cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sustained activation of PPARα by endogenous ligands increases hepatic fatty acid oxidation and prevents obesity in ob/ob mice

Obesity, a major health concern, results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. Leptin-deficient ob/ob mice are paradigmatic of obesity, resulting from excess energy intake and storage. Mice lacking acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1), the first enzyme of the peroxisomal fatty acid β-oxidation system, are characterized by increased energy expenditure and a lean body phenotype caused by sustained activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) by endogenous ligands in liver that remain unmetabolized in the absence of Acox1. We generated ob/ob mice deficient in Acox1 (Acox1−/−) to determine how the activation of PPARα by endogenous ligands might affect the obesity of ob/ob mice. In contrast to Acox1−/− (14.3±1.2 g at 6 mo) and the Acox1-deficient (ob/ob) double-mutant mice (23.8±4.6 g at 6 mo), the ob/ob mice are severely obese (54.3±3.2 g at 6 mo) and had significantly more (P<0.01) epididymal fat content. The resistance of Acox1−/−/ob/ob mice to obesity is due to increased PPARα-mediated up-regulation of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation in liver. Activation of PPARα in Acox1-deficient ob/ob mice also reduces serum glucose and insulin (P<0.05) and improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Further, PPARα activation reduces hepatic steatosis and increases hepatocellular regenerative response in Acox1−/−/ob/ob mice at a more accelerated pace than in mice lacking only Acox1. However, Acox1−/−/ob/ob mice manifest hepatic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and also develop hepatocellular carcinomas (8 of 8 mice) similar to those observed in Acox1−/− mice (10 of 10 mice), but unlike in ob/ob (0 of 14 mice) and OB/OB (0 of 6 mice) mice, suggesting that superimposed ER stress and PPARα activation contribute to carcinogenesis in a fatty liver. Finally, absence of Acox1 in ob/ob mice can impart resistance to high-fat diet (60% fat)-induced obesity, and their liver had significantly (P<0.01) more cell proliferation. These studies with Acox1−/−/ob/ob mice indicate that sustained activation of lipid-sensing nuclear receptor PPARα attenuates obesity and restores glucose homeostasis by ameliorating insulin resistance but increases the risk for liver cancer development, in part related to excess energy combustion.—Huang, J., Jia, Y., Fu, T., Viswakarma, N., Bai, L., Sambasiva Rao, M., Zhu, Y., Borensztajn, J., Reddy, J. K. Sustained activation of PPARα by endogenous ligands increases hepatic fatty acid oxidation and prevents obesity in ob/ob mice.
Oxidation of Long Chain Hydrocarbons by Means of Low-Pressure Plasmas

Oxidation of several liquid, long chain hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, arenes, and a light gas oil, LCGO, product of a coking process) has been studied by using a low-pressure high-voltage oxygen plasma. Olefins were readily oxidized to epoxides and carbonyl compounds, O(3P) being the active species in the plasma. At long treatment times the saturated chains of the olefins also reacted to produce secondary alcohols and ketones. These compounds and tertiary alcohols, only when tertiary carbons were present, were obtained with alkanes. At 5 min 4-phenyl-1-butene showed reaction mostly on the olefinic CC, followed by oxidation of the aromatic ring. At 120 min the olefinic fraction of the compound was eliminated and the reaction of the saturated −CH2− groups represented only 0.6% of the total conversion. LCGO, with a composition of 65.1% alkanes, 34.8% aromatics, and 3.1% olefins, was treated under similar conditions used for the model compounds. At 120 min the olefinic fraction of the mixture was eliminated...
β2-Adrenoreceptor Polymorphisms in Asthmatic Patients.

β2-adrenergic receptors (β2AR) are GTP-binding protein (G-protein) coupled receptors widely distributed in human tissue. Inhaled β2-agonist drugs exert their primary effect on the β2AR of bronchial smooth muscles, causing relaxation and bronchial dilatation. Polymorphisms in the β2AR gene have been identified, which may affect responsiveness to β2-agonists and disease severity in asthmatics. Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the coding region and eight SNPs within in the 5′ upstream region of the β2AR gene have been identified. The two most studied polymorphisms are mutations in the coding region at codon 16, Arg to Gly (Arg16Gly) and at codon 27, Gln to Glu (Gln27Glu). Evidence suggests that carriers of Gly16, as well as carriers of Gln27, are prone to down-regulation of β2AR. Patients who are homozygous for Arg16 and/or Glu 27 may be more susceptible to tachyplaxis with chronic use of β2-agonists. Although β2AR polymorphism is not related to the severity of asthma, patients with nocturn...
Monolithic 2 DOF fully compliant space pointing mechanism

Abstract. This paper describes the conception, modeling, and development of a fully compliant two-degree-of-freedom pointing mechanism for application in spacecraft thruster, antenna, or solar array systems. The design objectives and the advantages of a compliant solution are briefly discussed. Detailed design decisions to meet project objectives are described. Analytical and numerical models are developed and subsequently verified by prototype testing and measurements in several iterations. A final design of the 3-D printed titanium monolithic pointing mechanism is described in detail and its performance is measured.
Genetic Mapping of Secretion and Functional Determinants of the Vibrio cholerae TcpF Colonization Factor

