cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatigue Severity, Attributions, Medical Utilization, and Symptoms in Persons with Chronic Fatigue

This study examined the roles of ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES) in predicting fatigue severity, symptoms, medical utilization, and attributions among a sample of individuals with chronic fatigue. Using path analysis, a model was tested and revised. In the new model, gender predicted fatigue, ethnicity predicted attributions, fatigue predicted medical utilization and attributions, and attributions predicted medical utilization. Women reported more fatigue and were more likely to feel that stress and depression were causing their fatigue. Higher-SES participants were more likely to cite stress and overwork as causing their fatigue. Latinos reported more physical symptoms than African Americans and Whites. The implications of these results are discussed.
Neuron-specific cTag-CLIP reveals cell-specific diversity of functional RNA regulation in the brain

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate genetic diversity, but the degree to which they do so in individual cell-types in vivo is unknown. We employed NOVA2 cTag-CLIP to generate functional RBP-RNA maps from single neuronal populations in the mouse brain. Combining cell-type specific data from Nova2-cTag and Nova2 conditional knock-out mice revealed differential NOVA2 regulatory actions (e.g. alternative splicing) on the same transcripts in different neurons, including in cerebellar Purkinje cells, where NOVA2 acts as an essential factor for proper motor coordination and synapse formation. This also led to the discovery of a mechanism by which NOVA2 action leads to different outcomes in different cells on the same transcripts: NOVA2 is able to regulate retained introns, which subsequently serve as scaffolds for another trans-acting splicing factor, PTBP2. Our results describe differential roles and mechanisms by which RBPs mediate RNA diversity in different neurons and consequent functional outcomes within the brain.
Validation of the kinetic-turbulent-neoclassical theory for edge intrinsic rotation in DIII-D

In a recent kinetic model of edge main-ion (deuterium) toroidal velocity, intrinsic rotation results from neoclassical orbits in an inhomogeneous turbulent field [T. Stoltzfus-Dueck, Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 065002 (2012)]. This model predicts a value for the toroidal velocity that is co-current for a typical inboard X-point plasma at the core-edge boundary (ρ ∼ 0.9). Using this model, the velocity prediction is tested on the DIII-D tokamak for a database of L-mode and H-mode plasmas with nominally low neutral beam torque, including both signs of plasma current. Values for the flux-surface-averaged main-ion rotation velocity in the database are obtained from the impurity carbon rotation by analytically calculating the main-ion—impurity neoclassical offset. The deuterium rotation obtained in this manner has been validated by direct main-ion measurements for a limited number of cases. Key theoretical parameters of ion temperature and turbulent scale length are varied across a wide range in an experimental database of discharges. Using a characteristic electron temperature scale length as a proxy for a turbulent scale length, the predicted main-ion rotation velocity has a general agreement with the experimental measurements for neutral beam injection (NBI) powers in the range PNBI < 4 MW. At higher NBI power, the experimental rotation is observed to saturate and even degrade compared to theory. TRANSP-NUBEAM simulations performed for the database show that for discharges with nominally balanced—but high powered—NBI, the net injected torque through the edge can exceed 1 Nm in the counter-current direction. The theory model has been extended to compute the rotation degradation from this counter-current NBI torque by solving a reduced momentum evolution equation for the edge and found the revised velocity prediction to be in agreement with experiment. Using the theory modeled—and now tested—velocity to predict the bulk plasma rotation opens up a path to more confidently projecting the confinement and stability in ITER.In a recent kinetic model of edge main-ion (deuterium) toroidal velocity, intrinsic rotation results from neoclassical orbits in an inhomogeneous turbulent field [T. Stoltzfus-Dueck, Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 065002 (2012)]. This model predicts a value for the toroidal velocity that is co-current for a typical inboard X-point plasma at the core-edge boundary (ρ ∼ 0.9). Using this model, the velocity prediction is tested on the DIII-D tokamak for a database of L-mode and H-mode plasmas with nominally low neutral beam torque, including both signs of plasma current. Values for the flux-surface-averaged main-ion rotation velocity in the database are obtained from the impurity carbon rotation by analytically calculating the main-ion—impurity neoclassical offset. The deuterium rotation obtained in this manner has been validated by direct main-ion measurements for a limited number of cases. Key theoretical parameters of ion temperature and turbulent scale length are varied across a wide range in an experimental data...
Socio-economic inequality or demographic conditions: a micro-level analysis of terrorism in Jharkhand

A popular perception is that left-wing extremism has its roots in the phenomenon of socio-economic inequality. Yet, empirical work analysing this perception and exploring the links between left-win...
Chiral symmetry and the hadron spectrum

Lectures delivered at the International Summer Institute on Particle Interactions at Very High Energies, Louvain, 13 August – 25 August, 1973.
PCBs and Human Health

