cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opioid peptides as neuroregulators: Potential areas for the study of genetic-behavioral mechanisms

The opioid peptides have been related to behavior in both animal and human studies. Further investigation can be anticipated which could lead to the elucidation of genetic controls over enzymes which process these peptides and the receptors upon which the peptides act. The enzymes, both synthetic and degradative, can lead to the formation of different forms of the opiate peptides. Differential control of these enzymes or of the multiple forms of opiate receptors could lead to discrete changes in opiate status and subsequent behavioral changes. Conversely, genetically regulated behavioral modification could also lead secondarily to opiate changes.
Enhancing recovery after acute ischemic stroke with donepezil as an adjuvant therapy to standard medical care: results of a phase IIA clinical trial.

Background Our aim was to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy signal of early donepezil administration with regard to enhancing recovery in a diverse acute ischemic stroke population. Methods This was a multicenter, single-arm, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator trial–controlled, modified 2-stage adaptive clinical trial set in 2 tertiary care hospitals in the United States. Adults with ischemic stroke treated within 24 hours after onset of symptoms were included. The intervention studied was donepezil 5 mg/day for 30 days, followed by an increase to 10 mg/day for 60 days. Our main outcome measures included treatment-related adverse events and side effects. The primary favorable outcome was a 90-day National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤1. Neurologic, cognitive, functional, and psychological outcomes were assessed longitudinally. Results Thirty-three adults (median age 66 years; 59% female; 39% received tissue plasminogen activator) initiated treatment with donepezil. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events. Three participants (9%) discontinued donepezil because of side effects and 3 participants (9%) required a reduction to 5 mg/day after titration to 10 mg/day. Fifteen participants (45%) had a favorable outcome (NIHSS score ≤1 at day 90), and the study met prespecified criteria for continuing to a randomized trial ( P P Conclusions Adjuvant donepezil therapy initiated within 24 hours of acute ischemic stroke was safe and tolerated at 5 mg/day to 10 mg/day. The study met a priori criteria to move forward with a randomized clinical trial.
Diagnostic report acquisition unit for the Mayo/IBM PACS project

The Mayo Clinic and IBM Rochester have jointly developed a picture archive and control system (PACS) for use with Mayo's MRI and Neuro-CT imaging modalities. One of the challenges of developing a useful PACS involves integrating the diagnostic reports with the electronic images so they can be displayed simultaneously. By the time a diagnostic report is generated for a particular case, its images have already been captured and archived by the PACS. To integrate the report with the images, the authors have developed an IBM Personal System/2 computer (PS/2) based diagnostic report acquisition unit (RAU). A typed copy of the report is transmitted via facsimile to the RAU where it is stacked electronically with other reports that have been sent previously but not yet processed. By processing these reports at the RAU, the information they contain is integrated with the image database and a copy of the report is archived electronically on an IBM Application System/400 computer (AS/400). When a user requests a set of images for viewing, the report is automatically integrated with the image data. By using a hot key, the user can toggle on/off the report on the display screen. This report describes process, hardware, and software employed to integrate the diagnostic report information into the PACS, including how the report images are captured, transmitted, and entered into the AS/400 database. Also described is how the archived reports and their associated medical images are located and merged for retrieval and display. The methods used to detect and process error conditions are also discussed.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
HIV/AIDS Misconceptions Among Latinos: Findings From a Population-Based Survey of California Adults

Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS among Latino adults (N = 454) in California were examined using data from a population-based telephone survey conducted in 2000. Common misconceptions concerning modes of HIV transmission included transmission via mosquito or animal bite (64.1%), public facilities (48.3%), or kissing someone on the cheek (24.8%). A composite misconceptions score was constructed. Correlations between the composite measure and other HIV/AIDS-related beliefs were examined. Latinos with a higher level of misconceptions were more likely to report higher self-perceived risk of HIV infection, and discomfort with infected individuals in a school and in a food setting. Results from multiple linear regression analysis indicated that individuals 45 years and older, those who were interviewed in Spanish, and those with lower education or income levels had a higher degree of misconceptions. The results suggest the need for targeted education efforts to reduce HIV/AIDS misconceptions among Latino adults in...
The shortcomings of fair-value accounting described in SFAS 157

Abstract Analysis of the examples given by the FASB to show how fair values, defined as exit prices, should be determined in specified circumstances is revealing. Such prices require determining what hypothetical companies might pay for assets, a costly procedure at best. Even though SFAS 157 specifies exit values, several examples employ values in use and entrance values. Although transaction costs must be excluded, they often are not. Fair valuation of non-financial assets, required in certain circumstances (e.g., business combinations), is particularly difficult to apply. Furthermore, exit values of such assets as work-in-process inventories and special-purpose machines, as defined by SFAS 157, often are zero or negative. Importantly, assets and liabilities restated at exit prices yield balance sheets and income statements that are of little, if any, value to investors in ongoing firms. Further, the examples presented show that fair values could be readily manipulated. Implementation of SFAS 157, therefore, is likely to be costly to investors and independent public accountants.
Cascadable all-optical XOR gates for optical ciphertext and all-optical parity calculations

