cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internet gaming, embodied distress, and psychosocial well-being: A syndemic-syndaimonic continuum.

Abstract We examine internet gaming-related suffering as a novel syndemic most prevalent among contemporary emerging adults. Synthetic analysis of our prior research on internet gaming and health affirms how social factors and mental and physical wellness mutually condition each other in this online play context. Employing biocultural anthropological mixed methods, we focus on statistical interactions between intensive gaming and social well-being in relation to genomic markers of immune function. We show that among gamers with low social well-being, intensive game play is associated with compromised immunity markers, but among those with robust social connection, that same play correlates with decreased activation of stress-related immunity activation. The apparently beneficial interaction of higher social well-being and intensive game play resonates with an emerging body of research showing how positive practices—in this case, engaged and pleasurable videogame play—can increase resilience to the negative linked psychological and genomic responses to precarity. Based on these findings, we argue, in relation to gaming behaviors, a syndemics analysis could usefully be expanded by attending to both sides of the synergistic interaction between two social conditions: not just exacerbation of dysfunction in relation to their combined effect, but also non-additive enhancement of health that may stem from such combinations. We draw on literature emphasizing the relevance to health of “eudaimonic” well-being—psychosocial processes that transcend immediate self-gratification and involve the pursuit of meaningful and pro-social goals. On that basis, we propose the term “syndaimonics” to capture synergies between social context and mental flourishing, which, in this context and presumably others, can illuminate sources of health resilience and overall improved psychosocial wellbeing.
Long-wave infrared absorption measurement of undoped germanium using photothermal common-path interferometry.

Germanium is one of the most commonly used materials in the longwave infrared ($\lambda \sim{8 {-} 12}\;\unicode{x00B5}{\rm m}$λ∼8−12µm), but ironically, its absorption coefficient is poorly known in this range. An infrared photothermal common-path interferometry system with a tunable quantum cascade pump laser is used to measure the absorption coefficient of ${ \gt }{99.999}\% $>99.999% pure undoped germanium as a function of wavelengths between 9 and 11 µm, varying between about 0.15 and ${0.45}\;{{\rm cm}^{ - 1}}$0.45cm−1 over this range.
Lumbar spine biomechanics and low back pain II

然而,还是很难将疼痛归因于简单的退化或运动节段稳定性的缺失.由于能够表明椎间盘失效的可靠而又客观的临床标准尚未完全找到,所以这一理论还无法在临床实践中得到应用.虽然在屈曲和伸展位X线片中,过度的脊柱旋转或平移可以视为脊柱稳定性的明显缺乏,但并不能作为腰背疼痛机械病因的敏感阳性指征.此外,在中老年人的影像学研究中,退化几乎是一个普遍的现象,而他们中的很多人并无腰背疼痛表现。
Intrathoracic sleeve gastrectomy migration with gastric volvulus treated with laparoscopic repair and conversion to gastric bypass.

A 43 years old female with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and an 'anterior' hiatal hernia repair 11 years ago, presented with 3 years history dysphagia and heartburn. Upper gastrointestinal barium showed an almost complete intrathoracic migration of the SG with a partial organoaxial volvulus. Upper endoscopy revealed a 10 cm hiatal hernia with grade B esophagitis. Laparoscopic revision surgery with reduction of the gastric sleeve, standard posterior hiatal hernia repair, resection of the narrowed remnant of the SG and conversion to a gastric bypass was performed. No postoperative complications occurred. The patient is asymptomatic at 2 years of follow-up. We present the technical standards for the management and discuss the suspected pathophysiology of this rare but challenging condition.
Can the Public Express Their Views or Say No Through Public Engagement

New technologies often come with calls for public engagement, which presumably brings the views of the public to decision-makers, and the CRISPR genetic modification revolution has led to such call...
miRSCAPE - Inferring miRNA expression in single-cell clusters

Micro-RNAs (miRNA) are critical in development, homeostasis, and diseases, including cancer. However, our understanding of miRNA function at cellular resolution is thwarted by the inability of the standard single cell RNA-seq protocols to capture miRNAs. Here we introduce a machine learning tool -- miRSCAPE -- to infer miRNA expression in a sample from its RNA-seq profile. We establish miRSCAPE9s accuracy separately in 10 tissues comprising ~10,000 tumor and normal bulk samples and demonstrate that miRSCAPE accurately infers cell type-specific miRNA activities (predicted vs observed fold-difference correlation ~ 0.81) in two independent datasets where miRNA profiles of specific cell types are available (HEK-GBM, Kidney-Breast-Skin). When trained on human hematopoietic cancers, miRSCAPE can identify active miRNAs in 8 hematopoietic cell lines in mouse with a reasonable accuracy (auROC = 0.67). Finally, we apply miRSCAPE to infer miRNA activities in scRNA clusters in Pancreatic and Lung cancers, as well as in 56 cell types in the Human Cell Landscape (HCL). Across the board, miRSCAPE recapitulates and provides a refined view of known miRNA biology. miRSCAPE is freely available and promises to substantially expand our understanding of gene regulatory networks at cellular resolution.
Attentional Bias and Mood Persistence as Prospective Predictors of Dysphoria

