cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Marital Status and Perceived Discrimination Among Transgender People

Despite calls for increased attention to the experiences of transgender people, scientific understanding of the stigma and discrimination this population experiences is limited. The authors integrate minority stress and marital advantage perspectives to assess marital status differences in transgender-related perceived discrimination among transgender people in multiple life domains: the workplace, family, health care, and public accommodations. They analyze one of the first and most comprehensive large-scale samples of transgender people in the United States (N = 4,286), the National Transgender Discrimination Survey. They find that married transgender respondents tend to report lower levels of perceived discrimination than their cohabiting and previously married transgender counterparts. Married transgender respondents do not, however, report lower levels of perceived discrimination than their never married counterparts, once all covariates are accounted for. These marital status differences appear primarily among transwomen but not transmen. Economic resources account for some, but not all, of these differences.
Independent functions of DNMT1 and USP7 at replication foci

It has been reported that USP7 (ubiquitin-specific protease 7) prevents ubiquitylation and degradation of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) by direct binding of USP7 to the glycine-lysine (GK) repeats that join the N-terminal regulatory domain of DNMT1 to the C-terminal methyltransferase domain. The USP7-DNMT1 interaction was reported to be mediated by acetylation of lysine residues within the (GK) repeats. We found that DNMT1 is present at normal levels in mouse and human cells that contain undetectable levels of USP7. Substitution of the (GK) repeats by (GQ) repeats prevents lysine acetylation but does not affect the stability of DNMT1 or the ability of the mutant protein to restore genomic methylation levels when expressed in Dnmt1-null ES cells. Furthermore, both USP7 and PCNA are recruited to sites of DNA replication independently of the presence of DNMT1, and there is no evidence that DNMT1 is degraded in cycling cells after S phase. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that homeostasis of DNMT1 in somatic cells is controlled primarily at the level of transcription and that interaction of USP7 with the (GK) repeats of DNMT1 is unlikely to play a major role in the stabilization of DNMT1 protein.
Computational analysis of ribonomics datasets identifies long non-coding RNA targets of γ-herpesviral miRNAs

Ribonomics experiments involving crosslinking and immuno-precipitation (CLIP) of Ago proteins have expanded the understanding of the miRNA targetome of several organisms. These techniques, collectively referred to as CLIP-seq, have been applied to identifying the mRNA targets of miRNAs expressed by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). However, these studies focused on identifying only those RNA targets of KSHV and EBV miRNAs that are known to encode proteins. Recent studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are also targeted by miRNAs. In this study, we performed a systematic re-analysis of published datasets from KSHV- and EBV-driven cancers. We used CLIP-seq data from lymphoma cells or EBV-transformed B cells, and a crosslinking, ligation and sequencing of hybrids dataset from KSHV-infected endothelial cells, to identify novel lncRNA targets of viral miRNAs. Here, we catalog the lncRNA targetome of KSHV and EBV miRNAs, and provide a detailed in silico analysis of lncRNA-miRNA binding interactions. Viral miRNAs target several hundred lncRNAs, including a subset previously shown to be aberrantly expressed in human malignancies. In addition, we identified thousands of lncRNAs to be putative targets of human miRNAs, suggesting that miRNA-lncRNA interactions broadly contribute to the regulation of gene expression.
Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) as a pretreatment intervention for adolescents with anorexia nervosa during medical hospitalization: a pilot randomized controlled trial protocol

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by low body weight, fear of weight gain/becoming fat and/or behavior that interferes with weight gain, and body disturbance. Though there have been recent advances in the treatment of AN, there continues to be an urgent need to increase treatment options. Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) has been successfully used as an adjunctive treatment for individuals with AN. In this study, we pilot the use of CRT plus an innovative parent involvement component as a pre-treatment intervention on a medical unit. We hypothesize that adding CRT with parent involvement to a standard hospital stay is feasible, acceptable by patients and staff, and may improve treatment outcomes post-hospitalization. This is a pilot randomized controlled trial with three arms. Participants are adolescents aged 12–18 with AN; 60 participants will be included. They are randomized into one of three groups: treatment as usual (TAU, standard care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia), CRT + contact control (known as “Family Fun Time”), and CRT + Teach the Parent. Intervention will occur on an inpatient basis. Follow-up will be outpatient and will continue until 6 months post-discharge. Psychosocial, neurocognitive, and behavioral measures will be collected throughout the study, and group differences will be evaluated at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-discharge. The study will take place at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This pilot randomized controlled trial will inform feasibility of the integration of a pre-treatment intervention into a medical hospital stay for AN. We will assess recruitment procedures, treatment administration, and participant retention. Finally, a comprehensive assessment battery will be evaluated. Secondary goals are to conduct a preliminary evaluation of whether or not CRT with parent involvement increases rate of weight gain and treatment engagement and decreases parental accommodation of symptoms post-discharge. If successful, this pilot study will inform a larger controlled trial fully powered to examine the secondary goals. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02883413
Prevention of Postoperative Sternal Dehiscence in Obese Patients

