cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of neurotrophic factors on morphine- and cocaine-induced biochemical changes in the mesolimbic dopamine system

Previous research has shown an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase in the ventral tegmental area following chronic morphine and chronic cocaine treatments. Chronic morphine treatment also increases levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein in this brain region. In the present study, we investigated the effects of infusing neurotropic factors (nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4 or ciliary neurotrophic factor) via midline intra-ventral tegmental area cannulae on these biochemical changes. Our studies examined the effects of neurotrophic factor infusion alone, neurotrophic factor infusion followed by morphine treatment, morphine treatment followed by neurotrophic factor infusion, and concurrent neurotrophic factor infusion and cocaine treatment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which by itself tended to decrease tyrosine hydroxylase levels in the ventral tegmental area, prevented the characteristic increase in tyrosine hydroxylase following morphine and cocaine exposure and reversed the increase in rats pretreated with morphine. Neurotrophin-4 and neurotrophin-3 exerted similar effects. In addition, neurotrophin-4 prevented the morphine-induced increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein. In contrast, ciliary neurotrophic factor infusions alone resulted in an increase in tyrosine hydroxylase levels, with no additional increase induced by morphine or cocaine coadministration. Nerve growth factor alone had no effect on tyrosine hydroxylase or glial fibrillary acidic protein levels and did not affect morphine's ability to induce these proteins. We also looked at the effects of intra-ventral tegmental area infusion of neurotrophic factor on cAMP-dependent protein kinase and adenylyl cyclase activity in the nucleus accumbens, both of which are increased by chronic morphine or cocaine exposure. In general, regulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase and adenylyl cyclase by neurotrophic factors paralleled effects seen in the ventral tegmental area. Intra-ventral tegmental area infusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (or neurotrophin-4) alone tended to decrease cAMP-dependent protein kinase and adenylyl cyclase activity in the nucleus accumbens and prevented the morphine-induced increases in these enzymes. These effects were not seen with ciliary neurotrophic factor or nerve growth factor. These studies demonstrate novel interactions within the ventral tegmental area, and its target the nucleus accumbens, between neurotrophic factors and drugs of abuse, which have potentially important implications for the pathophysiology and treatment of drug addiction.
A Documentary Theory of States and Their Existence as Quasi-Abstract Entities

This article is concerned with the existence of states as a matter of fact, and it approaches that subject within the context of the ontology of social reality as a whole. It argues, first, that states do not have a place in the traditional Platonist duality of the concrete and the abstract. Second, that states belong to a third category – the quasi-abstract – that has received philosophical attention with a recently emerging theory of documentality. Documentality, derived from Austin’s theory of performative utterances, claims that documents acts can bring quasi-abstract objects, such as states into being. Third and finally, it argues that the existence of quasi-abstract states should not be rejected on the basis of the Principle of Parsimony, because geopolitical theories that recognise the existence of quasi-abstract states will have greater explanatory power than theories that deny their existence.
The Acute Effect of Running on Knee Articular Cartilage and Meniscus Magnetic Resonance Relaxation Times in Young Healthy Adults

Background:Understanding the acute response of healthy knee cartilage to running may provide valuable insight into functional properties. In recent years, quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques (T1ρ and T2 relaxation measurement) have shown tremendous potential and unique ability to noninvasively and quantitatively determine cartilage response to physiologic levels of loading occurring with physiologic levels of exercise.Purpose:To measure the short-term changes in MR T1ρ and T2 relaxation times of knee articular cartilage and meniscus in healthy individuals immediately after 30 minutes of running.Study Design:Descriptive laboratory study.Methods:Twenty young healthy volunteers, aged 22 to 35 years, underwent 3T MR imaging of the knee before and immediately after 30 minutes of running. Quantitative assessment of the cartilage and menisci was performed using MR images with a T1ρ and T2 mapping technique. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, repeated-measures analysis of varia...
MKK3 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway Mediates Carbon Monoxide-Induced Protection Against Oxidant-Induced Lung Injury

The stress-inducible gene heme oxygenase (HO-1) has previously been shown to provide cytoprotection against oxidative stress. The mechanism(s) by which HO-1 provides this cytoprotection is poorly understood. We demonstrate here that carbon monoxide (CO), a byproduct released during the degradation of heme by HO, plays a major role in mediating the cytoprotection against oxidant-induced lung injury. We show in vitro that CO protects cultured epithelial cells from hyperoxic damage. By using dominant negative mutants and mice deficient in the genes for the various MAP kinases, we demonstrate that the cytoprotective effects of CO are mediated by selective activation of the MKK3/p38β protein MAP kinase pathway. In vivo, our experiments demonstrate that CO at a low concentration protects the lungs, extends the survival of the animals, and exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects with reduced inflammatory cell influx into the lungs and marked attenuation in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Significance of hyperintense vessels on FLAIR MRI in acute stroke.