This study examined whether either a negative attentional bias or mood persistence would interact with intervening life stress to predict future increases in dysphoria among college students (N = 77). Dysphoria was assessed in the lab, and then attentional bias was measured with a dot-probe task before and after a negative mood induction. Mood recovery following the induction was also assessed. Seven weeks later, dysphoria and intervening life stress were measured. Prior shifts in attention toward negative information following a negative mood induction interacted with intervening life stress to predict increases in dysphoria 7 weeks later. Slower mood recovery following the mood induction also combined with intervening life stress to predict increased dysphoria at follow-up. These vulnerabilities each explained unique variance in follow-up dysphoria. Results suggest that both attentional bias and mood persistence may have significant roles in depression susceptibility.
Influence of intracellular zinc on cultures of rat cardiac neural crest cells.

BACKGROUND Developmental zinc (Zn) deficiency increases the incidence of heart anomalies in rat fetuses, in regions and structures derived from the outflow tract. Given that the development of the outflow tract requires the presence of cardiac neural crest cells (cNCC), we speculated that Zn deficiency selectively kills cNCC and could lead to heart malformations. METHODS Cardiac NCC were isolated from E10.5 rat embryos and cultured in control media (CTRL), media containing 3 μM of the cell permeable metal chelator N, N, N′, N′-tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl) ethylene diamine (TPEN), or in TPEN-treated media supplemented with 3 μM Zn (TPEN + Zn). Cardiac NCC were collected after 6, 8, and 24 h of treatment to assess cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis. RESULTS The addition of TPEN to the culture media reduced free intracellular Zn pools and cell viability as assessed by low ATP production, compared to cells grown in control or Zn-supplemented media. There was an accumulation of reactive oxygen species, a release of mitochondrial cytochrome c into the cytoplasm, and an increased cellular expression of active caspase-3 in TPEN-treated cNCC compared to cNCC cultured in CTRL or TPEN + Zn media. CONCLUSION Zn deficiency can result in oxidative stress in cNCC, and subsequent decreases in their population and metabolic activity. These data support the concept that Zn deficiency associated developmental heart defects may arise in part as a consequence of altered cNCC metabolism
Resisting the Path of Least Resistance: Why the Texas "Pole Tax" and the New Class of Modern Sin Taxes are Bad Policy

Sin taxes—traditionally levied on alcohol and tobacco—are inherently regressive and disproportionately burden the poor, yet they are firmly entrenched as a practice and offer a quick fix in times of fiscal need. Opponents to this method of generating revenue cite its regressive nature and argue that sin taxes are paternalistic and bad social policy. Others disagree, contending that smokers need every incentive to quit, or that alcoholics should be required to mitigate the social costs of their habit. In recent years, a new class of sin taxes has reached deeper into popular culture than ever before, confusing the basic role of the tax system with the improper role of government as social engineer. This Note argues that the use of new sin taxes must be curbed in order to protect the political and socio-economic minorities who consistently face a disproportionate burden under every new sin tax.
Citrus bitter principles—III

Abstract The NMR spectra of limonin, its congeners, and some of their derivatives are discussed. The results confirm the structures assigned to citrolin, limonexic acid, and many other degradation products of limonin. Stereochemical assignments are made to the 1-position in nomilin and the 17-position in obacunone on the basis of theire NMR spectra. This furfurylic proton at C 17 in limonin is compared with a similar protonin columbin. Evidence for an anisotropic shielding effect of the epoxy group is discussed.
Leucine and its Catabolites Alter Mitogen-Stimulated DNA Synthesis by Bovine Lymphocytes

This study determined effects of leucine and its catabolites on in vitro, mitogen-stimulated DNA synthesis by bovine lymphocytes. Cultures grown in leucine-free or leucine-replete (0.4 mmol/L leucine) medium were supplemented with 0-10.0 mmol/L leucine or individual catabolites. Leucine at greater than or equal to 0.08 mmol/L was necessary for normal DNA synthesis by mitogen-stimulated bovine lymphocytes. beta-Hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutarate (HMG) had minimal effect on unresponsiveness of mitogen-stimulated bovine lymphocytes in leucine-free medium; however, alpha-ketoisocaproate (KIC) at 0.4 and 2.0 mmol/L partially or completely restored DNA synthesis. In leucine-replete medium, 0.016-0.4 mmol/L KIC and 0.016-2.0 mmol/L HMB and HMG did not affect DNA synthesis. At 2.0 and 10.0 mmol/L, KIC inhibited (P less than 0.01) DNA synthesis, whereas HMB and HMG at 10.0 mmol/L enhanced (P less than 0.01) DNA synthesis. Overall, these results suggest that leucine is necessary for mitogen-induced DNA synthesis by bovine lymphocytes, and that this requirement for leucine can be partially met by KIC. When leucine was not limiting, KIC, HMB and HMG at concentrations that might occur in vivo did not alter lymphocyte DNA synthesis in vitro.
The hyper-sentient addict: An exteroception model of addiction

