cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Off-Policy Reinforcement-Learning Algorithm to Solve Minimax Games on Graphs

In this paper, we formulate and find distributed minimax strategies as an alternative to Nash equilibrium strategies for multi-agent systems communicating via graph topologies, i.e., communication restrictions are taken into account for the distributed design. We provide the conditions that guarantee the existence of the minimax solutions in the game. Finally, we present an off-policy Integral Reinforcement Learning (IRL) method to solve the minimax Riccati equations and determine the optimal and worst-case policies of the agents by measuring data along the system trajectories.
Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in canine lung tissues during cardiopulmonary bypass

Objective To investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (Egb) on the levels of matrix metalloproteinase2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in canine lung tissues during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) .Methods Fourteen health canines weighing 14-20 kg were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 7 each): control group and Egb group. EGb 8 mg/kg in 100 ml normal saline was infused via central vein before opening the thoracic cavity in Egb group, while equal volume of normal saline was used instead of Egb in control group. Blood samples were taken from internal jugular vein at 120 min after aortic unclamping,broncho-alveolar larage fluid was collected and lung permeability index was calculated. Then the animals were killed and the lungs removed for determination of W/D lung weight ratio and contents of MMP-2 and MMP-9.Results Egb significantly decreased lung permeability index, W/D lung weight ratio and contents of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P ＜ 0.05 or 0.01). Conclusion Egb can attenuate CPB-induced lung injury though decreasing the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in canine lung tissues. Key words: Ginkgo biloba; Plant extracts; Matrix mmetalloproteinase 2; Matrix metalloproteinase 9; Lung; Cardiopulmonary bypass
The neurodevelopmental disorder risk gene DYRK1A is required for ciliogenesis and control of brain size in Xenopus embryos

DYRK1A [dual specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1 A] is a high-confidence autism risk gene that encodes a conserved kinase. In addition to autism, individuals with putative loss-of-function variants in DYRK1A exhibit microcephaly, intellectual disability, developmental delay and/or congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. DYRK1A is also located within the critical region for Down syndrome; therefore, understanding the role of DYRK1A in brain development is crucial for understanding the pathobiology of multiple developmental disorders. To characterize the function of this gene, we used the diploid frog Xenopus tropicalis We discover that Dyrk1a is expressed in ciliated tissues, localizes to ciliary axonemes and basal bodies, and is required for ciliogenesis. We also demonstrate that Dyrk1a localizes to mitotic spindles and that its inhibition leads to decreased forebrain size, abnormal cell cycle progression and cell death during brain development. These findings provide hypotheses about potential mechanisms of pathobiology and underscore the utility of X. tropicalis as a model system for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders.
Manners, Morals, and Medicine

Good manners in the clinic and in the hospital can make a difference in the care a patient receives. Studies have demonstrated a perception among the general public that manners have deteriorated in society. As good manners have slowly disappeared in civil society, manners in the medical profession have also changed. In the general upheaval of society in the 1960s and 1970s, the disappearance of symbolic changes reflected greater changes in the healthcare professions. Women entered medical school and men entered nursing. The male-female hierarchy changed as did the behavior of nurses and physician toward each other. With the change in the immigration laws of the 1960s, medicine as a profession became more diverse and less formal. However, because of the implied asymmetry in the relationship between the doctor and the patient, good medical care still demands a show of respect. Without it, patients will not trust their doctors’ recommendations and the possibility of patient adherence to medical advice will be diminished. Medical students must learn certain practices to demonstrate respect for their patients. This is usually accomplished by mimicking senior staff.
Advances in self-powered chemical sensing via a triboelectric nanogenerator

Chemical sensors allow for continuous detection and analysis of underexplored molecules in the human body and the surroundings and have promising applications in human healthcare and environmental protection. With the increasing number of chemical sensors and their wide-range distribution, developing a continuous, sustainable, and pervasive power supply is vitally important but an unmet scientific challenge to perform chemical sensing. Self-powered chemical sensing via triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) could be a promising approach to this critical situation. TENGs can convert mechanical triggers from the surroundings into usable electrical signals for chemical sensing in a self-powered and environment-friendly manner. Moreover, their simple structure, low probability of failure, and wide choice of materials distinguish them from other chemical sensing technologies. This review article discusses the working principles of TENGs and their applications in chemical sensing with respect to the role of TENGs as either a self-powered sensor or a power source for existing chemical sensors. Advances in materials innovation and nanotechnology to optimize the chemical sensing performances are discussed and emphasized. Finally, the current challenges and future prospect of TENG enabled self-powered chemical sensing are discussed to promote interdisciplinary field development and revolutions.
An H/V geostatistical approach for building pseudo-3D Vs models to account for spatial variability in ground response analyses Part II: Application to 1D analyses at two downhole array sites:

Common procedures used to account for spatial variability of shear wave velocity (Vs) in one-dimensional (1D) ground response analyses (GRAs), such as stochastic randomization of Vs or increasing s...
Resources for Supporting Students With and Without Disabilities in Your Physics Courses