A prophylactic reinforcement closure as shown must be applied to overweight patients with BMI over 30 to prevent sternal wound dehiscence.
Protein S-thiolation in cultured hepatocytes and human neutrophils

72 INTRODUCTION 74 MATERIALS AND METHODS 77 RESULTS 83 DISCUSSION 108 REFERENCES 114 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 117 REFERENCES 120 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 126
Eigenvalue Specification Using Feedback for a Class of Infinite Dimensional Control Systems

In this paper we discuss the use of control canonical forms to help construct feedback controls solving the eigenvalue specification problem for a class of infinite dimensional linear control systems.
Reducing Transformer Oil Leakages in Projects

This paper discusses a study conducted on historical transformer oil leakages reported during projects at a major Oil Company. The objective was to identify means of reducing oil leak incidents and thereby reducing its impact to company projects and operations. The study involved review of all data reported over a 10-year period relating to transformer deficiencies during the electrical equipment manufacturing phase of many projects. All contributing factors to this problem were investigated and analyzed including the effectiveness of Source Inspection and testing requirements during the Manufacturing Stage of the transformers. The study revealed some identified risk inspection areas that need more attention during the manufacturing of transformers which may lead to oil leakages if not properly verified and successfully inspected. Examples of risk areas include the visual inspection of welds, and liquid penetrant testing prior to leak test.
Referral patterns and attrition rate for germline testing in pancreatic cancer (PC) patients.

1591Background: Hereditary predisposition is estimated to account for 10% of all PC cases. Identification of pathogenic germline mutations can inform not only screening recommendations for family m...
Self-supervised Learning of Image Embedding for Continuous Control.

Operating directly from raw high dimensional sensory inputs like images is still a challenge for robotic control. Recently, Reinforcement Learning methods have been proposed to solve specific tasks end-to-end, from pixels to torques. However, these approaches assume the access to a specified reward which may require specialized instrumentation of the environment. Furthermore, the obtained policy and representations tend to be task specific and may not transfer well. In this work we investigate completely self-supervised learning of a general image embedding and control primitives, based on finding the shortest time to reach any state. We also introduce a new structure for the state-action value function that builds a connection between model-free and model-based methods, and improves the performance of the learning algorithm. We experimentally demonstrate these findings in three simulated robotic tasks.
Abstract WP131: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and cAMP Desensitize Neuronal Cells to Nogo-A by Inducing Endocytosis of Nogo-A Receptor NgR1

Several axonal growth inhibitors, such as Nogo-A, block functional recovery after neuronal injuries such as stroke. Nogo-A binds to the receptor NgR1, which also serves as a common receptor for a v...
Transition from pediatric to adult care in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes: a blueprint for effective receivership

For adolescents and emerging adults, the transition from pediatrics to adult care is fraught with challenges both inside and outside the clinical arena, including assuming independent care for diabetes, working with new adult providers, and overcoming concomitant psychosocial issues, while maintaining work/school-life balance. Not surprisingly, glycemic control in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes is amongst the worst in all age groups. Thus, new and comprehensive strategies are needed by both pediatric and adult diabetes care teams to support young adults during the transition to adult care. In this review, we focus on challenges during the transition period and provide evidence-based recommendations for a receivership model to assist adult diabetes care teams in addressing these concerns. By coordinating efforts with pediatrics providers, identifying strengths and deficiencies in self-care, establishing rapport with young adult patients, directly addressing prevalent psychosocial concerns, and developing a team-based approach to keep patients engaged, adult care teams can prioritize support for the most vulnerable transition patients. Improved strategies to propel emerging adult patients through the transition period towards habits leading to optimal glycemic control could have a major long-term impact on preventing diabetes-related complications.
Workload Changes in Teenaged Drivers Driving with Distractions

