cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of depression on all-cause mortality in adults with cancer and differential effects by cancer site.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to compare the effect of depression on the risk of death in adults with and without cancer and by specific cancer site among those with cancer. Research Design and Methods We analyzed data on 10,025 participants in the population-based National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1 Epidemiologic Follow-up Study. Four groups were created based on cancer and depression status in 1982: (a) no cancer, no depression (reference group; no CA, no DEP); (b) depression but no cancer (DEP, no CA); (c) cancer but no depression (CA, no DEP); and (d) cancer and depression (CA+DEP). Six CA sites were defined: lung, breast, gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), skin and other. Cox proportional models were used to calculate adjusted hazard for death for each group compared with the reference group and by cancer site. Results Over 8 years (78,433 person-years of follow-up), 1925 deaths were documented. The mortality rate per 1000 person-years of follow-up was highest in the CA+DEP group. Compared to the reference group, the hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality were as follows: CA, no DEP: 1.43 [95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.23–1.67]; DEP, no CA: 1.44 (95% CI=1.28–1.63); CA+DEP: 1.87 (95% CI=1.49–2.34). HRs for depression by site were as follows: lung: 1.30 (95% CI=0.49–3.99); breast: 1.27 (95% CI=0.58–2.79); GI: 1.47 (95% CI=0.58–3.75); GU: 0.93 (95% CI=0.50–1.74); skin: 1.07 (95% CI=0.67–1.69); other: 2.13 (95% CI=0.55–8.25). Conclusion The coexistence of cancer and depression is associated with a significantly increased risk of death, and the effect of depression on the risk of death differs by cancer site.
Fun and frustrations: Low-income Chilean parents reminiscing with their children about past emotional experiences

One way in which parents support the development of children’s socioemotional abilities is through reminiscing about emotional experiences. This study: a) investigated how low-income Chilean families through reminiscing label, explain, and reason about emotionally positive and negative experiences; and b) documented the emotional narrative themes that families discuss. Sixty-two parents and their preschoolers were videotaped reminiscing about a time when the child was happy and a time when the child was unhappy. Half of the children were girls. Narratives were transcribed and coded for a variety of emotion-content categories. Results showed that conversations about negative experiences were richer in emotional content (emotional states, facial expressions, emotional evaluations, emotion causes, emotion consequences, and mind-emotion connections) than positive conversations. Dyads more often discussed outing themes when reminiscing about positive experiences and peer confl ict themes when reminiscing about negative experiences. This work can inform interventions targeting low-income families in Latin America.
Thermal strain in lead thin films II: strain relaxation mechanisms

Abstract A deformation mechanism map was constructed to study the mechanisms of strain relaxation in lead thin films which were deposited on oxidized silicon wafers at room temperature and which were then thermally cycled between room temperature and liquid helium temperature. The stress level, which was calculated from the strain measured by an X-ray diffraction technique, was plotted on the map. By comparing the calculated and experimental stress levels the following observations were obtained. In the cooling process the strain was relaxed rapidly in a field of dislocation glide mechanism for films of greater than 0.2 μm thickness. In the heating process most of the strain was again believed to be relaxed by the glide mechanism. For a film 0.5 μm thick the stress (after the primary relaxation was completed) was found to be (1–1.5) × 10 9 dyn cm -2 for the cooling process and (0.17–0.24) × 10 9 dyn cm -2 for the heating process at temperatures around 200–280 K. Slow secondary relaxations were observed after the primary relaxations were completed. The measured compressive strain relaxation rate at room temperature was very close to the rate calculated on the assumption of grain boundary diffusion creep. This suggested that the secondary relaxation mechanism of compressive strain was grain boundary diffusion creep at temperatures near room temperature. These suggestions were supported by scanning electron microscopy observations in which dislocation slip lines were observed inside grains and hillocks were observed on grain boundaries.
Location of preganglionic neurons is independent of birthdate but is correlated to reelin-producing cells in the spinal cord.

Many studies suggest that during neuronal development the birthdate of a neuron appears to have significant consequences for its ultimate location and identity. Our past study shows that sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPN) in mice lacking the reelin gene settle in abnormal positions in the spinal cord. In the present study we determined that birthdate is not a factor contributing to the abnormal position of SPN in reeler. In both normal and reeler mice the period of neurogenesis of SPN was similar, and the final location of SPN in the spinal cord was independent of birthdate. Additionally, we have identified at least two types of ventral interneurons, V1 and V2, that are involved in the production of Reelin and the positioning of SPN in the spinal cord. J. Comp. Neurol. 475:564–574, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regulation of Angiostatin Production by Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in a Model of Concomitant Resistance