Objective: To describe hyperintense vessels sign (HVS) in patients with acute stroke on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI and determine its clinical significance and utility. Background: Enhancement of vessels on postcontrast MRI in patients with acute stroke is considered an indicator of early brain ischemia. Recently, the FLAIR technique has shown promise in earlier and better detection of ischemic brain parenchymal lesions. Methods: Two observers retrospectively reviewed 304 MRI of patients with stroke and identified 30 patients with acute middle cerebral artery stroke and HVS on FLAIR obtained within 24 hours of symptom onset. These patients were evaluated with contrast-enhanced MRI (n = 9), MR angiography of carotid and intracranial circulation (n = 30), cerebral angiography (n = 8), transcranial Doppler (n = 17), and SPECT (n = 16). The extent of HVS was compared with final infarct size and NIH Stroke Scale score. Results: HVS on FLAIR was seen in 10% of the patients with acute stroke. HVS was associated with large vessel occlusion or severe stenosis (>90%). Intravascular enhancement on contrast MRI was observed in vessels that were hyperintense on FLAIR. Both cortical and subcortical infarcts demonstrated HVS. MR angiographic and cerebral angiographic findings of large vessel occlusion or severe stenosis (>90%), slow flow, low velocities by transcranial Doppler, and hypoperfusion on SPECT correlated with HVS. HVS was the earliest ischemic change in three patients scanned within 3 hours of ictus. Final infarct size was smaller than the area showing HVS in all patients. Conclusion: HVS on FLAIR MRI is an indicator of slow flow and early ischemia as a result of large vessel occlusion or stenosis and inadequacy of collateral circulation. HVS does not mean that infarction has occurred but indicates brain tissue at risk of infarction. It should prompt consideration of revascularization and flow augmentation strategies.
Passivation kinetics of zircalloy-4 electrode in mineral acids under potentiodynamic conditions

The E/I response of a zircalloy-4 electrode in mineral acids is examined at room temperature under potentiodynamic conditions. On electrodes that have been mechanically polished and cathodically polarized, growth of the oxide phase, ZrO2, follows the formalism of the Cabrera-Mott model of high field assisted formation of thin oxide films. It is possible to propose a reaction model based on the potentiodynamic experimental parameters, in which the rate determining step is attributed to ionic transfer at the metal-oxide interface.
CONMEMORACIÓN E INTERCESIÓN EN LA GALATEA DE CERVANTES: LIBRO VI

This paper examines the moral didactic framework of the sacred Valley of Cypresses, as described in Cervantes’ sixth book, La Galatea. A scrupulous analysis of the form, style and content of this episode reveals the hermeneutic significance of one of the most inspiring episodes of pastoral literature.
A novel elevated source/drain PMOSFET formed by Ge-B/Si intermixing

Driven by strain relaxation, the rapid thermal annealing (RTA) of B-doped Ge on an Si substrate forms graded Si/sub 1-x/Ge/sub x/ layers with B confined inside. Based on this observation of Ge-B/Si intermixing, a novel elevated source/drain (S/D) PMOSFET fabrication process is proposed. The new process consists of three simple steps: (a) selective Ge deposition in S/D regions by conventional LPCVD, (b) B implantation, and (c) RTA for Ge-B/Si intermixing to form S/D extensions to the channel. Fabricated PMOSFETs with sub-100 nm gate lengths display excellent short channel performance.
Praxis skills in young children with Down syndrome, other developmental disabilities, and typically developing children.

This study explored whether young children with Down syndrome show praxis deficits that impact activities of daily living, and whether these deficits are specific to Down syndrome. We compared the performance of young children with Down syndrome, a mental age-matched group of children with developmental disabilities of mixed or unknown etiologies, and a group of typically developing infants and toddlers on praxis tasks and overall adaptive behavior (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales). Children with Down syndrome showed poorer overall motor functioning than the developmental disabilities comparison group as measured by the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, F(2, 47) = 5.24, p < .01 (using one-way analysis of variance [ANOVA]). A one-way multivariate analysis of variance also showed that children with Down syndrome performed significantly worse overall than the developmental disabilities comparison group on a battery of praxis tasks, F(7, 18) = 2.95, p < .05, and a series of object retrieval tasks, F(7, 18) = 2.95, p < .05, suggesting a deficit in praxis that is specific to Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome elicited significantly more help than both comparison groups during object retrieval trials, F(2, 48) = 4.94, p < .01 (using one-way ANOVA). When chronological age was partialled out, a strong relationship was observed between praxis and adaptive functioning in Down syndrome, r (8) = .69, p < .05. These findings suggest that young children with Down syndrome may need targeted interventions that focus on both praxis skills and motivational orientation.
Roberts syndrome: A review of 100 cases and a new rating system for severity

