cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membrane depolarization increases ryanodine sensitivity to Ca2+ release to the cytosol in L6 skeletal muscle cells: Implications for excitation–contraction coupling

The dihydropyridine receptor in the plasma membrane and the ryanodine receptor in the sarcoplasmic reticulum are known to physically interact in the process of excitation-contraction coupling. However, the mechanism for subsequent Ca(2+) release through the ryanodine receptor is unknown. Our lab has previously presented evidence that the dihydropyridine receptor and ryanodine receptor combine as a channel for the entry of Ca(2+) under resting conditions, known as store operated calcium entry. Here, we provide evidence that depolarization during excitation-contraction coupling causes the dihydropyridine receptor to disengage from the ryanodine receptor. The newly freed ryanodine receptor can then transport Ca(2+) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol. Experimentally, this should more greatly expose the ryanodine receptor to exogenous ryanodine. To examine this hypothesis, we titrated L6 skeletal muscle cells with ryanodine in resting and excited (depolarized) states. When L6 muscle cells were depolarized with high potassium or exposed to the dihydropyridine receptor agonist BAYK-8644, known to induce dihydropyridine receptor movement within the membrane, ryanodine sensitivity was enhanced. However, ryanodine sensitivity was unaffected when Ca(2+) was elevated without depolarization by the ryanodine receptor agonist chloromethylcresol, or by increasing Ca(2+) concentration in the media. Ca(2+) entry currents (from the extracellular space) during excitation were strongly inhibited by ryanodine, but Ca(2+) entry currents in the resting state were not. We conclude that excitation releases the ryanodine receptor from occlusion by the dihydropyridine receptor, enabling Ca(2+) release from the ryanodine receptor to the cytosol.
On α‐dynamos

The function α that describes the generation of large scale magnetic fields from small scale motions is assumed to be non-zero only in a thin boundary layer. As a consequence, the problems for the poloidal and meridional fields in a symmetric rotating configuration decouple and may be solved sequentially. Analysis of the boundary layer yields equivalent boundary conditions on interior and exterior field components. The general eigenvalue problem is formulated but only the case of neutral stability is examined.
The Drosophila genes grauzone and cortex are necessary for proper female meiosis

In Drosophila, normal female meiosis arrests at metaphase I. After meiotic arrest is released by egg activation, the two meiotic divisions are rapidly completed, even in unfertilized eggs. Since little is known about the regulation of the meiotic cell cycle after the meiotic arrest, we screened for mutants that arrest in meiosis. Here we describe the phenotype of eggs laid by sterile mothers mutant for either grauzone or cortex. These eggs arrest in metaphase of meiosis II, and although they can enter into an aberrant anaphase II, they never exit meiosis. Prolonged sister-chromatid cohesion is not the cause of this arrest, since a premature release of sister cohesion does not rescue the meiotic arrest of cortex eggs. Aberrant chromosome segregation at meiosis I was the earliest observable defect, suggesting that grauzone and cortex are first required immediately after egg activation. The cortical microtubules are also defective, remaining in a pre-activated state in activated mutant eggs. The mutations had no observable effect on either male meiosis or mitosis. We believe these genes will provide insight into the developmental regulation of meiosis in a genetically tractable organism.
Primary Care Patients with Drug Use Report Chronic Pain and Self-Medicate with Alcohol and Other Drugs.

BACKGROUND Chronic pain is common among patients with drug use disorders. The prevalence of chronic pain and its consequences in primary care patients who use drugs is unknown.
Religiosity and the formulation of causal attributions

ABSTRACTResearchers have suggested that religious individuals engage primarily in intuitive over analytic processing. We investigated a connection between specific aspects of religiosity and the attribution of causation to social and physical events. College undergraduates completed measures of religiosity online and were asked to determine the causes of events that varied in type, outcome, and likelihood, as well as the personality characteristics of the protagonist. Individuals with greater intrinsic religious orientation, fundamentalism, who viewed God as loving, who were more dogmatic, and had an external locus of control were more likely to attribute supernatural phenomena to events compared to those lower in those traits. Supernatural causation was invoked more often when the character of the protagonist and the outcome of social event matched in valence (both positive or both negative) than when they did not match (e.g., character positive, outcome negative). Individuals low and high in religiosity...
Symposium: Mindfulness and Politics

Since the turn of the millennium, there has been an explosion of research in psychology, neurobiology, education, and business demonstrating a wide range of benefits of something called “mindfulnes...
Recent advances in the management of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.

