cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microsteatosis in Livers From Donation After Circulatory Death Donors Is Associated With Inferior Outcomes Following Liver Transplantation

The acceptable threshold remains unknown for the percentage of macrosteatosis (MaS) and microsteatosis (MiS) to yield optimal outcomes after donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation (LT). The purpose of this analysis was to determine the impact of donor liver MaS and MiS on DCD LT outcomes. Using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database, we analyzed pretransplant biopsy results from adult, solitary, DCD livers transplanted between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2017. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess graft and patient survival based on MaS and MiS severity. MiS was divided into the groups MiS ≤10% and >10%. MaS was divided into the groups MaS ≤15% and >15%. Of 7757 recovered DCD livers, 11.4% (n = 885) were biopsied and transplanted. Patients who received DCD livers with MaS >15% had significantly worse patient survival (P 10% demonstrated inferior graft and patient survival (P 15% and MiS >10% were associated with increased risk of graft failure and patient mortality (P 60 years were also associated with increased risk of graft failure and patient death. This analysis demonstrates that MaS >15% and MiS >10% are additional risk factors for graft loss and patient mortality in DCD LT.
Genetic basis of SMARCB1 protein loss in 22 sinonasal carcinomas

Abstract SMARCB1-deficient sinonasal carcinoma (SNC) is an aggressive malignancy characterized by INI1 loss mostly owing to homozygous SMARCB1 deletion. With the exception of a few reported cases, these tumors have not been thoroughly studied by massive parallel sequencing (MPS). A retrospective cohort of 22 SMARCB1-deficient SNCs were studied by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (n = 9), targeted exome MPS (n = 12), and Fraction and Allele-Specific Copy Number Estimates from Tumor Sequencing (FACETS) (n = 10), a bioinformatics pipeline for copy number/zygosity assessment. SMARCB1-deficient SNC was found in 13 (59%) men and 9 (41%) women. Most common growth patterns were the basaloid pattern (59%), occurring mostly in men (77%), and plasmacytoid/eosinophilic/rhabdoid pattern (23%), arising mostly in women (80%). The former group was significantly younger (median age = 46 years, range = 24–54, vs 79 years, range = 66–95, p
Association Between Statin Use at the Time of Intra-abdominal Surgery and Postoperative Adhesion-Related Complications and Small-Bowel Obstruction.

Importance Adhesion-related complications (ARCs), including small-bowel obstruction, are common complications of intra-abdominal surgery. Statins, which have antifibrotic pleiotropic effects, inhibit adhesion formation in murine models but have not been assessed in humans. Objective To assess whether statin use at the time of intra-abdominal surgery is associated with a reduction in ARCs. Design, Setting, and Participants These 2 separate retrospective cohort studies (The Health Improvement Network [THIN] and Optum’s Clinformatics Data Mart [Optum]) compared adults receiving statins with those not receiving statins at the time of intra-abdominal surgery. Individuals undergoing intra-abdominal surgery from January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2013, in the United Kingdom and from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2016, in the US were included in the study. Those with obstructive events before surgery or a history of inflammatory bowel disease were excluded. Data analysis was performed from September 1, 2012, to November 24, 2020. Exposure The primary exposure was statin use at the time of surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was ARCs, defined as small-bowel obstruction or need for adhesiolysis, occurring after surgery. Sensitivity analyses included statin use preceding but not concurrent with surgery, fibrate use, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and conditions associated with microvascular disease, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and tobacco use; surgical approach and site; and diagnosis of a malignant tumor. Results A total of 148 601 individuals met the inclusion criteria for THIN (mean [SD] age, 49.6 [17.7] years; 70.1% female) and 1 188 217 for Optum (mean [SD] age, 48.2 [16.4] years; 72.6% female). A total of 2060 participants (1.4%) experienced an ARC in THIN and 54 136 (4.6%) in Optum. Statin use at the time of surgery was associated with decreased risk of ARCs (THIN: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71-0.92; Optum: adjusted HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90-0.95). Similar associations were appreciated between statins and small-bowel obstruction (THIN: adjusted HR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70-0.92; Optum: adjusted HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.85-0.91). Conclusions and Relevance This study’s findings suggest that, among individuals in 2 separate cohorts undergoing intra-abdominal surgery, statin use may be associated with a reduced risk of postoperative ARCs. Statins may represent an inexpensive, well-tolerated pharmacologic option for preventing ARCs.
Occluded Scatterers and the Urban Ground-to-ground Channel at Low UHF