Roberts syndrome (RS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by pre- and postnatal growth retardation, limb defects, and craniofacial anomalies. Affected persons have varying degrees of malformations involving symmetric reduction in the number of digits, and length or presence of bones in the arms and legs. Craniofacial malformations involve hypertelorism, hypoplastic nasal alae, and a high incidence of cleft lip and palate. Familial and sporadic cases have been reported consistent with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Mitotic cells from many individuals with RS display a characteristic cytogenetic phenomenon consisting of repulsion of heterochromatic regions near centromeres, particularly of chromosomes 1, 9, 16, and splaying of the short arms of the acrocentrics and of the distal Yq. Mitosis in RS cells is abnormal in metaphase duration and anaphase progression. Specifically, anaphase figures show a higher degree of chromosomes that are outlying, lagging, or prematurely advancing toward the poles compared to normal controls. RS cells have abnormal nuclear morphology and also show a higher frequency of micronucleation than normal cells, presumably as a result of the abnormal mitotic events during anaphase. Therefore, RS has been interpreted as a human mitotic mutation syndrome which leads to secondary developmental defects. This report reviews 100 cases of RS, summarizes the phenotypic, genetic, cytogenetic, and cell biology findings in Roberts syndrome, and introduces the RS Rating for quantitating severity.
Fuzzy logic peak current-mode control for dc-dc converters using an inexpensive 8-bit microcontroller

Described in this paper are the design and implementation of a microcontroller-based fuzzy logic peak current-mode controller (PCMC) for dc-dc converters. A fuzzy logic PCMC boost converter operating in the continuous conduction mode has been designed using an 8-bit microcontroller. A one-chip solution has been achieved. No complex algorithm is required to estimate the controlled current by using the on-board peripherals of the microcontroller. The fuzzy logic algorithm uses a rule-based description of converter operation. By using rule-based look-up tables and other techniques, the fuzzy logic algorithm is implemented on the low-cost microcontroller successfully. Experimental results indicate successful operation of the microcontroller-based fuzzy logic PCMC power converter system.
Adolescence, race, and ethnicity on the Internet: A comparison of discourse in monitored vs. unmonitored chat rooms

Scholars have argued that the Internet could bring about the realization of an electronic global village, with no race, gender, infirmities, or the social problems that often accompany these physical indicators of difference. In this study, we explored this issue by conducting content and discourse analyses of online conversations about race and ethnicity in teen chat rooms. A key focus of our research was to compare the racial and ethnic discourse in monitored vs. unmonitored teen chat rooms. Contrary to the claims of Internet scholars, we found that race and ethnicity were frequently mentioned in teen chat: 37 out of 38 half-hour transcripts had at least one racial or ethnic utterance. While most references had a neutral or positive valence in both monitored and unmonitored chat rooms, chat participants, nonetheless, had a 19% chance of being exposed to negative remarks about a racial or ethnic group (potentially their own) in monitored chat and a 59% chance in unmonitored chat. Statistical analysis indicated that racial or ethnic slurs were significantly more frequent in the unmonitored than in the monitored chat rooms. These findings suggest that, in the absence of social controls, such as a monitor, negative intergroup attitudes can surface. The implication is that more attention needs to be paid to reducing prejudice in both online and offline contexts.
Hydroperoxide-mediated CC bond formation: Synthesis of 1,2-dioxolanes from alkoxyhydroperoxides in the presence of Lewis acids

Abstract Lewis-acid activation of ozonolysis-derived hydroperoxyketals affords intermediate hydroperoxycarbenium ions (protonated carbonyl oxides) which undergo addition of allyltrimethylsilane to directly afford 1,2-dioxolanes.
Tongue and tonsil carcinoma : Increasing trends in the U.S. population ages 20-44 years

BACKGROUND An increasing incidence of oral carcinoma among young adults has been reported in the U.S. and Europe. Although the association between human papillomavirus infection and tonsillar carcinoma is now well established, to the authors' knowledge little is known about incidence trends in tonsillar carcinoma among younger adults. The objective of the current study was to explore the trends in both oral cavity and pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in younger U.S. populations, in particular tongue and tonsillar SCC. METHODS Using the 1973–2001 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, we computed age, race, and site-specific trends of oral and pharyngeal (excluding nasopharynx) carcinoma incidence rates. The percent change (PC) and annual percent change (APC) were computed to explore trends in incidence rates over time. RESULTS There were 2262 SCC of the oral cavity and 1251 SCC of the pharynx reported to the SEER program from 1973 to 2001 in adults aged 20–44 years. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of oral tongue SCC (APC = +2.1; P < 0.001), base of tongue SCC (APC = +1.7; P = 0.04), and palatine tonsil SCC (APC = +3.9; P < 0.001) among younger white individuals, whereas the incidence of SCC in all other oral and pharyngeal sites decreased or remained constant. CONCLUSIONS The increase in tonsil SCC incidence from 1973 to 2001 paralleled the increase in tongue SCC, whereas SCC in all other oral and pharyngeal sites remained constant or decreased. This may suggest similar etiologic factors for SCC affecting the palatine tonsils and tongue in younger populations. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
SeismoSpin: a physical instrument for digital data

