cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Neonatal Orchiopexy Upon the Testis in Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome

We report on a patient with persistent mullerian duct syndrome and normal external genitalia who had embryonal cancer of the testis 16 years after neonatal bilateral orchiopexy. In previous cases the testes of these patients have not been considered predisposed to form tumors. However, the occurrence of a testis tumor has been reported in 8 patients with this syndrome. The specific factors resulting in tumor formation in such patients are uncertain. Until they are clarified we suggest that these patients should be observed carefully for the possible development of testis tumor.
Abstract 3285: HTLV-1 viral oncogene Hbz induces leukemia with osteolytic bone involvement in mice

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) develops in a subset of patients infected with the HTLV-1 virus. Most ATL patients become refractory to chemotherapy and have a median survival time of 6 months. Although uncommon in hematologic malignancies, 80% of ATL patients develop osteolytic lesions and hypercalcemia of malignancy. Bone resident and metastatic tumors release paracrine factors that modulate the bone microenvironment to facilitate disease progression and decrease survival. HTLV-1 encodes 2 viral oncogenes, Tax and Hbz. Tax is critical to ATL development and regulates tumor growth and proliferation in part through trans-activation of NFκB and CREB. We have previously shown Tax expression driven by the Granzymbe B promoter is sufficient for the development of leukemia/lymphoma with osteolytic lesions and hypercalcemia. We and others have shown that Tax alters the expression of paracrine factors that modulate the bone microenvironment through effects on bone forming osteoblasts (OB) and bone resorping osteoclasts (OC). Tax is expressed in early lymphocyte transformation with low expression in advanced ATL. HBZ is expressed early in lymphocyte transformation and throughout ATL progression. We hypothesize that in ATL cells, HTLV-1 viral oncogenes Tax and Hbz cooperate to modulate bone metabolism in a paracrine manner to enhance ATL tumor growth and progression. Mice with Granzyme B driven Hbz expression (T and NK cells) develop leukemia/lymphoproliferative disease in lymph nodes correlating with increased spleen weight. We found that lymphoproliferative disease is also present in the bone marrow. Hbz mice have decreased trabecular bone at 18 months by microCT and radiographic analysis. These data suggest Hbz can alter bone metabolism. Future studies will define the effects of Hbz on bone formation, OB and OC specific effects and tumor progression. Understanding HTLV-1 oncogene modulation of the bone microenvironment will uncover critical pathways in tumor/bone cross talk enabling the development of novel targeted therapies for ATL patients. Citation Format: Alison Esser, Dan Rauch, Jingyu Xiang, John Harding, Nicole Kohart, Patrick Green, Stefan Niewiesk, Thomas Rosol, Lee Ratner, Katherine Weilbaecher. HTLV-1 viral oncogene Hbz induces leukemia with osteolytic bone involvement in mice. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 3285.
Cobalt-Catalyzed C(sp2)-H Borylation: Mechanistic Insights Inspire Catalyst Design

A comprehensive study into the mechanism of bis(phosphino)pyridine (PNP) cobalt-catalyzed C–H borylation of 2,6-lutidine using B2Pin2 (Pin = pinacolate) has been conducted. The experimentally observed rate law, deuterium kinetic isotope effects, and identification of the catalyst resting state support turnover limiting C–H activation from a fully characterized cobalt(I) boryl intermediate. Monitoring the catalytic reaction as a function of time revealed that borylation of the 4-position of the pincer in the cobalt catalyst was faster than arene borylation. Cyclic voltammetry established the electron withdrawing influence of 4-BPin, which slows the rate of C–H oxidative addition and hence overall catalytic turnover. This mechanistic insight inspired the next generation of 4-substituted PNP cobalt catalysts with electron donating and sterically blocking methyl and pyrrolidinyl substituents that exhibited increased activity for the C–H borylation of unactivated arenes. The rationally designed catalysts promo...
Headache Characteristics with Brain Tumors

The incidence and clinical features of headache in 60 children, aged 5 to 18 years, with brain tumors were determined and compared to the pattern of primary headaches in 50 children (migraine without aura (25) and tension-type headaches (25)), in a study at the University of Padua, Italy.
Shellrot control in western redcedar: potential replacements for pentachlorophenol spray

16 chemicals or formulations, 15 of which were water-soluble solutions or water-dispersible emulsions, were evaluated as potential substitutes for pentachlorophenol in diesel oil, which is sprayed on untreated western redcedar poles in service to control sapwood decay. Appraisals were made through trials on wood blocks treated in the laboratory and on poles treated in the field. Quantitative comparisons were made by determining weight losses among treated and untreated blocks exposed to a decay fungus and by Aspergillus bioassays. Several waterborne formulations were promising. -- AATA
Replacing American snacks with tree nuts increases consumption of key nutrients among US children and adults: results of an NHANES modeling study

