cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new action for simplicial gravity in four dimensions

We develop a proposal for a theory of simplicial gravity with spinors as the fundamental configuration variables. The underlying action describes a mechanical system with finitely many degrees of freedom, the system has a Hamiltonian and local gauge symmetries. We will close with some comments on the resulting quantum theory, and explain the relation to loop quantum gravity and twisted geometries. The paper appears in parallel with an article by Cortes and Smolin (2014 arXiv:1407.0032), who study the relevance of the model for energetic causal sets and various other approaches to quantum gravity.
Information management and the return-entry process: Examining information needs, sources, and strategies after Superstorm Sandy

Abstract The effective management of disasters requires timely and accurate information. Both emergency management (EM) organizations and the public are involved in information management activities during and after a disaster where they seek information from various sources to reduce disaster-related uncertainties. While studies have focused on information needs and source reliance behaviors of EM organizations amid a disaster, the information management behaviors of the organizations during return-entry phase has gained little scholarly attention. This study examines the information management strategies of local EM organizations while managing the initial return-entry movement following Superstorm Sandy. Using a qualitative research design, the researchers conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 25 EM officials from New Jersey. The data analysis yielded five themes that highlight the information management strategies of the EM organizations – information needs, information sources, information seeking behavior, information exchange, and applying information for return-entry decisions. This paper discusses these findings and provides proactive strategies to gather and manage information to facilitate return-entry decision-making and risk communication in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
Servo Electronics for Optically Pumped FIR Laser

Instabilities In CO 2 lasers and FIR lasers necessitate an automatic means of control in order to achieve stable FIR output power over a long period of time. The digital control circuit described maybe one solution to the problem,(fig. 1)
Urine Leak From the Necrotic Lower Pole of a Transplanted Kidney: A Rare Complication in a Pediatric Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant Recipient.

Kidney transplant patients are prone to a variety of complications, even for the most experienced surgical teams. Our busy transplant center recently performed its 5,000th solid organ transplant. We present the case of an 18-year-old male with end-stage renal disease who underwent a deceased donor kidney transplant. He developed a urine leak from the necrotic lower pole of his graft kidney and subsequently developed urosepsis and was admitted. Clinicians must have a high suspicion for complications in the immediate post-operative period in kidney transplant patients. In this report, we will highlight our diagnostic and treatment steps to preserve the patient's graft while addressing his rare complications.
Global epidemiology and socio-economic development correlates of the reproductive ratio of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The most commonly cited argument for imposing or lifting various restrictions in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an assumed impact on the reproductive ratio of the pathogen. It has furthermore been suggested that less-developed countries are particularly affected by this pandemic. Empirical evidence for this is lacking. METHODS: Based on a dataset covering 170 countries, patterns of empirical 7-d reproductive ratios during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic were analysed. Time trends and associations with socio-economic development indicators, such as gross domestic product per capita, physicians per population, extreme poverty prevalence and maternal mortality ratio, were analysed in mixed linear regression models using log-transformed reproductive ratios as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Reproductive ratios during the early phase of a pandemic exhibited high fluctuations and overall strong declines. Stable estimates were observed only several weeks into the pandemic, with a median reproductive ratio of 0.96 (interquartile range 0.72-1.34) 6 weeks into the analysis period. Unfavourable socio-economic indicators showed consistent associations with higher reproductive ratios, which were elevated by a factor of 1.29 (95% confidence interval 1.15 to 1.46), for example, in the countries in the highest compared with the lowest tertile of extreme poverty prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed for the first time description of the global patterns of reproductive ratios of a novel pathogen during pandemic spread. The present study reports the first quantitative empirical evidence that COVID-19 net transmissibility remains less controlled in socio-economically disadvantaged countries, even months into the pandemic. This needs to be addressed by the global scientific community as well as international politics.
Nonref lecting Far-Field Boundary Conditions for Unsteady Transonic Flow Computation

The approximate nonreflecting far-field boundary condition, as proposed by Engquisi and Majda, is implemented In the computer code LTRAN2. This code solves the Implicit finite-difference representation of the small-disturbance equations for unsteady transonic flows about airfoils. The nonreflecting boundary condition and the description of the algorithm for Implementing these conditions In LTRAN2 tire discussed. Various cases re computed and compared with results from the older, more conventional procedures. One concludes that the nonreflecting far-field boundary approximation allows the far-field boundary to be located closer to the airfoil; this permits a decrease in the computer lime required to obtain the solution through the use of fewer mesh points.
Drug specific transcriptomic signatures in healthy human subject iPSC derived cardiomyocytes

