cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Validation of brief screening measures for depression and anxiety in young people with substance use disorders.

Abstract Background It is critical to promptly identify and monitor mood and anxiety symptoms in young people with SUD. The primary aim of this study was to conduct a psychometric validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) for depression and anxiety screening in young people seeking outpatient treatment for SUD. Our secondary aim was to compare the performance of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 to their briefer two-item versions (PHQ-2 and GAD-2) in terms of detecting probable mood and anxiety disorders. Method Data were extracted from the electronic health records of patients (ages 14 to 26) who received a diagnostic evaluation following clinical implementation of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 at a hospital-based outpatient SUD treatment program (N=121, average age 19.1 ± 3.1 years). Results The PHQ-9 and GAD-7 showed excellent internal consistency. A PHQ-9 cut score of 7 or 8 (PHQ-2 cut score: 2) and GAD-7 cut score of 6 (GAD-2 cut score: 2) had the best balance of sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive power in these data. These measures also showed good convergent and acceptable discriminant validity. Limitations The sample was predominantly White and non-Hispanic, and a validated (semi-)structured diagnostic interview was not used to establish mood and anxiety disorder diagnoses. Conclusions Results suggest the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are reliable and potentially clinically useful screening tools for depression and anxiety in young people with SUD, and that the two-item versions may have similar clinical utility as the full measures.
Advances in the psychopharmacotherapy of bipolar disorder type I.

INTRODUCTION Research into the pharmacologic management of bipolar type I illness continues to progress. AREAS COVERED Randomized clinical trials performed with type I bipolar disorder in the years 2015 to August 2020 are reviewed. There are new indications for the use of cariprazine, for bipolar mania and depression, and a long-acting injectable formulation of aripiprazole has also been approved for relapse prevention in bipolar illness. Most of the randomized clinical trials are effectiveness studies. EXPERT OPINION Over the 20 years from 1997 through 2016, the use of lithium and other mood stabilizers has declined by 50%, while the use of both second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) and antidepressants has increased considerably. Over the same time period (1990-2017), disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) increased by 54.4%, from 6.02 million in 1990 to 9.29 million in 2017 which is greater than the 47.74% increase in incidence of the disease, suggesting that the changes in prescribing patterns have not been helpful for our patients. Furthermore, recent effectiveness studies continue to confirm the superiority of lithium and other mood stabilizers in the management of bipolar illness for both psychiatric and medical outcomes, reaffirming their role as foundational treatments in the management of type I bipolar disorder. Clinicians need to reassess their prescribing habits.
HF Transformer Linked Soft Switching PWM Full-Bridge DC-DC Power Converter for Portable Arc Welding Machine for Grid and PV Applications

This paper presents a circuit topology for portable Shielded Metal Welding Machine (SMAW) integrated by soft-switching PWM full-bridge dc-dc power converter that can work with both utility grid 220Vac or solar DC 300Vdc as the input source. The power circuit maintains zero voltage switching (ZVS) to reduce switching losses. This technique leads the circuit to operate at a high switching frequency of 20 kHz. High switching frequency with the softer Pulse width modulation (PWM) converter, the better will be the performance with high-frequency (HF) transformer and passive components. Thus, the power density and operational efficiency will be higher compared to a typical hard switching converter. Considering ac input from the utility grid, a boost converter has integrated to improve power factor (PF) and lower THD. A 1 kW prototype is designed and developed that consists of a rectifier, boost converter, full-bridge inverter, HF ferrite core transformer, LC filter, and welding accessories (clamp, electrode, etc.). The effectiveness is tested under low voltage (LV) and high current (HC) situation as an arc welding machine by using both grid and photovoltaic (PV) array.
Long-term Physical and Psychological Outcomes of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Importance Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is known to cause multiple end-organ complications in its acute phase, but less is known about the long-term association with patients' mental health and quality of life. Objective To examine the chronic physical and psychological sequelae affecting patients with SJS/TEN. Design, setting, and participants A survey study conducted at 11 academic health centers in the US evaluated 121 adults diagnosed with SJS/TEN by inpatient consultive dermatologists between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2019. Interventions Patients completed a survey that included the following validated questionnaires: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screen (PC-PTSD), and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). The survey also included questions created by the study team regarding fear, patient education, and long-term sequelae relevant to SJS/TEN. Main outcomes and measures Primary outcome measures were the percentage of patients reporting long-term physical sequelae; the percentage of patients with positive results on PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD screening; and the numeric score on the SF-12 (score of 50 defined as average physical and mental well-being). Results A total of 121 individuals (73 women [60.3%]; mean [SD] age, 52.5 [17.1] years) completed the survey (response rate, 29.2%). The most common long-term physical sequelae reported were cutaneous problems (102 of 121 [84.3%]), ocular problems (72 of 121 [59.5%]), and oral mucosal problems (61 of 120 [50.8%]). A total of 53.3% (64 of 120) of the respondents had results indicating depression on the PHQ-9, 43.3% (52 of 120) showed signs of anxiety on the GAD-7, and 19.5% had results indicating PTSD on the PC-PTSD. The mean (SD) SF-12 Physical Component Summary score was 42.4 (22.8), and the mean Mental Component Summary score was 46.1 (20.9). A total of 28.2% (33 of 117) of the respondents were unable to work, 68.1% (81 of 119) were fearful of taking new medications, and 30.0% (36 of 120) avoided taking prescribed medications for a diagnosed medical condition. Conclusions and relevance This survey study found that long-term physical sequelae, depression, and anxiety appear to be common in patients with SJS/TEN, with implications for health and well-being. Improved awareness of these complications may assist health professionals in offering medical care, counseling, and support to patients with SJS/TEN.
Dietary Patterns and Years Living in the United States by Hispanic/Latino Heritage in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

