cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibitors of sterol synthesis. Hypocholesterolemic action of dietary 9α-Fluoro-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-3β-ol-15-one☆

Abstract 9α-Fluoro-5α-cholest-8(14)-en-3β-ol-15-one, at a level of 0.15% in a laboratory chow diet, has been shown to have a significant hypocholesterolemic effect in normal rats. The mean serum cholesterol level (mg per 100 ml ± S.E.M.) decreased from 84.5 ± 1.5 to 53.3 ± 3.0, 54.1 ± 3.2, and 60.5 ± 2.6 after 5, 9, and 12 days, respectively, on the steroid-containing diet. The effects of the 9α-fluoro-15-ketosterol on serum cholesterol levels were significantly different from those of either ad libitum or pair-fed controls. The diet containing the steroid caused a significant decrease in food consumption which was associated with a decrease in the rate of gain in body weight.
Parent blue-footed boobies suppress siblicidal behavior of offspring

Behaviorally dominant nestlings routinely kill sibling nestmates in blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii) broods during periods of food shortage. Previous work demonstrated that these dominant, first-hatching “A-chicks” regulate the lethality of their behavior towards subordinate, second-hatching “B-chicks,” showing tolerance towards B-chicks except during chronic food shortages. Siblicide by A-chicks usually occurs after the hatchling stage. Results of an interspecific cross-fostering experiment indicated that A-chicks also attempt siblicide shortly after hatching, but parents apparently exert control over these attempts, and thwart them, when chicks are young. Theory predicts selection for such regulation in siblicidal birds that are likely to experience genetic parent-offspring conflict over the value of subordinant nestlings; our evidence of post-hatching parental regulation is consistent with that prediction.
Predicting successful 24-hr quit attempt in a smoking cessation intervention.

Introduction The factors that influence the initial phase of quitting smoking have been understudied. Although maintenance of change is the ultimate test of the efficacy of treatment, maintenance is a nonissue for those who fail to manage even brief periods of abstinence. We examined factors associated with smokers' ability to achieve a targeted 24-hr quit during a smoking cessation program. As a comparison, we also examine whether predictors of an initial quit are different from factors that predict smoking abstinence at 52-week follow-up. Methods Using baseline data from a randomized clinical trial to examine the efficacy of selegiline for cigarette smoking cessation (n = 280), we conducted univariate analyses (analysis of variance or chi-square) to determine statistically significant predictors of a successful quit attempt (SQA) versus unsuccessful quit attempt. Multiple logistic regression was performed with significant predictors from the univariate analyses to determine main effects and interactions in a multivariate model. The same factors and analyses were used to examine predictors of 52-week point prevalence abstinence. Results Lower nicotine dependence (modified Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire [mFTQ]), higher Behavioral Inhibition System score, and lower baseline heart rate were predictive of SQA in both the univariate and the multivariate models. Gender was the only predictor of 52-week smoking abstinence. Conclusions Predictors of initial induction of change were not predictors of abstinence at the 1-year follow-up, suggesting that different factors mediate the different subprocesses of behavior change. Knowledge of these pretreatment factors that moderate a SQA could help clinicians target smokers who need more intensive therapy during the initial induction of cessation.
Probabilistic location recognition using reduced feature set

The localization capability is central to basic navigation tasks and motivates development of various visual navigation systems. In this paper we describe a two stage approach for localization in indoor environments. In the first stage, the environment is partitioned into several locations, each characterized by a set of scale-invariant keypoints and their associated descriptors. In the second stage the keypoints of the query view are integrated probabilistically yielding an estimate of most likely location. The novelty of our approach is in the selection of discriminative features, best suited for characterizing individual locations. We demonstrate that high location recognition rate is maintained with only 10% of the originally detected features, yielding a substantial speedup in recognition and capability of handling larger environments. The ambiguities due to the self-similarity and dynamic changes in the environment are resolved by exploiting spatial relationships between locations captured by hidden Markov model
Associations Among Indicators of Depression in Medicaid-Eligible Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to examine associations among 2 separate Minimum Data Set-Home Care (MDS-HC) depression measures (the Depression Rating Scale [DRS] and medical diagnosis of depression) with billed antidepressant medications in Medicaid paid claim files. Design and Methods: The sample for this cross-sectional research included 3,041 Medicaid-eligible older adult participants in a Home and Community Based Waiver Program and used data from the MDS-HC, Version 1 and Medicaid Paid Claim Files. Sensitivity and specificity analyses, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and t tests were utilized. Results: DRS scoring indicated that 15.4% of participants had behaviors indicative of depression, whereas 42% had a medical diagnosis of depression noted in the MDS-HC. Of those with a medical diagnosis of depression, 51% had a prescribed antidepressant medication. ROC analysis suggested that the DRS was a poor distinguisher of participants with and without a medical diagnosis of depression or prescribed antidepressant medications. Implications: Approximately half of Medicaid-eligible older adults medically diagnosed with depression were treated pharmacologically. Longitudinal research is recommended to assess responsiveness of the DRS over time to pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions for depression.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Niacinamide for Reduction of Phosphorus in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and objectives: Niacinamide inhibits intestinal sodium/phosphorus transporters and reduces serum phosphorus in open-label studies. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial was performed for assessment of the safety and efficacy of niacinamide. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: Hemodialysis patients with phosphorus levels ≥5.0 mg/dl were randomly assigned to 8 wk of niacinamide or placebo, titrated from 500 to 1500 mg/d. After a 2-wk washout period, patients switched to 8 wk of the alternative therapy. Vitamin D analogs and calcimimetics were held constant; phosphorus binders were not changed unless safety criteria were met. Results: Thirty-three patients successfully completed the trial. Serum phosphorus fell significantly from 6.26 to 5.47 mg/dl with niacinamide but not with placebo (5.85 to 5.98 mg/dl). A concurrent fall in calcium-phosphorus product was seen with niacinamide, whereas serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone, uric acid, platelet, triglyceride, LDL, and total cholesterol levels remained stable in both arms. Serum HDL levels rose with niacinamide (50 to 61 mg/dl but not with placebo. Adverse effects were similar between both groups. Among patients who were ≥80% compliant, results were similar, although the decrease in serum phosphorus with niacinamide was more pronounced (6.45 to 5.28 mg/dl) and the increase in HDL approached significance (49 to 58 mg/dl). Conclusions: In hemodialysis patients, niacinamide effectively reduces serum phosphorus when co-administered with binders and results in a potentially advantageous increase in HDL cholesterol. Further study in larger randomized trials and other chronic kidney disease populations is indicated.
Nitrous Oxide and Ammonia Fluxes in a Soybean Field Irrigated with Swine Effluent

