cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Psychological Symptoms and Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

Abstract Context Ventricular assist devices (VADs) improve quality of life in advanced heart failure patients, but there are little data exploring psychological symptoms in this population. Objective This study examined the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and disease over time in VAD patients. Methods This prospective multicenter cohort study enrolled patients immediately before or after VAD implant and followed them up to 48 weeks. Depression and anxiety were assessed with Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form 8a questionnaires. The panic disorder, acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) modules of the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM were used. Results Eighty-seven patients were enrolled. After implant, depression and anxiety scores decreased significantly over time ( P = 0.03 and P Conclusions Our study suggests VADs do not cause serious psychological harms and may have a positive impact on depression and anxiety. Furthermore, VADs did not induce PTSD, panic disorder, or ASD in this cohort.
Examining the Association between Trait Mindfulness and Distress in Response to a Repeated CO 2 Challenge

The present research examined the degree to which facets of trait mindfulness were associated with level and changes in psychological distress in response to a repeated carbon dioxide (CO2) breathing challenge. Undergraduate students (N = 93) completed a self-report measure of mindfulness and underwent two 7.5% CO2 challenges, spaced 1 week apart. Subjective distress, physical/fear symptoms, and threat cognitions were assessed at multiple times throughout each administration. A pattern emerged such that although mindfulness facets were not reliably associated with distress at either administration separately, a low (but not high) level of mindfulness was associated with a significant decrease in distress across administrations, likely indicative of habituation, for the facets Describing (β = − 0.25, p < − 0.01), Acting with Awareness (β = − 0.27, p < .01), and Observing (β = − 0.25, p < 0.01). This suggests that those components of mindfulness tied to noticing/attending to the present moment may at times interfere with typical habituation processes. In contrast, those high in components of mindfulness tied to not evaluating—Non-judging (β = − 0.23, p < 0.01) and Non-reacting (β = − 0.12, p < 0.01)—tended to report less distress, as expected. Findings suggest that the relation between trait mindfulness and stress response is more complex and nuanced than previously thought and that focusing on both mindfulness facets and repeated exposure to stressors may help elucidate this relationship.
Affective change greater for unpleasant than pleasant events in autobiographical memory of children and adults: A retrospective study

Abstract Research on autobiographical memory in adults shows affect associated with unpleasant events fades faster than affect associated with pleasant events, a phenomenon referred to as the fading affect bias (FAB; Walker et al., 2003). To investigate developmental differences in the intensity of emotion associated with autobiographical memories, 8–12-year-old children and adults retrospectively recalled and provided initial and current affect ratings for pleasant and unpleasant events experienced over the past year. Children and adults demonstrated the FAB, and the magnitude of the FAB was similar between age groups. Additionally, pleasant events that were frequently discussed with other individuals demonstrated low affective fading. Further, participants with low dispositional affect reported low affective fading of unpleasant events. Because the FAB is argued to support coping and positive perceptions of the self and the future, it is advantageous that this effect is observed by middle childhood.
Potential Mechanisms of Sex Ratio Adjustment in Humans and Nonhuman Mammals

There is now substantial evidence that both humans and nonhuman mammals can control offspring sex ratios in response to environmental and social conditions. Yet, because these species utilize a strict system of genetic sex determination, the mechanisms by which mammals may control offspring sex ratios remain elusive. There is evidence that manipulation of offspring sex ratios may occur both before and after fertilization in mammals. As a result, there are many potential targets that could allow for either influences over which sex is initially produced and/or which sex ultimately survives to birth. In this chapter, I will review the many developmental time points during which manipulation of offspring sex ratios could take place in mammals.
Using Checklists to Improve the Fidelity of Implementation of Standardized Tests

This chapter discusses how checklists can be used to support professionals in their work and address the many complexities of assessment, including early childhood educators. Inspired by the work of Atul Gawande and his book The Checklist Manifesto, this chapter introduces the framework for using checklists to support Fidelity of Implementation of Assessment (FOI-A) through self-monitoring and reflection. Based on the findings of this research, these checklists have been designed to combat the specific errors that occurred frequently during test administration. In addition to addressing frequent administration errors, the checklists also address global testing considerations, including the testing environment, building rapport, and communicating with families. Checklists are provided to address common errors and concerns before the assessment, during the test session, and after the assessment. These checklists can be used in both preservice education and inservice professional development. A general checklist that supports FOI-A for most standardized tests is provided. Finally, considerations for creating checklists that are specific to a particular test are discussed.
A phase I study of romidepsin and ifosfamide, carboplatin, etoposide for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma

The survival outcome of patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) who experience relapse or progression following first-line treatment is generally very poor.[1][1] It can improve for patients who are able to receive stem cell transplantation (SCT), particularly if remission prior to
Long Term Risk of Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation and Ischemic Stroke after Post-Operative Atrial Fibrillation Complicating Cardiac and Non-Cardiac Surgeries.

