bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Will Psychological Disorders Afflict Uploaded Personalities?
Authors: Tonn Bruce 
Published: April 2014

Uploading human minds into computer systems is an intriguing concept. Will this process become part of our evolutionary future? This paper begins by arguing that successfully replicating human minds in virtual environments will require more than computing power and the ability to transfer the information content of neural connections into computer memory. Virtual minds must also be equipped with certain properties of the human biological mind that may prove to be not easily transferable. These include psychological motivations and even our collective unconsciousness. Lacking these, virtual minds could suffer from a wide range of serious psychological disorders. Efforts to treat such disorders with “program” fixes would invalidate any plausible claim that a virtual mind had the same ‘identity’ as its biological ancestor, and also raise perplexing ethical issues. The paper next provides a theoretical psychological framework for these assertions, and goes on to explore nine specific psychological disorders that could afflict virtual personalities. The paper then concludes by identifying several ethical issues that might arise from attempts to “fix” the psychological problems of virtual personalities. Uploading would involve first freezing a brain, then slicing it, then scanning the slices with some high- resolution scanning technique, then using automated image processing software to reconstruct and tag a very detailed 3-D map of the original brain. The map would show all the neurons, the matrix of their synaptic interconnections, the strengths of these connections, and other relevant detail. Using computational models of how these basic elements operate, the whole brain could then be emulated on a sufficiently capacious computer.—Nick Bostrom (2004)
Bacillary Angiomatosis Masquerading as Kaposi’s Sarcoma in East Africa
Authors: Forrestel A. K. , Naujokas A. , Martin J. N. , Maurer T. A. , McCalmont T. H. , Laker-Opwonya M. O. , Mulyowa G. , Busakhala N. , Amerson Erin H. 
Published: April 2014

Background: Bacillary angiomatosis (BA) is a rare manifestation of infection caused by Bartonella species, which leads to vasoproliferative lesions of skin and other organs. Bacillary angiomatosis affects individuals with advanced HIV disease or other immunocompromised individuals. In sub-Saharan Africa, despite the high prevalence of HIV infection and documentation of the causative Bartonella species in humans, mammalian hosts, and arthropod vectors, BA has only rarely been described. Methods: Three adult patients from Uganda and Kenya with deep purple dome-shaped papules or nodules of the skin underwent punch biopsies for histopathologic diagnosis. The biopsies of all 3 patients were sent to a local pathologist as well as to a dermatopathologist at the University of California, San Francisco. Results: All 3 patients were clinically suspected to have Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), and local pathologists had interpreted the lesions as KS in 2 of the cases and nonspecific inflammation in the third. Histologic examination by dermatopathologists in the United States revealed nodular dermal proliferations of irregular capillaries lined by spindled to epithelioid endothelial cells. The surrounding stroma contained a mixed inflammatory infiltrate with lymphocytes, eosinophils, and neutrophils. Extracellular deposits of pale amphophilic granular material were noted in the surrounding stroma. A Warthin-Starry stain highlighted clumps of bacilli, confirming the diagnosis of BA. Conclusions: These 3 cases, to our knowledge, are the first reports of BA in East Africa in the biomedical literature. Each had been originally incorrectly diagnosed as KS. We speculate BA is underdiagnosed and underreported in resource-poor regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, that have high endemic rates of HIV infection.
Clearance of acute myeloid leukemia by haploidentical natural killer cells is improved using IL-2 diphtheria toxin fusion protein
Authors: Bachanova Veronika , Cooley Sarah , Defor Todd E. , Verneris Michael R. , Zhang Bin , McKenna David H. , Curtsinger Julie , Panoskaltsis-Mortari Angela , Lewis Dixie , Hippen Keli , McGlave Philip , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Blazar Bruce R. , Miller Jeffrey S. 
Published: April 2014

Key Points
Depletion of host regulatory T cells with IL2DT improves efficacy of haploidentical NK cell therapy for refractory acute myeloid leukemia. Depletion of Treg and persistence of NK cells for ≥7 days after NK cell adoptive transfer predicts beneficial clinical responses.
Production of free monounsaturated fatty acids by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Cao Yujin , Liu Wei , Xu Xin , Zhang Haibo , Wang Jiming , Xian Mo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are the best components for biodiesel when considering the low temperature fluidity and oxidative stability. However, biodiesel derived from vegetable oils or microbial lipids always consists of significant amounts of polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) alkyl esters, which hampers its practical applications. Therefore, the fatty acid composition should be modified to increase MUFA contents as well as enhancing oil and lipid production.