method of application, climatic conditions, and chemical and physical soil properties (Misselbrook et al., 1996; In the United States, swine (Sus scrofa ) operations produce more Lowrance et al., 1998). As much as 13% of applied NH4 than 14 Tg of manure each year. About 30% of this manure is stored in anaerobic lagoons before application to land. While land application can be volatilized during irrigation before the effluent of manure supplies nutrients for crop production, it may lead to reaches the soil, with an additional 10 to 70% lost within gaseous emissions of ammonia (NH3 ) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Our 48 h after irrigation (Sharpe and Harper, 1997; Schilkeobjectives were to quantify gaseous fluxes of NH3 and N2O from Gartley and Sims, 1993). Large losses of NH3 can result effluent applications under field conditions. Three applications of in insufficient N availability for plant uptake or environswine effluent were applied to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. mental degradation. Ammonia is the primary neutraliz‘Brim’] and gaseous fluxes were determined from gas concentration ing agent for acid gases in the atmosphere and is a profiles and the flux-gradient gas transport technique. About 12% of common component of atmospheric aerosols. Volatilammonium (NH4–N) in the effluent was lost through drift or secondary ization of NH3 may result in eutrophication of natural volatilization of NH3 during irrigation. An additional 23% was volatilecosystems. Natural ecosystems are thought to be net ized within 48 h of application. Under conditions of low windspeed
Sympathoadrenal system and regulation of thermogenesis

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays a critical role in the regulation of mammalian thermogenic responses to cold exposure and dietary intake. Catecholamine-stimulated thermogenesis is mediated by the beta-adrenergic receptor. In the rat brown adipose tissue is the major site of metabolic heat production in response to both cold (nonshivering thermogenesis) and diet (diet-induced thermogenesis). Measurements of norepinephrine turnover rate in interscapular brown adipose tissue of the rat demonstrate increased sympathetic activity in response to both cold exposure and overfeeding. In adult humans, a physiologically significant role for brown adipose tissue has not been established but cannot be excluded. It appears likely that dietary changes in SNS activity are related, at least in part, to the changes in metabolic rate that occur in association with changes in dietary intake.
Chemical Determination of Leucogenenol and Its Production by Penicillium gilmanii

A method for the quantitative determination of leucogenenol, a leucocytosis-inducing compound produced by Penicillium gilmanii, has been developed. The formation of leucogenenol in P. gilmanii and its diffusion into the culture fluid has been followed over a period of 12 weeks. The highest concentration of leucogenenol was found in the mycelium of rapidly growing cultures. The greatest concentration occurred in the culture fluid, however, after cessation of rapid growth. The concentration of leucogenenol in the mycelium of cultures over 4 weeks old fluctuated widely. This fluctuation was apparently due to the formation and rapid growth of daughter colonies.
Separation using planar chromatography with electroosmotic flow

Planar chromatography with electroosmotic flow is used to separate either a mixture of dyes using 80% aqueous ethanol as the mobile phase or a mixture of miscellaneous compounds using 45% aqueous acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Both mobile phases are 1.0 mM in N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS) buffer. Separations using this technique are faster and more efficient than the same separations by conventional TLC. The respective relationships between migration velocity and applied potential, and between analysis time and distance migrated, are presented.
Cisplatin inhibits MEK1/2

