cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
End-of-life care in the immune checkpoint inhibitor era.

e24003Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) can lead to durable responses in some patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with less toxicity than chemotherapy. However, I...
A Qualitative Assessment of Factors That Children, Parents, and Clinicians Prioritize in the Setting of Elective Anesthesia and Surgery.

Background Assessing the postoperative recovery of pediatric patients is challenging as there is no validated comprehensive patient-centered recovery assessment tool for this population. A qualitative investigative approach with in-depth stakeholder interviews can provide insight into the recovery process and inform the development of a comprehensive patient-centered postoperative assessment tool for children. Methods We conducted open-ended, semistructured interviews with children 6-12 years old undergoing elective surgery (n = 35), their parents (n = 37), and clinicians (n = 23) who commonly care for this population (nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgeons). A codebook was developed and analyzed using NVivo 12 Plus. The codebook was iteratively developed using a qualitative content analysis approach with modifications made throughout to refine codes. We report the results of this thematic analysis of patient, parent, and clinician transcripts. Results Postoperative recovery priorities/concerns overlapped and also diverged across the 3 groups. Topics prioritized by children included mobility and self-care, as well as access to a strong social support network following surgery. The majority of children reported feeling anxious about the surgery and separating from their parents, as well as sadness about their inability to participate in activities while recovering. Although children highly valued familial support during recovery, there was variable awareness of the impact of surgery on family members and support network. In contrast, parents focused on the importance of clear and open communication among themselves and the health care team and being equipped with appropriate knowledge and resources on discharge. The immediate repercussions of the child's surgery, such as pain, confusion, and nausea, appeared to be a primary focus of both parents and clinicians when describing recovery. Clinicians had a comprehensive awareness of the possible psychological impacts of surgery in children, while parents reported varying degrees of awareness or concern regarding longer-term or more latent impacts of surgery and anesthesia (eg, anxiety and depression). Prior experience with pediatric surgery emerged as a distinguishing characteristic for parents and clinicians as parents without prior experience expressed less understanding of or comfort with managing a child's recovery following surgery. Conclusions A patient-centered qualitative investigative approach yielded insights regarding the importance of various aspects of recovery in pediatric patients, their parents, and members of the health care team. Specifically, this investigation highlighted the importance of clear communication providing anticipatory guidance for families presenting for elective surgery in an effort to optimize patient recovery. This information will be used in the development of a patient-centered recovery assessment tool.
IC Design for a Two-Mode Buck Converter Optimized for Both Light and Heavy Load

A two-mode buck converter to accommodate both light and heavy load is presented in this paper. The converter operates in the heavy-buck mode optimized for heavy load and the baby-buck mode optimized for light load. The mode selector selects an appropriate mode based on the load current. The converter adopts the ripple-based constant on-time V2 control. The circuit is designed in CMOS 0.25 μm CMOS technology. Measurement results indicate it achieves 70% to 80.6% efficiency for the load power ranging from 12 mW to 840 mW.
Neurotrophic factor-α1, a novel tropin is critical for the prevention of stress-induced hippocampal CA3 cell death and cognitive dysfunction in mice: comparison to BDNF.

Stress leads to brain pathology including hippocampal degeneration, cognitive dysfunction, and potential mood disorders. Hippocampal CA3, a most stress-vulnerable region, consists of pyramidal neurons that regulate cognitive functions e.g. learning and memory. These CA3 neurons express high levels of the neuroprotective protein, neurotrophic factor-α1 (NF-α1), also known as carboxypeptidase E (CPE), and receive contacts from granule cell projections that release BDNF which has neuroprotective activity. Whether NF-α1-CPE and/or BDNF are critical in protecting these CA3 neurons against severe stress-induced cell death is unknown. Here we show that social combined with the physical stress of maternal separation, ear tagging, and tail snipping at weaning in 3-week-old mice lacking NF-α1-CPE, led to complete hippocampal CA3 degeneration, despite having BDNF and active phosphorylated TrkB receptor levels similar to WT animals. Mice administered TrkB inhibitor, ANA12 which blocked TrkB phosphorylation showed no degeneration of the CA3 neurons after the weaning stress paradigm. Furthermore, transgenic knock-in mice expressing CPE-E342Q, an enzymatically inactive form, replacing NF-α1-CPE, showed no CA3 degeneration and exhibited normal learning and memory after the weaning stress, unlike NF-α1-CPE-KO mice. Mechanistically, we showed that radio-labeled NF-α1-CPE bound HT22 hippocampal cells in a saturable manner and with high affinity (Kd = 4.37 nM). Subsequently, treatment of the HT22cpe-/- cells with NF-α1-CPE or CPE-E342Q equivalently activated ERK signaling and increased BCL2 expression to protect these neurons against H2O2-or glutamate-induced cytotoxicity. Our findings show that NF-α1-CPE is more critical compared to BDNF in protecting CA3 pyramidal neurons against stress-induced cell death and cognitive dysfunction, independent of its enzymatic activity.
The Effects of Dietary Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Exposure and Rearing Temperature on Tadpole Growth, Development, and Their Underlying Processes.