All students deserve access to effective, equitable physics education. Postsecondary faculty have been shown to be unprepared to support students with disabilities in their classes, and popular, research-based introductory physics curricula do not adequately plan for variations in learners’ needs, abilities, and interests. It is urgent to address this disparity because students with disabilities are enrolling in postsecondary education at increasing rates and enroll in STEM degree programs at steady rates. Specifically, in 2014, the National Center on Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) found that 10.5% of students enrolled in science and engineering degree programs identified with a disability. The purpose of this paper is to provide resources that instructors can use in their classes to promote accessibility and support all learners. In this paper we: 1) provide a brief review of the literature related to supporting students with disabilities in the context of STEM; 2) describe Universal Design for Learning, which is a design framework intended to encourage development of curricula that support all learners; and 3) provide a list of resources that physics instructors can use to increase support for students with disabilities.
Diversity and composition of gut microbiome of cervical cancer patients: Do results of 16S rRNA sequencing and whole genome sequencing approaches align?

Abstract Background Next generation sequencing has progressed rapidly, characterizing microbial communities beyond culture-based or biochemical techniques . 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing (16S) produces reliable taxonomic classifications and relative abundances, while shotgun metagenome sequencing (WMS) allows higher taxonomic and functional resolution at greater cost. The purpose of this study was to determine if 16S and WMS provide congruent information for our patient population from paired fecal microbiome samples. Results Comparative indices were highly congruent between 16S and WMS. The most abundant genera for 16S and WMS data did not overlap. Overlap was observed at the Phylum level, as expected. However, relative abundances correlated poorly between the two methodologies (all P -value>0.05). Hierarchical clustering of both sequencing analyses identified overlapping enterotypes . Both approaches were in agreement with regard to demographic variables. Conclusion Diversity, evenness and richness are comparable when using 16S and WMS techniques, however relative abundances of individual genera are not. Clinical associations with diversity and evenness metrics were similarly identified with WMS or 16S.
Medicaid Expansion Association With End-Stage Liver Disease Mortality Depends on Leniency of Medicaid Hepatitis C Virus Coverage.

The Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid around the same time that direct-acting antivirals became widely available for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, there is significant variation in Medicaid HCV treatment eligibility criteria between states. We explored the combined effects of Medicaid expansion and leniency of HCV coverage under Medicaid on liver outcomes. We assessed state-level end-stage liver disease (ESLD) mortality rates, listings for liver transplantation (LT), and listing-to-death ratios (LDRs) for adults aged 25 to 64 years using data from United Network for Organ Sharing and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research. States were divided into 4 nonoverlapping groups based on expansion status on January 1, 2014 (expansion versus nonexpansion) and leniency of Medicaid HCV coverage (lenient versus restrictive coverage). Joinpoint regression analysis evaluated the significant changes in slope over time (joinpoints) during the pre-expansion (2009-2013) and postexpansion (2014-2018) time periods. We found significant changes in the annual percent change for population-adjusted ESLD deaths between 2014 and 2015 in all cohorts except for the nonexpansion/restrictive cohort, in which deaths increased at the same annual percent change from 2009 to 2018 (annual percent change of +2.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-3.3]). In the expansion/lenient coverage cohort, deaths increased at an annual percent change of +2.6% (95% CI, 1.8-3.5) until 2014 and then tended to decrease at an annual percent change of -0.4% (95% CI, -1.5 to 0.8). LT listings tended to decrease over time for all cohorts. For LDRs, only the expansion/lenient and expansion/restrictive cohorts had statistically significant joinpoints. Improvements in ESLD mortality and LDRs were associated with both Medicaid expansion and leniency of HCV coverage under Medicaid. These findings suggest the importance of implementing more lenient and widespread public health insurance to improve liver disease outcomes, including mortality.
The IT2 Survey: contextual knowledge (XK) influences on teacher candidates' intention to integrate technology.

Prior to this study, a testable model for the influence of contextual knowledge (XK) on teacher candidates’ intention to integrate technology into classroom instruction had not been established. We applied the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) to aid us in this effort. Our work (a) provided a theoretical conceptualization for factors of XK through application of the DTPB, (b) represented the synergistic effects among these factors, and (c) allowed us to explore their influences on teacher candidates’ intentions to teach with technology. To assess our model, which includes factors such as teacher candidates’ beliefs, attitudes, and efficacy, we developed an instrument, the Intention to Teach with Technology (IT2) Survey. Results from the structural equation model of the survey data indicated our model fit the data very well and readily accounted for various XK factors, the relations among these factors, and their influence on teacher candidates’ intentions to integrate technology into teaching. Given the complexity of the context in any teaching situation, its relation to and influence on technology integration, and the previously limited examination of context in research and teacher development, the results indicate the proposed model is quite plausible, accounting for 75% of the variation in intention. The study demonstrates the IT2 Survey is an effective instrument to examine factors associated with XK and their influences on technology integration. Our work extends theory about technology integration by including XK and has implications for researchers as well as practitioners who seek to advance technology integration in preparation programs.
Retrospective study of the effect of opioid prescribing guidelines on prescribing practices in pediatric orthopedic sports medicine patients having knee surgery: A single institution's experience.