We have previously reported the identification of the endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor angiostatin, a specific inhibitor of endothelial cell proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. In our original studies, we demonstrated that a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC-LM) primary tumor could suppress the growth of its metastases by generating angiostatin. Angiostatin, a 38-kDa internal fragment of plasminogen, was purified from the serum and urine of mice bearing LLC-LM, and its discovery provides the first proven mechanism for concomitant resistance (O'Reilly, M. S., Holmgren, L., Shing, Y., Chen, C., Rosenthal, R. A., Moses, M. A., Lane, W. S., Cao, Y., Sage, E. H., and Folkman, J. (1994) Cell 79, 315-328). Subsequently, we have shown that systemic administration of angiostatin can regress a wide variety of malignant tumors in vivo. However, at the time of our initial discovery of angiostatin, the source of the protein was unclear. We hypothesized that the tumor or stromal cells might produce an enzyme that could cleave plasminogen sequestered by the primary tumor into angiostatin. Alternatively, we speculated that the tumor cells might express angiostatin. By Northern analysis, however, we have found no evidence that the tumor cells express angiostatin or other fragments of plasminogen (data not shown). We now report that gelatinase A (matrix metalloproteinase-2), produced directly by the LLC-LM cells, is responsible for the production of angiostatin, which suppresses the growth of metastases in our original model.
Trajectories of Charged Particles in Radial Electric and Uniform Axial Magnetic Fields

The trajectories of charged particles were determined over a wide range of parameters characterizing the motion in cylindrical low-pressure gaseous discharges and plasma-heating devices which have steady radial electric fields E perpendicular to uniform steady magnetic flelds B. Three radial distributions of E were considered: E ? r, constant E, and E ? r-1. These distributions are characteristic of the fields measured in a modified Penning discharge, in two NASA Lewis Bum-out-type plasma-heating devices, and that estimated for the Ixion device, respectively. The plasmas of such ? × B? devices are often characterized by their high ratios of drift energy to mean particle energy, finite gyroradius effects, and sizeable electric field changes in the distance covered by a cyclotron radius. Such particle motions are not amenable to simple guiding center theory. From numerical calculations of the actual trajectories it was concluded that the differences between cyclotron frequency and qB/m, and between azimuthal drift and a guiding center approximation (including ? × B? and centrifugal force terms) are appreciable. The net cyclotron motion obtained by subtracting the actual drift from the trajectories, however, has a nearly circular contour over which the speed is quite constant.
Workforce issues in rural areas: a focus on policy equity.

Rural communities in the United States are served by relatively fewer health care professionals than urban or suburban areas. I review the geographic distribution of 6 classes of health professionals and describe the multiple government and private policies and programs intended to affect their geographic distribution. These programs can be classified into 3 categories—coercive, normative, and utilitarian—that characterize the major policy levers used to influence practice location decisions. Health workforce policies must be normative to ensure equity for rural communities, but goals in this area can be achieved only through a balance of utilitarian and coercive mechanisms.
Planned major improvements to the Arecibo telescope

The author describes a proposed upgrading that is intended to increase the sensitivity of the Arecibo radiotelescope by a factor of three to 10 for radioastronomy purposes, depending on zenith angle and frequency. The upgrading will extend the useful short wavelength limit from 12.6 to 3.75 cm, provide continuous frequency coverage between 300 MHz and 8 GHz, and give extra shielding from interference. It will increase the sensitivity by a factor of six to 40 for S-band radar astronomy. In atmospheric radar studies it will provide at least 20 dB of additional protection from ground clutter and interference, and will greatly improve the capability of the instrument as an ionospheric plasma diagnostic tool. New methods of antenna design permit the performance of the telescope to be substantially improved at relatively modest cost by the installation of an offset dual-shaped Gregorian reflector feed system. >
EXPRESSION OF THE HUMAN RELAXIN H1 GENE IN THE DECIDUA, TROPHOBLAST, AND PROSTATE

Relaxin is a peptide hormone whose A- and B-chains are derived by posttranslational cleavage from a single 185-amino acid preprorelaxin. Two genes in the human genome (H1 and H2) code for two polypeptides significantly different in amino acid sequence. The full spectrum of biological activities of these two polypeptides has not been examined, but transcription appears to be limited to the H2 relaxin gene in the human corpus luteum. Relaxin is also synthesized by the human decidua, placental trophoblast, and prostate gland; therefore, the expression of the human relaxin genes in these tissues has been examined using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The mRNA from decidua, placental trophoblast, and prostate was reverse transcribed and then amplified by polymerase chain reaction, using a series of oligonucleotide primers that were specific for but would not distinguish between human H1 and H2 relaxins. Using mRNA from these tissues, two amplified cDNA species were detected, whose identities were confirmed by Southern blots, HpaI and HpaII restriction enzyme analysis, and dideoxy sequencing. We have confirmed that the corpus luteum does not contain detectable H1 relaxin mRNA. However, we demonstrated for the first time relaxin H1 gene expression in the decidua, placental trophoblast, and prostate, and we have also shown that there are marked tissue differences in the relative amounts of expression of the H1 and H2 relaxin mRNA forms. The functional significance is unknown, but if both mRNAs are translated, differential expression of the two genes may result in tissue-specific differences in the production of these relaxins as well as in their binding and actions.
A pilot study measuring the impact of yoga on the trait of mindfulness.

