cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cognitive-behavioral treatment of chronic recurrent pain

Pain is a primary reason for seeking health care. The effect of a cognitive-behavioral treatment program on complaints of chronic, recurrent, non-malignant pain was evaluated. The treatment procedure consisted of a combination of a psychoeducational approach, and relaxation and attention diversion techniques, positive coping self-statements and homework assignments. Decreased pain complaints and improved mood were reported after completion of the program. These data support the use of the cognitive-behavioral frame of reference to alleviate adult pain complaints and suffering.
Thiazolidinediones for treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective. To review the pathophysiology and treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the evidence for use of thiazolidinediones in the treatment of this syndrome. Data Sources. We conducted a MEDLINE database search for English-language literature published from January 1966–July 2004. Key terms used were thiazolidinediones, troglitazone, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, polycystic ovary syndrome, and PCOS. Bibliographies in the relevant articles were reviewed for additional References. Selection. All clinical trials were reviewed. Data Synthesis. Troglitazone has been evaluated in numerous clinical trials of women with PCOS. These trials provided a body of evidence supporting the efficacy of troglitazone for management of PCOS complications, such as insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and anovulation. Due to safety concerns, however, troglitazone is no longer marketed in the United States. Clinical data are emerging regarding the utility of newer, safer thiazolidinediones, such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, for this patient population. The available literature provides evidence that these newer agents improve insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, hormone responsiveness, menstrual regularity, and ovulation rates. Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone have been well tolerated in clinical studies and have an improved safety profile in terms of liver toxicity. Conclusion. Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone should be considered a second-line treatment alternative to metformin for management of women with PCOS who are resistant to insulin or who are obese.
Multigrid methods for two-dimensional Maxwell's equations on graded meshes

In this paper we investigate the numerical solution for two-dimensional Maxwell's equations on graded meshes. The approach is based on the Hodge decomposition. The solution u of Maxwell's equations is approximated by solving standard second order elliptic problems. Quasi-optimal error estimates for both u and ? i? u in the L 2 norm are obtained on graded meshes. We prove the uniform convergence of the W -cycle and full multigrid algorithms for the resulting discrete problem. The performance of these methods is illustrated by numerical results.
Successful extraction of large intracaval isthmus of nephroblastoma.

Abstract The successful removal of a large inferior vena caval isthmus of nephroblastoma is reported. Control of the inferior vena cava was obtained in the pericardial sac through a median sternotomy incision. Complete removal of nephroblastoma can be increased by being well prepared to approach surgically all organs and structures involved.
Rate of molecular evolution of the seminal protein gene SEMG2 correlates with levels of female promiscuity

Postcopulatory sperm competition is a key aspect of sexual selection and is believed to drive the rapid evolution of both reproductive physiology and reproduction-related genes1,2,3,4. It is well-established that mating behavior determines the intensity of sperm competition, with polyandry (i.e., female promiscuity) leading to fiercer sperm competition than monandry1,2,3. Studies in mammals, particularly primates, showed that, owing to greater sperm competition, polyandrous taxa generally have physiological traits that make them better adapted for fertilization than monandrous species, including bigger testes, larger seminal vesicles, higher sperm counts, richer mitochondrial loading in sperm and more prominent semen coagulation2,5,6,7,8. Here, we show that the degree of polyandry can also impact the dynamics of molecular evolution. Specifically, we show that the evolution of SEMG2, the gene encoding semenogelin II, a main structural component of semen coagulum, is accelerated in polyandrous primates relative to monandrous primates. Our study showcases the intimate relationship between sexual selection and the molecular evolution of reproductive genes.
Deformation and failure of adhesive bonds under shear loading

Experiments have shown that certain mechanical properties can be greatly enhanced when a material is stressed while under tight spatial constraint. In this work, the post-yield behaviour of brittle and ductile epoxy resins used as thin adhesive bonds was determined using the “napkin ring” shear test. Real-time observations of the deformation in the bond as well as SEM post-failure analysis were employed to gain information on the failure process. The complete stress-strain histories of the adhesives were established for bond thicknesses ranging from the micrometre level up to values large enough to expose the bulk properties. The most dramatic variations occurred for the ultimate shear strain, γf; for the brittle adhesive, γf increased by over 30-fold relative to the bulk material when the bond thickness, t, was decreased to a few micrometres. Experimental evidence and analytical considerations suggest that the decline of γf with t was due to premature bond failure caused by tensile microcracks or voids that were formed in the interlayer during loading, with the specific γf versus t relationship being a mere reflection of the variations in the degree of stress concentration at the tip of the flaws. The astonishingly large value of γf (i.e. 2.8–3.4) found for the brittle epoxy in the micrometre thickness range, is believed to represent the intrinsic shear strain of this material.
Role of Bubble Size in Flotation of Coarse and Fine Particles—A Review