Depression of growth rate due to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) has been documented in birds, mammals, amphibians, and fish at single temperatures. However, the underlying energetic mechanism for this effect and how it might change in relation to changing environmental temperature remain unstudied. We used a simple energy budget to address hypotheses regarding effects of PBDEs on tadpole (Lithobates pipiens) growth: that reductions in growth are linked to increased respiratory costs, reductions in digestive performance, differences in body composition, reductions in food intake, or a combination of these factors. From 18 days postfertilization (dpf) until 42 dpf, tadpoles were exposed dietarily to a pentabromodiphenyl ether mixture (DE-71TM ) at a concentration of 100 ng DE-71/g wet mass under a rearing temperature of either 22 or 27 °C. After 20 days of PBDE exposure, total PBDEs in tadpoles averaged 148.4 ng/g wet mass, with no differences by rearing temperature and approximately 50% higher than in their diet; controls not fed PBDE had levels <1 ng/g. Exposure to PBDE resulted in reductions in body length, mass, and development compared to controls, independent of rearing temperature; PBDE had no effect on measures of body composition, dry matter digestibility, or oxygen consumption. A simple energy budget using data from the present study revealed that a 10% decrease in feeding rate could explain the lower mass gain of tadpoles exposed to PBDE. Growth depression by PBDE could be due to (1) direct inhibition of growth processes by PBDE that indirectly decreases total energy demand and food intake, and (2) direct inhibition of food intake. Future studies to disentangle these possible pathways of PBDE effects are warranted. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3181-3192. © 2021 SETAC.
Comparison of a Newly Developed Latex Agglutination Test and an Immunodiffusion Test in the Diagnosis of Systemic Candidiasis

A newly developed latex agglutination (LA) test and a modified immunodiffusion (ID) test were evaluated. The antigen used was a homogenate of Candida albicans. A total of 167 antisera were employed in the evaluation. They included 36 sera from clinically well persons; 78 from patients with various clinical forms of candidiasis; 52 from patients with proven cases of aspergillosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, nocardiosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, sporotrichosis, and tuberculosis; and one serum from a patient with toruloposis. Use of the LA test in conjunction with the ID test permitted the detection of more than 90% of 43 proven candidiasis cases. Of all the heterologous cases and normal human sera tested, LA reactions were noted with 3 of 10 cryptococcosis case specimens, 1 of 9 tuberculosis case specimens, and with the torulopsemia case serum. In contrast, the only heterologous serum reactive in the ID test was that from the patient with torulopsemia. Torulopsis glabrata and C. albicans antisera gave identical reactions in LA and ID tests with T. glabrata or C. albicans antigens. ID tests with selected antigens, however, permitted differentiation of rabbit and human T. glabrata antibody from that of C. albicans antibody. Six different precipitins were recognized with the C. albicans antigens. The occurrence of multiple precipitin lines and high LA titers was suggestive of severe candidiasis. The LA test, in contrast to the ID test, appeared to have prognostic value. Together, the LA and ID tests provided a simple, rapid, and accurate means of detecting and monitoring infections by species of Candida.
A Prison Librarian Looks at Writ-Writing

T HIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED to dispute contentions made in the companion article by Mr. Larsen. Its purpose is merely to present a prison official's point of view regarding the problems of the jailhouse lawyer and operation of the prison library. We realize that some inmates feel they have legitimate complaints which require a court's attention, and we are anxious that our men present valid cases for review. We understand fully the inmate's desire to exhaust all his legal remedies.
Evidence for Higher Soil Temperature and Potassium Promoting Invasion of the Common Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale , in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Common Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale ssp. officinale (dandelion) is expanding its range in Alaska and is of particular concern in National Park Service units. This study investigated the influence of estimated soil temperature, available potassium (K), available phosphorous (P), and total nitrogen (N) on dandelion cover and density on a site near the elevational limit of dandelion. The study site in Denali National Park had been disturbed by construction and was revegetated with native plants 12 years before the study. Seed input to the study site was abundant. In a multiple regression analysis, higher levels of estimated soil temperature and available K accounted for 79% and 73% of the variation in dandelion cover and density, respectively. Practical control methods include not fertilizing disturbed areas with K, and countering continued expansion of dandelion by monitoring human use areas and undisturbed habitats where soil temperatures are likely to be relatively warm.
In vitro colony growth of acute myelogenous leukemia

Colony formation in vitro by marrow cells from patients with untreated acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and from patients in AML relapse is infrequent using the standard Robinson assay. A newly developed culture system has been described in which marrow from AML patients in these disease stages form leukemic cell colonies. In this in vitro system, phytohaemagglutinin is the essential stimulator for colony formation. The leukemic origin of the colonies has been proven by ultrastructural morphology and cytogenetics. It appears that colony formation by leukemic cells in this system is predominantly independent from the leukocyte factor which is the main stimulator in the Robinson assay for growing colonies of marrow cells from haematologically normal individuals.
Drivers of hybridization in a 66-generation record of Colias butterflies.