Ground-to-ground radio links in urban environments rarely enjoy direct line-of-sight between terminals, and therefore in-canyon, over-rooftop, and scattering from distant structures become primary propagation modes. Because both rooftop diffraction and canyon propagation losses can be severe, and because the walls of deep urban canyons often occlude distant scatterers, the relative importance of these three propagation modes to a given urban channel is unclear. We present results of channel sounding measurements at 437 MHz for ground-to-ground links in Boston, Massachusetts, USA to quantify the importance of each propagation mode. Occupancy curves derived from our measured channels suggest that while canyon-mode propagation is dominant for short range urban links, the importance of the distant scatterer propagation mode increases with terminal separation distance, even when those scatterers are occluded from transmitter and/or receiver view. We present an urban channel model which evaluates the vertical profile of incident power on distant scatterers, even those that are occluded, and find that reasonable agreement can be obtained between measured and modeled channels only when occluded buildings are considered.
The TSIS-1 Hybrid Solar Reference Spectrum

We present a new solar irradiance reference spectrum representative of solar minimum conditions between solar cycles 24 and 25. The Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor-1 (TSIS-1) Hybrid Sola...
Energy Aware Proactive Manet Routing with Prediction on Energy Consumption

Energy-aware routing in mobile wireless ad hoc networks has been investigated extensively in the framework of reactive routing. In this paper we present an energy preserving mechanism suitable to be integrated with a proactive MANET routing scheme. We use a compositive energy cost, which considers both transmission power consumption and residual energy of the nodes, as the routing metric. Our energy cost calculation is based on prediction of node energy consumption using ARIMA model. The formulation of our energy cost is tailored to heterogeneous MANET in terms of power consumptions. We extended OLSR with our energy preserving mechanism. Our power-aware version of OLSR is proven by simulation to be able to prolong network lifetime significantly in both homogeneous and heterogeneous scenarios in terms of power consumptions.
The Relationship Between States' Immigrant-Related Policies and Access to Health Care Among Children of Immigrants.

States vary in their participation in federal immigration enforcement, leading to differing state-level policy contexts that profoundly shape the lives of immigrants. This paper examines the effects of sanctuary policies and driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants on immigrants’ children’s access to preventative healthcare. The 2008–2016 Medical Panel Expenditure Survey merged with state-level policy data were analyzed using a difference-in-difference OLS regression. Outcome variables included whether the child had a usual source of care, any unmet medical needs, or a well child check-up. State driver’s license and sanctuary policies were associated with having a usual source of care and fewer unmet medical needs among children of immigrants. The recent pandemic highlights the importance of access to preventative health care. State policies that limit federal immigration enforcement involvement are associated with improved access to preventative health services among immigrants’ children, most of whom are U.S. citizens.
Advances in understanding CO 2 responsive plant metabolomes in the era of climate change

Anthropogenic climate change due to increased CO2 emission poses a major threat to global crop productivity, food quality, and security. Numerous studies, mostly classical, have predicted the effects of increased CO2 levels on environmental temperature and water balance, and on the life cycle, biomass, photosynthesis, leaf carbon/nitrogen ratio, and stomatal distribution in various plant species. With the advent of high-throughput tools for studying plant-CO2 responsiveness, it is now possible to obtain a metabolome-level view of the effect of climate change on plants. In this review, we examine the plant CO2-responsive primary and secondary metabolism, isoprene emission, in the presence of other stressors, and the advancement in state-of the art research methods that will facilitate future metabolomic studies.
Abstract 20782: Incidence and Predictors of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Undergoing Elective Noncardiac Surgery in a large cohort of patients

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) after cardiothoracic surgery has been well described. However, the incidence and predictors of AF after noncardiac surgery (NCS) have not been well defined. Methods: Patients undergoing elective NCS in 2005-2007 requiring at least an overnight stay were identified through a surgery scheduling system. Demographics, diagnoses, labs, medications and postoperative AF were obtained from the electronic medical record. AF was validated by individual chart analysis and data was collected regarding use of Intravenous medications and /or cardioversion for rate and rhythm control. Missing values in the predictor variables were multiply imputed by chained equations in order to effectively utilize the sample size. A stepwise selection method was used to identify significant predictive variables of postoperative AF in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. A concordance index was calculated for the final model including the selected predictors. Results: Postoperative AF developed in 946 of 34,793 patients (2.7%), of which 690 (73%) had new onset AF, 594 (63%) needed intravenous medications for rate and rhythm control and 68 (7%) needed urgent cardioversion. Multivariable logistic analysis identified older age, male sex, surgeries with increased bleeding risk, vascular surgery, prior history of pulmonary embolism or AF, insulin dependent diabetes and sodium as significant independent predictors of postoperative AF (p Conclusions: Similar to cardiac surgery, older age, prior AF, and higher risk vascular surgeries were associated with postoperative AF after NCS. Statin use was associated with a lower incidence suggesting that future studies of statins for NCS may be of interest.
The Rocky Road of Adolescent Romantic Experience: Dating and Adjustment