Replacing typical American snacks with tree nuts may be an effective way to improve diet quality and compliance with the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). To assess and quantify the impact of replacing typical snacks with composite tree nuts or almonds on diet metrics, including empty calories (i.e., added sugars and solid fats), individual fatty acids, macronutrients, nutrients of public health concern, including sodium, fiber and potassium, and summary measures of diet quality. Food pattern modeling was implemented in the nationally representative 2009–2012 National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) in a population of 17,444 children and adults. All between-meal snacks, excluding beverages, were replaced on a per calorie basis with a weighted tree nut composite, reflecting consumption patterns in the population. Model 1 replaced all snacks with tree nuts, while Model 2 exempted whole fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains (>50% of total grain content). Additional analyses were conducted using almonds only. Outcomes of interest were empty calories (i.e., solid fats and added sugars), saturated and mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, protein, sodium, potassium and magnesium. The Healthy Eating Index-2010, which measures adherence to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, was used as a summary measure of diet quality. Compared to observed diets, modeled food patterns were significantly lower in empty calories (−20.1% and −18.7% in Model 1 and Model 2, respectively), added sugars (−17.8% and −16.9%), solid fats (−21.0% and −19.3%), saturated fat (−6.6% and −7.1%)., and sodium (−12.3% and −11.2%). Modeled patterns were higher in oils (65.3% and 55.2%), monounsaturated (35.4% and 26.9%) and polyunsaturated fats (42.0% and 35.7%), plant omega 3 s (53.1% and 44.7%), dietary fiber (11.1% and 14.8%), and magnesium (29.9% and 27.0%), and were modestly higher in potassium (1.5% and 2.9%). HEI-2010 scores were significantly higher in Model 1 (67.8) and in Model 2 (69.7) compared to observed diets (58.5). Replacing snacks with almonds only produced similar results; the decrease in sodium was more modest and no increase in plant omega-3 fats was observed. Replacing between-meal snacks with tree nuts or almonds led to more nutrient-rich diets that were lower in empty calories and sodium and had more favorable fatty acid profiles. Food pattern modeling using NHANES data can be used to assess the likely nutritional impact of dietary guidance.
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder predict cannabis misuse.

Abstract Introduction Cannabis use has been linked to many psychological disorders. There is, however, a paucity of research investigating the link between cannabis use and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The present study sought to examine this link by exploring associations between severity of OCD symptoms, cannabis use, and cannabis misuse; determining whether these associations exist above and beyond symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress; and testing the mediating role of cannabis coping motives (i.e., using cannabis to cope with negative affect and other problems). Methods A large sample of young adult cannabis users ( n = 430) completed an online survey containing measures of OCD symptoms, cannabis use, cannabis misuse, and cannabis use motives. Results Severity of OCD (as indexed by higher scores on the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised) was unrelated to frequency and quantity of cannabis use, but it was significantly, positively related to increased cannabis misuse. These effects persisted after controlling for anxiety, depression, and stress. The specific feature of obsessing was found to consistently predict cannabis misuse. Finally, an indirect effect of severity of OCD on cannabis misuse via coping motives was discovered. Conclusions Together, these findings indicate that there may be an association between OCD and cannabis misuse that is independent of anxiety, depression, and stress, and that is mediated by coping motives. Based on these findings, we recommend that individuals with OCD symptoms avoid using cannabis because they may be more vulnerable to the development of problematic use and cannabis use disorder.
Nonlinear reconnecting edge localized modes in current-carrying plasmas

Nonlinear edge localized modes in a tokamak are examined using global three-dimensional resistive magnetohydrodynamics simulations. Coherent current-carrying filament (ribbon-like) structures wrapped around the torus are nonlinearly formed due to nonaxisymmetric reconnecting current sheet instabilities, the so-called peeling-like edge localized modes. These fast growing modes saturate by breaking axisymmetric current layers isolated near the plasma edge and go through repetitive relaxation cycles by expelling current radially outward and relaxing it back. The local bi-directional fluctuation-induced electromotive force (emf) from the edge localized modes, the dynamo action, relaxes the axisymmetric current density and forms current holes near the edge. The three-dimensional coherent current-carrying filament structures (sometimes referred to as 3-D plasmoids) observed here should also have strong implications for solar and astrophysical reconnection.
What Economic Policies Can a Democracy Adopt to Assure We Live in a Prosperous, Civilized Capitalist System?