Abstract Froth flotation is the dominating mineral beneficiation technique and has achieved great commercial success. This process has also found many applications in other industries where physical separation of materials is needed. However, its high process efficiency is often limited to a narrow particle size range of approximately 10–100 µm. Considerable efforts have been made to extend this size range to the lower limit of a few microns, even submicrons, and the upper limit of 1–2 mm, in response to increased needs for higher process efficiency and expanded applications of flotation. The particle–bubble collision, attachment, and detachment are the most critical steps in the flotation process. These individual elementary processes (microprocesses) and their effects on flotation efficiency are discussed and the most recent findings are reviewed. The low flotation recovery of fine particles is mainly due to the low probability of bubble–particle collision, while the main reason for poor flotation recov...
Renal tubular secretion of organic anions

Abstract A general secretory transport system for organic anions, located in the renal tubules, plays a major role in regulating the concentrations in the body of various endogenous and exogenous compounds, including many pharmacologically active substances. Net transepithelial transport involves entry into the tubule cells against an electrochemical gradient at the basolateral membrane via a tertiary active process followed by movement through the cytoplasm and exit from the cells into the lumen down an electrochemical gradient. The final step in the tertiary active process at the basolateral membrane involves countertransport of the organic anion against its electrochemical gradient for α-ketoglutarate moving down its electrochemical gradient. Movement from the cells into the lumen down an electrochemical gradient may involve carrier-mediated diffusion driven by the potential gradient, some form of anion-exchange (whether neutral or potential-driven), or movement through a channel driven by the potential. Translocation of these organic anions from the basolateral membrane to the luminal membrane through the cytoplasm may involve diffusion or movement within some form of compartment (possibly in vesicles) or a combination of these.
Abacavir methanol 2.5-solvate.

The structure of abacavir (systematic name: {(1S,4R)-4-[2-amino-6-(cyclo­propyl­amino)-9H-purin-9-yl]cyclo­pent-2-en-1-yl}methanol), C14H18N6O·2.5CH3OH, consists of hydrogen-bonded ribbons which are further held together by additional hydrogen bonds involving the hydroxyl group and two N atoms on an adjacent purine. The asymmetric unit also contains 2.5 mol­ecules of methanol solvate which were grossly disordered and were excluded using SQUEEZE subroutine in PLATON [Spek, (2009). Acta Cryst. D65, 148–155].
Abstract 4016: Epigenetic regulation of CXCR3 splicing in prostate cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men, with the metastasis of these tumors being the main reason for the high rates of mortality and morbidity. This tumor progression requires epithelial cell dedifferentiation, migration, invasion and growth in an ectopic site. CXCR3 is a G-protein coupled receptor whose splicing was found to be differentially regulated in prostate cancer. We have found over-expression of the CXCR3A splice isoform in prostate cancers and cell lines whereas normal prostate epithelium expresses by and large only the CXCR3B isoform, representing a possible switch in the expression between the CXCR3 splice variants. As these variants link differentially to pro- and anti-invasion signaling pathways, this may explain the relentless progression of the prostate carcinoma cells. The switch is present at both the RNA and the protein level which suggests that the altering factor is at the trancriptional control level. We hypothesized that a mutation in the gene or an epigenetic modification of the genome could possibly be regulating the splicing event and hence the switch in the expression. CXCR3 when scanned for mutations was found to be intact except for a polymorphism in the intronic region which coincided with the normal prostate cells. On the epigenetic regulation side, the CpG dinucleotides in the regulatory regions, the one intron and 5′ upstream region, susceptible to methylation changes were analysed for methylation differences. The upstream sequence does not show a differential methylation pattern whereas the intronic region shows differential methylation between the cancer and normal prostate cells at 3 different nucleotides. A possible explanation is that the methylation in the introns alters the speed of the transcription machinery allowing more time for a particular splice variant to be transcribed more than the other. A bichromatic reporter minigene has been designed for each of the differentially methylated CpG nucleotides, to study its effects on the splicing regulation of the CXCR3 gene. Further studies include expressing the minigene and documenting the splicing differences. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4016. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4016
Letter naming time, digit span, and precocious reading achievement☆

Abstract In two 6-month longitudinal studies of intellectually advanced preschool children, letter naming time and backward digit span were moderately good predictors of concurrent reading achievement (PIAT Reading Recognition Score). None of the remaining measures in a battery of standard cognitive indices, including Stanford-Binet MA, was associated with reading achievement. The results of cross-lagged correlation analysis of data from one of the two samples suggested that individual differences in time to access name codes for visual stimuli predict, but are not a consequence of, individual differences in reading achievement. The results of the cross-lagged analysis for the second sample were inconclusive. As a whole, the results are consistent with findings from other populations indicating that both short term memory span and efficiency of retrieval from long term memory are related to reading ability. The results also indicate, however, that the relationship between retrieval efficiency and reading achievement in precocious readers cannot be described by extrapolation of threshold estimates from the performance of older, unselected groups of readers.
Pellioditis pellio: Substituted phenolic compounds as chemoattractants.