Objective: Guidelines for opioid prescription post-operatively exist; however, the majority of these are for adults. Nevertheless, opioid risks are present for pediatric patients also. This study investigates the effect of a single institution's guidelines on post-operative opioid prescribing for pediatric orthopedic patients undergoing knee surgery. We hypothesized that a standardized set of prescribing guidelines would result in a decrease in opioids prescribed at discharge home after these surgeries. Design: Retrospective observational. Setting: Urban, tertiary care, academic orthopedic hospital. Patients: Pediatric, sports knee surgery, 23-month period. Interventions: Guidelines were implemented institutionally for post-operative opioid prescribing practices. We reviewed all post-operative opioid prescriptions for pediatric patients undergoing sports knee surgery with two pediatric sports surgeons for the 11 months prior to the guidelines and 12 months afterwards, totaling 316 surgeries. Main outcome measure: Oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) prescribed on discharge from the hospital before and after implementation of guidelines. Results: There was a significant reduction in OMEs from 229 OMEs to 175 OMEs before and after opioid prescribing guidelines (p < 0.001). This is a decrease in approximately seven 5 mg oxycodone tablets per patient. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that at our institution, with a pediatric patient population having sports knee surgery, prescribing guidelines reduced the number of opioids prescribed at discharge.
Cognitive outcomes following frontal lobe resection for treatment of epilepsy in children and adolescents.

Abstract Objective To use reliable change indices (RCIs) developed specifically for pediatric patients with epilepsy to examine cognitive outcomes after frontal lobe resection for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Methods Forty-one pediatric patients (25 male, Mage = 10 years) completed comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations before and an average of 6.5 months after frontal lobe resections for treatment of epilepsy. Evaluations included tests of intelligence, attention/working memory, processing speed, language, visuospatial skills, executive function, and episodic memory. Practice effect-adjusted RCIs were used to determine clinically significant postoperative cognitive change. Demographic, disease, and surgical variables were examined to identify factors associated with postoperative cognitive decline or improvement. Results Within each cognitive domain, there was a large proportion of patients (51–84%) who did not exhibit significant cognitive change. In terms of overall cognitive profile, 44% demonstrated improvement in at least one domain and 69% declined in at least one domain. Postoperative cognitive improvement occurred most commonly in the domain of processing speed, whereas postoperative cognitive decline occurred most frequently in the domain of visuospatial skills. Younger age at surgery was associated with cognitive improvement. Older age at seizure onset and higher baseline cognitive performance were associated with cognitive decline. Significance Approximately 6.5 months after frontal lobe resection, only 15% of our sample showed stable performance across all cognitive domains. Seventeen percent of patients showed improvements without declines, 42% showed declines without improvements, and 27% showed a mix of improvements and declines across different cognitive domains. Age and baseline abilities were associated with postoperative cognitive change on multiple measures. With 1 in 8 children demonstrating postoperative decline across three or more domains, further research is needed to identify factors associated with cognitive decline in order to inform clinical decision-making and patient/family counseling.
The rat genome database (RGD) facilitates genomic and phenotypic data integration across multiple species for biomedical research

Model organism research is essential for discovering the mechanisms of human diseases by defining biologically meaningful gene to disease relationships. The Rat Genome Database (RGD, ( https://rgd.mcw.edu )) is a cross-species knowledgebase and the premier online resource for rat genetic and physiologic data. This rich resource is enhanced by the inclusion and integration of comparative data for human and mouse, as well as other human disease models including chinchilla, dog, bonobo, pig, 13-lined ground squirrel, green monkey, and naked mole-rat. Functional information has been added to records via the assignment of annotations based on sequence similarity to human, rat, and mouse genes. RGD has also imported well-supported cross-species data from external resources. To enable use of these data, RGD has developed a robust infrastructure of standardized ontologies, data formats, and disease- and species-centric portals, complemented with a suite of innovative tools for discovery and analysis. Using examples of single-gene and polygenic human diseases, we illustrate how data from multiple species can help to identify or confirm a gene as involved in a disease and to identify model organisms that can be studied to understand the pathophysiology of a gene or pathway. The ultimate aim of this report is to demonstrate the utility of RGD not only as the core resource for the rat research community but also as a source of bioinformatic tools to support a wider audience, empowering the search for appropriate models for human afflictions.
Inequalities in Undiagnosed Hypertension Among Adult Population in Bangladesh: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey.