Adolescent romantic relationships have long been a centerpiece of our mediaculture. Romeo and Juliet and Dante and Beatrice are classic love stories thathave enchanted generations of individuals. Today’s movies are full of similartales, such as that between Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt Bukater in the movieTitanic. In effect, these relationships are depicted in idealized terms. They areseen as very special and essential in one’s life. In fact, many young adolescentgirls say that they expect to be in love all the time (Simon, Eder, & Evans, 1972).Although our own adolescent relationships may not have been as idealized,many of us still reﬂect on them with fondness. They were important andexciting experiences in our adolescence. In fact, adolescents will commonlyneglect their close friends in order to spend time with a romantic partner (Roth& Parker, 2001). Consistent with this depiction, social scientists have foundthat adolescents have more strong positive emotions about the other sex thanabout family, same-sex peers, or school (Wilson-Shockley, 1995). Although nodirect evidence exists, we believe that homosexual youth may have morestrong positive emotions about same-sex relationships than about other keyrelationships.Romantic partners also increasingly become sources of support. For example,in an earlier study (Furman & Buhrmester, 1992), we examined age dif-ferences in perceptions of support in different relationships. Mean ratings ofsupport for relationships with romantic partners, same-sex friends, mothers,siblings, grandparents and teachers at four different grades are shown inTable 4.1. Not surprisingly, fourth grade children (10–11 years) were unlikelyto report having a romantic partner, and those who said they had a romantic
Fat metabolism in higher plants. Characterization of plant acyl-ACP and acyl-CoA hydrolases

Abstract Avocado mesocarp extracts contain both acyl-CoA and acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) hydrolase activities. These activities have been separated by a sequence of ammonium sulfate fractionations, DEAE-cellulose, and hydroxyapatite column chromatography. Two distinct acyl-CoA hydrolase fractions and one acyl-ACP hydrolase fraction were obtained. The acyl-ACP hydrolase fraction was essentially free of acyl-CoA hydrolase activity, had a pH optimum of 9.5 and a molecular weight of 70–80,000 based on sucrose density gradient centrifugation and gel filtration chromatography. Substrate specificity studies showed that lauroyl-ACP, myristoyl-ACP, palmitoyl-ACP, and stearoyl-ACP were slowly hydrolyzed but oleoyl-ACP was rapidly hydrolyzed to free fatty acid. These results suggest a possible role for acyl-ACP hydrolase as one component of a switching system which allows, indirectly, acyl transfer from ACP to CoA derivatives in plant cells.
Thermodynamic Properties of Ethane: PVT Surface and Corresponding Thermodynamic Properties

This work is part of a long-range program of API Research Project 44 directed towards periodic improvement of thermodynamic data j-Tables for C1 through C5 gaseous alkanes [1]. Conversion factors, critical constants, and saturation properties are identical to those found in a prior presentation [2].
Consensus phylogeny of Dictyostelium.

The evolutionary relationship ofDictyostelium discoideum to the yeasts, fungi, plants, and animals is considered on the basis of physiological, morphological and molecular characteristics. Previous analyses of five proteins indicated thatDictyostelium diverged after the yeasts but before the metazoan radiation. However, analyses of the small ribosomal subunit RNA indicated divergence prior to the yeasts. We have extended the molecular phylogenetic analyses to six more proteins and find consistent evidence for a more recent common ancestor with metazoans than yeast. A consensus phylogeny generated from these new results by both distance matrix and parsimony analyses establishesDictyostelum's place in evolution between the yeastsSaccharomyces cerevisiae andSchizzosaccharomyces pombe and the wormCaenorhabditis elegans.
Pathophysiology and Treatment of Single-Vessel Coronary Artery Disease

The optimal treatment of patients with single-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic stable angina is controversial. Therapeutic options include medical therapy with pharmacologic agents and/or coronary revascularization via surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG]), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), and/or other transcatheter techniques. Early studies found no difference in survival between medical and surgical treatment of patients with single-vessel disease and chronic stable angina. Although PTCA has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with single-vessel disease and severe symptoms, improvement in survival and prevention of future events are not established and multiple PTCA procedures or subsequent surgical treatment may be necessary. Medical therapy may be preferred in patients with mild or no symptoms. In patients with chronic stable angina, PTCA practice may not be consistent with current guidelines, particularly obtaining laboratory evidence of ischemia before the procedure. Stenoses that may lead to future coronary events cannot be accurately identified by angiography without evidence of ischemia or symptoms. Currently available comparative studies of patients with CAD do not reflect the impact of stent procedures and aggressive lipid lowering. Therefore, diagnostic and treatment options should be individualized in patients with single-vessel disease and chronic stable angina, and additional randomized trials are necessary to determine the optimal management of these patients.
Circumventing the centre

Abstract In the public policy discourse on telecommunications infrastructure there is a constant lament about the fragmentation and chaos within the regulatory environment in the USA. It is often sugested that ‘top-down’ network models are far more efficient than the ‘bottom-up’ approach which characterizes US domestic telecommunications. The recent successes of more centralized countries lend support to this perspective. However, the analysis presented in this paper suggests that the USA should refrain from copying the success formulae of other countries. The US cultural context is very different from other countries' and therefore there is a need to develop an indigenous strategy which is more suitable for a markedly polycentric environment.
Maternal Feeding Goals and Restaurant Menu Choices for Young Children