Workload refers to the amount of cognitive resources necessary to perform a task, and it can be manipulated by incorporating secondary tasks into a primary task such as driving. The present study incorporated answering a phone and removing a plastic bottle top into a driving task for teen drivers. Results showed few performance differences between driving with and without distractions, although subjective workload did increase for the drive that included distractions compared to the non-distraction drive. This indicates that teens may be able to maintain driving performance while performing secondary tasks, although their workload appears to increase.
Robust Influence Modeling under Structural and Parametric Uncertainty: An Afghan Counternarcotics Use Case

Abstract An entity often seeks to influence the decisions of others in a system. This dynamic is apparent in a variety of settings including criminal justice, environmental regulation, and marketing applications. However, the central task of the influencing entity is confounded by uncertainty regarding their understanding of the structure and/or parameters of the decisions being made. The research herein sets forth a decision support methodology to identify robust influence strategies under such uncertain conditions. Furthermore, the utility of this framework and its proper parameterization are illustrated via an application to the contemporary, global problem of the Afghan opium trade. Utilizing open source data, we demonstrate how counternarcotic policy can be informed using a quantitative analysis that embraces both the bounded rationality of the economy's decisionmakers and the government's uncertainty regarding the degree of their deviation from perfect rationality. In this manner, we provide a new framework with which robust influence decisions can be identified under realistic information conditions, and we discuss how it can be used to inform real-world policy.
GABAA receptor currents in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in females: influence of ovarian cycle and 5α-reductase inhibition.

Results show that GABAergic signaling in dorsal vagal motor neurons (DMV) demonstrates sex differences and fluctuates across the ovarian cycle in females. These findings are the first to demonstrat...
Acetaminophen induced methemoglobinemia.

To the Editor,We read with interest the recent article by Rianprakaisang et al. and have the following additional comments and questions regarding acetaminophen-induced methemoglobinemia [1].As men...
Towards High Throughput Wireless Network with Directional Antenna

In indoor areas such as homes and offices, high throughput communication for multiple devices is quickly becoming a necessity. Even though an access point (AP) mounted with an omni-directional antenna can cover a whole room, it cannot provide connections with high throughput throughout the room. Therefore, we propose, \emph DiRF, a directional antenna based wireless home network designed to achieve high throughput in indoor areas with densely deployed directional APs. \emph DiRF consists of a position based AP selection algorithm which can decrease latency accumulation caused by frequent AP switching, and a downlink packet scheduler which can reduce the downlink packet retransmissions during AP switching. We implement and evaluate \emph DiRF with six commercial APs, each connects with a single directional antenna. Our experiments show that \emph DiRF achieves a $3.16\times$ TCP throughput improvement, compared to the conventional scheme that only uses one AP mounted with one omni-directional antenna.
Investigation of LCM soaking process on fracture plugging for fluid loss remediation and formation damage control

Abstract When drilling through naturally fractured reservoirs, the remediation of drill-in fluid loss needs to be designed by taking both fracture plugging and formation damage into account. Lost circulation materials (LCMs) should be implemented efficiently to minimize the solid-laden fluid invasion into the fractures during the development of fracture plugs. This study investigated the effects of three LCM deployment factors: injection rate, soaking time, and soaking pressure, on the total fluid invasion volume and plug breaking pressure. Full factorial experimental design and statistical analysis were conducted to study the statistical significance of each factor. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Micro Computed Tomography (MicroCT) were applied to visualize the plug structures for the understanding of the soaking effects. Different combinations of LCMs were tested in a permeability plugging apparatus with a slotted disk. For granular LCM mixtures, the soaking pressure and time did not have a significant impact on total fluid invasion volume or ultimate plug breaking pressure. For mixtures blended with fibrous LCMs, longer soaking time contributed to reducing fluid loss and increasing plug breaking pressure. A lower LCM pill injection rate led to less fluid invasion upon the establishment of an effective seal. The SEM and MicroCT images indicated that a longer soaking time could lead to a less porous and strengthened plug structure. The results and conclusions from this study provide new insights into the identification of optimal LCM implementation scheme with better formation damage control.
Epilogue: What Does the Global Future Hold?

