cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression and the Control of Food Intake by Hypothalamic POMC/CART Neurons.

Neurons that express pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus suppress feeding and increase energy expenditure in response to cir- culating adiposity signals such as leptin. Alterations in gene expression may lead to long term modification of this circuit and alterations in body weight. Therefore, understanding how gene expression in these neurons is controlled is crucial to forming a complete picture of the central management of energy balance. This review outlines the heterogeneity of arcu- ate POMC/CART neurons, describes our current understanding of CART and POMC gene transcription in these neurons, and suggests future directions for extending the field.
Are anaesthetics toxic to the brain

It has been assumed that anaesthetics have minimal or no persistent effects after emergence from anaesthesia. However, general anaesthetics act on multiple ion channels, receptors, and cell signalling systems in the central nervous system to produce anaesthesia, so it should come as no surprise that they also have non-anaesthetic actions that range from beneficial to detrimental. Accumulating evidence is forcing the anaesthesia community to question the safety of general anaesthesia at the extremes of age. Preclinical data suggest that inhaled anaesthetics can have profound and long-lasting effects during key neurodevelopmental periods in neonatal animals by increasing neuronal cell death (apoptosis) and reducing neurogenesis. Clinical data remain conflicting on the significance of these laboratory data to the paediatric population. At the opposite extreme in age, elderly patients are recognized to be at an increased risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) with a well-recognized decline in cognitive function after surgery. The underlying mechanisms and the contribution of anaesthesia in particular to POCD remain unclear. Laboratory models suggest anaesthetic interactions with neurodegenerative mechanisms, such as those linked to the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease, but their clinical relevance remains inconclusive. Prospective randomized clinical trials are underway to address the clinical significance of these findings, but there are major challenges in designing, executing, and interpreting such trials. It is unlikely that definitive clinical studies absolving general anaesthetics of neurotoxicity will become available in the near future, requiring clinicians to use careful judgement when using these profound neurodepressants in vulnerable patients.
Microbial production of advanced transportation fuels in non-natural hosts

The production of alternative transportation fuels from renewable sources has gained increased attention due to energy and environmental concerns. Recently, progress has been made in the development of microbe-based processes for the production of biofuels beyond ethanol. These biofuels possess superior fuel properties relative to ethanol, such as increased energy density, low hygroscopicity, and low vapor pressure. These fuels are also advantageous as they may be transported using existing infrastructure. The isobutanol production process, in particular, has already reached near-industrial level. Although many of these processes are still being scaled-up for commercial production, their potential for practical application is promising.
Synthesis, acoustic stability, and pharmacologic activities of papaverine-loaded echogenic liposomes for ultrasound controlled drug delivery.

Background: development of encapsulated therapeutics that could be released upon ultrasound exposure has strong implications for enhancing drug effects at the target site. We have developed echogenic liposomes (ELIP) suitable for ultrasound imaging of blood flow and ultrasound-mediated intravascular drug release. Papaverine was chosen as the test drug because its clinical application requires high concentration in the target vascular bed but low concentration in the systemic circulation. Methods: the procedure for preparation of standard ELIP was modified by including Papaverine hydrochloride in the lipid hydration solution, followed by three freeze-thaw cycles to increase encapsulation of the drug. Sizing and encapsulation pharmacokinetics were performed using a Coulter counter and a phosphodiesterase activity assay. Stability of Papaverine-loaded ELIP (PELIP) was monitored with a clinical diagnostic ultrasound scanner equipped with a linear array transducer at a center frequency of 4.5 MHz by assessing ...
Influence of Structural Defects and Zinc Composition Variation on the Device Response of Cdl-xZnxTe Radiation Detectors

Zinc composition variation and gross structural defects including grain and tilt boundaries, twins, and mechanical cracks in high pressure Bridgman Cd1-xZnxTe are characterized and correlated to various detector-related responses. Triple axis x-ray diffraction, double crystal x-ray topography, infrared microscopy, and etch pit density measurements are used to reveal and quantify the spatial distribution and the nature of the structural defects. Mechanical cracks in the material are found to act as conductive “shorting paths”, indicated by excessive leakage currents and reduced charge (electron) collection measured along these cracks. Reduced charge collection is also obtained across grain boundaries and in regions with poor crystallinity, indicating that they serve as carrier recombination sites. Finally, the effects of the zinc composition variation on the measured leakage current and the amount of electrons collected are found to be masked by gross structural defects. These characterization techniques provide a wealth of information which can be used not only to study the relationship between the structural and device properties of CdZnTe but also to screen production material for subsequent device fabrication.
Two Hadamard numbers for matrices

A discussion is given of two functions of the entries of a square matrix, both related to Hadamard's determinant theorem, which have some merits as alternatives to norm-bound “condition numbers.” One (for linear systems) is known; the other (for eigensystems) seems to be new.
Trucking industry adoption of information technology: a multivariate discrete choice model

The objective of this research is to understand the demand for information technology among trucking companies. A multivariate discrete choice model is estimated on data from a large-scale survey of the trucking industry in California. This model is designed to identify the influences of each of twenty operational characteristics on the propensity to adopt each of seven different information technologies, while simultaneously allowing the seven error terms to be freely correlated. Results showed that the distinction between for-hire and private fleets is paramount, as is size of the fleet and the provision of intermodal maritime and air services.
Computer-assisted analysis of lymph nodes detected by EUS in patients with esophageal carcinoma.