Cisplatin (cDDP) is known to bind to the CXXC motif of proteins containing a ferrodoxin-like fold but little is known about its ability to interact with other Cu-binding proteins. MEK1/2 has recently been identified as a Cu-dependent enzyme that does not contain a CXXC motif. We found that cDDP bound to and inhibited the activity of recombinant MEK1 with an IC50 of 0.28 μM and MEK1/2 in whole cells with an IC50 of 37.4 μM. The inhibition of MEK1/2 was relieved by both Cu+1 and Cu+2 in a concentration-dependent manner. cDDP did not inhibit the upstream pathways responsible for activating MEK1/2, and did not cause an acute depletion of cellular Cu that could account for the reduction in MEK1/2 activity. cDDP was found to bind MEK1/2 in whole cells and the extent of binding was augmented by supplementary Cu and reduced by Cu chelation. Molecular modeling predicts 3 Cu and cDDP binding sites and quantum chemistry calculations indicate that cDDP would be expected to displace Cu from each of these sites. We conclude that, at clinically relevant concentrations, cDDP binds to and inhibits MEK1/2 and that both the binding and inhibitory activity are related to its interaction with Cu bound to MEK1/2. This may provide the basis for useful interactions of cDDP with other drugs that inhibit MAPK pathway signaling.
Design of Low Data-Rate Environmental Monitoring Applications

The majority of low-cost and off-the-shelf Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) solutions cannot adequately address issues related to an unattended deployment in a harsh environment, especially if the network needs to scale and achieve high density or high coverage or both. This is usually the case in environmental applications. In this chapter, this problem is investigated and extensive discussion on the pros and cons of a specific WSN design is presented. However, before moving from generic and well-established WSN solutions to customization, a detailed analysis of the gains of having a tailored design is necessary. Accordingly, a case study involving sparse deployments in outdoors is used to illustrate the process.
Formation of 4-hydroxynonenal, a toxic aldehyde, in soybean oil at frying temperature

The formation of 4-hydroxy-2-trans-nonenal (HNE), a mutagenic and cytotoxic product of the peroxidation of linoleic acid, was monitored in soybean oil that was heated at 185°C for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h. Unheated soybean oil contained no HNE and a relatively low concentration of polar lipophilic secondary oxidation products (aldehydes and related carbonyl compounds), measured as 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatives by HPLC. An increase in the concentration of both HNE and total lipophilic polar oxidation products was observed with increased exposure to frying temperature. A considerable concentration of HNE had already formed at 2 h and the concentration continued to increase at 4 and 6 h of heating. After 6 h the concentration of HNE decreased, possibly due to degradation of the aldehyde with further exposure to high temperature. The loss of endogenous tocopherols was also monitored in the heated oil, and the tocopherol concentration decreased as the secondary lipid oxidation products increased.
How lucky can one be? A perspective from a young scientist at the right place at the right time.

How lucky can one be? A perspective from a young scientist at the right place at the right time
Continuous flow manufacturing: the ultimate theory of constraints

We have devised with the help of IBM Consulting Group a fully operational and practical operations management system based on ranges (i.e, one day sections of our production line). This system called continuous flow manufacturing (CFM) allows to manage the bottlenecks of a line implement a continuous improvement strategy aimed towards bottlenecks elimination. To that extent it is a clever implementation of Kanban principles and Theory of Constraints.
Acute and Chronic Cardiovascular Effects of Pentolinium in Hypertensive Patients

Using a tracer injection technic, modified to provide accurate and repeated determinations of cardiac output in the ambulatory patient, the authors have shown that chronic pentolinium therapy for hypertension lowers blood pressure by reducing cardiac output in the seated position. From these observations and the work of others, they believe that the effect of ganglionic blockade on venoconstrictor tone deserves greater emphasis.
Nanomolding based fabrication of synthetic gecko foot-hairs

This paper proposes two different nanomolding methods to fabricate synthetic gecko foot-hair nanostructures. The first method uses an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe indented flat wax surface and the second one uses a nano-pore membrane as a template. These templates are molded with silicone rubber, polyimide and polyester type polymers under vacuum and the template is peeled off or etched away. Results show that these synthetic nano-hair prototypes have adhesion close to the predicted values for natural specimens (around 100 nN each).
Non-negative matrix factorization of gene expression profiles

Summary: Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is an increasingly used algorithm for the analysis of complex high-dimensional data. BRB-ArrayTools is a widely used software system for the analysis of gene expression data with almost 9000 registered users in over 65 countries. We have developed a NMF analysis plug-in in BRB-ArrayTools for unsupervised sample clustering of microarray gene expression data. Our analysis tool also incorporates an algorithm for Semi-NMF which can handle both positive and negative elements for log-ratio data. Output includes a heat map of sample clusters and differentially expressed genes with extensive biological annotation. For comparison, output also includes the results of K-means clustering. Availability: The NMF analysis plug-in is freely available in BRB-ArrayTools for non-commercial users. BRB-ArrayTools can be downloaded at http://linus.nci.nih.gov/BRB-ArrayTools.html. The algorithms used for NMF and Semi-NMF are available at ftp://linus.nci.nih.gov/pub/NMF. Contact: rsimon@mail.nih.gov
D Type Cyclins Associate with Multiple Protein Kinases and the DNA Replication and Repair Factor PCNA