Colonization of the human small intestine by Vibrio cholerae requires the type IV toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP). TcpF, which is encoded within the tcp operon, is secreted from the bacterial cell by the TCP apparatus and is also essential for colonization. Bacteria lacking tcpF are deficient in colonization, and anti-TcpF antibodies are protective in the infant mouse cholera model. In order to elucidate the regions of the protein that are required for secretion through the TCP apparatus and for its function in colonization, random mutagenesis of tcpF was performed. Analysis of these mutants suggests that multiple regions throughout the protein influence extracellular secretion and that determinants near the C terminus are important for the function of TcpF in colonization. The TcpF proteins of certain environmental V. cholerae isolates with 31% to 66% identity to pathogenic V. cholerae TcpF showed higher similarity in regions identified as secretion determinants but diverged in regions found to be important for colonization. These environmental TcpF proteins are secreted from the pathogenic strain; however, they do not mediate colonization in the infant mouse model. Here we provide genetic evidence pointing toward regions of TcpF that influence secretion, as well as regions that play an important role in in vivo colonization.
Conversion of Vitamin K1 to 2‘,3‘-Dihydrovitamin K1 during the Hydrogenation of Vegetable Oils

When vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) was measured by HPLC in foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, a peak corresponding to the retention time of 2‘,3‘-dihydrovitamin K1 was observed. Dihydrovitamin K1 has a molecular mass 2 Da greater than that of vitamin K1 due to saturation of the 2‘,3‘ double bond of the side chain. For confirmation of this putative compound, samples of a commercial shortening, soybean oil, and soybean oil subjected to light and heavy hydrogenation were purified by preparative HPLC and analyzed by GC/MS. Authentic dihydrovitamin K1 and the oil samples produced molecular ions at m/z 452 and fragment ions at m/z 186. Although absolute levels of both vitamin K1 and dihydrovitamin K1 decreased with an increase in hydrogenation, there was an overall increase in the ratio of dihydrovitamin K1 to vitamin K1. The biological activity of dihydrovitamin K1 remains to be determined; however, if biologically active, it could have a significant role in vitamin K nutriture. Keywords: Vit...
The ever-expanding role of degradation in the regulation of apolipoprotein B metabolism

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is the essential protein required for the assembly and secretion of chylomicrons from the small intestine and VLDLs from the liver. These lipoproteins, as well as their remnants and LDL, play key roles in the transport of dietary and endogenously synthesized lipids throughout the body. However, they can be involved in the initiation of atherosclerotic lesions in the vessel wall. Therefore, it is not surprising that the assembly of apoB-containing lipoproteins in the small intestine and liver is a highly regulated process. In particular, cotranslational and posttranslational targeting of apoB for degradation, regulated largely by the availability of the core lipids carried in the lipoprotein, by the types of dietary fatty acids consumed, and by the hormonal milieu, determines the number of chylomicrons or VLDL that are secreted. In this review, we summarize both older and more recent findings on the pathways of apoB degradation, focusing on events in the liver.
Configurational Properties and Corresponding States in Simple Fluids and Water

Using accurate equations of state, contributions to the configurational entropy and energy of water are calculated and compared with six simple fluids and a model Lennard-Jones (LJ) fluid. The reorganizational entropy is calculated for the first time for water and other fluids. Comparisons are made at equal reduced densities from the triple point to the gas-liquid critical temperature. A corresponding states principle (CSP), suggested by the van der Waals model, is satisfied for certain configurational properties among the simple and LJ fluids. Saturated simple liquids in states of equal free volume fractions have comparable configurational properties. Water deviates significantly from the CSP in some but not all cases. The normal boiling point of eight simple fluids is seen to be an isofree volume state that occurs at a reduced density (ρ/ρc) of 2.63 ± 0.02, or equivalently, an occupied volume fraction of 0.42. A nearly invariant entropy of vaporization at the normal boiling point among eight simple flui...
Isolation of a Colon Tumor Specific Binding Peptide Using Phage Display Selection

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in the United States. Improved detection sensitivity of early colorectal neoplasms would have important clinical applications. Herein, we report on using phage display to generate peptide libraries that detect colon carcinoma tissues. To accomplish this, we employed positive selection of a peptide-bearing phage library on poorly differentiated colon carcinoma cells (HT29) and combined this with negative selection of the phage library on well-differentiated colon carcinoma cells (HCT116). Analysis of the resulting library identified a nine-amino-acid, disulfide-constrained peptide, CPIEDRPMC (RPMrel), that stained HT29 colon carcinoma cells. Immunohistochemical staining using FITC-conjugated RPMrel peptide also showed binding of RPMrel to colon tumor tissues from four patients. We saw no binding of RPMrel to normal colon tissues. In addition, RPMrel failed to stain a panel of noncolon tissues including the lungs, liver, and stomach. We further demonstrated that RPMrel coupled to the mitochondrial toxin (KLAKLAK)2 killed HT29 cells. These studies suggest that RPMrel may be a promising lead candidate in the development of a useful colon tumor diagnostic and targeted drug delivery agent.
Water Velocity Effect on Heat Penetration Parameters During Institutional Size Retort Pouch Processing