Background: The current study examined whether yoga would increase levels of mindfulness in a healthy population. Method: Forty-six participants were randomly assigned to an 8-week yoga intervention group or a wait-list control group. Mindfulness was assessed pre and post yoga, using the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI). Results: Results indicate that the yoga group experienced a significant increase in Overall mindfulness, and in three mindfulness subscales; Attention to the present moment, Accepting and open attitudes toward experience, and Insightful understanding (p < .01). The control group experienced a significant increase in overall mindfulness (p < .02) and insightful understanding (p < .01). Findings suggest that a yoga intervention may be a viable method for increasing levels of trait mindfulness in a healthy population, potentially implicating yoga as a preventive method for the later development of negative emotional mood states (i.e. anxiety and depression). The control group also experienced moderate elevations of mindfulness at the second assessment.
Freedom and Normalization: Poststructuralism and the Liberalism of Michael Oakeshott

This paper discusses “normalization” as a problem for the liberal order through a detailed examination of the liberal political theory of Michael Oakeshott. Oakeshott links the poststructuralist normalizing problematic with the “existential” dilemma of human finitude. In liberalism, he argues, selves become disciplined and normalized when they respond to finitude with an overemphasis on instrumentality. They understand freedom as an instrumental good, a means to external ends. Oakeshott reformulates liberalism based on another response when selves appreciate experience as a self-sufficient or intrinsic good. They understand freedom as a first-order good valuable for itself and this lessens the normalizing pressure. I argue that F. A. Hayek's theory of liberalism confirms Oakeshott's warning about an overemphasis on instrumentality. I show the importance of Oakeshott's work in that he restates the distinction between the public and the private and demonstrates the limits of contemporary liberal theories insofar as they neglect the problem of normalization.
Experiment design for ratio estimates

The problem of input design is considered for the following case: it is desired to identify a multi-input multi-output system such that particular ratios of model parameters are estimated well. In addition, the experiment must satisfy constraints on ratios of system outputs. A method is developed to determine an appropriate input sequence that involves the solution of a convex optimization problem.
Absolute pwnage: a short paper about the security risks of remote administration tools

Many IT departments use remote administration products to configure, monitor, and maintain the systems they manage. These tools can be beneficial in the right hands, but they can also be devastating if attackers exploit them to seize control of machines. As a case study, we analyze the security of a remote administration product called Absolute Manage. We find that the system's communication protocol suffers from serious design flaws and fails to provide adequate integrity, confidentiality, or authentication. Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to issue unauthorized commands on client systems and execute arbitrary code with administrator privileges. These blatant vulnerabilities suggest that remote administration tools require increased scrutiny from the security community. We recommend that developers adopt defensive designs that limit the damage attackers can cause if they gain control.
Out-of-band emission suppression techniques based on a generalized OFDM framework

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based cognitive radio (CR) systems suffer from the large out-of-band emission (OOBE) that may interfere with other users. Since most existing OFDM OOBE suppression schemes are derived on the base of an original OFDM system without any other scheme, we first propose a generalized OFDM framework that is capable of describing these schemes no matter whether any one or more of the schemes is applied. Then, according to the place where these schemes are implemented in our framework, they are classified into three groups, namely symbol mapping techniques, precoding techniques, and time-domain techniques. Finally, based on the proposed framework, we propose three new schemes by combining a precoding scheme named singular value decomposition (SVD) precoding with three other schemes from the three groups, namely spectral precoding, N-continuous symbol mapping, and filtering. Numerical results show the power spectral density (PSD), peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR), and bit error rate (BER) performances of the three proposed schemes. Since the individual schemes have complementary characteristics, the three proposed combined schemes are constructed to maintain the merits and avoid the drawbacks of the individual schemes involved. Thus, it is demonstrated that the proposed framework can be employed to develop other new combined OOBE suppression schemes tailoring to some specific practical needs.
Filtering web text to match target genres

In language modeling for speech recognition, both the amount of training data and the match to the target task impact the goodness of the model, with the trade-off usually favoring more data. For conversational speech, having some genre-matched text is particularly important, but also hard to obtain. This paper proposes a new approach for genre detection and compares different alternatives for filtering web text for genre to improve language models for use in automatic transcription of broadcast conversations (talk shows).
Combined vector hysteresis models and applications

The demands of high density magnetic recording have motivated the development of vector Preisach models to supplant the scalar Preisach model. We present the details of such models, including methods for identification. The models are validated by the prediction of a variety of responses, including hysteresis loops, /spl delta/M curves, and rotational behavior such as torque curves at intermediate field values. An application of the model to adjacent track interference is discussed.
Identification of plasmalogens in the cytoplasmic membrane of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis

ABSTRACT Plasmalogens are ether-linked lipids that may influence oxidative stress resistance of eukaryotic cell membranes. Since bacterial membrane composition can influence environmental stress resistance, we explored the prevalence of plasmalogens in the cytoplasmic membrane of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis. Results showed plasmalogens are a major component of the B. animalis subsp. lactis membrane.
Federalism, Constitutionalism and Internationalism