Humans have been exposed to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures via 3 major pathways. Several thousand workers engaged in the manufacture and application of PCBs have been exposed to relatively high levels of these compounds and serum levels up to 3000 ppb have been measured in occupationally-exposed individuals. The accidental leakage of a PCB-containing industrial fluid into rice oil resulted in the exposure of several thousand individuals in two separate incidents in Japan (1968, Yusho poisoning) and Taiwan (1979, Yu Cheng poisoning). The Yusho/Yu Cheng poisoning victims constitute a second high PCB exposure group. Population surveys have also been shown that most humans are exposed to relatively small concentrations of PCBs through the food chain and constitute the low level exposure group. Recent studies have shown that the relative severity of the toxic symptoms observed in Yusho and Yu Cheng incidents compared to the moderate effects observed in occupationally-exposed workers is primarily due to the high levels of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) identified in the PCB fluid which contaminated the rice oil in the Yusho and Yu Cheng victims. Occupational exposure to PCBs can result in dermal toxicity, hepatic dysfunction and decrease in pulmonary function; however, these effects appear to be reversible after exposure to PCBs is terminated. Based on the severity and duration of the toxic symptoms observed in workers exposed to high levels of PCBs, it is unlikely that environmental exposure to these chemicals leads to any adverse human effects.
General Considerations and Conclusions

Now that we have completed our discussion of experimental approaches to circadian clock mechanisms and have examined various biochemical and molecular models for biological oscillators, let us note some of the more provocative, ancillary unsolved problems and applications of cellular circadian rhythmicity in the hope of enticing others into the field. Obviously, these topics, many embracing entire disciplines in themselves, can be treated only in the most superficial manner—tastebud-titillating tidbits, as it were—and others necessarily will be slighted.
The Production Structure

In this chapter we introduce three models of the production technology, each relating input vectors to output vectors. The input correspondence maps output vectors into subsets of input vectors. This correspondence is the inverse of the output correspondence, which maps input vectors into subsets of output vectors. The two correspondences are equivalent to the graph of the technology (Proposition 2.1.8). Although the three models portray the same technology, they emphasize different aspects of it. The input correspondence highlights input substitution and the output correspondence highlights output substitution, while the graph models input output transformation, like scale properties.
Geographic and seasonal variations in the surface properties of the ice sheets by satellite-radar altimetry

Geosat-altimeter wave forms from the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are analyzed using an algorithm based upon a combined surface-and volume-scattering model. The results demonstrate that sub-surface volume-scattering occurs over major parts of the ice sheets. Quantitative estimates of geographic variations in the near-surface ice-sheet properties are derived by retracking individual altimeter wave forms. The derived surface properties correlate with elevation, latitude and microwave brightness-temperature data. Specifically, the extinction coefficient of snow obtained by this method varies from 0.48 to 0.13 m−1 over the latitudes from 65° to 72°N on the central part of the Greenland ice sheet and from 0.20 to 0.10 m−1 over a section of Wilkes Land in East Antarctica where the elevation increases from 2550 to 3150 m. Analysis of passive-microwave data over East Antarctica shows that the brightness temperature increases with elevation as the extinction coefficient decreases. Larger snow grain-sizes occur at lower elevations of the ice sheet because of higher mean annual temperatures. The larger grain-sizes increase the extinction coefficient of snow and decrease the emitted energy (brightness temperature) from greater snow depths. The passive-microwave data are also used to determine the average number of melt d year−1 (1979–87) for the central part of the Greenland ice sheet. For latitudes from 65° to 68.5° N, the average number of melt days decreases from 3.5 to 0.25 d year, whereas no melt events are observed for latitudes above 69°N over the 8 year period. Snow subjected to alternate melting and freezing has enhanced grain-sizes compared to that of dry snow. This accounts for the larger values and larger spatial variations of k e on the Greenland ice sheet compared to East Antarctica, where surface temperatures are never high enough to cause surface melting.
BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INTERTIDAL AREAS IN THE STRAITS OF MAGELLEN IN JANUARY, 1975, FIVE MONTHS AFTER THE METULA OIL SPILL

Abstract Field sampling was conducted in areas in the Straits of Magellen that were oiled and unoiled by oil spilled from the tanker Metula in August 1974. Statistical analysis of physical parameters such as beach slope and intertidal height did not show a significant difference between the group of oiled and the group of unoiled sites. However, comparison of the grain size of the oiled and unoiled group of sites showed a statistical difference. Marsh plants had started to grow through oil in the oiled areas. High levels of petroleum hydrocarbons were recorded in mussels in the oiled areas. The presence of byssus threads alone suggested recent loss of mussels in part of the heavily oiled area. Biological, physical, and chemical data were analyzed using techniques of ordination, classification, and discrimination. These analyses indicate a negative relationship between the biota and presence of petroleum. While grain size was important in governing the distribution and abundance of species, the visible presence of petroleum was the most significant factor. The Kuwait crude oil spilled in the Straits of Magellen is similar to that spilled from the Torrey Canyon. In both instances there was large scale mousse formation. It is suggested that it is this physical impact that is the most significant factor and not the cold water conditions.
Mammary Gland Anomalies and Lactation Failure