BACKGROUND Previous diet findings in Hispanics/Latinos rarely reflect differences in commonly consumed and culturally relevant foods across heritage groups and by years lived in the United States. OBJECTIVES We aimed to identify and compare a posteriori heritage-specific dietary patterns (DPs) and evaluate their associations with "healthfulness" [using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010)] and years living in the United States. METHODS We used baseline data from a population-based cohort of 14,099 Hispanics/Latinos aged 18-74 y in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. We performed principal factor analysis using two 24-h recalls to derive DPs, separately, in each heritage group (Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Central American, and South American), and identified overarching DPs based on high-loading foods shared by ≥2 groups. We used multivariable linear regression to test associations of DPs with AHEI-2010 and years living in the United States. RESULTS We identified 5 overarching DPs (Burgers, Fries, & Soft Drinks; White Rice, Beans, & Red Meats; Fish; Egg & Cheese; and Alcohol). All Burgers, Fries, & Soft Drinks DPs were inversely associated with AHEI-2010, whereas all Fish DPs (except Dominican) were positively associated with this index (all P-trend < 0.001). White Rice, Beans, & Red Meats DPs showed inverse associations in Cuban and Central American groups and positive associations in Mexican-origin individuals (all P-trend < 0.001). Fewer years living in the United States was associated with higher scores for White Rice, Beans, & Red Meats DPs in Cuban and Mexican heritage groups and lower scores on Burgers, Fries, & Soft Drinks DPs in Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican groups (all P-trend < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our findings show substantial variation in DPs across Hispanics/Latinos and adherence to DPs by time in the United States, which could inform dietary interventions targeting this diverse US population. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02060344.
Assessing calorie and protein recommendations for survivors of critical illness weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation - can we find a proper balance?

Summary Background & aims Survivors of critical illness requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) are predisposed to malnutrition, muscle wasting, and weakness. There is a lack of data regarding nutrition adequacy among these patients, and although nitrogen balance has been studied as a marker of adequate protein intake in healthy individuals and acutely critically ill patients, it has not been well studied in critically ill patients with PMV. The purpose of this study was to determine if patients requiring PMV admitted to a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) achieved registered dietitian (RD) recommended goals for energy and protein intake and if the recommendations were adequate to avoid negative nitrogen balance. Methods Using a retrospective, cohort study design, patients requiring PMV who had orders for 24-h urine collections for urea nitrogen (24hrUUN) were included. Energy and protein intake was calculated from chart documentation of dietary intake for the 24-h period during which patients underwent a 24hrUUN. Nitrogen intake was estimated from protein intake. Dietary intake was compared to RD-recommendations to determine the percentage of RD-recommendations achieved. Nitrogen balance was calculated as nitrogen intake minus nitrogen loss, with negative balance categorized as less than −1. Results Subjects (n = 16) were 38% male and 75% African American (mean age 61.5 ± 3.2 years; mean BMI 27.5 ± 2.5 kg/m2). Duration of LTACH hospitalization was 26.5 (6–221) days. Mean energy and protein intake was 21.7 ± 2.9 kcal/kg/d and 1.1 ± 0.1 g/kg/d, respectively, which corresponded to 86% of both RD energy and protein recommendations. Ten patients achieved a positive nitrogen balance (mean 0.9 ± 1.1 g). In addition, there was a positive linear relationship between protein intake and nitrogen balance (r = 0.59, p = 0.016). Conclusion Survivors of critical illness requiring PMV achieved a high percentage of RD-recommended protein and calories, and prevented a negative nitrogen balance in a majority of patients. Increasing protein intake can prevent a negative nitrogen balance. Future studies should evaluate whether these patients are able to maintain a steady state of nitrogen intake and excretion over time and how this affects time to and/or success of weaning.
Cutaneous metastasis of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system developing 4 years after complete remission: Diagnosis confirmed by comparison of clones.