Bangladesh has experienced a rising trend in hypertension in recent years and women are suffering from this non-communicable disease more than men. About one-fifth of the adult population is suffering from hypertension and almost three-fifth of them are undiagnosed. This study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of undiagnosed hypertension and to examine the extent of socioeconomic inequalities in undiagnosed hypertension among adult Bangladeshi population (≥ 18 years). This study used nationally representative Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18 data. Undiagnosed hypertension was defined as having systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg and was never told by the health professionals to lower/control blood pressure. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension. Further, socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension were estimated using Concentration Index. Out of total 3196 hypertensive adults, half (50.1%) were undiagnosed. In the adjusted model, older age, overweight/obesity, female gender, richest wealth quintiles had lower odds of being undiagnosed. Overall concentration index showed that poor patients were disproportionately affected by undiagnosed hypertension (Concentration Index: − 0.103, Standard Error (SE) of Concentration Index: 0.024; P value < 0.001). The poor(Q1)-to-rich(Q5) ratio of 1.3 also demonstrates that poorest hypertensive Bangladeshi adults have higher prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension than their richest counterparts. Awareness building program should be targeted towards adults belong to poor wealth quintiles for checking blood pressure regularly. Hypertension should be diagnosed and treated to prevent further complications.
Do behavioral scientists really understand HIV-related sexual risk behavior? A systematic review of longitudinal and experimental studies predicting sexual behavior.

Behavioral interventions to reduce sexual risk behavior depend on strong health behavior theory. By identifying the psychosocial variables that lead causally to sexual risk, theories provide interventionists with a guide for how to change behavior. However, empirical research is critical to determining whether a particular theory adequately explains sexual risk behavior. A large body of cross-sectional evidence, which has been reviewed elsewhere, supports the notion that certain theory-based constructs (e.g., self-efficacy) are correlates of sexual behavior. However, given the limitations of inferring causality from correlational research, it is essential that we review the evidence from more methodologically rigorous studies (i.e., longitudinal and experimental designs). This systematic review identified 44 longitudinal studies in which investigators attempted to predict sexual risk from psychosocial variables over time. We also found 134 experimental studies (i.e., randomized controlled trials of HIV interventions), but of these only 9 (6.7 %) report the results of mediation analyses that might provide evidence for the validity of health behavior theories in predicting sexual behavior. Results show little convergent support across both types of studies for most traditional, theoretical predictors of sexual behavior. This suggests that the field must expand the body of empirical work that utilizes the most rigorous study designs to test our theoretical assumptions. The inconsistent results of existing research would indicate that current theoretical models of sexual risk behavior are inadequate, and may require expansion or adaptation.
Using Low-Cost Sensing to Support Nutritional Awareness

Nutrition has a big impact on health, including major diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. This paper presents an application designed to help people keep track of the nutrional content of foods they have eaten. Our work uses shopping receipts to generate suggestions about healthier food items that could help to supplement missing nutrients. We present our system design: a capture and access application that, based on shopping receipt data, provides access to ambiguous suggestions for more nutritious purchases. We also report results from one formative user study suggesting that receipts may provide enough information to extend our work by also estimating what people are actually eating, as opposed to simply what they are purchasing.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide bias Langerhans cell Ag presentation toward Th17 cells.

Epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) are dendritic APCs that play an important role in cutaneous immune responses. LCs are associated with epidermal nerves and the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) inhibit LC Ag presentation for Th1-type immune responses. Here, we examined whether PACAP or VIP modulates LC Ag presentation for induction of IL-17A-producing CD4+ T cells. Treatment with VIP or PACAP prior to in vitro LC Ag presentation to CD4+ T cells enhanced IL-17A, IL-6, and IL-4 production, decreased interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-22 release, and increased RORγt and Gata3 mRNA expression while decreasing T-bet expression. The CD4+ T-cell population was increased in IL-17A- and IL-4-expressing cells and decreased in IFN-γ-expressing cells. Addition of anti-IL-6 mAb blocked the enhanced IL-17A production seen with LC preexposure to VIP or PACAP. Intradermal administration of VIP or PACAP prior to application of a contact sensitizer at the injection site, followed by harvesting of draining lymph node CD4+ T cells and stimulation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAbs, enhanced IL-17A and IL-4 production but reduced production of IL-22 and IFN-γ. PACAP and VIP are endogenous mediators that likely regulate immunity and immune-mediated diseases within the skin.
Scientific computing: an introduction with parallel computing

The world of scientific computing linear algebra parallel and vector computing polynomial approximation continuous problems solved discretely direct solution of linear equations parallel direct methods relaxation-type iterative methods conjugate gradient-type methods.
Topologically induced fermion parity flips in superconductor vortices

A highlighting feature of Majorana bound states in two-dimensional topological superconductors is that they gain a phase factor of $\ensuremath{\pi}$ upon being orbited by a vortex. This work focuses on the vortex degree of freedom itself and demonstrates that the change in the Majorana state is accompanied by a fermion parity change within the vortex. Such a parity flip is interpreted as a higher dimensional analog of the fermion parity pump mechanism in superconducting wires as well as through general topological arguments. It is demonstrated in terms of level crossings in three different situations: in (i) spin-triplet paired superconductors and in proximity-induced superconducting systems involving (ii) quantum spin Hall-ferromagnet hybrids and (iii) Chern insulators.
Ground bounce in CMOS ASICs