Background: EUS determination of lymph nodal spread of intestinal cancer based on imaging alone is problematic. A noninvasive, reliable means of determining tumor spread to lymph nodes is desirable. This study investigated the feasibility of a computer-assisted evaluation of lymph nodes detected by EUS in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Methods: Images were obtained during EUS of esophageal lesions and correlated with histopathologic findings after esophagectomy. Sonographic features of echogenicity, whole-node heterogeneity, and regional variability were assessed by computerized image analysis in patients with benign versus malignant lymphadenopathy. Results: Malignant lymph nodes were hypoechoic compared with benign lymph nodes (p < 0.04). Whole lymph node heterogeneity was increased in malignant lymph nodes (p < 0.004). Regional variability was greater for benign lymph nodes. Conclusions: These data support the feasibility of a computer-assisted system for analysis of lymph node metastasis in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Further refinements of such a system could increase the accuracy of EUS staging of tumors.
Assessment of healing of grade III posterolateral corner injuries: an in vivo model.

Abstract The primary purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that an in vivo model of posterolateral knee instability could be created in the rabbit and to develop a natural history model in animals. The biomechanical and gross features of the rabbit knee 12 weeks after rupture of the fibular collateral ligament (FCL) and popliteus tendon were investigated in 14 skeletally mature New Zealand white rabbits. In the operated leg both the FCL and popliteus tendon were traumatically ruptured near their respective femoral insertions and the contralateral leg served as the control. At 12 weeks, the legs were removed for analysis of healing by both gross analysis and by biomechanical testing of knee joint stability. Biomechanical testing of varus–valgus knee rotation as well as concurrent coupled external rotation was performed to measure the amount of force necessary to produce a uniform amount of displacement. Grossly, only one of the FCLs and none of the popliteus tendons healed. Biomechanical testing revealed a statistically significant difference in the amount of force necessary to achieve 10 mm displacement for the operative versus the contralateral control knee for varus at 30° (p Our data supports the clinical observations of human grade III posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries, which appear to undergo minimal healing and generally result in poor outcomes with conservative treatment, that the FCL or popliteus tendon rarely heal when torn. This initial study of healing and knee stability after PLC injuries in rabbits supports the further study of in vivo animal models for evaluation of posterolateral knee injuries.
Domain-Specific Feature Modeling for High Integrity Vehicle Control System Functional Design

Vehicle control system development is a complex process, involving multiple stages and multiple groups in different disciplines. Constructing a high-integrity configuration for a product with a large number of control functions is very challenging in current practice because of lacking effective modeling methods to capture and maintain the individually-developed functions and their relations in the configurations for a large variety of products. In this paper, we present a solution that tackles such design challenge using the combination of feature modeling and domain-specific modeling. The solution adopts multi-level metamodeling with extensions and specializations to capture the domain-specific needs. The functional design of a vehicle product is done through a step-wise configuration and can be reasoned about using the logic formulas representing the configuration. Domain-specific analysis for high-integrity vehicle control design, such as identifying "enabled" features, also becomes possible. Our preliminary evaluation based on applying the solution to a subset of the body control functional design has shown its effectiveness and applicability in a role-based, product line vehicle control development process.
Incidence and risk of central nervous system (CNS) metastases as a site of first recurrence in patients (pts) with HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer treated with adjuvant trastuzumab (T).

609 Background: T is the mainstay of adjuvant therapy in pts with HER2+ breast cancer. CNS disease as the site of first relapse after exposure to adjuvant T has been reported, although the overall ...
A Momentary Lapse of Reason: Digital Copyright, the DMCA and a Dose of Common Sense

The debate concerning United States anticircumvention law spurred by the enactment of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act [DMCA] in 1988 reached a high peak with the recent decisions of the Federal and the Sixth Circuits in Chamberlain and Lexmark. These decisions rejected DMCA claims where the anti-trafficking prohibition was invoked in disputes between manufacturers of consumer electronic products competing in the aftermarket for interoperable devices. Both decisions introduce interpretive theories that shed new light on the way the DMCA has been understood thus far and embody implications that call for fundamental changes in the US anticircumvention paradigm. This Article describes the rulings and attempts to extract their normative novelties, especially regarding the relationship between access control regulation and traditional copyright law and limitations. Further, it offers a critical analysis of these decisions and reflects on future application of the anticircumvention scheme in the digital copyright environment. It aims at stirring the discussion surrounding the anticircumvention legislation, in particular in light of the recent Supreme Court's refusal to review the Chamberlain ruling.
Optimizing Plant Density and Production Systems to Maximize Yield of Greenhouse-grown ‘Trust’ Tomatoes