Human cyclin D1 has been associated with a wide variety of proliferative diseases but its biochemical role is unknown. In diploid fibroblasts we find that cyclin D1 is complexed with many other cellular proteins. Among them are protein kinase catalytic subunits CDK2, CDK4 (previously called PSK-J3), and CDK5 (also called PSSALRE). In addition, polypeptides of 21 kd and 36 kd are identified in association with cyclin D1. We show that the 36 kd protein is the proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA. Cyclin D3 also associates with multiple protein kinases, p21 and PCNA. It is proposed that there exists a quaternary complex of D cyclin, CDK, PCNA, and p21 and that many combinatorial variations (cyclin D1, D3, CDK2, 4, and 5) may assemble in vivo. These findings link a human putative G1 cyclin that is associated with oncogenesis with a well-characterized DNA replication and repair factor.
Physical Fitness Tests

(1957). Physical Fitness Tests. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 28, No. 6, pp. 21-69.
The Poor in the Philippines: Some Insights from Psychological Research

The purpose of this article is to describe the face of poverty in the Philippines. Specifically, through a review of literature, it enumerates the features of destitution in the Philippines, identi...
Podium: High Court Should Review Mass Torts

Commentary and analysis of the Supreme Court’s opportunity to grant certiorari review in Amchem Prods. Inc. v. Windsor, to decide issues relating to settlement classes in the underlying Georgine nationwide asbestos futures settlement class. The article places the Georgine settlement in the context of two decades of mass tort litigation, including cases such as Agent Orange, Bendectin, DES, Dalkon Shield, tainted blood products, heart valves, silicone breast implants, lead paint, and tobacco products. Federal courts have struggled with mass tort cases for more than twenty-five years and have experimented with almost every procedural means for aggregating and resolving mass torts. Federal courts disagree on how torts may be resolved in the aggregate; on the suitability of Federal Rules 23 or 42 for adjudicating mass torts, standrads for class certification, and most prominently, the standards for settlement classes. In addition, courts disagree about the due process requirements for mandatory classes, the ability to aggregate damages, and the propriety of polyfurcated trial plans. The appeal in Amchem offers the Court the opportunity to clarify doctrine surrounding many of these issues.
Image-guided intervention in the coagulopathic patient

Determining practice parameters for interventional procedures is challenging due to many factors including unreliable laboratory tests to measure bleeding risk, variable usage of standardized terminology for adverse events, poorly defined standards for administration of blood products, and the growing numbers of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications. We aim to address these and other issues faced by radiologists performing invasive procedures through a review of available literature, and experiential guidance from three academic medical centers. We discuss the significant limitations with respect to using prothrombin-time and international normalized ratio to measure bleeding risk, especially in patients with synthetic defects due to liver function. Factors affecting platelet function including the impact of uremia; recent advances in laboratory testing, including platelet function testing; and thromboelastography are also discussed. A review of the existing literature of fresh-frozen plasma replacement therapy is included. The literature regarding comorbidities affecting coagulation including malignancy, liver failure, and uremia are also reviewed. Finally, the authors present a set of recommendations for laboratory thresholds, corrective transfusions, as well as withholding and restarting medications.
A Comprehensive Quality-of-Life Instrument for Aesthetic and Functional Rhinoplasty: The RHINO Scale.

Assessment of treatment efficacy and outcomes in rhinoplasty can be implemented using a variety of objective or subjective measures. A well-recognized criticism of objective outcome measures in rhinoplasty is the frequent and often significant divergence between objectively quantifiable measurements and subjective patient-reported outcomes.1 As a result, subjective quality-of-life (QOL) instruments have assumed an increasingly prevalent role in the assessment of outcomes after nasal surgery. This is intuitive to cosmetic nasal surgery as patient satisfaction is the most critical indicator of a successful outcome but is also equally as applicable to functional rhinoplasty. To this end, various QOL instruments have been developed to assess patient-reported outcomes after nasal surgery. Two of the most widely applied instruments include the Nasal Obstructive Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) scale.2,3 The former has been used to study outcomes of functional rhinoplasty procedures and to create a severity scale for nasal obstruction.4–6 Studies using the latter scale, namely measuring aesthetic outcomes, have been much less common. It is interesting to note that both these validated instruments have segregated the assessment of aesthetic and functional outcomes after nasal surgery. In many ways, this is an artificial distinction as it is well accepted that nasal function and aesthetics are closely related. It is evident that to achieve successful results after rhinoplasty, patients must report satisfaction with both functional and aesthetic outcomes. The goal of this study was to develop and validate a comprehensive QOL instrument to assess patient satisfaction with functional and aesthetic outcomes after rhinoplasty.
Effect of Unheated Soybean Meal on Blood Coagulation of Chicks