Under Australian constitutional theory and practice the Federal executive is the sole organ for the conduct of international relations and is constitutionally competent to negotiate, conclude and ratify treaties and international agreements binding upon the Australian Commonwealth internationally. The Power to conclude treaties is exercised solely by the Executive of the Australian Commonwealth. In regard to the implementation of treaties Australia adopts the dualist view, i.e., legislation is generally necessary to make treaty provisions operative within municipal law. The implementation of treaties concluded by the federal executive depends, however, on the constitution and the nature of the limits laid down thereby, particularly the federal division of legislative powers between federal and state legislatures. The federal executive is competent to legislate pursuant to treaties and international obligations in cases where the subject-matter of the treaties and obligations falls within legislative competence of the Federal Parliament (i.e., “external affairs” and other subject-matters). On the other hand there is reasonable doubt that the Federal Parliament can clothe itself with legislative authority which is inconsistent with the distribution of legislative powers between federal and state legislatures. As a result, politically if not constitutionally, the implementation of treaties domestically becomes a matter for the states in cases where the Federal Parliament or the Federal Executive is deemed not to have the necessary constitutional powers to enact legislation concerning the subject-matter of a treaty.1
Survival of unfertilized mouse eggs during freezing and thawing.

SummaryThis investigation has established the possibility of survival of unfertilized mouse eggs with extracellular ice formation in glycerolated modified Locke's solution at −10° for periods up to 3 1/2 hours. Survival of eggs so treated was evaluated by progeny development after transplantation into foster mothers.
The Tennis Ball Paradox

On several occasions I have been told the paradox about a room and some tennis balls. The story goes that in the first half minute two tennis balls, #1 and ?2, are tossed into the room and #1 is thrown out. In the next quarter minute balls #3 and #4 are tossed in and #2 is tossed out. In the next 1/8 minute #5 and #6 are tossed in and #3 is tossed out. Etc. 1. I was told that in the limit there are no tennis balls in the room because "if you think that there are then when you name the ball I can tell you when it was thrown out." 2. However, I said to myself that if I look at the number of balls in the room, then at stage N there are N balls left and I am being asked to believe that the limit of N as N goes to infinity is 0. To get a different view on what is essentially the same situation we examine a well-known mathematical result. The constant y is defined by
Visual indication of mechanical damage using core-shell microcapsules

We report a new core–shell microcapsule system for the visual detection of mechanical damage. The core material, 1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene, is a conjugated cyclic olefin and a precursor to intensely colored polyacetylene. A combination of poly(urea-formaldehyde) and polyurethane is required to effectively encapsulate the volatile core material. Increasing the outer shell wall thickness and including a core-side prepolymer improves the thermal stability and free-flowing nature of these capsules, which tend to leach and rupture with thinner shell walls. Capsules ruptured in the presence of the Grubbs–Love ruthenium catalyst show immediate color change from nearly colorless to red-orange and dark purple over time, and color change in thin films resulted from scratch damage.
Catalytic mechanisms and regulation of protein kinases

Protein kinases transfer a phosphoryl group from ATP onto target proteins and play a critical role in signal transduction and other cellular processes. Here, we review the kinase kinetic and chemical mechanisms and their application in understanding kinase structure and function. Aberrant kinase activity has been implicated in many human diseases, in particular cancer. We highlight applications of technologies and concepts derived from kinase mechanistic studies that have helped illuminate how kinases are regulated and contribute to pathophysiology.
Characterization of patellar maltracking using dynamic kinematic CT imaging in patients with patellar instability

Purpose Little has been reported on the relationship between patellar maltracking and instability. Patellar maltracking has been subjectively described with the “J sign” but is difficult to assess objectively using traditional imaging. Dynamic kinematic computed tomography (DKCT) allows dynamic assessment of the patellofemoral joint. DKCT was used to visualize and quantify patellar maltracking patterns, and severity of maltracking was correlated with the presence or absence of patellar instability symptoms.
The BH3 Mimetic, Small Molecule, ABT-737, Was Effective As Lympholytic Therapy in the MRL/lpr−/− Mouse Model of Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS)

