cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cushing’s syndrome in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

Summary Objective In patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), Cushing’s syndrome (CS) from endogenous hypercortisolism can result from pituitary, adrenal or other endocrine tumours. The purpose of this study was to characterize the range of presentations of CS in a large series of MEN1 patients. Design Retrospective review of NIH Clinical Center inpatient records over an approximately 40-year period. Patients Nineteen patients (eight males, 11 females) with CS and MEN1. Measurements Biochemical, imaging, surgical and pathological findings. Results An aetiology was determined for 14 of the 19 patients with CS and MEN1: 11 (79%) had Cushing’s disease (CD) and three (21%) had ACTH-independent CS owing to adrenal tumours, frequencies indistinguishable from sporadic CS. Three of 11 MEN1 patients with CD (27%) had additional non-ACTH-secreting pituitary microadenomas identified at surgery, an incidence 10-fold higher than in sporadic CD. Ninety-one per cent of MEN1 patients with CD were cured after surgery. Two of three MEN1 patients with ACTH-independent CS (67%) had adrenocortical carcinoma. One patient with adrenal cancer and another with adrenal adenoma were cured by unilateral adrenalectomy. No case of ectopic ACTH secretion was identified in our patient cohort. The aetiology of CS could not be defined in five patients; in three of these, hypercortisolism appeared to resolve spontaneously. Conclusions The tumour multiplicity of MEN1 can be reflected in the anterior pituitary, MEN1-associated ACTH-independent CS may be associated with aggressive adrenocortical disease and an aetiology for CS in MEN1 may be elusive in a substantial minority of patients.
Secondary data partitioning via maximum likelihood estimation: extensions

Adaptive beamforming based on sample matrix inversion requires the availability of a secondary data set for "training" (i.e., estimating the sample covariance matrix). For each snapshot processed, near-optimal detection performance can be achieved as long as the training data is independent, identically distributed, and free of target-like signals. Oftentimes, however, the available set of secondary data is contaminated by an unknown heterogeneous mixture of clutter, jamming, electromagnetic interference, and strong targets. Previously, the author and his colleagues applied maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) to pre-screen the available secondary data, identifying subsets having similar clutter and jamming statistics, and using these subsets for adaptive beamformer training. This paper extends the basic MLE approach to cases where the secondary data may contain electromagnetic interference and/or strong targets.
Confrontation and beyond: Examining a stigmatized target's use of a prejudice reduction strategy

What can stigmatized individuals do to reduce stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination when they interact with a biased individual? This paper reviews the social psychological literature that examines how targets can be active agents of prejudice reduction for themselves and their group. The extant literature indicates that a target's direct confrontation of bias can reduce prejudice and discrimination against the target's group but that this strategy can also backlash in the form of increased prejudice and discrimination against the target. Other research indicates that presenting a common-identity, self-enhancing feedback, and a self-affirmation can reduce bias against the target but that they may not reliably change bias against the target's group. We conclude by discussing the need for research on the processes by which stigmatized targets decide to use a given bias-reduction strategy and on the processes by which specific strategies are effective, either alone or in combination, when delivered by a stigmatized target.
Social Work and the Support Model of Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

This article discusses the evolution of service delivery for people with developmental disabilities from the medical model to the developmental model to the current support model. Today's service delivery paradigm has changed the conceptualization of consumers, service intent, and the role of professionals. In this context, the author examines the role of social work practice, education, and research in service provision for people with developmental disabilities.
Pre-admission clinical factors affect length of stay in the epilepsy monitoring unit.

ABSTRACT.Objective: Video-EEG monitoring in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) is a limited clinical resource. Knowledge of the predicting factors for length of stay (LOS) in the EMU may allow providers to more efficiently utilize EMU bed space. Methods: The records for all consecutive admissions to the EMU at the University of Colorado Hospital between December 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011 (n= 142) were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Univariate analyses focusing on variables known prior to admission showed that EMU LOS (in hours) was not significantly correlated with patient age, number of event types, or number of antiepileptic drugs at admission. Patients who were admitted to the EMU for event characterization had statistically significantly shorter average LOS than patients who had been admitted as a part of a presurgical evaluation. Patients who reported =7 seizure per day. These variables were al...
1 On the Emergence and Evolution of Chemical Engineering

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses chemical engineering as a dynamic, evolving discipline and profession and highlights what has been learned about chemical engineering. It explores what chemical engineering is, how it has changed over the past hundred years, and what factors are likely to be important for the next hundred. Just as industrialization brought about the emergence of chemical engineering, so also has technological and economic change shaped its development. Chemical engineering is still undergoing changes. Successive processing technologies follow a life cycle. All evolve, by taking backward looks at some of the high technologies of the past, beginning with the earliest ones. Even as chemical engineering consolidated half a century ago, it continued evolving, with such developments as specialty lubricants, synthetic detergents, new solvents and plastics, and synthetic polymer fibers. The evolution still continues.
Book Review of 'The Origins of the Equal Rights Amendment: American Feminism between the Wars' by Susan Becker