SeismoSpin is a novel interactive instrument that uses a Disc-Jockey-mixer analogy to give seismologists a quick and powerful way to explore Northern California earthquake data. The custom-built interface and display maps earthquake data to responsive, user-determined windows of time and geographical areas. Testers (seismologists) found that SeismoSpin provided a greater control and understanding of the dataset than current tools.
Granzyme A Activates an Endoplasmic Reticulum-associated Caspase-independent Nuclease to Induce Single-stranded DNA Nicks

The cytotoxic T lymphocyte protease granzyme A (GzmA) initiates a novel caspase-independent cell death pathway characterized by single-stranded DNA nicking. The previously identified GzmA substrate SET is in a multimeric 270–420-kDa endoplasmic reticulum-associated complex that also contains the tumor suppressor protein pp32. GzmA cleaved the nucleosome assembly protein SET after Lys176 and disrupted its nucleosome assembly activity. The purified SET complex required only GzmA to reconstitute single-stranded DNA nicking in isolated nuclei. DNA nicking occurred independently of caspase activation. The SET complex contains a 25-kDa Mg2+-dependent nuclease that degrades calf thymus DNA and plasmid DNA. Thus, GzmA activates a DNase (GzmA-activated DNase) within the SET complex to produce a novel form of DNA damage during cytotoxic T lymphocyte-mediated death.
Maternity policy and practice during surgery residency: how we do it.

Abstract Background. Pregnancy during general surgery residency has traditionally been discouraged. Methods. In 2001, using an approved protocol, we anonymously surveyed 25 residents (PGY3 level or greater) concerning their experiences working with each other during episodes of resident pregnancy and maternity leave. Results. From 1995 to 2001, 13 of 59 residents in general surgery were female (22%). While training, 6 of 13 residents reported 8 pregnancies with 2 miscarriages. Five residents (39%) gave birth to 6 children and adopted 1 child. Residents worked until the day of term delivery in 5 of 6 cases; 1 pregnancy was complicated by placental abruption at 33 weeks. Residents were off work postpartum for a median of 6 weeks (range 2-6). Nursing was universal for ≥ 3 months but at-work problems with privacy and stress were frequent. On survey, all resident mothers believed they had been treated very fairly, and 94% of surveyed male peers stated that the coworker's status had no effect or a positive effect on their own work life. Fatherhood was reported to occur during residency by 42% of male respondents. Conclusions. Parenthood during residency is frequent. The complexities of resident maternity can be handled with mutual safety, equity, and satisfaction by the residents and faculty of a surgical training program. (Surgery 2002;132:682-8).
Anxiously seeking answers: how attitude affects search performance

This study analyzes the effects of attitudes and experience on the search process. Ninety-seven participants sought answers to six information requests by conducting searches in a controlled Web environment. Our findings show that computer anxiety had a negative effect on the participants' search performance, their confidence in the correctness of their answers, and their satisfaction with the search process, and a positive effect on the amount of time spent on the search tasks. The participants' perceptions of their ability to perform search tasks and their prior search experience were both highly correlated with confidence, but ultimately were irrelevant to their actual performance. These findings, coupled with results from earlier studies, highlight the need for search interfaces that reduce anxiety by supporting users throughout the search process.
OXIDATION OF SILICON: TESTS OF MECHANISMS

Oxidation thicknesses for silicon in oxygen above 1100°C and for certain silicides are proportional to square root time (parabolic kinetics). The absolute value and temperature dependence of these results match closely with measurements of the permeation of molecular oxygen through bulk amorphous silica. Deviations from parabolic kinetics are accompanied by a decrease in the parabolic growth coefficient. No evidence for surface reactions influencing kinetics is found. A model involving strain in the oxide layer can account for the deviations from parabolic kinetics and the decrease in oxygen permeation through the oxide.
Interleukin-11 attenuates pulmonary inflammation and vasomotor dysfunction in endotoxin-induced lung injury

Interleukin (IL)-11, like other members of the gp130 receptor class, possesses anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that IL-11 pretreatment would attenuate endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (L...
The Influence of Coagulation Variables on the Structure and Physical Properties of an Acrylic Fiber

During the coagulation step in the wet spinning process, a concentrated, highly viscous polymer solution is transformed into protofibers which require further processing before they acquire textile fiber properties. The structure of these protofibers is strongly influenced by coagulation conditions, and this structure, in turn, influences the extent to which desirable properties can be developed in the finished product.In this study, the effect of several coagulation variables on the structure of protofibers preserved by freeze drying has been determined and related to the further processability and final properties of the fibers.Coagulation temperature, coagulation bath composition, extrusion rate, and take-up rate are shown to influence the cross-sectional shape, initial density, and void structure of the protofibers. Higher initial fiber density and more homogeneous internal structure permit the development of higher strength at lower stretches, higher elongation at a given strength level, high maximum...
Fourth-order perturbative model for photoinduced internal conversion processes.