Plant spacing and production systems are important factors for maximizing production of greenhouse-grown tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). Two studies were conducted simultaneously and independently, each in a 33 · 96-ft greenhouse in Fall 2008 and Spring 2009 using perlite soilless bag culture. The purpose of the first study was to evaluate yield and fruit weight of ‘Trust’ tomatoes spaced 12, 16, 20, 24, or 28 inches in-row. The second study was conducted to determine the effect of pruning production systems on yield and fruit weight. The first system is pruning two plants per bag each to a single leader and the second is pruning one plant per bag to double leader. A plant spacing of 28 inches resulted in significantly more fruit per plant than the 12-inch plant spacing. However, yield per area decreased with wider plant spacings. Plants spaced 12 inches apart in-row produced 2.8 and 3.8 lb/ft total yield in the fall and spring, respectively, compared with plants spaced 28 inches apart that produced 1.7 and 2.2 lb/ft in the fall and spring. Using a production system with one plant per bag pruned to a double leader increased yield by 6.4 lb/plant in the fall and 15.7 lb/plant in the spring. On a per bag basis, pruning two tomato plants to one leader increased total yield by 2.6 lb/ bag and was more economical in the fall; whereas, in the spring, the double leader production system did not affect yield but was more economical.
QUE PEUT LE CINÉMA?1

Cet article retrace la filmographie du cineaste B. Tavernier et pose la question de l'engagement des non intellectuels. En effet, il est difficile en France d'etre reconnu pour ses convictions, son engagement par son metier, ses actions si on n'est pas un intellectuel a temps plein. L'article analyse les prises de position du cineaste pour chacun de ses films
The Role of the Agricultural Attaché in Promoting Foreign Trade

EFORE describing in detail the "role" of the attache, I believe I should warn you that we are dealing with administrative theory. We face differences of opinion and we are talking about new facets of old jewels. Franklin and Jefferson could be considered our earliest reporters in an overseas service to United States agriculture that has brought enough technology from abroad to leave by far the majority of our present farm products dependent on a foreign heritage. This service to agriculture became a part of the unified Foreign Service under our State Department in 1939. It came back to USDA in 1954, and its new facet is marketing. This is a function forced upon us partly by the complex trade problems resulting from our nearly 40-year-old shift to a creditor status among nations, a shift disproportionately revealed in large surpluses of farm products. From a longer point of view, we are interested in what caused our shift to a creditor status among nations and what the future holds. I am sure you are familiar with the literature in this field, which usually refers both to our technological advancement and to the combination of natural resources that are so favorable to production. In agriculture, our technological progress will continue, although our advantage may be reduced as other areas of the world start catching up. Even so North America is likely to continue as a basic supplier of a substantial part of the world's international trade in agricultural products. Nothing in the near future would indicate the need for less attention to foreign marketing of our agricultural products. The use of the adjective "foreign" is somewhat awkward because the principles of marketing, used domestically, are fully applicable overseas. Obviously, the process is more complicated owing to differences created by national boundaries. But the extent to which we fail to use the same techniques abroad is not fully explained by either the complications or by the number of governmental and private intermediaries between the farmer and his foreign consumer. Within this complexity, we already know some of our weaknesses. It would be useful, for example, if we could make further improvements in the overseas attitude toward our agricultural products. We need better established consumer preferences, based on assurances that we will be a continuous supplier of high-quality products, efficiently produced and traded. Advertising slogans of commerical life would be helpful, and
SNPs Previously Associated with Dupuytren’s Disease Replicated in a North American Cohort