Background New onset post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) can complicate both non-cardiac(NCS) and cardiac(CS) surgeries. Long term differences in recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and incidence of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack(CVA)between these types of POAFare lacking. Objective To compare thelong term recurrence rate of AF and incidence of CVAin patients withnew onset POAF after CS and NCS. Methods All patients who developed POAF between May 2010 and April 2014 were included in this single-center, retrospective study Exclusion criteria included a prior history of atrial tachyarrhythmias and pre-operative use of anti-arrhythmic drugs. Recurrence of atrial fibrillation and CVA was identified by review of medical records, electrocardiogram and Holter monitor. Results patients identified by the ICD9 code=523, 112 patients (61 cardiac; 51 non-cardiac) met inclusion criteria. Mean follow up was 943 days (range 32-2052 days).AF recurrence rate within 30 days after hospital discharge was higher in CS compared with NCS(10% vs 0%, p =0.03). Kaplan Meier analysis showed a trend towards higher recurrence in NCS compared with CS(HR 2.8; 95% CI 0.78-10.6, log rank p =0.03).In long term follow-up, CVA was numerically more common in patients with POAF after CS compared withNCS(10% vs 2%) though this difference was non-significant(HR 3.1; 95% CI 0.72-13.3; log rank p =0.26). Conclusion The risk of recurrent AF and ischemic stroke is not different between POAF after CS or NCS. The overall high rate of AF recurrence and risk of ischemic stroke mandate careful long term follow-up.
Finite Element Modeling of Rejuvenator Diffusion in RAP Binder Film – Simulation of Plant Mixing Process

In order to sustain the needs of the 21st century civil infrastructure, we need a paradigm shift in recycling – from current 20-40% to 100% (zero waste). The main hindrance to successful recycling of high Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) content mixes is the lack of confidence which stems from a lack of understanding of the rejuvenation and diffusion process that is supposed to occur when a recycling agent is added to an aged asphalt mix. This research presents finite element simulation of rejuvenator diffusion into an aged asphalt binder film. Five different rejuvenators and aged RAP binder were tested to obtain the required input data for simulation – viscosity at different temperatures and molecular weight. The simulation was run assuming 100% RAP mixture and three different temperatures were simulated for three rejuvenator dosages. The final viscosity for complete diffusion and the required time to reach this state was determined. The results show significant differences in the softening potential of different rejuvenators and helps in the estimation of temperature range to reach homogeneous rejuvenator concentration within the binder film before the production process is completed. The simulation results are compared with mechanical tests of binder penetration and mixture creep compliance to confirm the softening effect.
Cancer Stem Cells and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Recurrence and resistance to standard chemo- or radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma contribute significantly to the limited improvement of overall survival in head and neck cancer patients. The cancer stem cell hypothesis postulated that a subpopulation of cancer cells possess self-renewal ability, and produce differentiated cells to form the tumor mass. These cells may have distinct genotype and phenotype, and fail to respond to most of the current chemo- and radiotherapy, leading to tumor recurrence and resistance to therapy. Thus, identifying, characterizing, and understanding the cellular and molecular biology of putative cancer stem cells will provide a novel and possibly yield a more effective therapeutic approach. In this chapter, I will review recent advances on cancer stem cells in head and neck cancer and summarize them into four topics: (1) Putative cancer stem cell markers for head and neck cancer. (2) The PI3K/PTEN/AKT signaling as regulator for cancer stem cells. (3) Metastatic cancer stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. (4) Targeting head and neck cancer stem cells for cancer therapy
Hard Tissue Tumors of Scleractinian Corals

The susceptibility of vertebrates to neoplasia is believed linked to the presence of an immunologic apparatus and a well-developed lymphoid system1. Recent observations on invertebrates have revealed the presence of primitive immunologic mechanisms, beginning with the coelenterates2. Based on this consideration, even lower invertebrates possess the theoretical capacity to acquire tumors. In this report, I will draw an example from a spontaneous tumor occurring in the scleractinian coral, Acropora formosa (Dana), and relate it to the growth patterns observed in this coral and other coelenterates.
CONSERVATIVITY OF ULTRAFILTERS OVER SUBSYSTEMS OF SECOND ORDER ARITHMETIC

We extend the usual language of second order arithmetic to one in which we can discuss an ultrafilter over of the sets of a given model. The semantics are based on fixing a subclass of the sets in a structure for the basic language that corresponds to the intended ultrafilter. In this language we state axioms that express the notion that the subclass is an ultrafilter and additional ones that say it is idempotent or Ramsey. The axioms for idempotent ultrafilters prove, for example, Hindman’s theorem and its generalizations such as the Galvin--Glazer theorem and iterated versions of these theorems (IHT and IGG). We prove that adding these axioms to IHT produce conservative extensions of ACA0 +IHT, -CA0 and the hyperjump.)
COMBINED USE OF VENO ARTERIAL EXTRACOROPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION AND PERCUTANEOUS LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE POST INFARCT VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT

Current guidelines regarding patients suffering from post infarct ventricular septal defect (VSD) do not account for the full spectrum of modern mechanical circulatory support (MCS). A 69-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with 2 weeks of progressive respiratory symptoms. His exam was
The path towards functional nanoparticle-DNA origami composites

Abstract Nanoparticles (NPs) hold tremendous promise for diverse applications in fields such as imaging, sensing, nanorobotics, and for optical and electronic materials. These applications often require precisely controlled interactions between multiple NPs or between NPs and other components. Hence, the organization of NPs into composite materials has been an active area of research. DNA origami nanotechnology offers a promising path forward with unparalleled control over complex nanoscale geometry and functionalization, programmed dynamic and mechanical properties, stimulus response to local or externally applied triggers, and capability of assembly into higher-order 1D, 2D, or 3D materials. Furthermore, DNA origami self-assembly is rapid and scalable, overcoming limitations of top-down NP organization methods. In this review, we outline the challenges, recent advances, and opportunities for NP-DNA origami composites. We go into depth on aspects of DNA origami that enhance materials function, such as dynamic actuation, and we discuss practical aspects involved in making NP-DNA composites. Whereas the vast majority of research in NP-DNA origami composite synthesis focuses on gold NPs, these methods can be generalized to other DNA-coated NPs, and therefore more broadly establish a path towards functional NP-DNA origami composites. We envision this review will serve as a guide to materials science and engineering researchers to pursue new materials based on NP-DNA composites.
Gender and Role Assignments in the Institutional Hierarchy

As stipulated in the previous chapter, with the adoption of the corporate (business) and medical models by hospitals, the moral inhabitability of these institutional settings as both educational as well as work environments for nurses has created an identity crisis amongst its ranks. Yet the adversity, moral distress and dissatisfaction experienced by nurses within institutional settings have been attributed to other nurses and staff within the system and not enculturalization and subsequent identity formation to the system. Male gender role assignments within wider society have long been purported to be a major contributor to nursing’s ‘handmaiden’ status within these establishments as well, due to its mostly female ranks. Historically, female gender role assignments have also been successfully used by nurse leaders to elevate and distinguish both the profession as well as women’s contribution to the art and science of healing, at a time when neither was valued in the marketplace. This chapter explores the role that gender plays within health care organizational culture and its relationship to humanitarian endeavours within the system.
The Ebb and Flow of Learning Motivation

Motivating employees to initiate, and continue to engage in, both formal and informal learning is a key challenge within Human Resources. Research on the implicit theory of intelligence lends insig...
Teaching Intersectionality of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Race/Ethnicity in a Health Disparities Course.

Introduction Intersectionality considers how different identities simultaneously affect an individual's experiences. Those of multiple minority statuses may experience effects of intersecting syste...
Divine Variations: How Christian Thought Became Racial Science By T. Keel (2018)

Divine Variations: How Christian Thought Became Racial ScienceBy T. Keel (2018) Stanford: Stanford University Press, xii + 188pp.
iBox: Internet in a Box

We present a vision of data-informed network simulation to address significant shortcomings in the state of the art. We substantiate our position with proof points based on iBox, which leverages networking domain knowledge and machine learning (ML) models, coupled with plentiful data, to provide a pathway to perpetual renewal of network simulators.
Shareholder Derivative Litigation's Historical and Normative Foundations

Scholars and judges often say that the United States imported the shareholder derivative action from England, but that is not entirely accurate. What the United States imported from the English Court of Chancery was the necessary parties rule and its exceptions. During the 1800s, U.S. courts recognized an exception to the necessary parties rule that permitted representative lawsuits, but the contours of these actions differed from such actions in England. Today, these lawsuits would be classified as class actions and shareholder derivative actions in the United States. The shared history of these two forms of representative litigation has long been overlooked, but it reveals the early normative justifications for shareholder litigation. For the United States’ first 150 years, similar to class actions, shareholders were permitted to bring lawsuits on behalf of themselves and all other shareholders in certain circumstances. That formulation did not change until the late 1940s, when courts began to regularly describe such lawsuits as being brought on behalf of the corporation. This Article will explore the reasons for this shift in the nature of shareholder derivative litigation as well as the changes in the limitations on when shareholders can bring such actions. It will conclude by suggesting the implications that the historical and normative foundations of shareholder derivative litigation may have on the modern corporate law debates.
Methionine as an Effective Mosquito Larvicide in Natural Water Sources