AbstractBackground: Exteroception involves processes related to the perception of environmental stimuli important for an organism’s ability to adapt to its environment. As such, exteroception plays a critical role in conditioned response. In addiction, behavioral and neuroimaging studies show that the conditioned response to drug-related cues is often associated with alterations in brain regions including the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex, an important node within the default mode network dedicated to processes such as self-monitoring. Objective: This review aimed to summarize the growing, but largely fragmented, literature that supports a central role of exteroceptive processes in addiction. Methods: We performed a systematic review of empirical research via PubMed and Google Scholar with keywords including ‘addiction’, ‘exteroception’, ‘precuneus’, and ‘self-awareness’, to identify human behavioral and neuroimaging studies that report mechanisms of self-awareness in healthy populations, and alter...
Bronchoscopic laser surgery: which laser when and why.

The use of the carbon dioxide (CO2) and neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers for the endoscopic management of patients with diseases of the tracheobronchial tree is discussed. Advantages and disadvantages of each wavelength are presented. It would appear that there should be unique indications for both of these laser systems; however, each can be used relatively safely and interchangeably if certain precautions are followed.
Error probabilities of bootstrapped blind adaptive cross-pol cancellers for M-ary QAM signals over non-dispersive fading channel

The authors derive and compare the average probability of error of the boot-strapped blind canceller (BXPC) as a function of its input signal-to-noise ratio for three different structures of this canceller. They present the mathematical model of a dual-polarized channel. The different structures of the BXPC are described. A summary of the performance analysis of the BXPC for a dual-polarized M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) system over a nondispersive fading channel is presented. The results of these analyses are shown and compared. Also included are the results of the comparison of the performance of BXPC with that of the other cancellers. >
How to read easily

I outline and discuss a somewhat novel reading of the adverbial element in the English middle, This bread cuts easily, in which it relates directly to the subject NP. A subject-oriented reading of easily is suggested by the non-middle This wire conducts (electricity) easily, where easily characterizes the conductive property of the wire, i.e., having low resistance. The proposed general semantic representation of the middle implicates neither the implicit agent nor the genericity often claimed for the middle.
Can Metabolic Mechanisms of Stem Cell Maintenance Explain Aging and the Immortal Germline

The mechanisms underlying the aging process are not understood. Even tissues endowed with somatic stem cells age while the germline appears immortal. I propose that this paradox may be explained by the pervasive use of glycolysis by somatic stem cells as opposed to the predominance of mitochondrial respiration in gametes.
Ballistic phonon imaging in germanium

The anisotropic propagation of acoustic phonons in a single crystal of Ge at low temperatures is examined both experimentally and theoretically. We have devised a general heat-pulse imaging method which reveals the angular distribution of energy flux emitted from an incoherent point source of ballistic phonons. The resulting images contain remarkably complex two-dimensional variations in the phonon flux. The larger features of the flux patterns agree with previous numerical calculations of phonon focusing. Using only continuum elasticity theory and the known elastic constants for Ge, we find that the sharp features in the ballistic phonon image are explained by mathematical infinites in the phonon flux. Useful physical insights into the origin of these flux patterns are gained by graphically plotting (a) the locus of singularities on the constant-frequency $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}$-space surfaces and (b) the corresponding group-velocity surfaces. For a cubic crystal only two parameters (the ratio of elastic constants ${C}_{11}:{C}_{12}:{C}_{44}$) completely determine the flux pattern.
A new type of photoreceptor in algae.

Light serves two major purposes in biological systems: the transduction of light to chemical free energy, photosynthesis, and the transduction of light to initiate a signaling pathway, to sense the environment. In animals, retinal pigments underlie signaling by light: vision and photoperiodism. Indeed, the use of retinal, the aldehyde of vitamin A, by visual pigments for their chromophore was the very first example in which the reason that humans require a vitamin was elucidated (1). Plants do more with light than animals and thus have more pigments to transduce it. Besides chlorophyll, used in photosynthesis, at least some plants and algae use other pigments for the processes that underlie photomorphogenesis, photoperiodism, and photomovement. The last category involves both phototropism in sessile organisms and phototaxis in motile organisms, mostly some types of algae. Recently a combination of having the complete genome of a plant, Arabidopsis, and substantial parts for an algae, Chlamydomonas, and being able to manipulate the genes expressed in plants and algae is starting to clarify the role of light in signaling. Several types of photoreceptor molecules that are associated with some well known light responses of plants have been demonstrated. In the model plant Arabidopsis, it seems that there are at least three types of photoreceptor pigment families, each with multiple members: two cryptochromes (each with two chromophores), five phytochromes, and two phototropins (2), none of which use retinal as their chromophore.
CLAUSAL NOMINALIZATION AS RELATIVIZATION STRATEGY IN CHIMARIKO

Nominalization has been described as an accompanying property or strategy for relativization, in particular for internally headed relative clauses and for headless or free relative clauses (Andrews 2007, Comrie and Thompson 2007, Keenan 1985, and Shibatani 2009). Comrie and Thompson (2007:379) claim that there are no formal distinctions between nominalization and relativization in certain languages, while Shibatani further argues that what have been mistakenly identified as relative clauses in some languages are in fact nominalizations, since they are neither syntactically nor semantically dependent on the nominal head they modify (2009:163). This paper establishes that Chimariko, an extinct language of Northern California, uses clausal nominalization as a relativization strategy, similar to what has been found for Diegueno, Mojave, Wappo, Quechua, and many other languages. In Chimariko, relative clauses are subordinate restrictive clauses which are either internally headed or headless. They include the f...
THE "WHOLE FAMILY" CONCEPT IN CLINICAL GENETICS.