Results
The model microorganism Escherichia coli was engineered to produce free MUFAs. The fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase (AtFatA) and fatty acid desaturase (SSI2) from Arabidopsis thaliana were heterologously expressed in E. coli BL21 star(DE3) to specifically release free unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and convert SFAs to UFAs. In addition, the endogenous fadD gene (encoding acyl-CoA synthetase) was disrupted to block fatty acid catabolism while the native acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) was overexpressed to increase the malonyl coenzyme A (malonyl-CoA) pool and boost fatty acid biosynthesis. The finally engineered strain BL21ΔfadD/pE-AtFatAssi2&pA-acc produced 82.6 mg/L free fatty acids (FFAs) under shake-flask conditions and FFAs yield on glucose reached about 3.3% of the theoretical yield. Two types of MUFAs, palmitoleate (16:1Δ9) and cis-vaccenate (18:1Δ11) made up more than 75% of the FFA profiles. Fed-batch fermentation of this strain further enhanced FFAs production to a titer of 1.27 g/L without affecting fatty acid compositions.

Conclusions
This study demonstrated the possibility to regulate fatty acid composition by using metabolic engineering approaches. FFAs produced by the recombinant E. coli strain consisted of high-level MUFAs and biodiesel manufactured from these fatty acids would be more suitable for current diesel engines.
Translation and validation of European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life Questionnaire -C30 into Moroccan version for cancer patients in Morocco
Authors: Nejjari Chakib , El Fakir Samira , Bendahhou Karima , El Rhazi Karima , Abda Naima , Zidouh Ahmed , Benider Abdelatif , Errihani Hassan , Bekkali Rachid 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Understanding the effects of cancer on the quality of life of affected patients is critical to clinical research as well as to optimal management and care. The aim of this study was to adapt the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire into Moroccan Arabic and to determine its psychometric properties. After translation, back translation and pretesting of the pre-final version, the translated version was submitted to a committee of professionals composed by oncologists and epidemiologists. The psychometric properties were tested in patients with cancer. Internal consistency was tested using Cronbach’s alpha and the test-retest reliability using interclass correlation coefficients. Construct validity was assessed by examining item-convergent and divergent validity. It was also tested using Spearman’s correlation between QLQ-C30 scales and EQ-5D.

Results
The study was conducted in 125 patients. The Moroccan version was internally reliable, Cronbach’s α was 0.87 for the total scale and ranged from 0.34 to 0.97 for the subscales. The intraclass correlation coefficient of the test-retest reliability ranged from 0.64 for “social functioning” to 0.89 for “physical activities” subscales. The instrument demonstrated a good construct and concomitant validity.

Conclusions
We have developed a semantically equivalent translation with cultural adaptation of EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The assessment of its measurement properties showed that it is quite reliable and a valid measure of the effect of cancer on the quality of life in Moroccan patients.
Recurrent duplications of the annexin A1 gene (ANXA1) in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Correia Catarina T , Conceição Inês C , Oliveira Bárbara , Coelho Joana , Sousa Inês , Sequeira Ana F , Almeida Joana , Café Cátia , Duque Frederico , Mouga Susana , Roberts Wendy , Gao Kun , Lowe Jennifer K , Thiruvahindrapuram Bhooma , Walker Susan , Marshall Christian R , Pinto Dalila , Nurnberger John I , Scherer Stephen W , Geschwind Daniel H , Oliveira Guiomar , Vicente Astrid M 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Validating the potential pathogenicity of copy number variants (CNVs) identified in genome-wide studies of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) requires detailed assessment of case/control frequencies, inheritance patterns, clinical correlations, and functional impact. Here, we characterize a small recurrent duplication in the annexin A1 (ANXA1) gene, identified by the Autism Genome Project (AGP) study.