B-cell lymphoma of the central nervous system (CNS) is a rare malignancy with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) variant being most common. Although DLBCL has a high propensity to relapse locally within the CNS, only a few cases of cutaneous metastasis have been described in the literature. We present a unique case of cutaneous metastasis of a primary DLBCL of the CNS in a 79-year-old man who was in clinical remission for four years until presenting with a lesion in the left adrenal gland and cutaneous nodules on the left flank. Skin biopsy specimen revealed a diffuse dermal infiltrate of atypical B-cell lymphocytes with expression of CD20, BCL-2, BCL-6, and MUM-1, suggestive of DLBCL. For differentiation between another primary or a recurrent process, immunoglobulin kappa (IgK) light chain gene rearrangement was performed and demonstrated that the DLBCL of the skin and CNS were of the same clonal origin. Restaging CT after initiating chemotherapy and daily ibrutinib showed complete resolution of the left adrenal mass and resolving cutaneous lesions. Our case demonstrates the rare, late cutaneous metastasis of DLBCL of the CNS and highlights the importance of genetic testing for the distinction between the primary and secondary lesions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Deeplearning based MHC epitope prediction for cancer neoantigen discovery

Neoantigens are important for cancer immunotherapies or cancer vaccine development, but identification of neoantigens is challenging. The high binding affinity between the mutated peptide and MHC (major histocompatibility complex) molecules of the patients is a necessary factor for a somatic mutation on the tumor genome to form a neoantigen. MHC epitope prediction tools can be used for the identification of neoantigens. This research investigates MHC epitope prediction by utilizing Tri-peptide similarity as features for the XGBoost classifier. This model was tested on experimentally validated cancer neoantigen peptides.
Dietary Fiber and Atherosclerosis

The relationship between the intake of dietary fiber materials and a lowered risk of cardiovascular disease is principally derived from the lipid hypothesis as an etiologic factor in atherosclerosis. High values of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), HDL-cholesterol, or the ratio of HDL-to LDL-cholesterol are believed to be negative correlation factors in coronary heart disease. It has been estimated that a 12% decrement in plasma cholesterol reduces the risk of myocardial infarction by 24%. The data supporting the ameliorative effect on atherosclerosis strongly suggest that only certain types of fiber are important in this regard, particularly in man. Wheat and corn bran have little impact on these plasma parameters, whereas oat bran is moderately effective. Soluble fibers such as oat gum, guar gum, and pectin demonstrate a significant hypocholesteremic effect and also lower LDL levels. Although coronary heart disease is a multifactorial development, the nature of the dietary intake is recognized as a contributory factor. Animal models offer the advantage of short-and long-term studies, direct lymphatic and vascular cannulation or reinfusion to test putative mechanisms, and both pre-and postmortem structural and functional data accrewal. We have focused on the effects of dietary fiber derivatives on specific aspects of structural and functional adaptation of the rat gastrointestinal tract. The basic postulate of this approach is that physiological, health-positive sequelae of fiber intake must result from signals perceived and/or relayed systemically by the mucosal lining, since it is generally agreed that these materials are exposed to this organ system only. In the rat model, viscous fiber derivatives delay but do not impede fatty acid absorption, although cholesterol absorption into lymph is significantly diminished. There is no difference in chylomicron sizing as assayed morphometrically. Alfalfa and guar gum feeding causes a greater recovery of oleic acid and cholesterol in the chylomicron fraction. Pectin decreased this expression of absorbed lipid with a corresponding increment in VLDL. The effects of dietary fiber supplementation are not solely explained by alterations in gastric emptying or interference with bulk-phase diffusion of lipids.
Applying US DoD Human Engineering Methods to Reduce Procedural Error Related Outages

Human errors committed by network equipment (NE) maintainers cause the largest portion of all network outages and down time. This paper describes the application of US Department of Defense Human Engineering methods to resolve conflicts in standards; and, to identify and remove the root causes of design induced procedural errors. It demonstrates the application of human Fault Mode and Effects Analysis in the design of Motorola’s AdvancedTCA® equipment. It also shows the resulting feedback loop to engineers to change the human-machine interface. The paper gives examples of reduced procedural error rates expected to result from the changes in the interface design.
Temporomandibular degenerative joint disease: Part II. Diagnostic procedure and comprehensive management

The diagnostic procedure is given in the detail necessary to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of temporomandibular degenerative joint disease (TDJD). The differentiating clinical findings of degenerative joint disease (DJD) and rheumatoid arthritis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are described. Principles and modalities of comprehensive management of TDJD are presented in the manner and sequence needed to allow practical clinical application. Methods of treatment are applied to the management of patients with acute and chronic TDJD. The surgical procedure for TDJD, intracapsular high condylectomy with a preauricular incision, is described in the detail required for individual application. Case reports are presented to illustrate the comprehensive management of TDJD.
Entwicklung und präparative Möglichkeiten der Carben-Chemie

Die Suche nach zweiwertigen Kohlenstoffverbindungen begann schon, bevor uberhaupt der Begriff der Wertigkeit bestimmt war, und zwar mit M. M. J. Dumas und E. Peligot (39), die bereits vor 130 Jahren in der franzosischen Akademie der Wissenschaften eine „Memoire sur l’esprit de bois et sur les divers composes etheres qui en proviennent“ verlasen. Darin definierten sie Methylen als eine Verbindung, die nach der heutigen Schreibweise CH2 ist. Sie sahen die Monosubstitutionsprodukte des Methans als Abkommlinge des Methylens an, so z. B. Methylalkohol als Verbindung von Methylen mit Wasser, und Methylchlorid als Verbindung von Methylen mit Chlorwasserstoff. Diese Anschauung wurde auch in ihrer Nomenklatur zum Ausdruck gebracht, indem z. B. Methylchlorid Methylenchlorhydrat genannt wurde. Sie stellten fest, das es ihnen zwar gelang, durch Pyrolyse des Methylchlorids Chlorwasserstoff abzuspalten, es aber nicht moglich war, bei diesem Versuch Methylen zu isolieren.
Effects of selected wheel and caster fixture design on the push force: the case of four-wheeled industrial carts