Abstract INTRODUCTION BALLOUN and Johnson (1953) reported that the feeding of unheated, solvent-extracted soybean meal significantly increased blood-clotting time of chicks, and that vitamin K did not affect this condition. During the course of an experiment devised to investigate the methionine requirement of growing chicks fed meals heated for various lengths of time (Griminger et al., 1954) we subjected a number of chicks from each lot to blood-clotting tests, and found no such differences; these diets contained ample amounts of vitamin K. In another preliminary experiment chicks were fed a ration which had been employed by Griminger et al. (1953) to produce a vitamin K deficiency in young chicks. This diet was modified by replacing the commercial soybean meal sample with a desolventized meal (“raw grits”) that had undergone a minimum of heat treatment during extraction, or by samples of meal heated for 45 and 90 minutes respectively at atmospheric pressure… .
Diagnosis and Management Of Gastroduodenal Polyps

Upper gastrointestinal polyps are rare but common in the gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes. Although the majority of upper CONTENTS gastrointestinal polyps have no prognostic importance, they must be distinguished from the minority with an associated cancer risk.
Sex therapy for the penile prosthesis recipient.

SUMMARY In conclusion, the evidence for technical success of the penile prosthesis is clear, but more detailed follow-up studies suggest that a large minority of patients and partners fail to achieve sexual satisfaction. If the goal of surgery is to restore sexual frequency, variety, and pleasure to optimal levels, an integrated treatment program that incorporates sex therapy may be more successful than implantation alone. The type of sex therapy required depends on the risk factors present for postsurgery sexual dissatisfaction. A majority of patients can benefit from several sessions of brief sexual counseling preoperatively, with routine follow-up at 3 and 6 months after surgery to identify problems in resuming sex successfully. I also would point out that an integrated treatment approach is just as applicable to home intracavernosal injection programs. Including sex therapy in the package might reduce the large dropout rates currently being seen1 and might decrease the risk of misuse of these medications.
Alterations in specific protein-tyrosine phosphatases accompany insulin resistance of streptozotocin diabetes

To test whether protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) may play a role in the insulin resistance of insulinopenic diabetes, we assessed PTPase activity as well as the protein and mRNA abundance of three major candidate PTPases in subcellular fractions of liver and skeletal muscle of streptozotocin-diabetic rats before and after insulin treatment. PTPase activity against the insulin receptor in liver and muscle cytosol increased to 120-125% of control in the diabetic animals and by an additional 5-10% after insulin treatment. In the particulate fraction, PTPase activity decreased to 65-70% of control in diabetic liver and muscle and increased to 115-120% of control after insulin treatment. Protein for the leukocyte common antigen-related PTPase paralleled the changes in the PTPase activity in the particulate fraction. SH-PTP2/syp and PTPase 1B were both significantly increased in diabetes. SH-PTP2/syp also exhibited an increased ratio of particulate to cytosol distribution in diabetic tissues (1.8-1.9) that was reversed after insulin treatment (0.79-0.95). Northern analysis suggested that the PTPases were regulated at a pretranslational level. These changes in the abundance and distribution of specific PTPases may be involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance in insulinopenic diabetes.
Effects of disturbed sleep on gastrointestinal and somatic pain symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome

SummaryBackground Sleep disturbances are common, and perhaps are even more prevalent in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Aims To determine the effect of measured sleep on IBS symptoms the following day, IBS-specific quality of life (IBS-QOL) and non-GI pain symptoms. Methods IBS patients' sleep patterns were compared to healthy individuals via wrist-mounted actigraphy over 7 days. Daily bowel pain logs (severity, distress; 10-point Likert) stool pattern (Bristol scale) and supporting symptoms (e.g. bloating, urgency; 5-point Likert) were kept. Validated measures, including the GI Symptom Rating Scale-IBS, Visceral Sensitivity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the IBS-Quality of Life were collected. Mediation analysis explored the relationship between sleep, mood and bowel symptoms. Results Fifty subjects (38.6 ± 1.0 years old, 44 female; 24 IBS and 26 healthy controls) completed sleep monitoring. IBS patients slept more hours per day (7.7 ± 0.2 vs. 7.1 ± 0.1, P = 0.008), but felt less well-rested. IBS patients demonstrated more waking episodes during sleep (waking episodes; 12.1 vs. 9.3, P 0.3 for each). Waking episodes negatively correlated with general- and IBS-specific QOL in IBS (r = −0.58 and −0.52, P < 0.001 for each). Disturbed sleep effects on abdominal pain were partially explained by mood as an intermediate. Conclusions Sleep disturbances are more common in irritable bowel syndrome, and correlate with IBS-related pain, distress and poorer irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life. Disturbed sleep effects extend beyond the bowel, leading to worse mood and greater somatic pain in patients with the irritable bowel syndrome.
Cancer of the Vulva

Cancer of the vulva is essentially a surface malignancy that should be diagnosed early, although quite often this does not occur. This discussion is concerned primarily with epidermoid (squamous cell) cancer of the vulva.
Qualitative Analysis of Dietary Behaviors in Picture Book Fiction for 4- to 8-Year-Olds.