A study has been undertaken to investigate the ground bounce phenomena in CMOS ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). A simple mathematical analysis was performed to help gain an intuitive understanding of the problem. SPICE simulations were then performed to build a more detailed model. The SPICE model allowed different problem solving approaches to be compared in a straightforward manner. Laboratory experiments were performed to confirm the validity of the simulation and mathematical analyses. The results indicate that there are effective measures which can be taken to reduce the magnitude of voltage transients induced by the device and to minimize the device's sensitivity to ground bounce. >
The Use of Reality Therapy With a Depressed Deaf Adult

Although reality therapy has been effective in reducing symptoms of depression in adults, there is little research to support the use of reality therapy with deaf adults. This article demonstrates ...
Simple Higgs mechanisms in the SU(2 ) L U(1)U(1) electroweak model

Studies of superstring models suggest that the low-energy gauge group is SU(3)/sub C/ x SU(2)/sub L/ x U(1) x U(1), an extension of the standard model with an additional gauge boson. The fact that there are four massive gauge bosons in the SU(2)/sub L/ x U(1) x U(1) electroweak sector requires introduction of additional Higgs fields in the standard Higgs mechanism, which in turn determines the structure of the ''extended'' electroweak theory. Assuming both that the additional Higgs field be either a singlet or a doublet under SU(2)/sub L/ and that the standard Glashow-Salam-Weinberg theory be reproduced exactly, I derive the resultant SU(2)/sub L/ x U(1) x U(1) electroweak models. A small number of parameter-free solutions for the nonstandard neutral currents are obtained if, as suggested by superstring studies, chiral fermions and Higgs fields are assigned to the 27 representation of the E/sub 6/ gauge group. The unique detailed structure of the extended theory may help in planning to search for manifestations of the nonstandard neutral gauge boson as a test of the superstring idea.
Depth dependence of anisotropy of Earth's inner core

Both body wave (PKP) travel times (Creager, 1992; Song and Helmberger, 1993a; McSweeney and Creager, 1993; Shearer, 1994) and fits to the splitting of core modes (Tromp, 1993) show general agreement that the top 300 km of inner core is very anisotropic. The anisotropy displays axial symmetry around the Earth's spin axis, with the polar direction 3% faster than the equatorial direction. One key problem now is the depth dependence of the inner core anisotropy. Here we extend our polar path studies to include both long-period and short-period modeling for the PKP phases at ranges 120° to 173°. Arrivals from the top of the inner core (PKIKP) and reflections from the inner core boundary (PKiKP) can be observed distinctly in short-period records at ranges 130° to 140° and as waveform distortions in the long-period records at ranges 130° to 146°. These waveforms provide a new set of data for examining the topmost 150 km of the inner core, which is not well sampled by the previous body wave travel times. Record sections of waves traversing the inner core nearly parallel to the Earth's spin axis (polar paths) from three events, two beneath the South Sandwich Islands and one along the Macquarie Ridge, recorded at World Wide Standardized Seismograph Network, Canadian Network, and Long Range Seismic Measurements stations are analyzed. Our results suggest that the top 150 km of the inner core is only weakly anisotropic (less than 1%), with strong evidence indicating that the top 60 km is not anisotropic at all.
Decomposition of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP) on Alumina-Supported Iron Oxide

The adsorption of dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) on alumina-supported iron oxide has been examined. DMMP reacts on adsorption at room temperature, apparently through cleavage of the phosphorus−carbon bond. This bond is observed to be extremely resistant to cleavage when DMMP is adsorbed on oxides such as alumina, magnesia, and lanthana. The phosphorus−methoxy bonds, which are the most readily cleaved on the other oxides, appear at least initially to remain intact on the alumina-supported iron oxide. The hypothesis proposed to account for the unusual activity of the iron oxide surface is an oxidation pathway involving the Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox couple.
Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic liver disease: a case–control study