Purpose of review Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myelogenous leukemia (t-MDS/AML) comprise an increasingly common, poor-risk disease cohort without standard treatment options. This review describes available treatments and recent advances that may influence the clinical management of t-MDS/AML. Recent findings Multiple retrospective studies have identified poor-risk cytogenetics, chemotherapy resistance, comorbidities from prior cancer and therapy, and persistence of the primary malignancy as factors that contribute to poor clinical outcomes of t-MDS/AML. Recent analyses show that t-MDS/AML can respond to standard therapy, but responses are less durable. In most cases, cure is made more likely with allogeneic stem cell transplantation. These findings suggest that improved survival may result from earlier, low-intensity nontransplant therapy, and aggressive pursuit of reduced-intensity transplant approaches in eligible individuals coupled with posttransplant relapse prevention strategies. Molecular characterization of t-MDS/AML may aid future clinical management decisions and identify targets for therapy. Summary Data emerging from recent t-MDS/AML studies are shedding light on factors that contribute to disease biology and poor clinical outcomes. These findings can be used to develop strategies to improve the treatment and survival of patients with t-MDS/AML.
Competition between thyroxine and TRF at the pituitary level in the release of TSH.

SummaryWhen increasing amounts of thyroxine are administered to rats otherwise given an invariable dose of TRF, a dose of thyroxine is found to completely inhibit the TSH-releasing activity of that dose of TRF. Conversely, when increasing amounts of TRF are administered to animals pretreated with an invariable quantity of thyroxine known to inhibit the TSH releasing activity of several doses of TRF, a dose of TRF is eventually reached that will overcome the inhibitory effect of that amount of thyroxine. Neutron activation of a highly purified preparation of hypothalamic TRF failed to reveal presence of iodine in the TRF molecule.
Dependence and extreme correlation among US industry sectors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree of dependence and extreme correlation (i.e. tail dependence) among US industry sectors. Design/methodology/approach – This paper makes use of both conventional measures of dependence (the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Spearman’s rho and Kendall’s tau) and copula measures of extreme correlations (including the same-direction and cross-tail dependence coefficients) to explore sector diversification opportunities. The paper splits the full sample in three periods, namely, 1995 to 2000, 2001 to 2006 and 2007 to 2012, to access the extent to which the dependence results change through time. Findings – This research provides three important findings. First, the degree of dependence and same-direction extreme correlations are high, whereas the cross-extreme correlations are considerably low. Second, the sector pairs offering the best and worst tail diversification change across sample periods. Third, the traditional dependence measures suggest tha...
Earthquake Resistant Design of Tilt-Up Buildings with Segmented Walls

Recent trends in the design of tilt-up wall buildings has been toward the use of segmented wall panels that are connected by welded plates at two or three locations over the height of the panel. It has also been suggested that in seismic regions panels should be connected in pairs or at most in groups of three. In both conditions, chord steel at the top if the panel is provided. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of strong ground motions having pulse type displacement characteristics on this type of tilt-up wall construction. In order to investigate the seismic behavior, three dimensional, linear and nonlinear models of a prototype building are developed within the constraints of the computer program, SAP2000. Nonlinear elements are incorporated for the connections of the glulam beams and purlins to the wall panels and the nonlinear behavior of the diaphragm is modeled using a Hrennikoff model of the continuum. A third building model was developed having cast-in-place connections (pilasters) between the panels. This modeling permitted a comparison between the traditional pilaster construction and the more modern segmented wall construction. In addition, the effects of dense nailing and sparse nailing in the diaphragm are considered. Results of these analyses indicate that the use of segmented panels in tilt-up wall construction is a viable procedure for buildings located in seismic regions. However, it is important that tests be conducted on the various connections used to tie the components of this system together and that their strength and ductility in the post yield region be determined. Based on the results of these tests some additional strengthening of critical connections may be required to provide the necessary strength and ductility.
Perfectly Odd Cubes

If ml) = 21'-I is prime, then E. = 21'-1 (2 P 1) is perfect. Primes of the form Ml are known as Mersenne primes, to honor the French priest who conjectured their primality in 1644. Mersenne primes occur only when p itself is prime, although not every prime p leads to a Mersenne prime. At present, there are 36 known Mersenne primes; the largest, discovered in August 1997, has 895,932 digits. In the eighteenth century, the prolific Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler proved that every even perfect number inist be generated by a Mersenne prime, as described in Euclid's Proposition 36. The following result describes a somewhat surprising characteristic of all even perfect numbers greater than 6: THEOREM. Let p be an odd primne that generates the even perfect number E= 2 1)-(21 1). Then E is expressible as the sumn of the cubes of the first n consectutive odd integers, where 'n = 2(11)/2.
The Genera Duplicaria (Rhytismataceae) and Crandallia (Leptostromataceae)

Two of the three published Duplicaria species are retained and described in detail. Melasmia empetri is rejected as a possible imperfect state of D. empetri. Crandallia juncicola is shown to be the...
Combined ab Initio/DFT and Monte Carlo Calculation of Relative Standard Chemical Potentials in Solution