Abstract 695 [][1] Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) is an inherited disease associated with defects of lymphocyte apoptosis leading to lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity. The majority of ALPS patients have mutations in the FAS gene. MRL/lpr−/− (lpr) mice are used as a model for ALPS and are homozygous for FAS mutations, presenting with massive lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly associated with hypergammaglobulinemia, glomerulonephritis, and expansion of a rare population of TCR ab+CD4−CD8− (Double-negative, DN) T cells that are characteristic of ALPS. Currently, there are no proven therapies for the lymphoproliferation underlying ALPS besides immunosuppressive agents like high dose steroids and rapamycin. ABT-737 is a BH3 mimetic agent that binds and inactivates anti-apoptotic proteins of the BCL-2 family such as BCL-XL and BCL-2. An oral equivalent to this drug, Navitoclax, is currently being tested in Phase 1 studies for the treatment of diverse tumors. ABT-737 is potentially of interest for the treatment of ALPS, given that it directly activates the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, independent of the FAS pathway. We tested the BH3 mimetic ABT-737, with and without dexamethasone, in the lpr mouse model as a potential therapeutic agent for the lymphoproliferative disease. Lpr mice (N=30) were treated daily via IP injections with dexamethasone (4mg/kg) plus ABT-737 (50mg/kg) (Dex+ABT-737), dexamethasone alone (Dex), ABT-737 alone (ABT-737) or vehicle only (VEH) for 8 weeks. Vehicle treated mice developed very severe lymphoproliferation, with mean lymph node (LN) and spleen (SPL) weights of 750 mg and 465 mg, respectively. Cellularity reached LN= 85×106 cells; SPL=290×106 cells. Dex+ABT-737 treated mice had the greatest reduction in lymph node and spleen weights (final weight of 101 mg, p<0.0001; and 213 mg, p<0.005, respectively) and cellularity (LN=4×106, SPL=63×106, p<0.001), followed by ABT-737 alone (LN 453 mg, p=0.02; SPL 118 mg, p=ns; LN=20×106, p=0.001; SPL= 118×106, p=0.01), then Dex (LN 542 mg, p=ns; SPL 450mg, p=ns; LN 45×106, p=ns; SPL 241×106, p=ns). Although lymphoid cellularity was significantly lower with treatment, there was no bone marrow toxicity based on cell numbers. Additionally, there were significant reductions in DNT cells in the spleen, lymph nodes and blood with Dex+ABT-737 (p<0.005) and ABT-737 only (p<0.01) compared to vehicle. The DNT cells also appeared to be more sensitive to treatment as they were reduced to a greater extent than CD4, CD8 or B cells. ABT-737 was also able to kill patient derived EBV-transformed B cell lines in vitro , through induction of uncoupling of BAX and BAK from BCL-XL and consequent activation of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis with release of cytochrome c and AIF. These studies provide the first evidence for the utility of this class of drugs in the treatment of a non-malignant lymphoproliferative disorder. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. [1]: #fn-2
Staple food price instability and structural change: Indonesian experience

Abstract This paper argues that structural change, shifting labor from agriculture to manufacturing is critically dependent on staple food price stability. Historical experience shows that East Asia achieved such stability and thus experienced rapid growth in manufacturing and rapid structural change. Parts of Southeast Asia have also experienced food price stability and structural change. A case study of Indonesia’s experience supports these ideas.
Similarity solutions for power-law and exponentially stretching plate motion with cross flow

Abstract Laminar boundary layers generated by power-law plate stretching with cross flows are studied. Only the stretching solutions of Banks [10] are considered, those being bounded by exponentially stretched plates. In one case the cross flow is generated by a uniform transverse stream far above the stretching plate or a wall moving with uniform transverse velocity. Two other cases deal with cross flows generated by transverse shearing motions of the surface. Possible two parameter solutions appear, but here we present two one-parameter families of cross flow solutions generated by transverse plate shearing motion. Streamwise and transverse shear stresses and velocity profiles are displayed in graphical form.
Proteomic Analysis of Diaminochlorotriazine (DACT) Adducts in Wister Rat Pituitary Glands and LβT2 Rat Pituitary Cells.

Atrazine (ATRA) is the most commonly applied herbicide in the United States and is frequently detected in drinking water at significant levels. After oral exposure, ATRA metabolism yields diaminochlorotriazine (DACT), an electrophilic molecule that has been shown to form covalent protein adducts. This research was designed to identify ATRA-induced protein adducts formed in the pituitary gland of ATRA-exposed rats and in DACT-exposed LβT2 rat pituitary cells. Immunohistochemistry showed diffuse cytoplasmic and nuclear staining in both pituitary sections and LβT2 cells indicating the formation of DACT protein adducts. Protein targets from both rat pituitaries and LβT2 cell culture were identified following two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), immunodetection, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization−time of flight mass spectrometry analysis. Western blots from both exposed rats and LβT2 cells revealed over 30 DACT-modified spots that were not present in control animals. Protein spots were matched t...
Celostna obravnava otroka in mladostnika pri endoskopskih preiskavah