Methods
From the AGP CNV genomic screen in 2,147 ASD individuals, we selected for characterization an ANXA1 gene duplication that was absent in 4,964 population-based controls. We further screened the duplication in a follow-up sample including 1,496 patients and 410 controls, and evaluated clinical correlations and family segregation. Sequencing of exonic/downstream ANXA1 regions was performed in 490 ASD patients for identification of additional variants.

Results
The ANXA1 duplication, overlapping the last four exons and 3’UTR region, had an overall prevalence of 11/3,643 (0.30%) in unrelated ASD patients but was not identified in 5,374 controls. Duplication carriers presented no distinctive clinical phenotype. Family analysis showed neuropsychiatric deficits and ASD traits in multiple relatives carrying the duplication, suggestive of a complex genetic inheritance. Sequencing of exonic regions and the 3’UTR identified 11 novel changes, but no obvious variants with clinical significance.

Conclusions
We provide multilevel evidence for a role of ANXA1 in ASD etiology. Given its important role as mediator of glucocorticoid function in a wide variety of brain processes, including neuroprotection, apoptosis, and control of the neuroendocrine system, the results add ANXA1 to the growing list of rare candidate genetic etiological factors for ASD.
A retrospective view of Systemic Functional Linguistics, with notes from a parallel perspective
Authors: Davies Eirian C 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis paper gives a brief overview of the development of Michael Halliday’s work in Systemic Functional Linguistics over the last sixty years and recalls some anecdotes relating to the research projects he directed at University College London in the 1960s. It locates the author’s approach in relation to Systemic Functional Linguistics and raises some questions to do with possible avenues of future research and discussion in that model.
Congruence kernels around affine curves
Authors: Kent IV Richard Peabody 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Let S be a smooth affine algebraic curve, and let

S
˚

${\text{{$\mathring{S}$}}}$

be the Riemann surface obtained by removing a point from S.
We provide evidence for the congruence subgroup property of mapping class groups by showing that the congruence kernel

ker

Mod
(

S
˚

)

^

→
Out

(

π
1

(

S
˚

)

^

)

$
\ker \Bigl (\widehat{\mathrm {Mod}(\mathring{S})} \rightarrow \mathrm {Out}(\widehat{\pi _1(\mathring{S})})\Bigr )
$

lies in the centralizer of every braid in

Mod
(

S
˚

)

${{\mathrm {Mod}(\text{{$\mathring{S}$}})}}$

.
As a corollary, we obtain a new proof of Asada's theorem that the congruence subgroup property holds in genus one.
We also obtain simple-connectivity of Boggi's procongruence curve complex

𝒞
ˇ

(

S
˚

)