Abstract Background: Childhood obesity remains a major public health issue. One recent effort to improve the obesogenic environment is mandating that restaurants provide calorie and other nutritional content on menus. Little is known about whether maternal feeding for young children is influenced by calorie disclosure on menus. This study examined (1) whether maternal feeding goals associate with mothers' food selections for their young children and (2) whether mothers change entree and side selections for their children when calories/fat grams are listed on menus. Methods: One-hundred seventy mothers of children ages of 3–6 years participated in an online survey. Most participants identified as white (76.5%), with a mean BMI of 25.68 (standard deviation=5.94). Mothers were presented two menus (one with and one without calorie/fat information). Results: The goal of feeding for the child's familiarity with the food was significantly associated with mothers' selection of original side dish and entrees, with...
Identification of Novel Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in Deer (Odocoileus spp.) Using the BovineSNP50 BeadChip

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are growing in popularity as a genetic marker for investigating evolutionary processes. A panel of SNPs is often developed by comparing large quantities of DNA sequence data across multiple individuals to identify polymorphic sites. For non-model species, this is particularly difficult, as performing the necessary large-scale genomic sequencing often exceeds the resources available for the project. In this study, we trial the Bovine SNP50 BeadChip developed in cattle (Bos taurus) for identifying polymorphic SNPs in cervids Odocoileus hemionus (mule deer and black-tailed deer) and O. virginianus (white-tailed deer) in the Pacific Northwest. We found that 38.7% of loci could be genotyped, of which 5% (n = 1068) were polymorphic. Of these 1068 polymorphic SNPs, a mixture of putatively neutral loci (n = 878) and loci under selection (n = 190) were identified with the F(ST)-outlier method. A range of population genetic analyses were implemented using these SNPs and a panel of 10 microsatellite loci. The three types of deer could readily be distinguished with both the SNP and microsatellite datasets. This study demonstrates that commercially developed SNP chips are a viable means of SNP discovery for non-model organisms, even when used between very distantly related species (the Bovidae and Cervidae families diverged some 25.1-30.1 million years before present).
Differing perspectives on preventive care guidelines: a new look at the mammography controversy.

In April 1998, at the annual preventive medicine conference, Prevention 98, we convened a multidisciplinary panel to discuss the controversy surrounding mammography screening for women 40 to 49 years of age. The panel included members representing the perspectives of: the 1997 National Institutes of Health (NIH) consensus conference panel,1 the NIH, the American Cancer Society, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, health care purchasers (the Pacific Business Group on Health), public health authorities (California Department of Health Services), and patient advocates (the Breast Cancer Fund). Table 1 lists the individuals and the groups they represented. The purpose of this panel was not to attempt once again to untie the Gordian Knot of scientific evidence surrounding the mammography controversy, but to provide a forum for the differing perspectives of major groups and authorities involved in the controversy. When policy disagreements occur, too often participants assign malevolent or self-serving intentions to one another, as unfortunately happened in this case. In this, as in most other policy disagreements, each party, based on their respective roles and responsibilities, has legitimate reasons for their positions. Rather than engaging in polarizing debate, a more productive approach to crafting responsible public policy is to understand these differing priorities, needs, and constituencies and how they influence the positions of each interest group. We hope that the remarks of panelists presented in this article will provide the readers with alternative viewpoints that are useful in attaining this goal. Scientific Background
Improving the exclusionary rule: A remedial education model

This article reviews the United States Supreme Court decisions on the rationale for the exclusionary rule and numerous law review articles suggesting changes in the rule. A new model is proposed to dovetail with the rule. The courts would participate in developing a compendium of rules and regulations for officers to follow in order to protect constitutional rights. Evidence would continue to be excluded if it were illegally seized in a bad faith. All officers who violate constitutional rights would be subject to remedial education. Supervisory officers and training personnel would also be responsible for the violations committed by line officers. Violations of constitutional rights would be considered when promotions and other personnel decisions are made. Lastly, the victim would be compensated by the governmental agency employing the offending officer with the agency seeking reimbursement from the employee.
CONDENSING VACUOLE CONVERSION AND ZYMOGEN GRANULE DISCHARGE IN PANCREATIC EXOCRINE CELLS: METABOLIC STUDIES