Hybridization significantly affects the ecology and evolution of numerous plant and animal lineages. Most studies have focused on endogenous drivers of hybridization and neglected variation in exogenous factors, such as seasonal weather patterns. In this study, we take advantage of a unique dataset consisting of records of hybridization between the butterflies Colias eurytheme and C. eriphyle (Pieridae) for 66 generations (22 years) to investigate the importance of seasonal weather on the production and survival of hybrid offspring. Important seasonal weather variables for each parental species and hybrid offspring were determined using model averaging, and these weather variables, along with butterfly abundances, were analyzed using path analysis. The most important drivers of hybridization were the abundance of C. eriphyle, summer minimum temperature, and spring maximum temperature. In contrast, the abundance of C. eurytheme and weather variables prior to the current flight season were relatively unimportant for variation in hybrid abundance. Parental abundances were mostly driven by weather variables prior to the flight season possibly because these variables affect host plant quality. Our results suggest that exogenous, climatic factors can influence hybridization in natural systems, and that these factors can act both directly on hybrid abundance and indirectly through the population dynamics of parental species.
College Men and Masculinity: Implications for Diversity Education

The balance of empirical research on college men is a portrait of their maladaptive and antisocial attitudes and behaviors. Studies have demonstrated the correlation between college men's problematic behavior and adherence to gender role traditionalism. Educators have few composites of men's prosocial behavior nor the masculine ideology that accompanies it.This article is based, in part, on a study where I explored college men's prosocial behaviors through their engagement in an educationally purposeful activity that has been operationally defined in the literature: diversity education (DE). DE was defined as opportunities to engage meaningfully with diversity through coursework or purposeful cross-culture interactions in pursuit of educational outcomes.Using a basic interpretive qualitative methodology, I addressed the following research question: How do college men who have been engaged in diversity education understand and perform masculinity? Themes derived using the constant comparative method includ...
Low-Temperature Waste Solidification

This study assesses the feasibility of converting aqueous radioactive wastes at the Savannah River Plant to water-free castable melts or manageable solids. A waste-melt process is proposed that incorporates desirable features from three one-step methods.
New gratingless wavelength-stabilized laser

Summary form only given. Wavelength stabilization is usually obtained in semiconductor lasers with a diffraction grating close to the gain region. Generally this requires complex lithography and at least one regrowth step. Furthermore, the light from a standard semiconductor laser is highly elliptical and cannot efficiently be coupled to an optical fiber. Frequently, the total power output is limited by catastrophic mirror damage that occurs when the optical field becomes excessive at the semiconductor-air interface. We describe a novel structure that may overcome these problems of standard semiconductor lasers. The GaAs-AlAs QW laser is composed of two coupled waveguides, a thick low index waveguide and a lower semiconductor waveguide made with quarter-wave mirrors.
Political Profit: Taxing and Spending in the Hierarchical State

. The actions of government fall into two types: taxes (the taking of property) and expenditures (the awarding of gifts). Politicians profit as long as the value of resources raised from taxation exceeds the cost of expenditures. From their point of view, fiscal efficiency consists in maximizing the support obtained by spending and minimizing the opposition generated by taxing. This is accomplished by spending on well-organized groups and taxing the uninformed public. This results in the “iron law of political redistribution” in which income and wealth are transferred from the latter to the former. In a hierarchical State, it is usually profitable for those at the top to centralize control over taxing and spending, if for no other reason than to make it difficult for politicians at lower levels to compete against them. This gives rise to the “law of hierarchical centralization”—in a hierarchical State, power becomes centralized over time. The greater the power of government, the faster this process takes place. In order to avoid this problem, one could design constitutions which are non-hierarchical in nature, in which each unit of government is completely autonomous from the others, as firms are in a free market.
Separation, Difference, and Time in Godard's Ici et ailleurs

Is it possible to conceive a language of absolute difference? Or, is absolute difference always complicated by the identity-function of language? These questions have occupied French philosophy at least since Levinas's Totality and Infinity. In what follows, I renew the problem of heterology with attention to Jean-Luc Godard's film Ici et ailleurs, released in 1976. I will argue that Godard's treatment of space, space-time, and time?especially the latter, in the figure of the corpse?opens another modality of philosophical language, one sufficient to the task of articulating absolute difference.
Atom transfer radical homo‐ and block copolymerization of methyl 1‐bicyclobutanecarboxylate