Becker traces the development of American feminism through the National Women’s Party as a “transitional generation between the Victorian era and the twentieth century”. Becker focuses on the issue of whether this group was the only true feminist organization in America during the 1920s and 1930s and uses that issue as a starting point to consider the nature of American feminism between the wars. This, in brief, is a book about feminists in an era when feminism was seen as largely irrelevant. She dares to consider the troublemakers as “true feminists” and to consider the politics of the appropriation of that term. Becker observes that the civil equality sought by the NWP could not mean genuine economic or social equality unless put in its place as part of a larger political program. Yet Becker conveys the sense that feminism was intensely personal as well as political for these women and her portrayal of those involved in the movement is a fascinating introduction to some remarkable people.
A Topological Formulation of the Standard Model

A topological theory for the interactions in Nature is presented. The theory derives from the cyclic properties of the topological manifold Q=2T^3 + 3S^1 x S^2 which has 23 intrinsic degrees of freedom, discrete Z_3 and Z_2 x Z_3 internal groups, an SU(5) gauge group, and an anomalous U(1) symmetry. These properties reproduce the standard model with a stable proton, a natural place for CP violation and doublet-triplet splitting. The equation of motion for the unified theory is derived and leads to a Higgs field. The thermodynamic properties of Q are discussed and yield a consistent amplitude for the cosmic microwave background fluctuations. The manifold Q possesses internal energy scales which are independent of the field theory defined on it, but which constrain the predicted mass hierarchy of such theories. In particular the electron and its neutrino are identified as ground states and their masses are predicted. The correct masses of quarks and the CKM mixing angles can be derived as well from these energy scales if one uses the anomalous U(1) symmetry. Furthermore, it is shown that if the Planck scale topology of the universe involves loops as fundamental objects, its spatial dimension is equal to three. The existence of the prime manifold T^3=S^1 x S^1 S^1 is then required for a dynamical universe, i.e. a universe which supports forces. Some links with M-theory are pointed out.
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins regulate biliary-driven liver regeneration

Background & Aims During liver regeneration, hepatocytes are derived from pre-existing hepatocytes. However, if hepatocyte proliferation is compromised, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) become the source of new hepatocytes. We recently reported on a zebrafish liver regeneration model in which BECs extensively contribute to hepatocytes. Using this model, we performed a targeted chemical screen to identify important factors that regulate BEC-driven liver regeneration, the mechanisms of which remain largely unknown. Methods Using Tg(fabp10a:CFP-NTR) zebrafish, we examined the effects of 44 selected compounds on BEC-driven liver regeneration. Liver size was assessed by fabp10a: DsRed expression; liver marker expression was analyzed by immunostaining, in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR. Proliferation and apoptosis were also examined. Moreover, we used a mouse liver injury model, choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet. Results We identified 10 compounds that affected regenerating liver size. Among them, only bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitors, JQ1 and iBET151, blocked both Prox1 and Hnf4a induction in BECs. BET inhibition during hepatocyte ablation blocked BEC dedifferentiation into hepatoblast-like cells (HB-LCs). Intriguingly, after JQ1 washout, liver regeneration resumed, indicating temporal, but not permanent, perturbation of liver regeneration by BET inhibition. BET inhibition after hepatocyte ablation suppressed the proliferation of newly generated hepatocytes and delayed hepatocyte maturation. Importantly, Myca overexpression, in part, rescued the proliferation defect. Furthermore, oval cell numbers in mice fed CDE diet were greatly reduced upon JQ1 administration, supporting the zebrafish findings. Conclusions BET proteins regulate BEC-driven liver regeneration at multiple steps: BEC dedifferentiation, HB-LC proliferation, the proliferation of newly generated hepatocytes, and hepatocyte maturation.
IYOBA, THE QUEEN MOTHER OF BENIN