Dupuytren’s disease (DD) is a progressive fibrosis of the hand that may lead to severe flexure deformities and limit the ability to perform normal activities. It is a common hereditary connective tissue disorder affecting individuals of Northern European descent.1,2 Inheritance of DD occurs with variable penetrance.2,3 The prevalence of DD ranges from 0.5% to 11% in the United States, with the majority of cases over age 60. Men are affected up to five times more often than women.1–3 At the present time, there is no cure for DD. Treatment options include excision of the diseased fascia, percutaneous fasciotomy, and steroid or collagenase injection.4–6 Recurrence of DD ranges from 8% to 66%, dependent on the severity and treatment of disease.2 The high recurrence rate results from failure to treat the underlying cause of DD, which is not completely understood.7 Both genetic and environmental factors are likely to contribute to DD.8–10 Environmental factors known to affect the development of DD include repeated hand injuries, diabetes, epilepsy, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.11–13 These factors play a role in inflammation, fibrosis, cellular trauma, and ischemia, affecting the interaction between the myofibroblast and collagen matrix. Altered regulation of growth factor pathways, such as transforming growth factor-β and epidermal growth factor, stimulate extracellular matrix formation and myofibroblast activity, increasing the severity of DD.14,15 Several studies have investigated the possible genetic causes of DD. One study has shown an association with regions of chromosomes 6, 11, and 16, with alterations in copy number and structure of chromosomes and possible linkage with DUPC1 at 16q.8 Other studies identified the candidate genes MafB, MMPs, TGF-β, ADAM 12, POSTN, TNC, ADAMTS3, BMP5, collagenases, α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, β1 integrin, laminin, tenascin C, Hsp47, collagen 1, ALDH1A1, IRX6, PRG4, ZF9, PDGF-β, and c-myc.15–21 Most recently, a whole genome-wide association study performed in Europe, identified eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from nine different loci, with six of the loci known to be involved in the Wnt signaling pathway.22 Because many genetic studies fail replication, and the findings may differ among populations of people, we set out to confirm these findings in a North American population.
Fast and Optimal Three Dimensional Trajectory Planning with Obstacle Avoidance Performance

A "man-in-the-loop" task planning strategy was proposed to satisfy the growing autonomous need for Unmanned Combat Aircraft Vehicles(UCAVs).A fast trajectory planning scheme was put forward based on Gauss Pseudospectral Method(GPM) considering the requirement of UCAVs.In the scheme,the UCAV aerodynamic characteristics,the thrust characteristics and the influence of atmosphere environments were taken into consideration,based on which a UCAV model with high accuracy was built up.A trajectory planning model was built up based on optimal control theory and analysis to various complicate constraints such as the UCAV flight envelop in real environment and three dimensional obstacle battlefields.Finally,the basic principle of using GPM to solve the optimal control problem for UCAV trajectory planning was analyzed.Simulation results show that GPM can generate a continuous,viable and optimal trajectory satisfying various complicated constraints.
Membrane Insertion for the Detection of Lipopolysaccharides: Exploring the Dynamics of Amphiphile-in-Lipid Assays

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli is an important cause of foodborne illness, with cases attributable to beef, fresh produce and other sources. Many serotypes of the pathogen cause disease, and differentiating one serotype from another requires specific identification of the O antigen located on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecule. The amphiphilic structure of LPS poses a challenge when using classical detection methods, which do not take into account its lipoglycan biochemistry. Typically, detection of LPS requires heat or chemical treatment of samples and relies on bioactivity assays for the conserved lipid A portion of the molecule. Our goal was to develop assays to facilitate the direct and discriminative detection of the entire LPS molecule and its O antigen in complex matrices using minimal sample processing. To perform serogroup identification of LPS, we used a method called membrane insertion on a waveguide biosensor, and tested three serogroups of LPS. The membrane insertion technique allows for the hydrophobic association of LPS with a lipid bilayer, where the exposed O antigen can be targeted for specific detection. Samples of beef lysate were spiked with LPS to perform O antigen specific detection of LPS from E. coli O157. To validate assay performance, we evaluated the biophysical interactions of LPS with lipid bilayers both in- and outside of a flow cell using fluorescence microscopy and fluorescently doped lipids. Our results indicate that membrane insertion allows for the qualitative and reliable identification of amphiphilic LPS in complex samples like beef homogenates. We also demonstrated that LPS-induced hole formation does not occur under the conditions of the membrane insertion assays. Together, these findings describe for the first time the serogroup-specific detection of amphiphilic LPS in complex samples using a membrane insertion assay, and highlight the importance of LPS molecular conformations in detection architectures.
Epidemiologic Approach to Cancer

An agent (or agents) acts on a host to cause disease. All three of the elements of this interaction are only partially understood. Descriptions of these elements are limited by our science and indeed by our vocabulary. In the ideal model one agent acting on one host would cause one disease. In an attempt to approximate this model, we instead say this host will more often develop this disease if exposed to this agent than if not exposed. The agent or environment (i.e., many agents) may then be considered to be causally associated with this disease.
Coming to Terms with the Chaco World

ABSTRACTThis essay grapples with the conceptualization of several key terms that are necessary for our understanding of the regional presence of Chaco. Following a consideration of the notion of Chaco, comments are focused on: (1) Chacoan architectural complexes; (2) great house function; (3) settlement clusters and Chacoan communities; and (4) the regional integration of Chaco. Key variables that have been proposed as relevant to the identification of Chacoan communities are examined in some detail and appeals are made to clarify the usage of several terms, including great house, Chaco era, and community. It is argued that an understanding of the archaeological manifestations of Chaco outside Chaco Canyon will require much more systematic survey at a spatial scale sufficient to detect multiple levels of settlement clustering and that more detailed studies of the interactions among Chacoan architectural complexes and their associated residential settlements will provide key insights into the nature of wha...
Phenytoin for Post-Traumatic Seizures