Current research in optical computing and all-optical communications requires functionality that employs photons instead of electrons. Because of optical communications, there is a substantial research in developing elemental optical logic functions such as AND, OR, INVERT, and XOR. The latter logic function is one of the most important because of its versatility in encoding optical ciphertexts or decoding them, and also in designing optical macro-functions such as parity calculators. In this paper, we present an all-optical XOR gate that requires neither synchronization nor multi-wavelength control signals, and thus it is simpler to implement than other designs, it is cascadable and it is monolithically integrable. We simulate the all-optical XOR gate, we show its use in generating optical ciphertexts, and we demonstrate its cascadability towards an all-optical parallel parity generator.
Bismuth X-ray absorber studies for TES microcalorimeters

Abstract Bismuth's large atomic number and low carrier density makes it an attractive X-ray absorber material for microcalorimeters. Bismuth's long fermi wavelength and long mean free paths have motivated much interest in the fabrication of high quality bismuth films to study quantum size effects. Despite such incentives, fabrication of high quality bismuth films has proven difficult, and measured properties of such films are highly variable in the literature. Implementing a bismuth deposition process for TES (superconducting Transition Edge Sensor) device fabrication presents additional challenges particularly at interfaces due to the inherent granularity and surface roughness of its films, its low melting point, and its tendency to diffuse and form undesired intermetallic phases. We report observations of Bi–Cu and Bi–Au diffusion in our devices correlating with large shifts in T c (superconducting transition temperature). Using SEM and in situ R vs T annealing experiments we have been able to study these diffusion processes and identify their activation temperatures.
Introductory Remarks at the Overview Session

It is a pleasure to chair this overview session of the 9th International Congress on Nitrogen Fixation. We are indeed grateful for the efforts of Professor Palacios and associates for organizing this meeting at a beautiful and historically important part of the Western Hemisphere. Several senior scientists with us today not only have participated in most of the eight previous congresses but also were among the small groups that met together in remote places in the early 1960’s and discussed many subjects including: discovery of new N2 fixing bacteria, alternate substrates for nitrogenase, the first identifiable product of nitrogen fixation, the properties and kinds of reactions catalyzed by nitrogenase components and the role of metals such as molybdenum and cobalt in the biology of N2 fixing organisms. All this was taking place before it was possible to apply the powerful tools of molecular genetics toward a better understanding of the biology of free living and symbiotic nitrogen fixation.
Access to healthcare and financial risk protection for older adults in Mexico: secondary data analysis of a national survey

Objectives While the benefits of Seguro Popular health insurance in Mexico relative to no insurance have been widely documented, little has been reported on its effects relative to the pre-existing Social Security health insurance. We analyse the effects of Social Security and Seguro Popular health insurances in Mexico on access to healthcare of older adults, and on financial risk protection to their households, compared with older adults without health insurance. Setting Secondary data analysis was performed using the 2012 Mexican Survey of Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT). Participants The study population comprised 18 847 older adults and 13 180 households that have an elderly member. Outcome measures The dependent variables were access to healthcare given the reported need, the financial burden imposed by health expenditures measured through catastrophic health-related expenditures, and using savings for health-related expenditures. Separate propensity score matching analyses were conducted for each comparison. The analysis for access was performed at the individual level, and the analysis for financial burden at the household level. In each case, matching on a wide set of relevant characteristics was achieved. Results Seguro Popular showed a protective effect against lack of access to healthcare for older adults compared with those with no insurance. The average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) was ascertained through using the nearest-neighbour matching (−8.1%, t-stat −2.305) analysis. However, Seguro Popular did not show a protective effect against catastrophic expenditures in a household where an older adult lived. Social Security showed increased access to healthcare (ATET −11.3%, t-stat −3.138), and protective effect against catastrophic expenditures for households with an elderly member (ATET −1.9%, t-stat −2.178). Conclusions Seguro Popular increased access to healthcare for Mexican older adults. Social Security showed a significant protective effect against lack of access and catastrophic expenditures compared with those without health insurance.
Efficient elementary function generation with multipliers

Virtually all numerical techniques for elementary function generation share the common property of avoiding multiplication by iteratively performing shift operations. However, with the advent of VLSI, multiplier economics are considerably less formidable than before. The author proposes combining multipliers with these multiplication-free algorithms to construct fast methods of elementary function generation. He demonstrates the idea by combining multipliers with the CORDIC algorithm to achieve fast vector rotation. >
Recommended Integrative Medicine Competencies for Family Medicine Residents