Institutional size retort pouches (15 × 12 × 1) filled with 10% bentonite were processed in water with overriding air pressure. The heat penetration parameter, fh, was measured at seven flow rates from 10 gal/min (Re = 3000) to 110 gal/min (Re = 33000). Apparent convection heat transfer coefficients (h-values) were calculated. Significant differences were found for both the h-value and observed fh value as a function of flow rate. The h-values ranged from 33–48 BTU/hr ft2 F and the observed fh values ranged from 23.0–20.1 min for 10 and 110 gal/min, respectively.
The regulation of striatal DOPA synthesis by α2-adrenoreceptors

The administration of alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonists SKF 64139 or SKF 72223 (TIQ derivatives) elicits an increase in striatal DOPA synthesis. The findings that the enhanced DOPA synthesis is reversed by pretreatment of the animals with clonidine or with the D beta H inhibitor FLA-63 suggest that action of the TIQ derivatives is related to their ability to block alpha-adrenoreceptors. It is being postulated that the enhanced striatal DOPA synthesis elicited by the TIQ derivatives is a result of inhibition of dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Confidence Judgments on Color Category Best Exemplars

Although basic color terms and basic color appearances have been shown to produce higher confidence ratings in a variety of naming and judgment tasks, our findings suggest that when different ethnolinguistic cultures are compared, higher confidence is not strictly linked to the basic foci of Berlin and Kay nor the centroid samples identified by Boynton and colleagues. This raises important questions about high confidence as evidence of the salience of basic color foci, a point central to the widely accepted basic color-term theoretical framework. This study analyzes confidence judgment data for Vietnamese and English color naming, suggesting that high confidence may be more directly linked to aspects of a task rather than universal focal color stimuli. Culture-specific patterns of naming, an individual’s access to shared cultural knowledge, and goodness of fit between exemplars and names provide a more complete explanation of the higher confidence observed for certain color appearances.
Synthesis and biological studies of novel neurotensin(8-13) mimetics.

Abstract Novel neurotensin (NT) (8–13) (Arg8-Arg9-Pro10-Tyr11-Ile12-Leu13) mimetics 3, 4 were designed by adopting all intrinsic functional groups of the native neurotensin(8–13) and using a substituted indole as a template to mimic the pharmacophore of NT(8–13). Biological studies at subtype 1 of the NT receptor showed that 3 has a 55 and 580 nM binding affinity at rat and human neurotensin receptors, respectively. As a comparison, compounds 5 and 6 were also synthesized. The binding difference between 3, 4 and 5, 6 argues the importance of the carboxylic group in achieving higher potency NT(8–13) mimetics.
Religious coping, family support, and negative affect in college students.

To understand the influence that religion may have on mental health, the present study examined influences of religious coping and family support on anxiety and depression in 190 college students (women = 67.4%; M age = 21.7 yr., SD = 4.9). Subjects were recruited as volunteers from undergraduate psychology courses and completed the Ways of Religious Coping Scale, the General Functioning subscale of the Family Assessment Device, the Anxiety Scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition. Analyses indicated greater family support was significantly associated with less anxiety and depression, whereas religious coping was not significantly correlated with anxiety and depression. Overall findings suggest that family emotional support may provide a stronger source of support for college students than religious coping.
Epi‐consistency of convex stochastic programs

This paper presents consistency results for sequences of optimal solutions to convex stochastic optimization problems constructed from empirical data, by applying the strong law of large numbers fo...
Big data analytics and business analytics

Over the past few decades, with the development of automatic identification, data capture and storage technologies, people generate data much faster and collect data much bigger than ever before in...
Selfish Distributed Compression over Networks

We consider the min-cost multicast problem (under network coding) with multiple correlated sources where each terminal wants to losslessly reconstruct all the sources. This can be considered as the network generalization of the classical distributed source coding (Slepian-Wolf) problem. We study the inefficiency brought forth by the selfish behavior of the terminals in this scenario by modeling it as a noncooperative game among the terminals. The solution concept that we adopt for this game is the popular local Nash equilibrium (Waldrop equilibrium) adapted for the scenario with multiple sources. The degradation in performance due to the lack of regulation is measured by the price of anarchy (POA), which is defined as the ratio between the cost of the worst possible Waldrop equilibrium and the socially optimum cost. Our main result is that in contrast with the case of independent sources, the presence of source correlations can significantly increase the price of anarchy. Towards establishing this result we make several contributions. We characterize the socially optimal flow and rate allocation in terms of four intuitive conditions. This result is a key technical contribution of this paper and is of independent interest as well. Next, we show that the Waldrop equilibrium is a socially optimal solution for a different set of (related) cost functions. Using this, we construct explicit examples that demonstrate that the POA > 1 and determine near- tight upper bounds on the POA as well. The main techniques in our analysis are Lagrangian duality theory and the usage of the supermodularity of conditional entropy. Finally, all the techniques and results in this paper will naturally extend to a large class of network information flow problems where the Slepian-Wolf polytope is replaced by any contra-polymatroid (or more generally polymatroid-like set), leading to a nice class of succinct multi-player games and allow the investigation of other practical and meaningful s- cenarios beyond network coding as well.
The Shape of Continents, Air-Sea Interaction, and the Rising Branch of the Hadley Circulation