Abstract Objective Picture books may facilitate parents' efforts to decrease pickiness and other undesirable food habits in children. This study conducted a content analysis of dietary behaviors and feeding strategies featured in fictional picture books compared with those discussed in the research literature. Design Several databases were searched for fictional picture books about dietary behavior, published between 2000 and 2016, accessible in the US, available in print format, and designated for 4- to 8-year-olds. Phenomenon of Interest Messages about dietary behavior in picture book fiction. Analysis Stories were systematically coded using holistic, data-driven, and evaluation coding methods. The final set of codes was examined for themes and patterns. Results Of the 104 books, 50% featured a specific eating behavior, 21% lifestyle/eating patterns, 20% food-related sensations and emotions, and 9% table manners. Conclusions and Implications Books about dietary behaviors are abundant but the topic coverage is unbalanced. Problem behaviors portrayed in books overlap those discussed in the research literature. However, problem-solving strategies and actions do not align with those endorsed by nutrition professionals. Messages vary in their complexity (in terms of their plot and/or language), ranging from clear and direct to vague, sophisticated, unresolved, conflicting, or controversial. Recommendations for practitioners are discussed.
Multi-level factors affecting timely electronic documentation of medication administration: a hierarchical linear modeling approach

This study applies a systematic hierarchical linear modeling approach to identify factors impacting timely documentation of medication administration on electronic medication administration record (eMAR) systems. Delayed documentation of medications poses significant risks to patient safety. Multi-level quantitative data were collected from a large urban hospital system, spanning the non-physician clinician workforce across 27 patient-care units. Data suggests the overall perception of psychological safety on one’s unit was a significant predictor of individual clinicians’ timely eMAR documentation. The impact of each clinician’s personal psychological safety was nuanced by his/her patient-care unit and type of hospital. Other characteristics of the provider’s patient-care unit were also relevant. Thus, even though timely eMAR documentation is an individual-level activity, it is predicted by characteristics beyond complete control of the individual. We illustrate the value of applying systematic hierarchical linear modeling approach to better illuminate the problem of consistently achieving timely eMAR documentation across all providers.
How "you" makes meaning

“You” is one of the most common words in the English language. Although it typically refers to the person addressed (“How are you?”), “you” is also used to make timeless statements about people in general (“You win some, you lose some.”). Here, we demonstrate that this ubiquitous but understudied linguistic device, known as “generic-you,” has important implications for how people derive meaning from experience. Across six experiments, we found that generic-you is used to express norms in both ordinary and emotional contexts and that producing generic-you when reflecting on negative experiences allows people to “normalize” their experience by extending it beyond the self. In this way, a simple linguistic device serves a powerful meaning-making function.
Economic Growth and Public and Private Investments

To assess whether sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is going to experience a Demographic Dividend in the near future, it is necessary to take a close look at the economic growth in the region. After a brief reminder of the main growth determinants, the chapter presents the evolution of the average growth rate for sub-Saharan Africa during the period 1960–2015. Two main periods have been identified. The first, from 1960 to around 2000, called “the tragedy period”, is a period of low growth and extreme poverty. The second, from 2000 to 2015, called “the hope period”, is a period of solid growth resulting from improved macroeconomic policies and structural changes. The chapter also reviews the main risks of a downturn. The conclusion is that the SSA economic recovery is extremely fragile. To benefit from a substantial demographic dividend, not only the fertility rates need to decrease sharply and rapidly in the near future, but also macroeconomic policies and structural reforms need to be firmly implemented.
Acetyl-CoA synthetase regulates histone acetylation and hippocampal memory

Metabolic production of acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) is linked to histone acetylation and gene regulation, but the precise mechanisms of this process are largely unknown. Here we show that the metabolic enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) directly regulates histone acetylation in neurons and spatial memory in mammals. In a neuronal cell culture model, ACSS2 increases in the nuclei of differentiating neurons and localizes to upregulated neuronal genes near sites of elevated histone acetylation. A decrease in ACSS2 lowers nuclear acetyl-CoA levels, histone acetylation, and responsive expression of the cohort of neuronal genes. In adult mice, attenuation of hippocampal ACSS2 expression impairs long-term spatial memory, a cognitive process that relies on histone acetylation. A decrease in ACSS2 in the hippocampus also leads to defective upregulation of memory-related neuronal genes that are pre-bound by ACSS2. These results reveal a connection between cellular metabolism, gene regulation, and neural plasticity and establish a link between acetyl-CoA generation 'on-site' at chromatin for histone acetylation and the transcription of key neuronal genes.
Content Analysis of Advantages and Disadvantages of Drinking Among Individuals With the Lived Experience of Homelessness and Alcohol Use Disorders.