Background The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and Integrative Medicine (IM) has grown steadily over the past decade. Patients seek physician guidance, yet physicians typically have limited knowledge and training. There is some coverage of IM/CAM topics in medical schools and residencies but with little coordination or consistency. Methodology In 2008, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) group on Integrative Medicine began the process of designing a set of competencies to educate Family Medicine residents in core concepts of IM. The goal was creation of a set of nationally recognized competencies tied to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) domains. These competencies were to be achievable by diverse programs, including those without significant internal resources. The group compiled existing curricula from programs around the country and distilled these competencies through multiple reviews and discussions. Simultaneously, the Integrative Medicine in Residency program run by the University of Arizona underwent a similar process. In 2009, these competencies were combined and further developed at the STFM annual meeting by a group of experts. Results In 2010, the STFM Board approved 19 measurable competencies, each categorized by ACGME domain, as recommended for Family Medicine residencies. Programs have implemented these competencies in various ways given individual needs and resources. Conclusions This paper reviews the development of IM competencies for residency education in Family Medicine and presents those endorsed by STFM. By educating physicians in training about IM/CAM via competency-based curricula, we aim to promote comprehensive patient-centered care.
THE ISSUES OF THE SIXTIES: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY IN THE DYNAMICS OF PUBLIC OPINION

This article relates news media coverage of major issues in the 1960's to public opinion and to the realities underlying those issues. It challenges some major assumptions-for example, that the media provide a useful picture of what is "really" going on-and discusses implications for policymakers and future research. The author is Assistant Professor of Communication Research at the College of Human Development, Pennsylvania State University.
Association of nutritional status and pulmonary function in children with cystic fibrosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Multiple studies have shown that nutritional status is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Since CF is characterized by progressive lung disease, it could be argued that the underlying lung disease is what determines the nutritional failure seen in most patients. This review will summarize the data available from studies that have attempted to better define this relation and also present a review of the possible mechanisms involved taken from both observational and interventional studies. RECENT FINDINGS Longitudinal studies with sufficiently large follow-up times have demonstrated that young underweight patients have worst pulmonary function outcomes. More importantly, these studies concur in that the yearly change in growth parameters has a significant effect on the rate at which pulmonary function develops. Although the mechanisms behind this important association are yet unclear, there is some suggestion from interventional studies that the accrual of lean body mass is the factor that is involved in the preservation of lung function. SUMMARY Nutritional status strongly influences pulmonary health among CF patients. Therefore, aggressive nutritional support aiming at achieving normal growth patterns should lead to adequate development of lung function and maintenance of pulmonary health. However, more research is required with long-term longitudinal studies to better identify the most critical nutritional characteristics influencing this process as well as the most effective nutritional interventions.
Changes in body mass index following HAART initiation among HIV infected women in the women's interagency HIV study.

Objective: Examine changes in, and factors associated with changing body mass index (BMI) in women following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation. Methods: 1177 HIV-infected Women’s Interagency HIV Study participants who contributed 10,754 years of followup following HAART initiation were studied. Changes in median BMI up to 15 years following HAART initiation, and the highest and lowest BMI reached following HAART initiation were summarized by pre-HAART BMI category (<18.5 [underweight], 18.5-<25.0 [normal weight], 25.0-<30.0 [overweight], 30.0-<40.0 [obese], and ≥ 40.0 [morbidly obese]). Multivariate mixed effects ordinal logistic regression estimated the degree of association of each exposure of interest with post-HAART BMI. Results: Before HAART, 39% percent of women had normal BMI, 31% were overweight, 23% were obese, and 5% were morbidly obese. Following HAART initiation, median BMI change (per 5 years) was 0.21 kg/m2 (90% confidence interval [CI]: -1.33, 0.42) for those with normal pre-HAART BMI, 0.39 kg/m2 (90% CI: 0.15,0.66) for overweight, 0.31 kg/ m2 (90% CI: -1.18,0.67) for obese, and -0.36kg/m2 for morbidly obese women. After initiating HAART, 40% with normal pre-HAART BMI became overweight at some point; of those overweight, 46% remained overweight and 47% became obese; 71% of obese women remained obese and 27% became morbidly obese. Each year of nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor use was associated with a 3% decreased odds of reaching a higher BMI category (OR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.95, 0.99), while each year of protease inhibitor or non-nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor use were associated with a 6% (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.08) and 5%(OR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.08) increased odds of having a higher BMI category, respectively. Conclusions: Although overweight and obesity are highly prevalent in this large cohort of HIV-infected, minority women, HAART use was associated with only a modest increase in BMI over time.
Impaired distance perception and size constancy following bilateral occipitoparietal damage