Human milk is universally recognized as optimal infant nutrition, and international attention is being focused on strategies to increase the present incidence and duration of lactation. Despite both professional and lay enthusiasm for breast-feeding, many women experience lactation difficulties, most often attributable to breast-feeding mismanagement. However, primary and secondary breast anatomical problems remain infrequently acknowledged causes of lactation insufficiency. Unfortunately, such causes often go unrecognized since a thorough examination of the breast, with emphasis on its functional potential, is frequently overlooked in routine prenatal care.
RESOUND: Towards Action Recognition Without Representation Bias

While large datasets have proven to be a key enabler for progress in computer vision, they can have biases that lead to erroneous conclusions. The notion of the representation bias of a dataset is proposed to combat this problem. It captures the fact that representations other than the ground-truth representation can achieve good performance on any given dataset. When this is the case, the dataset is said not to be well calibrated. Dataset calibration is shown to be a necessary condition for the standard state-of-the-art evaluation practice to converge to the ground-truth representation. A procedure, RESOUND, is proposed to quantify and minimize representation bias. Its application to the problem of action recognition shows that current datasets are biased towards static representations (objects, scenes and people). Two versions of RESOUND are studied. An Explicit RESOUND procedure is proposed to assemble new datasets by sampling existing datasets. An implicit RESOUND procedure is used to guide the creation of a new dataset, Diving48, of over 18,000 video clips of competitive diving actions, spanning 48 fine-grained dive classes. Experimental evaluation confirms the effectiveness of RESOUND to reduce the static biases of current datasets.
Early life exposure to lead (Pb) and changes in DNA methylation: relevance to Alzheimer's disease

Recent advances in neuroepigenetics have revealed its essential role in governing body function and disease. Epigenetics regulates an array of mechanisms that are susceptible to undergoing alteration by intracellular or extracellular factors. DNA methylation, one of the most extensively studied epigenetic markers is involved in the regulation of gene expression and also plays a vital role in neuronal development. The epigenome is most vulnerable during early the embryonic stage and perturbation in DNA methylation during this period can result in a latent outcome which can persist during the entire lifespan. Accumulating evidence suggests that environmental insults during the developmental phase can impart changes in the DNA methylation landscape. Based on reports on human subjects and animal models this review will explore the evidence on how developmental exposure of the known environmental pollutant, lead (Pb), can induce changes in the DNA methylation of genes which later can induce development of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Metasynthesis: Dying adults' transition process from cure-focused to comfort-focused care

Aim To describe and explain the process of transition from cure-focused to comfort-focused health care as perceived and reported by patients, family members, and healthcare providers. Background Moving into the last phase of life due to advanced illness constitutes a developmental transition with increased vulnerability for patients and family. Design Qualitative metasynthesis. Data sources Medline, CINAHL, and PsycInfo databases searched from inception through March 2016. Primary research reports published from 1990 to 2015, using qualitative designs to report transition experiences of patients, family members, and/or healthcare providers were included. Review methods Key elements were extracted and organized into matrices. Findings from each report were analysed using qualitative coding. Results The sample was 56 unique reports from 50 primary studies. Patients and families emphasized the importance of receiving understandable information, emotional support, respect for personhood and control. The critical juncture of 'realizing terminality' preceded a transition to comfort-focused care. Subsequently, a shift in goals of care emphasizing comfort and quality of life could occur. Continued provision of information, effective support, respect and control promoted 'reframing perceptions' and capacity to embrace a changed identity. Reframing allowed patient and family to find meaning and value in this last phase of life and to embrace the opportunity to prepare for death, nurture relationships, and focus on quality of living. Conclusion Understanding the developmental process that can be engaged by patients and families at the end of life provides a theoretical basis that can inform choice and timing of interventions to reduce suffering and enhance positive outcomes.
Thermal performance and surface analysis of steel-supported platinum nanoparticles designed for bio-oil catalytic upconversion during radio frequency-based inductive heating

Abstract A catalyst is designed for use in radio frequency (RF) induction-based biofuel upconversion. Stainless steel spheres are functionalized with Pt-nanoparticles through the use of a silane linker. These spheres are characterized via XRD, FTIR, SEM/EDX and XPS followed by generation of heating profiles in an RF induction heater. The high electric conductivity of the steel balls results in rapid heating which creates a positive temperature gradient across the surface with temperatures of the steel balls reaching 300 °C in under 20 s. Using a minimum of 3% power (150 W), temperatures over 525 °C are achieved within 150 s in a single steel ball experiment. A steel bed experiment is performed to simulate an induction-based catalytic upconversion of biomass pyrolysis vapors which indicates that temperatures over 195 °C are achieved in as little as 300 s using 5% power (250 W). Melting and degradation of the Pt nanoparticles is evident with repeated heating at temperatures of 525 °C and above, fortunately, typical catalysts designed for upconversion of pyrolysis oils are operating well below these temperatures. This form of heating has a potential to mitigate the effects of coke deposition on catalyst surface, which is a pressing issue during up-conversion of pyrolysis oil and various petrochemical processes.
NaBH4/MeOHを用いたケトンの還元反応におけるin situ反応解析