As an extension of the "whole child" concept,1 the "whole family" concept is the practical application of modern genetic principles as they relate to the diagnoses, prognoses, and management of the child with genetic disease, of his immediate family unit, and of his entire kindred, including the normal and carrier (heterozygote) members. The clinical geneticist in the modern concept accepts both the challenge to explore the significance of genetic factors in disease and the responsibility to aid families in recognition of the inherent emotional stress implied by this knowledge. 2 Insight into the psychodynamics of the family milieu is essential in establishing an atmosphere conducive to alleviating the stresses. This implies a nondirective approach 3-5 and is not a substitute for more analytically oriented psychotherapy should there be problems of such magnitude as to warrant it. Our experience demonstrates that delineation of genetic data in correlation with clear definition of
New York State urban and rural measurements of continuous PM2.5 mass by FDMS, TEOM, and BAM.

Abstract Field evaluations and comparisons of continuous fine particulate matter (PM2.5) mass measurement technologies at an urban and a rural site in New York state are performed. The continuous measurement technologies include the filter dynamics measurement system (FDMS) tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM) monitor, the stand-alone TEOM monitor (without the FDMS), and the beta attenuation monitor (BAM). These continuous measurement methods are also compared with 24-hr integrated filters collected and analyzed under the Federal Reference Method (FRM) protocol. The measurement sites are New York City (the borough of Queens) and Addison, a rural area of southwestern New York state. New York City data comparisons between the FDMS TEOM, BAM, and FRM are examined for bias and seasonality during a 2-yr period. Data comparisons for the FDMS TEOM and FRM from the Addison location are examined for the same 2-yr period. The BAM and FDMS measurements at Queens are highly correlated with each other and t...
Impact of population structure on the apparent outcrossing rate of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor).

Population structure, the physical arrangement of related and unrelated individuals, can have profound effects on the apparent outcrossing rate (\(\hat t\)) in a plant population. However, detailed experimental investigations of the impact of population structure on \(\hat t\) are few. We compared the apparent outcrossing rates of experimental populations of grain sorghum with seed families spatially arranged in stratified and overdispersed treatments. Using alcohol dehydrogenase allozymes as genetic markers, \(\hat t\) was calculated for each of the treatments at two locations over three years. For all six comparisons, the overdispersed treatment yielded significantly larger apparent outcrossing estimates than the stratified treatment. In one case, the difference was over five-fold. Site-specific and time-specific differences were small compared to treatment differences. Whether natural structuring plays a role in altering the effective outcrossing rates of natural populations has been addressed by only a few descriptive studies; structuring effects appear to have an impact in only about half of such studies. The sample is still too small to make any generalizations.
Increased expression of Fas antigen on bone marrow CD34+ cells of patients with aplastic anaemia

Fas antigen, a receptor molecule that mediates signals for programmed cell death, is involved in T-cell-mediated killing of malignant, virus-infected or allogeneic target cells. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), potent inhibitors of haemopoiesis, enhance Fas receptor expression on bone marrow (BM) CD34+ cells, and both cytokines render haemopoietic progenitor cells susceptible to Fas-mediated inhibition of colony formation due to the induction of apoptosis. Haemopoietic suppression in aplastic anaemia (AA) has been associated with aberrant IFN-gamma, increased TNF-beta expression, and elevated numbers of activated cytotoxic T-cells in marrow. We have now examined Fas antigen expression in fresh AA BM samples. In normal individuals few CD34+ cells expressed Fas antigen and normal marrow cells had low sensitivity to Fas-mediated inhibition of colony formation. In contrast, in early AA, BM CD34+ cells showed markedly increased percentages of Fas receptor-expressing CD34+ cells, which correlated with increased sensitivity of AA marrow cells to anti-Fas antibody-mediated inhibition of colony formation. The proportion of Fas antigen-bearing cells was lower in recovered patients' BM. Fas antigen was also detected in the marrow of some patients with myelodysplasia, especially the hypocellular variant. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that AA CD34+ cells, probably including haemopoietic progenitor cells, express high levels of Fas receptor due to in vivo exposure to IFN-gamma and/or TNF-alpha and are suitable targets for T-cell-mediated killing. Our results suggest that the Fas receptor/Fas ligand system are involved in the pathophysiology of BM failure.
Mode and mechanisms of death after orthotopic heart transplantation