A non-olefinic monomer, methyl 1-bicyclobutanecarboxylate (MBC), was successfully polymerized by the controlled/living atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique, resulting in a well-defined homopolymer, PMBC, with only cyclobutane ring units in the polymer chain. An AB block copolymer poly(methyl 1-bicyclobutanecarboxylate)-b-polystyrene (PMBC-b-PS), having an all-ring unit segment, was also synthesized with narrow polydispersity and designed number-average molecular weight in addition to precise end groups. The 1 H NMR spectra, glass-transition temperature, and thermal stability of PMBC, PMBC-b-PS, and PS-b-PMBC were investigated. The experimental results showed that the cyclobutane rings in the two block polymers improved their thermal stability.
Epitaxial stabilization of (110)-layered perovskites of the RE2Ti2O7 (RE=La, Nd, Sm, Gd) family

Abstract Thin films of RE2Ti2O7 (RE=La, Nd, Sm, Gd) were deposited on single crystal SrTiO3 (110) substrates at 900 °C using pulsed laser deposition. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed sharp (00k) peaks (in θ–2θ scans) with narrow rocking curves (ω-scan peak widths of 0.4–0.9°), indicating that all compositions adopted the (110)-layered perovskite structure. While this is the stable structure for RE=La and Nd, it is metastable for RE=Sm and Gd. The metastable compounds are formed directly through epitaxial stabilization at these high temperatures and are shown to be isostructural to monoclinic La2Ti2O7. The a, b, and c lattice parameters decreased monotonically with decreasing size of the RE cation, while the monoclinic angle remained fairly constant. The epitaxial relationship between the (110)-layered RE2Ti2O7 films and the SrTiO3(110) substrate was found by XRD and transmission electron microscopy to be { 001 } 〈 010 〉 film | | { 110 } 〈 1 1 ¯ 0 〉 SrTiO 3 . The single-phase, metastable, epitaxial, 100 nm thick films maintained the layered perovskite structure even after annealing at 900 °C for two hours in 200 Torr of oxygen.
Coordinated care in a 'consumer-driven' health system.

ABSTRACT: High-deductible health plans—with and without spending accounts—are gaining ground. Will these evolving benefit designs complement or undermine the coordination of care for patients with ...
α-Tocopherol Inhibits Aggregation of Human Platelets by a Protein Kinase C–Dependent Mechanism

Background Epidemiological studies indicate that vitamin E (α-tocopherol) exerts a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease. The effect of vitamin E has generally been attributed to its antioxidant activity and the antioxidant protection of LDL. Distinct from its effect on LDL, vitamin E is also known to inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion in vitro, but the mechanism(s) responsible for these observations are not known. Methods and Results Using gel-filtered platelets derived from platelet-rich plasma treated with α-tocopherol (500 μmol/L) or vehicle (0.5% ethanol), we found that inhibition of platelet aggregation by α-tocopherol was closely linked to its incorporation into platelets (r=−.78; P<.02). Platelet incorporation of α-tocopherol was associated with a significant reduction in platelet sensitivity to aggregation by adenosine 5′-diphosphate, arachidonic acid, and phorbol ester (PMA) by approximately 0.15-, 2-, and 100-fold, respectively. In contrast, platelets treated similarly with butylat...
Actin Structure-Dependent Stepping of Myosin 5a and 10 during Processive Movement

How myosin 10, an unconventional myosin, walks processively along actin is still controversial. Here, we used single molecule fluorescence techniques, TIRF and FIONA, to study the motility and the stepping mechanism of dimerized myosin 10 heavy-meromyosin-like fragment on both single actin filaments and two-dimensional F-actin rafts cross-linked by fascin or α-actinin. As a control, we also tracked and analyzed the stepping behavior of the well characterized processive motor myosin 5a. We have shown that myosin 10 moves processively along both single actin filaments and F-actin rafts with a step size of 31 nm. Moreover, myosin 10 moves more processively on fascin-F-actin rafts than on α-actinin-F-actin rafts, whereas myosin 5a shows no such selectivity. Finally, on fascin-F-actin rafts, myosin 10 has more frequent side steps to adjacent actin filaments than myosin 5a in the F-actin rafts. Together, these results reveal further single molecule features of myosin 10 on various actin structures, which may help to understand its cellular functions.
Bilingual Memory: The Interaction of Language and Thought.

AbstractWe initiated story recall in bilingual children to analyze how specific languages affect memory for narrative. Forty 8- and 9-year-old bilingual (Greek-English) children listened to a story on tape, in either English or Greek, and were asked to retell it in either English or Greek, once from memory and a second time with the aid of a picture book. Story recall was measured in terms of number of recalled phrases. Story recall for subjects who heard the story in English and retold it in Greek (group EG) was significantly better than for groups EE, GG, and GE. Results are discussed in terms of dual coding theory and subjects' language socialization history. The implications of these findings suggest the need for dynamic, flexible bilingual education programs that are sensitive to the previous language experiences of bilingual students.
Agents for alkylating steroid hormone receptors. I. Analogs derived from esters of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone

Abstract A method designed to selectively tag hormonal receptor sites is discussed. Acylation of 17 α -hydroxyprogesterone with the half acids, half esters of glutaric, adipic, and pimelic acids followed by selective hydrolyses afforded the ω -carboxybutanoate, the ω -carboxypentanoate, and the ω -carboxyhexanoate of 17 α -hydroxyprogesterone. These acids were converted via their acid chlorides to the 5-keto-6-diazohexanoate, the 6-keto-7-diazoheptanoate, and the 7-keto-8-diazooctanoate of 17 α -hydroxyprogesterone. The latter compounds were active in the Clauberg assay, but they appear not to have alkylated the Clauberg receptor.
A 24-microwell plate with improved mixing and scalable performance for high throughput cell cultures

Abstract Multi-well plates are widely used in high throughput drug screening, cell clone development, media design and cell culture optimization in the biotechnology industry. The reproducibility and data quality of cell cultures in multi-well plates are greatly affected by mixing, aeration, and evaporation. A novel 24-microwell plate (MWP) with static mixers for improved mixing and aeration, and gas permeable lids for reduced evaporation was developed for cell cultures. Mixing, oxygen transfer, evaporation, and cell proliferation as affected by the static mixer, shape of the well and agitation rate were studied. The static mixer improved mixing pattern and reduced cell aggregation under orbital shaking conditions. Consequently, the static mixer also improved cell proliferation with a significantly higher specific growth rate in round wells. In general, consistent growth kinetics was observed for cells cultured on the plate. Overall, the MWP improved the data quality with smaller standard deviations and better reproducibility. Furthermore, CHO cells cultured in the MWP gave similar kinetics in glucose consumption, lactate production, cell growth and viability, and antibody production in a serum-free medium to those cultured in spinner flasks, demonstrating its scalable performance and potential application in high throughput screening for cell culture process development.
Unravelling the Origin of the High-Catalytic Activity of Supported Au: A Density-Functional Theory-Based Interpretation

Using first principles DF calculations we have studied the structural and catalytic properties of Au supported on TiOx−Mo(112) films. Our theoretical models are consistent with an initial (8 × 2) Mo(112)−Ti2O3 pattern which after Au deposition gives rise to ordered Au films that completely wet the surface. The oxidation of CO on model surfaces at coverage 1, 4/3, and 5/2 ML has been analyzed. The oxidation proceeds through a peroxo-like complex in which molecular oxygen is simultaneously bound to the CO and the surface. The energy barrier computed for a Au coverage of 4/3 ML is found significantly lower in agreement with the unusual high activity observed for this catalyst. The detailed analysis of the geometry and electronic structure provides a fundamental understanding of the reaction.
Community perspective on a model to reduce teenage pregnancy

Design. Qualitative methodology was used to validate elements of an educational career youth developmental model (ECYDM) to reduce teenage pregnancy among African American teens in two inner city urban communities. The specific aims of the study were to gain understanding of the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy and to identify a pregnancy prevention programme relevant to the needs of African American youth. Methods. Data were collected from a convenience purposive sample of 43 African American teens and adults. Teen participants included males and non-pregnant, pregnant, and parent females. Adult participants included parents, school staff, and community clergies. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, structured individual and focus group interviews. Approval from the Institutional Review Board was obtained before conducting the study. Findings. Findings supported elements of the ECYDM as a pregnancy prevention programme for African American teens in inner city urban communities. Participants identified an educational-career motivational programme that utilizes mentoring to teach, counsel, and provide information to improve youths' health, education, career, and social outcomes as the pregnancy prevention programme for youth in urban communities. Conclusions. These findings have important implications for future programme design and research. Teenage pregnancy must be addressed within the context of the individual, family, and community. Community partnership and collaboration of resources is necessary to reduce teenage pregnancy. Educational-career programmes are needed to provide information and knowledge to young men and women to make sound informed decisions. Continued qualitative research is also needed to gain understanding of pregnancy prevention programmes.
Effect of H2SO4 and Alkali Metal SO42-/HSO4- Salt Solutions on Surface Water Molecules Using Sum Frequency Generation

The surface-specific vibrational spectroscopy, sum frequency generation, has been used to study the structure of water at air/liquid interfaces of inorganic, ionic solutions. The experiments suggest that ions in solution reorient surface water into a more structured, hydrogen-bonded network compared with the neat water/air interface. In more concentrated solutions, there is a high degree of ion association. A model based on Hard Soft Acid Base theory indicates that associated ions are able to penetrate closer to the air interface than unassociated ions. Associated ions incorporate surface water into the ion-pair hydration shell.
Sex differences in subclinical and DSM-IV pathological gambling: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