A randomized, double-blind study of phenytoin was conducted in 404 patients with serious head trauma at the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Rehabilitation Medicine and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle.
Unexpected Findings During Evaluation of Acute Pelvic Pain With Transvaginal Sonography

Transvaginal sonography is the first-line imaging modality used to evaluate acute female pelvic pain in the emergency setting because of its accessibility, lack of ionizing radiation, and excellent ability to identify reproductive tract disorders. Although the intent of transvaginal sonography is to evaluate the reproductive organs, imaging of adjacent pelvic structures is an important part of every transvaginal sonographic examination. Gastrointestinal, urologic, and vascular disorders incidentally scanned on transvaginal sonography may explain the pain for which the examination is being performed. In such cases, transvaginal sonography may play an important role in the diagnostic process if the clinician is aware of the transvaginal sonographic appearance of these entities.
Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Patients With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome After Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy

Purpose To evaluate the rates of new-onset cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and worsening existing CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS after initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and the role of an immune recovery inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Design Cohort study. Methods Immune recovery was defined as an increase in CD4 + T cells to ≥100 cells/μL; rates of new-onset CMV retinitis and of worsening of CMV retinitis (either increasing border activity or retinitis progression) were compared between those with and without immune recovery. Results Among patients without CMV retinitis, 1 of 75 patients with immune recovery developed CMV retinitis in the first 6 months after initiating cART vs 1 of 31 without immune recovery ( P = .14). Among patients with CMV retinitis, the rates of retinitis progression and increasing retinitis border activity among patients during the first 6 months after initiating cART in those with immune recovery were 0.11 per person-year (PY; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0–0.62) and 0.11 per PY (95% CI 0–0.62), respectively, vs 0.67 per PY (95% CI 0.22–1.56) and 0.40 per PY (95% CI 0.08–1.17), respectively, for those without immune recovery ( P = .11 and .47). Conclusions Among persons with AIDS who experience immune recovery, there was neither an increased rate of new-onset CMV retinitis nor worsening of existing CMV retinitis in the first 6 months after initiating cART vs those without immune recovery. These data are consistent with the known 3- to 6-month lag in recovery of specific immunity to CMV after initiating cART and suggest that "immune recovery retinitis," a proposed immune recovery inflammatory syndrome phenomenon, is rare.
Sensitivity of sea urchin fertilization to pH varies across a natural pH mosaic.

In the coastal ocean, temporal fluctuations in pH vary dramatically across biogeo-graphic ranges. How such spatial differences in pH variability regimes might shape ocean acidification resistance in marine species remains unknown. We assessed the pH sensitivity of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus in the context of ocean pH variability. Using unique male–female pairs, originating from three sites with similar mean pH but different variability and frequency of low pH (pH T ≤ 7.8) exposures, fertilization was tested across a range of pH (pH T 7.61–8.03) and sperm concentrations. High fertilization success was maintained at low pH via a slight right shift in the fertilization function across sperm concentration. This pH effect differed by site. Urchins from the site with the narrowest pH variability regime exhibited the greatest pH sensitivity. At this site, mechanistic fertilization dynamics models support a decrease in sperm–egg interaction rate with decreasing pH. The site differences in pH sensitivity build upon recent evidence of local pH adaptation in S. purpuratus and highlight the need to incorporate environmental variability in the study of global change biology.
Mutations in blaKPC-3 That Confer Ceftazidime-Avibactam Resistance Encode Novel KPC-3 Variants That Function as Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases

ABSTRACT We identified four bla KPC-3 mutations in ceftazidime-avibactam-resistant clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, corresponding to D179Y, T243M, D179Y/T243M, and EL165-166 KPC-3 variants. Using site-directed mutagenesis and transforming vectors into Escherichia coli, we conclusively demonstrated that mutant bla KPC-3 encoded enzymes that functioned as extended-spectrum β-lactamases; mutations directly conferred higher MICs of ceftazidime-avibactam and decreased the MICs of carbapenems and other β-lactams. Impact was strongest for the D179Y mutant, highlighting the importance of the KPC Ω-loop.
Pathological Findings in Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Ultrasound Fusion-guided Biopsy: Relation to Prostate Cancer Focal Therapy

The introduction of widespread prostate-specific antigen screening brought about an increase in the detection of clinically low-risk prostate cancer. Many of these patients are overtreated by radical prostatectomy and radiation. Comparatively, focal therapy for prostate cancer offers the advantage of decreased rates of incontinence and impotence. The 12-core extended sextant transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsy is unable to safely identify candidates for focal therapy. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MRI/ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy can detect more clinically significant prostate cancers and aid in accurate detection of higher-grade disease. MRI/ultrasound fusion-guided prostate biopsy is recommended as a modality of choice for selection of patients for focal therapy.
Intervening during and after pregnancy to prevent weight retention among African American women.