For children, endoscopies are very unpleasant and difficult to cope with. Endoscopies require a very good teamwork. The objective of the endoscopic team is to perform endoscopic procedures skillfully, safely, quickly, and as painlessly for children as possible. To perform a good endoscopic procedure, good preparation of the child and parents is essential. They should all be actively involved in all phases of the procedure, including during the endoscopy. We have to provide children holistic care. We have to abide physiological, developmental, social and cultural aspects of the child. Sedation of children during endoscopy minimizes bad experience for them, and allows better performance of the procedure or intervention. We perform gastroscopy under sedation in children younger than ten years of age, with rare exceptions. Colonoscopies are always performed under sedation. Capsule endoscopy is a newer diagnostic method in gastroenterology that enables examination of the whole small bowel. In children, it is an important and safe diagnostic method that is being successfully used in young children as well. A child scheduled for capsule endoscopy receives nursing care from admission onwards. The primary care nurse and graduate nurse work together in all phases of the diagnostic procedure: in the preparation of the child for the procedure, and in the introduction of capsule (with or without an endoscope). The nurse is responsible for the child’s safety during the procedure, for his correct timing of feeding, his well-being, regular defecation, and for monitoring the child for any side effects following the procedure. The child’s parents, when necessary, are included in all these activities. The aim of nursing care is good preparation of the child for the procedure, inclusion of his parents and teamwork to provide a safe, child-friendly and well-performed procedure.
Radiosurgery for Treatment of Renal Cell Metastases to Spine: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background The incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) continues to increase, and the spine is the most common site for bony metastasis. Radiation therapy is one treatment for spinal RCC metastasis. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is a newer treatment that reportedly has benefits over conventional external beam radiotherapy. This study systematically reviewed the current literature on SBRT for metastatic RCC to spine. Methods A search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Clinical articles evaluating SBRT for RCC metastases were identified. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, the search resulted in 9 articles. Data including pain outcomes, local control, survival outcomes, vertebral compression fracture (VCF), and toxicity were extracted and evaluated. Results The studies analyzed showed an improvement in pain in 41%–95% of patients. Local control rates after SBRT ranged 71.2%–85.7% at 1 year, a significant improvement when compared with conventional external beam radiotherapy. The rate of VCF after treatment with SBRT ranged 16%–27.5%, with single-fraction therapy being a risk factor for increased incidence. Overall toxicity rates ranged 23%–38.5%, with only 3 cases of grade 3 toxicity (nausea) and no cases of radiation myelitis. Conclusions Use of SBRT for spinal metastasis from RCC resulted in significant local control and pain outcomes. There is a risk of VCF with SBRT; however, treatment seems to be well tolerated with few serious side effects. There is continued need for long-term prospective studies investigating the optimal role of SBRT in the treatment algorithm of RCC spinal metastases.
Engagement and Competence in VR and non-VR Environments:

There has been a general push within the past five years to commercialize virtual reality (VR) gaming for public use. Devices such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, and Samsung VR on th...
Serum uric acid in Friedreich Ataxia.

Abstract Serum uric acid (UA) is a circulating antioxidant whose levels are typically lower in patients with idiopathic neurodegenerative diseases than healthy controls, reflecting a higher oxidative stress. Here we provided the first assessment of serum UA in Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA), an inherited neurodegenerative disorder, aimed at exploring novel disease biomarkers. Serum UA was measured in 19 FRDA patients and compared to 26 healthy controls (CTL). Multivariate analysis was conducted to eliminate main confounding factors (age, gender and BMI). Diagnostic accuracy was tested with ROC curve analysis and cut-off point calculation. Clinical predictive value was quantified by means Spearman's correlation with SARA score and other clinical parameters. Serum UA levels resulted significantly higher in FRDA than CTL (p = .016), independently from age, gender and BMI. At the cut-off value of 4.45 mg/dl, serum UA discriminates FRDA from CTL with >70% of sensitivity and >60% of specificity. No correlations emerged with clinical data. Contrarily to other neurodegenerative diseases, in FRDA, we observed an independent increase of serum UA content. Taking in account previous experimental findings, we hypothesize that such a finding may result from biochemical impairment induced by the genetic defect, acting as a sort of compensatory antioxidant defense although proper dedicated studies are mandatory. This preliminary report focuses UA as a potential biomarker for FRDA and encourages further studies on novel therapeutic strategies.
Near DC force measurement using PVDF sensors

There is a need for high-performance force sensors capable of operating at frequencies near DC while producing a minimal mass penalty. Example application areas include steering wheel sensors, powertrain torque sensors, robotic arms, and minimally invasive surgery. The beta crystallographic phase polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films are suitable for this purpose owing to their large piezoelectric constant. Unlike conventional capacitive sensors, beta crystallographic phase PVDF films exhibit a broad linear range and can potentially be designed to operate without complex electronics or signal processing. A fundamental challenge that prevents the implementation of PVDF in certain high-performance applications is their inability to measure static signals, which results from their first-order electrical impedance. Charge readout algorithms have been implemented which address this issue only partially, as they often require integration of the output signal to obtain the applied force profile, resulting in signal drift and signal processing complexities. In this paper, we propose a straightforward real time drift compensation strategy that is applicable to high output impedance PVDF films. This strategy makes it possible to utilize long sample times with a minimal loss of accuracy; our measurements show that the static output remains within 5% of the original value during half-hour measurements. The sensitivity and full-scale range are shown to be determined by the feedback capacitance of the charge amplifier. A linear model of the PVDF sensor system is developed and validated against experimental measurements, along with benchmark tests against a commercial load cell.
Catalysis of transthiolacylation in the active centers of dihydrolipoamide acyltransacetylase components of 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase complexes.