Drug-induced gene expression profiles are an important source for the characterization of drug-specific mechanisms of action that might also indicate potential mechanisms of drug toxicity. Unfortunately, drug-induced transcriptomic signatures are often the sum of multiple responses, such as cell line or cell-type specific responses, and can include false positive results. Both issues complicate the identification of drug-specific effects. To unmask drug-specific effects in drug-induced transcriptomic signatures, we use singular value decomposition to characterize shared transcriptomic responses induced in multiple cell lines treated with the same drug. Six different cardiomyocyte cell lines that were generated from induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from six healthy human subjects were stimulated with 25 protein kinase inhibitors, 4 monoclonal antibodies against protein kinases and 25 other cardiac- and non-cardiac acting drugs. Searching for drug-specific subspaces that characterize drug-specific responses in the original data, we could identify highly similar drug responses for multiple drugs. Pathway enrichment analysis of those responses predicts reasonable effects for multiple drugs. Revealing drug-specific responses from transcriptomic signatures might allow an easier characterization of drug-induced toxicity, such as cardiotoxic side effects induced by multiple protein kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies against protein kinases.
A decoding strategy using graph partitioning for continuous-speech recognition

Partitioned search (PS) of a language model results in dramatic complexity reduction, and improved recognition rates and noise robustness. PS is applied to recognition of continuous-speech taken from the TIMIT database. Comparisons of the results using the following approaches for recognizing continuous speech are made; a quiet environment, and when the speech is corrupted by intermittent noise: 1. PS, 2. left-to-right search using random selection of as many vertices as in the PS cases for evaluation, and 3. conventional left-to-right stack search with pruning. >
The effect of preliminary activity on maximal motor performance.

Abstract This study assessed the effect of five selected treatments of preliminary activity on performance in the 60-yard dash, the cricket ball throw for distance, the jump reach, and the bicycle ergometer test of leg speed. The effect of such preliminary activity at different levels of achievement in the same performance tests was also investigated. An experimental sample of 15- to 17-year-old schoolboys (N = 45) underwent a testing program involving four consecutive days, with two sessions daily. On the basis of measures of pretreatment status, the subjects were matched into groups and subsequently exposed to the treatments. The treatments included identical maximal, identical submaximal, general strengthening, general flexibility and control routines. The statistical analysis of the results involved analysis of variance techniques. There was no evidence available indicating either that the treatments had an effect on the chosen motor performances or that there was a difference in this response at cert...
Whole-cell chloride currents in rat astrocytes accompany changes in cell morphology

Astrocytes can change shape dramatically in response to increased physiological and pathological demands, yet the functional consequences of morphological change are unknown. We report the expression of Cl- currents after manipulations that alter astrocyte morphology. Whole- cell Cl- currents were elicited after (1) rounding up cells by brief exposure to trypsin; (2) converting cells from a flat polygonal to a process-bearing (stellate) morphology by exposure to serum-free Ringer's solution; and (3) swelling cells by exposure to hypo-osmotic solution. Zero-current potentials approximated the Nernst for Cl-, and rectification usually followed that predicted by the constant-field equation. We observed heterogeneity in the activation and inactivation kinetics, as well as in the relative degree of outward versus inward rectification. Cl- conductances were inhibited by 4, 4- diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (200 microM) and by Zn2+ (1 mM). Whole-cell Cl- currents were not expressed in cells without structural change. We investigated whether changes in cytoskeletal actin accompanying changes in astrocytic morphology play a role in the induction of shape-dependent Cl- currents. Cytochalasins, which disrupt actin polymers by enhancing actin-ATP hydrolysis, elicited whole-cell Cl- conductances in flat, polygonal astrocytes. In stellate cells, elevated intracellular Ca2+ (2 microM), which can depolymerize actin, enhanced Cl- currents, and high intracellular ATP (5 mM), required for repolymerization, reduced Cl- currents. Modulation of Cl- current by Ca2+ and ATP was blocked by concurrent whole-cell dialysis with phalloidin and DNase, respectively. Phalloidin stabilizes actin polymers and DNase inhibits actin polymerization. Dialysis with phalloidin also prevented hypo-osmotically activated Cl- currents. These results demonstrate how the expression of astrocyte Cl- currents can be dependent on cell morphology, the structure of actin, Ca2+ homeostasis, and metabolism.
Cell junction and cyclic AMP: II. Modulations of junctional membrane permeability, dependent on serum and cell density.