Reviews the polcies necessary to provide a prosperous economy. Provides historic episodes, such as the Roosevelt “new deal”, the Eienhower large public works policy of prodcing the interstat highway program, etc. to show the success of Keynes’ policies when they are enacted. Then uses Keynes theory to provides policy guidelines for a policy of universal health insurance that will contribute to making thev U.S. a prosperous economic system.
Coordinate regulation of stress signaling and epigenetic events by Acss2 and HIF-2 in cancer cells

Survival of cancer cells in the harsh tumor microenvironment, characterized by oxygen and glucose deprivation, requires rapid initiation of cytoprotective measures. Metabolites whose levels change during stress are ideal signaling cues, particularly if used in post-translational modifications of stress-responsive signal transducers. In cancer cells exposed to oxygen or glucose deprivation, there is an increase in cellular levels of acetate, a substrate for acetate-dependent acetyl CoA synthetase 2 (Acss2) that also stimulates translocation of Acss2 from the cytosol to the nucleus. Nuclear, but not cytosolic, Acss2 promotes acetylation of the stress-responsive Hypoxia Inducible Factor 2α (HIF-2α) subunit by the acetyltransferase/coactivator Creb binding protein (Cbp), a process that facilitates stable Cbp/HIF-2α complex formation. In addition to promoting de novo transcription, Cbp and HIF-2α act in concert to regulate local histone 3 epigenetic marks. Exogenous acetate augments Acss2/HIF-2 dependent cancer growth and metastasis in cell culture and mouse models. Thus, an acetate switch in mammals links nutrient intake and stress signaling with tumor growth and metastasis.
Generalized cluster aggregation

Clustering aggregation has emerged as an important extension of the classical clustering problem. It refers to the situation in which a number of different (input) clusterings have been obtained for a particular data set and it is desired to aggregate those clustering results to get a better clustering solution. In this paper, we propose a unified framework to solve the clustering aggregation problem, where the aggregated clustering result is obtained by minimizing the (weighted) sum of the Bregman divergence between it and all the input clusterings. Moreover, under our algorithm framework, we also propose a novel cluster aggregation problem where some must-link and cannot-link constraints are given in addition to the input clusterings. Finally the experimental results on some real world data sets are presented to show the effectiveness of our method.
Reading Mexican Mestizaje and Carlos Fuentes Through Bourdieu

This chapter uses the foundation of Bourdieu’s sociology of culture and specifically the concepts of habitus, illusio, autonomy, and literary field to study the impact of Carlos Fuentes on Mexican literature in the second half of the twentieth century. It also argues for the importance of a sociological approach to the study of literature, which makes it possible to treat the writings not as isolated works of genius but as part of a cultural practice. Regarding Fuentes and the post-revolutionary state, the chapter focuses on the idea of “Mexicanness” and how the biopolitics of the concept was deeply ingrained in the construction of a modern state. Illusio, Bourdieu’s concept, is here applied to think about the state outside of the conceptual framework that the state itself creates in order to exist and be able to “invent a sense of community and belonging”.
Molecular weight and organization of cellulose at different stages of cotton fiber development

There is a continuous change in cell wall composition and organization during cotton fiber development. Cotton fiber strength correlates to the molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distributi...
Intergovernmental policy makes transnational politics? The unusually transnational politics of TTIP

AbstractWhen the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations were underway, its politics were distinctively transnational. Numerous alliances between European and American industry associations advocated an ambitious agreement to mitigate the effects of conflicting rules. Some civic interest groups also closely cooperated to shape the agreement, while a broad, loose transatlantic coalition of civic interest groups opposed it. The extent of transnationalism in TTIP was greater than what had come before in the transatlantic relationship and what is evident in contemporaneous analogous trade negotiations. This article argues that while the salience of a trade negotiation affects whether societal actors mobilize, it is not sufficient to prompt transnational cooperation. Rather transnational cooperation stems primarily from what the actors are seeking to achieve and whether they have a motive and opportunity to work together. By clarifying the conditions under which transnational coopera...
Edge contraction in persistence-generated discrete Morse vector fields

Abstract Recently, discrete Morse vector fields have been shown to be useful in various applications. Analogous to the simplification of large meshes using edge contractions, one may want to simplify the cell complex K on which a discrete Morse vector field V(K) is defined. To this end, we define a gradient aware edge contraction operator for triangulated 2-manifolds with the following guarantee. If V(K) was generated by a specific persistence-based method, then the vector field that results from our contraction operator is exactly the same as the vector field produced by applying the same persistence-based method to the contracted complex. An implication of this result is that local operations on V(K) are sufficient to produce the persistence-based vector field on the contracted complex. Furthermore, our experiments show that the structure of the vector field is largely preserved by our operator. For example, 1-unstable manifolds remain largely unaffected by the contraction. This suggests that for some applications of discrete Morse theory, it is sufficient to use a contracted complex.
Female Infertility and Free Radicals: Potential Role in Endometriosis and Adhesions

Oxidative stress is widely implicated in various forms of reproduction failure. Postoperative adhesions and endometriosis are the two common conditions associated with female infertility with several similarities in their development and clinical behavior. The pathophysiology of both conditions involves peritoneal surface inflammation, tissue healing, and fibrogenesis, in which alterations in oxidative metabolism appear to be operational. Enhanced free radical generation and/or decreased scavenging have been shown in the endometriosis and postoperative adhesion tissues. Interventions targeting oxidative metabolism for the prevention and treatment of either condition have given mixed results. Studies utilizing contemporary methods may shed further light on the involvement of oxidative stress leading to development of more targeted therapies in these conditions.
Asbestos carcinogenesis: asbestos interactions and epithelial lesions in cultured human tracheobronchial tissues and cells.