Today, the 38th Oba of Benin, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, is the traditional ruler of some 2 million Edo-speaking peoples whose homelands are in southwestern Nigeria. A tropical forest kingdom, in medieval times it expanded to dominate other ethnic groups to the east beyond the Niger River, and to the west beyond Lagos. In 1897 a British military expedition ended five hundred years of indigenous and independent rule. Benin City, the Palace, and the Oba (restored to the throne in 1914) continued to be the focal points of the culture throughout the colonial period that lasted until 1960. As part of the Western Region, and later as capital of post colonial Midwest State, Benin City and the surrounding territory encompassed a number of ethnic groups. Within the boundaries of modern Edo State, Benin City is home to many Igbos, Yorubas, Etsakos, Itsekiris, Hausas, Europeans, and others. This pluralistic population in Benin City and elsewhere accommodates each other more easily than they did in the last century; friction nowadays is most often the outcome of new groups moving onto lands held by local villagers. The Oba's Palace in the heart of Benin City, capital of Edo State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, occupies a site dated to the 13th century, and possibly dates to the 11th century (Connah 1975). Benin expanded in the early 16th century with the aid of Portuguese mercenaries and foreign guns. To the north and elsewhere over the centuries the Benin's warred with their neighbors and exacted tribute. Like their conquests, their fortunes ebbed and rose under different kings (obas) who ruled up to the end of the 19th century. The 1950s census reported Benin City's population at about 50,000. The 1990s national census reported a pluralistic population of some 200,000 people, showing the city's growth and continued diversity.
Heterogeneous vesicles: an analytical approach to equilibrium shapes

We develop an analytical model to predict equilibrium shapes of two-component heterogeneous vesicles or capsules. Using a free energy functional including the bending energies of the two components and line tension contributions, the model describes shape transitions between spherical and polyhedral (faceted) states, complementing and extending results of previous numerical simulations. In the parameter space of relative area fraction, bending modulus ratio, and line tension, a region of polyhedral shapes occurs for weak line tension and large bending modulus ratio and is very robust towards changes in the modeling assumptions. At large enough line tension, the spherical shape fragments into two components. Within the polyhedral region, we compare the energies of all regular and semiregular polyhedra, as well as those of arbitrary prismatic shapes. We find that the largest bending modulus contrasts together with larger line tension favor polyhedra with small face number as optimal shapes. In this region, we also demonstrate the counter-intuitive result that the most symmetric polyhedra are not energetically optimal, with specific Archimedean solids and specific prismatic shapes beating more isotropic (e.g. Platonic) polyhedra. Furthermore, all polyhedra of lowest energy are found to be three-fold coordinated. The shape transition boundary for polyhedra can be computed analytically. The model can be utilized to predict heterogeneous vesicle shapes and to estimate physical properties of the components constituting observed vesicles.
A Post-Mortem and Update of the Economic News and Personal Finances Forecasting Model

The forecasting model I wrote about in the October 2004 issue of PS (Holbrook 2004 ) is best described as a referendum model. It incorporates presidential approval (Gallup polls averaged from June through August), a measure of aggregate satisfaction with personal finances weighted by the tone of economic news (averaged from June through August), and a dummy variable coded “1” for years in which the incumbent party had held the White House for at least two consecutive terms and “0” for all other years. The first two variables are intended to capture the political and economic performance of the incumbent administration, while the latter (borrowed from Abramowitz 1988 ) is based on the idea that it may be easier to convince voters that it is “time for a change” if the incumbent party has held the White House for at least two consecutive terms.
Spinal cord trauma. Experimental and clinical developments.

Recent laboratory studies concerning the pathophysiology of spinal cord trauma has led to a marked heightening of interest in this problem in the United States as well as elaswhere in the world and I will attempt to summarize for your interest the newer avenues in both laboratory and clinical research and draw some tentative conclusions relative to the treatment of patients with damaged spinal cords.
Grenville-age A-type and related magmatism in southern Laurentia, Texas and New Mexico, U.S.A.

Abstract Large Grenville-age plutons are known to be present in the 1340–1370 Ma basement in Texas and eastern New Mexico, but their distribution and compositional ranges are poorly known. New U–Pb zircon dates (SHRIMP-RG, Stanford University) on subsurface samples have identified widespread presence of compositionally diverse Grenville-age (1070–1110 Ma) plutonic rocks. In the Texas Panhandle, core from a > 175 m thick, sill-like gabbroic intrusion yielded a date of 1081 ± 8.3 Ma. In situ differentiation of this tholeiitic magma led to a ∼ 7-fold increase in incompatible element concentrations as REE patterns remained essentially flat. Trace element data suggest an E-MORB-like source. To the south, alkali–feldspar granite with A-type affinities was recovered from drill core from the Abilene gravity minimum near Albany, Texas. It yielded a date of 1078 ± 23 Ma; similar to undeformed (post-orogenic) granites in the Llano uplift. Further west, an anorthosite xenolith from the Eocene Three Sisters intrusion in El Paso, Texas yielded a date of 1068 ± 30 Ma which is within error of the 1110 ± 19 Ma age determined for the main stage of the nearby A-type Red Bluff granitic suite. Xenoliths from Potrillo maar volcano in the center of the southern Rio Grande rift include monzonitic xenoliths with granulitic texture which yielded dates of ∼ 1072 Ma. In contrast, Potrillo maar xenoliths with igneous textures yielded U–Pb dates of ∼ 27 Ma. Development of the granulitic texture is interpreted to reflect granulite facies metamorphism during Tertiary time (26–27 Ma) on the basis of age zoning and U concentrations in the zircon crystals. Our results show that Grenville-age magmatism in the Texas and New Mexico subsurface was widespread and was coeval with syn- and post-deformation granites in the Llano uplift of central Texas. The compositions of dated samples suggest that mafic magmas were broadly tholeiitic in character and that granitic magmas were “A-type”. These magmatic affinities are thought to be associated with crustal extension rather than with subduction. Moreover, the presence of anorthosite xenoliths in the El Paso-Kilbourne Hole region, the broadly tholeiitic character of mafic rocks, and the A-type nature of the granitic rocks are broadly similar to AMCG (Anorthosite–Mangerite–Charnockite–Granite) suites present in the Grenville province of eastern Laurentia.
Enhancing Tolerance to Short-Chain Alcohols by Engineering the Escherichia coli AcrB Efflux Pump to Secrete the Non-native Substrate n-Butanol