Essential to the functionality of numerous biological and synthetic molecular systems is the ability to rapidly convert electronic excitation energy into heat. Such internal conversion (IC) transitions often cannot be described by traditional second-order kinetic theories because of time-coincident electronic and nuclear relaxation processes. Here, we present a perturbative fourth-order phenomenological model for photoinduced IC that incorporates effects associated with finite laser bandwidths and nonequilibrium nuclear motions. Specialized knowledge of first-principles computational methods is not required, and many parameters can be obtained with standard spectroscopic measurements. The model is applied to the IC processes that precede electrocyclic ring-opening in α-terpinene. It is shown that the primary factor governing the shape of the population decay profile (Gaussian versus exponential) is the rate at which the wavepacket approaches the geometry corresponding to degeneracy between the excited sta...
Low-noise, Low-dark-current GaN Diodes for UV Detectors

We report mesa-isolated Schottky barrier photodetectors fabricated on n -GaN. Single-element detectors were constructed from nitride epilayers grown by gas source molecular beam epitaxy (GSMBE) on Si(111). Chlorine-based reactive ion etching was used to form two-level mesas. The detectors were front-illuminated through 100 A Pd semitransparent Schottky contacts on the upper mesas; ohmic contact on the lower mesas was made using standard Ti/Al/Ti/Au metallurgy. Silicon dioxide grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition provided both surface passivation and electrical isolation. The dark current of an 86 × 86 µm 2 single-element detector is 2.10 × 10 −8 A/cm 2 at –2 V bias, and the zero-bias noise power density at 1Hz is as low as 9 × 10 −29 A 2 /Hz. In addition, we present preliminary results for p-n diodes fabricated from epilayers grown on sapphire. The dark current of a 50 × 50 µm 2 single-element detector is 1.6 × 10 −6 A/cm 2 at –2 V bias.
The Effect of Particles Size on the Thermal Conductivity of Polymer Nanocomposite

The variation in thermal conductivity of polymer nanocomposite with different particle sizes and volume fractions have been investigated. Particle reinforced nano-composites with two different particle sizes and the volume ratio of each size ranging from 0 to 50 % is considered. The test is conducted using a unidirectional/linear heat transfer device that has six thermocouples to monitor the temperature flow through and across the cross section of the specimen. In addition, based on Lewis-Nielson and modified effective medium approximation, a three phase analytical model is proposed to determine the thermal conductivity of different nanocomposites. It is observed that the thermal conductivity linearly increases as the volume fraction of the particles increases. On the other hand, though the particle size has an effect on the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposites, the effect is minimal compared with the volume fraction. The analytical model has been applied to different batches of specimens, and the results from the experiment and analytical model are compared.
Services Science: Filling the Gap between Knowledge and Needs

Governments, Universities, Industry and Society all work with the aim of creating a better world by undertaking initiatives to solve problems and improve our way of living. The role of Service Science is essential in this process as an introducer of knowledge through theoretical and practical investigation that allows new, better, more effective and lower cost service solutions. We focus on the fact that very often in innovation we are aware of the problem or the need, we might even know the solution, but we miss the insights to create an effective, on time and, very specially, sustainable solution. This paper underlines the importance of this field, and the mission of Service Science in developing it. We introduce insights and describe the elements to be considered for innovation to take place from a service perspective and we recall the need to develop and disseminate this knowledge under the framework of Service Science.
The Evolution of the Algorithms for Collective Behavior

Collective behavior is the outcome of a network of local interactions. Here, I consider collective behavior as the result of algorithms that have evolved to operate in response to a particular environment and physiological context. I discuss how algorithms are shaped by the costs of operating under the constraints that the environment imposes, the extent to which the environment is stable, and the distribution, in space and time, of resources. I suggest that a focus on the dynamics of the environment may provide new hypotheses for elucidating the algorithms that produce the collective behavior of cellular systems.
BMI loci and longitudinal BMI from adolescence to young adulthood in an ethnically diverse cohort

BMI loci and longitudinal BMI from adolescence to young adulthood in an ethnically diverse cohort
Cognitive Differences between Men and Women who Fracture their Hip and Impact on Six-Month Survival.