Junctional molecular transfer (as indexed by the number of cell interfaces transferring fluorescent-labelled molecules) and concentration of endogenous cAMP were determined in mammalian cells in culture at varying serum concentration and cell density. In several cell types, on stepping the serum concentration from 10% (the concentration to which the cells had been adapted) to zero, the junctional transfer rose (reversibly) within 48 hr, as the endogenous cAMP concentration rose. The junctional transfer was inversely related to serum concentration over a range, most steeply so the transfer of large and charged molecules. one cell type showed no junctional change in response to serum; it showed also no endogenous cAMP change. Junctional transfer varied inversely with cell density over the range of 0.7–7 (104 cells/cm2) in 3T3 cells. In cultures seeded to various densities, or growing to various densities on their own, junctional transfer fell with rising density, and so did the endogenous cAMP concentration. Upon downstep from high density, junctional transfer rose over 24–48 hr. In B cells, junctional transfer was independent of cell density over the aforementioned range, and so was the endogenous cAMP concentration. These results, in conjunction with the effects of exogenous cAMP described in the preceding paper of this series, point to a cAMP-mediated junctional effect; a possible teleonomy for control of membrane junction is discussed.
Studies Of Screen Film Optics Past, Present And Future

The optical characteristics of screen-film, combinations have a fundamental influence on radiographic image. quality because they affect sharpness, resolution, and quantum mottle. They are also linked to system. speed. Thus, screen-film optics can determine. detail visibility in the radiograph and patient exposure.
A prion-mediated mechanism for memory proposed in Drosophila.

Memories are remarkably persistent, but rely on transient signaling. The prion-like properties of CPEB suggested a solution to this problem. The paper by Kruttner et al. (2012) in this issue of Neuron demonstrates that the prion-like domain of Drosophila CPEB functions independently of its RNA-binding domain for memory.
Effects of shock waves on combustion efficiency of supersonic flames

Combustion efficiency was measured for a supersonic, non-premixed, jet-like flame. The flame was stabilized along the axis of a Mach 2.5 wind tunnel and wedges were mounted on the sidewalls in order to produce oblique shocks that interacted with the flame. Data was taken with air at stagnation temperatures of 284 K and 497 K, at various fuel flow rates. Efficiency was measured using a solid state hydrogen gas detector that analyzed exit flue gas. It was observed that moving the wedges to different down-stream locations affected the visible flame length, but had only minor impact on the combustion efficiency in both air temperature case. The oblique shocks produced about a 8% reduction in combustion efficiency at 284 K, with wedge position changing the fuel flow level needed to see certain characteristics. The reduction in efficiency and matching reduction in flame length are due to the shock waves. The shock waves cause radial inflow and outflow that allows some of the fuel to escape unburned. In the 497 K case, this same flow pattern causes a decrease when the flame is small and is not large enough to heat a significant portion of the air around it; but, this same flow pattern boosts combustion efficiency when the core of the flame is sufficiently large.
Vibrational relaxation carbon tetrachloride

Abstract By use of spontaneous Brillouin scattering, the vibrational relaxation of carbon tetrachloride was determined as a function of temperature. Comparison of experimental results with theoretical predictions leads to the conclusion that there is a simultaneous relaxation of three internal modes.
Dynamics of size-variable distribution parameters in juvenile loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands

Abstract Spacing trials were established at four locations in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions of Virginia and North Carolina, USA, in 1983. The groundline diameter, later diameter at breast height, total height and crown height of each tree were measured annually for 8 years after establishment. Based on statistical analysis of the data, parameters of tree-size distribution such as the coefficient of variation (CV), the Gini coefficient (GC) and skewness were found to be significantly correlated with stand age and with number of trees per unit area. Some subtle differences were found among the distributions. The CV and GC of crown height decreased with both age and density (P-value less than 0.0001). However the CV and GC of diameter measurements and total height decreased with age, but increased with density. The negative relationship between the CV and stand age is partially due to the fact that the competition effects on variability were largely compensated for by tree growth (i.e. an increase in the value of the mean) in juvenile stands. Competition resulted in increased negative skewness. Kurtosis values were not found to be significantly different among densities, but kurtosis generally increased with stand age, ranging from slightly negative or zero for very young stands to positive for older stands. Normality can generally be assumed for diameter measurements, but not for total height, whose distributions deviate from normality with intensified competition. Increasing intertree competition resulted in distributions of crown height becoming more normal and those of crown width becoming less normal, indicating that trees tend to have a larger photosynthetic capacity when they are subject to competition. The dynamics of distribution parameters were related to the dominant tree heights and mean stand crown ratio.
An updated gamma-ray analysis of the Be-BH binary HD~215227