The authors provide a retrospective review of macro-level trends and identify the preeminence of entrepreneurial drive for economic growth in the twenty-first century. Entrepreneurship is more universal, more inclusive, more egalitarian, more innovative, and more future positive than capitalism. It is the great equalizer that gives back and helps us realize human potential. In many ways, it is a nation’s true competitive advantage. The authors reiterate the underlying principles and summarize the key takeaways from the Global Rule of Three. Entertainment, trucking, retail, automotive, insurance, and financial services will all see more turbulence over the next decade than they have seen over the last 30 or in some cases even 100 years. However, mega-trends prevail no matter the turbulence, and governing dynamics of such as the Five Forces and the Global Rule of Three persist and overcome the test of time. In the aggregate analysis, the growth story of the first third of the twenty-first century will belong to China, second third to India, and the final stretch will belong to Africa.
Recovery from disorders of consciousness: mechanisms, prognosis and emerging therapies.

Substantial progress has been made over the past two decades in detecting, predicting and promoting recovery of consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) caused by severe brain injuries. Advanced neuroimaging and electrophysiological techniques have revealed new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying recovery of consciousness and have enabled the identification of preserved brain networks in patients who seem unresponsive, thus raising hope for more accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Emerging evidence suggests that covert consciousness, or cognitive motor dissociation (CMD), is present in up to 15–20% of patients with DoC and that detection of CMD in the intensive care unit can predict functional recovery at 1 year post injury. Although fundamental questions remain about which patients with DoC have the potential for recovery, novel pharmacological and electrophysiological therapies have shown the potential to reactivate injured neural networks and promote re-emergence of consciousness. In this Review, we focus on mechanisms of recovery from DoC in the acute and subacute-to-chronic stages, and we discuss recent progress in detecting and predicting recovery of consciousness. We also describe the developments in pharmacological and electrophysiological therapies that are creating new opportunities to improve the lives of patients with DoC. In this Review, the authors discuss recent progress in the detection and prediction of recovery of consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness caused by severe brain injuries. They describe the ongoing development of pharmacological and electrophysiological therapies designed to enhance recovery.
To what degree is late life cognitive decline driven by age-related neuropathologies?

The ageing brain is vulnerable to a wide array of neuropathologies. Prior work estimated that the three most studied of these, Alzheimer's disease, infarcts, and Lewy bodies, account for ∼40% of the variation in late life cognitive decline. However, that estimate did not incorporate many other diseases that are now recognized as potent drivers of cognitive decline [e.g. limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE-NC), hippocampal sclerosis, other cerebrovascular conditions]. We examined the degree to which person-specific cognitive decline in old age is driven by a wide array of neuropathologies. Deceased participants (n = 1164) from two longitudinal clinical-pathological studies, the Rush Memory and Aging Project and Religious Orders Study, completed up to 24 annual evaluations including 17 cognitive performance tests and underwent brain autopsy. Neuropathological examinations provided 11 pathological indices, including markers of Alzheimer's disease, non- Alzheimer's disease neurodegenerative diseases (i.e. LATE-NC, hippocampal sclerosis, Lewy bodies), and cerebrovascular conditions (i.e. macroscopic infarcts, microinfarcts, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, atherosclerosis, and arteriolosclerosis). Mixed effects models examined the linear relation of pathological indices with global cognitive decline, and random change point models examined the relation of the pathological indices with the onset of terminal decline and rates of preterminal and terminal decline. Cognition declined an average of about 0.10 unit per year (estimate = -0.101, SE = 0.003, P < 0.001) with considerable heterogeneity in rates of decline (variance estimate for the person-specific slope of decline was 0.0094, P < 0.001). When considered separately, 10 of 11 pathological indices were associated with faster decline and accounted for between 2% and 34% of the variation in decline, respectively. When considered simultaneously, the 11 pathological indices together accounted for 43% of the variation in decline; Alzheimer's disease-related indices accounted for 30-36% of the variation, non-Alzheimer's disease neurodegenerative indices 4-10%, and cerebrovascular indices 3-8%. Finally, the 11 pathological indices combined accounted for less than a third of the variation in the onset of terminal decline (28%) and rates of preterminal (32%) and terminal decline (19%). Although age-related neuropathologies account for a large proportion of the variation in late life cognitive decline, considerable variation remains unexplained even after considering a wide array of neuropathologies. These findings highlight the complexity of cognitive ageing and have important implications for the ongoing effort to develop effective therapeutics and identify novel treatment targets.
Towards “Radical Contemporaneity” in African Art History

(2008). Towards “Radical Contemporaneity” in African Art History. Critical Interventions: Vol. 2, Interrogating African Modernity, pp. 78-99.
Bedload transport over run-of-river dams, Delaware, U.S.A.