We have examined, in the pancreatic exocrine cell, the metabolic requirements for the conversion of condensing vacuoles into zymogen granules and for the discharge of the contents of zymogen granules. To study condensing vacuole conversion, we pulse labeled guinea pig pancreatic slices for 4 min with leucine-3H and incubated them in chase medium for 20 min to allow labeled proteins to reach condensing vacuoles. Glycolytic and respiratory inhibitors were then added and incubation continued for 60 min to enable labeled proteins to reach granules in control slices. Electron microscope radioautography of cells or of zymogen granule pellets from treated slices showed that a large proportion of prelabeled condensing vacuoles underwent conversion in the presence of the combined inhibitors. Osmotic fragility studies on zymogen granule suspensions suggest that condensation may result from the aggregation of secretory proteins in an osmotically inactive form. Discharge was studied using an in vitro radioassay based on the finding that prelabeled zymogen granules can be induced to release their labeled contents to the incubation medium by carbamylcholine or pancreozymin. Induced discharge is not affected if protein synthesis is blocked by cycloheximide for up to 2 hr, but is strictly dependent on respiration. The data indicate that transport and discharge do not require the pari passu synthesis of secretory or nonsecretory proteins (e.g. membrane proteins), suggesting that the cell may reutilize its membranes during the secretory process. The energy requirements for zymogen discharge may be related to the fusion-fission of the granule membrane with the apical plasmalemma.
Correlation between 1-hour 50-gram glucose screening test values in successive pregnancies

Objective: To determine whether there is a significant correlation between 1-hour 50-gram glucose screening test values for individual women in successive pregnancies. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for patients delivered by one of the general practice faculty divisions at Duke University Medical Center between August 1998 and August 2000. Sixty-two patients were delivered who previously had given birth—during the past 4 years—and for whom third-trimester 1-hour 50-gram glucose screening test results were available for both pregnancies. Maternal demographics (mean ± SD) were: age 32.9 ± 3.4 years, height 65.7 ± 2.3 in., prepregnancy weight 149.5 ± 39 lb, pregnancy weight gain 29.5 ± 8.8 lb, and parity 1.3 ± 0.6. Results: Mean glucose screening test results were 109 ± 23 mg/dL for prior pregnancies and 104 ± 22 mg/dL for subsequent pregnancies (no significant difference, P = 0.17). Glucose screening test values were significantly correlated for prior and subsequent pregnancies (r = 0.49, P<0.001). There were 7 glucose screening test values above 140 mg/dL among the prior pregnancies and 4 such results in subsequent pregnancies. There was one case of gestational diabetes among prior pregnancies and none in the subsequent pregnancies. Conclusions: A negative glucose screening test of less than 140 mg/dL during pregnancy is strongly predictive of a subsequent negative screening result in a succeeding pregnancy when it occurs within 4 years. Under such circumstances, there is an extremely low likelihood of discovering gestational diabetes, and repeat glucose screening to rule out gestational diabetes may be unnecessary.
Two-neutron overlap functions for 6He from a microscopic structure model

A fully antisymmetrized microscopic model is developed for light two-neutron halo nuclei using a hyper-spherical basis to describe halo regions. The many-body wavefunction is optimized variationally. The model is applied to {sup 6}He bound by semi realistic Minnesota nucleon-nucleon forces. The two-neutron separation energy and the radius of the halo are reproduced in agreement with experiment. Antisymmetrization effects between {sup 4}He and halo neutrons are found to be crucial for binding of {sup 6}He. We also properly extract two-neutron overlap functions and find that there is a significant increase of 30%-70% in their normalization due to microscopic effects as compared to the results of three-body models.
Immunoreactive thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)(: association with synaptosomally-rich fractions in the rat hypothalamus.

Abstract The subcellular compartmentalization of brain thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the hypothalamus of the rat was investigated using differential and discontinuous sucrose density gradient centrifugation. When the mitochondrial fraction (P 2 ) was layered on a discontinuous sucrose density gradient (0.32–1.4 M) and centrifuged for 60 min at 72,000 g , TSH recovered from the gradient was found, by double antibody radioimmunoassay, to be associated preferentially with the synaptosomally-rich layers. The separation was monitored by electron microscopic examination of all fractions obtained throughout the procedure. The addition of a large excess of either [ 125 I]-labeled or unlabeled pituitary TSH at the time of homogenization did not influence the amount of immunoreactive TSH associated with the synaptosome-rich fractions, and both the unlabeled and labeled hormone were recoverable in the final supernatant indicating that the simple addition of peptide to hypothalamic homogenates did not result in any preferential association to any particular subcellular fraction. The apparent association of this brain-based pituitary peptide was not, therefore, an artifact of the homogenization process. It is concluded that an association exists between immunoassayable TSH and brain-based synaptosomes in homogenates of the rodent hypothalamus.
Metabolic responses of Cassin's Finches (Carpodacus cassinii) to temperature