This chapter begins with a brief history of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) research. It then goes on to summarize recent progress in understanding why the ITCZ is locked in the Northern Hemisphere in the eastern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, and how this northward-displaced ITCZ affects the space-time structure of tropical climate variability.
Terrestrial Attitude Estimation for the Formation Control Testbed (FCT)

In this paper we look at the problem of terrestrial (earth based) attitude estimation of a unique robotic vehicle using full three axis attitude measurements and three axis inertial rate sensors (gyros). The vehicle is completely autonomous and uses air bearings to simulate the drag free dynamic environment of space. An onboard infrared camera system is used to provide quaternion measurements representing the attitude of the robot relative to the room frame of the test facility. Fiber optic gyros are used to sense the inertial angular rates. To simulate the performance of the system, a stochastic model of the gyros was developed based on long term rate table data. The angle random walk, bias, and bias stability were determined to agree with the data provided in the manufactures specification sheet. We show that a 3times reduction in the standard deviation of the attitude estimates can be achieved by proper mixing of the two sensor measurements. The attitude estimation algorithm used in this paper also provides bias free estimates of the angular rate which can be used for control or other purposes. These results are established in both high fidelity simulations and experimentally using data taken during real time operation of the robot.
A Monolithic Wideband Synchronous Video Detector for Color TV

This paper describes a low-level detector intended primarily for video IF detection in TV sets and designed specifically for integrated circuit fabrication. The device is a detector for amplitude modulated signals with up to 100% modulation, giving a low distortion high level, wideband output for small input signals. The detection is full-wave synchronous, or doubly-balanced, giving rejection of carrier components in the input signal. When used as a TV video IF detector, where the carrier frequency is in the 40-50 MHz range, the unwanted products of detection are high enough in frequency to be lost in the internal capacitance of the device, with the output comprising only the wanted video signal. A built-in suppression of chroma-sound intercarrier beat greatly eases the sound trapping requirements. The principle behind the device is not new, but the integrated circuit structure used is novel and has many advantages over a discrete approach.
Distributed global state determination via graph coloring

The authors present a novel solution to distributed global state determination. The solution is based on graph edge coloring. Edge coloring makes parallelism possible via concurrent local exchanges of state information between processors by avoiding pairing conflicts. The approach assumes that all processors are synchronized. The authors observe that this approach will continue to run in the presence of faulty links and nodes, so long as the graph remains connected. Thus, this approach, inherently, is more robust in the presence of faults than methods that depend on subgraph extraction. The authors also show how the method may be applied to detect the termination of distributed processes. >
Alam and Alas: Questioning Error Assignments in Unidimensional Guttman Scaling:

When researchers use the Guttman scalogram rather than multidimensional techniques, scalogram error assignment techniques should be questioned. An alternative to the customary minimizing error rule is suggested through ALAM and ALAS criteria which use ordinal information in scalable item marginals.
Two‐fluid ambipolar diffusion for molecular clouds with realistic heating and cooling

Molecular clouds are composed of a mix of ions and neutral gas, which interact differently with magnetic fields. We present a thorough analysis of the eigenstructure of the system of equations that describe the evolution of both ions and neutrals in the presence of a magnetic field, and with a physically motivated equation of state with heating and cooling. We show that the wave structure of the two-fluid equations with an adiabatic equation of state parallels that of the isothermal system. In particular, the same wave families exist in both isothermal and adiabatic systems, and the scales on which the waves are dissipated are unchanged. For typical molecular cloud parameters, the gravitational collapse is carried by the slow wave, just as it was in the isothermal case. There are, however, several interesting points of difference as well. In particular, the presence of cooling and radiative effects reduces the Jeans scale and furthermore increases the damping rates and reduces the phase velocity of several families of waves near the Jeans scale. The magnetohydrodynamic waves can re-emerge on scales significantly smaller than the ambipolar dissipation scale, as the neutrals and ions become completely decoupled from each other. This allows for the possibility of extremely small scale turbulence and thus lends plausibility to the idea that a small-scale dynamo can be sustained on scales smaller than the ambipolar diffusion scale.
Early-onset and Robust Cerebral Microvascular Accumulation of Amyloid β-Protein in Transgenic Mice Expressing Low Levels of a Vasculotropic Dutch/Iowa Mutant Form of Amyloid β-Protein Precursor

