dislodgement during reduction attempt, disassociation from anterior dislocation while assessing anterior stability, and during dislocation after implant trialing. If the trial femoral migrates beyond the pelvic brim, it is safer to finish the total hip arthroplasty and address the retained object after repositioning or in a planned second procedure with a general surgeon. We recommend operative retrieval since long-term complications from retention or clinical results are lacking.
DATA LITERACY IS STATISTICAL LITERACY

Past definitions of statistical literacy should be updated in order to account for the greatly amplified role that data now play in our lives. Experience working with high-school students in an innovative data science curriculum has shown that teaching statistical literacy, augmented by data literacy, can begin early. First published May 2017 at Statistics Education Research Journal Archives
Achieving Self-Balancing by Design in Photovoltaic Energy Storage Systems

This paper examines the problem of designing integrated systems of photovoltaic (PV) arrays and battery cells in a manner that achieves self-balancing by design. This paper focuses on two topologies for integrating PV and battery cells, both of which connect PV generation to each battery cell directly, either with or without dc–dc conversion. This paper proves, using Lyapunov stability methods, that both the topologies are globally, asymptotically self-balancing. This means that initial differences among battery cells in either the state of charge or other internal state variables are guaranteed to diminish asymptotically with time. This self-balancing behavior reduces the amount and hence the cost of the power electronics needed for energy storage integration into PV farms significantly compared to conventional integration topologies—an argument substantiated using a financial assessment in this paper. This paper extends previous work by the authors on self-balancing PV energy storage systems in four significant ways. First, the proof of self-balancing is provided using equivalent-circuit battery models of arbitrary order, as opposed to first-order models. Second, this proof is provided for multiple integration topologies, instead of just one. Third, we demonstrate this self-balancing behavior experimentally, using a hardware-in-the-loop setup, for the first time. Finally, we perform a cost benefit analysis of our hybrid topologies in comparison to a benchmark system in order to quantify the integration cost reduction due to self-balancing.
MRI Identification of the Osseous Extent of Pediatric Bone Sarcomas.

AbstractBackgroundThe quantitative accuracy of MRI in predicting the intraosseous extent of primary sarcoma of bone has not been definitively confirmed, although MRI is widely accepted as an accurate tool to plan limb salvage resections. Because inaccuracies in MRI determination of tumor extent coul
"Save 100,000 Babies": The 1918 Children's Year and Its Legacy.

In April 1918, President Woodrow Wilson, alarmed at the high draftee rejection rate, proclaimed the second year of American engagement in World War I as “Children’s Year.” The motto of the nationwi...
Hydroxo and chloro complexes/ion interactions of Hf4+ and the solubility product of HfO2(am)

The solubility of HfO2(am) was determined at different equilibration periods from the over- and undersaturation directions, in very acidic to basic solutions (0.1 m HCl to 3.2 m NaOH), and in NaCl solutions ranging in concentrations from very dilute to as high as 5.59 m and in a $${\text{p}}C_{{\text{H}} + }$$ range from 1 to 4 to obtain reliable thermodynamic data for the Hf4+–Cl−–Na+–H+–OH−–H2O system. The studies indicate that equilibrium is reached rapidly (<5 days) and that HfO2(am) solubility shows amphoteric behavior. The solubility data obtained in this study, along with the data reported in the literature, at NaOH molalities as high as 21.7 m were interpreted using the ion-interaction model of Pitzer. The log K 0 for the solubility of HfO2(am) [HfO2(am) + 2H2O ⇆ Hf4+ + 4OH−] was determined to be −55.1 ± 0.7. The log K 0 values for the formation of HfOH3+, Hf(OH)0 4, Hf(OH)5 −, and Hf(OH)6 2− according to the reaction (Hf4+ + xOH− ⇆ Hf(OH)4−x x) were determined to be 13.8, <44.8, 49.7 ± 0.2, and 51.2 ± 0.2, respectively. The thermodynamic model developed in this study is valid for a wide range of conditions (as high as 0.1 m HCl, 21.7 m NaOH, and 5.59 m NaCl). The binary ion-interaction parameters for Hf4+–Cl−, HfOH3+–Cl−, and Hf(OH)2− 6–Na+ were determined in this study to accurately define the observed solubility behavior of hafnium in various systems.
Evaluation of the classical methods for the diagnosis of type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

Familial type III hyperlipoproteinemia is characterized by the presence of elevated plasma levels of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) which contain an increased amount of cholesterol and by the presence of a significant amount of lipoproteins with an intermediate density between that of VLDL and low density lipoproteins (LDL); the intermediate density lipoproteins, designated IDL or Lp III, have a slower electrophoretic migration rate than VLDL, and are found in the ultracentrifugal top fraction as a contaminant. Classically, the diagnosis of type III is based on the demonstration of beta-migrating lipoproteins in the ultracentrifugal top fraction (density <1.006), thus “floating beta-lipoprotein”. More recently, it has been proposed that an elevated VLDL-cholesterol to triglyceride ratio is diagnostic of the disorder. In the present report, we have compared the two methods for their diagnostic value and have concluded that the chemical index definition is the more reliable method for the diagnosis of type III hyperlipoproteinemia.
Abstract TMP42: Gait Adaptation in Virtual Reality: Does Baseline Spatio-temporal Asymmetry in Stroke Survivors Play a Role?