The objective of this study was to determine the significance of the effects of wheel type and caster design on the applied force in pushing an industrial cart. A randomized complete mixed factor experiment was designed and performed, involving two levels of wheel design (split wheels and single wheel), two levels of caster fixture design (swivel—also known as the dual orbital off-set pivot caster and the non-swivel standard caster), two levels of weight (250 lbs. and 750 lbs.) and two wheel positions (all wheels aligned to the direction of travel and rear wheels perpendicular to the direction of travel). The results showed that though caster design did not significantly reduce the push force, the swivel offset-pivot design consistently reduced the push force applied when the rear wheels were perpendicular to the direction of travel. This effect was further impactful when the single wheel type was used. In addition, though the wheel type significantly affected the applied force with the single wheel design outperforming the dual wheel, the mean applied force difference between the two wheel types was not significant enough to warrant an investment into changing the wheel types in four-wheeled industrial carts.
Aeolian modification of planetary surfaces

Any planet or satellite having a dynamic atmosphere and a solid surface has the potential for aeolian processes. Survey of the Solar System shows that wind plays an important, and in some regions, the key role in surface modiflcations. Most deserts and many coastal oreas on Earth are subject to aeolian processes, Seasonal dust storms sweep the surface of Mars, where aeolian activity appears to dominate. Measurements of wind speeds on Venus, observations of its surface, and estimates of particle threshold wind velocities in the venusian environment suggest that aeolian processes operate there as well. Recent discoveries of the predominantly nitrogen atmosphere of Titan raise the possibility of wind activity on this, the largest satellite of Saturn and the only moon known to have an appreciable atmosphere. From the extremely dense, hot atmosphere of Venus to the low atmospheric density of Mars and the extremely cold environment of Titan, there is the opportunity to study a single geological process undera wide range ofenviron-ments to derive fundamental knowledge of how aeolian processes operate.
Translational readthrough-promoting drugs enhance pseudoknot-mediated suppression of the stop codon at the Moloney murine leukemia virus gag–pol junction.

Translational readthrough-promoting drugs enhance the incorporation of amino acids at stop codons and can thus bypass premature termination during protein synthesis. The polymerase (Pol) proteins of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) are synthesized as a large Gag–Pol fusion protein, formed by the readthrough of a stop codon at the end of the gag ORF. The downstream pol ORF lacks its own start codon, and Pol protein synthesis is wholly dependent on translation of the upstream gag gene and the readthrough event for expression. Here, we explored the effects of readthrough-promoting drugs – aminoglycoside antibiotics and the small molecule ataluren – on the efficiency of readthrough of the stop codon in the context of the MoMLV genome. We showed that these compounds increased readthrough of the stop codon at the MoMLV gag–pol junction in vivo above the already high basal level and that the resulting elevated gag–pol readthrough had deleterious effects on virus replication. We also showed that readthrough efficiency could be driven to even higher levels in vitro, and that the combination of the small molecules and the RNA structure at the MoMLV stop codon could achieve extremely high readthrough efficiencies.
Building Civic Bridges: Community-Centered Action Civics

Project-based learning is an example of powerful social studies learning in which student engage in active inquiry. Action civics is a relatively new educational practice in which students act as citizens through a cycle of research, action, and reflection about problems they care about in their community. Building Civic Bridges offers teachers a model for students to develop and enact inquiry-based projects that reflect positive, and active, civic dispositions.
TCD in acute stroke.