Objectives There is limited research in cognition and its relationship to mortality after hip fracture among men compared to women. Therefore, the goals of this study were to: (1) compare men and women who fractured their hip on cognition after hospital discharge, and (2) examine the impact of cognition on the differential risk of 6-month mortality between men and women post fracture. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Eight hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants Frequency matched 168 male and 171 female hip fracture patients, ages 65 or older, living in the community before fracture. Measurements Cognition assed by Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MS, and derived MMSE score), Hooper Visual Organization test (HVOT), and Trail-making test (Trails A & B) within 22 days of hospital admission, and 6-month mortality. Results Men had more impaired cognitive scores on 3MS, MMSE, HVOT, and Trails A (P < .05) at baseline. These statistically significant differences between men and women remained on MMSE and HVOT after controlling for pre-fracture dementia, in-hospital delirium, age, education, race, and comorbidity. Men had higher 6-month mortality rates (HR = 4.4, P < .001). Cognitive measures were also significantly associated with mortality, including 3MS, HVOT, and Trails B. Among the cognitive measures, higher 3MS was most protective for mortality (HR = 0.98, P < .001), both unadjusted and adjusted for other cognitive scales, comorbidity, delirium, and pre-existing dementia. The highest mortality was among men with 3MS<78, with 26.3% dying within 6 months. The effects of cognition on mortality did not differ by sex. Conclusion Men display greater levels of cognitive impairment within the first 22 days of hip fracture than women, and cognitive limitations increase the risk of mortality in both men and women.
Structural Optimization of Linearly Elastic Structures Using the Homogenization Method

There are three major structural optimization problems of a linearly elastic structure; namely, 1) sizing, 2) shape, and 3) layout(topology) optimization problems. The characteristics of these problems can be summarized as follows:
The Third Movement of the Soul: Toward Transcending

In the second movement, the soul (having established a personal reflection) undertakes to control its destiny, to discover the very meaning of its existence, to discover its own route away from the roads of finitude. In sum, the soul lays the groundwork for the life of the spirit. As the soul disavows the liaison with its contingent mold and withdraws adhesion to its own empirical actions, it, nonetheless, does not vanish. But at the moment when the soul turns around on itself with a pressing desire to discover the meaning of finitude (and is no longer supported and immobilized by the firmness of the emotive and sensory circuit), the soul finds itself again suspended in the void. All links broken, the network of its sensory orientations dissolved, the soul enters into unparalleled vibration. Strange and significant development! The vivacity, the extreme intensity of the soul, is liberated as soon as its adhesion to empirical functioning dissolves. Reacting suddenly at the least occasion, the soul discovers itself thrown into a strange milieu: the universe which was until then familiar looms all of a sudden in its infinite dimensions. The universe becomes an unfathomable labyrinth which at each step presents enigmas we absolutely must resolve, far-off and hidden significations that we definitely must follow, secret meanings that demand unravelling.
A novel framework for evaluating the performance of codon usage bias metrics

The unequal utilization of synonymous codons affects numerous cellular processes including translation rates, protein folding and mRNA degradation. In order to understand the biological impact of variable codon usage bias (CUB) between genes and genomes, it is crucial to be able to accurately measure CUB for a given sequence. A large number of metrics have been developed for this purpose, but there is currently no way of systematically testing the accuracy of individual metrics or knowing whether metrics provide consistent results. This lack of standardization can result in false-positive and false-negative findings if underpowered or inaccurate metrics are applied as tools for discovery. Here, we show that the choice of CUB metric impacts both the significance and measured effect sizes in numerous empirical datasets, raising questions about the generality of findings in published research. To bring about standardization, we developed a novel method to create synthetic protein-coding DNA sequences according to different models of codon usage. We use these benchmark sequences to identify the most accurate and robust metrics with regard to sequence length, GC content and amino acid heterogeneity. Finally, we show how our benchmark can aid the development of new metrics by providing feedback on its performance compared to the state of the art.
Revised model of strain in ceria-zirconia-encapsulated precious-metal particles

A previously proposed model of strain in ceria–zirconia-encapsulated precious-metal particles is revised to reflect several new observations: encapsulation of unstrained Pt particles, quantitative relation between partial reduction and the change in ceria–zirconia cell parameters, temperature/time dependence of strain relaxation/imposition in encapsulated Pd and Rh particles, and strained PdO. According to the revised model, the main cause of strain is partial oxidation of the precious metal (rather than the change in oxygen content of ceria–zirconia, as originally suggested).
Argillic Horizon Formation in late Wisconsinan Eolian Materials in Southwest Colorado, U.S.A

Abstract Argillic horizons with reddish hues were studied in Haplargids and Argiborolls across an elevation transect. The eolian parent materials were deposited in two, or more episodes. The younger deposit, late Wisconsinan, was 14 C dated from a buried musk ox (Symbos cavifrons) at Grass Mesa as beginning about 16,000 ybp. The late Wisconsinan soil at this site and those at lower elevations have illuviation argillans coating and bridging sand grains. Maximum clay content of the late Wisconsinan soil at Grass Mesa is 22% vs. 13% in the eolian parent material. In the bisequal Monticello pedon above Grass Mesa, the late Wisconsinan argillic horizon has common illuviation argillans in channels and voids. In higher upper parts of the transect where the deposits are thin and clay contents reach 35%, plasmic fabrics in the argillic horizons have vosepic, masepic, and skelsepic areas. In the late Wisconsinan soils, depth to carbonate corresponds to the average annual maximum depth of wetting suggesting that these soils could have formed in a climate much like that of today's.
IL-17 and limits of success

Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that protects a host against fungal and extracellular bacterial infections. On the other hand, excessive or dysregulated production of IL-17 underlines susceptibility to autoimmune disease. Consequently, blocking IL-17 has become an effective strategy for modulating several autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Notably, however, IL-17 blockade remains ineffective or even pathogenic against important autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Furthermore, the efficacy of IL-17 blockade against other autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes (T1D) is currently unknown and waiting results of ongoing clinical trials. Coming years will determine whether the efficacy of IL-17 blockade is limited to certain autoimmune diseases or can be expanded to other autoimmune diseases. These efforts include new clinical trials aimed at testing second-generation agents with the goal of increasing the efficiency, spectrum, and ameliorating side effects of IL-17 blockade. Here we briefly review the roles of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of selected autoimmune diseases and provide updates on ongoing and recently completed trials of IL-17 based immunotherapies.
Ventricular Septal Defect

Ventricular septal defects are among the most common congenital heart entities in early childhood with an incidence of about 1 per 250–300 live births. Two-thirds close spontaneously by early school age or are repaired in childhood; therefore, the prevalence is much lower in adults. This chapter discusses the various subtypes of ventricular septal defects, the physiology and presentations associated with different sized shunts, and the indications for shunt closure in adults.
Urinary T cells correlate with rate of renal function loss in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Several innate immune response components were recognized as outcome predictors in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and their causative role in disease pathogenesis was confirmed in animal models. In contrast, the role of adaptive immunity in ADPKD remains relatively unexplored. Therefore, we evaluated T cell populations in kidney and urine of ADPKD patients using flow cytometry and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy approaches. These analyses revealed ADPKD-associated overall increases in the number of intrarenal CD4 and CD8 T cells that were associated with a loss of polarity in distribution between the cortex and medulla (higher in medulla vs. cortex in controls). Also, the urinary T cell-based index correlated moderately with renal function decline in a small cohort of ADPKD patients. Together, these data suggest that similar to innate immune responses, T cells participate in ADPKD pathogenesis. They also point to urinary T cells as a novel candidate marker of the disease activity in ADPKD.
Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage Following Pirfenidone Initiation

IntroductionDiffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is bleeding into the alveolar space of the lungs. Pirfenidone is an antifibrotic agent that is approved for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibro...
Isotropic polar solids for conformal transformation elasticity and cloaking

Abstract The paper initiates a constitutive theory of isotropic linear elastic solids where Cauchy’s stress tensor is not necessarily symmetric thus earning them the attribute “polar”. Mainly, expressions for the fourth-order elasticity tensors of isotropic polar solids in two and three space dimensions are derived. It is found that the constitutive tensors feature, in addition to the usual bulk and shear moduli, one extra independent elastic constant in 3D, and two extra constants in 2D. In the latter case, the new constants quantify to which degree stress and mirror symmetries are broken. Indeed, it turns out that in 2D, stress asymmetry enables isotropic yet chiral behaviors and the interplay between chirality and polarity is subsequently investigated. To motivate the theory, it is shown that 2D isotropic polar solids naturally arise in the application of the transformation method when the background medium is isotropic and when the underlying spatial transformation is conformal (i.e., angle-preserving). Accordingly, isotropic polar solids, in conjunction with conformal transformations, can simplify the design of invisibility cloaks and other wave-steering devices by circumventing the need for anisotropic behaviors. As a demonstration, a conformal carpet cloak is designed out of graded hexachiral lattices and numerically tested. The cloaking performance is shown to be satisfactory over a range of pressure-shear coupled dynamic loadings.
Social context influences sensorimotor gating in female African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni.

Abstract Disruption in prepulse inhibition (PPI), a sensorimotor gating phenomenon found in many species, has been associated with various psychiatric disorders in humans. Social defeat has been identified as a mediator of naturally evoked reductions of PPI in African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni where males reversibly alter social status and their sensorimotor gating abilities. Here we investigated A. burtoni females, which establish a male-like social hierarchy with dominant (DOM) and subordinate (SUB) individuals when housed in communities without males. We asked if DOM and SUB females demonstrate socially induced PPI differences comparable to their male DOM and SUB counterparts. Results suggest that social defeat reduced PPI in SUB females as compared to DOM females (p = 0.033) and mixed-sex community female controls (p = 0.017). However, socially defeated females in same-sex communities remained proactive when engaging in antagonistic behaviors, which appears beneficial in avoiding substantial reductions in PPI as seen in reactive, socially defeated males. In open field swimming tests, SUB females exhibited increased anxiety-related behavior (thigmotaxis) as compared to females from mixed-sex communities (COM). Taken together, our results emphasize social defeat is a reliable modulator of PPI independent of sex, and anxiety related to social defeat might be a factor in mediating PPI plasticity.
[Formula: see text]Survey research in neuropsychology: A systematic review.