We report an updated analysis of the gamma-ray source AGL J2241+4454 that was detected as a brief two-day flare in 2010 by the AGILE satellite. The high-energy emission of AGL J2241+4454 has been attributed to the binary system HD 215227, which consists of a Be star being orbited by a black hole making it the first known Be-black hole binary system. We have analyzed the AGILE data and find a gamma-ray flux of $(1.8\pm0.7)\times10^{-6}$ ph cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$, in agreement with the initial report. Additionally, we examined data from the Fermi LAT over several time intervals including the two day flare, the folded orbital phase, and the entire mission ($\sim$6-years). We do not detect AGL J2241+4454 over any of these time periods with Fermi and find upper limits of $1.1\times10^{-7}$ ph cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ and $5.2\times10^{-10}$ ph cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ for the flare and the full mission, respectively. We conclude that the HD 215227 Be-black hole binary is not a true gamma-ray binary as previous speculated. While analyzing the Fermi data of the AGL J2241+4454 region, we discovered a previously unknown gamma-ray source with average flux of $(13.56\pm0.02)\times10^{-8}$ ph cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$ that is highly variable on monthly timescales. We associate this emission with the known quasar 87GB 215950.2+503417.
Further observations on hepatic drug metabolism in rats treated with a mixture of somatotropin, corticotropin and prolactin.

Abstract Male rats were injected with a mixture of bovine somatotropin (STH), corticotropin (ACTH) and ovine prolactin (LtH), which resulted in a decrease in the liver metabolism of hexobarbital, aminopyrine and ethylmorphine when compared with albumin-injected controls. The relationship between the amount of STH + ACTH + LtH administered and the decrease in liver drug metabolism fit a semilogarithmic straight line plot. The post-phenobarbital increase in the liver metabolism of hexobarbital, aminopyrine or ethylmorphine was not prevented by the injection of STH + ACTH + LtH. Results reported here do not contradict the speculation that the decrease in liver drug metabolism after injection of rats with STH + ACTH + LtH exhibited some characteristics similar to those found in rats bering a transplantable pituitary tumor (MtT).
Language Competence and Joint Attention in Mother‐Toddler Dyads

Research suggests that caregiver‐infant interaction facilitates language competence. Joint attention, an ostensive interaction, presumably provides a context for learning language; however, the relationship between joint attention and language competence is not firmly established. The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between language competence, joint attention and interaction that fosters joint attention. Results indicated that no correlation was found between joint attention and concurrent language yet joint attention was related to toddler age which correlated with language. These findings are consistent with recent reports (e.g., Tomasello et al., 1996; Baldwin, 1993) suggesting that non‐ostensive settings need further exploration since infants use fairly sophisticated, subtle referential cues to learn language within them. The issue of contrived laboratory measures of joint attention is discussed.
Single and multiple time-point prediction models in kidney transplant outcomes

This study predicted graft and recipient survival in kidney transplantation based on the USRDS dataset by regression models and artificial neural networks (ANNs). We examined single time-point models (logistic regression and single-output ANNs) versus multiple time-point models (Cox models and multiple-output ANNs). These models in general achieved good prediction discrimination (AUC up to 0.82) and model calibration. This study found that: (1) Single time-point and multiple time-point models can achieve comparable AUC, except for multiple-output ANNs, which may perform poorly when a large proportion of observations are censored, (2) Logistic regression is able to achieve comparable performance as ANNs if there are no strong interactions or non-linear relationships among the predictors and the outcomes, (3) Time-varying effects must be modeled explicitly in Cox models when predictors have significantly different effects on short-term versus long-term survival, and (4) Appropriate baseline survivor function should be specified for Cox models to achieve good model calibration, especially when clinical decision support is designed to provide exact predicted survival rates.
Non-extirpative treatment of myosarcomas of the bladder and prostate.

Patients who present initially with locally unresectable or metastatic myosarcoma of the bladder or prostate may be treated by a variety of non-extirpative methods. The success of these methods in 4 cases reported here suggests that we should consider this approach more often. While chemotherapy and x-ray therapy are by no means universally effective in myosarcomas of bladder and prostate, we recommend their use definitively and aggressively when surgical extirpation is impossible. In addition, we favor using them preoperatively in more favorable situations. The application of cryotherapy has intriguing possibilities and deserves further exploration.
Suspended sediment sources and tributary effects in the lower reaches of a coastal plain stream as indicated by radionuclides, Loco Bayou, Texas

Characterizing the dynamics of fluvial sediment sources over space and time is often critical in identifying human impacts on fluvial systems. Upland interfluve and subsoil sources of suspended sediment at Loco Bayou, Texas, were distinguished using 226Ra/232Th, 226Ra/230Th and, 228Ra/232Th. Source contributions were apportioned at three stations during within-bank and flood flows. 137Cs and 210Pbxs (excess 210Pb) were used to determine floodplain sedimentation; suspended sediment 210Pbxs/137Cs data mirrored results of Ra/Th, showing dominance of subsoil sources during within-bank flows, changing to interfluve sources during flood. This trend corresponds spatially to influx of sediment from ephemeral tributaries, reflecting mobilization of stored interfluvial sediments during flood stage. Upper basin sedimentation was similar but markedly less at the lowermost station. These results indicate (1) modified ephemeral tributaries store sediment derived from sheet wash, discharging them during flood, and (2) southernmost Loco Bayou is episodically re-worked, resulting in significantly reduced local rates of sedimentation.
Responses of non-obese white children to treadmill exercise.