To the Editor: We read with great interest the Stroke article by Alexandrov and colleagues.1 This study stresses the importance of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) for the rapid assessment of patients with acute cerebral ischemia. Expeditious measurement of cerebral hemodynamics with TCD in the emergency room offers new insight into the process of acute stroke and provides guidance for and monitoring of therapeutic interventions. Regarding their findings and interpretation, we would like to make the following comments. (1) It is our understanding that the authors used digital subtraction angiography (DSA), MR angiography (MRA), and CT angiography (CTA) for calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of TCD findings. However, the “angiographic studies” (DSA, MRA, and CTA) were performed within 48 hours after admission. We think that the use of delayed angiographic studies to determine accuracy of TCD is questionable. The time difference and sequence between TCD and angiographic studies may change the sensitivity of early TCD if recanalization occurred between TCD completion and angiographic studies. Although spontaneous recanalization of thrombosed extracranial and intracranial vessels is known to occur, the timing of spontaneous recanalization is unknown. The cumulative experience suggests a spontaneous recanalization frequency between 14% and 24% during the first 24 hours after onset of cerebral ischemia.2 3 4 The timing of MRA and TCD investigations could influence the findings of Alexandrov and his coworkers.1 …
Clinically Relevant Cognitive Impairment in Middle-Aged Adults With Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the presence and correlates of clinically relevant cognitive impairment in middle-aged adults with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes (T1D). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS During 2010–2013, 97 adults diagnosed with T1D and aged RESULTS The prevalence of clinically relevant cognitive impairment was five times higher among participants with than without T1D (28% vs. 5%; P d 0.6–0.9; P d 0.3–0.6; P 1c >7.5% (58 mmol/mol) (odds ratio [OR] 3.0; P = 0.009), proliferative retinopathy (OR 2.8; P = 0.01), and distal symmetric polyneuropathy (OR 2.6; P = 0.03) measured 5 years earlier; higher BMI (OR 1.1; P = 0.03); and ankle-brachial index ≥1.3 (OR 4.2; P = 0.01) measured 20 years earlier, independent of education. CONCLUSIONS Clinically relevant cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among these middle-aged adults with childhood-onset T1D. In this aging cohort, chronic hyperglycemia and prevalent microvascular disease were associated with cognitive impairment, relationships shown previously in younger populations with T1D. Two additional potentially modifiable risk factors for T1D-related cognitive impairment, vascular health and BMI, deserve further study.
Spread Supersymmetry with $ \widetilde{W} $ LSP: gluino and dark matter signals

The discovery of a Higgs boson near 125 GeV, together with the absence of LHC signals for supersymmetry or direct detection signals of dark matter, motivate further study of a particular theory of split supersymmetry. In arguably the theoretically simplest implementation of split, the superpartner spectrum is spread over several decades. The squarks and sleptons are heavier than the gravitino and Higgsinos by a factor M Pl /M *, where M * is the mediation scale of supersymmetry breaking and is high, between unified and Planck scales. On the other hand the gaugino masses are 1-loop smaller than the gravitino and Higgsino masses, arising from both anomaly mediation and a Higgsino loop. Wino dark matter arises from three sources: gravitino production by scattering at high temperatures, gravitino production from squark decays, and thermal freeze-out. For reheating temperatures larger than the squark mass, these conspire to require that the squarks are lighter than about 104 TeV, while collider limits on gaugino masses require squarks to be heavier than about 100 TeV. Whether winos constitute all or just a fraction of the dark matter, a large fraction of the allowed parameter space has the gluino within reach of the LHC with 0.1 mm < $ c\tau \widetilde{{_g}} $ < 10 cm, leading to displaced vertices. In addition, events with cascades via $ {{\widetilde{W}}^{\pm }} $ lead to disappearing charged tracks with $ c{\tau_{{{{{\widetilde{W}}}^{\pm }}}}} $ ∼ 10 cm. The squarks and sleptons are predicted to be just heavy enough to solve the supersymmetric flavor and CP problems. Thus gluino decay modes may typically violate flavor and involve heavy quarks: $ \left[ {\overline{t}\left( {t,c,u} \right)+\overline{b}\left( {b,s,d} \right)} \right]{{\widetilde{W}}^0} $ and $ \left[ {\overline{t}\left( {b,s,d} \right)+\left( {\overline{t},\overline{c},\overline{u}} \right)b} \right]{{\widetilde{W}}^{\pm }} $ . The electron electric dipole moment is expected to be of order 10−29 e cm, two orders of magnitude below the current limit. The AMS-02 search for cosmic ray antiprotons will probe an interesting region of parameter space.
Chemical effect on K$alpha$ x-ray satellites: new evidence for interatomic transitions

$K\ensuremath{\alpha}$ x-ray satellite spectra produced by bombardment with 2.0-MeV/nucleon oxygen and neon ions have been measured for several sulfur compounds. Comparison of the satellite-peak relative-intensity distributions has revealed a dependence on chemical environment. We interpret this effect to be caused by variations in the lifetimes of $L$-shell vacancies and find evidence that transitions from ligand valence levels play an important role.
Primary retroperitoneal mucinous borderline tumor: a case report.

Abstract Background. Primary retroperitoneal mucinous borderline tumors are rare. These tumors can be present in women with otherwise normal pelvic anatomy. Case. A 22-year-old woman with abdominal pain was found to have a large midline mass superior to the uterus with ascites. In surgery, a large mass was arising from the sigmoid mesentery. The pelvis was normal on inspection. Final pathology of the mass revealed borderline tumor (tumor of low malignant potential) and focus of ovarian tissue. Conclusion. This is a case report of primary retroperitoneal mucinous borderline tumor. The gynecologic oncologist should be aware of primary retroperitoneal tumors and the differential diagnosis.
CEH-28 activates dbl-1 expression and TGF-β signaling in the C. elegans M4 neuron