The microbial conversion of sugars to fuels is a promising technology, but the byproducts of biomass pretreatment processes and the fuels themselves are often toxic at industrially relevant levels. One promising solution to these problems is to engineer efflux pumps to secrete fuels and inhibitory chemicals from the cell, increasing microbial tolerance and enabling higher fuel titer. Toward that end, we used a directed evolution strategy to generate variants of the Escherichia coli AcrB efflux pump that act on the non-native substrate n-butanol, enhancing growth rates of E. coli in the presence of this biofuel by up to 25%. Furthermore, these variants confer improved tolerance to isobutanol and straight-chain alcohols up to n-heptanol. Single amino acid changes in AcrB responsible for this phenotype were identified. We have also shown that both the chemical and genetic inactivation of pump activity eliminate the tolerance conferred by AcrB pump variants, supporting our assertion that the variants secrete ...
New insights into the development of popliteal cysts.

Background: This prospective study was designed to investigate the aetiology of popliteal (Baker's) cysts. Methods: Some 426 legs in 312 individuals were investigated with ultrasonography for the presence of a popliteal cyst. Participants included healthy volunteers, patients with a painful knee, and a group of patients with signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The location, thickness and content of all cysts were recorded. In addition, the popliteal fossa was dissected in four cadaver knees. Results: The prevalence of popliteal cyst increased with age and was significantly higher in those aged over 50 years (P < 0·001). Compared with controls (incidence 3·0 per cent), cysts were more common in patients with DVT symptoms (9·5 per cent; P = 0·141) and those with painful knees (19·8 per cent; P < 0·001). All cysts were located in the posteromedial aspect of the popliteal fossa; the majority extended between the deep fascia and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. At this level an area without external support of the posterior capsule was identified between the two expansions of the semimembranosus muscle from the medial side (the oblique popliteal ligament and the expansion over the popliteus muscle) and the posterior cruciate ligament from the lateral side. This area was also located in the knee dissections. No association was found between popliteal cyst and acute DVT. Conclusion: Popliteal cysts are relatively common in patients over 50 years old with a painful knee or with signs and symptoms of DVT. They form in the posteromedial popliteal fossa because the synovial capsule does not provide anatomical support in this region. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synchronous spawning in a recently established population of the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, in western Lake Erie, USA

Seasonal patterns of reproduction in a newly established population of Dreissena polymorpha are described for a site in the western basin of Lake Erie. Reproduction was monitored by histological examination of gonads, analysis of shell length-dry weight relationships, and following abundance of planktonic and settling larvae. Patterns of planktonic larval abundance and settling showed a distinct bimodal pattern in July and August, but conflicted with histological and length-dry weight data that showed spawning was a brief, highly synchronous event occurring in late August. Differences between histological data and abundance of larvae in the plankton can be explained as resulting from drift of larvae from disjunct populations of D. polymorpha which spawned earlier, into the study area. Veliger larvae were present in the plankton at low densities throughout the warm months before and after periods of peak abundances. The presence of these larvae can be explained by a combination of asynchronous spawning among local populations and postponed settlement by planktonic larvae.
Hyperspectral small animal fluorescence imaging: spectral selection imaging