Methionine is a naturally occurring amino acid that has demonstrated toxic properties for control of larval mosquitoes in laboratory experiments. Methionine offers many desirable qualities for an effective, biorational pesticide, including its minimal effects on non-target species. Because previous studies regarding this amino acid’s toxicity were laboratory based, the next step is to establish if methionine is likely to have similar effects in natural water bodies before attempting costly field trials. Therefore, the goal of this study was to test the effectiveness of DL-methionine applied to various water sources. Concentration response experiments conducted in glass jars used larval Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) as a model organism. Well, deionized, and pond water were evaluated in the study. In general, increased mortality of Ae. aegypti larvae occurred with increasing concentrations of DL-methionine at 48 h. However, larval DL-methionine LC50 values were not different between water sources. This study has shown that DL-methionine can be added to various water sources as a possible biorational larvicide when applied to natural water sources such as ponds or water-holding containers that often are preferred larval developmental sites for a variety of mosquito disease vectors. Resumo La metionina es un aminoacido natural que ha demostrado propiedades toxicas para el control de larvas de mosquitos en experimentos de laboratorio. La metionina ofrece muchas cualidades deseables para un pesticida eficaz bioracional, incluido sus efectos minimos en especies no objetivo. Debido a que los estudios previos sobre la toxicidad de este aminoacido se realizaron en laboratorio, el siguiente paso es establecer la probabilidad de que la metionina tenga efectos similares en los cuerpos de agua naturales antes de intentar costosos ensayos de campo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue probar la efectividad de la DL-metionina aplicada a diversas fuentes de agua. Los experimentos de respuesta a la concentracion realizados en frascos de vidrio utilizaron larvas de Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) como organismo modelo. En el estudio se evaluo el agua de pozo, desionizada y de estanque. En general, el aumento de la mortalidad de las larvas de Ae. aegypti se presentaron con concentraciones crecientes de DL-metionina a las 48 h. Sin embargo, los valores de CL50 de DL-metionina de las larvas no fueron diferentes entre las fuentes de agua. Este estudio ha demostrado que se puede agregar DL-metionina a varias fuentes de agua como un posible larvicida bioracional cuando se aplica a fuentes de agua naturales como estanques o recipientes con agua que a menudo son los sitios preferidos de desarrollo larvario para una variedad de mosquitos vectores de enfermedades. Key Words: Aedes aegypti; larvae; Culicidae; pesticide; biorational; pond; lethal concentration View this article in BioOne
Crossing the Finish Line: Increasing Degree Completion for Students Who Have Stopped Out

Each year, hundreds of thousands of students leave higher education without earning their degree. Helping these students return and complete their degree is an enormous opportunity for higher education to propel social and economic mobility for students and their broader communities. With limited resources at postsecondary institutions, however, most institutional attention tends to go to students currently enrolled, not those who were enrolled. In this case study of Florida State University’s Completion Campaign, we detail how a low-cost, high-impact effort has helped over 1,600 students in four years return to complete their degrees. We illustrate the key features and components of the program, its impact on student success, and considerations for institutions who may want to adopt similar approaches.
Leptin Therapy as a Substitute for Insulin Replacement in Experimental Models of Diabetes: Clinical Implications in Humans

Multidisciplinary approaches undertaken to elucidate the control of leptin secretion from white adipose tissue and its neurobiology in energy homeostasis has serendipitously uncovered the obligatory participation of leptin via the hypothalamus in glucose homeostasis, independent of its well-known role in appetite control. The salient features of this discovery are the following: Glucose homeostasis, sustained through the operation of a tight feedback relationship between pancreatic insulin and adipocyte leptin, is mediated through an interconnected network of leptin receptor producing neurons in the hypothalamus that relays afferent regulatory information along distinct pathways to peripheral targets involved in insulin secretion and glucose metabolism. A break down in optimal leptin communication with these hypothalamic targets due to leptin insufficiency resulting from either leptinopenia or hypoleptinemia after loss of pancreatic beta cells, or evoked by hyperleptinemia associated attenuated leptin entry across the blood–brain barrier, underlies diabetes type 1(T1DM) and diabetes type 2 (T2DM). Leptin replenishment by injection or gene therapy, systemically or directly into the hypothalamus, stably reinstated euglycemia in all rodent paradigms of T1DM. In contrast, leptin delivery only directly to hypothalmic targets either by central infusion or gene therapy reestablished glucose homeostasis in obese and aging T2DM animal paradigms. Clinical evaluations along similar lines to establish glucose homeostasis for extended periods in response to leptin delivered systemically was also successful in leptinopenic congenital or acquired lipodystrophic subjects. Evidently, leptin therapy is a new treatment modality with the potential to replace insulin monotherapy for T1DM when delivered either systemically or centrally, but for T2DM only when delivered centrally. The current global rise in the incidence of diabetes underscores an urgent need for rigorous clinical testing of leptin to determine the optimal delivery procedure and long-term consequences.
Electron and ion Bernstein waves excited in the ionosphere by high power EM waves at the second harmonic of the electron cyclotron frequency