Background. To examine sex differences in DSM-IV subclinical and pathological gambling in nationally representative data of the US population. Method. Data come from a large (n=43 093) representative sample of the adult US population. Results. The lifetime prevalence rate of DSM-IV pathological gambling was 0·64% (95% CI 0·50-0·78) for men and 0·23 % (95% CI 0·17-0·29) for women, whereas the lifetime prevalence of subclinical pathological gambling was 6·79% (95% CI 6·32-7·26) for men and 3·26% (95% CI 2·93-3·59) for women. For subclinical pathological gambling, men were significantly (p<0·01) more likely than women to have smoked more than two packs of cigarettes a day, to be classified as heavy drinkers and to have lifetime diagnoses of alcohol and drug use disorders. Women with subclinical and pathological gambling were significantly more likely than men to have lifetime mood and anxiety disorders. With respect to pathological gambling, women had later ages of onset of the disorder, and were significantly more likely than men to report gambling to relieve depressed mood and to prefer casino gambling. Rates of treatment-seeking for DSM-IV pathological gambling were low for both men and women. Conclusions. There are important sex differences in the prevalence, symptom pattern, sociodemographic and clinical correlates and course of DSM-IV subclinical and pathological gambling. Results underscore the need to investigate sex differences in the social determinants, neurobiology and treatment response of DSM-IV subclinical and pathological gambling.
Networks by Design: A Revolution in Ecology

Environmental change and anthropogenic activities threaten biodiversity and compromise essential ecosystem services at local to global scales ([1][1], [2][2]). Despite this, current ecological understanding derives mainly from site-specific research and measurements at scales of 10 m2 and at
Increased synthesis of extracellular matrix in mesangial proliferative nephritis

Increased synthesis of extracellular matrix in mesangial proliferative nephritis. Extracellular matrix expansion is frequently noted in mesangioproliferative renal diseases. This study investigates the role of immunologic factors in glomerular matrix accumulation. The gene expression of type I and IV collagen, laminin and s-laminin was examined in the rat model of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis induced with anti-Thy 1.1 antibody. Northern analysis was performed on glomerular RNA isolated one, three and five days after disease induction and at day 3 following prior complement depletion. Tissue was immunostained for the protein products of these genes as well as for heparan sulfate proteoglycan, entactin and PCNA (a marker of cell proliferation) at days 1, 3, 5, 14, 21 and 42. A seven- to ten-fold increase of collagen IV and laminin mRNA as well as de novo expression of collagen I mRNA occurred at days 3 and 5 corresponding to the time of maximal proliferation. S-laminin mRNA levels only increased threefold. With the exception of s-laminin, mesangial staining for all examined matrix proteins increased to a maximum at day 5 and decreased thereafter. Focal alterations of the glomerular architecture and matrix persisted at day 42. Complement depletion prevented the histological abnormalities as well as the increased expression of matrix proteins at day 3. These findings indicate that immunologic injury in the mesangium may result in overproduction of extracellular matrix components and may ultimately contribute to the development of glomerulosclerosis.
Spatial and Temporal Variability in the Nearshore Distributions of Postlarval Farfantepenaeus aztecus along Galveston Island, Texas

The nearshore distributions of postlarval brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus (Ives, 1891) were investigated at four approximately equidistant sites along a section of Galveston Island, Texas. Simultaneous, replicate plankton samples were collected along with environmental measurements at each site during three consecutive days each week for a period of four weeks during April 1992. The data were modelled using analysis of variance and stepwise regression to evaluate the spatial, temporal and environmental factors contributing to changes in density. Postlarval densities differed significantly among the four weeks during the study, however, day was not a significant model effect. Changes in weekly distributions appeared correlated to the presence of winds favourable for onshore transport of water. The distributions of postlarvae were highly variable along the Island with significantly greater densities at sites located on sections of open beach and significantly lower densities in the vicinity of shoreline stabilization structures (groins and jetties). Turbidity, water and air temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were all significantly related to postlarval density as were several interactions among environmental factors and turbidity and site. The variability observed in the study was used to estimate levels of sampling intensity required to achieve different levels of precision. Based on the high spatial and temporal variability in postlarval densities observed in this study, and our sampling effort calculations, we suggest that some of the difficulty in predicting landings of adult shrimp based on postlarval abundances may be due to insufficient sampling effort to accurately assess postlarval densities.
Role of the innate immune system in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with heterogeneous clinical presentations and course. MS is considered to be a T cell mediated disease but in recent years contribution of innate immune cells in mediating MS pathogenesis is being appreciated. In this review, we have discussed the role of various innate immune cells in mediating MS. In particular, we have provided an overview of potential anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory function of DCs, microglial Cells, NK cells, NK-T cells and gamma delta T cells along with their interaction among themselves and with myelin. Given the understanding of the role of the innate immune cells in MS, it is possible that immunotherapeutic intervention targeting these cells may provide a better and effective treatment.
Baiting the hook: catching and keeping quality student employees through professional development and non-numeric incentives