Accurate distance perception depends on the processing and integration of a variety of monocular and binocular cues. Dorsal stream lesions can impair this process, but details of this neurocognitive relationship remain unclear. Here, we tested a patient with bilateral occipitoparietal damage and severely impaired stereopsis. We addressed four related questions: (1) Can distance and size perception survive limitations in perceiving monocular and binocular cues? (2) Are egocentric (self-referential) and allocentric (object-referential) distance judgments similarly impaired? (3) Are distance measurements equally impaired in peripersonal and extrapersonal space? (4) Are size judgments possible when distance processing is impaired? The results demonstrate that the patient’s lesions impaired both her distance and size perception, but not uniformly. Her performance when using an egocentric reference frame was more impaired than her performance when using an allocentric reference frame. Likewise, her distance judgments in peripersonal space were more impaired than those in extrapersonal space. The patient showed partial preservation in size processing of novel objects even when familiar size cues were removed.
Comparing the opportunities of Landsat-TM and Aster data for monitoring a debris covered glacier in the Italian Alps within the GLIMS project

The difficulties in monitoring partly debris covered glaciers by the application of remote sensing techniques is a well known problem. The use of visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) bands does not always provide sufficient information to detect the glaciers margins with remote sensing data. In this study the value of the thermal band for glacier detection is investigated. Particular attention is hereby drawn to the different opportunities of glacier monitoring using Landsat-TM and Terra-Aster data. Accordance and discrepancies of the respective data depending on the spatial resolution are shown and discussed. The presented case study was investigated at the debris covered Belvedere glacier, one of the test sites of the GLIMS project.
Enhanced ventilatory and exercise performance in athletes with slight expiratory resistive loading

Fee, Lawrence L., Richard M. Smith, and Michael B. English.Enhanced ventilatory and exercise performance in athletes with slight expiratory resistive loading. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(2): 503–510, 1997...
Syncytia Induction Enhances the Oncolytic Potential of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus in Virotherapy for Cancer

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) selectively replicates in tumor but not in normal cells and is being developed as an oncolytic agent for cancer therapy. Here we report the construction of a recombinant VSV capable of inducing syncytia formation between tumor cells through membrane fusion at neutral pH, which led to enhanced oncolytic properties against multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the livers of immunocompetent rats. Recombinant VSV vectors were constructed by insertion into their genome a transcription unit expressing a control or fusion protein derived from Newcastle disease virus. In vitro characterization of the recombinant fusogenic VSV vector on human and rat HCC cells showed extensive syncytia formation and significantly enhanced cytotoxic effects. In vivo, administration of fusogenic VSV into the hepatic artery of Buffalo rats bearing syngeneic multifocal HCC lesions in their livers resulted in syncytia formation exclusively within the tumors, and there was no collateral damage to the neighboring hepatic parenchyma. The fusogenic VSV also conferred a significant survival advantage over a nonfusogenic control virus in the treated animals (P = 0.0078, log-rank test). The results suggest that fusogenic VSV can be developed into an effective and safe therapeutic agent for cancer treatment in patients, including those with multifocal HCC in the liver.
An efficient simulation-based optimization algorithm for large-scale transportation problems

This paper applies a computationally efficient simulation-based optimization (SO) algorithm suitable for large-scale transportation problems. The algorithm is based on a metamodel approach. The metamodel combines information from a high-resolution yet inefficient microscopic urban traffic simulator with information from a scalable and tractable analytical macroscopic traffic model. We then embed the model within a derivative-free trust region algorithm. We evaluate its performance considering tight computational budgets. We illustrate the efficiency of this algorithm by addressing an urban traffic signal control problem for the full city of Lausanne, Switzerland. The problem consists of a nonlinear objective function with nonlinear constraints. The problem addressed is considered large-scale and complex both in the fields of derivative-free optimization and simulation-based optimization. We compare the performance of the method to a traditional metamodel method.
The ubiquitin‐editing enzyme A20 requires RNF11 to downregulate NF‐κB signalling

The RING domain protein RNF11 is overexpressed in breast cancers and promotes tumour growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling. RNF11 has been proposed to regulate TGF-β signalling by interacting with HECT- and SCF-type E3 ligases; however, the role of RNF11 in other signalling pathways is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a novel function of RNF11 as a negative regulator of NF-κB and jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling pathways. Knockdown of RNF11 with siRNA resulted in persistent tumour necrosis factor (TNF)- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated NF-κB and JNK signalling. RNF11 interacted with the NF-κB inhibitor A20 and its regulatory protein TAX1BP1 in a stimulus-dependent manner. RNF11 negatively regulated RIP1 and TRAF6 ubiquitination upon stimulation with TNF and LPS, respectively. Furthermore, RNF11 was required for A20 to interact with and inactivate RIP1 to inhibit TNF-mediated NF-κB activation. Our studies reveal that RNF11, together with TAX1BP1 and Itch, is an essential component of an A20 ubiquitin-editing protein complex that ensures transient activation of inflammatory signalling pathways.
Equivalence of electronic and paper-and-pencil administration of patient-reported outcome measures: A meta-analytic review.