Cerebrovascular deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is a common pathological feature of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. In particular, the Dutch E22Q and Iowa D23N mutations in Aβ cause familial cerebrovascular amyloidosis with abundant diffuse amyloid plaque deposits. Both of these charge-altering mutations enhance the fibrillogenic and pathogenic properties of Aβ in vitro. Here, we describe the generation of several transgenic mouse lines (Tg-SwDI) expressing human neuronal Aβ precursor protein (AβPP) harboring the Swedish K670N/M671L and vasculotropic Dutch/Iowa E693Q/D694N mutations under the control of the mouse Thy1.2 promoter. Tg-SwDI mice expressed transgenic human AβPP only in the brain, but at levels below those of endogenous mouse AβPP. Despite the paucity of human AβPP expression, quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements revealed that Tg-SwDI mice developed early-onset and robust accumulation of Aβ in the brain with high association with isolated cerebral microvessels. Tg-SwDI mice exhibited striking perivascular/vascular Aβ deposits that markedly increased with age. The vascular Aβ accumulations were fibrillar, exhibiting strong thioflavin S staining, and occasionally presented signs of microhemorrhage. In addition, numerous largely diffuse, plaque-like structures were observed starting at 3 months of age. In vivo transport studies demonstrated that Dutch/Iowa mutant Aβ was more readily retained in the brain compared with wild-type Aβ. These results with Tg-SwDI mice demonstrate that overexpression of human AβPP is not required for early-onset and robust accumulation of both vascular and parenchymal Aβ in mouse brain.
CORPORATE BORROWING DECISIONS AND THE EVALUATION OF INTEREST RATE FORECASTS

1. To define in detail: (a) the refunding decision, (b) its risks and returns, and (c) its dependence on interest rate forecasts. 2. To critically review the models that have been suggested in the literature for selecting refunding policies. 3. To derive a new decision framework for analyzing refunding problems which is formulated on the basis of developments in capital market theory during the 1960's.
That’s Why It’s a 5-Year Program: Resident Acquisition of Anorectal Disease Management Competence

Background Although surgical residents are expected to be proficient in the diagnosis and management of anorectal pathology upon graduation, there is little data related to the timing and degree of proficiency acquired during training. Methods Prospective study of new patients presenting to a colorectal surgical clinic for evaluation of anorectal complaints over a 3-y period. Trainees performed an initial evaluation and recorded their exam findings, diagnosis, and treatment plan. A separate evaluation by a staff colorectal surgeon was performed, with results compared by an independent reviewer. Results A total of 236 patient evaluations were included. The accuracy of referral diagnosis was significantly better when originated from a surgeon than from all other referral sources (91.7% versus 59.1%, P = 0.031). The most common conditions were internal hemorrhoids (25%), anal fissures (22%), and external hemorrhoids (19.5%). Internal hemorrhoids were most commonly misdiagnosed as external hemorrhoids (58%). Anal fissures were missed 38% of the time, and were most often given the diagnosis of internal hemorrhoids (45%). Residents also demonstrated difficulty in identifying thrombosis in external hemorrhoids, with a 45% error rate. Medical students and residents had an overall correct primary diagnosis of 69.5%; however, there was a significant improvement in the accuracy of diagnosis from medical students and interns to upper level residents (62.9% versus 81.2%, P = 0.003). Medical treatment plans agreed between resident and staff in 74%, the surgical management agreed in 62%, and overall the residents had the correct diagnosis and corresponding treatment plan in 44%. Additional adjunctive procedures were proposed in 66 patients with residents stating the correct adjunct in 79%. The most frequently missed adjuncts were endorectal ultrasound (34%) and colonoscopy (28%). Conclusion Surgical trainees demonstrated significant deficiencies in the ability to evaluate and manage anorectal pathology; however, marked improvement occurred with time in training. Common areas of misdiagnosis and therapeutic errors were identified which could aid in curriculum development.
A Model for Adsorption Capacities of Charcoal Beds: II. Challenge Concentration Effects

Equilibrium and kinetic capacities of charcoal beds for adsorbed toxic gases and vapors depend on the concentrations of those gases and vapors. Water vapor also affects these capacities. The assumption of competitive (vapor vs. water vapor) equilibria for adsorption led to a mathematical model that quite successfully described relative humidity effects on adsorption capacities of water-immiscible vapors. This same model now has been demonstrated to describe published and new data on vapor concentration effects equally well. Parameters obtained from fits of experimental data with the model can be used for comparisons of charcoal characteristics, adsorbate-charcoal interactions and water-charcoal interactions. Correlations by this model are useful for extrapolating data to untested vapor concentrations and relative humidity conditions.
Management of a Persistent Adnexal Mass in Pregnancy: What Is the Ideal Surgical Approach?