M4 is a multifunctional neuron in the Caenorhabditis elegans pharynx that can both stimulate peristaltic contractions of the muscles in the pharyngeal isthmus and function systemically to regulate an enhanced sensory response under hypoxic conditions. Here we identify a third function for M4 that depends on activation of the TGF-β family gene dbl-1 by the homeodomain transcription factor CEH-28. dbl-1 is expressed in M4 and a subset of other neurons, and we show CEH-28 specifically activates dbl-1 expression in M4. Characterization of the dbl-1 promoter indicates that CEH-28 targets an M4-specific enhancer within the dbl-1 promoter region, while expression in other neurons is mediated by separate regulatory sequences. Unlike ceh-28 mutants, dbl-1 mutants do not exhibit M4 synaptic and signaling defects. Instead, both ceh-28 and dbl-1 mutants exhibit morphological defects in the g1 gland cells located adjacent to M4 in the pharynx, and these defects can be partially rescued by M4-specific expression of dbl-1 in these mutants. Identical gland cell defects are observed in sma-6 and daf-4 mutants defective in the receptor for DBL-1, but they are not observed in sma-2 and sma-3 mutants lacking the R-Smads functioning downstream of this receptor. Together these results identify a novel neuroendocrine function for M4 and provide evidence for an R-Smad-independent mechanism for DBL-1 signaling in C. elegans.
Snack foods: comparing nutrition values of excellent choices and "junk foods".

Snack food consumption is increasing and may contribute to the obesity epidemic [1]. Children are especially vulnerable to poor food choices and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate in childre...
Changes in biogenic amine and polyamine contents in smear-ripened cheeses during storage

The content of eight biologically active amines in two groups of smear-ripened cheeses (unwashed-rind and washed-rind) was analysed. The biogenic amine levels were determined after storage at 5 °C in three periods of shelf lifetime: at the minimum durability date; 1 and 2 weeks after this date. The analytical procedure consisted of amine extraction from sample matrix, derivatisation with dansyl chloride and ultra-performance liquid chromatography quantification. The content of biogenic amines and polyamines significantly differed according to the technology of ripening. The cheeses unwashed during ripening had much higher contents of all observed amines and polyamines in comparison with the washed-rind cheeses. The mean content of putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine exceeded 100 mg/kg in unwashed-rind cheeses, while the other amines occurred at lower levels. The content of all detected amines was very low in washed-rind cheeses; no tryptamine, phenylethylamine and histamine were found. The effect of storage on the amine formation was not confirmed.
Steroid receptors and response to endocrine ablations in women with metastatic cancer of the breast.

Estrogen receptors in breast tumors were assayed in 55 premenopausal women undergoing bilateral oophorectomy and in 120 postmenopausal women undergoing bilateral adrenalectomy for treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The data show that 20 (60%) of the 32 patients with (ER+) estrogen receptor-positive tumors had objective remission after oophorectomy and 44 (51%) of the 7 patients with ER+ tumors reponded to adrenalectomy. In contrast of those patients with ER- tumors only 3% had an objective remission following oophorectomy and 9% following adrenalectomy. It is concluded that major endocrine ablative procedures are not justified in patients with ER- tumors. The data also conclusively demonstrate the significance of 4S receptors in predicting the response to endocrine therapy. In this study it was found that although the response rate to endocrine ablation was substantially higher (71-83%) in patients whose tumors contained both estradiol and progesterone receptors between 50-60% of ER+ tumors lacking progesterone receptors had objective remission after endocrine ablative therapy. (authors)
Statistical estimation of the performance of a fast-neutron multiplicity system for nuclear material accountancy

Abstract Statistical analyses have been performed to develop bounding estimates of the expected performance of a conceptual fast-neutron multiplicity system (FNMS) for assaying plutonium. The conceptual FNMS design includes 32 cubic liquid scintillator detectors, measuring 7.62 cm per side, configured into 4 stacked rings of 8 detectors each. Expected response characteristics for the individual FNMS detectors, as well as the response characteristics of the entire FNMS, were determined using Monte Carlo simulations based on prior validation experiments. The results from these simulations were then used to estimate the Pu assay capabilities of the FNMS in terms of counting time, assay mass, and assay mass variance, using assay mass variance as a figure of merit. The analysis results are compared against a commonly used thermal-neutron coincidence counter. The advantages of using a fast-neutron counting system versus a thermal-neutron counting system are significant. Most notably, the time required to perform an assay to an equivalent assay mass variance is greatly reduced with a fast-neutron system, by more than an order of magnitude compared with that of the thermal-neutron system, due to the reduced probability of random summing with the fast system. The improved FNMS performance is especially relevant for assays involving Pu masses of 10 g or more.
The Idea of Equality and Affirmative Actions

O artigo parte de uma reconstrucao dos ideais de republica e democracia no contexto da expansao moderna de ideais e programas emancipatorios para entao entender o principio da igualdade a sua luz. Desenvolve em seguida os rudimentos de uma teoria constitucional da igualdade consistente com o ideal emancipatorio de onde deriva seu mais denso significado. Passa entao a examinar a questao da "acao afirmativa" no acesso a cursos superiores no âmbito da teoria da igualdade cujas bases propoe.
Automatic recognition of tractability in inference relations

A procedure is given for recognizing sets of inference rules that generate polynomial time decidable inference relations. The procedure can automatically recognize the tractability of the inference rules underlying congruence closure. The recognition of tractability for that particular rule set constitutes mechanical verification of a theorem originally proved independently by Kozen and Shostak. The procedure is algorithmic, rather than heuristic, and the class of automatically recognizable tractable rule sets can be precisely characterized. A series of examples of rule sets whose tractability is nontrivial, yet machine recognizable, is also given. The technical framework developed here is viewed as a first step toward a general theory of tractable inference relations.
A quantitative test of the kinetic model of secondary ion emission