[1] The transmission of a high power electromagnetic (EM) waves from the HAARP facility in Alaska can excite stimulated electromagnetic emissions offset from the transmitter frequency near harmonics of ion cyclotron frequency. Stimulated ion Bernstein (SIB) occurs when the pump frequency is tuned to an electron Bernstein (EB) frequency near twice the electron gyro frequency. The SIB process is thought to involve mode conversion from EM to EB waves followed by parametric decay of the EB wave to multiple EB and IB waves. The production of SIB waves may be an indicator of strong cyclotron acceleration of electrons by the EB waves that lead to artificial aurora and impact ionization of neutrals.
Implications and Conclusions

Do economic systems operate with inefficiencies not caused by market prices? In this book, I have presented one such type of (in)efficiency: X-(in)efficiency. X-inefficiency is not an inefficiency of the market; it is an intrafirm inefficiency.
Mid-Frequency Shallow Water Studies and SW06 (LEAR)

Abstract : Long-term goals: To develop physics-based, predictive sonar models for: (a) propagation and detection in littoral conditions (b) mid- to high-frequency acoustic scattering and reflection from the air-sea interface. Objectives: (1) Analyze, model, and report results from Asian Seas International Acoustics Experiment (ASIAEX) conducted in the East China Sea (May-June 2001). (2) Prepare for 2006 LEAR (Littoral Environmental Acoustics Research) experiment in 2006 (a follow-on experiment to ASIAEX). The approach involves a combination of data analysis (ASIAEX data), theoretical modeling (scattering theories, van Cittert-Zernike theorem) and numerical simulation (RAM PE code). For LEAR, the approach is directed toward new experimental array development and experimental planning.
Space-borne observation of methane from atmospheric infrared sounder version 6: validation and implications for data analysis

Abstract. Atmospheric Methane (CH4) is generated as a standard product in recent version of the hyperspectral Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS-V6) aboard NASA's Aqua satellite at the NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (NASA/GES/DISC). Significant improvements in AIRS-V6 was expected but without a thorough validation. This paper first introduced the improvements of CH4 retrieval in AIRS-V6 and some characterizations, then presented the results of validation using ~ 1000 aircraft profiles from several campaigns spread over a couple of years and in different regions. It was found the mean biases of AIRS CH4 at layers 343–441 and 441–575 hPa are −0.76 and −0.05 % and the RMS errors are 1.56 and 1.16 %, respectively. Further analysis demonstrates that the errors in the spring and in the high northern latitudes are larger than in other seasons or regions. The error is correlated with Degree of Freedoms (DOFs), particularly in the tropics or in the summer, and cloud amount, suggesting that the "observed" spatiotemporal variation of CH4 by AIRS is imbedded with some artificial impact from the retrieval sensitivity in addition to its variation in reality, so the variation of information content in the retrievals needs to be taken into account in data analysis of the retrieval products. Some additional filtering (i.e. rejection of profiles with obvious oscillation as well as those deviating greatly from the norm) for quality control is recommended for the users to better utilize AIRS-V6 CH4, and their implementation in the future versions of the AIRS retrieval algorithm is under consideration.
Logarithmic temperature profiles in the bulk of turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection for a Prandtl number of 12.3

We report measurements of logarithmic temperature profiles in the bulk of turbulent Rayleigh–Benard convection (here is a scaled and time-averaged local temperature in the fluid, is the vertical and the radial position, and is the sample height). Two samples had aspect ratios and 0.50 (where is the diameter). The fluid was a fluorocarbon with a Prandtl number of . The measurements covered the Rayleigh-number range for and for . In contradistinction to what had been found for and by Ahlers et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 109, 2012, art. 114501; J. Fluid Mech., 2014, in press), the measurements revealed no dependence of the amplitude of the logarithmic term. Within the experimental resolution, the amplitude was also found to be independent of . It varied with in a manner consistent with the function , where with and . The results for are smaller than those obtained from experiments and direct numerical simulations (Ahlers et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 109, 2012, art. 114501) at similar values of for and by a factor that depended slightly upon but was close to .
Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in an older nursing home population.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of current or previous infection with viral hepatitis agents in an older nursing home population. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Three nursing homes in the greater St. Louis area affiliated with Saint Louis University. SUBJECTS: Older residents admitted to these facilities. MEASUREMENTS: Residents were interviewed and examined for evidence of hepatitis or liver disease. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody to hepatitis B core and surface antigens (anti-HBc and anti-HBs), antibody to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV), antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), and hepatitis G virus RNA (HGV RNA). RESULTS: Of 329 residents queried, 199 gave consent and were able to participate. The seroprevalence of hepatitis was: HBsAg 0%, anti-HBc 24.1%, anti-HBs 19.5%, anti-HAV 79.9%, anti-HCV 4.5%, and HGV-RNA 10.6%. Frequency of HAV infection increased significantly with age whereas HBV infection correlated with ethnic status and former occupation as a manual worker. A history of blood transfusion was associated with a higher rate of anti-HCV. End stage renal disease, present in 17 patients, was associated with anti-HBc, anti-HCV, and HGV RNA positivity but not with anti-HBs or anti-HAV positivity CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was surprisingly high in this population residing in skilled nursing facilities, and we recommend that all new patients admitted to this type of institution be screened for anti-HCV. The prevalence of HGV RNA was higher than in the general US blood donor population, but the significance of this finding remains uncertain. J Am Geriatr Soc 47:1110–1113,1999.
Exposure to a deuterated analogue of phenylbutyrate retards s‐phase progression in HT‐29 colon cancer cells