In development of a manufacturing process for drug candidate, to ensure the safety of manufacturing is required for process chemists. It’s one of the useful procedures to understand the reaction behavior for the purpose of the safety consideration. In a process development for a ketone reduction with NaBH4/MeOH, we measured the reaction behavior of using a reaction calorimetry (RC1eTM), gas measurement devise and in situ particle counter (FBRM®). It was found that the combination of these reagents has the induction period and latent, abrupt release of heat and gas evolution. Furthermore, the measurement of the particle counts revealed that the induction period was caused by the insolubility of NaBH4 in THF and the disproportionation of NaBHx(OMe)4-x to NaBH4.
Abstract 896: Knocking out the gene (SNCA) that codes for the Parkinson’s disease-related protein alpha-synuclein in SK-Mel-28 melanoma cells significantly retards tumor growth in SCID mice

The Parkinson’s disease-associated protein alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is often highly expressed in melanoma. α-Syn appears to exert a pro-survival function in melanoma cells, possibly by maintaining autophagy homeostasis. The long-term goal of our work is to determine the mechanism by which α-syn confers survival in melanoma cells. Herein, we used CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) to disrupt SNCA, the gene that codes for α-syn, in the melanoma cell line SK-Mel-28. Western blotting and real-time-qPCR verified that we generated four α-syn knockout (KO) clones. Three clones showed no expression of α-syn, whereas one had about 50% less α-syn than the control cells. DNA sequencing is consistent with three of the clones having both alleles of SNCA knocked out, whereas one clone has only one allele knocked out. α-Syn KO clones were tested in a variety of assays to ascertain the function of α-syn. First, the percentage of cells with exofacial phosphatidylserine (PS) was determined by annexin V-FITC/PI staining in conjunction with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. On average, there was a statistically significant 50% increase in exofacial PS (annexin V+/PI-) in three of the four α-syn KO clones compared to control cells. Exofacial PS was increased in the α-syn KO clones without a concomitant increase in apoptotic cells (annexin V+/PI+). Second, the clones were tested for growth in vivo using SCID mice. All four clones showed a ~65% reduction in the rate of tumor growth, followed over 12 weeks. Third, immunohistochemical staining of excised tumors from the SCID mice showed that the proliferation marker Ki-67 was significantly (p Citation Format: Sahar Shekoohi, Santhanasabapathy Rajasekaran, Shu Yang, Sureshbabu Nagarajan, Dhaval Patel, Xiuping Yu, Stephan N. Witt. Knocking out the gene (SNCA) that codes for the Parkinson’s disease-related protein alpha-synuclein in SK-Mel-28 melanoma cells significantly retards tumor growth in SCID mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 896.
Perceptions of State-Regulated Reform: Desire, Dedication, and Uncertainty in Policy Implementation

Higher education reform efforts in Ecuador during the last decade have been described as a process that has radically shaped local institutions. With the government at the forefront of mandating this reform, we examined the perspectives of stakeholders in the country who have been charged with enacting policies seeking to improve higher education. Findings suggested that stakeholders who engaged with the reform understood the need for policy changes and were committed to improve higher education. However, they viewed the reform as an imposed process and have criticized the lack of opportunities to provide input pertaining to the implementation of policy mandates. Under a highly regulated government reform context, university stakeholders felt lost translating national policy guidelines into plans at the institutional level and felt their roles were undervalued and minimized throughout the policy implementation process. We argue Ecuador must seek to include more voices to enhance reform implementation, reassess current policy goals and timelines, and nurture reform stakeholders as policy implementers to reap the benefits of this reform process.
What Are the Costs of Hip Osteoarthritis in the Year Prior to a Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract Background The majority of the cost analysis literature on total hip arthroplasties (THAs) has been focused around the perioperative and postoperative period, with preoperative costs being overlooked. Methods The Humana Administrative Claims database was used to identify Medicare Advantage (MA) and Commercial beneficiaries undergoing elective primary THAs. Preoperative healthcare resource utilization in the year prior to a THA was grouped into the following categories: office visits, X-rays, magnetic resonance imagings, computed tomography scans, intra-articular steroid and hyaluronic acid injections, physical therapy, and pain medications. Total 1-year costs and per-patient average reimbursements for each category have been reported. Results Total 1-year preoperative costs amounted to $21,022,883 (average = $512/patient) and $4,481,401 (average = $764/patient) for MA and Commercial beneficiaries, respectively. The largest proportion of total 1-year costs was accounted for by office visits (35% in Commercial; 41% in MA) followed by pain medications (28% in Commercial; 35% in MA). Conservative treatments (steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, physical therapy, and pain medications) alone accounted for 40%-44% of the total 1-year costs prior to a THA. A high healthcare utilization within the last 3 months prior to surgery was noted for opioids and steroid injections. Conclusion On average, $500-$800/patient is spent on hip osteoarthritis-related care in the year prior to a THA. Despite their potential risks, opioids and steroid injections are often utilized in the last 3 months prior to surgery.
Palliative care and Parkinson’s disease: outpatient needs and models of care over the disease trajectory