Abstract Objectives Patient-reported outcomes (PROs; self-report assessments) are increasingly important in evaluating medical care and treatment efficacy. Electronic administration of PROs via computer is becoming widespread. This article reviews the literature addressing whether computer-administered tests are equivalent to their paper-and-pencil forms. Methods Meta-analysis was used to synthesize 65 studies that directly assessed the equivalence of computer versus paper versions of PROs used in clinical trials. A total of 46 unique studies, evaluating 278 scales, provided sufficient detail to allow quantitative analysis. Results Among 233 direct comparisons, the average mean difference between modes averaged 0.2% of the scale range (e.g., 0.02 points on a 10-point scale), and 93% were within ±5% of the scale range. Among 207 correlation coefficients between paper and computer instruments (typically intraclass correlation coefficients), the average weighted correlation was 0.90; 94% of correlations were at least 0.75. Because the cross-mode correlation (paper vs. computer) is also a test–retest correlation, with potential variation because of retest, we compared it to the within-mode (paper vs. paper) test–retest correlation. In four comparisons that evaluated both, the average cross-mode paper-to-computer correlation was almost identical to the within-mode correlation for readministration of a paper measure (0.88 vs. 0.91). Conclusions Extensive evidence indicates that paper- and computer-administered PROs are equivalent.
Multiple channel scheduling algorithms for WDM PONs and OFDMA PONs

This paper designs multiple channel scheduling algorithms for WDM PONs and OFDMA PONs to allocate upstream bandwidth resource to competing users. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms obtain higher channel utilization.
Intermittent explosive disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement.

Context Epidemiologic studies of adults show that DSM-IV intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is a highly prevalent and seriously impairing disorder. Although retrospective reports in these studies suggest that IED typically begins in childhood, no previous epidemiologic research has directly examined the prevalence or correlates of IED among youth. Objective To present epidemiologic data on the prevalence and correlates of IED among US adolescents in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication Adolescent Supplement. Design United States survey of adolescent (age, 13-17 years) DSM-IV anxiety, mood, behavior, and substance disorders. Setting Dual-frame household-school samples. Participants A total of 6483 adolescents (interviews) and parents (questionnaires). Main outcome measures The DSM-IV disorders were assessed with the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Results Nearly two-thirds of adolescents (63.3%) reported lifetime anger attacks that involved destroying property, threatening violence, or engaging in violence. Of these, 7.8% met DSM-IV/CIDI criteria for lifetime IED. Intermittent explosive disorder had an early age at onset (mean age, 12.0 years) and was highly persistent, as indicated by 80.1% of lifetime cases (6.2% of all respondents) meeting 12-month criteria for IED. Injuries related to IED requiring medical attention reportedly occurred 52.5 times per 100 lifetime cases. In addition, IED was significantly comorbid with a wide range of DSMIV/CIDI mood, anxiety, and substance disorders, with 63.9% of lifetime cases meeting criteria for another such disorder. Although more than one-third (37.8%) of adolescents with 12-month IED received treatment for emotional problems in the year before the interview, only 6.5% of respondents with 12-month IED were treated specifically for anger. Conclusions Intermittent explosive disorder is a highly prevalent, persistent, and seriously impairing adolescent mental disorder that is both understudied and undertreated. Research is needed to uncover risk and protective factors for the disorder, develop strategies for screening and early detection, and identify effective treatments.
Breaking into the epithelial apical–junctional complex — news from pathogen hackers

The epithelial apical–junctional complex is a key regulator of cellular functions. In addition, it is an important target for microbial pathogens that manipulate the cell to survive, proliferate and sometimes persist within a host. Out of a myriad of potential molecular targets, some bacterial and viral pathogens have selected a subset of protein targets at the apical–junctional complex of epithelial cells. Studying how microbes use these targets also teaches us about the inherent physiological properties of host molecules in the context of normal junctional structure and function. Thus, we have learned that three recently uncovered components of the apical–junctional complex of the Ig superfamily — junctional adhesion molecule, Nectin and the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor — are important regulators of junction structure and function and represent critical targets of microbial virulence gene products.
The interrelationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and transcriptional dysregulation in Huntington disease