Vanillin, vanillic acid, and other related compounds are chemoattractants either for nematodes or arthropods. We tested vanillin, vanillic acid, and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde in an in vitro bioassay system for their ability to attractPellioditis pellio males and females. Females were not attracted to any of the three compounds tested. Males responded to vanillin and vanillic acid, but not to 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. Males responded to vanillin and vanillic acid when these compounds were present at 10−5 M concentration. Vanillin at 10−3 and 10−7 M concentrations was not attractive.
Thermally stimulated luminescence excitation spectroscopy (TSLES): a versatile technique to study electron transfer processes in solids

We present a technique to locate the ground state of impurity ions relative to the host conduction band, utilizing thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL). The technique makes use of the concept that TSL probes the occupation of electron traps, and the fact that these traps are filled via promotion of impurity electrons into the conduction band. Using tunable radiation we determine the threshold for trap filling, which is given by the ionization threshold of the impurity. This technique is a form of excitation spectroscopy, sensitive to electron (or hole) transport processes in solids. Advantages of TSL excitation spectroscopy over complementary techniques, such as photoconductivity, include impurity specific signals, applicability to both bulk and powder samples, and high sensitivity.
Neurohospitalists: Perceived Need and Training Requirements in Academic Neurology

Background and Purpose:We sought to determine the current practices and plans for departmental hiring of neurohospitalists at academic medical centers and to identify the core features of a neurohospitalist training program.Methods:We surveyed department chairs or residency program directors at 123 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited US adult neurology training programs.Results:Sixty-three(51% response rate) responded, 76% of whom were program directors. In all, 24 (38%) academic neurology departments reported employing neurohospitalists, and an additional 10 departments have plans to hire neurohospitalists in the next year. In all, 4 academic neurology departments have created a neurohospitalist training program, and 10 have plans to create a training program within the next 2 years. Hospitals were the most frequent source of funding for established and planned programs (93% of those reporting). Most (n = 39; 65%) respondents felt that neurohospitalist neurology should...
Testing the adequacy of a linear model VIA critical smoothing

An important problem for fitting local linear regression is the choice of the smoothing parameter. As the smoothing parameter becomes large, the estimator tends to a straight line, which is the least squares fit in the ordinary linear regression setting. This property may be used to assess the adequacy of a simple linear model. Motivated by Silverman's (1981) work in kernel density estimation, a suitable test statistic is the critical smoothing parameter where the estimate changes from nonlinear to linear, while linearity or non- linearity requires a more precise judgment. We define the critical smoothing parameter through the approximate F-tests by Hastie and Tibshirani (1990). To assess the significance, the “wild bootstrap” procedure is used to replicate the data and the proportion of bootstrap samples which give a nonlinear estimate when using the critical bandwidth is obtained as the p-value. Simulation results show that the critical smoothing test is useful in detecting a wide range of alternatives.
Hepatorenal syndrome: A disease mediated by the intrarenal action of renin

Summary The functional renal failure accompanying advanced liver disease is characterized by azotemia, a urine of very low sodium concentration and systemic hypotension with decreased renal perfusion and high renal vascular resistance. Patients with this disorder have a markedly reduced ability to excrete free water and develop hyponatremia, ascites and edema. It is postulated that this renal dysfunction is due to hepatic failure to make renin substrate. Renin released from the kidney is thus unable to exert its pressor effect. The resultant hypotension and renal hypoperfusion continue to stimulate excessive synthesis and release of renin. It is postulated that the overdriven renal renin system increases renovascular resistance at the level of the glomerular arterioles. This causes decreased renal blood flow and decreased glomerular filtration rate leading to salt and water retention and azotemia. Since no renin substrate is available for human infusion, this hypothesis could be tested either by infusion of angiotensin II to restore systemic blood pressure and renal perfusion or by beta adrenergic blockade with propranolol to attempt to decrease the intrarenal effects of renin, restore glomerular blood flow and filtration and thus return of renal function.
The effects of misregistration of the projections on spatial resolution of CT scanners.