A palliative approach to care is person-centered and aims to minimize overall disease burden among patients with serious illnesses. There is rising interest in the role of palliative care to improve quality of life among patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). While there is a clear indication for palliative care involvement in those with advanced disease, there is also increasing evidence for the role palliative care may play earlier in the course of PD. However, optimal methods for timing and implementation of these services remain unclear. Here, we aim to explore the palliative needs of individuals with PD from the time of diagnosis over the entire course of the illness. We discuss methods for delivering palliative care services including consultative specialty palliative care, neurologist or primary care-delivered palliative care (primary palliative care), and the emerging specialty of neuropalliative care. We also explore novel care delivery methods and their role in improving patient access to palliative services. We argue that primary palliative care is optimally positioned for the delivery of palliative care for the majority of patients with PD over the course of their illness and explore how and when palliative medicine or neuropalliative specialists can supplement this care. Finally, we describe gaps in our current understanding of outpatient palliative care delivery among the PD population including the development of better methods to identify the palliative needs of patients, the validation of novel care delivery mechanisms, and the need to enhance neurologists' and other medical providers' education in the provision of palliative care services.
Correction to: Biological control of Phytophthora blight by Pseudomonas protegens strain 14D5

This erratum is published as vendor overlooked several author corrections related with Table 1 & 2 during proofing.
Hypoperfusion Distal to Anterior Circulation Intracranial Atherosclerosis is Associated with Recurrent Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD), impaired distal flow predicts recurrent stroke, but limited data exist on the association between perfusion status and recurrent stroke in anterior circulation ICAD. METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients hospitalized for symptomatic ICAD with 50-99% stenosis of the intracranial carotid or middle cerebral artery. The primary outcome is recurrent symptomatic ischemic stroke in the territory of the artery with ≥50% stenosis within 90 days. The primary predictor is distal hypoperfusion on magnetic resonance (MR) or computed tomography (CT) perfusion, defined as a ≥15 mL volume of territory of the symptomatic artery with Tmax >6 seconds. RESULTS Fifty patients met inclusion criteria, including 15 (30%) with recurrent stroke and 15 (30%) with distal hypoperfusion. Distal hypoperfusion was present in 10 of 15 (66.7%) with recurrent stroke versus 5 of 35 (14.3%) without recurrent stroke (P < .001). The hazard ratio for recurrent stroke in patients with distal hypoperfusion was 6.80 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.31-20.0). CONCLUSION Distal hypoperfusion in acutely symptomatic ICAD with 50-99% stenosis is associated with stroke recurrence. Distal hypoperfusion could be used to enrich future trials of secondary stroke prevention in ICAD patients.
Toward (Eventually) Expanding the Componential Model: Integrating Theory on the Bias Against Creativity

In this chapter, I chronicle my academic journey with Teresa, from the very start until present day. I describe how working with Teresa as a mentor and co-author shaped the questions I asked early on in my career and encouraged me to persist even in the face of obstacles. My experience working with Teresa on the TEAM study provided me with a unique perspective with which to explore an unresolved puzzle, why people desire but reject creative ideas. I briefly describe what I have learned about this puzzle to date, and suggest one possible way these insights could eventually expand Teresa’s Componential Model.
Inguinal hernia mesh is safe in 1720 patients.

There is substantial media and patient interest in the safety of mesh for hernia repair. However, there is a lack of data regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes in patients who undergo inguinal hernia repair (IHR) with mesh. The purpose of this study is report short and long-term postoperative quality of life outcomes in patients following IHR with mesh. We analyzed outcomes of 1720 patients who underwent IHR with mesh between 2008 and 2019 at a single institution from a prospectively maintained quality database. All surgeries were performed by four board-certified surgeons. HRQOL outcomes were measured using the Surgical Outcomes Measurement System (SOMS) and Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) surveys that were administered preoperatively, 3 weeks, 6 months, 1, 2, and 5 years postoperatively. Survey responses were summarized as mean with standard deviation or frequency with percentage. Postoperative SOMS scores were compared to preoperative scores using the two-tailed paired t test with a significance level of p < 0.05. One (0.1%) patient experienced a mesh infection postoperatively. In terms of complications, 159 (9.2%) developed a seroma, 31 (1.8%) a hematoma, and 36 (2.1%) patients experienced a recurrence. SOMS Pain Impact, SOMS Pain Quality, and SOMS Pain visual analog scale at 3 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years were all improved from preoperative (all p < 0.05). At 5 years postoperatively, only 3.9%, 3.2%, and 3.1% of patients reported severe or disabling sensation of mesh, pain, and movement limitations, respectively. Inguinal hernia repair with mesh results in a low rate of complications. A minority of patients had severe or disabling symptoms at 5-year follow-up and generally reported improvements in pain impact and quality in long-term follow-up.
Management of peritoneal tear during endoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernioplasty.