Molecular imaging is a rapidly growing area of research, fueled by needs in pharmaceutical drug-development for methods for high-throughput screening, pre-clinical and clinical screening for visualizing tumor growth and drug targeting, and a growing number of applications in the molecular biology fields. Small animal fluorescence imaging employs fluorescent probes to target molecular events in vivo, with a large number of molecular targeting probes readily available. The ease at which new targeting compounds can be developed, the short acquisition times, and the low cost (compared to microCT, MRI, or PET) makes fluorescence imaging attractive. However, small animal fluorescence imaging suffers from high optical scattering, absorption, and autofluorescence. Much of these problems can be overcome through multispectral imaging techniques, which collect images at different fluorescence emission wavelengths, followed by analysis, classification, and spectral deconvolution methods to isolate signals from fluorescence emission. We present an alternative to the current method, using hyperspectral excitation scanning (spectral selection imaging), a technique that allows excitation at any wavelength in the visible and near-infrared wavelength range. In many cases, excitation imaging may be more effective at identifying specific fluorescence signals because of the higher complexity of the fluorophore excitation spectrum. Because the excitation is filtered and not the emission, the resolution limit and image shift imposed by acousto-optic tunable filters have no effect on imager performance. We will discuss design of the imager, optimizing the imager for use in small animal fluorescence imaging, and application of spectral analysis and classification methods for identifying specific fluorescence signals.
Stretching-Induced Collagen Type I Synthesis in Human Tendon Fibroblasts Is Mediated by TGF-β1

This study investigated the effect of cyclic mechanical stretching on the collagen gene expression and protein synthesis of human patellar tendon fibroblasts (HPTFs). We hypothesized that cyclic mechanical stretching of HPTFs would increase collagen synthesis via transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). To test the hypothesis, the tendon fibroblasts were cultured on microgrooved surfaces of silicone dishes under serum-free conditions. The cells were subjected to cyclic uniaxial stretching with a constant frequency and duration (0.5Hz, 4hr), and one of three stretching magnitudes (no stretch, 4%, and 8%) followed by 4 hours of rest. It was found that the gene and protein expression of both collagen type I and TGF-β1 were significantly increased in a stretching-magnitude dependent manner, whereas collagen type III gene and protein levels were not significantly changed. The exogenous addition of antibody to TGF-β1 eliminated the stretching-induced increase in collagen type I protein synthesis. The results therefore confirmed our working hypothesis and suggest that mechanical stretching of tendon fibroblasts can lead to matrix remodeling by modulating the collagen production of tendon fibroblasts, a process at least particially mediated by TGF-β1.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The Oscine Song System Considered in the Context of the Avian Brain: Lessons Learned from Comparative Neurobiology

The oscine song system has emerged as one of the leading model systems for studying motor learning in vertebrates, combining an easily recorded behavior with a discrete neural substrate. That neural substrate seems to be distinct from other structures in the avian brain and thus is often studied in isolation. However, the song system is unlikely to have evolved ex nihilo, and should share some features with the parts of the avian brain from which it evolved. Identification of its evolutionary precursors should help us apply what we know about the song system to other vertebrate motor systems, and vice versa. Here, I review the homologies between parts of the avian and mammalian telencephala and explain where the song system nuclei reside in this context. The organization of the song system is then compared to other parts of the avian brain and the brains of nonoscine birds. Study of the nonoscine brain has revealed a ‘general motor pathway’ from caudolateral neostriatum (NCL) to intermediate archistriatum (Ai) that resembles the song system motor pathway in its anatomical organization. No part of this motor pathway projects directly to brainstem vocal or respiratory centers in nonoscines, but it does innervate a wide variety of motor and premotor neuron populations that mediate other behaviors. This general motor pathway may be accompanied by an ‘anterior forebrain pathway’ , suggesting that the song system is simply a specialization of a part of this preexisting circuit. This hypothesis has implications for how accessory structures of the song system (e.g. HVc shelf, LMAN shell) are regarded, can help explain how the forebrain vocal control systems of three avian taxa (parrots, hummingbirds, and songbirds) could have evolved independently yet be so similar in organization, and makes testable predictions concerning the anatomy of the song system and the nonoscine brain.
Perfusion–Diffusion Mismatch: Does It Identify Who Will Benefit from Reperfusion Therapy?

A method to determine which patients would benefit from reperfusion therapies after 4.5 h would greatly add to our ability to reduce the disability caused by stroke. The goal of magnetic resonance perfusion–diffusion imaging in hyperacute ischemic stroke is to identify regions of the brain that will die if untreated and will live and regain function if quickly reperfused. The clinical value of perfusion–diffusion imaging in hyperacute ischemic stroke can be proven only by demonstrating empirically in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that there is an improvement in patient outcome that depends on the use of the neuroimaging modality to guide therapy. To date, there have been only a few RCTs that have evaluated whether perfusion–diffusion imaging can identify a subgroup of patients with ischemic stroke more than 4.5 h from onset in whom the overall benefit from reperfusion therapy outweighs the risk. None have met the rigorous design requirements of the three-group study necessary to adequately test this hypothesis, and none have even met their own criteria for demonstrating a clinical benefit. While studies are not sufficient to conclusively disprove the hypothesis there are no RCT data to support it, and thus, the clinical value of MRI perfusion–diffusion imaging in this setting remains unproven. It is worthy of further investigation in rigorously designed RCTs. However, the risks of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage with reperfusion therapies in acute ischemic stroke are proven. Unless RCT data are forthcoming to demonstrate that MRI perfusion–diffusion mismatch improves clinical outcome, it should not be used to guide delayed reperfusion therapy.
Law & psychiatry: reforming malpractice: the prospects for change.