Abstract We document the detailed morphology and bed sediment size distribution of a stream channel upstream and downstream of a 200-year-old run-of-river dam on the Red Clay Creek, a fifth order stream in the Piedmont of northern Delaware, and combine these data with HEC-RAS modeling and bedload transport computations. We hypothesize that coarse bed material can be carried through run-of-river impoundments before they completely fill with sediment, and we explore mechanisms to facilitate this transport. Only 25% of the accommodation space in our study site is filled with sediment, and maximum water depths are approximately equal to the dam height. All grain-size fractions present upstream of the impoundment are also present throughout the impoundment. A characteristic coarse-grained sloping ramp leads from the floor of the impoundment to the crest of the dam. A 2.3-m-deep plunge pool has been excavated below the dam, followed immediately downstream by a mid-channel bar composed of coarse bed material similar in size distribution to the bed material of the impoundment. The mid-channel bar stores 1472 m3 of sediment, exceeding the volume excavated from the plunge pool by a factor of 2.8. These field observations are typical of five other sites nearby and suggest that all bed material grain-size fractions supplied from upstream can be transported through the impoundment, up the sloping ramp, and over the top of the dam. Sediment transport computations suggest that all grain sizes are in transport upstream and within the impoundment at all discharges with return periods from 1 to 50 years. Our computations suggest that transport of coarse bed material through the impoundment is facilitated by its smooth, sandy bed. Model results suggest that the impoundment is currently aggrading at 0.26 m/year, but bed elevations may be recovering after recent scour from a series of large floods during water year 2011–2012. We propose that impoundments upstream of these run-of-river dams behave as long pools that adjust their bed elevation and texture to transport the load supplied by the watershed, rather than as impounded reservoirs with little bed material transport capacity. Scour may only occur during episodic high flows, followed by aggradation during periods of low flow.
Weight-loss outcomes of SPIDER(®) sleeve gastrectomy at 6 months compared to traditional laparoscopic technique.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has become a primary stand-alone procedure for weight-loss surgery. The standard technique for LSG involves several small abdominal incisions. The single port instrument delivery extended reach (SPIDER®) surgical system has been introduced as a single site modality. This technique has been described previously; however, weight-loss outcomes of SPIDER® sleeve gastrectomy have not been compared to multi-port LSG. We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database. All cases were performed by a single surgeon between August 2011 and September 2013. Thirty-two patients underwent SPIDER® sleeve gastrectomy, while 30 underwent LSG. Primary outcomes were change in BMI and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 6 months post-operatively. Secondary outcomes included: operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and complications. There were no demographic differences between cohorts except initial BMI (SPIDER® = 42.1, LSG = 46.5, p < 0.001). Mean %EWL at 6 months post-operatively was higher in the SPIDER® cohort (59.1 vs. 48.3 %, p < 0.005). Similarly there was a lower mean BMI at 6 months post-operatively in the SPIDER® cohort (31.1 vs. 35.5, p < 0.0001). The net change in BMI for each cohort was equivalent (SPIDER® = 11.1, LSG = 11.0, p = 0.95). Mean operative time was longer in SPIDER® cases (104.6 vs. 90.7 min, p < 0.02), while EBL was equivalent (32.1 vs. 34.3 mL, p = 0.56). There was one post-operative hemorrhage requiring laparoscopic clot evacuation in the SPIDER® cohort, and one wound infection in the LSG cohort. SPIDER® sleeve gastrectomy is not inferior to LSG with regard to decrease in BMI and %EWL at 6-months post-operatively. The higher %EWL observed in the SPIDER® cohort is likely due to patient selection bias. This study demonstrates that the SPIDER® technique is a viable alternative to LSG with similar weight-loss outcomes.
Real-world ballistics: A dropped bucket