Study Objective To compare short-term and pregnancy-related outcomes of laparoscopy with laparotomy for management of a persistent second-trimester adnexal mass. Design Retrospective cohort study of pregnant women at 14 weeks or more of gestation undergoing laparoscopy or laparotomy for management of an adnexal mass (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting University hospital. Patients Women of reproductive age with a persistent adnexal mass at 14 weeks or more of gestation. Intervention Removal of adnexal mass via laparoscopy or laparotomy. Measurements and Main Results Between 1990 and 2008, 101 pregnant women underwent treatment of a persistent adnexal mass at 14 weeks or more of gestation at our institution. Fifty women underwent laparoscopy, and 51 underwent laparotomy. Similar demographic and adnexal mass characteristics were identified between the 2 surgical groups. Eight patients in the laparotomy group experienced postoperative complications, compared with none in the laparoscopy group (p < .02). Mean surgical estimated blood loss and length of hospital stay were significantly less in the laparoscopy group compared with the laparotomy group: 17.5 mL vs 100 mL (p < .001) and 0.7 days vs 2.78 days (p < .001), respectively. There were no observed differences in pregnancy-related outcomes between the 2 groups. Conclusion Minimally invasive surgery is a reasonable approach to management of a second-trimester adnexal mass in gravid women. Laparoscopy enables a shorter hospital stay, decreased blood loss, and fewer postoperative complications without seeming to have a negative effect on pregnancy-related outcomes. While these findings are reassuring, larger studies are encouraged to continue to evaluate this issue.
Disaster recovery planning & methodology for Process Automation Systems

Process Automation Systems (PAS) performs a critical role in running today's Oil & Gas business sectors. Systems such as Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Supervisory Control & Acquisition Systems (SCADA) and Emergency Shutdown Systems (ESD) are all susceptible to unexpected down time and loss of service, endangering plant operations and production output. Thus, the continuity parameters of those systems are of a paramount importance to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Disaster & Recovery procedures (DRP) and planning tools are vital to ensure the timely recovery and restoration of company's critical information assets, thus enhancing overall corporate productivity and efficiency. Saudi Aramco owns and operates over 120 Process Automation plant facilities kingdom wide, all of which are mandated to follow a DRP methodology as part of their day-to-day operation. This paper will describe an industry “pre-defined” methodology adapted for Process Automation that we follow in Saudi Aramco. This DRP identifies the resources, actions, tasks, for the purpose of minimizing any potential economic loss and facilitating decision-making during a potential disastrous event. Due to the variance in size, configurations and setup in Information Systems installations, the scope of this methodology is broad enough to provide guidance for each operating organization to develop its own effective DRP.
Letter to the Editor-Modification of the Primal-Dual Algorithm for Degenerate Problems

This note presents a modification of the primal-dual algorithm for solving linear programs that speeds convergence in degenerate problems; it also gives some computational results.
Tropical Monodominance: A Preliminary Test of the Ectomycorrhizal Hypothesis'

This study reports results from the first explicit test of the ectomycorrhizal hypothesis for tropical monodominance in the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), where the canopy tree Gilbertiodendron dewevrei forms large, monospecific stands. To test the hypothesis that ectomycorrhizae are important to the success of dominant species, we surveyed the mycorrhizal status of dominant species, as well as other common, but not dominant, species in the forest. The survey reveals that two dominant species, Gilbertiodendron dewevrei and Julbernardia seretii, form ectomycorrhizae and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae, while Cynometra alexandri, another dominant, forms only vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae. These results, along with those of other species in this and other forests, are discussed within the context of the ectomycorrhizal hypothesis for tropical mondominance. This study demonstrates that the relationship between EM and tropical monodominance is more complex than has been previously recognized.
Effect of Cycloheximide on RNA Metabolism Early in Productive Infection with Adenovirus 2

The presence of cycloheximide during the early phase of adenovirus 2 replication causes an increase in the virus-specific content of newly synthesized mRNA. The total cytoplasmic RNA from control cultures labeled 2 to 5 h after infection hybridized to viral DNA 0.8%, whereas RNA synthesized in the presence of cycloheximide annealed 6%. Cytosine arabinoside, an inhibitor of DNA synthesis, did not affect the percent hybridization to viral DNA. Oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography was used to purify the portion of cytoplasmic RNA containing poly(A). The poly(A)-containing RNA from cultures labeled in the presence of cycloheximide hybridized to viral DNA 32% as compared to 2.2% for RNA from control cultures. Hybridization-inhibition experiments between RNAs from control- and cycloheximide-treated cultures demonstrated that the cultures treated with cycloheximide did not have an increased content of viral RNA or a new class of viral RNA sequences. Therefore, the increased hybridization appears to be caused by a reduction in synthesis of cellular cytoplasmic mRNA. Nucleoplasmic RNAs lacking and containing poly(A) were annealed to viral DNA. For both classes, RNA from cultures treated with cycloheximide hybridized 5- to 10-fold more than RNA from control-infected cultures. Therefore, the increased hybridization of cytoplasmic RNA synthesized in the presence of cycloheximide is caused either by reduced transcription of the cellular genome or by greatly increased instability of cellular heterogeneous nuclear RNA.
Incorporating the Family in the Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of an African-American Female Suffering from Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

Abstract This article highlights interpersonal aspects of panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) and discusses some family dynamics implicated in the creation and maintenance of panic symptomatology. A case of complex PDA is presented to demonstrate Panic Control Treatment and the integration of family therapy approaches. Treatment techniques included psycho-education, breathing retraining, cognitive restructuring, interoceptive exposure, in vivo exposure and discussion of secondary gains and family dynamics. The importance of a flexible approach to treatment of PDA using multidimensional techniques is emphasized.
Oxygen Reduction Catalyzed by Platinum Nanoparticles Supported on Graphene Quantum Dots