Differentiation agents that induce neoplastic cells to regain a normal phenotype and/or cause growth arrest without significantly affecting normal cells represent an attractive option for cancer treatment. Analogues of short chain fatty acids, such as phenylbutyrate (PB), have been studied as clinically relevant agents. In an attempt to improve its pharmacokinetic profile, structural modifications of PB and other fatty acids have been studied. We hypothesize that strategic isotopic modification of PB would result in a longer half-life and thus translate into a more potent differentiation agent for clinical use. Using a colon cancer model, we demonstrated that 2,2,3,3-tetradeuterated PB (D4PB) significantly increased induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation as compared with PB and butyrate. Difference in potency could not be explained by the effect of D4PB on the expression of specific regulatory proteins of the apoptotic cascade or from the inhibitory effect of D4PB on histone deacetylase activity. Interestingly, exposure of HT-29 colon cancer cells to D4PB resulted in a slowing of S transit, in contrast to butyrate and PB, which induced a G2/M cell cycle block. This difference in cell cycle effect may explain the differences seen in the potency of the phenotypic changes seen with treatment with D4PB. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying effects of D4PB on the cell cycle. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmaceutical Association J Pharm Sci 91:1054–1064, 2002
Income and the recycling effort: a maximization problem

Abstract This paper theoretically derives the impact of changes in the household's income on its trash recycling effort. Comparative statics are developed to derive the expression for the change in the amount recycled with a change in income. Each term in the expression is shown to have an economic interpretation. The magnitude and the likely signs of the terms are discussed in determining the direction of the net effect. Finally, empirical estimates from previous research are evaluated within the context of the implications of the theoretical derivations.
Residual Soil Nitrogen as Affected by Continuous, Two-Year, and Four-Year Crop Rotation Systems

Crop rotation systems may reduce inorganic N fertilizer needs because of increased N mineralization, but if that N is mineralized either too early or too late with respect to crop needs, it can also be susceptible to leaching. These concerns prompted an investigation of a long-term field study at Mead, NE on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, montmorillinitic, mesic, Typic Argiudoll) to determine effects of crop rotation and N fertilizer application on residual inorganic N levels to a depth of 150 cm after 4 yr. The study included continuous corn (L.), continuous soybean [ (L.) Merr.], continuous grain sorghum [ (L.) Moench.], corn/soybean and grain sorghum/soybean 2-yr rotations, and corn/oat [ (L.)] + clover [8O% yellow sweetclover [ (L.) Lam.] + 20% red clover [])/grain sorghum/soybean and corn/soybean/grain sorghum/oat + clover 4-yr rotations with three rates of N fertilizer application. High N application resulted in greater residual NO-N concentrations for the continuous corn and grain sorghum systems than in any of the other cropping systems to a depth of 150 cm. Residual NO-N concentrations were low (<4 mg kg at depths below 30 cm) at all N application rates in continuous soybean and 2- and 4-yr cropping systems. Nitrogen removal by grain accounted for 50% of the applied N in continuous corn and grain sorghum systems at the low N application rate, but only 20 to 30% of the applied N at the high rate. Likewise, only 20 to 30% of the applied N was accounted for by N removal in the rotation systems at either N aplplication rate. Indirect results from our study suggest immobilization by crop residues and soil organic matter, not leaching, is probably most responsible for apparent N losses in these cropping systems. Although the mechanisms were not specifically identified, our results do show that crop rotations can reduce inorganic N fertilizer needs and at the same time reduce the amount of N available for leaching, both of which are important to farmers in the western Corn Belt.
Survival rate of patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of general paresis.