Previous efforts to change the U.S. medical malpractice system have involved such initiatives as time limits on filing claims, caps on noneconomic damages, and limiting attorneys' fees. This column briefly reviews such past efforts and describes several new approaches. They include programs that encourage prompt disclosure of errors and offers of compensation, efforts to mediate complaints outside the courts, and use of administrative processes to adjudicate claims. "No-fault" systems, such as those in New Zealand, Sweden, and Denmark, may be most likely to satisfy the interests of both patients and physicians but may not be politically acceptable in the United States. (Psychiatric Services 62:6-8, 2011). Language: en
Mindfulness, cancer, and pain

Pain is the most distressing and incapacitating symptom experienced by cancer patients. While mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions have been conducted with cancer patients, no study has explored psychological and pain- related factors in patients with cancer-related pain. The effects of an eight-week MBSR intervention were investigated on pre- post scores for pain catastrophizing, pain-related anxiety, pain intensity ratings, and mental adjustment to cancer in breast cancer patients with pa in. Forty-one women diagnosed withcancer-related pain participated in the study. The MBSR was conducted for 1.5 hours/week for eight-weeks; participants were trained in the body scan, sitting meditation, and hatha yoga. Results showed significant reduction in scores for pain catastrophizing, pain anxiety, and painratings; also significant positive changes occurred for mental adjustment to cancer. This study is the first to investigate MBSR effects for psychological factors in patients with cancer pain. Much more research is needed in this area.
A self-adaptive feedforward rf control system for linacs

Abstract The design and performance of a self-adaptive feedforward rf control system are reported. The system was built for the linac of the Accelerator Test Facility (ATF) at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Variables of time along the linac macropulse, such as field or phase are discretized and represented as vectors. Upon turn-on or after a large change in the operating-point, the control system acquires the response of the system to test signal vectors and generates a linearized system response matrix. During operation an error vector is generated by comparing the linac variable vectors and a target vector. The error vector is multiplied by the inverse of the system's matrix to generate a correction vector is added to an operating point vector. This control system can be used to control a klystron to produce flat rf amplitude and phase pulses, to control a rf cavity to reduce the rf field fluctuation, and to compensate the energy spread among bunches in a rf linac. Beam loading effects can be corrected and a programmed ramp can be produced. The performance of the control system has been evaluated on the control of a klystron's output as well as an rf cavity. Both amplitude and phase have been regulated simultaneously. In initial tests, the rf output from a klystron has been regulated to an amplitude fluctuation of less than ±0.3% and phase variation of less than ±0.6°. The rf field of the ATF's photo-cathode microwave gun cavity has been regulated to ±0.5% in amplitude and simultaneously to ±1° in phase. Regulating just the rf field amplitude in the rf gun cavity, we have achieved amplitude fluctuation of less than ±0.2%.
Automated Recognition and Detection of Dismounts and Vehicles using Close-in Urban Hyperspectral Images

Advances in Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) sensor offer new avenues for precise detection, identification and characterization of materials or targets of military interest. HSI technologies are capable of exploiting 10s to 100s of images of a scene collected at contiguous or selective spectral bands to seek out mission-critical objects. In this paper, we develop and analyze several HSI algorithms for detection, recognition and tracking of dismounts, vehicles and other objects. Preliminary work on detection, classification and fingerprinting of dismount, vehicle and UAV has been performed using visible band HSI data. The results indicate improved performance with HSI when compared to traditional EO processing. All the detection and classification results reported in this paper were based on single HSI pixel used for testing. Furthermore, the close-in Hyperspectral data were collected for the experiments at indoor or outdoor by the authors. The collections were taken in different lighting conditions using a visible HSI sensor. The algorithms studied for performance comparison include PCA, Linear Discriminant Analysis method (LDA), Quadratic classifier and Fisher's Linear Discriminant and comprehensive results have been included in terms of confusion matrices and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves.
Morphologic expression of Quaternary deformation in the northwestern foothills of the Ysyk-Köl basin, Tien Shan