The majority of data on risk factors (RFs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) comes from studies involving populations without underlying liver disease. It is important to evaluate RFs for HCC in patients with chronic liver disease since HCC rarely occurs in those without underlying liver disease. We conducted a hospital-based case–control study of 259 incident HCC cases and 781 controls by convenience sampling between 02/2001 and 12/2009 from the liver clinic at Stanford University Medical Center. The study population was 41% White, 14% Hispanic, 3% African American, 40% Asian American, and 2% other race/ethnicity. RFs were examined through medical records and an in-person questionnaire. Alcohol and tobacco use was calculated by cumulative grams of alcohol or cumulative pack(s) of cigarette consumed over one’s lifetime. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was defined by random glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL. RFs were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Independent predictors of HCC risk, after mutual adjustment and additional control for alcohol use, etiology of liver diseases, and DM, included age >40 (OR = 8.5 [2.6–28.3]), male gender (OR = 3.5 [2.2–5.8]), presence of cirrhosis (OR = 2.8 [1.6–4.9]), Asian ethnicity (OR = 2.8 [1.8–4.6]), AFP > 50 (OR = 4.2 [2.6–6.8]), and cumulative lifetime tobacco use of >11,000 packs (OR = 1.7 [1.0–2.9]). Heavy prolonged cigarette smoking, but not alcohol use, was a significant independent predictor for HCC in patients with underlying liver disease. Besides older age, male gender, presence of cirrhosis, and elevated AFP, Asian ethnicity and heavy cumulative tobacco use are strong independent predictors of HCC.
DNA vaccine prime followed by boost with live attenuated virus significantly improves antigen-specific T cell responses against human cytomegalovirus

As a leading cause of congenital infection and a major threat to immunocompromised individuals, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a major global public health concern. Effective HCMV vaccines would need to induce potent and balanced humoral and cellular immune responses. In this pilot study, immunogenicity studies were conducted in mice to examine HCMV antigen-specific antibody and T cell responses when a heterologous prime-boost immunization strategy was tested. DNA vaccines expressing either targets of protective antibody responses (gB and gM/gN) or well characterized T cell immunogens (pp65, pp150, and IE1) were used as the priming immunization while the live attenuated HCMV vaccine Towne strain was used as the boost, which may act like an inactivated vaccine due to the inability of HCMV to replicate in a mouse host. Our data indicate that while DNA vaccines were effective in priming HCMV-specific antibody responses, the final titers of gB- or gM-specific antibodies were not much different from those elicited by using multiple immunizations of HCMV alone. In contrast, DNA priming significantly enhanced T cell responses against gB, pp65, and IE1 as measured by IFN-γ. However, HCMV alone was not effective in eliciting strong T cell immune responses when used in a mouse host. Our data indicate that the complexity of antigen composition from a large virus, such as HCMV, may affect the profile of immune responses when viral vaccines are used as a boost.
l-S,R-buthionine sulfoximine: historical development and clinical issues

L-S,R-buthionine sulfoximine (L-S,R BSO) is a potent specific inhibitor of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, the rate-limiting step in glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis. GSH is an important component of tumor drug resistance based on a strong association and recent transfection studies. Depletion of intracellular GSH by BSO significantly enhances the cytotoxicity of many cytotoxic agents, principally alkylating agents and platinating compounds but also irradiation and anthracyclines. Phase I clinical trials of BSO + melphalan (L-PAM)have been carried out and observed little toxicity with BSO alone and increased myelosuppression with BSO + L-PAM. Consistent and profound (< 10% of control) GSH depletion was observed in serial determinations of tumor GSH levels in patients receiving continuous infusion (CI) BSO. Evidence of clinical activity has been observed in patients with alkylating or platinating agent-refractory tumors. Phase II evaluation of CI BSO with L-PAM is in progress.
The Effects of Electron and Hole Trapping on the Radiation Hardness of Al2O3 MIS Devices

The radiation sensitivity of MIS capacitors with pyrohydrolytic A12O3 insulators has been investigated for X-irradiation at 300 and 80K. Both X-rays and light of various photon energies were used to vary the populations of electron and hole traps inherent in the "as prepared" films. The energies of the trapping levels have been determined and the spatial distribution of the electron traps within the oxide estimated. These traps together with an SiOx layer at the semiconductor-oxide interface are shown to control the device behavior under ionizing radiation.
Interaction of ethanol and microwaves on the blood-brain barrier of rats

The combined effects of ethanol and microwaves on the permeation of Evans blue dye through the mammalian blood-brain barrier was studied in male Wistar rats. Anesthetized rats were infused through a cannula in the left femoral vein with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 or 0.7 grams of absolute ethanol per kilogram of body mass. A control group was given 0.7 g/kg of isotonic saline. The left hemisphere of the brain was irradiated by 3.15-GHz microwave energy at 3.0 W/cm2 rms for 15 min. The rat's rectal temperature was maintained at 37.0 degrees C. Immediately after irradiation, 2% Evans blue dye in saline (2.0 ml/kg body mass) was injected through the cannula. The results show that as the quantity of alcohol was increased, the degree of staining was decreased or eliminated. The temperature of the irradiated area of the brain increased for the first 4 to 5 minutes of irradiation and then stabilized for the remainder of the irradiation period. The steady-state temperature was highest in animals receiving saline or the smallest dose of alcohol. As the quantity of alcohol was increased, the steady-state temperature was reduced. These results indicate that ethanol inhibits microwave-induced permeation of the blood-brain barrier through reduced heating of the brain.
Stimulation of bone collagenase synthesis by mouse fibrosarcoma in resorbing bone in vitro culture