Abstract Efforts to prevent postpartum weight retention in extant clinical trials of African American women have proven exceedingly challenging. The primary purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether a behavioral intervention implemented in early pregnancy through 6 months postpartum could increase the proportion of African American women who were at or below their early pregnancy weights by 6 months postpartum. We additionally evaluated whether mothers' postpartum weight loss could be maintained at 12 months postpartum. Participants were 66 socioeconomically disadvantaged African American women (36% overweight, 64% obese) randomly assigned to a behavioral intervention or usual care group. The intervention, implemented from early pregnancy to 6 months postpartum, promoted weight control through: (1) empirically supported behavior change goals; (2) interactive self-monitoring text messages; (3) weekly to monthly health coach calls; and (4) skills training and support through Facebook. In modified intent-to-treat analyses, participants assigned to the intervention were significantly more likely to be at or below their early pregnancy weights by 6 months postpartum compared to usual care (56% vs. 29%, p = 0.04). At 12 months postpartum, the maternal weight difference between intervention and usual care groups was not maintained (41% vs. 38% respectively at or below early pregnancy weights, p = 0.83). Findings suggest that a combined pregnancy and postpartum weight control intervention improves 6 month weight outcomes in socioeconomically disadvantaged African American women with obesity. Longer interventions may be needed to overcome late postpartum weight gain among this high risk group. Clinical trial registration number : ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01530776
Do metabolites that are produced during resistance exercise enhance muscle hypertrophy

Many reviews conclude that metabolites play an important role with respect to muscle hypertrophy during resistance exercise, but their actual physiologic contribution remains unknown. Some have suggested that metabolites may work independently of muscle contraction, while others have suggested that metabolites may play a secondary role in their ability to augment muscle activation via inducing fatigue. Interestingly, the studies used as support for an anabolic role of metabolites use protocols that are not actually designed to test the importance of metabolites independent of muscle contraction. While there is some evidence in vitro that metabolites may induce muscle hypertrophy, the only study attempting to answer this question in humans found no added benefit of pooling metabolites within the muscle post-exercise. As load-induced muscle hypertrophy is thought to work via mechanotransduction (as opposed to being metabolically driven), it seems likely that metabolites simply augment muscle activation and cause the mechanotransduction cascade in a larger proportion of muscle fibers, thereby producing greater muscle growth. A sufficient time under tension also appears necessary, as measurable muscle growth is not observed after repeated maximal testing. Based on current evidence, it is our opinion that metabolites produced during resistance exercise do not have anabolic properties per se, but may be anabolic in their ability to augment muscle activation. Future studies are needed to compare protocols which produce similar levels of muscle activation, but differ in the magnitude of metabolites produced, or duration in which the exercised muscles are exposed to metabolites.
The Arf GEF GBF1 and Arf4 synergize with the sensory receptor cargo, rhodopsin, to regulate ciliary membrane trafficking.

ABSTRACT The small GTPase Arf4 and the Arf GTPase-activating protein (GAP) ASAP1 cooperatively sequester sensory receptor cargo into transport carriers targeted to primary cilia, but the input that drives Arf4 activation in this process remains unknown. Here, we show, by using frog retinas and recombinant human proteins, that during the carrier biogenesis from the photoreceptor Golgi/ trans -Golgi network (TGN) a functional complex is formed between Arf4, the Arf guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) GBF1 and the light-sensing receptor, rhodopsin. Rhodopsin and Arf4 bind the regulatory N-terminal dimerization and cyclophillin-binding (DCB)-homology upstream of Sec7 (HUS) domain of GBF1. The complex is sensitive to Golgicide A (GCA), a selective inhibitor of GBF1 that accordingly blocks rhodopsin delivery to the cilia, without disrupting the photoreceptor Golgi. The emergence of newly synthesized rhodopsin in the endomembrane system is essential for GBF1-Arf4 complex formation in vivo . Notably, GBF1 interacts with the Arf GAP ASAP1 in a GCA-resistant manner. Our findings indicate that converging signals on GBF1 from the influx of cargo into the Golgi/TGN and the feedback from Arf4, combined with input from ASAP1, control Arf4 activation during sensory membrane trafficking to primary cilia.
Obstructive coronary artery disease in patient with acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) affects essentially all organ systems. Myocardial injury in TTP is often attributed to microthrombi formation. We present the first case report in the literature of an acute TTP patient with concomitant obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute myocardial infarction who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A 70-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with acute TTP required plasma exchange. The patient also experienced episodes of angina pectoris, elevated cardiac enzymes and global ST segment depressions on ECG. A subsequent non-invasive ischaemia workup revealed significant ischaemia. Coronary angiography revealed obstructive CAD in her right coronary artery, requiring PCI with a bare metal stent placement and dual antiplatelet therapy. The patient tolerated antiplatelet therapy well. At 6 months of follow-up, she had no recurrent angina. This case highlights the potential co-existence of obstructive CAD and acute TTP requiring careful differential diagnosis and treatment.
Effect of fluorescent vs. poultry-specific light-emitting diode lights on production performance and egg quality of W-36 laying hens