The Tien Shan is one of the most active intracontinental mountain belts exhibiting numerous examples of Quaternary fault-related folding. To provide insight into the deformation of the Quaternary intermontane basins, the territory of the northwestern Ysyk-Kol region, where the growing Ak-Teke Anticline divided the piedmont apron of alluvial fans, is studied. It is shown that the Ak-Teke Hills are a sharply asymmetric anticline, which formed as a result of tectonic uplift and erosion related to motions along the South Ak-Teke Thrust Fault. The tectonic uplift gave rise to the local deviation of the drainage network in front of the northern limb of the fold. Optical (luminescent) dating suggests that the tectonic uplifting of the young anticline and the antecedent downcutting started 157 ka ago. The last upthrow of the high floodplain of the Toru-Aygyr River took place 1300 years ago. The structure of the South Ak-Teke Fault is examined by means of seismologic trenching and shallow seismic profiling across the fault. A laser tachymeter is applied to determine the vertical deformation of alluvial terraces in the Toru-Aygyr River valley at its intersection with the South Ak-Teke Fault. The rates of vertical deformation and an inferred number of strong earthquakes, which resulted in the upthrow of Quaternary river terraces of different ages, are calculated. The study territory is an example of changes in fluvial systems on growing folds in piedmont regions. As a result of shortening of the Earth’s crust in the mountainous belt owing to thrusting, new territories of previous sedimentation are involved in emergence. The tectonic activity migrates with time from the framing ridges toward the axial parts of intramontane basins.
Successful Aging: Focus on Public Policy and Spiritual Well-Being

ABSTRACT This article considers the importance of religious values for effective public policy on aging in the United States. An examination of the concepts of successful aging and spiritual well-being introduces a discussion of the necessary relationship between the two. Nine values from the Christian tradition that can serve as helpful guides for policymakers are outlined, followed by a look at relevant teachings of several of the world's religions that are becoming more important in the United States as the numbers of their followers grow. The article concludes with a discussion of the role religious values can play in making policy that will promote successful aging.
Puzzling mass movement features in the Navarinsky Canyon head, Bering Sea

Two types of morphologic features in the head of Navarinsky Canyon are attributed to mass movement of near-surface sediment. A series of pull-aparts is located downslope of large sand waves. These pull-aparts, possibly induced by liquefaction, affect the upper 5 to 10 m of sandy sediment (water depths 350 to 600 m) on a 1o slope. A hummocky elongate mound of muddy sand (water depths 550 to 800 m) contains chaotic internal reflectors to a subbottom depth of 30 to 40 m and possibly is the product of a shallow slide. We speculate that Holocene seismicity is the likely triggering mechanism.
Seismic performance of circular RC columns subjected to axial force, bending, and torsion with low and moderate shear

Abstract Test results of reinforced concrete (RC) circular columns under cyclic bending and shear, cyclic pure torsion, and various levels of combined cyclic bending, shear, and torsion complimented with finite element (FE) results are presented in this paper. The main variables considered in this study are the ratio of torsion-to-bending moment ( T / M ) , and the aspect ratio ( H / D ) of the column or bending moment to shear ( M / V ) (to simulate low or moderate shear). The aspect ratio of the column determines the level of flexure–shear interaction. Under combined loadings, the columns were tested at torsion-to-bending moment ratios of 0.2 and 0.4 with aspect ( H / D ) ratios of 6 and 3. This work analyzed the effect of an increase in aspect ratio with respect to several behaviors. Specifically, the significance of the level of shear on the failure modes and its effect on the torsional and bending strength under combined loadings is investigated. Test results demonstrate that there was no appreciable change in flexural or torsional capacities with decrease in aspect ratio as was observed in the FE analysis. However, results show a significant change in the failure mode and deformation characteristics due to reduction in aspect ratio.
Comparison of AB2 and AB4 monomers in ferrocene-cored benzyl ether dendrimers

Abstract Ferrocene-cored unsymmetric and symmetric arylalkyl ether dendrimers based on an AB 2 monomer (3,5-dihydroxybenzyl alcohol) were prepared. Their electrochemical properties were compared with the unsymmetric and symmetric ferrocene-cored dendrimers based on a relatively rigid and three-dimensionally disposed AB 4 monomer. The thermodynamics and kinetics of heterogeneous electron transfer in these dendrimers show that G 2 n of AB 2 dendrimers behave similar to G n of AB 4 dendrimers. For example, the redox reaction shows significant irreversibility especially at higher scan rates in the case of G 4 didendron based on AB 2 monomer and G 2 didendron based on AB 4 monomer. Despite the fact that AB 4 building blocks are more rigid, the effective encapsulation in both these dendrimers are similar. This result is attributed to the three dimensional disposition of the branching points in the AB 4 monomer.
NMR Structural Studies of the Binding of Activating Mamba Toxin Tx7335 on the Potassium Channel KcsA