I read with interest the article by Lau et al [1] in the October issue of Surgical Endoscopy. I disagree with their contention that peritoneal tears during TEP inguinal hernia repair require closure. We began doing TEP hernia repairs in 1992, taught the first dedicated course to teach the repair in 1993, and published the first large series of 365 repairs using balloon dissection in 1995 [2]. During this time, we developed and taught to all surgeons the idea of simply placing a Veress needle into the peritoneal cavity if a tear in the peritoneum occurred. This allows for decompression of the peritoneal cavity and the TEP can be readily completed. The important point is to keep the Veress needle in the abdominal cavity until the end of the repair and evacuate all CO2. The tear is a gaping hole only if the peritoneal cavity is distended with gas. After all of the CO2 is evacuated, the edges of the tear come in apposition and seal. In more than 2000 TEP repairs done by us, we have handled any tear in the peritoneum in this fashion. We have never closed any tear and have never had any adverse sequelae, such as bowel obstructions. References
Developmental basis of trachea-esophageal birth defects

Trachea-esophageal defects (TEDs), including esophageal atresia (EA), tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), and laryngeal-tracheoesophageal clefts (LTEC), are a spectrum of life-threatening congenital anomalies in which the trachea and esophagus do not form properly. Up until recently, the developmental basis of these conditions and how the trachea and esophagus arise from a common fetal foregut was poorly understood. However, with significant advances in human genetics, organoids, and animal models, and integrating single cell genomics with high resolution imaging, we are revealing the molecular and cellular mechanisms that orchestrate tracheoesophageal morphogenesis and how disruption in these processes leads to birth defects. Here we review the current understanding of the genetic and developmental basis of TEDs. We suggest future opportunities for integrating developmental mechanisms elucidated from animals and organoids with human genetics and clinical data to gain insight into the genotype-phenotype basis of these heterogeneous birth defects. Finally, we envision how this will enhance diagnosis, improve treatment, and perhaps one day, lead to new tissue replacement therapy.
On-the-fly Topic Adaptation for YouTube Video Transcription

Automatic closed-captioning of video is a useful application of speech recognition technology but poses numerous challenges when applied to open-domain user-uploaded videos such as those on YouTube. In this work, we explore a strategy to improve decoding accuracy for video transcription by decoding each video with a language model (LM) adapted specifically to the topics that the video covers. Taxonomic topic classifiers are used to determine the topic content of videos and to build a large set of topic-specific LMs from web documents. We consider strategies for selecting and interpolating LMs in both supervised and unsupervised scenarios in a two-pass lattice rescoring framework. Experiments on a YouTube video corpus show a 3.6 absolute reduction in WER over generic single-pass transcriptions as well as a statistically significant 0.8 absolute improvement over rescoring with a very large non-adapted LM built from all the documents.
Formation of 19(S)-, 19(R)-, and 18(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids by alcohol-inducible cytochrome P450 2E1

When reconstituted with cytochrome b5 and NADPH cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase, cytochrome P450 2E1 metabolized lauric, stearic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic acid to multiple metabolites. Two major metabolites, accounting for 78% of the total metabolism, were produced with arachidonic acid. The Vmax for total metabolite formation from arachidonic acid was 5 nmol/min/nmol P450 with an apparent Km of 62 microM. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified the two major metabolites as monohydroxylated eicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). The major HETE was 19-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (19-HETE) and comprised 46% of the total metabolite produced. The second metabolite was the omega-2 hydroxylated metabolite (18-HETE) and comprised 32% of the total product formed. Chiral analysis demonstrated that 19-HETE was 70% 19(S)-HETE and 30% 19(R)-HETE. In contrast, 18-HETE was essentially 100% R isomer. Approximately 18% of the total metabolite produced from arachidonic acid coeluted with epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) standards. The EET metabolites were 56.4% 14,15-EET and 43.6% as a mixture of 11,12-EET and 8,9-EET. 5,6-EET was not detected. Anti-P450 2E1 IgG inhibited arachidonic acid metabolism by renal and hepatic microsomes prepared from acetone-treated rabbits. With renal cortex microsomes, the formation of 18-HETE and 19-HETE was inhibited 67 and 25%, respectively, by the antibody. Liver microsomal formation of 18-HETE was inhibited by 87% and 19-HETE by 70%. Thus, under conditions where cytochrome P450 2E1 is induced, the enzyme could contribute significantly to the formation of the omega-1 and omega-2 hydroxylated metabolites of arachidonic acid.
Effects of intravenous heparin on oxidation of fat

The intravenous injection of heparin to carbohydrate-fed rats results in an elevation of plasma free fatty acid levels and in a lowering of the respiratory quotient from 1.0 to 0.9. The injection of heparin simultaneously with palmitic acid-C14-labeled chylomicrons results in an elevation of the specific radioactivity of the expired CO2. These observations suggest that heparin causes an obligatory oxidation of fat, presumably through the release of free fatty acid from triglyceride.
Cross-linking of bovine mitochondrial H+-ATPase by copper--o-phenanthroline. Interaction of the oligomycin-sensitivity-conferring protein with a 24-kDa protein.