${\check{\mathcal {C}}(\text{{$\mathring{S}$}})}$

when S is affine, and a new proof of Matsumoto's theorem that the congruence kernel depends only on the genus in the affine case.
Swelling characterization of photo-cross-linked gelatin methacrylate spherical microgels for bioencapsulation
Authors: Jung Jinmu , Oh Jonghyun 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe swelling behavior of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers is important for the delivery and release of cells and drugs in biomedical applications. This study reported the swelling characteristics of photo-cross-linked gelatin methacrylate (GelMa) spherical microgels. Spherical microgels were generated in a microfluidic system consisting of a co-axial flow-focusing device for microdroplet generation and an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation apparatus for polymerization. At a low flow rate ratio (<0.14), the 9 wt.% GelMa spherical microgels were smaller than the 6 wt.% ones. In contrast, at a high flow rate ratio (>0.14), the results were reversed. Overall, a proportional relationship was observed between the flow rate ratio and the droplet size. The increased GelMa concentration improved the mechanical properties and increased the swelling ratios. The possibility of bioencapsulation was demonstrated, with good viability of 3T3 cells encapsulated in the spherical microgels.
Roles of oxidative stress, adiponectin, and nuclear hormone receptors in obesity-associated insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Matsuda Morihiro , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Obesity leads to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A better understanding of the molecular basis of obesity will lead to the establishment of effective prevention strategies for cardiovascular diseases. Adipocytes have been shown to generate a variety of endocrine factors termed adipokines/adipocytokines. Obesity-associated changes to these adipocytokines contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Adiponectin, which is one of the most well-characterized adipocytokines, is produced exclusively by adipocytes and exerts insulin-sensitizing and anti-atherogenic effects. Obese subjects have lower levels of circulating adiponectin, and this is recognized as one of the factors involved in obesity-induced insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Another pathophysiological feature of obesity may involve the low-grade chronic inflammation in adipose tissue. This inflammatory process increases oxidative stress in adipose tissue, which may affect remote organs, leading to the development of diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) regulate the transcription of the target genes in response to binding with their ligands, which include metabolic and nutritional substrates. Among the various NRs, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ promotes the transcription of adiponectin and antioxidative enzymes, whereas mineralocorticoid receptor mediates the effects of aldosterone and glucocorticoid to induce oxidative stress in adipocytes. It is hypothesized that both play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of obesity-associated insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, reduced adiponectin and increased oxidative stress play pathological roles in obesity-associated insulin resistance to increase the cardiovascular disease risk, and various NRs may be involved in this pathogenesis.
Vernetzte Selbsthilfe in Sozialen Medien am Beispiel des Hochwassers 2013 / Linked Self-Help in Social Media using the example of the Floods 2013 in Germany
Authors: Kaufhold Marc-André , Reuter Christian 
Published: April 2014

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Artikel untersucht den Einsatz sozialer Medien während des Hochwassers 2013 in Deutschland. Über Twitter, Facebook, Google Maps und auf weiteren Plattformen koordinierten betroffene Bürger und freiwillige Helfer untereinander Hilfsaktivitäten und lieferten dabei einen ergänzenden und signifikanten Beitrag zum offiziellen Katastrophenschutz. Neben der qualitativen Analyse ausgewählter, entstandener Hilfsnetzwerke wurden zusätzlich Interviews mit Facebook-Gruppengründern geführt. Die Ziele dieser Studie liegen zum einen in der Analyse des Benutzungsverhaltens sozialer Medien in Katastrophenlagen, zum anderen in der Identifikation von Gestaltungs- und Erweiterungspotenzialen für soziale Medien im Katastrophenschutz.
Tashlhiyt's ban of complex syllable onsets: phonetic and perceptual evidence
Authors: Ridouane Rachid , Hermes Anne , Hallé Pierre 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Tashlhiyt is famous for its particularly marked syllable structure. Unlike the majority of world languages, including some related Berber varieties, Tashlhiyt allows not only vowels but all consonants – including voiceless stops /t/, /k/ or /q/ – to be nuclei of a syllable (e.g., [tkmi] `she smoked' is analyzed as bisyllabic where the sequence [tk] stands for a syllable of its own with /k/ as the nucleus). A fundamental aspect of this analysis concerns constraints on the syllable onset constituent: complex onsets are prohibited. A consequence of this is that prevocalic consonant clusters are systematically parsed as heterosyllabic, regardless of the sonority profile of the consonants and the position of the cluster within a word or a phrase. This study provides phonetic and metalinguistic data to test this phonological account on experimental grounds. The analysis of these data provides clear evidence that Tashlhiyt disallows complex syllable onsets.
Foundations for a typology of the annexed/absolute state systems in Berber
Authors: Mettouchi Amina 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Several Berber languages are characterized by a binary system of inflectional marking on the noun called ``states''. This study is a first step towards a complete analysis of the absolute vs. annexed state distinction in Berber languages. It provides a framework for a typological comparison of the systems of state-marking in Berber, gives an overview of their features in four Berber languages (Western Kabyle, Shawiya (Aït Frah), Wargli (Teggargrent) and Tahaggart (Hoggar Tuareg), and proposes typological generalizations to be tested on other Berber languages.
Typology of Eastern Medieval Berber
Authors: Brugnatelli Vermondo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The discovery of a long text in medieval Berber provides the opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the typological features of an old variety of Berber. Some of these are presented and briefly discussed here. Besides a number of features typical of the Eastern Berber varieties, many archaic features emerge, and this may contribute to advancing our understanding of the diachronic evolution of the Berber languages.
Flat Panel Angiography Images in the Post-Operative Follow-Up of Surgically Clipped Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Budai Caterina , Cirillo Luigi , Patruno Francesco , Dall'Olio Massimo , Princiotta Ciro , Leonardi Marco 
Published: April 2014