Huntington disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal expansion of the CAG repeat region in the huntingtin (Htt) gene. Although the pathogenic mechanisms by which mutant Htt (mHtt) causes HD have not been fully elucidated, it is becoming increasingly apparent that mHtt can impair mitochondrial function directly, as well as indirectly by dysregulation of transcriptional processes. mHtt causes increased sensitivity to Ca2+-induced decreases in state 3 respiration and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening concurrent with a reduction in mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake capacity. Treatment of striatal cells expressing mHtt with thapsigargin results in a decrease in mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and membrane potential and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Transcriptional processes regulated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), which are critical for mitochondrial biogenesis, have been shown to be impaired in HD. In addition, the PPARγ signaling pathway is impaired by mHtt and the activation of this pathway ameliorates many of the mitochondrial deficits, suggesting that PPARγ agonists may represent an important treatment strategy for HD.
The Citrus Flavonoids Hesperetin and Nobiletin Differentially Regulate Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Gene Transcription in HepG2 Liver Cells

Reductionofplasmacholesterolbycitrusflavonoidsisassociatedwitheffectsonspecificliverfunctionsrelatedtolipidhandling. In previous invivo studies, polymethoxylatedflavones (PMF) reduced plasmacholesterol levelsat lowerdoses thanrequiredfor flavanones. To delineate hepatic mechanisms that underlie this differential potency, we used HepG2 cells to quantitate effects on expression of the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene. A dose-response analysis showed that 200 mmol/L hesperetin, a flavanone presentasadisaccharideinoranges,increasedLDLRmRNAlevels3.6-to4.7-foldoftheuntreatedcontrol.Incontrast,nobiletin, aPMFfoundatthehighestconcentrationinorangesandtangerines,achievedmaximalstimulationof1.5-to1.6-foldofcontrolat only 5 mmol/L. Transcriptional regulation of the LDLR gene by citrus flavonoids has been implicated but, to our knowledge, not directly demonstrated. Here, using transfection vector constructs containing the upstream region of the LDLR gene, we show differences in both potency and efficacy in the induction of transcription, with peak stimulation of 5.3- to 7.5-fold of control at 150‐160 mmol/L hesperetin and 3- to 3.8-fold of control at 10‐20 mmol/L nobiletin. Hesperetin sustains induction, whereas nobiletin is inhibitory at high doses, resulting in an inverted-U dose response. The sterol regulatory element (SRE) in the LDLR gene upstream region plays a crucial role, because mutation of this site strongly attenuated induction in response to hesperetin or nobiletin. Thus, citrus flavonoids are likely to act through the SRE-binding proteins, with PMF initially activating these mechanisms at considerably lower concentrations than flavanones. J. Nutr. 138: 1274‐1281, 2008.
Derivation of stability limits using analytical sensitivity of the transient energy margin

In recent years considerable progress has been achieved in power system transient stability assessment using the transient energy function (TEF) method. Due to continued developments and enhancements, the TEF method has matured to a stage where reliable and accurate assessment of transient stability of a power system is now possible. An inherent advantage of the TEF method is the availability of a qualitative measure of the degree of stability (or instability) in terms of the transient energy margin (?V). This is an important step toward reducing the number of transient stability runs needed to obtain transient stability loading limits or to make changes to improve the system transient behavior, when subjected to large disturbances. In this paper, a procedure is presented to obtain quantitative answers for these limits by developing an analytical approach to energy margin sensitivity. The approach consists of determining sensitivity coefficients and the development of the dynamic sensitivity equations. A first order expression for the sensitivity of the energy margin is used to determine transient stability limits for the following parameter changes: i. Generation changes ii. Load changes iii. Network changes. The proposed procedure is tested on a 17-generator equivalent of the network of the State of Iowa. The results obtained are then compared with the limits obtained by repetitive application of the TEF method.
It's My Decision, isn't it? A Research Note on Battered Women's Perceptions of Mandatory Intervention Laws

Mandatory intervention laws and policies are in place in a number of states to address domestic violence. This article reports the views of battered women (N = 241) on mandatory arrest laws, no-drop policies, and mandatory medical reporting for doctors and nurses. In general, the women support the adoption of these mandatory interventions; however, fewer seem to perceive a benefit from the interventions, and some believe they would be less likely to report future violence as a result of these interventions. Some reasons for the mixed perceptions of the women are explored.
Morals, Materials, and Technoscience The Energy Security Imaginary in the United States

This article advances recent scholarship on energy security by arguing that the concept is best understood as a sociotechnical imaginary, a collective vision for a “good society” realized through t...
Recent Advances in Neuromodulatory Therapies in Psychogeriatrics: From TMS to ECT to VNS to Both Surgical and Magnetic DBS