Background Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the primary mechanism of cardiac arrest in the vast majority of sudden death patients. Whether similar modes and mechanisms of death can be generalized to denervated hearts in orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) patients is unknown. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the mode and mechanisms of death in patients who have undergone cardiac transplantation. Methods We analyzed the outcomes of 628 patients who underwent OHT between January 1994 and December 2004. The mode of death was classified as either sudden death (SD) or non-sudden death (NSD). The first documented rhythm taken at the time of arrest was also reviewed to determine the mechanism of cardiac arrest. Results During a mean follow-up of 76 months, 194 patients died. Of these, the mode of death could be determined in 116 patients (60%). Forty-one patients (35%) died of SD, and 75 patients (65%) died of NSD. The first documented rhythm of death was available in 91 patients (26 SD and 65 NSD). The terminal rhythms in patients who died suddenly were: asystole (34%), pulseless electrical activity (PEA) (20%), and VF (10%). In NSD patients, the terminal rhythms were asystole (73%), followed by VF (7%), and PEA (7%), P Conclusion SD represented the mode of death in 35% of OHT patients. The main mechanisms underlying SD in this population were asystole and PEA, suggesting that denervation of the donor heart, among other post-transplantation changes, may alter susceptibility to VF.
Right-wing authoritarianism relative to traditional western thinking and locus of control

The relationships among scores on right-wing authoritarianism, locus of control, and beliefs relative to traditional Eastern and Western thinking were examined. Eastern thinking is defined as the monistic perspective common to Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, and Confucianism, while Western thinking reflects the dualism intrinsic to the Judeo-Christian and ancient Greek underpinnings of European and American thought. Among 72 male and 130 female undergraduate students, women scoring high on the Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale tended to score more Western on the East-West Questionnaire. Subjects scoring high on the Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale, especially the men, tended to score internal on locus of control. Performance on the Right-Wing Authoritarianism Scale could be used as a weak predictor of the scores obtained on the Locus of Control Scale. Duckitt's conceptualization of authoritarianism as an aspect of group cohesiveness served as the theoretical framework.
Elimination of local-spin-density-approximation errors from electronic-structure calculations of Gd.

All previous electronic-structure calculations of Gd have obtained a density of states N(${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$) much larger than the experimental value. By comparing Hartree-Fock with local-spin-density-approximation (LSDA) atomic calculations we previously concluded that the minority-spin 4f resonance just above ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ in the metal, which is responsible for the enhanced N(${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$), is an artifact of the LSDA. We present here a calculation for the Gd crystal in which the conduction electrons experience a Hartree-Fock potential due to the core electrons and a LSDA potential due to themselves. The resonance is gone, N(${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$) is less than the experimental value (many-body effects will increase it), and the lattice constants are in near-perfect agreement with experiment.
Thermal conductivity enhancement of paraffins by increasing the alignment of molecules through adding CNT/graphene

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to investigate the relationship between the structure of paraffins in solid and liquid states and its thermal conductivity. We observe that upon crystallization, a nanocrystalline paraffin structure develops and the value of thermal conductivity doubles, in agreement with experimental data. The introduction of carbon nanotubes or graphene layers leads to liquid ordering and associated thermal conductivity enhancement. More prominently, carbon nanofillers provide a template for directed crystallization and lead to even greater thermal conductivity increases. Our results indicate that introducing carbon nanotubes and graphene into long-chain paraffins leads to a considerable enhancement in thermal conductivity, not only due to the presence of a conductive filler, but also due to the filler-induced alignment of paraffin molecules.
The Ethics of Killer Applications: Why Is It So Hard To Talk About Morality When It Comes to New Military Technology?

Abstract We live in a world of rapidly advancing, revolutionary technologies that are not just reshaping our world and wars, but also creating a host of ethical questions that must be dealt with. But in trying to answer them, we must also explore why exactly is it so hard to have effective discussions about ethics, technology, and war in the first place? This article delves into the all-too-rarely discussed underlying issues that challenge the field of ethics when it comes to talking about war, weapons, and moral conduct. These issues include the difficulty of communicating across fields; the complexity of real world dilemmas versus the seminar room and laboratory; the magnified role that money and funding sources play in shaping not just who gets to talk, but what they research; cross-cultural differences; the growing role of geographic and temporal distance issues; suspicion of the actual value of law and ethics in a harsh realm like war; and a growing suspicion of science itself. If we hope better to a...
Nondetectable concentrations of human placental ah receptors are associated with potent induction of microsomal benzo[a]pyrene hydroxylase in individuals exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls, quaterphenyls, and dibenzofurans

Human exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, quaterphenyls, and dibenzofurans occurred in an accidental food poisoning episode in Taiwan in 1979. Our objective was to evaluate the role of Ah receptors in the production of biochemical effects detected in placentas from exposed subjects. Placentas were obtained from pregnant women who were identified from a registry of exposed individuals. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) hydroxylase was quantified in placental microsomes and Ah receptor was investigated in placental cytosolic and nuclear fractions by a variety of receptor-binding techniques using 2,3,7,8-[1,6-3H]tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin ([3H]TCDD) as the ligand. Microsomal BaP hydroxylase was dramatically elevated in placentas of exposed subjects compared to those of nonexposed, nonsmoking control subjects. However, concentrations of displaceable [3H]TCDD binding in placental preparations from exposed or control subjects were uniformally low; approximately 1.0 fmol/mg cytosolic protein. Further evaluation of displaceable TCDD binding by sucrose-gradient sedimentation and hydroxylapatite column chromatography revealed that binding properties were different than those for the Ah receptor. These data suggest that extremely low concentrations of Ah receptors in human placenta may be sufficient to markedly elevate microsomal BaP hydroxylation. Alternatively, induction in human placenta may be mediated by a mechanism not requiring Ah receptor.
Structure, Characteristics, and the Application of Phosphorus Doped Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Silicon