Abstract Fragments of transplantable mouse fibrosarcoma, co-cultured with 5-day-old mouse calvaria, stimulated bone to synthesize and/or release collagenase (∼0.6 units/ml) into the culture medium, whereas the tumour alone neither released nor synthesized collagenase.
A Spatial Index for Identifying Opportunity Zones for Woody Cellulosic Conversion Facilities

A challenge in the development of renewable energy is the ability to spatially assess the risk of feedstock supply to conversion facilities. Policy makers and investors need improved methods to identify the interactions associated with landscape features, socioeconomic conditions, and ownership patterns, and the influence these variables have on the geographic location of potential conversion facilities. This study estimated opportunity zones for woody cellulosic feedstocks based on landscape suitability and market competition for the resource. The study covered 13 Southern States which was a segment of a broader study that covered 33 Eastern United States which also included agricultural biomass. All spatial data were organized at the 5-digit zip code tabulation area (ZCTA). A landscape index was developed using factors such as forest land cover area, net forest growth, ownership type, population density, median family income, and farm income. A competition index was developed based on the annual growth-to-removal ratio and capacities of existing woody cellulosic conversion facilities. Combining the indices resulted in the identification of 592 ZCTAs that were considered highly desirable zones for woody cellulosic conversion facilities. These highly desirable zones were located in Central Mississippi, Northern Arkansas, South central Alabama, Southwest Georgia, Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest Kentucky, and Northwest Tennessee.
Comparative effects of adrenomedullin, an adrenomedullin analog, and CGRP in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat and rat

Abstract Responses to synthetic human adrenomedullin (ADM), a novel hypotensive peptide initially isolated from human pheochromocytoma cells, an ADM analog (ADM 15–52 ), and a structurally related peptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), were compared in the pulmonary vascular bed of the cat and rat under constant flow conditions. When tone was increased with U46619, intraarterial injections of ADM (0.03–0.3 nmol), ADM 15–52 (0.03–0.3 nmol), and of CGRP (0.03–0.3 nmol) caused dose-related decreases in pulmonary arterial perfusion pressure. When the relative vasodilator activity of the peptides was compared on a nmol basis, ADM was approximately 10-fold more potent in the cat than in the rat, whereas vasodilator responses to CGRP were very similar in both species. CGRP was slightly more potent than ADM in the rat, whereas ADM was slightly more potent than CGRP in the cat. ADM and ADM 15–52 had similar pulmonary vasodiltor activity in the cat, whereas the full sequence peptide was slightly more potent than ADM 15–52 in the rat. The present data demonstrate that ADM has significant vasodilator activity in the pulmonary vascular beds of the cat and of the rat, and that the relative potency of the vasodilator effects of ADM and ADM 15–52 are different in the two species.
Preparation and some properties of sputtered Co/U-As multilayers

Multilayers of crystalline Co and amorphous U-As were prepared by magnetron sputtering. The number of Co/U-As bilayers varied from 30 to 170. The magnetooptical, magneto-transport, and magnetic properties are reported for Co layer thickness varying from 2 to 10 AA and U-As from 5 to 30 AA. The properties of the multilayer films are different from the properties of films of U-As, Co and an U-As-Co alloy. Some exchange coupling between the Co and U-As at 300 K is observed from polar Kerr measurements for films with U-As layers 20 AA and thicker. >
Cell-free hemoglobin as an oxygen carrier removes nitric oxide, resulting in defective thromboregulation.

Development of a clinically safe and effective substitute for erythrocytes that is capable of efficient oxygen delivery in vivo has progressed to the stage where cross-linked hemoglobin preparations are now undergoing clinical trials.1 Such preparations withstand storage for prolonged periods of time, can be administered without the need for cross-matching, and are free of contamination by infectious agents. Utilization of cell-free hemoglobin as an erythrocyte substitute was initially hampered by nephrotoxicity and an affinity for oxygen that prevented efficient oxygen delivery to tissues.2 These disadvantages were overcome when Bunn and Jandl3 chemically cross-linked the hemoglobin molecule to produce stable hemoglobin oligomers that do not pass through the glomerular filtrate. In addition, Benesch and Benesch4 developed reagents that modified the 2,3-diphosphoglycerate binding site of hemoglobin, thereby reducing its oxygen affinity. Administration of cell-free hemoglobin solutions results in systemic vasoconstriction in research animals.5 This is thought to be a consequence of the high avidity of hemoglobin for nitric oxide (NO, endothelium-derived relaxing factor [EDRF]), which it binds and inactivates. The NO-hemoglobin interaction results in rapid formation of nitrite/nitrate and methemoglobin. This blocks vasodilation induced by …
A partial-wave expansion of the finite rotation operator