Abstract The kinetic model of secondary ion emission has been used as the basis for an extensive set of calculations of the yield of secondary Al + ions as a function of primary ion energy. These computations have been compared with the recently published results of measurements of the intensity of Al + and Al 2+ secondary ions produced by 15–275 keV Ar + ion bombardment. The theory as presently formulated does not adequately reproduce the variation of secondary ion intensity with primary ion energy, suggesting that the collision sequence leading to the ejection of an excited Al atom has not been properly identified. In particular, the data are inconsistent with the assumption that the crucial excitation occurs in the later stages of a well developed collision cascade.
Copulation and sperm release in Gasteracantha cancriformis (Araneae: Araneidae): differential male behaviour based on female mating history

Female spiders have two separate reproductive tracts, one on each side of the body, which receive and store sperm. Thus, females may be virgin or nonvirgin on both sides, or virgin on one side and nonvirgin on the other side. To examine whether male orb-weaving spiders, G. cancriformis, respond differentially to females based on mating history, we presented males to (1) virgin females, (2) females that had previously mated with one of their two tracts and (3) females that had mated previously with both reproductive tracts. Prior to copulation, males showed no differential responses in terms of latency to courtship, number of courtship bouts, number of insertion attempts, or latency to copulation. Female mating history influenced copulatory frequency and sperm release by the male, but not duration of copulation. Nearly all males copulated twice with virgin females, once with each reproductive tract. They released nearly all sperm contained in their palps. Males that encountered nonvirgin reproductive tracts were more likely to depart after a single copulation without attempting a second. Such males rarely released sperm, but the few that did released as many as males mating with virgin tracts. Thus, sperm were released in an all-or-none fashion. Female mating history did not influence the frequency of intersexual cannibalism. This suggests that differential response by males is more likely related to female patterns of sperm use than to high levels of intersexual killing.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer disease and related disorders: why do treatments work in clinical practice but not in the randomized trials?

Among US adults over age 65, prevalence of dementia ranges from 5%–15% with Alzheimer disease being the most common type of dementia. Because of the growing number of elderly people worldwide, increasing numbers of patients suffering of Alzheimer disease and related dementias is projected to double by the year 2020.1 The prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms is estimated in 60% of community-dwelling dementia patients2 and in more than 80% of those in nursing homes, with a lifetime risk of such complications approaching 90%–100%.2 Over the past decade, researchers and clinicians realized that these behavioral symptoms result in premature placement into the nursing home, overmedication, and physical restraint, as well as decreased quality of life and increased caregiver burden.3,4 Improved understanding of pathophysiology and management of neuropsychiatric symptoms becomes especially important.4,5 The most common difficult-to-manage behaviors in patients with dementia include agitation and aggression (rate ranges 20%–80%),6,7 and psychosis with delusions and hallucinations (rate ranges 20%–40%).8 Apathy is another common symptom associated with dementia.9 Apathy is defined as a lack of feeling, emotion, interest, concern, or motivation. Using Marin’s criteria, Starkstein10 found that 14% of patients with A.D. met the criteria for apathy only, 22% met the criteria for depression only, 23% met the criteria for both, and 41% met the criteria for neither. Frontal-temporal or vascular dementias are both associated with greater prevalence of apathy, aspontaneity, and indifference due to the damage of frontal and fronto-subcortical circuits, either due to degeneration or vascular injury.11 Treatment of apathy may require different approaches enhancing cholinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmitter system that has received only limited attention from researchers.9 Overall, successful treatment of behavioral disturbances can reduce suffering of the patient, the burden on the family, and the economic cost of dementia care and caregiver burden.
Toxicity testing using immobilized algae

Abstract Alginate-immobilized and free Selenastrum capricornutum Printz cells were compared for use in algal toxicity assays. Chemicals investigated were cadmium, copper, Glyphosate, Hydrothol, Paraquat, pentachlorophenol, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. Toxicity was characterized in terms of growth inhibition, with growth measured by in vitro chlorophyll fluorescence. Sensitivity of the immobilized and free algal assays to copper, cadmium and pentachlorophenol was similar. However, immobilization substantially reduced the toxicity of Hydrothol, Paraquat, and Glyphosate to the algae. Sodium dodecyl sulfate disrupted the alginate matrix and therefore its toxicity could not be determined successfully with the immobilized algal assay.
Reference Genome-Directed Resolution of Homologous and Homeologous Relationships within and between Different Oat Linkage Maps