Abstract 1. 1. The thermal neutral zone of Cassin's Finches extends from 22 to 37.5°C. 2. 2. Standard metabolism (40.1 Wm−2 or 7.6kcal bird−1 day−1) of the 28 g birds was 89% of the value predicted for passerines measured at night. 3. 3. At temperatures below the zone of thermal neutrality metabolism is described by the relation, Wm−2 = 1.55–74.5°C. The coefficient of heat transfer (1.55Wm−2°C−1) is only 58% of the value predicted for birds of this size, indicating excellent insulation. 4. 4. At temperatures above thermal neutralzfsity metabolism is described by the relation, Wm−2 = 2.75–62.6°C. 5. 5. Under conditions of heat stress (44.5°C; PH2O = 8.6 Torr) Cassin's Finches were able to dissipate up to 208% of their metabolic heat production by evaporative water loss. Maximal rate of water loss was 56 mg g−1 hr−1. 6. 6. At 20°C resting fasted finches lost a mean of 4.94 ± 1.5 SD mg H2O g−1hr−1.
Shelter Occupancy by Mixed-Species Pairs of Native Signal Crayfish and Non-Native Red Swamp Crayfish Held in Enclosures

ABSTRACT Sheltering ability does not appear to confer an advantage to non-native red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkil) in a small, western Washington lake where the invader outnumbers the native signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus.) When paired with similar-sized non-native P. clarkii, P. leniusculus was adept at monopolizing limited artificial shelter inside enclosures placed on the bottom of Pine Lake. In these contests, the dominant crayfish or winner was typically the one with longer chelae, or, in the case of P. clarkii, the one that was sexually mature. Female crayfishes of both species also were adept at monopolizing the artificial shelter. Furthermore, irrespective of species and sex, when paired with smaller heterospecifics, large crayfish readily monopolized the artificial shelter. These results suggest that additional mechanisms besides shelter competition are contributing to the possible displacement of P. leniusculus in Pine Lake.
Potential function for the stretching region in potassium acid fluoride

A simple potential function is used to fit the observed fundamentals and overtones of the asymmetric and symmetric stretching frequencies of the bifluoride ion in KHF2 and KDF2 and also to account for the difference in mean FHF and FDF bond lengths. The agreement with experiment is good, considering the simplicity of the function and the uncertainties in the data. This potential function is based on a linear symmetric model for the bifluoride ion and there is thus no spectroscopic evidence in favor of an asymmetric model.
Neural mechanisms of aggression

Unchecked aggression and violence exact a significant toll on human societies. Aggression is an umbrella term for behaviours that are intended to inflict harm. These behaviours evolved as adaptations to deal with competition, but when expressed out of context, they can have destructive consequences. Uncontrolled aggression has several components, such as impaired recognition of social cues and enhanced impulsivity. Molecular approaches to the study of aggression have revealed biological signals that mediate the components of aggressive behaviour. These signals may provide targets for therapeutic intervention for individuals with extreme aggressive outbursts. This Review summarizes the complex interactions between genes, biological signals, neural circuits and the environment that influence the development and expression of aggressive behaviour.
Optimal approximation for the submodular welfare problem in the value oracle model

In the Submodular Welfare Problem, m items are to be distributed among n players with utility functions wi: 2[m] → R+. The utility functions are assumed to be monotone and submodular. Assuming that player i receives a set of items Si, we wish to maximize the total utility ∑i=1n wi(Si). In this paper, we work in the value oracle model where the only access to the utility functions is through a black box returning wi(S) for a given set S. Submodular Welfare is in fact a special case of the more general problem of submodular maximization subject to a matroid constraint: max{f(S): S ∈ I}, where f is monotone submodular and I is the collection of independent sets in some matroid. For both problems, a greedy algorithm is known to yield a 1/2-approximation [21, 16]. In special cases where the matroid is uniform (I = S: |S| ≤ k) [20] or the submodular function is of a special type [4, 2], a (1-1/e)-approximation has been achieved and this is optimal for these problems in the value oracle model [22, 6, 15]. A (1-1/e)-approximation for the general Submodular Welfare Problem has been known only in a stronger demand oracle model [4], where in fact 1-1/e can be improved [9]. In this paper, we develop a randomized continuous greedy algorithm which achieves a (1-1/e)-approximation for the Submodular Welfare Problem in the value oracle model. We also show that the special case of n equal players is approximation resistant, in the sense that the optimal (1-1/e)-approximation is achieved by a uniformly random solution. Using the pipage rounding technique [1, 2], we obtain a (1-1/e)-approximation for submodular maximization subject to any matroid constraint. The continuous greedy algorithm has a potential of wider applicability, which we demonstrate on the examples of the Generalized Assignment Problem and the AdWords Assignment Problem.
Males with eating disorders.