Abstract Objective: To determine the response to maximal treadmill exercise with the Bruce protocol in a cohort of healthy non-obese American children and adolescents. Study design: A retrospective review of treadmill exercise studies on 347 white American children (188 boys, 159 girls) aged 5 to 18 years was performed with metabolic criteria to verify maximal exercise effort. Data on exercise endurance time, heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolic variables were assessed and compared between age groups and sexes by unpaired t testing and analysis of variance. Results: Exercise endurance time was lower in all age groups when compared with earlier published data. Girls had a lower endurance time than boys at all ages. There was no significant difference in maximum heart rate with respect to age or sex. The maximum systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure increased with increasing age in both boys and girls. Boys had significantly higher maximum systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure after 13 years of age. The maximum absolute oxygen consumption and indexed oxygen consumption showed similar trends for both sexes. Conclusion: Lower exercise endurance times are seen despite physiologic evidence of maximal effort, raising the possibility that cardiovascular conditioning is reduced in contemporary American children. (J Pediatr 2001;139:284-90)
Intimal exuberance: veins in jeopardy.

Address reprint requests to Anupam Agarwal, M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Box 100224, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610. E-mail: .ude.lfu.cdren.psren@lawraga
Cover Picture: On the Nature of the Active Species in Palladium Catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck and Suzuki–Miyaura Couplings – Homogeneous or Heterogeneous Catalysis, A Critical Review: (Adv. Synth. Catal. 6/2006)

The cover picture shows several forms of palladium which have been utilized as precatalysts for Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions. Over the years myriad different precat-alysts have been used and the nature of the true catalytic palladium species has been a subject of intense debate. What is the real catalyst in these reactions? For more details see the review by Nam T. S. Phan, Matthew Van Der Sluys and Christopher W. Jones on pages 609–679.
FIRST IONIZATION POTENTIALS OF LANTHANIDES BY LASER SPECTROSCOPY

Photoionization and Rydberg spectra of ten lanthanides have been studied using stepwise laser excitation and ionization methods. These spectra were obtained from several different laser populated excited states in each case. Accurate ionization limits were derived from observed photoionization thresholds. Except for praseodymium, the observation of one or more long Rydberg progressions allowed more accurate limits to be determined. The Rydberg convergence values in eV are: Ce, 5.5387(4); Nd, 5.5250(6); Sm, 5.6437(6); Eu, 5.6704(3); Gd, 6.1502(6); Tb, 5.8639(6); Dy, 5.9390(6); Ho, 6.0216(6), and Er 6.1077(10). For praseodymium a threshold value of 5.464(+12-2) was obtained. When plotted against N, the lanthanide ionization limits normalized to correspond to ionization from the lowest level of fNs2 to the lowest level of fNs form two straight lines connected at the half-filled shell.
Metastatic laryngeal basaloid squamous cell carcinoma simulating primary small cell carcinoma of the lung on fine needle aspiration lung biopsy. A case report.

BACKGROUND: First described in 1986, the basaloid squamous variant of laryngeal carcinoma is an uncommon, aggressive neoplasm with early presentation of metastatic disease and widespread dissemination. It is characterized primarily by its biphasic morphologic appearance. CASE: A 64-year-old female smoker presented with left hilar and right lower lung lobe masses. The fine needle aspirations cytologic findings were consistent with features of primary undifferentiated small cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck region is a highly malignant neoplasm with frequent metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. Metastatic deposits may consist of basaloid and/or squamous carcinoma cells. The basaloid component of this biphasic neoplasm is poorly differentiated and demonstrates cytologic features that mimic undifferentiated small cell carcinoma. Previous reports of cervical lymph node metastases from basaloid squamous carcinoma indicate frequent misdiagnosis as small cell carcinoma. Pulmonary metastases are more problematic since they introduce the possibility of a second primary lesion in these patients, who have a frequent history of cigarette and/or ethanol abuse. Immunohistochemistry is useful in the distinction of metastatic basaloid squamous carcinoma from a second primary small cell carcinoma of the lung.
Effect of Formulation and Tillage Practice on Volatilization of Atrazine and Alachlor

Conservation tillage practices are being implemented by many farmers to conserve water and soil resources. These practices may modify the soil surface in ways that differentially effect dissipation of pesticide when compared to conventionally tilled fields (.)
Operational Experience with NSTX Demountable TF Joint