Objective: This systematic review paper summarizes the research in neuropsychology using survey methodology, tallies key design features of published survey studies, and evaluates the degree to whi...
Incidence of second malignancies in individuals diagnosed with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors

The incidence of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) is low in the general population, although individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type I (NF1) are particularly susceptible. These tumors generally have a high probability of metastasis. The rate and types of second malignancies (SMNs) after a primary diagnosis of MPNST are not well characterized. We aimed to quantify the rate of SMNs among individuals with a first primary MPNST using population-based data. We estimated age-standardized incidence rates (SIRs) for SMNs among 1,579 primary MPNST cases between ages 0–85+ using SEER 18 (2000–2015). We estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for SMNs in MPNST cases compared with general population rates. We conducted sex-stratified and age-restricted analyses (< 30 years at diagnosis). Seven percent (108/1579) of MPNST cases developed a SMN (SIR of 4635 cases/million). Compared to the general population, MPNST cases were more likely to develop SMNs (IRR: 29.3; 95% CI 23.8–34.8) and had a much higher rate of second MPNSTs (IRR: 15,992.9; 95% CI 9594.5–22,391.3). Aside from a second MPNST, second cancers were frequently diagnosed in the breast, lung, skin, and soft tissue in females and were myeloid and skin malignancies in males. When restricted to < 30 years of age, second MPNSTs were the most common cancers diagnosed. The rate of SMNs among MPNST cases is tremendously higher than that observed among individuals with other cancers, particularly for second MPNSTs. These findings suggest rates of SMNs may also be higher in NF1 individuals.
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on muscle atrophy and muscle fiber composition in quadriceps muscles of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease rats

Objective To investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)on muscle atrophy and muscle fiber type conversion in quadriceps muscles of rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Methods Forty-eight male SPF Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: the healthy control group, COPD model group and NMES treatment group, with sixteen rats in each group.Rats in the NMES treatment group were given alternating electrical stimulation at 100 Hz and 2 Hz, with each stimulation time of 30 min, 7 days per week, for 4 weeks.The control group and the COPD model group were only treated with electrode sheets.After the intervention, the endurance running distance measurement, the pathological changes of rat quadriceps muscle detected by HE staining, the mRNA and protein content of MSTN, MyHC(Myosin Heavy Chain)-Ⅰ, MyHC-Ⅱa and MyHC-Ⅱx in quadriceps muscles determined by Realtime PCR and Western Blot were performed. Results Compared with the healthy control group, the cross-sectional area, endurance running distance and MyHC-Ⅰ mRNA and protein expressions in the quadriceps muscles were decreased[(654.7±53.7) μm2vs.(1079.8±117.2) μm2, (396.7±42.4) m vs.(607.4±56.3) m, 0.407±0.054 vs.0.997±0.069, 0.884±0.102 vs.1.723±0.156, t=4.642, 3.785, 24.723 and 18.640, P=0.008, 0.033, 0.000 and 0.000, respectively], while MSTN, MyHC-Ⅱa and MyHC-Ⅱx mRNA and protein expressions were increased in the COPD model group(all P<0.01). Compared with COPD model, the cross-sectional area(997.5±92.4 μm2), endurance running distance(597.2±65.8 m)and the expression levels of MyHC-ⅠmRNA(0.884±0.097)and protein(1.534±0.182)in the quadriceps muscles were increased(t=3.734, 3.602, 19.988 and 13.666, P=0.035, 0.043, 0.000, 0.000), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of MSTN, MyHC-Ⅱa and MyHC-Ⅱx were decreased in the NMES treatment group(all P<0.01). Further correlation analysis found that the protein expression of MSTN in the quadriceps muscles was negatively correlated with muscle cross-sectional area, MyHC-Ⅰprotein levels and endurance running distance(r=-0.724, -0.426 and -0.536, P=0.002, 0.036 and 0.007, respectively), and positively correlated with the protein expressions of MyHC-Ⅱa and MyHC-Ⅱx(r=0.408 and 0.392, P=0.042 and 0.048). Conclusions The expression of MSTN is increased in quadriceps muscle of COPD rats, and NMES can inhibit the expression of MSTN in quadriceps muscles.MSTN is associated with muscle atrophy and muscle fiber conversion in COPD.Inhibition of MSTN expression can improve muscle atrophy and reverse muscle fiber transformation. Key words: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Electric stimulation therapy; Muscular disorders, atrophic
A Gut Feeling about Dopamine

In this issue of Neuron, Fernandes et al. (2020) compare intra-gastric sugar and non-caloric sweetener to investigate how post-ingestive effects can be reinforcing, revealing a role for the hepatic vagus nerve in transforming sugar sensing by the gut into behavioral reinforcement via midbrain dopamine neuron responses.