Misregistration of the projections in 360° computed tomographic (CT) scanners has been found to blur the image without generating artifacts. The effects of this error were investigated by analytical methods and by reconstruction of real and simulated data. The point‐spread function which results from shifting each projection by a constant distance e consists of a two‐dimensional impulse function surrounding a region of negative density. The locus of the impulse function is a circle for parallel‐beam geometry and a sixth‐order curve for fanbeam geometry. The anisotropy and position dependence of the point‐spread function in fanbeam geometry have been characterized. The line‐spread function due to the error in parallel‐beam geometry consists of two delta functions located at ±e. In fanbeam geometry, the line‐spread function consists of two delta functions separated by approximately 2e, with the locations of the impulses dependent on the position and orientation of the line. This error, combined with other sources of blurring, results in a system edge‐response function which contains a flat region at one‐half the maximum density.
Identification of a Discrete Region of the G Protein γ Subunit Conferring Selectivity in βγ Complex Formation

The identification of multiple G protein β and γ subunit subtypes suggests a potential diversity of βγ heterodimers, which may contribute to the specificity of signal transduction between receptors and effectors. The assembly of β and γ subtypes is selective. For example, γ1can assemble with β1but not with β2, whereas γ2assembles with both β isoforms. To identify the structural features of the β and γ subunits governing selectivity in heterodimer assembly, a series of nonisoprenylated chimeras of γ1and γ2was constructed, and their interaction with β1and β2was assessed by their ability to direct β expression to the cytosol in cotransfected COS cells. All of the γ1/γ2chimeras were capable of interacting with β1as judged by the cotransfection assay. Chimeras containing γ2sequence near the middle of the molecule between two conserved sequence motifs were capable of interacting as well with β2. Among 12 divergent residues in this region, it was found that replacement of three consecutive amino acids in γ1, Glu-Glu-Phe (residues 38-40), with the three corresponding amino acids of γ2, Ala-Asp-Leu (residues 35-37), conferred the ability to assemble with β2. The reciprocal chimera containing Glu-Glu-Phe in the context of γ2failed to assemble with β2. The last residue of this triplet is occupied by a leucine in all known mammalian γ subunits except γ1and appears to be a key determinant of the ability of a γ subunit to assemble with β2. This locus maps to a region of predicted α-helical structure in the γ subunit, likely to represent a point of physical contact with the β subunit.
The problem of assessing scientific accomplishment: A potential solution

The failure to understand the relationship between organizational setting and scientific accomplishment can result in structures that inhibit rather than promote effective research. Yet, relatively little of a factual nature is known about the effect of the increasingly complex personal and institutional structure within which research is conducted on the nature and quality of scientific work. The major barrier in obtaining such systematic evidence lies in the difficulty of developing techniques to quantitatively and qualitatively measure scientific accomplishment. The experience of the author's research group indicates that the use of summaries, in conjunction with the “panel” technique in which eminent authorities in given fields are used to evaluate scientific accomplishment, may provide a practical solution to the problem of qualitatively assessing recent research accomplishment.
Democratization and Oppositional Consciousness in Argentina

Many countries recently have adopted formal democratic institutions and processes, such as the use of regular elections for national political offices. Many citizens, suffering from poverty and extreme social inequality, nonetheless feel politically excluded and dissatisfied. They sometimes turn to collective action and protest to help correct perceived injustices, yet protest often is rendered ineffective by the long-standing authoritarian habits of politicians, by clientalistic arrangements, and by citizens’ inexperience with collective action. This article draws on Jane Mansbridge and Aldon Morris’s differentiation of oppositional anger and oppositional consciousness to understand the limits to protest in new democracies. Anger, which is necessary for triggering collective action, by itself does not foster effective popular action. Often a full-fledged oppositional consciousness also is needed. This article examines three cases of protest in Argentina to illustrate the roles of oppositional anger, minimal oppositional consciousness, and full-fledged oppositional consciousness in popular politics. The study concludes that, thus far, most groups in Argentina that engage in collective action have not manifested a full-fledged oppositional consciousness. Protesters, to be effective, need to develop a more coherent understanding of the systematic oppression that they face, including the persistence of Peronism.
Target tracking by symbiotic particle filtering

In the past decade and a half, particle filtering (PF), has gained considerable popularity in dealing with nonlinear and/or non-Gaussian target tracking problems. However, in problems of high dimensionality, i.e., when many targets are present in the field, a very large number of particles is required for satisfactory performance of the methodology. In this paper we improve our previously proposed multiple particle filter scheme by introducing “symbiosis” among the particles filters. In other words, we allow the individual particle filters, when necessary, to combine their random measures and form a new random measure with particles of high dimensions, or a single particle filter to split into one or more filters with particles of smaller dimensions. We validate the method on the problem of target tracking in a network of acoustic sensors.
Metabolic Adaptations in Higher Animals. VIII. Effect of Diet on Ornithine-α-Ketoglutarate Transaminase.