Asbestos, the commercial name of minerals that form fibers when crushed, occurs as two groups called serpentine and amphibole. Chrysotile is the fibrous form of serpentine and this white asbestos accounts for over 90% of the world’s usage. Crocidolite, amosite, and anthophyllite are widely used amphiboles. These fibrous varieties are different in both physical and chemical characteristics [13].
SMARC-B1 deficient sinonasal carcinoma metastasis to the brain with next generation sequencing data: a case report of perineural invasion progressing to leptomeningeal invasion

SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinoma (SDSC) is an aggressive subtype of head and neck cancers that has a poor prognosis despite multimodal therapy. We present a unique case with next generation sequencing data of a patient who had SDSC with perineural invasion to the trigeminal nerve that progressed to a brain metastasis and eventually leptomeningeal spread. A 42 year old female presented with facial pain and had resection of a tumor along the V2 division of the trigeminal nerve on the right. She underwent adjuvant stereotactic radiation. She developed further neurological symptoms and imaging demonstrated the tumor had infiltrated into the cavernous sinus as well as intradurally. She had surgical resection for removal of her brain metastasis and decompression of the cavernous sinus. Following her second surgery, she had adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy. Several months later she had quadriparesis and imaging was consistent with leptomeningeal spread. She underwent palliative radiation and ultimately transitioned quickly to comfort care and expired. Overall survival from time of diagnosis was 13 months. Next generation sequencing was carried out on her primary tumor and brain metastasis. The brain metastatic tissue had an increased tumor mutational burden in comparison to the primary. This is the first report of SDSC with perineural invasion progressing to leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. Continued next generation sequencing of the primary and metastatic tissue by clinicians is encouraged toprovide further insights into metastatic progression of rare solid tumors.
Long-term incidence of glioma in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and disparities in postglioma survival rate: A population-based study

Background We assessed glioma incidence and disparities in postglioma survival rate in the Olmsted County, Minnesota, population. Methods This population-based study assessed the incidence of pathologically confirmed primary gliomas between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2014. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence rates per 100 000 person-years were calculated and standardized to the US white 2010 population. We compared incidence trends of glioma during our study period with previously published Olmsted County data from 1950 to 1990. We assessed postglioma survival rates among individuals with different socioeconomic status (SES), which was measured by a validated individual HOUsing-based SES index (HOUSES). Results We identified 135 incident glioma cases (93% white) with 20 pediatric (50% female) and 115 adult cases (44% female). Overall incidence rate during our study period, 5.51 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI: 4.56-6.46), showed no significant changes and was similar to that seen in 1950 to 1990, 5.5 per 100 000 person-years. The incidence of pediatric (age < 20 years) glioma was 2.49 (95% CI: 1.40-3.58), whereas adult glioma incidence was 6.47 (95% CI: 5.26-7.67). Among those with grade II to IV gliomas, individuals with lower SES (< median HOUSES) had significantly lower 5-year survival rates compared to those with higher SES, adjusted hazard ratio 1.61 (95% CI: 1.01-2.85). Conclusion In a well-defined North American population, long-term glioma incidence appears stable since 1950. Significant socioeconomic disparities exist for postglioma survival.
Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diffusion Restriction of the Optic Disc Head a New Marker for Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a headache syndrome due to raised intracranial pressure of unknown etiology. Before making the diagnosis of IIH, secondary causes of raised intracranial pressure must be ruled out. The radiological features associated with this condition have variable sensitivity and specificity. In this case series, we aim to describe a potential new radiological marker of IIH, that is, diffusion restriction, in the optic disc head and propose that this can be a specific finding in the appropriate clinical picture. Importance IIH causes vision loss and disabling daily headaches. The diagnosis of this condition is based on history and physical examination findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to exclude other causes, but specific radiological markers for the diagnosis of IIH are lacking. Observations Five patients presented with the main complaint of headache, which was associated with blurry vision. All of our patients had a formal neuro-ophthalmological evaluation that confirmed the presence of optic disc edema in both eyes. They also underwent an MRI of the brain that showed diffusion restriction in the optic nerve head in either eye or both eyes. Patients underwent lumbar puncture in the lateral decubitus position, which revealed cerebrospinal fluid opening pressures > 25 cm H2O. They all responded well to standard treatments, with the resolution of symptoms in their follow-up appointments. Conclusion and Relevance The MRI diffusion restriction in the optic nerve head may be a reliable noninvasive marker for the diagnosis of IIH in the appropriate clinical picture.
MRI and flortaucipir relationships in Alzheimer's phenotypes are heterogeneous.