Introduction: Perception of self-motion through virtual reality (VR) provides a unique avenue to improve gait adaptation in chronic stroke survivors. In this ongoing study, stroke survivors adapted...
A list of bees from three locations in the Northern Rockies Ecoregion (NRE) of western Montana.

Background Wild bees that were collected in conjunction with a larger study are presented as a checklist of species for the Northern Rockies Ecoregion of Montana, USA. Over the course of four field seasons (2013-2016), 281 species and morphospecies in 32 genera and five families were collected using insect nets, and identified. This paper addresses the distinct lack of studies monitoring bee species in Montana and contributes to a basic understanding of fauna in the northern Rocky Mountains. New information With this study, the number of known bee species in Montana increases by at least six species, from 366 (Kuhlman and Burrows 2017) to 372. Though literature was not reviewed for all the species on this checklist, published records in Montana revealed no listings for Andrena saccata Viereck; Anthidiellum notatum robertsoni (Cockerell); Ashmeadiella meliloti (Cockerell); Ashmeadiella pronitens (Cockerell); Colletes lutzi lutzi Timberlake; and Dioxys productus (Cresson).
Regionally Enhanced Global (REG) 4D-Var

AbstractA regionally enhanced global (REG) data assimilation (DA) method is proposed. The technique blends high-resolution model information from a single or multiple limited-area model domains wit...
Digital nomads in siliconising Cluj: Material and allegorical double dispossession:

This paper studies the arrival of digital nomads in Cluj, Romania. I focus upon double dispossession, in which ‘digital nomads’ allegorise technocapitalist fantasies by appropriating Roma identity ...
Complex Analysis in ℂ

In this chapter, following Hormander (An Introduction to Complex Analysis in Several Variables, North-Holland, 1990), we consider elementary definitions and facts concerning complex analysis in ℂ from the point of view of local solutions of the inhomogeneous Cauchy–Riemann equation \(\partial u/\partial\bar{z}=v\). The global solution of the analogous inhomogeneous Cauchy–Riemann equation on a Riemann surface (see Chaps. 2 and 3) will allow us to obtain analogues of some of the central theorems of complex analysis in the plane (for example, the Riemann mapping theorem, the Mittag-Leffler theorem, and the Weierstrass theorem) for open Riemann surfaces, as well as some of the central theorems of the theory of compact Riemann surfaces (for example, the Riemann–Roch theorem). A reader who is familiar with complex analysis in the plane may wish to read Sects. 1.1 and 1.2 carefully, but only skim Sects. 1.3–1.6.
Individual Type 6: Seekers

Seekers are people who dedicate their lives to seeking answers to questions about the meaning of life. Major subtypes include: spiritualists who seek answers through spiritual quests and introspection (not through organized religion); scientists who seek answers by applying science and logic; and of course, believers, who devote themselves to following an established organized religion.
The influence of carboxylesterase 1 polymorphism and cannabidiol on the hepatic metabolism of heroin.

Abstract Heroin (diamorphine) is a highly addictive opioid drug synthesized from morphine. The use of heroin and incidence of heroin associated overdose death has increased sharply in the US. Heroin is primarily metabolized via deacetylation (hydrolysis) forming the active metabolites 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) and morphine. A diminution in heroin hydrolysis is likely to cause higher drug effects and toxicities. In this study, we sought to determine the contribution of the major hepatic hydrolase carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) to heroin metabolism in the liver as well as the potential influence of one of its known genetic variants, G143E (rs71647871). Furthermore, given the potential therapeutic application of cannabidiol (CBD) for heroin addiction and the frequent co-abuse of cannabis and heroin, we also assessed the effects of CBD on heroin metabolism. In vitro systems containing human liver, wild-type CES1, and G143E CES1 S9 fractions were utilized in the assessment. The contribution of CES1 to the hydrolysis of heroin to 6-MAM was determined as 3.66%, and CES1 was unable to further catalyze 6-MAM under our assay conditions. The G143E variant showed a 3.2-fold lower intrinsic clearance of heroin as compared to the WT. CBD inhibited heroin and 6-MAM hydrolysis in a reversible manner, with IC50s of 14.7 and 12.1 μM, respectively. Our study results suggested only minor involvement of CES1 in heroin hydrolysis in the liver. Therefore, the G143E variant is unlikely to cause significant impact despite a much lower hydrolytic activity. CBD exhibited potent in vitro inhibition toward both heroin and 6-MAM hydrolysis, which may be of potential clinical relevance.
Tropical Cyclone Wave and Intensity Forecasts