I discuss an apparently simple ballistics problem: the time it takes an object to fall a small vertical distance near the surface of the Earth. It turns out to be not so simple; I spend a great deal of time on the quantitative assessment of the assumptions involved, especially with regards to the influence of the air. The point is \emph{not} to solve the problem; indeed I don't even end up solving the problem exactly. I introduce dimensional analysis to perform all of the calculations approximately. The principal theme of the lecture is that \emph{real} physics can be very different from ``textbook'' physics, since in the real world you aren't ever told what equations are appropriate, or why.
Control of Epileptic Seizures: Models of Chaotic Oscillator Networks

In an effort to understand basic functional mechanisms that can produce epileptic seizures, and strategies for seizure suppression and control, we discuss some key features of theoretical models of networks of coupled chaotic oscillators that produce seizure-like events and bear striking similarities to dynamics of epileptic seizures. We show that a plausible cause of seizures is a pathological feedback in the brain circuitry. These results have interesting physical interpretation and implications for treatment of epilepsy. They also have close ties with a variety of recent practical observations in the human and animal epileptic brain, and with theories from adaptive systems, optimization, and chaos.
Transforming circumnavigating Kelvin waves that initiate and dissipate the Madden–Julian Oscillation

Analyses of Lagrangian model simulations and atmospheric sonde data reveal a key component of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO): circumnavigating equatorial Kelvin waves with dynamics that transform between dry and moist, which initiate and dissipate MJO convection. The same compositing procedure is applied to simulated and observed MJOs, which uses a coordinate system that moves with the precipitation centre, and treats developing, mature and dissipating stages separately. MJO structure and evolution are similar in the simulation and the observations. To the west of the developing convection, there is a broad region of low-level (upper-level) perturbation westerlies (easterlies), which is accompanied by a deep negative temperature perturbation. As this feature enters the MJO-formation region, convection intensifies on its eastern edge, and the zonal wind perturbations decrease in zonal extent and propagation speed. This process is shown to be a dynamical consequence of a largely dry, first baroclinic Kelvin wave entering a region where large-scale upward motion is mostly balanced by convective heating. As the MJO matures, a Kelvin wave of opposite sign emerges from its eastern edge, and makes the opposite transition (from moist to dry). The resulting wave, which includes low-level (upper-level) easterlies (westerlies) and a deep positive temperature perturbation, rapidly propagates around the world and dissipates MJO convection. The Kelvin wave that initiates MJO convection is shown to originate from the inactive phase of a previous MJO, so that the complete MJO cycle is characterized by the two kinds of Kelvin waves emerging from active and suppressed phases of MJO convection, circumnavigating the Tropics, and triggering the opposite phase.
Aneurysmal dilatation of the inferior vena cava.

Aim: Inferior vena cava aneurysms (IVCA) are rare, unlike aortic aneurysms. The diagnosis and treatment is challenging. This study defines clinical and echocardiographic findings in a prospective cohort of sixteen patients with fusiform IVCA. Methods and Results: All patients referred to the Mayo Clinic between January 2006 and July 2009 for a clinically indicated echocardiogram (36,128 patients) were screened for a dilated IVC. Sixteen cases of fusiform IVCA were identified. Eleven cases (68.8%) were female. Mean age at presentation was 76 years (range 51–89). Eleven (68.8%) had structural heart disease: with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in 45.5% (n = 5), moderate or greater tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was seen in 36.4% (n = 4) and RV enlargement was seen in 18.2% (n = 2). The most common clinical indication for echocardiography was dyspnea (25%; n = 4) and heart failure (18.8%; n = 3). The mean IVCA diameter was 4.1 cm (range 3.8–5 cm) and the mean length of the aneurysms was 6.2 cm (range 3.5–8.7 cm), with mean right ventricular systolic pressure of 55 mmHg (range 31–105 mmHg). Five (31.3%) had at least a moderate reduction in right ventricular ejection fraction and five (31.3%) had significant TR. Among these five patients with significant TR, severe TR was present in 80%; (n = 4) and moderate to severe TR was present in 20%; (n = 1). Conclusions: IVC aneurysms are more common in the elderly, and is associated with an increase in right sided heart pressures, significant TR, and RV dysfunction. (Echocardiography 2011;28:833-842)
A method of determining the atmospheric sodium concentration from twilight observations