A key feature of the spherical torus (ST) is the demountable toroidal field (TF) coil, which requires a high current electrical joint in a high magnetic field. On NSTX a fixed joint relying on high pressure contact between silver plated copper conductors is deployed at the radius of the center bundle of conductors. In 2003 the original coil failed at a lower joint after 7200 pulses. A new coil was designed and fabricated. Operation commenced in 2004 at field levels up to 4.5kG. While the new coil performed better than its predecessor, measurements revealed that the structural support system was still not working as intended, so the operating level was reduced to 3kG midway through the run. Following conclusion of the 2004 campaign after 2800 pulses the coil was disassembled, and a major defect in the structural support system was corrected. The 2005 campaign consisted of 2500 pulses with routine operation at 4.5kG, and a limited number of pulses up to 5.75kG. Improvement in performance over 2004 was dramatic. This paper describes the engineering of the joint, its physical behavior, and the measurements and observations made thus far
Risk Factors for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation for Children on Ventricular Assist Device Support

Background Patients with end-stage heart failure possess many attributes that place them at risk for prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV). However, there are only limited data on MV support among children after ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. We report the duration of MV after VAD placement, indications for respiratory support in the postimplantation period, and associated patient factors. Methods This single-center retrospective study included 43 consecutive children (aged Results Overall, 33% (n = 14) remained on MV until heart transplant or death. Of those requiring pre-VAD extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, 63% (n = 12 of 19) remained on MV until heart transplant or death compared with 8% (n = 2 of 24) among those not on ECMO before VAD ( p Conclusions Our results suggest that VAD recipients previously supported on ECMO, those with moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation, and those with only left VAD implants had an increased risk of prolonged MV. Future studies in larger cohorts are necessary to confirm the findings from this single-institutional experience.
Transformation of Student Success.

Online Student Service provides all Houston Community College (HCC) students and its surrounding community access to college information 24/7. Queries may be made regarding the admissions process, financial aid, testing, veterans' affairs, international admission, tuition costs, and programs and courses offered at each HCC location. Also available to system users are interactive online advising and access to a variety of general information.
Anticipatory grief: The search for destiny

This paper explores the dynamics between a woman dying of cancer, the man she lived with for 37 years, and the clinician who worked with them during the final months of the woman's life. Psychoanalytic perspectives on transformational and transitional object-seeking as natural processes which aid the internalization of attachment to the one who is approaching death, the creation of a ‘primary maternal preoccupation’ in the caretaker, the hospice as a holding environment, and the search for destiny as a metaphor for the work of anticipatory grief are integrated with the case-material.
Dose-response studies using ethylene dibromide (EDB) in Hydra oligactis.

Effets de l'EDB sur la mortalite de l'Hydra oligactis : reponses toxiques aigues chez l'adulte,toxicite aigue chez l'adulte et sa progeniture de 1ere generation apres pretraitement de l'adulte avec des concentrations subletales d'EDB pendant 14 jours
Transformation of the unifying density to the normal distribution

Abstract This paper shows that the improved unifying density function of [1] transforms to the normal and standard normal distributions. The list of the unifying density function child distributions contains then seven continuous distributions: the Weibull-, gamma-, Erlang-, χ 2 -, exponential-, Rayleigh-, as well as the normal distribution.
Sparse selection of reference beams for wavelength-and angular-multiplexed volume holography

The selection of reference beams for cross-talk-limited wavelength- and angular-multiplexed volume-holographic data storage is discussed. It is shown that sparse selection of the reference waves can lead to a significant improvement in the cross-talk-limited signal-to-noise ratio in a wavelength-multiplexed system. In a high-capacity angular-multiplexed system sparse selection offers essentially no advantage.
Multiple DNA Binding Domains Mediate the Function of the ERCC1-XPF Protein in Nucleotide Excision Repair

ERCC1-XPF is a heterodimeric, structure-specific endonuclease that cleaves single-stranded/double-stranded DNA junctions and has roles in nucleotide excision repair (NER), interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair, homologous recombination, and possibly other pathways. In NER, ERCC1-XPF is recruited to DNA lesions by interaction with XPA and incises the DNA 5′ to the lesion. We studied the role of the four C-terminal DNA binding domains in mediating NER activity and cleavage of model substrates. We found that mutations in the helix-hairpin-helix domain of ERCC1 and the nuclease domain of XPF abolished cleavage activity on model substrates. Interestingly, mutations in multiple DNA binding domains were needed to significantly diminish NER activity in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that interactions with proteins in the NER incision complex can compensate for some defects in DNA binding. Mutations in DNA binding domains of ERCC1-XPF render cells more sensitive to the crosslinking agent mitomycin C than to ultraviolet radiation, suggesting that the ICL repair function of ERCC1-XPF requires tighter substrate binding than NER. Our studies show that multiple domains of ERCC1-XPF contribute to substrate binding, and are consistent with models of NER suggesting that multiple weak protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions drive progression through the pathway. Our findings are discussed in the context of structural studies of individual domains of ERCC1-XPF and of its role in multiple DNA repair pathways.
Who's on top? Power in romantic relationships