The nearest neighbor relationships between the F0 subunits of bovine mitochondrial H+-ATPase were studied by using copper–o-phenanthroline, an SH-oxidizing cross-linking reagent. The cross-linked samples of purified H+-ATPase, F1-ATPase or F0 were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and the disulfide cross-linked polypeptides were identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot transfer using subunit specific antisera. SDS-PAGE of H+-ATPase showed several cross-links, although none involved subunits of F0 sector linked to those of F1. Both H+-ATPase and F0 showed formation of a 45-kDa product. Upon reduction, the 45-kDa component gave rise to a 21-kDa band, identified as oligomycin-sensitivity-conferring protein (OSCP), and a 24-kDa band. These two proteins thus appear to be near neighbors with their cysteine residues in close proximity with each other. Under the conditions of cross-linking, there was a concentration-dependent decrease in the Pi-ATP exchange activity of the intact H+ -ATPase as well as of H+-ATPase reconstituted with copper–o-phenanthroline-treated F0 and untreated F1. The site of inhibition appeared to residue in the F0 sector. Loss of Pi-ATP exchange occurred at the same time as formation of the 45-kDa product. Our present data showing copper–o-phenanthroline-induced interactions of the 24-kDa protein with the OSCP and simultaneous inactivation of Pi-ATP exchange activity of the complex strengthen earlier suggestions [Hadikusumo, R. G., Hertzog, P. J. & Marzuki, S. (1984) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 765, 258–267] that the 24-kDa protein may be a bona fide subunit of F0.
Vanadate Dependent NAD(P)H Oxidation by Microsomal Enzymes

Abstract Vanadate-dependent NAD(P)H oxidation, catalyzed by rat liver microsomes and microsomal NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (P450 reductase) and NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase (b5 reductase), was investigated. These enzymes and intact microsomes catalyzed NAD(P)H oxidation in the presence of either ortho- or polyvanadate. Antibody to P450 reductase inhibited orthovanadate-dependent NADPH oxidation catalyzed by either purified P450 reductase or rat liver microsomes and had no effect on the rates of NADH oxidation catalyzed by b5 reductase. NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase catalyzed orthovanadate-dependent NADPH oxidation five times faster than NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase catalyzed NADH oxidation. Orthovanadate-dependent oxidation of either NADPH or NADH, catalyzed by purified reductases or rat liver microsomes, occurred in an anaerobic system, which indicated that Superoxide is not an obligate intermediate in this process. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibited orthovanadate, but not polyvanadate-mediated, enzyme-dependent NAD(P)H oxidation. SOD also inhibited when pyridine nucleotide oxidation was conducted anaerobically, suggesting that SOD inhibits vanadate-dependent NAD(P)H oxidation by a mechanism independent of scavenging Of O2⨪
Constraints on the right-W-boson mass in nonmanifest left-right gauge theories

We obtain a model-independent lower bound on ${M}_{R}$ of 300 GeV for a general class of ${\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{SU}(2)}_{R}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathrm{U}(1)}_{Y}$ left-right theories without any assumptions about the structure of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrices or the right-handed neutrino mass. Our result is also independent of Higgs-boson, dispersive, and ${W}_{L}\ensuremath{-}{W}_{R}$ mixing contributions, and it holds for a range of bag constants.
The generality of the therapeutic effects of progressive relaxation training for essential hypertension

Abstract A client with essential hypertension was successfully treated with progressive relaxation training. Measures obtained outside the therapeutic setting indicated that during treatment there were generalized decreases to the normotensive range in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A ten-month follow-up revealed that these decreases were maintained in the client's natural environment.
Determination of the relative molal heat content of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine vesicles in various physical states

The heat changes which accompany the solubilization of 0.1% dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DDPC) vesicles in large multilamellar (MLV), small unilamellar (SUV), and large unilamellar (LUV) states by the addition of solutions of dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) were observed at 25°C and 46°C by means of titration calorimetry. The enthalpy changes, corrected for the heat of dilution of the DTAC, were 9.8, 7.4, and 8.3 kcal per mole of phospholipid for the MLV, SUV, and LUV samples, respectively. No heat changes other than those associated with the dilution of the surfactant were observed for the titration of all three types of vesicles at 46°C. These results indicate that the molal heat content of DPPC vesicles in the Lβ-gel state are in the order MLV <LUV <SUV. It is also concluded that DPPC has the same molal heat content above the gel-to-liquid transition temperature in the MLV, SUV, and LUV states as in mixed micelles at a mole ratio of about 1:10 for DDPC:DTAC
Clonal growth of diploid Chinese hamster cells in a synthetic medium supplemented with purified protein fractions.