The microstructure, electrical, and optical properties of in situ phosphorus doped hydrogenated macrocrystalline silicon (μc-Si:H:P) films are strongly affected by deposition parameters and subsequent thermal processes. μc-Si:H:P films with thickness ranging Trom 200 to lOOOA have been deposited on Si and SiO2 substrates. The μc-Si:H:P film is best deposited at 200°C in terms of structure, and H and P content. In this film, microcrystallites arc embedded in an amorphous matrix and have a volume fraction of ≃85%. The band-gap of the film is 1.8 eV. In this paper, the materials and processing issues of μc-Si:H:P deposited in a parallel plate RF plasma and in a downstream RF plasma chemical deposition reactor have been studied using HRTEM, SIMS, electrical, and optical measurements.
Nanosilver impact on methanogenesis and biogas production from municipal solid waste

Abstract Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs, nanosilver) released from industrial activities and consumer products may be disposed directly or indirectly in sanitary landfills. To determine the impact of AgNPs on anaerobic digestion of landfill waste, municipal solid waste (MSW) was loaded in identical landfill bioreactors (9 L volume each) and exposed to AgNPs (average particle size = 21 nm) at the final concentrations of 0, 1, and 10 mg Ag/kg solids. The landfill anaerobic digestion was carried out for more than 250 days, during which time the cumulative biogas production was recorded automatically and the chemical property changes of leachates were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the cumulative biogas volume or gas production rate between the groups of control and 1 mg Ag/kg. However, landfill solids exposed to AgNPs at 10 mg/kg resulted in the reduced biogas production, the accumulation of volatile fatty acids (including acetic acid), and the prolonged period of low leachate pH (between 5 and 6). Quantitative PCR results after day 100 indicated that the total copy numbers of 16S rRNA gene of methanogens in the groups of control and 1 mg AgNPs/kg were 1.97 ± 0.21 × 10 7 and 0.90 ± 0.03 × 10 7 , respectively. These numbers were significantly reduced to 5.79 ± 2.83 × 10 5 (copies/mL) in the bioreactor treated with 10 mg AgNPs/kg. The results suggest that AgNPs at the concentration of 1 mg/kg solids have minimal impact on landfill anaerobic digestion, but a concentration at 10 mg/kg or higher inhibit methanogenesis and biogas production from MSW.
Do Somatic and Cognitive Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury Confound Depression Screening

Abstract Cook KF, Bombardier CH, Bamer AM, Choi SW, Kroenke K, Fann JR. Do somatic and cognitive symptoms of traumatic brain injury confound depression screening? Objective To evaluate whether items of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) function differently in persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) than in persons from a primary care sample. Design This study was a retrospective analysis of responses to the PHQ-9 collected in 2 previous studies. Responses to the PHQ-9 were modeled using item response theory, and the presence of DIF was evaluated using ordinal logistic regression. Setting Eight primary care sites and a single trauma center in Washington state. Participants Participants (N=3365) were persons from 8 primary care sites (n=3000) and a consecutive sample of persons with complicated mild to severe TBI from a trauma center who were 1 year postinjury (n=365). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure PHQ-9. Results No PHQ-9 item demonstrated statistically significant or meaningful DIF attributable to TBI. A sensitivity analysis failed to show that the cumulative effects of nonsignificant DIF resulted in a systematic inflation of PHQ-9 total scores. Therefore, the results also do not support the hypothesis that cumulative DIF for PHQ-9 items spuriously inflates the numbers of persons with TBI screened as potentially having major depressive disorder. Conclusions The PHQ-9 is a valid screener of major depressive disorder in people with complicated mild to severe TBI, and all symptoms can be counted toward the diagnosis of major depressive disorder without special concern about overdiagnosis or unnecessary treatment.
Intracranial low-grade gliomas in adults: 30-year experience with long-term follow-up at Mayo Clinic