Catching and keeping quality student employees is often a difficult endeavor and a dilemma that many supervisors must face as students look off campus for commercial employment opportunities that net higher monetary benefits.Attracting and retaining good student employees is often a simple matter of providing them with professional and personal development opportunities that go beyond the numeric incentives that the typical department store or fast food establishment can provide. So, like successful fishermen, supervisors must be cognizant of the most appealing bait to attract the best fish. Consequently, campus supervisors need to cast their lure far beyond the traditional student recognition "morale boosting" methods that typically provide only short-term, feel-good rewards. Long-term value is frequently derived from less material benefits such as career assistance, academic tutoring, and personal support and counseling for life's unforeseen hurdles.This paper is an overview of how the authors have implemented a strategy to incorporate traditional student recognition with less traditional incentives and practices in an effort to create a more holistic approach to student employee recruitment and retention. The authors will address the individual aspects of this strategy and how it has aided their ability to attract and retain quality student employees, while rewarding and enriching the students' lives academically, personally and professionally.
Allocating broadcast spectrum Models and proposals

Abstract The authors describe a model of the current US allocation system. By contrast they then outline a proposed model for spectrum allocation on the basis of the value which people place on various portions and uses of the spectrum. In light of these models, the authors examine aspects of proposals by Congress to change the decision making process for spectrum allocation. Finally, the implications and possible consequences of these proposals are examined.
Large zero-point fluctuations of the K(110) surface.

First-principles calculations have been performed for the clean K(110) surface. The results provide no evidence for the existence of a 0.23 \AA{} shear displacement of the surface layer along the [1\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}10] direction as was inferred from an analysis of low-energy electron diffraction I-V profiles [Itchkawitz et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 68, 2488 (1992)]. They do indicate, however, that the surface layer undergoes large-amplitude vibrations (\ensuremath{\sim}0.45 \AA{} root mean squared) along the [1\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}10] direction and it is argued that this feature accounts for the experimental observations.
Bit-level systolic algorithms for real symmetric and Hermitian eigenvalue problems

Arithmetic algorithms are presented that speed up the parallel Jacobi method for the eigen-decomposition of real symmetric and complex Hermitian matrices. The 2×2 submatrices to which the Jacobi rotations are applied form a Clifford algebra, hence they can be decomposed into a sum of even and odd part. This decomposition enables the application of the rotations from a single side instead of both, thus removing some sequentiality from the original Jacobi method. Moreover, with the help of implicit CORDIC algorithms, the rotations are evaluated and applied in a fully concurrent fashion on triangular arrays of specialized processors. The CORDIC algorithms employed in the complex case are genuine 3- and 4-dimensional generalizations of the 2-dimensional algorithm used in the real case. Because these algorithms are implicit, variants are obtained with minor modifications that perform rotations whose resolution is poor at first and slowly increases to become high in the last steps of the Jacobi method. Such variants further reduce the total computation time.
Linear restrictions, rank reduction, and biased estimation in linear regression

Abstract Four types of biased estimators of the k × 1 coefficient vector in the linear regression model are considered: (1) the minimum-variance conditionally unbiased affine estimator subject to r k independent linear restrictions; (2) the “blown-up” aggregative estimator obtained by partitioning the independent variables into / groups, replacing the k independent variables by l linear combinations of them, and “blowing up” the resulting l × 1 estimator into a k × 1 estimator of the original coefficient vector (a common procedure in econometrics); (3) a generalization of the Marquardt procedure of replacing the n × k observation matrix by its best approximation (in terms of the Frobenius norm) by an n × k matrix of reduced rank l , and taking the generalized inverse of this matrix; (4) a generalization of the ridge estimator involving an approximative linear restriction. It is shown that procedures (1)–(3) are formally equivalent; e.g., procedure (2) may be considered either as equivalent to estimation subject to a set of r = k − l linear restrictions on the coefficient vector, or as equivalent to projecting the n × k observation matrix to an n × k matrix of reduced rank, l , and taking its generalized inverse. A comparison of these three procedures is made with procedure (4); some sufficient conditions are obtained under which the matrix mean-square error of estimator (1) is lower than the corresponding generalized ridge estimator obtained by procedure (4).
Reducing Epistemic Uncertainty Using a Model Updating Cognitive System

Developing numerical models of existing structural systems is challenging because of the uncertainty inherent on the development of the numerical model and the estimation of the structural parameters. This uncertainty is a combination of lack of knowledge (epistemic uncertainty) and inherent randomness on the system. This paper introduces a Model Updating Cognitive Systems (MUCogS) as a new paradigm for model updating of structural systems with incomplete data. MUCogS seeks to merge the computational power of computers with the analytical power of the analyst. In most cases, the posterior probability density function (PDF) within a Bayesian framework has one region of high probability. However, several regions of high probability can be obtained on the likelihood when data is incomplete. These areas can be considered by the analyst to enhance his/her knowledge about the structure. This paper discusses a methodology used to identify these regions of high probability without the need of calculating the comp...
On the distribution of the likelihood ratio test of equality of normal populations