Abstract 1. 1. A nutrient mixture is described which, when supplemented with two purified protein fractions, forms a medium which will support colonial growth of an essentially euploid Chinese hamster cell line (CHBOC1D1). 2. 2. This serum-free, protein-supplemented medium differs from a similar medium previously described for the growth of S3 HeLa cells in the following ways: ( a ) the amino acids, vitamins, growth factors and proteins have been reduced in concentration; ( b ) folic acid and calcium chloride have been increased in concentration; and ( c ) thymidine, pyruvate, cysteine, serine, asparagine and ferric chloride have been added. 3. 3. Data demonstrating specific requirements for a number of components of the medium for colonial growth of strain CHBOC1D1 are presented, together with a discussion of the biochemical and physiological basis of the requirements.
Developmental Programming and Endocrine Disruptor Effects on Reproductive Neuroendocrine Systems

The ability of a species to reproduce successfully requires the careful orchestration of developmental processes during critical time points, particularly the late embryonic and early postnatal periods. This article begins with a brief presentation of the evidence for how gonadal steroid hormones exert these imprinting effects upon the morphology of sexually differentiated hypothalamic brain regions, the mechanisms underlying these effects, and their implications in adulthood. Then, I review the evidence that aberrant exposure to hormonally-active substances such as exogenous endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), may result in improper hypothalamic programming, thereby decreasing reproductive success in adulthood. The field of endocrine disruption has shed new light on the discipline of basic reproductive neuroendocrinology through studies on how early life exposures to EDCs may alter gene expression via non-genomic, epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone acetylation. Importantly, these effects may be transmitted to future generations if the germline is affected via transgenerational, epigenetic actions. By understanding the mechanisms by which natural hormones and xenobiotics affect reproductive neuroendocrine systems, we will gain a better understanding of normal developmental processes, as well as develop the potential ability to intervene when development is disrupted.
Gender Effects on HIV-Associated White Matter Alterations: A Voxel-Wise DTI Study

Sexual dimorphisms within the human brain are well-documented. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with atrophy and microstructural white matter alterations, yet sex-specific dimorphic brain alterations in persons living with HIV have not been systematically examined. To address this issue, we evaluated regional differences in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) in adults with and without HIV utilizing diffusion tensor imaging. Through a voxel-by-voxel analytic approach, sexual dimorphisms in NAWM anisotropy and diffusivity were identified. In comparison to seronegative men and women, HIV infection contributed to a decline in the distribution of anisotropic differences between the sexes. Alterations in diffusivity were more complex, with seropositive women demonstrating an increase in regional diffusivity, while seropositive men demonstrated a reduction in regional differences. Sex by serostatus interactions within the left frontal lobe and bilateral thalamic region were identified. These results suggest that HIV contributes to sex-specific microstructural NAWM alterations, such that sex and serostatus differentially alter the integrity of the neuronal matrix.
Guidelines for police undercover work: New questions about accreditation and the emphasis of procedure over authorization

A survey of the 100 largest police departments in the United States was conducted to document the experience of police undercover operations and the existence of agency guidelines. Eighty-nine agencies responded, revealing that all 89 conduct undercover activities but only 64 have guidelines for such operations. Types of crimes investigated by police undercover operations, reasons for having or not having guidelines, and regional analyses are offered. One finding is that police undercover guidelines emphasize either procedure or authorization in undercover police work. Of the departments that have guidelines, more emphasize procedure (“how to”) than authorization (“when to”). Questions about this dichotomy and the impact of national accreditation standards are raised for future research.
Formation of γ and δ lactones in irradiated beef

Formation of γ and δ lactones by irradiation in beef has been recently reported. This paper provides evidence for their presence and postulates a mechanism for their formation.
Studies in the System BaO-Al2O3−SiO2: VI, The System Celsian-Silica-Alumina *

Phase equilibrium relations in the celsian-silica-alumina portion of the system BaO-Al2O3−SiO2 were revised on the basis of data obtained from isothermal firing and from the quenching method. These data verify the existence of a celsian-silica compatibility join by reducing the extent of the mullite field shown in previous diagrams and extending the boundaries of the celsian primary field. The system celsian-silica-alumina is divided into two ternary subsystems, one having a eutectic point and the other an invariant reaction point. The eutectic for the subsystem celsian-silica-mullite is located at BaO 19, Al2O3 15, and SiO2 66 wt% and 1296°± 3°C. The pertinent invariant point for the subsystem celsian-mullite-alumina, located at BaO 26, Al2O3 27, and SiO2 47 wt% and 1554°± 4°C, is a reaction point.
Supravalvular Aortic Stenosis: A Modification of Extended Aortoplasty

A modification of the Doty extended aortoplasty for supravalvular aortic stenosis has been recently adopted. This modification, which entails placement of an additional patch in the left coronary sinus, results in a more symmetric aortic root. This technique has been applied with success to 3 patients.