SummaryThe activity of ornithine-transaminase per g of liver from young rats fed an 80% casein diet for 4 days was from 4- to 8- fold the value for a control group fed a 25% casein diet. However, when mature or old rats were used in a similar experiment the response to increased protein intake was smaller or absent. Moderate restriction of food intake decreased the activity of the enzyme slightly, and starvation decreased it markedly. Feeding a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet adequate in protein did not affect ornithine-transaminase activity.
Innovative Approach to Teaching Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine: The Integration of Ultrasonography

CONTEXT Noninvasive diagnostic methods and palpatory physical examination skills are especially important for osteopathic medical students intending to work in rural, underresourced, or underserved areas. The A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine integrates ultrasonography into the osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) courses required during the first 2 years of medical school, allowing students to learn the technology and to visualize anatomical structures and regions. OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of integrating ultrasonography into the first-year and second-year OMM curriculum through the evaluation of students' success in demonstrating the technology and visualizing the anatomy. METHODS As part of their OMM requirements at the A.T. Still University-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, all first- and second-year students in OMM courses were given ultrasonography assignments that required them to obtain images of musculoskeletal structures in different regions of the body. First-year students studied craniocervical structures and the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions. Second-year students studied the glenohumeral joint and the suprapatellar recess. The assignments focused on identifying structures of interest, making annotations, and measuring the structures of interest. Handouts with detailed instructions and a demonstration were provided before each assignment. RESULTS A total of 183 first-year students and 165 second-year students participated. Of the first-year students, on average, 177 of 181 were able to successfully complete the assignments, with an average completion rate of 98%. The costotransverse joint assignment yielded the lowest completion rate (97%), and the craniocervical landmarks assignment had the highest completion rate (99%). Of the second-year students, 162 of 165 participants were able to successfully complete the assignments, with an average completion rate of 98%. Mean scores were the same for both second-year assignments. CONCLUSION First-year and second-year osteopathic medical students successfully demonstrated their use and understanding of ultrasonography and found their assigned structures using live ultrasound imaging. The skills gained through these assignments added another dimension to students' understanding of normal and pathologic musculoskeletal anatomy and vasculature. The integration of ultrasonography into OMM courses may have created a foundation for learning ultrasound-guided injection techniques.
Approximation algorithms for many-to-many traffic grooming in optical WDM networks

A large number of network applications today allow several users to interact together using the many-to-many service mode. In many-to-many communication, also referred to as group communication, a session consists of a group of users (we refer to them as members), where each member transmits its traffic to all other members in the same group. In this paper, we address the problem of grooming subwavelength many-to-many traffic (e.g., OC-3) into high-bandwidth wavelength channels (e.g., OC-192) in optical wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) mesh networks. The cost of an optical WDM network is dominated by the cost of higher-layer electronic ports (i.e., transceivers). A transceiver is needed for each initiation and termination of a lightpath. Therefore, our objective is to minimize the total number of lightpaths established. Unfortunately, the grooming problem even with unicast traffic has been shown to be NP-hard. In this paper, we introduce two novel approximation algorithms for the many-to-many traffic grooming problem. We also consider the routing and wavelength assignment problem with the objective of minimizing the number of wavelengths used. Through extensive experiments, we show that the proposed algorithms use a number of lightpaths that is very close to that of a derived lower bound. Also, we compare the two algorithms on other important objectives such as the number of logical hops traversed by a traffic stream, total amount of electronic switching at a node, and Min-Max objectives.
fMRI activation pattern recognition: A novel application of PCA in language network of pediatric localization related epilepsy

In this study, a novel application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is proposed to detect language activation map patterns. These activation patterns were obtained by processing functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies on both control and localization related epilepsy (LRE) patients as they performed an auditory word definition task. Most group statistical analyses of fMRI datasets look for “commonality” under the assumption of the homogeneity of the sample. However, inter-subject variance may be expected to increase in large “normal” or otherwise heterogeneous patient groups. In such cases, certain different patterns may share a common feature, comprising of small categorical sub-groups otherwise hidden within the main pooling statistical procedure. These variant patterns may be of importance both in normal and patient groups. fMRI atypical-language patterns can be separated by qualitative visual inspection or by means of Laterality Indices (LI) based on region of interest. LI is a coefficient related to the asymmetry of distribution of activated voxels with respect to the midline and it lacks specific spatial and graphical information. We describe a mathematical and computational method for the automatic discrimination of variant spatial patterns of fMRI activation in a mixed population of control subjects and LRE patients. Unique in this study is the provision of a data-driven mechanism to automatically extract brain activation patterns from a heterogeneous population. This method will lead to automatic self-clustering of the datasets provided by different institutions often with different acquisition parameters.
Stochastic games and flow control models