Abstract Simple formulae are given for computing the simultaneous amount of sodium in the twilight and the daytime sky from one set of observations of the D 1 and D 2 line intensities in twilight. The formulae are derived from an approximate solution of the transfer equation for a plane parallel atmosphare and conservative isotropic scattering. Ths accuracy of the formulae are compared with results obtained by calculating the sodium twilight emission rate using Chandrasekhar's X and Y functions for the same problem and taking into account the overlapping of ths hyperfine Unes composing the two sodium lines. For reasonable optical depths of the sodium the simple formulae agree with the more sophisticated calculations within about 5 per cent, i.e. well within the accuracy of the present technique of measuring airglow line intensities. The formulas are therefore suited to an easy and sufficiently accurate reduction of twilight sodium data.
THE POLLS—A REPORT SECURITY AND POLITICAL ATTITUDES IN ISRAEL 1986–1991

It is a truism that Israeli public life has been characterized for the past 2 decades by a near-even split between a more militant and a more conciliatory stand on the political and security issues related to the territories under Israel's control since the 1967 Six Days War (Shamir 1986; Yishai 1987). But it is equally true that support for the more dovish positions has been growing over the past years (see Arian et al. 1988; Arian 1989). The Gulf War furthered this creeping conciliation. In the period studied (see App.), the Israeli public saw the possibility for peace (or the absence of war) grow as the years went by (see table 1 and fig. 1). If peace was increasingly possible, it was not because the perception of the aspirations of the Arabs moderated. The samples were asked about the aspirations of the Arabs toward Israel; in 1991, half the sample said they thought that ultimately the Arabs wanted to destroy Israel and kill the Jews (see table 2). Yet, when forced to choose between initiating peace talks and strengthening military capacity (table 3), 74 percent in 1991 chose peace talks.
Diminished Reproductive Performance and Selected Toxicants in Forages and Grains

This article discusses reproductive toxicants as the potential, primary causes of observed reproductive abnormalities and other variables that can affect reproductive performance in ruminants. The causes of diminished reproductive performance in ruminants are often multifactorial. It is critical that producers and their veterinarians understand the potential effects of physiologic and genetic predispositions and nutritional, environmental, infectious, and toxic stressors, as well as interactions involving management. The recognition and prevention of the adverse reproductive effects of these enzootic toxic stressors are essential for optimal ruminant reproductive performance and profitability of a ruminant production system.
Properties of a highly purified mitochondrial deoxyguanosine kinase

Abstract Deoxyguanosine kinase, purified over 6000-fold from beef liver mitochondria by means of deoxyguanosine-3′-(4-aminophenyl phosphate)-Sepharose affinity chromatography, was nearly homogeneous. It phosphorylates only deoxyguanosine and deoxyinosine among the natural nucleosides, with apparent K m values of 4.7 and 21 μ m , respectively. Among nucleoside analogs tested, only arabinosylguanine ( K i = 125 μ M) and 8-aza-deoxyguanosine ( K i , = 450 μ M) competed with deoxyguanosine. The relative molecular mass of the enzyme is 56,000, as determined by equilibrium sedimentation, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis suggests two subunits of M r 28,000. The pH optimum for enzyme activity is 5.5, but optimum enzyme stability is seen at pH 7.0. Triton X-100 increased the stability of the enzyme markedly. ATP is the best phosphate donor at pH 5.5, but pyrimidine triphosphates such as dTTP and UTP are more efficient donors at pH 7.4. The activation energy, at pH 5.5, was estimated to be 10.9 kcal/mol. Amino acid modification experiments suggest the involvement of arginine, cysteine, and probably histidine. The inactivation of the enzyme by modification of these amino acid residues was time and pH dependent. Both substrates protected the enzyme from inactivation in every case but that of photooxidation by Rose Bengal, where only deoxyguanosine prevented inactivation.
Saving death: apoptosis for intervention in transplantation and autoimmunity.

Long considered immunologically “bland,” apoptotic cells are now recognized as important modulators of immune responses. The role of apoptosis in immunological homeostasis has been inferred from several findings, for example, induction of tolerance after injection of apoptotic cells and the capacity of APCs like macrophages and DCs to induce and maintain tolerance after phagocytosis of dead cells. Processing of apoptotic cells by DCs is of particular interest, because DCs are the only known APCs capable of activating nao¨ve T lymphocytes to become effector or regulatory cells. In that regard, recent evidence suggests that phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by DCs can induce Tregs, a finding that has significant implications for the treatment of a variety of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. Here, we review the relationship between apoptotic cells, DCs, and Tregs, and its impact on prevention of transplant rejection and treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Algorithms for three-dimensional chemical analysis via multi-energy synchrotron X-ray tomography