Power balances are investigated in a sample of 413 heterosexual dating individuals (86% white, 9.7% black, 4.3% other ethnicities). Less than half the respondents perceive their relationships to be equal in the distribution of power, and men are over twice as likely as women to be viewed as the partners having more power. Imbalances are also evident in three related measures—decision-making, emotional involvement, and equity. A higher proportion of both women and men say that the male partner, rather than the female partner, made more of the decisions, was less emotionally involved, and in general was “getting a better deal.” Finally, male dominance, but not equality of power between the genders, is associated with greater romantic relationship longevity. More specifically, the higher the relative degree of power attributed by respondents to the male, rather than the female, partner of a dyad, the lower is the subsequent rate of relationship dissolution.
Ozonation Of Leachates From Aged Domestic Landfills

Abstract Ozonation was evaluated as a treatment process for domestic landfill leachates. Bench-scale batch and continuous flow experiments depicted that the process is effective in color removal but considerably less effective in TOC and ammonia removal. The high buffer capacity of the leachate maintained relatively constant pH through the process. Biodegradability of the leachate as measured by BOD/COD also improved.
Detection of apoptosis during orthodontic tooth movement in rats

Abstract Experimental evidence suggests that cellular changes and tissue turnover occurs in the periapical tissue during tooth movement. The possible role of apoptosis in tooth movement has never been investigated. The purpose of this study was to show whether apoptosis plays any role in orthodontic tooth movement. A sample of 21 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats was divided into 4 groups. Orthodontic appliances were attached to the rats for various times—to group I (n = 6) for 3 days, to group II (n = 6) for 1 week, and to group III (n = 6) for 2 weeks. Rats in group IV (n = 3) had appliances but no force and served as the control group. At the end of the observation period, the animals were killed and tissue blocks of involved teeth were processed and prepared for TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling) reaction. TUNEL-positive cells from selected areas on each slide were counted and compared by means of an analysis of variance. Group I demonstrated a significantly higher (P
Historical, environmental, and behavioral correlates of sexual offending by male adolescents: A critical review

This article is a critical review of research on the historical, environmental, and behavioral correlates of sexual offending by male adolescents. Variables considered include: demographics, victimization history, delinquency history, sexual history, family situation, social/relationships, intellectual functioning, and psychopathology. The review concludes with suggestions for future research and implications for treatment, assessment, and prevention of sexual offending behavior by adolescents. Language: en
Estrogen sulfatase and estrogen sulfotransferase in human primary mammary carcinoma

Estrogen sulfatase (ES) and estrogen sulfotransferase (ESFT) activities were measured in a group of primary breast tumors. The mean value of ES activities, measured in 66 breast tumor specimens, was 0.9 nmol of estrone formed from estrone sulfate/mg tissue protein per hr regardless of the hormone receptor status of the specimen. However, the average value of the ESFT activity, expressed in nmol of estradiol-3-sulfate (E2S) formed from estradiol (E2)/mg of cytosol protein per hr, was found to be significantly higher in ER + /PGR + tumors (n = 26, 0.18 ± 0.15, /-x ± SD) than in ER — /PGR — tumors (n = 31, 0.08 ± 0.06, P < 0.005). Normal breast tissues also contain ES and ESFT but the activities were lower than those in tumors. When fresh breast tumor tissue fragments were incubated with radioactive E2 (0.4 nM) and E2S (3 nM) separately, E2 was not sulfurylated appreciably while E2S was extensively hydrolyzed to free estrogens indicating that the combined effect of ES and ESFT in breast tumor is favored towards the hydrolysis of estrogen sulfate. These results imply that the circulating estrogen sulfate could be utilized as the precursor of active estrogen to promote the cell growth in hormone sensitive tumors.
Does dietary hyperphagia contradict the lipostatic theory

It has frequently been suggested that body weight or fat somehow exerts an inhibitory influence on food intake in a way that acts to maintain a stable body weight or fat. The principal evidence supporting this idea is that animals that have been induced to overeat and become overweight by various means, eat less than control rats when they are permitted to eat freely. If the degree of suppression of appetite by overweight is as large as several experiments suggest, then dietary hyperphagia should be self-limiting. Any overeating induced by dietary treatments should disappear after animals become moderately overweight. Animals fed some kinds of hyperhagia-promoting diets do show this pattern. However, animals fed other kinds of diets do not show this pattern, and with most diets, dietary hyperphagia continues for extended periods. This implies that either 1) overweight does not suppress appetite as much as suggested by various authorities, 2) dietary manipulations can override normal regulatory mechanisms, or 3) certain diets induce irreversible changes in body fat that are not evident from changes in body weight.
Potential reasons for publicly funded forestry research as reflected in the U.S.A. experience