ABSTRACTBackground: Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are more prevalent among people who are homeless than in the general population. Thus, homeless individuals experience disproportionately high level...
Dense and Highly Elastic Compressible MicroInterconnects (CMIs) for Electronic Microsystems

In this paper, dense, highly elastic compressible microinterconnects (CMIs) are presented as an enabling technology for next generation sockets, probe cards and heterogeneous integrated systems. Free-standing CMIs with 75 µm height are fabricated using a thick sacrificial photoresist layer with an upward curved sidewall profile. The CMIs show a 45 µm vertical elastic range of motion. The fabricated CMIs have an in-line pitch of 150 µm, mechanical compliance of 9.2 mm/N, and vertical elastic motion of up to 5,000 indentation cycles. The smallest in-line pitch of CMIs demonstrated is 40 µm. The average post-assembly resistance of the CMIs, including the contact resistance, was measured to be 176.3 mΩ.
Anti-Gal as Cancer Cell Destroying Antibody and as Antibiotics Targeted by α-Gal Bifunctional Molecules

Bifunctional molecules in which one arm is the α-gal epitope and the other arm is a ligand that enables binding to specific receptor on pathogens or on cells provide a unique tool for in vivo harnessing of the natural anti-Gal antibody for destruction of pathogens and tumor cells. Anti-Gal interaction with the α-gal epitope on the bifunctional molecule bound to target cells or to pathogens can destroy the target by complement-mediated cytolysis, ADCC, or opsonization for Fc-mediated and C3b-mediated phagocytosis followed by intracellular killing within neutrophils and macrophages. In vitro binding of α-gal bifunctional molecules was demonstrated with E. coli , HIV, and with tumor cells, all of which displayed subsequent binding of anti-Gal. Following anti-Gal binding, the bacteria, viruses, and tumor cells were destroyed or neutralized by the antibody. A recent development, which may provide limitless versatility to this technology, is the use of alphamers in which the antibody binding arm of the bifunctional molecule is the α-gal epitope, and the target binding arm is an aptamer selected from a library, based on its binding to the target. The combination of alphamers that have high affinity to the target molecule and a high density (i.e., concentration) of the target molecule on the pathogen may enable future development of new type of antibiotics that use anti-Gal as an antibody which kills pathogens. In view of the rapid ~100-fold increase in anti-Gal titers in humans immunized with xenoglycoproteins carrying α-gal epitopes (discussed in Chapter 1 ), it is possible that such an increase in anti-Gal activity may further amplify the in vivo efficacy of α-gal bifunctional molecules and that of alphamers.
Experiences with Nonlinear MPC in Polymer Manufacturing

This paper discusses the implementation of nonlinear model predictive control on continuous industrial polymer manufacturing processes. Two examples of such processes serve to highlight many of the practical issues faced and the technological solutions that have been adopted. An outline is given of the various phases of deploying such a solution, and this serves as a framework for describing the relevant modeling choices, controller structures, controller tuning, and other practical issues
Medical societies, patient education initiatives, public debate and marketing of unproven stem cell interventions

Abstract Businesses marketing unproven stem cell interventions proliferate within the U.S. and in the larger global marketplace. There have been global efforts by scientists, patient advocacy groups, bioethicists, and public policy experts to counteract the uncontrolled and premature commercialization of stem cell interventions. In this commentary, we posit that medical societies and associations of health care professionals have a particular responsibility to be an active partner in such efforts. We review the role medical societies can and should play in this area through patient advocacy and awareness initiatives
Recombination, Models of

Homologous recombination (HR) is a result of exchange between at least two DNAs in the region of aligned identity, detected either genetically, as formation of new combinations of markers if the exchange was between homologous chromosomes, or physically, if the exchange was between repeats within heterologous chromosomes or within a single chromosome. All models of formation of recombinant DNAs via homologous strand exchange share the three common stages: (1) formation of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) (in either one or both participating DNAs); (2) formation of recombination intermediate driven by DNA strand complementarity; and (3) resolution of recombination intermediate to yield recombination products. There are two major types of recombinases, one catalyzing only annealing between complementary strands and the other catalyzing invasion of an ssDNA into a duplex DNA. There are three types of the elemental models of HR, differing in the extent of single strandedness of the initiating DNA, with at least two varieties of each (the annealing type vs. the invasion type). HR is detected in genetic systems with any level of complexity, from bacteriophages to eukaryotic meiosis, with outcomes being consistent with the products either of particular elemental models or of more complex models, like double-strand break repair.
Apixaban or Rivaroxaban Versus Warfarin for Treatment of Submassive Pulmonary Embolism After Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis.