The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term survival in patients with nonpilocytic low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Records of 314 adult patients with nonpilocytic LGGs diagnosed between 1960 and 1992 at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, were retrospectively reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method estimated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Median age at diagnosis was 36 years. Median follow-up was 13.6 years. Operative pathology revealed pure astrocytoma in 181 patients (58%), oligoastrocytoma in 99 (31%), and oligodendroglioma in 34 (11%). Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 41 patients (13%), radical subtotal resection (rSTR) in 33 (11%), subtotal resection in 130 (41%), and biopsy only in 110 (35%). Median OS was 6.9 years (range, 1 month–38.5 years). Adverse prognostic factors for OS identified by multivariate analysis were tumor size 5 cm or larger, pure astrocytoma histology, Kernohan grade 2, undergoing less than rSTR, and presentation with sensory motor symptoms. Statistically significant adverse prognostic factors for PFS by multivariate analysis were only tumor size 5 cm or larger and undergoing less than rSTR. In patients who underwent less than rSTR, radiotherapy (RT) was associated with improved OS and PFS. A substantial proportion of patients have a good long-term prognosis after GTR and rSTR, with nearly half of patients free of recurrence 10 years after diagnosis. Postoperative RT was associated with improved OS and PFS and is recommended for patients after subtotal resection or biopsy.
Flaring and nosing process for composite annoy tube in circular cone tool application

An elasto-plastic incremental finite element computer code based on an updated Lagrangian formulation was developed to simulate the flaring and nosing processes of a metal tube in the asisymmetric condition. The extended r min technique was used to treat the elastic–plastic stress state and to solve contact problems at the tool–metal interface. A modified Coulomb’s friction law was introduced to treat the alternation of the sliding–sticking state of friction at the contact interface. The forming performed analysis using the finite element method and experiment. To examine the influence of the thickness ratio and the optimum punch semi-angle and friction on the forming load of the two-ply metal tubes consisting of soft aluminum, hard aluminum, and copper. The calculated tube geometries and the relationship between punch load and stroke are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Phosphorylation of MEK1 by cdk5/p35 down-regulates the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Cyclin-dependent protein kinase 5 (cdk5), a member of the cdk family, is active mainly in postmitotic cells and plays important roles in neuronal development and migration, neurite outgrowth, and synaptic transmission. In this study we investigated the relationship between cdk5 activity and regulation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. We report that cdk5 phosphorylates the MAP kinase kinase-1 (MEK1) in vivo as well as the Ras-activated MEK1 in vitro. The phosphorylation of MEK1 by cdk5 resulted in inhibition of MEK1 catalytic activity and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. In p35 (cdk5 activator) −/− mice, which lack appreciable cdk5 activity, we observed an increase in the phosphorylation of NF-M subunit of neurofilament proteins that correlated with an up-regulation of MEK1 and ERK1/2 activity. The activity of a constitutively active MEK1 with threonine 286 mutated to alanine (within a TPXK cdk5 phosphorylation motif in the proline-rich domain) was not affected by cdk5 phosphorylation, suggesting that Thr286 might be the cdk5/p35 phosphorylation-dependent regulatory site. These findings support the hypothesis that cdk5 and the MAP kinase pathway cross-talk in the regulation of neuronal functions. Moreover, these data and the recent studies of Harada et al. (Harada, T., Morooka, T., Ogawa, S., and Nishida, E. (2001) Nat. Cell Biol. 3, 453–459) have prompted us to propose a model for feedback down-regulation of the MAP kinase signal cascade by cdk5 inactivation of MEK1.
Gutmann Acceptor Properties of LiCl, NaCl, and KCl Buffered Ambient-Temperature Chloroaluminate Ionic Liquids

Gutmann acceptor numbers have been determined using 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for AlCl3/EMIC melts as well as LiCl, NaCl, and KCl neutral buffered melts. In AlCl3/EMIC melts, where EMIC is 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, the change in Gutmann acceptor number as a function of the AlCl3:EMIC melt ratio is attributed to an equilibrium between a monoadduct of triethylphosphine oxide·AlCl3 and a diadduct of triethylphosphine oxide·2AlCl3. Observed acceptor numbers for the neutral buffered melts appear linear with respect to the melt's initial mole ratio of AlCl3:EMIC prior to buffering. The lithium cation appears to be the most Lewis acidic alkali metal cation followed by the sodium and potassium cations. Possible reasons for the change in acceptor number as a function of changing alkali metal cation concentration are presented.
CW operation of widely and continuously tunable micromachined-coupled-cavity diode lasers

The CW operating characteristics of a two-section coupled-cavity diode laser formed by micromachining with a focused ion beam are described. Single-longitudinal-mode operation with discrete tunability over 30 A and continuous tunability over 2.8 A has been demonstrated.
Risk Factors Predicting the Development of Widespread Pain From Chronic Back or Neck Pain

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that some individuals with regional pain disorders go on to develop chronic widespread pain (CWP). However, the mechanism behind this transition and the nature of risk factors that predispose a person to develop CWP remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency with which participants with chronic back or neck pain develop CWP and to determine the risk factors associated with this development. In a sample of 512 individuals, we found that nearly a quarter (22.6%) of subjects who presented with regional back or neck pain in 2001/2002 had developed CWP by 2007. Logistic regression indicated that 7 factors were associated with the transition to CWP: moderate or severe pain intensity, female gender, history of abuse, family history of CWP, severe interference with general activity, having 1 or more central sensitivity syndromes, and using more pain management strategies. History of abuse was not significant in multivariate analysis. Notably, number of depressive symptoms endorsed, pain duration, age, body mass index, number of medication classes used, and receipt of disability benefits were not significantly associated with this transition. Perspective This study offers insight into risk factors associated with the development of CWP. This information not only offers clues as to the mechanism behind the expansion of pain sensitivity from a regional pain locus to a widespread pain disorder but also provides insight as to how clinicians might mitigate this transition.
Early presentation of choledochal cyst transiently obstructed by an inspissated bile plug