It has recently been shown by Perlman (1980) that when testing the equality of several normal distributions it is the likelihood ratio test which is unbiased rather than a test based on a modified statistic in common use. This paper gives expansions for the null distribution of the likelihood ratio statistic as well as for the nonnull distribution in a special case. Perlman (1980) a recemment montre que lorsqu'on teste l'hypothese d'hornogeneite de plusieurs populations normales, c'est le test du rapport de vraisemblance qui est sans biais et non le test usuel base sur le rapport modifie. Dans cette note nous presentons un developpement de la distribution du rapport de vraisemblance lorsque l'hypothese nulle est vraie ainsi que dans un cas ou elle ne l'est pas.
GATA4 is a dosage-sensitive regulator of cardiac morphogenesis

Normal heart development is orchestrated by a set of highly conserved transcription factors that includes GATA4, Nkx2-5, and Tbx5. Heterozygous mutation of each of these genes causes congenital heart disease in humans. In mouse models, haploinsufficiency for Nkx2-5 or Tbx5 resulted in an increased incidence of structural heart disease, confirming that normal heart development is sensitive to small changes in expression levels of Nkx2-5 and Tbx5. However, mice haploinsufficient for GATA4 have not been reported to have cardiac abnormalities. We generated two new GATA4 alleles, GATA4(H) and GATA4(flox). GATA4(flox/flox) embryos expressed 50% less GATA4 protein in the heart and survived normally. In contrast, GATA4(H/H) embryos expressed 70% less GATA4 protein in the heart and died between days 13.5 and 16.5 of gestation. These embryos had common atrioventricular canal (CAVC), double outlet right ventricle (DORV), hypoplastic ventricular myocardium, and normal coronary vasculature. Myocardial hypoplasia was associated with diminished cardiomyocyte proliferation. Hemodynamic measurements demonstrated that these embryos had normal systolic function, severe diastolic dysfunction, and atrioventricular regurgitation. Surprisingly, expression levels of the putative GATA4 target genes ANF, BNP, MEF2C, Nkx2-5, cyclin D2, and BMP4 were unchanged in mutant hearts, suggesting that GATA4 is not a dose-limiting regulator of the expression of these genes during later stages of embryonic cardiac development. These data demonstrate that multiple aspects of embryonic cardiac morphogenesis and function are exquisitely sensitive to small changes in GATA4 expression levels.
Lysis of red blood cells and alveolar epithelial toxicity by therapeutic pulmonary surfactants

The risk of pulmonary hemorrhage is increased in extremely low birth weight infants treated with surfactant. The pathogenesis of this increased risk is far from clear. We tested whether exposure of cell membranes to surfactant may lead to increased membrane permeability, hypothesizing that this process may contribute to the occurrence of alveolar hemorrhage after surfactant treatment. Aliquots of washed packed red blood cells (used as membrane model) were suspended in 0.9% NaCl with various concentrations of Survanta or Exosurf for either 2 or 24 h at 37 degrees C. Cytolysis was measured by spectrophotometric determination of free Hb after centrifugation. Red cells suspended in 0.9% NaCl alone, distilled water, or various concentrations of melittin were used as negative and positive controls. Both surfactants were associated with increased hemolysis to 35% of maximum at concentrations of 1.25 mg/2 mL. Above these concentrations, Survanta was associated with no increase in hemolysis, whereas Exosurf increased hemolysis to 60% of maximum at concentrations of 12.5 mg/2 mL. In additional experiments, primary cultures of alveolar type II cells from adult rats were treated with Survanta, Exosurf, the Exosurf components tyloxapol and hexadecanol, melittin, or culture medium alone. After 24 h of incubation, lactate dehydrogenase release into the media was measured as a percent of total lactate dehydrogenase activity to indicate cytotoxicity. Lactate dehydrogenase release was < 10% for control experiments but increased sharply with Exosurf and its components tyloxapol and hexadecanol. These results indicate that surfactant may be associated with in vitro cytotoxicity and that this property differs for different surfactants and different dosages.
OPCL MIGRATION CONTROLS BETWEEN FIVE ATTRACTORS OF THE CHUA SYSTEM

Jackson and Grosu [1995a] have recently proved that a new OPCL control method, involving both closed and open loop components, always has a basin of entrainment to any smooth goal dynamics, g(t) ⊂ Rn, for any dynamic system (Lipschitz flow), dx/dt = F (x, t), x ⊂ Rn. Moreover, they showed that the basins of entrainment can be made the entire phase space ("global") for many standard dynamic systems, and in particular for the Chua system [Chua et al., 1986]. In contrast to entrainment, it has been pointed out [Jackson, 1990] that migration controls, which act only for limited time and produce transfers between attractors of a multiple-attractor system, can be of great importance. The Chua system can possess five attractors, and the present study shows how it is possible to reliably produce migrations between any of these attractors using only five experimentally-obtained data points in the phase space. This migration control does not require any knowledge about the basins of attraction, nor the state of the system when the control is initiated. Moreover, the OPCL method can be used to obtain refined models of the physical system, by applying the general resonance method proposed previously [Chang et al., 1991].
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for high-risk pediatric patients with paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma.

Abstract Background and Purpose: Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is recommended in children 10 years or older with paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma (PTRMS). Primary tumors >5 cm are an...