Males with eating disorders share with female patients many aspects of diagnosis, psychopathology, and treatment, but they present significant differences in pre-illness weight, mode of onset, and psychotherapeutic needs.
Large-scale simulations of self-organizing neural networks on parallel computers : application to biological modelling

Abstract In this contribution we report about a study of a very versatile neural network algorithm known as “Self-organizing Feature Maps” and based on earlier work of Kohonen [1,2]. In its original version, the algorithm addresses a fundamental issue of brain organization, namely how topographically ordered maps of sensory information can be formed by learning. This algorithm is investigated for a large number of neurons (up to 16 K) and for an input space of dimension d⩽900. To meet the computational demands this algorithm was implemented on two parallel machines, on a self-built Transputer systolic ring and on a Connection Machine CM-2. We will present below 1. (i) a simulation based on the feature map algorithm modelling part of the synaptic organization in the “hand-region” of the somatosensory cortex, 2. (ii) a study of the influence of the dimension of the input-space on the learning process, 3. (iii) a simulation of the extended algorithm, which explicitly includes lateral interactions, and 4. (iv) a comparison of the transputer-based “coarse-grained” implementation of the model, and the “fine-grained” implementation of the same system on the Connection Machine.
A Reversible Effect of Rapid Thermal Annealing of Indium in Ion Implanted Silicon

Si was implanted with 115In+ ions with a dose exceeding the value of the In solid solubility. Rapid thermal annealing with W-halogen lamp was done sequentially with the wafer facing in two different positions relative to the source of the light irradiation. It has been experimentally found that short and long wavelength components of incoherent light act in a different manner on the In atom activation in Si during RTA process. The effect of In activation and deactivation caused by the RTA treatment is reversible in the temperature region of 440-1020°C. The effect of In activation and deactivation exists after thirty RTA pulses.
A critical review of the social systems models of Jay Forrester

Professor J. W. Forrester of the Massachussetts Institute of Technology has published three major works-Industrial Dynamics, Urban Dynamics, and World Dynamics-each of which uses simulation modeling to explore the features of the system of concem. The underlying message of each is technocratic: that there is a technique, system dynamics, which facilitates the process of managing complex systems. Forrester's horizons have expanded with each book, the latest of which explores means to stabilize human activities for global management. This review is an analysis of World Dynamics, but more than that it is an analysis of the technique, the promise, and the problems of system dynamics, especially for urban and global affairs; for it is the technique, not the specific results, which is really important. With the publication of World Dynamics, Forrester appears to join the ranks of concerned environmentalists-doomsayers to some-who have warned of a threat to the future of mankind from food shortage, resource depletion, and pollution. The dangers of continuing on our present course are amply illustrated, and recommendations are made to reduce birth rates, rate of industrialization,
Distinctive time course of ventricular vulnerability to fibrillation during and after release of coronary ligation

Abstract Release of left anterior descending coronary artery ligature was performed in 32 dogs after periods of ligation ranging from 3 to 45 minutes. Spontaneous ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation occurred during occlusion in 9 of 20 dogs, developing during the first 8 minutes of occlusion in 8 of the 9. Ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation was evoked by release of occlusion in 3 of 7 dogs after a short-term occlusion of 3 to 6 minutes, and in 9 of 13 dogs after release of a long-term occlusion of 15 to 45 minutes. Thresholds for induced ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation were obtained using a train of gated stimuli (100 Hz for 250 msec). During short-term occlusions, average thresholds for ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation were reduced from 32.4 ma (control) to 3.4 ma ( P Our data suggest the following conclusions: (1) The time course of spontaneous ventricular vulnerability to fibrillation during coronary occlusion differs from that of ligature release, the former diminishing and the latter increasing with the duration of occlusion. (2) This observation and the lack of correlation between thresholds of induced ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation and spontaneous vulnerability to fibrillation after ligature release suggest different electrophysiologic mechanisms for ventricular tachyarrhythmias during and after release of coronary ligation.
Transformation of Electron-Beam Physical Vapor-Deposited 8 wt% Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings

Yttria-stabilized (8.6 mol% YO1.5) zirconia thermal barrier coatings evolve at high temperatures from the “non-transformable,” metastable tetragonal-prime phase in their as-deposited condition to a mixture of the tetragonal and cubic phases. The kinetics of the transformation at 1200° and 1425°C are reported based on X-ray diffraction measurements. Complementary Raman spectroscopy measurements indicate a sharpening of the tetragonal bands at 263 and 465 cm−1 that is attributed to a systematic decrease in disorder of the Y3+ and oxygen vacancies with annealing. No transformation to the monoclinic form of zirconia is observed immediately after high-temperature treatment. However, partial transformation to monoclinic occurs after a prolonged time (months) at room temperature in those samples treated at 1425°C, indicating the development of isothermal martensite.
Body size and shape and glycemic control among Maya women in rural Yucatán.