The Escherichia coli 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (OGDHc) comprises multiple copies of three enzymes-E1o, E2o, and E3-and transthioesterification takes place within the catalytic domain of E2o. The succinyl group from the thiol ester of S8-succinyldihydrolipoyl-E2o is transferred to the thiol group of coenzyme A (CoA), forming the all-important succinyl-CoA. Here, we report mechanistic studies of enzymatic transthioesterification on OGDHc. Evidence is provided for the importance of His375 and Asp374 in E2o for the succinyl transfer reaction. The magnitude of the rate acceleration provided by these residues (54-fold from each with alanine substitution) suggests a role in stabilization of the symmetrical tetrahedral oxyanionic intermediate by formation of two hydrogen bonds, rather than in acid-base catalysis. Further evidence ruling out a role in acid-base catalysis is provided by site-saturation mutagenesis studies at His375 (His375Trp substitution with little penalty) and substitutions to other potential hydrogen bond participants at Asp374. Taking into account that the rate constant for reductive succinylation of the E2o lipoyl domain (LDo) by E1o and 2-oxoglutarate (99 s-1) was approximately twofold larger than the rate constant for kcat of 48 s-1 for the overall reaction (NADH production), it could be concluded that succinyl transfer to CoA and release of succinyl-CoA, rather than reductive succinylation, is the rate-limiting step. The results suggest a revised mechanism of catalysis for acyl transfer in the superfamily of 2-oxo acid dehydrogenase complexes, thus provide fundamental information regarding acyl-CoA formation, so important for several biological processes including post-translational succinylation of protein lysines. Enzymes 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iubmb/enzyme/EC1/2/4/2.html); dihydrolipoamide succinyltransferase (http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iubmb/enzyme/EC2/3/1/61.html); dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iubmb/enzyme/EC1/8/1/4.html); pyruvate dehydrogenase (http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iubmb/enzyme/EC1/2/4/1.html); dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iubmb/enzyme/EC2/3/1/12.html).
Book review: Formalizing Common Sense: Papers by John McCarthy edited by Vladimir Lifschitz (Ablex, 1990)

Why would one read the papers of masters? There are at least two reasons for doing so. First, by tracing the development of ideas of someone with true insight it is possible to see the roots of various developments, concepts, and even false starts. In short we see how the domain, as we know it today, emerged in the historical process. Second, it is dangerous if one does not know the past. One is prone to fall into the same potholes as the previous generations.
A Watershed Year: Anatomy of the Iowa Floods of 2008 and The 1,000-Year Flood: Destruction, Loss, Rescue, and Redemption along the Mississippi River

Review of: "A Watershed Year: Anatomy of the Iowa Floods of 2008" edited by Cornelia F. Mutel and "The 1,000-Year Flood: Destruction, Loss, Rescue, and Redemption Along the Mississippi River" by Stephen J. Lyons.
Explosive Interaction of Molten Metals Injected Into Water

A high-speed photographic investigation established the general nature of the explosive interaction between hot molten metal jets and subcooled (75°F) distilled water. The photographic sequences yi...
Ethnicity and Local Systems: The Religious Organization of Welshness

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the religious organization of Welshness related to ethnicity and local systems. The traditional sociological view of ethnicity as a primordial sentiment destined to dissolve as industrialization progresses has recently given way to the idea that ethnicity is actively generated. It involves the creation and maintenance of boundaries that structure relations among divergent groups within a region and that may, in fact, be brought about by inequities intrinsic to the spread of industrialism. The chapter presents Hechter's work in two ways: (1) by applying his own logic at another spatial level—within a peripheral region and (2) by inquiring into the specific mechanisms through which peripheral sectionalism is generated. Hechter's publications to date leave room for both these refinements. First, his interest in Celtic ethnicity as a whole leads him to gloss over discernible variations in ethnic identity in each portion of the Celtic fringe. Within any one part—that is, within Scotland, Ireland, or Wales—an extension of Hechter's model would predict variations in peripheral sectionalism based on unequal distributions of resources and capital investments, with consequent internal discrepancies in economic development and differentiation. Second, because Hechter's aim is to establish the validity of the reactive argument as against the functionalist one, his analysis slights the actual mechanisms through which reactive solidarity develops.
’साकेत’ महाकाव्य-मैथिलीशरण गुप्त ’’आदर्श नारी चारित्र की उदभावना’’

महाकावयो की परमपरा म ’रामचारित चिनतामणि’ क बाद मथिलीशरण गपत क ’साकत’ (1929 ई.) का नाम आता ह। इसम कवि न परमपरागत परिपाटी का अनकरण करत हए अनक मौलिक विशषताओ की सषटि की ह। यह एक सरग बधद रचना ह। इसम आठ स अधिक बारह सरग ह। कथानक लोकविशरत रामकथा ह। विपरलमभ शरगार की परधानता ह, करण, वीर, रौदर आदि रस उसक सहायक ह। गपत जी न नारी को भारतीय आदरश क ढालन की चषटा की ह। भौतिक पककष म नारी ’रति’ का परतिरप ह, वह विशव की मधर कलपना ह। अतः नारी परष की अनिवारय आवशयकता क रप म परकट हई ह। साथ ही बौधदिक कषतर म वह उचच ह। हदय की विशालता तथा सहानभति उसक आभषण रह ह। ’साकत’ एक चरितर परधान कावय ह। उसम उरमिला का चरितर कथा स समबनधित अनय पातरो क मधय विकसित होता ह। यधपि यह बात अवशय ह कि गपतजी को अनक सथलो पर कला म परिवरतन करना पड़ा ह। जिसस उनक महाकावय म मौलिकता का समावश हो गया ह। वस मलतः यह कथा ’वालमीकि रामायण तथा रामचरित मानस’ स समबनधित ह। एस कावय की सफलता क लिए आवशयक ह कि उसक सभी पातर मखय पातर क चरितर पर घात परतिघात वदारा परभाव डाल। इस दशटि स ’साकत’ एक सफल कावय माना जाता ह। उसक सभी पातरो का समबनध परतयकष अथवा अपरतयकष रप स उरमिला क चरितर स समबनधित रहता ह।
Imaging with thick lenses using ABCD matrices and under first-order material dispersion