Nanosized graphene quantum dots were prepared by acid etching of carbon fibers and used as effective substrate supports for platinum nanoparticles which were synthesized by thermolytic reduction of platinum(II) chloride in ethylene glycol. Transmission electron microscopic measurements showed that the resulting nanocomposite (Pt/G) particles exhibited an average diameter of 2.79 ± 0.38 nm, with clearly defined lattice fringes of 0.23 nm that might be assigned to the interlayer spacing of the (111) crystal planes of fcc Pt. In addition, the Pt nanoparticles were found to be wrapped with a low-contrast halo that likely arose from the poorly crystalline graphene quantum dots. X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the composite nature of the Pt/G nanoparticles, and the average size of the crystal domains of the Pt/G nanoparticles was found to be close to the nanoparticle physical dimensions, whereas for commercial Pt/C nanoparticles the size of the crystal domains was only half that of the nanoparticle diameter...
A Review of: “BARABASZ, ARREED F. & WATKINS, JOHN G. (2005). Hypnotherapeutic Techniques, 2E (2nd ed.).”

“Hypnotherapeutic Techniques engages the reader in a manner that makes learning hypnosis almost effortless, if not downright hypnotic,” notes Spiegel (2005). It is that and more. The volume is the ...
Creation of a model for multiple sclerosis in Callithrix jacchus marmosets

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the CNS white matter characterized pathologically by the accumulation of perivascular and parenchymal T lymphocytes (T cells), and macrophage infiltration associated with myelin destruction. MS lesions are also characterized by the death of oligodendrocytes (the myelin-producing cells) and proliferation and hypertrophy of astrocytes with scar tissue (gliosis) replacing normal myelin. These changes result in the loss of axonal conduction for neurons of the CNS and in clinical disability. MS is thought to be an autoimmune disease, in particular because of its analogy with the disease model of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Despite extensive research and the availability of various EAE models in laboratory rodents the etiology of human MS has not been identified, and to date no effective treatment exists. Phylogenetic differences may limit the usefulness of existing EAE models, and indeed no single form of rodent EAE recapitulates all the clinical and pathological features of MS. Here we describe a novel form of EAE created in a nonhuman primate, the common marmoset Callithrix jacchus. Active immunization of these monkeys with whole myelin produces a primary demyelinating disease with a chronic relapsing-remitting course, characterized pathologically by moderate inflammation with prominent and early demyelination and gliosis reminiscent of human MS. Adoptive and passive transfer experiments have permitted definition of the mechanisms responsible for the MS-like pathology. Production of the fully demyelinated lesion requires synergism between encephalitogenic (e.g., disease-inducing) T cells and pathogenic antibody. The antigens of myelin that promote encephalitogenic T cell and antibody responses in this system have been identified. Because of the similarity between the two conditions and the high degree of conservation in immune and nervous system genes between nonhuman primates and humans, future studies of marmoset EAE will likely accelerate the development of therapies for human MS.
NOISE SOURCES IN MECHANICAL MEASUREMENTS

In this technical brief, we detailed how to differentiate between the part of a measurement due to a mechanical environment and the part of that measurement due to noise. We categorized noise within three broad categories: (1) acquisition; (2) instrumentation; and (3) background noise. We detailed an experimental example illustrating how to determine which of these sources of noise are significant and how to quantify their impact on measurement quality via the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). This type of procedure can be helpful when tracking down the root cause of unacceptable noise levels in a mechanical measurement or ensuring appropriate measurement quality.
Beach Aggradation Following Hurricane Landfall: Impact Comparisons from Two Contrasting Hurricanes, Northern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract While the effects of major hurricanes have been intensively studied, less is known about the impact of the weaker but more frequent tropical cyclones, such as Hurricane Georges (1998). This hurricane, Category 2 at landfall, was non-typical in its effects. While high waves offshore and slow forward speed just before landfall resulted in island degradation, identical to that of Category 5 Hurricane Camille in 1969, the impact on the mainland was quite different. Only approximately 15% of the sand volume eroded by Camille in 1969 was removed from the Harrison County's mainland beach this time. Backshore areas of East Belle Fontaine Beach have prograded by 3–7 m. 20–90 cm vertical aggradation took place at several locations on its 10–45 m wide backshore. The short duration of hurricane-strength winds over the mainland and the availability of compensating sand supplies from adjacent sediment sources in the waning phase of the storm explain the limited extent of mainland shore erosion. Retreating shor...
Microvascular Gene Changes in Malignant Brain Tumors