Neuromodulation therapies also known as brain stimulation therapies or techniques are used to treat various neuropsychiatric illnesses in adult and geriatric patients. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was the first such treatment availed to be used for mood disorders and psychotic disorders. Since then, transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) was also found to be effective with fewer side effects than ECT. Similarly, vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), used for seizure and movement disorders, respectively, have been found useful in the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders. These neuromodulation therapies are becoming more refined, and we are learning more about their uses in other neuropsychiatric disorders. In the last decade, there has been tremendous growth of knowledge and research in the use of these therapies, but more needs to be evaluated before such treatments become as familiar as ECT.
Teacher Self-Efficacy in 1:1 iPad Integration in Middle School Science and Math Classrooms

Many schools are beginning to adopt one-to-one computing with the goal of developing students’ 21st-century skills, which allow students not only to learn content but to acquire critical skills (e.g., creativity, collaboration, and digital literacy) that will lead to future careers. Technology offers teachers the ability to transform the quality of instruction—to achieve a more student-centered learning environment, have more differentiated instruction, and develop problem- or projectbased learning, and demand higher order thinking skills. A number of barriers and influences have emerged from the findings of this study on teachers’ practice and integration of technology into their classrooms. This study examines how these barriers, both internal and external, influence classroom pedagogy. Using a technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge (TPACK) framework, this paper examines the classroom practice of two middle grades mathematics and science teachers integrating a 1:1 initiative and the ways they dealt with the barriers in their classroom practices.
Recovering Traceability Links in Requirements Documents

Software system development is guided by the evolution of requirements. In this paper, we address the task of requirements traceability, which is concerned with providing bi-directional traceability between various requirements, enabling users to find the origin of each requirement and track every change made to it. We propose a knowledge-rich approach to the task, where we extend a supervised baseline system with (1) additional training instances derived from human-provided annotator rationales; and (2) additional features derived from a hand-built ontology. Experiments demonstrate that our approach yields a relative error reduction of 11.1‐19.7%.
Beneficial effects of coronary venous retroinfusion but not left atrial administration of superoxide dismutase on myocardial necrosis in pigs.

The efficacy of coronary venous versus left atrial administration of superoxide dismutase was studied in 24 open chest pigs which had 60 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 3 h reperfusion. The pigs were randomly assigned to three treatment protocols: group A (n=8) superoxide dismutase (5mg kg−1) was infused into the great cardiac vein for 30min beginning 15 min before reperfusion; group B (n=8) superoxide dismutase (5 mg kg−1) was infused into the left atrium in a similar manner to group A; group C (n=8) bovine serum albumin (5 mg kg−1) was infused into the great cardiac vein in the same manner as group A. Infarct size, expressed as percent of area at risk, was significantly smaller in group A (28.2±13.0%) than groups B (58.7 ±8.3%) and C (61.6±7.2%) (P<0.05). The results indicate that retroinfusion of superoxide dismutase into the great cardiac vein before reperfusion may be an effective treatment for the prevention of reperfusion injury, even in the absence of a well developed coronary collateral circulation. Antegrade (left atrial) administration of the same amount of superoxide dismutase did not decrease infarct size in pigs. The most likely explanation for this difference in efficacy is that drug delivery with left atrial administration is dependent on antegrade flow with reperfusion which is less reliable and less efficient than coronary venous retroinfusion. The latter provides a predictably high concentration of superoxide dismutase to the jeopardized myocardium during the period ofischaemia before reperfusion.
Gout-related inpatient utilization: a study of predictors of outcomes and time trends

To assess inpatient healthcare burden of gout in the USA after an Emergency Department (ED) visit and the predictors of gout-related hospitalizations. We used the 2009, 2010 and 2012 US National ED Sample (NEDS) data to examine the time trends in inpatient visits with gout as the primary diagnosis. We used the 2012 NEDS data to assess multivariable-adjusted predictors of length of hospital stay, discharge to home (versus other) and total charges for gout-related inpatient visits. Of the 205,152 ED visits for gout as the primary diagnosis in 2012, 7.7 % resulted in hospitalization. In 2009, 2010 and 2012, 63 %, 63 % and 64.5 % of hospitalized patients were discharged home; respective durations of hospital stay were 4.15, 4.00 and 3.86 days. Older age 50 to <65 years (ref <50), renal failure, heart failure, osteoarthritis and diabetes were associated with a longer hospital stay and self-pay/uninsured status, hospital location in the Midwest or Western USA with a shorter hospital stay for gout. Similar factors were associated with total charges for gout-related admissions. Older age (65 to <80 and ≥80, relative to <50 years), diabetes, self-pay/no charge insurance status, metropolitan area residence, and a longer length of hospital stay were associated with lower odds of discharge to home; and self-pay/no charge (uninsured) status was associated with higher odds of discharge to home, compared to Medicare coverage. Using a national sample, we noted declining duration of hospital stay and identified factors associated with the length of hospital stay, discharge to home and charges for gout hospitalization following an ED visit. Future studies should examine whether better management of comorbidities in patients with gout can further reduce utilization and cost of gout-related hospitalizations.
Temperature Dependence of CN and SCN IR Absorptions Facilitates Their Interpretation and Use as Probes of Proteins.