Cerebral aneurysms must be monitored for varying periods after surgical and/or endovascular treatment and the duration of follow-up will depend on the type of therapy and the immediate post-operative outcome. Surgical clipping for intracranial aneurysms is a valid treatment but the metal clips generate artefacts so that follow-up monitoring still relies on catheter angiography. This study reports our preliminary experience with volumetric angiography using a Philips Allura Xper FD biplane system in the post-operative monitoring of aneurysm residues or major vascular changes following the surgical clipping of intracranial aneurysms. Volumetric angiography yields not only volume-rendered (VR) images, but a volume CT can also be reconstructed at high spatial and contrast resolution from a single acquisition, significantly enhancing the technique's diagnostic power. Between August 2012 and April 2013, we studied 19 patients with a total of 26 aneurysms treated by surgical clipping alone or in combination with endovascular treatment. All patients underwent standard post-operative angiographic follow-up including a rotational volumetric acquisition. Follow-up monitoring disclosed eight aneurysm residues whose assessment was optimal after surgical clipping both in patients with one metal clip and in those with two or more clips. In addition, small residues (1.3 mm) could be monitored together with any change in the calibre or course of vessels located adjacent to the clips. In conclusion, flat panel volume CT is much more reliable than the old 3D acquisitions that yielded only VR images. This is particularly true in patients with small aneurysm residues or lesions with multiple metal clips.
The Clinical Approach Toward Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
Authors: van der Heijden Lizz , Dijkstra P.D. Sander , van de Sande Michiel A.J. , Kroep Judith R. , Nout Remi A. , van Rijswijk Carla S.P. , Bovée Judith V.M.G. , Hogendoorn Pancras C.W. , Gelderblom Hans 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe provide an overview of imaging, histopathology, genetics, and multidisciplinary treatment of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), an intermediate, locally aggressive but rarely metastasizing tumor. Overexpression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) by mononuclear neoplastic stromal cells promotes recruitment of numerous reactive multinucleated giant cells. Conventional radiographs show a typical eccentric lytic lesion, mostly located in the meta-epiphyseal area of long bones. GCTB may also arise in the axial skeleton and very occasionally in the small bones of hands and feet. Magnetic resonance imaging is necessary to evaluate the extent of GCTB within bone and surrounding soft tissues to plan a surgical approach. Curettage with local adjuvants is the preferred treatment. Recurrence rates after curettage with phenol and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA; 8%–27%) or cryosurgery and PMMA (0%–20%) are comparable. Resection is indicated when joint salvage is not feasible (e.g., intra-articular fracture with soft tissue component). Denosumab (RANKL inhibitor) blocks and bisphosphonates inhibit GCTB-derived osteoclast resorption. With bisphosphonates, stabilization of local and metastatic disease has been reported, although level of evidence was low. Denosumab has been studied to a larger extent and seems to be effective in facilitating intralesional surgery after therapy. Denosumab was recently registered for unresectable disease. Moderate-dose radiotherapy (40–55 Gy) is restricted to rare cases in which surgery would lead to unacceptable morbidity and RANKL inhibitors are contraindicated or unavailable.