Studies zero-sum and nonzero-sum stochastic games on a countable state space and with nonnegative (possibly unbounded) costs. For zero-sum games, conditions are given for the existence of an optimal randomized stationary strategy pair in the discounted and average cost cases. For discounted and average cost nonzero-sum games, conditions are given for the existence of a randomized stationary strategy vector that is a Nash equilibrium. The results are applied to various flow control situations that may be modeled as stochastic games. >
Convergence of images in the ALOPEX process with moment invariants and probabilities

An iterative optimization technique that uses feedback to optimize the response of a system has been developed. The method, called the ALOPLEX process, uses a cost function that is problem-dependent and utilizes cross correlations as a feedback for optimization. The possibility of using probabilities and moment invariants in speeding up the convergence of the ALOPEX process is explored. >
Robotic urological surgery in patients with prior abdominal operations is not associated with increased complications

Background: The da Vinci Surgical Robotic System is being increasingly used to perform complex urological operations by minimally invasive techniques. Prior abdominal surgery associated with intra-abdominal adhesions may complicate robotic surgery. Methods: We used a cohort of consecutive 49 patients undergoing a variety of robotic urological procedures at our institution to study the impact of prior abdominal operations on early perioperative complications. Results: A total of 21/49 (43%) patients (Group A) had no history of prior abdominal surgery and the rest 28/49 (57%; Group B) had undergone prior abdominal surgery. The incidence of peritoneal adhesions was significantly higher in patients with prior abdominal surgery compared to the rest of the cohort, 54% versus 10% (P = 0.002). The median operative time, estimated blood loss, postoperative drop in hemoglobin, time to hospital discharge, postoperative narcotic analgesic use and postoperative complication rate between group A and group B were not statistically different. The overall perioperative complication rate for the entire cohort was 14.3%, with 6–8% of complications occurring in each of the two groups (P = 1.0). Comparative subset analysis of 28 patients in Group B, 15 (54%) and 13 (46%) with or without intra-abdominal adhesions did not reveal a significant difference in perioperative complication rates either. However, operative time was longer in patients with intra-abdominal adhesions compared to patients without, median of 590 (281-922) and 434 (153–723) min respectively, although not statistically significant (P = 0.059). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that robotic urological surgery can be performed in patients with prior abdominal surgery without increased perioperative complications.
Ecological Resilience—In Theory and Application

▪ Abstract In 1973, C. S. Holling introduced the word resilience into the ecological literature as a way of helping to understand the non-linear dynamics observed in ecosystems. Ecological resilience was defined as the amount of disturbance that an ecosystem could withstand without changing self-organized processes and structures (defined as alternative stable states). Other authors consider resilience as a return time to a stable state following a perturbation. A new term, adaptive capacity, is introduced to describe the processes that modify ecological resilience. Two definitions recognize the presence of multiple stable states (or stability domains), and hence resilience is the property that mediates transition among these states. Transitions among stable states have been described for many ecosystems, including semi-arid rangelands, lakes, coral reefs, and forests. In these systems, ecological resilience is maintained by keystone structuring processes across a number of scales, sources of renewal and ...
CD28 Mediates Transcriptional Upregulation of the Interleukin-2 (IL-2) Promoter through a Composite Element Containing the CD28RE and NF-IL-2B AP-1 Sites

Mutagenesis studies have demonstrated the requirement for the CD28-responsive element (CD28RE) within the interleukin-2 (IL-2) promoter for transcriptional upregulation by CD28. Here, we demonstrate that CD28 responsiveness is conferred by a composite element containing both the CD28RE and the NF-IL-2B AP-1 sites (RE/AP). Mutations at either site within the RE/AP composite element abolish activity. The RE/AP composite element is a site for signal integration within the IL-2 promoter, since its activation is dependent on at least two separate signalling pathways being activated, through the T-cell receptor, CD28, and/or phorbol myristate acetate. Activation is maximal when all three signals occur simultaneously. By using a panel of CD28 cytoplasmic domain mutants, it was found that the transcriptional activation of the RE/AP composite element correlates exactly with the pattern of IL-2 secretion induced by these mutants upon stimulation. Similar to the upregulation of IL-2 secretion, the transcriptional upregulation of the RE/AP composite element by CD28 is FK506 insensitive. The pattern of activation of the RE/AP composite element is different from that observed for either an NFAT or consensus AP-1 site, implying that RE/AP represents a unique element. Using gel shift analysis, we demonstrate that stimulation by CD28 induces the association of the NF-kappaB family member c-Rel to the CD28RE within the RE/AP composite element. The transcriptional upregulation of IL-2 by CD28 appears, therefore, to be mediated through the RE/AP composite element, involving the association of c-Rel with the CD28RE.
Nonequilibrium thermodynamics. III. Generalization of Maxwell, Clausius-Clapeyron, and response-function relations, and the Prigogine-Defay ratio for systems in internal equilibrium.