A method has been proposed for pure theoretical estimation of relative standard chemical potentials (1 mol/dm3 standard state) and related Kc equilibrium constants for tautomers/conformers dissolved in some solvents. The relative internal free energy could be obtained by means of in-solution ab initio/DFT methods. Using the free energy perturbation method for the transformation of the involved species, the solvation contribution to the relative standard chemical potential can be determined by considering 1 M solution models. Comparison of the ΔGsolv/MC value calculated for the 1 M solution with those obtained for the system at other concentrations helps explore the ratio of the activity coefficients in nonstandard states. The method has been applied for the study of the tautomeric pair of formaldoxime and nitrosomethane with large structural differences. It was pointed out that the ΔGsolv/MC values for the 1 and 0.11 M solutions differ by up to 0.2 kcal/mol, when atomic charges are derived on the basis of...
Anionic Synthesis of Trialkoxysilyl-Functionalized Polymers

A new general functionalization methodology (GFM) is applied to the synthesis of trimethoxysilyl-functionalized polymers. This GFM involves (a) the preparation of a well-defined polymeric organolithium compound (PLi) using alkyl-lithium-initiated anionic polymerization; (b) quantitative silyl hydride-functionalization of PLi with chlorodimethylsilane to form PSi(CH 3 ) 2 H; (c) hydrosilation of PSi(CH 3 ) 2 H with vinyltrimethoxysilane in the presence of Karstedt's catalyst. The desired PSi(OCH 3 ) 3 was obtained in > 80% yield. The product was characterized by SEC, 1 H and 13 C NMR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
UROLOGY FOR THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER.

The more common urologic problems which the general practitioner may encounter include infections of the urinary tract, chronic urethritis in women, acute and chronic prostatitis, scrotal masses, torsion of the testis, mumps orchitis, gonorrhea, and sexual impotence in males. The importance of using the correct method to collect urine for examination is stressed, and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are given for each condition.
Angular-distribution measurements for 12C(12C,12C

Angular-distribution data have been obtained for the inelastic scattering reaction $^{12}\mathrm{C}$${(}^{12}$C${,}^{12}$C[${0}_{2}^{+}$]${)}^{12}$C(${0}_{2}^{+}$) at center-of-mass energies between ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}$=29.5 and 35.5 MeV, in the region of a large structure previously observed in the excitation function for this reaction. The angular-distribution data suggest dominant l values near 14--16, but also show strong evidence for the contribution of several constructively interfering angular momenta at the peak of the excitation function structure.
A single isocenter three-field breast irradiation technique using an empiric simulation and asymmetric collimator

The treatment of abutting fields presents multiple difficulties, including problems of field overlaps or gaps, complexity of simulation, and the difficulties of daily setup and variation. Multiple techniques have been described for the treatment of the breast/chest wall and supraclavicular nodes using tangents and a matched supraclavicular field. The techniques described have used collimator angles, couch angles, and/or corner blocks in an attempt to match these fields with no overlap or gap. Some of these techniques required complex calculations or treatment devices to achieve a geometric match between fields. We describe a technique for treatment of breast and supraclavicular nodes that uses a single isocenter and requires asymmetric collimator jaws to give half-blocked fields. The simulation and setup are done empirically, with no complex calculations required. The daily setup and treatment can be done rapidly and reliably, with no extra equipment required. Custom blocks may be used to conform to the chest wall contour and decrease the amount of lung in the treatment fields.
Synagogues and churches in changing communities: What role can they play in stabilization efforts?

The previous four chapters have examined the characteristics of the racial transition process. In this chapter, the focus shifts to the feasibility of efforts at the community level to achieve stable integrated communities. Since churches and synagogues are among the most important institutions in these communities, it is important that they be involved in stabilization efforts. A key question which has not received much attention by researchers is the extent to which these religious institutions would gain or lose support as a result of participation in such efforts. This chapter will be aimed at closing this gap in existing research.
Ágota Kristóf’s Europe: (Un)Connectedness and (Non-)Belonging in The Third Lie

One of the many contemporary translingual authors born in traditionally non-Francophone countries who opted to write in French, Agota Kristof offers an unsettling view of Europe and European conflict as she experienced them firstly in Hungary and later in Switzerland. The subject of this essay, Kristof’s Le troisieme mensonge (The Third Lie, 1991), focuses on issues of division and impossible belonging during the long years of the Cold War. The novel’s constant modifications of (fictional) realities and conflicting interpretations of characters’ origins serve as an allegory of Europe’s changing times during the East-West conflict, most obviously those of Hungary. Here, Kristof offers a penetrating deconstruction of the violent, oppressive and alienating modes of existence created by national and ideological borders.
In vivo bioluminescence imaging reveals copper deficiency in a murine model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Copper is a required metal nutrient for life, but global or local alterations in its homeostasis are linked to diseases spanning genetic and metabolic disorders to cancer and neurodegeneration. Technologies that enable longitudinal in vivo monitoring of dynamic copper pools can help meet the need to study the complex interplay between copper status, health, and disease in the same living organism over time. Here, we present the synthesis, characterization, and in vivo imaging applications of Copper-Caged Luciferin-1 (CCL-1), a bioluminescent reporter for tissue-specific copper visualization in living animals. CCL-1 uses a selective copper(I)-dependent oxidative cleavage reaction to release d-luciferin for subsequent bioluminescent reaction with firefly luciferase. The probe can detect physiological changes in labile Cu+ levels in live cells and mice under situations of copper deficiency or overload. Application of CCL-1 to mice with liver-specific luciferase expression in a diet-induced model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease reveals onset of hepatic copper deficiency and altered expression levels of central copper trafficking proteins that accompany symptoms of glucose intolerance and weight gain. The data connect copper dysregulation to metabolic liver disease and provide a starting point for expanding the toolbox of reactivity-based chemical reporters for cell- and tissue-specific in vivo imaging.
Discovery of decamidine as a new and potent PRMT1 inhibitor

Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is a key player for the dynamic regulation of arginine methylation. Its dysregulation and aberrant expression are implicated in various pathological conditions, and a plethora of evidence suggests that PRMT1 inhibition is of significant therapeutic value. Herein, we reported the modification of a series of diamidine compounds with varied lengths in the middle alkyl linker for PRMT1 inhibition. Decamidine (2j), which possesses the longest linker in the series, displayed 2- and 4-fold increase in PRMT1 inhibition (IC50 = 13 μM), compared with furamidine and stilbamidine. The inhibitory activity toward PRMT1 was validated by secondary orthogonal assays. Docking studies showed that the increased activity is due to the extra interaction of the amidine group with the SAM binding pocket, which is absent when the linker is not long enough. These results provide structural insights into developing the amidine type of PRMT1 inhibitors.
White Female Bystanders’ Responses to a Black Woman at Risk for Incapacitated Sexual Assault

We investigated White female college students’ responses to risk for an incapacitated sexual assault involving a Black potential victim. Participants (N = 160) read about attending a party where th...
Perceptual Learning: Neural Mechanisms

Perceptual learning refers to improved discrimination and detection abilities after repeated practice of the same perceptual task. It is a form of long-term, implicit, memory that is usually specific to the trained stimulus and task. The learning results from a complex interaction between bottom-up sensory and top-down feedback signals. Cortical changes induced by perceptual training are manifested in many forms, which can be used as a window for exploring use-dependent changes in the brain.
Towards Automatically Setting Language Bias in Relational Learning

Relational databases are valuable resources for learning novel and interesting relations and concepts. Relational learning algorithms learn the definition of new relations in terms of the existing relations in the database. In order to constraint the search through the large space of candidate definitions, users must specify a language bias. Unfortunately, specifying the language bias is done via trial and error and is guided by the expert's intuitions. Hence, it normally takes a great deal of time and effort to effectively use these algorithms. We report our on-going work on building AutoMode, a system that leverages information in the schema and content of the database to automatically induce the language bias used by popular relational learning algorithms.
La Preparación del Maestro: Una Examinación de las Voces de los Capacitadores que Enseñan en las Escuelas Normales de Guatemala

This article presents the results of an investigation that documents the challenges that select teacher trainers from normal schools in Guatemala face in their daily work. Data analysis of focus groups conducted with these teacher trainers indicate that action is urgently needed if the educational system of Guatemala is to adequately address the needs of its multilingual multicultural populations. Results strongly suggest that problems are not only situated within schools but,
Cemented hip arthroplasty: why I do it

Abstract Total hip replacement is an operation done to relieve pain and restore function and it is one of the most successful health interventions of the last century. Orthopaedic experience with cemented hip arthroplasty extends to over 50 years and in that time refinement of techniques and implants has led to components that offer the best long-term survivorship in almost all patients, as evidenced by research and registry data. However, long-term revision rates are just one of their advantages because cemented components also offer important benefits in their ability to restore patients' anatomy, most importantly offset, leg length and component position as independent variables. The fine control that they offer to surgeons helps them to tailor each operation to the individual's needs and thereby achieve the best result possible for every patient. In the long-term the presence of a well-fixed cement mantle offers the opportunity for cement-in-cement revision if further surgery is required. Components can be considered to be modular at the prosthesis/cement interface and the technique allows a surgeon to revise and return a patient to their primary state.
An algorithm for the evaluation of the incomplete gamma function

We introduce an algorithm for the evaluation of the Incomplete Gamma Function, P(m, x), for all m, x > 0. For small m, a classical recursive scheme is used to evaluate P(m, x), whereas for large m a newly derived asymptotic expansion is used. The number of operations required for evaluation is O(1) for all x and m. Nearly full double and extended precision accuracies are achieved in their respective environments. The performance of the scheme is illustrated via several numerical examples.
Angiosome Directed Interventions