ABCD matrices for a thick lens are used to ascertain imaging behavior for a colored 2D object under first-order material dispersion. Frequency-dependent dispersion of dielectric permittivity is incorporated in the analysis and results are compared with the non-dispersive problem.
Money + Tech = Problems: Technological Development, Financial Imperatives, and the Ensuing Media Landscape

There is more money in media but also more problems. In addition to concerns about how they keep the lights on amidst considerable competition, media organizations have to keep their eye on their duties as the messengers of news and information at a time when everyone has their own messaging system. News media today also have to worry about the polarization of their audience, which feeds into the increasing distrust by the public against them. Their platforms are shifting, and they have to keep up with the competition and the new technologies that emphasize shrunken content and speed. The news media, vital to an effective democracy, is facing threats from all sides. Dagnes examines how technological developments inspired a flood of money into the media while at the same time brought economic trouble to many legacy outlets. These technological and financial changes have expanded the political media landscape. Because there is so much space available, and because political messaging has become essential to any political campaign, the public hears hearing from an increasing number of politicos. The result of this crowded environment is a corresponding increase in volume, since political actors need to be heard above everyone else.
Proposed procedural algorithm for the cost-effective use of cadaveric torsos in the training of neurosurgical residents

Educational adjuncts in the training of neurosurgical residents have become an important part of residency programme curricula due to the requirements of clinical duties and the institution of work hour restrictions.1 2 Cadaveric simulation is a prevalent method for teaching neurosurgical trainees basic and complex procedures.3 4 Cadaveric handling requires a dedicated centre for tissue storage and care, which increases institutional costs in order to support personnel and equipment for maintenance of laboratory space.4 5 Cadaveric tissue is relatively expensive and has limited repeated use. Because of these limiting factors, procedures that require significant disruption of the intrinsic anatomy may negate the capacity for subsequent anatomical landmarks or procedures to be demonstrated. In this manuscript, we propose a stepwise and ordered operative curriculum to provide the most efficient use of cadaveric torso specimens in the training of neurosurgical residents. This curriculum was developed at our institution and is currently in practice for trainees. Five frozen human cadaveric torsos devoid of extremities were acquired for the purposes of neurosurgical training. Each specimen had a complete sacral, lumbar and thoracic spine. A stepwise algorithm was developed for maximal use of the cadaveric tissue based on desired procedures to be performed …
Forecasting ecosystem services to guide coastal wetland rehabilitation decisions

Abstract Coastal wetlands provide diverse ecosystem services such as flood protection and recreational value. However, predicting changes in ecosystem service value from restoration or management is challenging because environmental systems are highly complex and uncertain. Furthermore, benefits are diverse and accrue over various timescales. We developed a generalizable mathematical coastal management model to compare restoration expenditures to ecosystem service benefits and apply it to McInnis Marsh, Marin County, California, USA. We find that benefits of restoration outweigh costs for a wide range of assumptions. For instance, costs of restoration range from 8–30% of the increase in ecosystem service value over 50 years depending on discount rate. Flood protection is the dominant monetized service for most payback periods and discount rates, but other services (e.g., recreation) dominate on shorter timescales (>50% of total value for payback periods ≤4 years). We find that the range of total ecosystem service value is narrower than overall variability reported in the literature, supporting the use of mechanistic methods in decision-making around coastal resiliency. However, the magnitude and relative importance of ecosystem services are sensitive to payback period, discount rate and risk tolerance, demonstrating the importance of probabilistic decision analysis. This work provides a modular, transferrable tool to that can also inform coastal resiliency investments elsewhere.
Systemic sclerosis with malignant acanthosis nigricans in a patient with gastric adenocarcinoma

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an idiopathic sclerosing condition that may affect both the skin and internal organs.1 Although SSc has been associated with an increase in the development of malignant neoplasms, the disease can present in a paraneoplastic manner months to years after initial cancer diagnosis in rare cases.1,2 Malignant acanthosis nigricans is a rare paraneoplastic skin syndrome that presents with sudden onset of hyperpigmented velvety plaques, most commonly in intertriginous areas. Here, we report a case of newly acquired SSc and acanthosis nigricans in a patient with a 2-year history of gastric adenocarcinoma being treated with capecitabine.