We follow the consequences of internal equilibrium in nonequilibrium systems that has been introduced recently [Gujrati, Phys. Rev. E 81, 051130 (2010) and Gujrati, Phys. Rev. E 85, 041128 (2012).] to obtain the generalization of the Maxwell relation and the Clausius-Clapeyron relation that are normally given for equilibrium systems. The use of Jacobians allows for a more compact way to address the generalized Maxwell relations in the presence of internal variables. The Clausius-Clapeyron relation in the subspace of observables shows not only the nonequilibrium modification but also the modification due to internal variables that play a dominant role in glasses to which we apply the above relations. Real systems do not directly turn into glasses (GL) that are frozen structures from the supercooled liquid state L; there is an intermediate state (gL) where the internal variables are not frozen. A system possesses several kinds of glass transitions, some conventional (L$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$gL; gL$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$GL) in which the state changes continuously and the transition mimics a continuous or second-order transition, and some apparent (L$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$gL; L$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$GL) in which the free energies are discontinuous so that the transition appears as a zeroth-order transition, as discussed in the text. We evaluate the Prigogine-Defay ratio $\ensuremath{\Pi}$ in the subspace of the observables at these transitions. We find that it is normally different from $1,$ except at the conventional transition L$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$gL, where $\ensuremath{\Pi}=1$.
Processing and Behavior of Fe-Based Metallic Glass Components via Laser-Engineered Net Shaping

In this article, the laser-engineered net shaping (LENS) process is implemented to fabricate net-shaped Fe-based Fe-B-Cr-C-Mn-Mo-W-Zr metallic glass (MG) components. The glass-forming ability (GFA), glass transition, crystallization behavior, and mechanical properties of the glassy alloy are analyzed to provide fundamental insights into the underlying physical mechanisms. The microstructures of various LENS-processed component geometries are characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results reveal that the as-processed microstructure consists of nanocrystalline α-Fe particles embedded in an amorphous matrix. An amorphous microstructure is observed in deposited layers that are located near the substrate. From a microstructure standpoint, the fraction of crystalline phases increases with the increasing number of deposited layers, effectively resulting in the formation of a functionally graded microstructure with in-situ-precipitated particles in an MG matrix. The microhardness of LENS-processed Fe-based MG components has a high value of 9.52 GPa.
TGFβ Promotes the Basal Phenotype of Epidermal Keratinocytes: Transcriptional Induction of K#5 and K#14 Keratin Genes

TGFbeta is an important regulator of epidermal keratinocyte function because it suppresses cell proliferation, while it induces synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and their cells surface receptors. To examine whether TGFbeta affects synthesis of intracellular proteins as well, specifically the transcription of keratin genes, we transfected a series of DNA constructs that contain keratin gene promoters into human epidermal keratinocytes. The transfected cells were grown in the presence and absence of TGFbeta. We found that TGFbeta specifically induces transcription controlled by the promoters of K#5 and K#14 keratin genes, markers of basal cells. No other keratin gene promoters were induced. The effect of TGFbeta is concentration-dependent, can be demonstrated in HeLa cells, does not depend on keratinocyte growth conditions and can be elicited by both TGFbeta1 and TGFbeta2. We conclude that TGFbeta promotes the basal cell phenotype in stratified epithelia such as the epidermis.
Dextrous manipulation of a micropart with multiple compliant probes through visual force feedback

In our recent work, we have demonstrated effectiveness of the concept of multi-probe microassembly for manipulating and inserting microscale, sub-millimeter, parts to create three-dimensional microstructures. However, the approach has been based on trial-and-error manual teaching of grasp points to ensure a stable grasp during motion. As a result, the part orientation is restricted (nearly aligned with the world reference frame and lying flat) to ensure successful grasping and manipulation. In this paper, we developed a kinematics based hybrid motion and force control based only on vision feedback. We first conduct a systematic analysis of the bending of the probes while they are in contact with the part, to estimate the grasp force based on the vision feedback of the probe configuration. A Jacobian based controller is then used for position manipulation while maintaining the desired squeeze force. Experimental results with two probes and two camera are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of the controller to move the part to specified position and orientation while maintaining sufficient squeeze force to prevent part slippage.
Aerobic performance of Special Operations Forces personnel after a prolonged submarine deployment