This report describes a neonate who had adrenal hemorrhage and a large choledochal cyst obstructed by an inspissated bile plug.
Some Effects of Atromid on Platelet Economy and Blood Coagulation in Man

Summary The oral administration of Atromid to 11 human subjects was found to produce a significant decrease in the serum cholesterol level. This was associated with a prolongation of the prothrombin time and a decrease in platelet adhesiveness. Study of platelet economy in these subjects showed that Atromid therapy prolonged platelet survival and decreased platelet turnover. It therefore appears that this drug not only lowers the serum cholesterol but that it also diminishes the activity of some clotting tests and reduces platelet consumption. This suggests that therapy with this drug might retard the development of atherosclerosis and its complications.
The Association Between Glycemic Control and Clinical Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation

Abstract Objective To analyze the relationship between glycemic control after renal transplantation and subsequent graft function and complications. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 202 consecutive patients undergoing kidney transplantation to analyze the association between perioperative and chronic glycemic control and clinical outcomes of rejection, infection, and hospital readmission during the first year after kidney transplantation. Results Mean in-hospital blood glucose (BG) was 157 ± 34.5 mg/dL. Mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) during the first 12 months posttransplantation was 6.84 ± 1.46%. Fiftyfour patients (27%) were treated for acute or chronic rejection, 88 (44%) for infection, and 149 (74%) patients were readmitted at least once within the first year after transplantation. There were no significant differences in the risks for rejection, infection, or readmission across the 5 mean initial inpatient BG or subsequent HbA1c quintiles. In addition, there was no significant relationship between the percentage of BG measurements that fell in the “tight control” range of 80 to 110 mg/dL for each patient and any of the outcomes. Conclusion We did not find an association between glycemic control (perioperative or chronic) and the outcomes of graft rejection, infection, or hospital readmission in the first 12 months after renal transplantation. Our results suggest that “near normal” glycemic targets are not necessary for managing hyperglycemia after renal transplantation. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:894-900)
Organoboron star polymersvia arm-first RAFT polymerization: synthesis, luminescent behavior, and aqueous self-assembly

The first examples of organoboron star polymers were prepared by arm-first RAFT polymerization using a novel luminescent organoboron crosslinker in combination with PS, PNIPAM, P4VP, and PNIPAM-b-PS as linear polymer precursors. Well-defined star architectures with a luminescent core were successfully obtained as confirmed by GPC-MALLS, NMR, DLS, and TEM analysis. The PNIPAM-b-PS stars are amphiphilic and undergo self-assembly in water with formation of super-aggregates that exhibit strong green fluorescence. The P4VP stars lend themselves to further functionalization at the periphery.
Exclusion of human proteoglycan link protein (CRTL1) and type II collagen (COL2A1) genes in pseudoachondroplasia

Patients with pseudoachondroplasia have a skeletal dysplasia with marked short stature. The most common cause of this condition is an autosomal dominant mutation, although autosomal recessive inheritance has been reported. Linkage to 2 cartilage-specific candidate genes, type II collagen (COL2A1) and proteoglycan link protein genes (CRTL1), was tested in 9 autosomal dominant families with pseudoachondroplasia. Tight linkage to these candidate genes was excluded with LOD scores for COL2A1 of −2.45 at θ= 0.05 and for CRTL1 of −7.28 at θ= 0.001. Discordant inheritance of the disease phenotype with each of these genes was also observed. Thus, these 2 candidate genes can be excluded as the cause of disease in these families. © Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) improvement in a true-time-delay system based on highly dispersive photonic crystal fiber

Spurious Free Dynamic Range improvement of a true-time-delay system based on highly dispersive photonic crystal fibers is achieved using a high power EDFA. The system exhibits a SFDR of 114 dB measured in a 1-Hz bandwidth.
Letter processing during eye fixations in visual search

In three experiments, subjects searched from left to right for a target letter in a horizontal array as a window moved in synchrony with their eyes. Wherever the subject looked within the window, letters from the search array were available for processing; outside the window, each letter in the array was replaced by an X (in Experiments 1 and 2) or by some different letter (in Experiment 3). In all three experiments, subjects were held to a high level of accuracy. Experiment 1 indicated that there are two regions of processing, one central, or decision, region and a second more eccentric, or preview, region. Experiment 2 indicated that the sizes of both the decision and preview regions increase as the target is made more dissimilar to the distractors. Furthermore, the results of the experiment suggested that more than just location information (information about where next to move the eyes) is obtained from the preview region. Finally, Experiment 3 indicated that, although the additional information subjects gain from the preview region includes partial letter information, this information cannot be used to make a decision about the absence of a target. In short, there appear to be two qualitatively different regions in visual search: a decision region, where information about the presence/absence of a target is available, and a preview region, where partial letter information is available but where information on the absence of a target is not available.