Objective To assess the relationships between MRI volumetry and [18 F]flortaucipir PET of typical and atypical clinical phenotypes of Alzheimer's disease, by genarian (age by decade). Methods Five-hundred and sixty-four participants including those with typical (n = 86) or atypical (n = 80) Alzheimer's dementia and normal controls (n = 398) underwent apolipoprotein E genotyping, MRI, flortaucipir, and 11 C-PiB; all 166 Alzheimer's participants were beta-amyloid positive and all controls were beta-amyloid negative. Grey matter volume and flortaucipir standard uptake value ratios were calculated for hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and neocortex. Ratios of hippocampal-to-neocortical and entorhinal-to-neocortical volume and flortaucipir uptake were also calculated. Linear regression models assessed relationships among regional volume, flortaucipir uptake, and ratios and phenotypes, within three genarians (50-59, 60-69, and 70+). Voxel-level analyses were also performed. Results For 50-59 greater medial temporal atrophy and flortaucipir uptake was observed in the typical compared with atypical phenotype. The typical phenotype also showed greater frontal neocortex uptake with the voxel-level analysis. For 60-69 and 70+ there was greater hippocampal volume loss in the typical compared with atypical phenotype while only the 60-69, but not the 70+ group, showed a difference in hippocampal flortaucipir uptake. We also observed a pattern for higher neocortical flortaucipir uptake to correlate with younger age decade for both phenotypes. Interpretation MRI volumetry versus flortaucipir PET relationships differ across Alzheimer's clinical phenotypes, and also within phenotype across age decades. This suggests that there is potential risk of masked effects by not accounting for genarian in participants with beta-amyloid and tau-positive biomarker defined Alzheimer's disease.
a computer system for a multi-instrument materials characterization laboratory

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the results of using an HP-1000 to provide a central automation facility for some of the instrumentation in the Materials Characterization Research Group. The Materials Characterization Research Group at RCA Laboratories operates a central facility to provide expertise and instrumentation for a wide range of analytical techniques. The general approach to all computerization has been to free the analyst from routine instrument operation to permit him or her to concentrate on problem solving. There are several ways to approach the actual computer control of analytic instrumentation. The PDR system to read X-ray powder films is an older home-made system that operates in series with the RS-232 connection of its terminal. It had been in use with a large IBM time-sharing system and the software was transferred to the HP-1000 with little difficulty. The X-ray photoelectron spectrometer required unique interfacing to the computer because it used a 16-bit DAC and needed to have rapid interaction with the computer. The solution was to design and build a microprocessor based system that provided local control, data acquisition, and data storage for the XPS system.
P110 Understanding the Impact of the Opening of a Supermarket on a College Campus on College Students: A Qualitative Study

Background Many college campus areas are food deserts, with limited access to healthy foods. In the Fall of 2018, the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) opened a mix-used development area that includes a full-service grocery store. Little research has focused on the impact of supermarket openings as part of a mixed-used environment. Our team conducted an evaluation of this natural experiment, which included a qualitative study, aiming to understand the impact of this environmental change. Objective Understand the impact of the opening of a supermarket on food shopping experiences and dietary behaviors of college students using focus groups. Study Design, Setting, Participants Six focus groups were conducted with students by a moderator, using open-ended questions and probes. Participants were recruited from the quasi-experimental intervention arm of this study and were at least 18 years old, English-speaking, and a UNCG student living in Spartan Village. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Overall experiences with, and facilitators and barriers to food shopping and healthy eating at the new supermarket. Results Overall, students suggested that the mixed-use residence positively influenced dietary intake. Convenience, small store footprint, ability to use university FLEX card, visible produce, and friendly service were perceived as facilitators of healthy eating and shopping. Prices, food acceptability, small-item sizes, limited variety, insufficient stocking, and lack of cooking equipment/tools were identified barriers. Prices decreased staple food purchases, but also deterred snack food item purchases. Nutrition and food preparation education, along with access to cooking equipment were identified as potential supports. Conclusions Development of mixed-used college residential areas, that includes a full-service grocery store, may present an opportunity to increase access to healthier foods. Consideration of student needs plays a key role in the use of facilities as promoters of dietary intake.
Black Boxes and Multiple Working Hypotheses: Reconstructing the Economy of Early Southwest Hunters

ABSTRACTDeductive models for the reconstruction of the economy of early hunters and gatherers may originate in numerous ways. However, they are most frequently derived from the ethnographic record, less often from large scale systematic bodies of thought such as General Systems Theory or Game Theory. It is argued that models abstracted directly from observations concerning ethnographic hunters and gatherers may or may not have an isomorphic or even homomorphic relation to the prehistoric situation. Both General Systems Theory and Game Theory offer concepts on which to base unbiased hypotheses concerning prehistoric hunters and gatherers. Employing elements of both, it is argued that 1) the modern ethnographic groups represent only a portion of the total range of cross-temporal hunting-gathering adaptation; and 2) it is possible to distinguish within the hunter-gatherer continuum at least two contrastive adaptations, here termed Foragers and Maximal Hunters. Specific examples are taken from the Pleistocene...
Observations on the JWKB treatment of the quadratic barrier