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor, and is associated with very poor survival. GBMs are known to elicit a strong angiogenic response from the host central nervous system (CNS) as they grow. As in other forms of cancer, this microvascular network delivers nutrients to the proliferating tumor and represents an attractive therapeutic target to impede tumorigenesis. In the CNS, however, the importance of the vascular network as a mediator of tumor morbidity and mortality is even more significant. Abnormal microvessels induced by the growing tumor lack a functional blood brain barrier, give rise to vasogenic edema and are prone to intracranial hemorrhage. Much work has been done to delineate the biochemical factors such as VEGF, PDGF, SF/HGF and others, responsible for inducing microvascular proliferation. Now, molecular studies using modern techniques for gene expression analysis have begun to determine the downstream changes induced in the microvascular endothelial cells themselves. Identification of the novel proteins specifically expressed by the tumor microvasculature promises to reveal additional targets that may one day be exploited for anti-angiogenic based therapies.
Further Comments on Validation Approaches for Weld Residual Stress Simulation

Tensile weld residual stress (WRS) in the presence of primary water has been identified as a main driver for stress corrosion cracking in dissimilar metal welds found in the cooling circuit of pressurized water reactors. Thus, WRS data are needed to support plant management decisions, and so are of interest to a broad range of stakeholders in pressure vessel technology. In an effort to validate predictive WRS models and quantify modeling uncertainty, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) have cooperatively organized a research program on WRS. This paper is a follow-up to earlier work, which described a series of WRS data analysis methods that provide a range of figures of merit, from simple (e.g., root mean square difference from a benchmark) to complex (e.g., comparison of predicted crack growth behavior), that can be used to judge WRS data quality. The present work applies those methods to assess model outputs developed during the second NRC/EPRI international round robin study (Phase 2b) on WRS modeling. The results of exercising the data analysis methods are presented, and compared to results obtained from an analysis of data from the previous round robin (Phase 2a).Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Support Vector Machines

This chapter covers support vector machines (SVM). Support vector machines was developed as a classifier within computer science. They not an ensemble method but a special kind of margin maximizer that uses kernels as discussed in Chap. 2. Their look and feel is quite different form the procedures discussed in earlier chapters, but their performance can be comparable to random forests and stochastic gradient boosting.
Below ground matters: Urban soil rehabilitation increases tree canopy and speeds establishment

Abstract Urban land development frequently destroys soil structure and removes organic matter, limiting tree growth. Soil rehabilitation has potential to improve soil quality but the long-term effectiveness and consequences for tree growth are poorly documented. We evaluated growth, canopy development, and physiological response of five tree species over six years to soil rehabilitation in an experimental site pre-treated to replicate typical land development. A corollary experiment evaluated growth and establishment of three additional species one year after rehabilitation in highly urbanized sites in Arlington County, Virginia. Plot study soil treatments were: typical practice (TP) (10 cm topsoil replaced); enhanced topsoil (ET) (topsoil + rototilling); profile rebuilding (SPR) (compost amendment via subsoiling to 60-cm depth + topsoil + rototilling); and undisturbed (UN) (agricultural land with no pre-treatment). In Arlington, SPR was compared with conventional site preparation (topsoil replacement). Overall, trees grew more rapidly in SPR soils and soil depths immediately below the surface (∼15–30 cm) were most affected by SPR, which reduced soil bulk density by between 0.19 and 0.57 Mg m −3 compared to nonrehabilitated soils. After six years, both trunk cross-sectional area and canopy area of plot-study trees in SPR soils matched or surpassed those in undisturbed soil for all species except Quercus bicolor while canopy area increased by as little as 2% ( Q. bicolor ) to as much as 84% ( U. ‘Morton’). In Arlington, SPR resulted in 77% trunk cross-sectional area growth after one year. Plant and soil water relations may also be altered by rehabilitation, possibly contributing to its potential as a tool for stormwater mitigation. Rehabilitation accelerates establishment and growth of urban trees planted in compacted urban soils indicating that the below-ground environment should be a key component in policy and decision making.
ACCION PortaCredit: Increasing MFI Efficiency with Technology

This InSight shares the achievements and challenges from ACCION's PortaCredit program, an innovative technology employed at microfinance institutions (MFIs) that collects and tracks microloans through the handheld computers of loan officers. PortaCredit replicates and expands upon the paper-based microloan application with the ultimate goals of reducing the operational costs of MFIs, automating and standardizing the credit application process and increasing the productivity of loan officers and other staff. This InSight chronicles the main technological and operational challenges to implementing PortaCredit at an MFI, and shares lessons from institutions in Ecuador and Venezuela.
Expansion of the northern hemisphere subtropical high pressure belt: trends and linkages to precipitation and drought

A critical issue in research concerning long-term climate change is the relationship between circulation features and global temperature variations. We establish that the annual areal size of the northern hemisphere subtropical high pressure belt (SHPB), as defined by seven 500-hPa height isohypses, shares over 70% of the variability with global annual near-surface air temperature since 1948. The area enclosed by the 5850-m isohypse of the 500-hPa surface in the northern hemisphere has more than doubled since the 1950s, with greatest increases over northern Africa, the Middle East and India. A long-term historical run of a coupled global climate model shows rapidly increasing SHPB annual sizes, since the mid-1970s. Since the SHPB’s descending air produces increased aridity, SHPB expansion may transition humid regions to more arid lands. To examine this aspect, first, variations in recorded precipitation using a gridded database for the region experiencing expansion of the SHPB show a decrease in precipita...