Abstract The general rationale for public support of research and specific reasons for support of particular research areas are of potential concern to many people. Those directly concerned with research funding and its rationale, for example, range from legislators to research administrators, scientists and graduate students. Public support of specific research areas is often defended for socio-political and economic reasons. As an example, although private-sector research in forestry is conducted by large, diversified firms, the benefits of even highly applied research can be difficult to capture. Public support is necessary in such cases, since social benefits exceed the benefits considered in private-sector funding. These and other reasons for publicly funded research are reviewed and applied to forestry and forest products.
The factor structure of the Career Decision Scale: Similarities across selected studies☆☆☆

Abstract The factor structure of the Career Decision Scale (CDS) was examined by comparing the findings of seven previous factor analytic studies. Inconsistent findings regarding the factor structure of the CDS could generally be accounted for by the diversity of factoring techniques and method for communality estimation and by the fact that all previous studies relied on Varimax (orthogonal) rotational procedures. In comparing coefficients of congruence between previous studies based on Varimax solutions with those based on Promax (oblique) solutions (which were recalculated), it was found that the Promax-based coefficients portrayed less complexity and more similarity in factors across studies. A new factor analytic study of the CDS was conducted (N = 698) that was designed to avoid the methodological problems of previous studies. Results suggested that a “Simple” model of the CDS factor structure could be derived in which each CDS item loaded saliently on only one factor. Implications of these findings for the demonstration of factorial validity, factorial invariance, and the possible construction of CDS subscales are discussed.
The Consequences of Being Overweight: A Controlled Study of Gender Differences.

The consequences of body weight were explored in a sample of 44 women and 40 men who were matched for body size on the basis of judges' ratings and height-weight proportions. Results indicated that the condition of being overweight had a more negative effect on women than on men: Average-weight subjects showed a preference for thin women but not for thin men; the condition of being overweight negatively affected the quantity and quality of women's relationships with men, but had little effect on men's relationships with women; overweight negatively affected the self-attitudes of all subjects, but particularly those of women. Furthermore, average-weight and, particularly, overweight women showed more concern regarding their body size than either average or overweight men. These findings were interpreted in terms of prevailing sex role pressures and expectations.
Membrane interactions of mastoparan analogues related to their differential effects on protein kinase C, Na, K-ATPase and HL60 cells.

Membrane interactions of tetradecapeptide toxin mastoparan (MP) and analogues (MP-3, MP-X and polistes MP), as indicated by inhibition of various enzymatic and cellular activities, were investigated. MP-3 was found to be the least active in inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC; activated by phosphatidylserine vesicles, synaptosomal membranes or phorbol ester), synaptosomal membrane Na.K-ATPase and proliferation and viability or leukemia HL60 cells. MP-3, however, was as active as others in inhibiting PKC activated by arachidonate monomers and phorbol ester binding. The unique properties or MP-3, the [des-lle-Asn2]- analogue or MP, might be related to its low functional amphiphilicity compared to others and useful in further delineating biological activities associated with or regulated by membranes.
Units of functional stability in bacteriophage messenger RNA.

The functional stabilities of the messages for seven of the nine genes of bacteriophage S13 were determined by measuring the amount of gene-specific translation at different times after the addition of rifampicin to block further initiation of transcription. Although the decay of mRNA function for each gene product tested was exponential, the functional half-lives of the mRNA were not the same for all phage genes, but fell into at least five groups: 6·2 minutes for genes B and C ; 4·4 minutes for D ;3·8 minutes for F, G and H ; 2·5 minutes for A * and 0·65 minutes for A . The overall mass-decay of bulk phage mRNA as determined by hybridization is much slower, with a half-life of 10·6 minutes. The inactivating event for A messages frequently occurs before the RNA polymerase has reached the 3′-end of the gene. The capsid genes F, G and H are contiguous and exhibit polarity, suggesting that the expression of these three genes is regulated in part by a common mRNA functional-decay rate. For the contiguous genes B and C , the similarity of their inactivation rates suggests that they too might show polarity. Amber mutants in B indeed cause at least an 80% reduction in the amount of C protein synthesis. The two gene clusters, B-C and F-G-H , allow recognition of a new type of mRNA unit, characterized by the similar functional stabilities of the component genes. The existence of units of functional stability suggests possible mechanisms for mRNA degradation and the regulation of protein synthesis.