Historically, the “lowest-order” JWKB “parabolic” connection formula between the left and right classically allowed regions for tunneling through a parabolic barrier involved a rather non-JWKB-like square-root \( \sqrt {1 + e^{ - 2\pi \left( { - E} \right)/\hbar } } \) and a non-JWKB phase factor that had been extracted from the asymptotic expansion of the parabolic cylinder function. Generalization to higher order was not obvious. We show how the usual JWKB connection formulas at the linear turning points, combined with matching in a common Stokes region when ħ is complex, lead to the historical formula and its generalization. The limit of real ħ is tricky, because Stokes lines coalesce, and the common Stokes region that joins the two turning points disappears. Certain Stokes lines are thus “doubled,” but which ones depend on the sign of arg ħ → ±0. The square root and phase arise from the Borel sum of the “normalization factors” \( e^{ \pm i\sum\nolimits_{n = 1}^\infty {S_R^{\left( n \right)} \left( \infty \right)\hbar ^{2n - 1} } } \), which as conjectured by Sato are summed by a gamma function. Real ħ is a Stokes line for these factors, causing the Borel sums of a single JWKB wave function even in the classically allowed region to be different for arg ħ → ±0. A proof of Sato’s conjecture is given in an Addendum.
Sites of cone system sensitivity loss in retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: To examine the sites of cone sensitivity loss in patients with retinitis pigmentosa by comparing focal electroretinographic and psychophysical modulation thresholds. METHODS: Both psychophysical and electrophysiologic increment threshold curves were obtained in retinitis pigmentosa patients and a group of age-matched, normally-sighted adults. RESULTS: The majority of the retinitis pigmentosa data could be accounted for by a vertical displacement of the normal curve. The retinitis pigmentosa patients showed similar patterns of cone sensitivity losses using both techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The combined electrophysiologic and psychophysical results provide support for an outer retina locus for these cone sensitivity losses. The data suggest that these deficits may be caused by a spatially independent loss of cone photoreceptors with normal adaptation properties in the remaining photoreceptors.
Structural determination of a cyclic metabolite of NAD+ with intracellular Ca2+-mobilizing activity.

Incubation of NAD+ with extracts from sea urchin eggs resulted in production of a metabolite which could mobilize intracellular Ca2+ stores of the eggs. In this study we present structural evidence indicating that the metabolite is a cyclized ADP-ribose having an N-glycosyl linkage between the anomeric carbon of the terminal ribose unit and the N6-amino group of the adenine moiety. In view of this structure we propose cyclic ADP-ribose as the common name for the metabolite. The purification procedure for the metabolite consisted of deproteinizing the incubated egg extracts and sequentially chromatographing the extracts through three different high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) columns. The homogeneity of the purified metabolite was further verified by HPLC on a Partisil 5 SAX column. Using radioactive precursor NAD+ with label at various positions it was demonstrated that the metabolite was indeed derived from NAD+ and that the adenine ring as well as the adenylate α-phosphate were retained in the metabolite whereas the nicotinamide group was removed. This was confirmed by 1H NMR and two-dimensional COSY experiments, which also allowed the identification of all 12 protons on the two ribosyl units as well as the two protons on the adenine ring. From the chemical shifts of the two anomeric protons it was concluded that the C-1 carbons of both ribosyl units were still bonded to nitrogen. The positive and negative ion fast atom bombardment mass spectra showed (M + Na)+, (M − H + 2Na)+, (M − H)−, and (M − 2H + Na)− peaks at m/z 564, 586, 540, and 562, respectively. Exact mass measurements indicated a molecular weight of 540.0526 for (M − H)−. This together with the constraints imposed by the results from NMR, radioactive labeling, and total phosphate determination uniquely specified a molecular composition of C15H21N5O13P2. Analysis by 1H NMR and mass spectroscopy of the only major breakdown product of the metabolite after prolonged incubation at room temperature established that it was ADP-ribose, thus providing strong support for the cyclic structure.
Outcomes for liver transplant candidates listed with low model for end-stage liver disease score