Abstract We discuss a useful expansion of the finite rotation operator, exp(−iμλ · J), into partial waves. This expansion is analogous to Rayleigh's expansion of a plane wave, exp(ik · r), into spherical harmonics and spherical Bessel functions. A close relationship exists between these two expansions in the limit of large angular momenta. The partial-wave expansion of the finite rotation operator is particularly useful in angular correlation problems involving external magnetic fields, since it allows one to use standard Racah algebra to obtain the solutions of many problems without writing out matrix elements.
The frequency and distribution of recent landslides in three montane tropical regions of Puerto Rico

Landslides are common in steep mountainous areas of Puerto Rico where mean annual rainfall and the frequency of intense storms are high. Each year, landslides cause extensive damage to property and occasionally result in loss of life. Average population density is high, 422 people/km2, and is increasing. This increase in population density is accompanied by growing stress on the natural environment and physical infrastructure. As a result, human populations are more vulnerable to landslide hazards. The Blanco, Cibuco, and Coamo study areas range in surface area from 276 to 350 km2 and represent the climatologic, geographic, and geologic conditions that typify Puerto Rico. Maps of recent landslides developed from 1:20,000-scale aerial photographs, in combination with a computerized geographic information system, were used to evaluate the frequency and distribution of shallow landslides in these areas. Several types of landslides were documented—rainfall-triggered debris flows, shallow soil slips, and slumps were most abundant. Hillslopes in the study area that have been anthropogenically modified, exceed 12° in gradient, are greater than 300 m in elevation, and face the east-northeast, are most prone to landsliding. A set of simplified matrices representing geographic conditions in the three study areas was developed and provides a basis for the estimation of the spatial controls on the frequency of landslides in Puerto Rico. This approach is an example of an analysis of the frequency of landslides that is computationally simple, and therefore, may be easily transferable to other settings.
Interpretation of inactivation kinetics of spores of Bacillus megatherium

Abstract Radiation inactivation of the ability of Bacillus megatherium spores to produce colonies was investigated. The shape of the survival curve was determined and found to be independent of radiation conditions (cold broth vs. dry in vacuo ) and ion density of radiation. Theoretical implications of the inactivation curve are discussed.
1010-66 Comparison of Supine and Upright SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

Cardiac tomography can be performed in the upright position using a stationary small FOV multicrystal camera (MCC) and a rotating chair. The chair both rotates and jogs to improve spatial resolution of the MCC. To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of this imaging technique compared to conventional supine SPECT, 25 patients with CAD (23 M, 2 F, mean age = 58 ± 10 years, 11 with prior MI) and 18 subjects with low pretest probability for having disease (9 M, 9 F, mean age 49 ± 11 years) underwent a one day rest/stress, low dose/high dose Tc-99m sestamibi study with sequential supine and upright SPECT imaging performed following rest and stress injections. Mean treadmill time for patients = 7.8 ± 2.1 mins, peak HR = 143 ± 17, and 11 were electrically positive. Mean treadmill time for subjects was 8.9 ± 3.4 mins, peak HR = 166 ± 17. Recent coronary angiography was performed in 17/23 CAD patients with 34 lesions g50%. Each tomogram was divided into 7 segments and each segment scored as normal, reversible, or fixed. The agreement between the 2 sets of scans was 98% and the segment agreement with regard to reversibility was 90%. Supine SPECT detected 21/23 (91%) of patients with CAD, the chair detected 20/23% (87%). The chair detected 18/34 (53%) CA lesions, supine detected 20/34 (59%). Sensitivity and specificity for the chair was 88%, and 100%, and for supine was 92%, and 100%. In conclusion, in this small population, there were no significant differences between supine and upright SPECT imaging for diagnosing CAD, identifying individual stenoses, or identifying defect reversibility.
Transmural potentials across the small and large intestine of the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana.

SummaryTransmural potentials across isolated segments of small intestine of the bullfrog, R. catesbeiana, were recorded. In sulphate saline the PD was higher than in chloride saline. Metabolic inhibitors depressed the PD. Actively transferred sugars and amino acids increased the PD when added to the mucosal fluid; this did not occur with the large intestine. Anoxia and dinitrophenol reduced the PD of the large intestine more than that of the small. The results indicate that bullfrog small intestine incubated in vitro is a stable and useful model for investigating the association between solute transfer, PD and energy sources.
Effect of Counter-Ion on Recycle of Polymer Resin Supported Co(III)-Salen Catalysts in the Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution of Epichlorohydrin

New polymer supported Co(III)-salen-X (X = acetate, camphorsulfonate, BF4) catalysts with different counter-ions are synthesized and evaluated in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution of epichlorohydrin. The polymer resin supported catalysts are effectively recovered after reaction by filtration and reused in subsequent reactions with similar selectivity. The recycled catalysts give decreased reaction rates, and the deactivation is dependent on the counter-ion.
MeV proton beams generated by 3 mJ ultrafast laser pulses at 0.5 kHz

Well-collimated proton beams are generated from bulk glass along the target normal direction by tightly focused 3mJ ultrafast laser pulses at intensities of 2×1018W/cm2 at 0.5kHz. Spectral measurements indicate maximum proton energy is around 0.5MeV.