Abstract : The goal of this project is to improve guidance for the prediction of waves and intensity associated with tropical cyclones.
Factors associated with the use of adjuvant neratinib in stage I-III HER2-positive breast cancer.

e12517Background: HER2-positive breast cancers have a higher risk of recurrence, though systemic chemotherapy in combination with HER2-targeted agents significantly reduces this risk. Neratinib (N)...
Intelligent Predictive Analytics for Identifying Students at Risk of Failure in Moodle Courses

Investigating the factors affecting students’ academic failure in online and/or blended courses by analyzing students’ learning behavior data gathered from Learning Management Systems (LMS) is a challenging area in intelligent learning analytics and education data mining area. It has been argued that the actual course design and the instructor’s intentions is critical to determine which variables meaningfully represent student effort that should be included/excluded from the list of predicting factors. In this paper we describe such an approach for identifying students at risk of failure in online courses. For the proof of our concept we used the data of two cohorts of an online course implemented in Moodle LMS. Using the data of the first cohort we developed a prediction model by experimenting with certain base classifiers available in Weka. To improve the observed performance of the experimented base classifiers, we enhanced further our model with the Majority Voting ensemble classifier. The final model was used at the next cohort of students in order to identify those at risk of failure before the final exam. The prediction accuracy of the model was high which show that the findings of such a process can be generalized.
Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells harvested from type two diabetes rats promotes neurorestorative effects after stroke in type two diabetes rats

Abstract Background and purpose Diabetes elevates the risk of stroke, promotes inflammation, and exacerbates vascular and white matter damage post stroke, thereby hindering long term functional recovery. Here, we investigated the neurorestorative effects and the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of treatment of stroke in type 2 diabetic rats (T2DM) using exosomes harvested from bone marrow stromal cells obtained from T2DM rats (T2DM-MSC-Exo). Methods T2DM was induced in adult male Wistar rats using a combination of high fat diet and Streptozotocin. Rats were subjected to transient 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and 3 days later randomized to one of the following treatment groups: 1) phosphate-buffered-saline (PBS, i.v), 2) T2DM-MSC-Exo, (3 × 1011, i.v), 3) T2DM-MSC-Exo with miR-9 over expression (miR9+/+-T2DM-MSC-Exo, 3 × 1011, i.v) or 4) MSC-Exo derived from normoglycemic rats (Nor-MSC-Exo) (3 × 1011, i.v). T2DM sham control group is included as reference. Rats were sacrificed 28 days after MCAo. Results T2DM-MSC-Exo treatment does not alter blood glucose, lipid levels, or lesion volume, but significantly improves neurological function and attenuates post-stroke weight loss compared to PBS treated as well as Nor-MSC-Exo treated T2DM-stroke rats. Compared to PBS treatment, T2DM-MSC-Exo treatment of T2DM-stroke rats significantly 1) increases tight junction protein ZO-1 and improves blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity; 2) promotes white matter remodeling indicated by increased axon and myelin density, and increases oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte progenitor cell numbers in the ischemic border zone as well as increases primary cortical neuronal axonal outgrowth; 3) decreases activated microglia, M1 macrophages, and inflammatory factors MMP-9 (matrix mettaloproteinase-9) and MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) expression in the ischemic brain; and 4) decreases miR-9 expression in serum, and increases miR-9 target ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter 1) and IGFR1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor) expression in the brain. MiR9+/+-T2DM-MSC-Exo treatment significantly increases serum miR-9 expression compared to PBS treated and T2DM-MSC-Exo treated T2DM stroke rats. Treatment of T2DM stroke with miR9+/+-T2DM-MSC-Exo fails to improve functional outcome and attenuates T2DM-MSC-Exo treatment induced white matter remodeling and anti-inflammatory effects in T2DM stroke rats. Conclusions T2DM-MSC-Exo treatment for stroke in T2DM rats promotes neurorestorative effects and improves functional outcome. Down regulation of miR-9 expression and increasing its target ABCA1 pathway may contribute partially to T2DM-MSC-Exo treatment induced white matter remodeling and anti-inflammatory responses.