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, which estimates mortality within 90 days, determines priority for liver transplantation (LT). However, longer-term outcomes on the wait list for patients who are initially listed with low MELD scores are not well characterized. All adults listed for primary LT at a single, high-volume center from 2005 to 2012 with an initial laboratory MELD score of 22 or lower were evaluated. Excluded were those patients listed with MELD exception points who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) or transplantation at another center, or who were removed from the wait list for nonmedical reasons. Outcomes and causes of death were identified by United Network for Organ Sharing, the National Death Index, and an electronic medical record review. Multivariate competing risk analysis evaluated predictors of death compared to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT); 893 patients were listed from 2005 to 2012. By the end of follow-up, 27% had undergone DDLT, and 31% were removed from the wait list for death or clinical deterioration. In a competing risks assessment, only MELD score of 6-9, older age, lower serum albumin, lower body mass index, and diabetes conferred an increased risk of wait-list dropout compared to DDLT. Listing for simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation was protective against wait-list dropout. Of the patients included, 275 patients died or were delisted for being too sick; 87% of the identifiable causes of death were directly related to end-stage liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusion, patients with low listing MELD scores remain at a significant risk for death due to liver-related causes and may benefit from early access to transplantation, such as LDLT or acceptance of high-risk donor livers. Predictors of death compared to transplantation may allow for early identification of patients who are at risk for wait-list mortality.
Hippocampal–prefrontal input supports spatial encoding in working memory

Spatial working memory, the caching of behaviourally relevant spatial cues on a timescale of seconds, is a fundamental constituent of cognition. Although the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus are known to contribute jointly to successful spatial working memory, the anatomical pathway and temporal window for the interaction of these structures critical to spatial working memory has not yet been established. Here we find that direct hippocampal-prefrontal afferents are critical for encoding, but not for maintenance or retrieval, of spatial cues in mice. These cues are represented by the activity of individual prefrontal units in a manner that is dependent on hippocampal input only during the cue-encoding phase of a spatial working memory task. Successful encoding of these cues appears to be mediated by gamma-frequency synchrony between the two structures. These findings indicate a critical role for the direct hippocampal-prefrontal afferent pathway in the continuous updating of task-related spatial information during spatial working memory.
Functional programming with sets

Set abstraction, originally introduced in fuctional languages by Turner, is an appealing construct because it leads to concise definitions of many interesting operations. However, existing approaches treat sets as lists for the sake of efficiency, and thereby sacrifice a simple declarative semantics. In this paper, we present a novel language based on sets and equations, where sets are treated as sets, consistent with their semantics. The language is called SEL, for Set-Equation Language. Equations are assumed to define a confluent rewriting system when oriented left to right. Sets are defined in terms of their subsets; these rules define a nonconfluent rewriting system when oriented left to right. We show examples of programs in this language, and provide an operational semantics for such programs. Programs are executed by innermost reduction, which may be nondeterministic or deterministic. Nondeterministic reduction is used when one of the elements of a set is desired. Deterministic reduction is used to simplify a term via an equation or to obtain all the elements of a set. The correctness of the operational semantics is also established.
Simultaneous orientation contrast for lines in the human fovea

Abstract When it is surrounded by lines of a differing orientation, a test line changes its apparent orientation in a direction away from that of the surround lines. Using a nulling technique to arrive at numerical values, the properties of this simultaneous orientation contrast have been analyzed: it diminishes with distance of the surround lines; rises and then falls off as a function of surround line orientation; decreases with exposure duration; is sharply tuned (± 100msec) for synchrony of test and surround line presentation; is robust to differences between test and surround line disparity but not intensity; and is reduced with dichoptic presentation of test and surround lines. Orientation contrast can be induced in a variety of oriented features, including illusory contours, an ellipse, a moving dot and a row of dots or lines, but two dots alone don't suffice. The results are taken as evidence that orientation is a domain sui generis, in which simultaneous contrast is exhibited in the same manner as in the domains of color, brightness and disparity.
A Research-based Laboratory Course Examining the Structure and Function of Alcohol Dehydrogenase Improves Student Confidence in Common Biochemical Techniques

Inquiry-based learning has been shown to increase student's interest and motivation while improving critical thinking and cooperative learning. At Bellarmine University, we have introduced a semester-long research project into our second semester Biochemistry course that allows students to study the fundamental relationship between protein structure and function using the yeast alcohol dehydrogenase I (ADH1) enzyme. Students explored the published crystal structure of ADH1 and were asked to identify a mutation that they could create that might affect the catalytic function of the enzyme. Using site-directed mutagenesis, the mutation was introduced into the ADH1 gene, and the mutant protein was expressed and purified using His-tag affinity chromatography. Finally, enzyme kinetic studies were performed and the results were compared to wild-type ADH1. At the completion of the semester, a formal lab report resembling a journal publication was submitted. Student performance was evaluated based on the quality o...
Syncollisional delamination and tectonic wedge development in convergent orogens