A N EXAMINATION of th e survival rate in cases of general paresis appears to be of interest for several reasons: 1. There are few diseases in which life expectancy has undergone so marked a change :in recent years as has general paresis. A clear picture of this is seen when recent data are compared with those of 40 years ago, before the first SUCcessful treatment methods of general paresis were discovered. 2. There are no studies published which compare the survival rate of general paretics to a sample of the general population, matched for sex and age and historical period, 3. There are very few long-term studies in which patients were followed for 25 years or more; still fewer studies are reported in which 100 per cent of the original sample could be followed. 4, Though new cases of general paresis occur less frequently than they did before the discovery of penicillin, they do occur. At the present time these new cases together with the old ones occupy 87 beds in the Veterans Administration (Yeuropsychiatric) Hospital, Bedford, Massachusetts, or 4.8 per cent of the total number of patients of that hospital, The two samples of general paretics studied in this report are made up of patients urho are or were at one time hospitalized at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Bedford, Massachusetts, This hospital was opened on June 17,
Relationship between heart rate, left ventricular output, and stroke volume in preterm infants during fluctuations in heart rate.

The relationship between changes in heart rate, left ventricular output, and left ventricular stroke volume was studied in 18 preterm infants, with mean gestational age 29 wk (range 26–33 wk) and mean postnatal age 10 d (range 1–21 d). To yield left ventricular output, the blood flow velocity in the ascending aorta was measured by range-gated Doppler technique and multiplied by the aortic cross-sectional area measured by cross-sectional and M-mode echocardiography. Stroke volume was calculated by dividing left ventricular output by heart rate. The individual mean left ventricular output correlated poorly with heart rate (r2 = 0.17), and, accordingly, there was a closer relationship between stroke volume and left ventricular output. In only four of the 18 infants was a significant correlation between heart rate changes and left ventricular output found. Substantial changes in stroke volume were seen in most infants, and in 13 of the 18 infants the changes exceeded 25%. These variations in stroke volume were closely related to left ventricular output. In 15 of the 18 infants, the maximum heart rate change was associated with a stroke volume change in the opposite direction. The group average of the maximum heart rate increase in each individual, 24 bpm (18%), corresponded to a decrease in stroke volume of 0.15 mL±kg-1 (9%) (p < 0.05) and an increase in left ventricular output of 22.7 mL±mm-1 kg-1 (9%) (p < 0.05). A reciprocal relationship was seen between afterload and left ventricular output. The findings indicate that the preterm infant has a substantial ability to alter stroke volume and that stroke volume is an important determinant of neonatal left ventricular output. During beat-to-beat fluctuations in heart rate, the stroke volume changes appear to reduce the effect of the heart rate changes on output.
Reclaiming the Heritage of Saints Serge and Bacchus: Towards a Quixotic Gay-Affirmative, Pro-Animal, Vegetarian Christianity

An event in the life of Tchaikovsky occasions the possibility of the development of a wisdom prefigured in the story of the martyrdom of Sts Serge and Bacchus—a Christian view of the world which embraces gay legitimacy and commends vegetarianism. This wide-ranging essay seeks first to retrieve from its cultured despisers a vision of sex as flowering in enduring affectionally grounded relationships; and then contextualizes that vision within a theology that celebrates an inclusive creaturely enjoyment of other creatures as the proper end of life, and thinks of God as an implicate of prayerful living in the light of a hope against hope—in full acknowledgment of mortality and vulnerability—for a perfected world, to which gay sexual love, like all love, and vegetarianism are both pointers.
Viewpoint: Extraterrestrial National Territory and the International System

Analysis of the probable effects of ending the prohibition against sovereign national extraterrestrial territory in the Outer Space Treaty points to large increases in the total territories of a small number of spacefaring states as they compete in a succession of annexations that move from celestial body to celestial body. Rather than result in an increased chance of war between spacefaring states—an argument deployed by defenders of the Outer Space Treaty—extraterrestrial annexations would instead reduce its likelihood, both in the near-term because of the mutual vulnerability of human spacecraft and bases, and over the long-term by making spacefaring states less vulnerable to terrestrial warfare.
Effect of cocaine self-administration on striatal PKA-regulated signaling in male and female rats.

Rationale Chronic cocaine produces changes in the dopamine (DA)/D1/cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-regulated signaling pathway that may underlie the development of addiction.
A mathematical model for the reciprocal differentiation of T helper 17 cells and induced regulatory T cells.