ABSTRACT More energy-efficient, durable, affordable, and dimmable light-emitting diode (LED) lights are finding applications in poultry production. However, data are lacking on controlled comparative studies concerning the impact of such lights during the pullet rearing and subsequent laying phase. This study evaluated two types of poultry-specific LED light (PS-LED) vs. fluorescent light (FL) with regards to their effects on hen laying performance. A total of 432 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were tested in two batches using four environmental chambers (nine cages per chamber and 6 birds per cage) from 17 to 41 weeks of age (WOA). Dim-to-red PS-LED and warm-white FL were used in the laying phase. The hens had been reared under a dim-to-blue PS-LED or a warm-white FL from 1 to 16 WOA. The measured performance variables included 1) timing of sexual maturity, 2) egg production performance, 3) egg quality, and 4) egg yolk cholesterol. Results showed that the two types of light used during the laying phase had comparable performance responses for all response parameters (P > 0.05) with a few exceptions. Specifically, eggs laid from hens in the PS-LED treatment had lower shell thickness (P = 0.01) and strength (P = 0.03) than those in the FL treatment at 41 WOA. The two types of light used during the rearing phase did not influence the 17 to 41 WOA laying performance, except that hens reared under the PS-LED laid eggs with lower shell thickness (P = 0.02) at 32 WOA as compared to hens reared under the FL. This study demonstrates that the emerging poultry-specific LED lights yield comparable production performance and egg quality of W-36 laying hens to the traditional fluorescent lights.
Processing gender: lived experiences of reproducing and transforming gender norms over the life course of young people in Northern Uganda

The years between 10-19 represent a critical stage of human development during which boys and girls learn and embody socially constructed gender norms, with long-term implications for their sexual and reproductive health. This ethnographic cohort study sought to understand how gendered norms and practices develop during the transition from child to young adult in post-conflict northern Uganda. A total of 60 girls and boys aged 10-19 were selected using purposive sampling for in-depth interviews over a three-year period; 47 individuals completed all four interviews. Drawing on feminist theory and an ecological perspective, findings were used to create a conceptual framework displaying the experiences of young people navigating patriarchal and alternative norms, emphasising their lived processes of performing and negotiating norms within six key domains (work, puberty, family planning, intimate partner relations, child discipline and alcohol). The framework identifies: (1) personal factors (knowledge, agency and aspirations); (2) social factors (socialisation processes, capital, costs and consequences); and (3) structural factors (health/educational systems, religious institutions, government policies) which may encourage young people towards one norm or another as they age. These findings can inform policies and programmes to transform gender norms and promote equitable, healthy relationships.
Programmed Negative Allostery with Guest-Selected Rotamers Control Anion-Anion Complexes of Stackable Macrocycles.

A new rotamer-based strategy for negative allostery has been used to control host–host interactions and product yield upon anion complexation. Coassembly of anion dimers as guests inside two cyanostar macrocycles drives selection of one rotamer in which all ten steric groups get directed outward to destabilize triply stacked macrocycles. A large entropy penalty (ΔS) is quantified upon anion binding when the multiple dynamic rotamers collapse down to one.
Toward a better basic understanding of operant-respondent interactions: Translational research on phobias.

A promising area of study that emerged from the early days of the experimental analysis of behavior (EAB) was the study of aversive control. However, research on this topic has declined and has largely been neglected in contemporary experimental psychopathology. To address the challenge of promoting
Genomics of Cereal-Based Functional Foods

Cereal grains, with an annual production of over two billion tonnes, are the basic source of calories in the human diet. In addition to providing energy requirements, cereals are sources of novel functional foods. Recent research has highlighted the functional properties of whole-grain cereals due to their health promoting phytochemicals. Soluble fibers in cereals such as β-glucans, arabinoxylans and inulin have prebiotic effects. Bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, lignans, flavonoids, carotenoids and tocopherols act against oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperglycaemia and even carcinogenesis. Cereals can also be used as fermentable substrates for the growth of probiotic microorganisms. Genetic and genomic studies in cereal crops are unraveling the path from genes to phenotypes. Mapping information is enabling the identification and cloning of genes with structural and regulatory roles in biosynthetic pathways of functional food components. Comparative analysis of cereal genomes and bioinformatics based approaches are useful for discovering novel genes and related branches of the biosynthetic pathways of functional compounds across different species. New technological platforms are being increasingly used to investigate gene functions. Transcriptome profiling is also useful for investigating the coordinated expression of genes involved in the metabolic pathways that are involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds in cereals. This review summarizes as to how cereal genomics and genetics are shaping the future of cereals to become a significant source of functional food.
64 – The Immuno-Inflammatory Response