[1] Delamination of the lower crust and lithospheric mantle has occurred in several convergent orogens, most notably the Alps and Pyrenees. Some workers suggest that the process is mechanically similar to tectonic wedging and triangle-zone development, and dependent on the pattern of mechanical layering. A search of over 35 orogens that have been explored by geophysical techniques showed that no correlation exists between crustal composition and delamination. Delamination of passive subducting plate margins is more common than that of tectonically and/or volcanically active overriding margins. Estimates show that the lithospheric mantle of cool passive margins may contain greater net negatively buoyant mass than warmer active margins. The top of the lower lithospheric layer containing the greatest net negatively buoyant mass is aligned with a weak zone near the Moho. Passive margin lithosphere thus has a greater tendency to delaminate during a collisional event than active margin lithosphere. For delamination to initiate above the Moho, the lower crust must be subducted or depressed to allow for exposure to eclogite grade conditions. Transformation of the mafic lower crust to mafic eclogite also creates a likely delamination horizon above a lower lithospheric layer containing net negatively buoyant mass aligned with a weak zone in the lithosphere. In contrast to the stratigraphic delamination that is key to the development of small-scale wedge structures, syncollisional delamination is likely to occur in response to an increase in the lateral tectonic stress on a weak horizon already stressed by net negatively buoyant mass in the lower lithosphere.
Culture and Latino issues in health psychology.

Publisher Summary This chapter describes some of the general aspects concerning the study of culture in mainstream psychology that are relevant to the study and practice of health psychology with nondominant ethnic groups in a multicultural society. The chapter discusses the issues relevant to study and practice of health psychology of Latinos: intragroup diversity in cultural background, socioeconomic status, and levels of acculturation. In order to address health concerns of Latinos, it is important to consider the potential changes that Latinos experience. Health data suggests that across most health indicators, low socioeconomic status is associated with higher health risks. The final part of the chapter focuses on specific health psychology issues that concern the various Latino groups: coronary heart disease, HIV, cervical cancer, diabetes, and chronic pain management.
Design of monoamine reuptake inhibitors: SSRIs, SNRIs and NRIs

This review will detail the medicinal chemistry involved in the design, synthesis and discovery ofselective serotonin, noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and dual serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors.In particular, this review will focus exclusively on series and compounds which have been disclosed withinthe medicinal chemistry literature between January 2000 and June 2008. Background information on previouslydisclosed clinical agents, such as atomoxetine, milnacipran and reboxetine, is included for comparison purposeswith more recently disclosed agents.
The Fisher information game for optimal design of synchronization patterns in blind watermarking

This paper develops an optimization methodology for designing and embedding synchronization patterns in images, for watermarking applications in which the host image is not available the decoder. Optimality is in the sense of a certain Fisher information game between the embedder and the attacker. Analytical solutions are derived for problems involving translation, rotation, linear filtering, and additive Gaussian noise attacks.
A silk‐based encapsulation platform for pancreatic islet transplantation improves islet function in vivo

The success of pancreatic islet (PI) transplantation is challenged by PI functional damage during the peritransplantation period. A silk-based encapsulation platform including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) was evaluated for islet cell delivery in vivo. Islet equivalents (IEQs) were transplanted into the epididymal fat pads of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Three PI combinations were tested: (A) co-encapsulated in silk with MSCs; (b) encapsulated in silk alone; or (c) pelleted. Blood glucose levels were monitored and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed upon return to euglycaemia. Grafts were removed for histology and cytokine content analysis. Mice with PI grafts in silk showed a prompt return to euglycaemia. IPGTT was significantly improved with PI in silk with MSCs, compared to PI in silk alone or pelleted. Both Th1 and Th2 cytokines were increased in PI grafts in silk, but Th1 cytokines were decreased significantly with PI and MSC co-encapsulation. Histological analysis showed osteogenesis and chondrogenesis in the silk grafts containing MSCs. Future studies will evaluate MSC stability and function in vivo and improve silk biocompatibility for applications in islet transplantation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A generalized formulation for simulation of space robot constrained motion

In the past decade, research advances in robot dynamic simulation have included algorithms for space robots operating as open chain mechanisms and earth-bound robot systems operating under constrained motion conditions. Few researchers, however, have investigated a combination of these conditions, i.e. a space robot performing closed chain operations. This paper presents a generalized formulation of the dynamic equations for a space-based robot in both open chain and closed chain configurations. This formulation represents the consolidation of several specialized formulations into a single convenient form.
Three dimensional koosh ball nanoarchitecture with a tunable magnetic core, fluorescent nanowire shell and enhanced photocatalytic property

A mild, wet chemical strategy has been developed to synthesize three-dimensional (3D) multicomponent koosh ball nanoarchitectures comprised of a tunable magnetic iron oxide core and a 3D fluorescent ZnO nanowire shell, which demonstrate enhanced photocatalytic property towards dye degradation under UV irradiation. The phase transition of the magnetic iron oxide core and the native defects induced fluorescence of the nanowire shell can be simultaneously manipulated by post-hydrogen annealing to produce various koosh balls with retained morphology but different magnetic and photocatalytic properties. This unique koosh ball architecture initiates the three-dimensional nanowire growth on the micro-scale spherical substrate and enables the rational combination of multiple desired functionalities originating from dissimilar constituents.