We have recently identified a novel 63 amino acid residue three-finger toxin (called Tx7335) from eastern green mamba snake (Dendroaspis angusticeps) which interacts with KcsA and induces an increase in frequency and duration of individual channel openings when added to the outside of the channel. The toxin exerts this activating effect both on wild-type KcsA as well as on an agitoxin2-sensitive mutant form of the channel, indicating a mode of action and binding site that are different from the classic pore-blocker toxins. We are currently using NMR spectroscopy to unravel the structural underpinnings of this mechanism of action. High yield of purified 15N labeled KcsA and excellent NMR spectral quality have been achieved. Currently the characterization of toxin binding using 1H15N correlation spectra of 15N labeled KcsA in the absence and presence of toxin is ongoing. Experiments are conducted in different membrane mimetics including DMPC/DHPC bicelles and DPC or DM micelles at different pH, temperature and salt concentration. Some chemical shifts and peak intensity changes upon toxin addition have been observed. Continuing NMR structural studies will further elucidate the mechanism of how Tx7335 interacts with KcsA and shed light on the conformational and dynamic changes of C-type inactivation in KcsA and on a novel mechanism of ion channel regulation.
A composite approach to automating direct and indirect schema mappings

Automating schema mapping is challenging. Previous approaches to automating schema mapping focus mainly on computing direct matches between two schemas. Schemas, however, rarely match directly. Thus, to complete the task of schema mapping, we must also compute indirect matches. In this paper, we present a composite approach for generating a source-to-target mapping that contains both direct and many indirect matches between a source schema and a target schema. Recognizing expected-data values associated with schema elements and applying schema-structure heuristics are the key ideas needed to compute indirect matches. Experiments we have conducted over several real-world application domains show encouraging results, yielding about 90% precision and recall measures for both direct and indirect matches.
Neural time course of visually enhanced echo suppression

Auditory spatial perception plays a critical role in day-to-day communication. For instance, listeners utilize acoustic spatial information to segregate individual talkers into distinct auditory “s...
Ecdysone receptor and ultraspiracle proteins are tyrosine phosphorylated during adult development of silkmoths

20-hydroxy ecdysone (20E) is essential to promote adult development in diapausing silkmoth pupae. Increases in protein tyrosine/serine-phosphorylations observed soon after 20E administration supported the initial hypothesis that activation of receptor tyrosine kinase-ras-MAPK pathway could be responsible for the growth promoting effects of 20E. This report pertains to the high levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylations (PTP) that occurred later during the growth to differentiation transition because of its novelty and relevance to 20E dependence of adult development. Further analyses demonstrated that both ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP), the two dimerizing partners of the functional ecdysone receptor, are tyrosine phosphorylated coincidental with high PTP. Enhanced PTP during growth to differentiation transition and concomitant tyrosine phosphorylation of EcR and USP was shown to occur in another silkmoth species pointing to the necessity of similar protein tyrosine phosphorylation pathways for adult development. Properly timed increases in tissue protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity could explain the enhancement of PTP in the wing epidermis of both the silkmoths. Thymidine incorporation measurements showed that cessation of DNA synthesis preceded the increase in PTK activity thus emphasizing a role for PTP in aspects of tissue physiology related to differentiative events rather than cell proliferation. Phosphatase and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Tyrphostins) had minimal effects on adult wing development in vivo. However, the escape of the adult from the pupal case was blocked by a tyrphostin indicating the importance of PTKs in eclosion.
Social determinants of low birth weight in a high-risk population

Over ninety low-weight infants were born per thousand live births in South Carolina, based on 96,000 birth records from 1975 and 1979. Higher incidence of low birth weight for black infants cannot be explained away as a result of black/white differences in age or education of mothers, prenatal care, parity or length of birth intervals. Though all these factors are important predictors of birth weight, an increasing propensity to have low-weight babies persists among black mothers even after all these factors are controlled.
Investigation of structure and composition control over active dissolution of Fe–Tc binary metallic waste forms by off-lattice kinetic Monte Carlo simulation

Abstract In this paper we develop and apply an atomistic framework for predicting the corrosion tendencies of metallic waste forms that are based on the iron–technetium (Fe–Tc) binary system. These elements were selected due to their importance for the development of metal alloy waste forms for fission product disposition. A kinetic Monte Carlo model based on an off-lattice, modified embedded atom method (MEAM) representation of the Fe–Tc binary system was applied to understand and predict the corrosion behavior of Fe–Tc alloys, as a function of structure (phase and surface-orientation) and composition. During active dissolution, metal atoms are in the free-corrosion state, in which there is a bare metal surface exposed to the environment. The Bronsted–Evans–Polanyi relationship was applied to link atomic cohesive energies, as evaluated using the parameterized MEAM potential, to activation barriers for dissolution. The active dissolution scenario may occur in situations where the passive film has either not formed, is electrochemically unstable, or has been damaged due to the application of stress or pitting attack. Our simulations of the active dissolution process suggest that the corrosion of candidate alloy waste forms will be highly sensitive to Tc loading, as well as phase selection. Hexagonally close-packed alloys are predicted to have lower corrosion rates compared to body-centered cubic. Similarly, ordered structures appear to have a stronger corrosion resistance than randomly dispersed alloys. Finally, our results indicate an optimal loading of Tc in the alloy, which is consistent with electrochemical corrosion experiments.