Patients with advanced peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and critical limb ischemia (CLI) require immediate revascularization to improve blood flow and prevent amputation. Angiosome directed therapy is a concept in which each vessel is responsible for supplying an anatomical section of an organ. The supply extends from deep structures such as the bone all the way to the skin. Patients with CLI have multiple comorbidities. Targeted therapy aimed at treating the vessel responsible for the patients’ symptoms will ultimately improve outcomes. In this chapter, we describe a case where the angiosome concept was used to guide the revascularization process. The case is outlined in a stepwise fashion describing the thought process of the operators.
Interstratification of Layer Silicates in Two Soil Clays

X-ray and chemical analyses were made of two soil clays from Colorado, X-ray diffraction analysis of glycerol-solvated samples oriented in parallel gave poor diffraction patterns. Randomly oriented powder x-ray diffraction analysis showed an intense 4.45 A band indicating the predominance of layer silicates. Total potassium analysis confirmed the presence of illite. Cation-exchange capacity and specific-surface measurements showed that high-charge layer silicates were present. The effect of differential cation saturation and differential heat treatment on the x-ray diffraction patterns of parallel oriented samples suggests interstratification of layer silicates in these soil clays.
The Assessment of Human Growth

This chapter provides an overview of old and new methods of assessing the physical growth status of children. Today, a measure of growth should include an amount of body composition along with usual measures of stature and weight. A big child may be an obese child rather than one who is healthy and well-fed, as in the past. Obesity in childhood is strongly linked with subsequent overweight and obesity in adulthood and its cardiovascular consequences. Because of the increased prevalence of obesity around the world, these growth assessments should include a computation of BMI at a minimum and possibly triceps and subscapular skinfolds. If possible, more informative measures of body composition should be considered. One can also measure the amount of muscle tissue and density of bone in growing children. Both these tissues can be assessed with a minuscule exposure to radiation. Measures of bone mineral content and bone mineral density allow us to identify children with potential risk for osteoporosis later in adulthood. Measuring the growth status of a child's body composition provides an opportunity to treat risk factors for some chronic adult diseases at their conception, when treatment can be most effective.
Jeavons Syndrome: Clinical Features and Response to Treatment.

Abstract Background Jeavons syndrome is an underreported epileptic syndrome characterized by eyelid myoclonia, eyelid closure-induced seizures or electroencephalography paroxysms, and photosensitivity. Drug-resistant epilepsy is common, but the prognostic factors and clinical course leading to drug resistance have not been well characterized. Methods We identified 30 patients who met the diagnostic criteria of Jeavons syndrome at a single institution between January 1, 2000 and December 15, 2016. Criteria for Jeavons syndrome included all of the following: (1) eyelid myoclonia with or without absences, (2) eye–closure-induced seizures or electroencephalography paroxysms, and (3) seizure onset after 12 months of age. We reviewed and described the epilepsy history, antiepileptic drug trials, and response to treatments. Results Mean age at seizure onset was 7.3 years, and 80% were female. Absence seizures (63%) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (23%) were most common at onset. Diagnosis was delayed by an average of 9.6 years. After a median follow-up of two years, 80% of patients had drug resistant epilepsy and 70% experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures and seizure types other than absence seizures increased the risk of drug-resistant epilepsy (P values 0.049 and 0.03, respectively). Valproic acid, lamotrigine, ethosuximide, and levetiracetam were the most effective in reducing seizures by more than 50%. Conclusions The diagnosis of Jeavons syndrome is often delayed. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures and seizure types other than absence seizures may be predictors of drug-resistant epilepsy among patients with Jeavons syndrome.
Systematic Review of Voice Outcomes for Injection Laryngoplasty Performed under Local vs General Anesthesia

Objective To assist otolaryngologists in counseling patients with hoarseness who would benefit from injection laryngoplasty on whether or not to perform the procedure in the office vs the operating room. Data Sources Cochrane library, CINAHL, PubMed, and EMBASE. Review Methods Systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) reporting standards of English-language articles that compared voice outcomes for in-office and in the operating room injection laryngoplasty. Two independent investigators assessed study eligibility, rated the quality using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS), and abstracted data for comparative analysis. Results Of 689 initial studies, 4 observational, comparative studies met inclusion criteria, with follow-up of 2 weeks to 12 months postinjection. Laryngoplasty was most commonly performed for vocal fold immobility with varied injectable materials (micronized dermis, hyaluronic acid, and calcium hydroxyapatite). Follow-up ranged from 2 weeks to 12 months. Voice outcomes improved in all studies, with comparable improvement for patients injected in the office vs the operating room ( P = .42 to P = .88). Meta-analysis of 3 studies showed no difference in Voice Handicap Index-10 voice outcomes by treatment setting (standardized mean difference -0.11, P = .441), with the 95% confidence interval (-0.405 to 0.176), making it unlikely that anything larger than a small or trivial difference was missed. Conclusion Our systematic review makes it unlikely that meaningful clinical differences exist in postprocedure voice outcomes for injection laryngoplasty in the office vs the operating room.
White Paper: Chemical Sensitivity: History and Phenomenology:

Nearly everyone has heard something about chemical sensitivity, either from personal experience with someone who has the condition or from the media. The television series Northern Exposure recently featured a chemically sensitive attorney who lived in a geodesic dome in Alaska, and L.A. Law depicted the struggles of a Persian Gulf veteran with chemical sensitivities who lost his case against the Veterans Administration, but may appeal later in the season. Television news programs and the printed media have showcased patients living spartan existences in remote areas or in aluminum foil-lined rooms. Our views of the illness no doubt are colored by our own personal experiences of it. While some discount or make jokes about chemical sensitivity or these patients, physicians who have seen a number of them are discovering that many appear to be credible individuals with prior good work records who say they became ill following an identifiable exposure to chemicals.
Identity-conscious services for diverse patients: A descriptive analysis of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender-focused federally qualified community health centers

Significant health disparities affect the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population. There has been growing attention to these disparities, with research focused on issues such as b...
Predicting Performance During a Dynamic Target Acquisition Task in Immersive Virtual Reality

Visual-motor skill is the ability integrate visual perception and motor control. These skills allow the eyes and hands to move in a coordinated way to optimally achieve the goal of the task at hand, which is crucial for success in tasks such as athletics or surgery. Immersive virtual reality (VR) provides a controllable experimental environment to study visual-motor skill learning. In this work, we present a novel experimental framework that combines immersive VR and electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the kinematic and neurophysiological mechanisms that underlie motor skill performance during a multi-day simulated marksmanship training regimen. We propose two approaches for modeling the biological elements associated with visual-motor skill to predict shot success based on kinematic data and neurophysiological biomarkers.
Cutting Edge: Intracellular IFN-β and Distinct Type I IFN Expression Patterns in Circulating Systemic Lupus Erythematosus B Cells

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type I IFNs promote induction of type I IFN-stimulated genes (ISG) and can drive B cells to produce autoantibodies. Little is known about the expression of distinct type I IFNs in lupus, particularly high-affinity IFN-β. Single-cell analyses of transitional B cells isolated from SLE patients revealed distinct B cell subpopulations, including type I IFN producers, IFN responders, and mixed IFN producer/responder clusters. Anti-Ig plus TLR3 stimulation of SLE B cells induced release of bioactive type I IFNs that could stimulate HEK-Blue cells. Increased levels of IFN-β were detected in circulating B cells from SLE patients compared with controls and were significantly higher in African American patients with renal disease and in patients with autoantibodies. Together, the results identify type I IFN-producing and -responding subpopulations within the SLE B cell compartment and suggest that some patients may benefit from specific targeting of IFN-β.
Ponderosa pine seed-tree removal reduces stocking only slightly

After ponderosa pine seed trees were removed on the Challenge Experimental Forest, California, seedling stocking fell by 3.8 percent or about 212 seedlings per acre. This loss is slightly less than that incurred from natural mortality, and one that did not reduce regeneration levels below the minimum standard.
Around the Corner Terahertz Radar Imaging Exploiting Diffusion Scattering

We present a novel method for imaging objects hidden around corners by exploiting the scattering properties of THz waves. Most common building materials have significant specular reflection components that enable THz imaging systems to see around occlusions. Additionally, such materials scatter incident waves to multiple directions which we can use to distinguish between the reflective surfaces and the object of interest. We modify the backpropagation SAR imaging algorithm to correct the clu t-tered raw data and acquire accurate THz images of the occluded areas. The new imaging approach is verified through imaging examples in the 220–330 GHz band using common building materials as mirrors.
Every Object Tells a Story: Bringing Historical and Cultural Artifacts to Life through Object Theater:

Historic and cultural museums have experimented with a variety of techniques to overcome the limitations of out-of-context display of their artifacts. Modern technology offers intriguing new possib...
Shallow‐water deltaic clinoforms and process regime