The US Navy's Sea, Air and Land Special Operations Forces personnel (SEALs) perform a physically demanding job that requires them to maintain fitness levels equivalent to elite athletes. As some missions require SEALs to be deployed aboard submarines for extended periods of time, the prolonged confinement could lead to deconditioning and impaired mission-related performance. The objective of this field study was to quantify changes in aerobic performance of SEAL personnel following a 33-day submarine deployment. Two age-matched groups of SEALs, a non-deployed SEAL team (NDST, n = 9) and a deployed SEAL team (DST, n = 10), performed two 12-min runs for distance (Cooper tests) 5 days apart pre-deployment and one Cooper test post-deployment. Subjects wore a Polar Vantage NVTM heart rate (HR) monitor during the tests to record exercise and recovery HR. Variables calculated from the HR profiles included mean exercise heart rate (HRmean), maximum exercise heart rate (HRmax), the initial slope of the HR recovery curve (HRrecslope) and HR recovery time (HRrectime). The second pre-deployment test (which was used in the comparison with the post-deployment test) showed a 2% mean increase in the distance achieved compared with the first (n = 18, p < 0.05) with no difference in HRmean, HRmax, HRrecslope and HRrectime. The test-retest correlation coefficient and 95% limits of agreement for the Cooper tests were 0.79 (p < 0.001) and -68.6 +/- 267.5 m, respectively. For the NDST there were no changes in any of the HR measures or the distance run between the pre- and post-deployment tests. When individual running performances were expressed as a percentage change in the distance run between the pre- and post-deployment tests, the DST performed significantly worse than the NDST (p < 0.01). The DST showed a 7% mean decrement in the distance run following deployment (p < 0.01). The decrement in performance of the DST was not associated with any changes in HRmean or HRmax; however; there was a 17% decrease in the HRrecslope, (p < 0.05) and a 47% increase in HRrectime following the deployment (p < 0.05). In conclusion, prolonged confinement aboard a submarine compromises the aerobic performance of SEAL personnel. The resulting deconditioning could influence mission success.
Enhancing nuclear translocation: perspectives in inhaled corticosteroid therapy

Corticosteroids are widely used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In contrast to their use in mild-to-moderate asthma, they are less efficacious in improving lung function and controlling the underlying inflammation in COPD. In most clinical trials, corticosteroids have shown little benefit in COPD, but have shown a greater clinical effect in combination with long-acting bronchodilators. Impaired corticosteroid activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been reported in corticosteroid-insensitive individuals. Reversal of corticosteroid-insensitivity by enhancing GR nuclear translocation is a potential therapeutic target. Preclinical studies suggest members of the nuclear receptor superfamily may facilitate glucocorticoid receptor nuclear translocation. Unravelling the mechanisms that govern GR nuclear translocation may identify novel therapeutic targets for reversing corticosteroid-insensitivity.
Data Based Modeling

Statisticians spend a great deal of time coming up with tests that are frequently useless in practice and then proving the asymptotic optimality of the tests under the assumption of conditions that do not actually exist. There is another approach: we can use the data to build models. This is the goal of Tukey’s “Exploratory Data Analysis.” In this paper I will be examining alternatives to the Neoclassical Analysis of the stock market, the dominant view still in schools of business, data notwithstanding. Then I will give a brief analysis of the breakdown of America’s public health service in stopping the progression of the AIDS epidemic and demonstrate that simply closing down the gay bathhouses would have prevented AIDS from progressing from an endemic to a full blown epidemic which has already killed more Americans than died in the two world wars.
Diabetes mellitus as a compelling indication for use of renin angiotensin system blockers: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

Objective To evaluate the outcomes with use of renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockers compared with other antihypertensive agents in people with diabetes. Design Meta-analysis. Data sources and study selection PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials databases for randomized trials of RAS blockers versus other antihypertensive agents in people with diabetes mellitus. Outcomes were death, cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, heart failure, revascularization, and end stage renal disease. Results The search yielded 19 randomized controlled trials that enrolled 25 414 participants with diabetes for a total of 95 910 patient years of follow-up. When compared with other antihypertensive agents, RAS blockers were associated with a similar risk of death (relative risk 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.93 to 1.05), cardiovascular death (1.02, 0.83 to 1.24), myocardial infarction (0.87, 0.64 to 1.18), angina pectoris (0.80, 0.58 to 1.11), stroke (1.04, 0.92 to 1.17), heart failure (0.90, 0.76 to 1.07), and revascularization (0.97, 0.77 to 1.22). There was also no difference in the hard renal outcome of end stage renal disease (0.99, 0.78 to 1.28) (power of 94% to show a 23% reduction in end stage renal disease). Conclusions In people with diabetes, RAS blockers are not superior to other antihypertensive drug classes such as thiazides, calcium channel blockers, and β blockers at reducing the risk of hard cardiovascular and renal endpoints. These findings support the recommendations of the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension and eighth Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure to also use other antihypertensive agents in people with diabetes but without kidney disease.