The tissue-fixed macrophage has been identified as a central regulator controlling the activation and propagation of the inflammatory process. Circulating monocytes localize to areas of inflammation or infection or become residents of primary tissue beds where foreign antigens are frequently encountered. Examples include Kupffer cells in the liver and alveolar macrophages in the lung. These monocytes then differentiate to become tissue-fixed macrophages. The macrophage is a component of the local response to infection, serving a key role as a scavenger of bacteria and bacterial products, an antigen-presenting cell, and a coordinator of the inflammatory response via the production of a plethora of cytokines and chemokines. These mediators result in the recruitment and activation of all other components of the inflammatory response, particularly the neutrophil. In addition, activated macrophages produce a number of products, including tissue factor and prostanoids that have profound effects on the microcirculation, resulting in microvascular thrombosis and local ischemia. Production of toxic reactive oxygen intermediates and proteases by both the macrophage and the neutrophil can result in endothelial cell injury and subsequent capillary leak. Although these processes are necessary to control and contain a local focus of infection, systemic activation of these processes can result in extensive tissue injury and subsequent organ failure.
Sagittal Plane Knee Considerations

Because the knee has no significant abduction or adduc-tion movement, joint contracture or compensatory joint movement in the frontal plane need not be considered. Considerations of ligament laxity and intraarticular deficiency, which cause some knee motion in the frontal plane, are discussed in Chaps. 14 and Chaps. 15. Frontal plane osteotomy considerations regarding the knee are discussed in Chap 5. Deformity considerations associated with monocompartmental arthritis of the knee are discussed in Chap. 16.
New Leads Towards Antitumor Selectivity in Therapeutics

Four approaches to cancer chemotherapy currently being studied in this Department are discussed: 1) correlations between nucleotide pools in target tumor cells and selective activity of drugs; 2) reversal by a hormone of the host toxicity of an antitumor agent; 3) potential interference with cell division by uses of cyclic nucleotide analogs; and 4) increased antigenicity of leukemic lines resistant to certain drugs.
Fashion Brand Personality and Advertisement Response: Incorporating a Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

The way in which brands embody symbolic meaning for consumers, as well as the way it is individually received and processed, offers a critical point of brand differentiation in today’s competitive environment. One such method for communicating symbolic meaning is through brand personality. A strong recognizable brand personality is critical to establishing brand equity as personality traits offer assets that consumers value. Effective communication of brand personality in advertising allows marketers to grab consumers’ attention, create market differentiation, build consumer attachment to brands, and foster brand loyalty. This is especially relevant for the fashion industry. In order to capture consumer attention and secure subsequent adoption, fashion brands use advertising to prompt an emotional response and garner a personal connection ultimately differentiating a brand from its competitors. This chapter examines fashion brand personality from a symbolic interactionist perspective. Fashion brand meaning originates from the marketing environment mainly through the vehicle of advertising. This meaning is then subject to negotiation, as is explained within the context of the symbolic interaction theory. The chapter begins with an overview of symbolic interaction within the context of fashion consumption, followed by a discussion of how symbolic meanings have been instilled in products by marketers to create brand personalities in fashion brands. Consumers’ choice of brands based on brand personality are explored noting the importance of the evolving nature of fashion brand meaning. Propositions are offered as they apply to fashion branding and advertising.
Patterns of Emergency Medical Services Use and Its Association With Timely Stroke Treatment Findings From Get With the Guidelines-Stroke

Background—Prior studies found that only about half of stroke patients arrived at hospitals via emergency medical services (EMSs), yet since then, there have been efforts to increase public awareness that time is brain. Using contemporary Get With the Guidelines-Stroke data, we assessed nationwide EMS use by stroke patients. Methods and Results—We analyzed data from 204 591 patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke admitted to 1563 Get With the Guidelines-Stroke participating hospitals with data on National Institute of Health Stroke Score and insurance status. Hospital arrival by EMSs was observed in 63.7% of patients. Older patients, those with Medicaid and Medicare insurance, and those with severe stroke were more likely to activate EMSs. In contrast, minority race and ethnicity and living in rural communities were associated with decreased odds of EMS use. EMS transport was independently associated with earlier arrival (onset-to-door time, ≤3 hours; adjusted odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interv...
Sex for soap? A contextual approach for understanding young girls’ involvement in sex in Tanzania

ABSTRACTTanzania has made strides to end gender discrimination and sexual exploitation, yet, studies have found that these practices continue. One distinct form of exploitation is transactional sex...