[Quantitative analyses of shallow‐water deltaic clinothems from two different foreland basins show that river‐dominated clinothems are consistently 3‐4 times shorter and steaper as compared to wave‐dominated clinothems. , Abstract Utilizing two outcrop data sets with dip direction exposures of shallow‐water (tens of meters) deltaic clinoforms, this paper quantifies sedimentary facies proportions and clinoform lengths and gradients, and links process regimes to delta clinoform dimensions. Both data sets are from foreland basins, the Cretaceous Chimney Rock Sandstone of the Rock Springs Formation from the US Western Interior, and the Eocene Brogniartfjellet Clinoform Complex 8 of the Battfjellet Formation from the Central Basin of Spitsbergen. Sedimentary facies indicate presence of both river‐ and wave‐dominated clinothems in each data set. Facies characteristics and distribution implies that river‐dominated clinothem progradation was primarily driven by deposition from weak hyperpycnal flow turbidity currents across the clinoforms, and minor slumps. Wave‐dominated clinothems were constructed by wave processes rather than alongshore currents, and are also progradational subaerial clinoforms, with one exception, where the formation of a compound subaqueous clinoform set indicates erosion and sediment bypass above the wave base. Sediment distribution and lithological heterogeneity in the river‐dominated clinothems is controlled by individual hyperpycnal flow events or mouth‐bar collapse events, and thus by self‐organization and minimal reworking that results in a heterogeneity that is difficult to predict (high entropy). The efficient reworking of river‐derived sediments in wave‐dominated clinothems results in predictable lithological sediment partitioning (low entropy). Clinoform dimension analyses show that although of similar sediment caliber, river‐dominated clinoforms in both data sets are on average 3–4 times steeper and 3–4 times shorter than the wave‐dominated clinoforms, with mean gradients of ca 4 degrees and ca 1 degree, respectively, and mean lengths of 150–230 m and 640–760 m. These results require corroboration from additional data sets, but do suggest that river‐ and wave‐dominated delta clinoforms are likely to have distinct downdip extents (lengths) and gradients for given clinoform heights. Clinoform shape can thus be a method for differentiating ancient river‐ vs. wave‐dominated deltaic clinoforms, in addition to their sedimentary facies, biogenic features and sandstone maturity, and helpful when incorporated into reservoir models.]
Handheld Grass Cutter Machine with Supporting Wheel

Handheld grass cutter is an electronic or petrol-powered machine which is used to cut the grass. Since everyone likes their houses, offices, buildings, etc. surrounded by natural beauty, they grow plants, garden around houses. But they are also careful about maintaining it, so grass cutter plays important role in it. Traditional cutters available in the market are heavy and do not have any supports so it requires many human efforts during grass cutting. Here, we basically modified traditional hand grass cutter by providing wheel supports and rod support at the front end and middle of the cutter. The study was carried out with two subjective measures such as discomfort rating and Borg category ratio. Total 20 participants were examined with a group of 10 people performed a task on traditional and another group of 10 people on modified hand-held grass cutter. Results of both grass cutters were obtained and compared with each other.
Explicating anomie in refugee women’s integration narratives: A qualitative research study

Abstract Refugee women flee from their home countries due to civil unrest, war, persecution and migrate to Western countries such as the United States in search of a safe haven. This research study conducted in an Upper Midwest community in the US unveils integrations experiences of refugee women from their standpoint. The integration narratives obtained through in-depth interviews with 16 refugee women aged 40 years and above depicted traits of anomie as described by Emile Durkheim and Robert Merton. Excerpts from the integration narratives conveyed anomic traits such as feelings of, loneliness and sadness, lack of purpose/meaning, unmet expectations, feeling isolated, and retreatism mode of adaptation. Using these themes, the study explored how such experiences reinforce anomie among the refugee women. Although this research study does not claim universal representation of refugee women experiences, the discussion provided serves to help communities understand the women’s integration experiences and implement structures and practical guidelines for successful integration.
Series that Converge Absolutely but Don't Converge

If a series of real numbers converges absolutely, then it converges. The usual proof requires completeness in the form of the Cauchy criterion. Failing completeness, the result is false. We provide...
Why did the Acheulean happen? Experimental studies into the manufacture and function of Acheulean artifacts

Abstract This chapter will consider the origins, evolution and adaptive significance of the Acheulean Industrial Complex, based upon experimental replicative and functional studies. It is argued here that the Acheulean emerged as a response to large-mammal carcass acquisition and butchery, where larger, heavier and more ergonomic butchery tools with long, sharp, durable edges were desirable. The production of hand axes and cleavers (as well as picks and knives), made either on large flake blanks struck from mega-cores or made on large cobbles, nodules, or tabular pieces, heralded a new technological sophistication and presumably greater cognitive skills. The Acheulean, beginning between approximately 1.76 million years ago (mya) and lasting in some places until around 154,000 years ago, also documented one of the most profound periods of encephalization in hominin evolution and the transition from Homo ergaster/erectus (hereafter referred to as Homo erectus) to Homo heidelbergensis (formerly called “archaic Homo sapiens”), and even very early Homo sapiens idaltu. Cranial capacity increased from approximately 800 cubic centimeters in H. erectus to about 1250 cubic centimeters in H. heidelbergensis (and presumably a proportional increase in anthropocentric encephalization quotient, or EQ, from approximately 0.5 to 0.85, with modern humans and Homo sapiens idaltu with a cranial capacity of 1450 cc representing an EQ of roughly 1.00). This neural increase is correlated with more refined and standardized biface technologies over time and the rise of prepared core technologies. This increase in absolute and relative brain size is almost certainly also correlated through time with larger mean hominin group sizes, higher quality diets (i.e. more protein and fat food resources, primarily from animal tissue and obtained with an increasing reliance upon more complex technologies) and greater cognitive, social and communicative complexity.
CMIP5 models predict rapid and deep soil warming over the 21st century