Background:Little data exist on the use of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) factor Xa inhibitors for submassive pulmonary embolism (PE) after catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT). The objective of this evaluation was to determine whether the transition from parenteral anticoagulation to DOACs for submassive PE after CDT would decrease hospital length of stay (LOS) compared to warfarin.Methods:A retrospective review of patients diagnosed with submassive PE who underwent CDT was conducted from January 1, 2012, to February 28, 2017. Hospital LOS and major and minor bleeding events were recorded during hospitalization and at 90 days.Results:Sixty-two patients met the inclusion criteria, 36 in warfarin group and 26 in the DOAC group. Overall, patients receiving rivaroxaban or apixaban had a shorter median hospital LOS compared to warfarin (4.0 vs 6.1 days, P = .002). In the multivariate regression analysis, administration of DOAC was an independent predictor of decreased hospital LOS, β: −2.1, 95% confidence i...
Recursive prosodic words in Kaqchikel (Mayan)

Following the development of Prosodic Hierarchy Theory (Selkirk 1984; Nespor & Vogel 1986), evidence has accumulated that prosodic categories may be recursively self-embedded (e.g. Selkirk 1995; Truckenbrodt 1999; Wagner 2010; Ito & Mester 2013, etc.). However, this conclusion is not universally accepted (e.g. Vogel 2009a), and even the need for prosodic categories has been recently disputed (e.g. Scheer 2012b). In this article I argue that the prefixal phonology of Kaqchikel provides clear and convincing evidence for unbounded (iterable) recursion of the prosodic word ω . Patterns of [ʔ]-insertion and degemination receive a simple, elegant treatment if recursion of the prosodic word is permitted. Theories of prosodic phonology which do without recursion are forced to resort to ad hoc stipulations to account for the same facts. Both derivational (e.g. Kiparsky 1982) and transderivational (e.g. Benua 2000) analyses of these patterns fail on morphological grounds. The overall conclusion is that both abstract prosodic structure and recursion of the prosodic word are indispensable parts of any theory of word-level phonology.
Fault-tolerant control for a saturated limited system with simultaneous faults

This paper studies the problem of the design method of the active fault-tolerant controller, under the constraint of control input saturation, for the circumstance of simultaneous actuator and sensor faults. Considering the system with control input saturation, the design method of fault-tolerant tracking controller based on adaptive law and LMI is proposed, the saturation constraint is described by convex combination method, the adaptive law applied in actuator fault is designed, and the problem of the design of controller is transformed into optimization problem under the constraint of linear matrix inequalities. Besides, the proposed method avoids the design of fault reconstruction observer module, which simplifies the system design, and the Effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a numerical example.
Species-Dependent Variations in Erythrocyte Membrane Skeletal Proteins

Two mammalian species (porcine and murine) have erythrocytes that are being widely used to study membrane protein synthesis and red cell aging. Erythrocytes of these species however, are significantly smaller than those of the human. Before results obtained from study of these red cells can be applied to human cells, the membrane skeleton of these species must be investigated to determine if the skeletal elements are equivalent. Both pig and mouse bands 4.1b were of lower molecular weight than human 4.1b, and the a/b ratio was lower. In each species, 4.1a and b were sequence-related phosphoproteins, and yielded substantially different one-dimensional peptide maps. Band 3 of pig and mouse erythrocytes had a higher molecular weight than human band 3 and also had differing one-dimensional peptide maps after limited proteolytic cleavage with three different enzymes. In each species, free band 3 and band 3 bound to the membrane skeleton had identical peptide maps. Other major membrane skeletal components (spectrin, actin, and bands 2.1 and 4.2) seem to be very similar in molecular weight in various species. These results demonstrate that the molecular weights and relative proportions of the membrane skeletal elements are species dependent.
Mechanizing the common-sense inference of rules which direct behavior

We shall present a system that augments its a priori general understanding of human behavior in a spatio-temporal domain of physical activity, goals, competition, and gaming. Observing seemingly novel situations within that domain, it uses common-sense reasoning to construct an interpretation of the observed actions. This understanding is expressed in terms of the goals of the actors executing the actions. The system has the ability to focus its attention, as well as generation, generalize, and verify hypotheses. The desired result is a consistent structure of generalized hypotheses which represent both the regularities and an understanding of the observed domain.
The Lectin Activity of Pseudomonas syringae Pathovars

Reference strains of pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae were screened for their ability to produce surface and extracellular lectins. Most strains produced predominantly extracellular agglutinins. Bacterial lectin synthesis depended on the conditions and time of cultivation. Rich culture media and moderate temperatures were favourable for Sectin synthesis in vitro. Hemagglutinating activity was observed in different growth phases. Lectin activity was considerably increased by cocultivation of bacteria. The correlation of extracellular lectin production with Phytotoxin accumulation in some pseudomonads could be explained by their cofunction or formation of poiyfunctional lectin-toxin complexes. AH the bacterial lectins studied predominantly bound the carbohydrates and polysaccharides found in plants. Lectins were separated by combined CsCI and NaCI density gradient ultracentrifugation which revealed agglutinin activity in the low and high molecular weight fractions. It is suggested that bacterial lectins aggregate between each other and with bacterial polysaccharides.
Early Reactions to the Publication of Leibniz’ ’Nouveaux Essais’ (1765)

Leibniz’ Nouveaux Essais, Written in 1703–05 (Cited in the following as: N E), Were posthumously published by Raspe in 1765, at the beginning of a moderation significant Leibniz revival. Now, as the great up healval in Kant’s thought took place in 1769, as a one of the main characteristics of his upheavel was the rejection of sensibility as the sole source of Knowledge, it is easy to infer that Kant’s reading of the N E may have been one of the elements which prompted him to adopt his new solution.