Cyano and thiocyano groups have received attention as IR probes of local protein electrostatics or solvation, due to their strong absorptions and the ability to site specifically incorporate them within proteins. However, interpreting their spectra requires knowing whether they engage in hydrogen bonds (H-bonds). Existing methods for the detection of such H-bonding interactions are based on structural analysis or correlations between IR and NMR signals and are labor intensive and possibly ambiguous. Here, using model systems we show that the absorption frequency of both probes is linearly correlated with temperature and that the slope of the resulting line (frequency–temperature line slope or FTLS) reflects the nature of the probe’s microenvironment, including whether or not the probe is engaged in H-bonds. We then show that the same linear dependence is observed with p-cyano phenylalanine, cyanylated cysteine, or cyanylated homocysteine incorporated at different positions within the N-terminal Src homolo...
Abstract 160: Perivascular Administration of Rapamycin Through Nanoparticles Prolongs Inhibition of Arterial Restenosis

Open vascular reconstructions frequently fail due to the development of recurrent disease or intimal hyperplasia (IH). This paper reports a novel drug delivery method using a rapamycin-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs)/pluronic gel system that can be applied periadventitially around the carotid artery immediately following the open surgery. In vitro studies revealed that rapamycin dispersed in pluronic gel was rapidly released over 3 days whereas release of rapamycin from rapamycin-loaded PLGA NPs embedded in pluronic gel was more gradual over 4 weeks. In cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), rapamycin-loaded NPs produced durable (14 days versus 3 days for free rapamycin) inhibition of phosphorylation of S6 kinase (S6K1), a downstream target in the mTOR pathway. In a rat balloon injury model, periadventitial delivery of rapamycin-loaded NPs produced inhibition of phospho-S6K1 14 days after balloon injury. Immunostaining revealed that rapamycin-loaded NPs reduced SMC ...
Osmotic pressure and milk secretion.

ConclusionsFrom the above it becomes evident that the concentration of solutes affects both the character and amount of secretion. The depressing effect upon the amount of secretion is in direct proportion to the concentration of solutes. The amount of secretion produced following hypertonic solution is about 1/20 normal; isotonic about one-fifth normal; hypotonic one-half normal, and water four-fifths normal. This clearly indicates a selective absorption of the solutes and not a simple equilibrium phenomenon through a semi-permeable membrane. If the latter were true, water should pass into the gland from the blood and increase the amount of secretion.As there is no significant difference between the effects of saline solution, Ringer's solution, and lactose it may be concluded that electrolytes exert no greater effect than non-electrolytes or a more balanced mixture of electrolytes such as Ringer's solution.That the effect of an injection lasted for more than one day indicates a disturbance in secreting ...
Shape transitions in 148Sm.

The finite-temperature Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov cranking equation is solved for [sup 148]Sm. The phase diagram contains three shape transition lines. For certain rotational frequencies, there is oblate noncollective rotation at low temperatures, prolate and triaxial collective rotation at intermediate temperatures, and oblate noncollective rotation at higher temperatures. A new oblate region at low [ital T] and [omega] is caused by the pairing interaction.
The association between vivid thoughts of death and authenticity

Many theoretical perspectives link death-related thoughts to authenticity; however, there is little empirical research directly examining this association. The current studies examined how recalling a vivid experience associated with mortality relates to outcomes indicative of authentic engagement. In Study 1, participants described an experience that made them think about their mortality, indicated how vivid their recollection was, and completed measures of authenticity and goal-pursuit. Results indicated that how vividly a mortality experience was recalled predicted greater authenticity and more important goal-pursuits. Study 2 replicated many of the findings and found a similar pattern when individuals vividly recalled a mortality experience of a close other. Study 3 again replicated these results after controlling for a host of death-related variables. Exploratory analyses further revealed that ruminating about death was often negatively associated with authenticity. Implications for the role of death-related thoughts in authentic and alienated becoming are discussed.
Prevention and control of water for shaft construction at Vientiane Potash Mine,Laos

To ensure safety construction of shaft across easily water-soluble carnallitite bed and rock salt bed in the underground potash project in Vientiane,Laos,a series of measures for water-proof and water-control were taken in the process of construction of the shaft,including surface water-proof well,surface pre-grouting,pre-grouting to mine working surface,post-grouting to wall of the shaft,setting up cut-water system.