Author(s): Soong, JL; Phillips, CL; Ledna, C; Koven, CD; Torn, MS | Abstract: Despite the fundamental importance of soil temperature for Earth's carbon and energy budgets, ecosystem functioning, and agricultural production, studies of climate change impacts on soil processes have mainly relied on air temperatures, assuming they are accurate proxies for soil temperatures. We evaluated changes in soil temperature, moisture, and air temperature predicted over the 21st century from 14 Earth system models. The model ensemble predicted a global mean soil warming of 2.3 ± 0.7 and 4.5 ± 1.1 °C at 100-cm depth by the end of the 21st century for RCPs 4.5 and 8.5, respectively. Soils at 100 cm warmed at almost exactly the same rate as near-surface (~1 cm) soils. Globally, soil warming was slightly slower than air warming above it, and this difference increased over the 21st century. Regionally, soil warming kept pace with air warming in tropical and arid regions but lagged air warming in colder regions. Thus, air warming is not necessarily a good proxy for soil warming in cold regions where snow and ice impede the direct transfer of sensible heat from the atmosphere to soil. Despite this effect, high-latitude soils were still projected to warm faster than elsewhere, albeit at slower rates than surface air above them. When compared with observations, the models were able to capture soil thermal dynamics in most biomes, but some failed to recreate thermal properties in permafrost regions. Particularly in cold regions, using soil warming rather than air warming projections may improve predictions of temperature-sensitive soil processes.
Ecology and criminology? Applying the tenets of procedural justice on compliance to environmental regulations:

Criminologists are increasingly investigating the harmful intersections between humans and the natural environment, largely under the green criminology banner. However, most discourses have largely...
Outcomes of Surgical Coronary Revascularization Performed Before Solid Abdominal Organ Transplants.

ABSTRACT Background Cardiac risk stratification and coronary angiography are routinely performed as part of kidney and liver transplant candidacy evaluation. There are limited data on the outcomes of surgical coronary revascularization in this patient population. We investigated outcomes in patients with end stage renal or hepatic disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to attain kidney or liver transplant candidacy. Methods Retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent isolated CABG at our institution between 2010 and 2016. Patients were divided into two cohorts: Pre-transplant (those undergoing surgery to attain renal or hepatic transplant candidacy) and Non-transplant (all others). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups. Results A total of 1801 patients were included: 28 in Pre-transplant (n=22 kidney, n=7 liver) and 1773 in Non-transplant. Major adverse postoperative outcomes were significantly greater in Pre-transplant compared to Non-transplant: 30-day mortality (14.3% vs. 2.8%, p=0.009), neurologic events (17.9% vs. 4.8%, p=0.011), re-intubation (21.4% vs. 5.8%, p=0.005) and total postoperative ventilation (5.2 vs. 5.0 hours, p=0.0124). One- and five-year mortality in Pre-transplant was 17.9% and 53.6%, respectively. Of the Pre-transplant cohort, three patients (10.7%) underwent organ transplantation (all kidneys) at a mean 436 days after CABG. No patients received liver transplantation. Conclusions Outcomes following CABG in the pre-kidney and pre-liver transplant population are poor. Despite surgical revascularization, the vast majority of patients do not ultimately undergo transplantation. Revascularization strategies and optimal management in this high-risk population warrants further study.
Spin-Polarized Molecular Triplet States as Qubits: Phosphorus Hyperfine Coupling in the Triplet State of Benzoisophosphinoline.

Advances in quantum information science (QIS) require the development of new molecular materials to serve as microwave addressable qubits that can be read out optically. Laser photoexcitation of or...
Site-specific epigenetic marks in Trypanosoma brucei transcription termination, antigenic variation, and proliferation

In Trypanosoma brucei, genes assemble into polycistronic transcription units (PTUs). Transcription termination sites (TTSs) hold deposition sites for three non-essential chromatin factors, histone variants (H3v and H4v) and a DNA modification (base J, a hydroxyl-glucosyl dT). Here, I found that H4v is a major sign for transcription termination at TTSs and readthrough transcription machineries progress until they encounter the next bidirectional transcription start site. While having a secondary function at TTSs, H3v is important for monoallelic transcription of telomeric antigen genes. The simultaneous absence of both histone variants leads to proliferation and replication defects, which are exacerbated by the J deficiency, accompanied by accumulation of sub-G1 population. Base J likely contributes to DNA replication and cell-cycle control. I propose that the coordinated actions of H3v, H4v and J function in concert for cellular fate determination and provide compensatory mechanisms for each other in chromatin organization, transcription, and replication.