Studies on relationships between aspects of physique and glucose physiology generally focus on clinical glucose tolerance or on fasting glucose or insulin assays showing glycemic status at the time of testing. Little work has examined the associations between body variables and glycemic control, or average past glucose levels in regular living conditions. The aim of this research was to investigate connections between body size and shape and glycemic control. The sample consists of 60 nondiabetic Maya women, ages 40-85 years, residing in 16 rural villages around Merida, Yucatan. Body morphology was assessed through anthropometric and derived measures of size and shape, including indicators of fat distribution and general adiposity. Glycemic control was measured through microvenous samples analyzed for glycated blood proteins HbA(1c) and fructosamine to demonstrate average circulating glucose under customary living conditions during the previous several months and weeks. Four-variable regression models explain 17% of the variance in HbA(1c) and 25% of the variance in fructosamine. Arm circumference has the largest positive effect on HbA(1c), while weight has the greatest positive impact on fructosamine. The predictor with the largest negative effect on both glycated blood proteins is calf circumference. In general, variables reflecting overall adiposity and central adiposity demonstrate positive associations with HbA(1c) and fructosamine, whereas lean body measures exhibit negative associations. Findings support the value of glycated blood proteins and of less common anthropometric measures, such as calf circumference, in population research on morphological relations with glycemia.
Multidimensional approximate agreement in Byzantine asynchronous systems

The problem of e-approximate agreement in Byzantine asynchronous systems is well-understood when all values lie on the real line. In this paper, we generalize the problem to consider values that lie in Rm, for m ≥ 1, and present an optimal protocol in regard to fault tolerance. Our scenario is the following. Processes start with values in Rm, for m ≥ 1, and communicate via message-passing. The system is asynchronous: there is no upper bound on processes' relative speeds or on message delay. Some faulty processes can display arbitrarily malicious (i.e. Byzantine) behavior. Non-faulty processes must decide on values that are: (1) in Rm; (2) within distance e of each other; and (3) in the convex hull of the non-faulty processes' inputs. We give an algorithm with a matching lower bound on fault tolerance: we require n > t(m+2), where n is the number of processes, t is the number of Byzantine processes, and input and output values reside in Rm. Non-faulty processes send O(n2 d log(m/e max{δ(d): 1 ≤ d ≤ m})) messages in total, where δ(d) is the range of non-faulty inputs projected at coordinate d. The Byzantine processes do not affect the algorithm's running time.
Finding association rules of cis-regulatory elements involved in alternative splicing

Alternative splicing (AS) is a major mechanism to generate protein diversity. A single gene might generate hundreds or even thousands of different proteins. Recently, powerful large-scale AS profiling microarrays have been developed, but computational methods which investigate the regulation of AS are still lagging behind. Researchers have focused on finding cis-regulatory motifs in pre-mRNA sequences. However, most studies are searching for single motifs, while many splicing events seem to be regulated by a combination of splicing factors.In this paper, we use association rule mining to discover cis-regulatory motifs that are responsible for distinct alternative splicing patterns in 10 mouse tissues. The inferred association rules indicate that alternative splicing pattern in different tissues might be explained by different motif combinations. Many of our discovered cis-regulatory motif candidates coincide with known splicing factor binding sites.
The First Days of School in the Classrooms of Two More Effective and Four Less Effective Primary-Grades Teachers

We observed 6 primary-grades teachers in public and private schools in this study. Based on mid-year observations, 2 of these teachers were much more effective compared to the other 4 in producing greater student engagement and literacy progress, as determined by video and observation data of multiple content areas and as rated by the Classroom AIMS instrument. These 2 more effective teachers began the school year differently than the other teachers, again documented through observation of their teaching. Consistent with previous studies, the 2 more effective teachers did more to establish routines and procedures at the beginning of the year. In addition, compared to the less effective teachers, on the first days of school the more effective teachers offered more engaging activities, more enthusiastically introduced reading and writing, indicated higher expectations, praised specific accomplishments of students, pointed out when specific students were behaving in a praiseworthy fashion, and encouraged stu...
Measurement of Weak Absorption by Molecules

To measure small concentrations of molecules, particularly in a metastable state, we have developed a form of double-beam absorption spectrometer. This instrument allows one to use as an absorber a tube in which a dc discharge creates unstable species. The design provides that light emitted from this discharge shall not interfere with the absorption measurement. We use as a background source a second discharge tube emitting the band system whose absorption we wish to observe. We measure the absorption of a single vibrational band of known probability of transition. A detailed analysis of the relative intensities of all the lines constituting the band is then necessary in order to extract the population of the metastable level.
Understanding resistance to sex and race-based affirmative action: A review of research findings.

Abstract The public discussion of affirmative action appears to be complicated by disagreements regarding definitions and by the lack of a theoretical framework from which to begin to understand this complex public policy. The present review attempts to synthesize the available research into a model from which resistance to affirmative action can be understood. Within the model, resistance to affirmative action policies is viewed as influenced by two main categories of factors—the evaluator's perspective and the context in which the policy is embedded. Based on these categories, specific hypotheses are constructed regarding resistance. In addition, recommendations for enhancing acceptance of affirmative action are made based on the model and previous research.