The reciprocal differentiation of T helper 17 (TH17) cells and induced regulatory T (iTreg) cells plays a critical role in both the pathogenesis and resolution of diverse human inflammatory diseases. Although initial studies suggested a stable commitment to either the TH17 or the iTreg lineage, recent results reveal remarkable plasticity and heterogeneity, reflected in the capacity of differentiated effectors cells to be reprogrammed among TH17 and iTreg lineages and the intriguing phenomenon that a group of naive precursor CD4+ T cells can be programmed into phenotypically diverse populations by the same differentiation signal, transforming growth factor beta. To reconcile these observations, we have built a mathematical model of TH17/iTreg differentiation that exhibits four different stable steady states, governed by pitchfork bifurcations with certain degrees of broken symmetry. According to the model, a group of precursor cells with some small cell-to-cell variability can differentiate into phenotypically distinct subsets of cells, which exhibit distinct levels of the master transcription-factor regulators for the two T cell lineages. A dynamical control system with these properties is flexible enough to be steered down alternative pathways by polarizing signals, such as interleukin-6 and retinoic acid and it may be used by the immune system to generate functionally distinct effector cells in desired fractions in response to a range of differentiation signals. Additionally, the model suggests a quantitative explanation for the phenotype with high expression levels of both master regulators. This phenotype corresponds to a re-stabilized co-expressing state, appearing at a late stage of differentiation, rather than a bipotent precursor state observed under some other circumstances. Our simulations reconcile most published experimental observations and predict novel differentiation states as well as transitions among different phenotypes that have not yet been observed experimentally.
Gene Therapy in a Humanized Mouse Model of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Leads to Marked Regression of Atherosclerosis

Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal codominant disorder caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. Homozygous FH patients (hoFH) have severe hypercholesterolemia leading to life threatening atherosclerosis in childhood and adolescence. Mice with germ line interruptions in the Ldlr and Apobec1 genes (Ldlr−/−Apobec1−/−) simulate metabolic and clinical aspects of hoFH, including atherogenesis on a chow diet. Methods/Principal Findings In this study, vectors based on adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) were used to deliver the gene for mouse Ldlr (mLDLR) to the livers of Ldlr−/−Apobec1−/− mice. A single intravenous injection of AAV8.mLDLR was found to significantly reduce plasma cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels in chow-fed animals at doses as low as 3×109 genome copies/mouse. Whereas Ldlr−/−Apobec1−/− mice fed a western-type diet and injected with a control AAV8.null vector experienced a further 65% progression in atherosclerosis over 2 months compared with baseline mice, Ldlr−/−Apobec1−/− mice treated with AAV8.mLDLR realized an 87% regression of atherosclerotic lesions after 3 months compared to baseline mice. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed a substantial remodeling of atherosclerotic lesions. Conclusions/Significance Collectively, the results presented herein suggest that AAV8-based gene therapy for FH may be feasible and support further development of this approach. The pre-clinical data from these studies will enable for the effective translation of gene therapy into the clinic for treatment of FH.
Anaesthesia for Rett syndrome.

Summary Rett syndrome is a devastingly disabling neurological disease that is only observed in girls. Scoliosis occurs in roughly half the girls and surgery may be required. Anaesthesia is described in three patients. Sudden death may be a feature of the disease which occurred four weeks postoperatively in one case. Although a long QTc interval may be seen, it did not occur in any of our cases.
Stimulus Properties of Reinforcing Brain Shock

Rats easily discriminate between two types of subcortical brain shock which differ in reinforcing properties. When both stimuli are either neutral or positively reinforcing subjects have difficulty in responding differentially to the two types of electrical stimulation of the brain. Possible implications for a theory concerning a generalized or diffuse reinforcement system are discussed.
COMPARATIVES, SUPERLATIVES, AND RESOLUTION

This paper will present an analysis of comparatives and superlatives geared to deal uniformly with certain kinds of ambiguities common to both constructions, especially focus ambiguities and strict/sloppy identity ambiguities. The analysis will also address some differences between the two constructions, such as the differing scoping possibilities of the measure quantifier. The relevant ambiguities of comparative and superlatives will be analyzed through an intermediary: A single underspecified semantics for each sentence will be resolved in certain very constrained ways to give the various readings. The use of underspecified semantics to capture ambiguities has had particular appeal to those with a computational perspective. I argue here, however, that there is an important theoretical motivation for taking this road as well. It unburdens the compositional semantics. Much of the complexity is factored into machinery that will generally be necesssary for dealing with ellipsis and focus. Other than that, comparative adjectives are like other adjectives: comparative determines like other determiners. This division of labor is in some sense the motivation for the hypothesis of a Logical Form (or LF) that plays a central role in semantic interpretation. Although there are some exceptions, scope relations cannot in general be read off surface syntax. Furthermore, studies of quantificational adverbs and of focus formatives like only, also, and before have shown that not only the scopes but also the domain sets of certain quantifications are underdetermined by the surface syntax. This does not mean that the surface syntax does not contribute a great deal. It does; at the very least an array of predicates and role assignments. It just means that much more than this needs to be done, much of it apparently related to the structure of quantification. In this paper when I refer to compositional semantics I will mean that part of semantics that can be read off the surface syntax. This part of the semantics of comparatives and superlatives is the part