Genome research on oat (Avena sativa L.) has received less attention than wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) because it is a less prominent component of the human food system. To assess the potential of the model grass Brachypodium distachyon (L) P. Beauv. as a surrogate for oat genome research, the whole genome sequence (WGS) of B. distachyon was employed for comparative analysis with oat genetic linkage maps. Sequences of mapped molecular markers from one diploid Avena spp. and two hexaploid oat maps were aligned to the B. distachyon WGS to infer syntenic relationships. Diploid Avena and B. distachyon exhibit a high degree of synteny with 18 syntenic blocks covering 87% of the oat genome, which permitted postulation of an ancestral Avena spp. chromosome structure. Synteny between oat and B. distachyon was also prevalent, with 50 syntenic blocks covering 76.6% of the ‘Kanota’ × ‘Ogle’ linkage map. Coalignment of diploid and hexaploid maps to B. distachyon helped resolve homeologous relationships between different oat linkage groups but also revealed many major rearrangements in oat subgenomes. Extending the analysis to a second oat linkage map (Ogle × ‘TAM O-301’) allowed identifi cation of several putative homologous linkage groups across the two oat populations. These results indicate that the B. distachyon genome sequence will be a useful resource to assist genetics and genomics research in oat. The analytical strategy employed here should be applicable for genome research in other temperate grass crops with modest amounts of genomic data.
INNOVATION AND IMITATION IN AN INFORMATION AGE

We study the behavior of imitation and innovation in a dynamic general equilibrium model that captures the salient features of an information age. We study a world where innovations can be made but at a cost that reflects the type of goods. After innovation takes place, imitation is possible but again at some cost which reflects the nature of the good. We show that the behavior of innovation and imitation are very different for high information content goods and low information content goods and this has important implications for the structure and evolution of industry. (JEL: O31, L16)
Bacteriophage-coded thymidylate synthetase: characteristics of the T4 and T5 enzymes.

Abstract Thymidylate synthetase has been purified from cultures of Escherichia coli infected with bacteriophages T4 or T5, with the T4 enzyme being purified to at least 50% of homogeneity, and both enzymes being resolved from the corresponding host enzyme. The molecular weights are 58,000 for the T4 enzyme and 55,000 for the T5 enzyme, as estimated by gel filtration and confirmed for the T4 enzyme by sucrose gradient analysis. Disc gel electrophoresis of the T4 enzyme in sodium dodecyl sulfate gives a single band with a molecular weight of 29,000, suggesting that the enzyme is composed of two subunits. Kinetic analysis of the inhibition of the T4 enzyme by 5-fluorodeoxyuridylate (FdUMP) gives results similar to those earlier reported for the T2 and T6 enzymes. Inhibition is competitive with respect to deoxyuridylate (dUMP) if the enzyme is not preincubated with inhibitor, but a brief preincubation of enzyme and inhibitor in the presence of 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate generates a pattern of noncompetitive, stoichiometric inhibition. FdUMP remains bound to the enzyme through gel filtration chromatography, consistent with various observations that this inhibitor is covalently bound. However, the enzyme-inhibitor complex is dissociated by treatment with sodium dodecyl sulfate prior to chromatography. Moreover, in contrast to studies on thymidylate synthetase from other sources, oxidation of tetrahydrofolate by FdUMP-inhibited enzyme could not be detected. Inhibition of the T5 enzyme by FdUMP is not stoichiometric, and the enzyme-inhibitor complex is readily dissociated by gel filtration. These findings suggest that there are significant differences in mechanism of FdUMP binding by thymidylate synthetases of different origins. Inhibition of the T4 enzyme by trifluoromethyldeoxyuridine 5′-monophosphate (F 3 dTMP) follows the kinetics of stoichiometric inhibition, but data from both gel filtration and enzyme-inhibitor titration indicate that the enzyme binds 12–13 times as much F 3 dTMP as FdUMP, suggesting that most of the F 3 dTMP is bound at noncatalytic sites.
The prototypic class Ia ribonucleotide reductase from Escherichia coli: still surprising after all these years

RNRs (ribonucleotide reductases) are key players in nucleic acid metabolism, converting ribonucleotides into deoxyribonucleotides. As such, they maintain the intracellular balance of deoxyribonucleotides to ensure the fidelity of DNA replication and repair. The best-studied RNR is the class Ia enzyme from Escherichia coli, which employs two subunits to catalyse its radical-based reaction: β2 houses the diferric-tyrosyl radical cofactor, and α2 contains the active site. Recent applications of biophysical methods to the study of this RNR have revealed the importance of oligomeric state to overall enzyme activity and suggest that unprecedented subunit configurations are in play. Although it has been five decades since the isolation of nucleotide reductase activity in extracts of E. coli, this prototypical RNR continues to surprise us after all these years.
The course of neurofibromatosis type 1 on immunosuppression after lung transplantation: report of 2 cases

We describe 2 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who underwent lung transplantation. Case 1 reports a patient with NF1 with no complications 5 years after bilateral lung transplantation. Case 2 details a patient with NF1 diagnosed with both post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) and massive intra-abdominal sarcoma consistent with a malignant nerve sheath tumor 9 months after lung transplantation. There was no clinical evidence of sarcoma preceding or immediately following lung transplant as demonstrated by a normal abdominal sonogram 3 months post-transplantation. Although an increased risk for cancer has been documented in NF1, the rapid malignant degeneration of a neurofibroma following transplantation raises concern about immunosuppression and transplantation candidacy among individuals with NF1.