Abstract The conversion of X-ray tomography images into three-dimensional chemical composition requires accurate mass absorption values, high-quality images, and a robust fitting algorithm. The least-squares fits of the images to a three-dimensional chemical composition can proceed with several different options such as minimal vs. over-determined and/or constrained parameters. This project has investigated the impact of XAFS features and a limited CCD dynamic range. These simulated results are compared to a recent experimental project in which synchrotron X-ray tomography was used to image a polymer blend, and from those images, calculated three-dimensional chemical composition maps of the two-component flame retardant, a brominated phthalimide dimer, Saytex ™ BT-93 and a synergist, antimony(III) oxide (Sb 2 O 3 ).
Rural electrification: Sources for the south and west

Abstract Sources on rural electrification are voluminous and diverse. The principal sources showing the significant political and economic origins of the REA are found in private collections, university libraries and the National Archives.
Dynamic cardiomyoplasty: at the crossroads

Abstract Background . Dynamic cardiomyoplasty remains a promising, but still unproven surgical treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure. Lack of a clear survival advantage and ongoing misunderstanding of its mechanism of action have hindered its acceptance as a treatment alternative for patients with end-stage heart failure. This review seeks to update current clinical results and practice of dynamic cardiomyoplasty and to present its likely mechanism of action. Methods . The method involved a literature review. Results . More than 600 patients have undergone dynamic cardioplasty since 1985. Improvement in average New York Heart Association class was noted in 80% to 85% of hospital survivors. Operative mortality has decreased from 31% in Phase I to less than 3% in the ongoing Phase III trial. Clinical work as well as recent animal work supports the hypothesis that through a combination of long-term elastic constraint and active dynamic assist, dynamic cardiomyoplasty decreases myocardial wall stress associated with the remodeling process of progressive heart failure. Conclusions . Though dynamic cardiomyoplasty can be shown to limit the remodeling process of heart failure in animal studies and some patients, its ultimate role in the treatment of heart failure will depend on the outcome of randomized, controlled studies.
Exercise Nutrition for Adults Older Than 40 Years

In general, nutrient needs do not change much for older individuals who exercise regularly yet moderately for the purposes of chronic disease risk reduction. Overall diets should reflect those recommended by such authorities as the American Dietetic, Heart, and Diabetes Associations, with special attention to ensuring ample protein and antioxidant intakes. Proper timing and amounts of nutrients consumed before physical activity should be practiced, to ensure adequate fueling while minimizing gastrointestinal discomfort. Consuming energy during activities lasting less than 90 minutes is unnecessary if the individual is well fueled before starting. After exercise, consuming a blend of carbohydrate and protein is often advocated for glycogen resynthesis and muscle protein repair, but the importance of this for those not engaging in regular vigorous activity remains to be clarified. Adequate hydration is critical to physical performance and health during exercise, particularly in the heat. Because thirst migh...
‘The Stone in the Air’: Paul Celan's other Terrain

Literary writing has operated as a space of inquiry unsettling the literal and figurative ground on which thinking takes place. From Holderlin's invocations to the ether, to Walter Benjamin's characterization of Baudelaire's poetry as unfathomable, a certain tradition of writing, particularly in German letters, takes shape around a critique of gravity. Against the background of a geopoetics, I propose to turn to the question of an inconstant and inconsistent ground in Paul Celan's ‘geological lyric’ by explicating the relationship in his writing between the earth and its unthought other: air. This reading has as its object of inquiry what I am calling Celan's aerography, which is doubly articulated in the turn to aerial space in his poetry and in his articulation of the work of air in those terrestrial landscapes formed and deformed by aeolian processes. I argue that the radically dissipative geographies evoked in his poems could extend critical geographic inquiry into a multiple and turbulent materiality...
X-ray emission from an Ap star /Phi Herculis/ and a late B star /Pi Ceti/

Using the HEAO 1 soft X-ray sky survey, a search was conducted for X-ray emission from 18 stars in the spectral range B5-A7. The detection of 0.25 keV X-ray sources consistent with the positions of Pi Ceti, a normal B7 V star, and Phi Herculis, a classic Ap star was reported. The detection of these stars argues for large mass motions in the upper layers of stars in this spectral range, and argues against radiative diffusion as the source of abundance anomalies in Ap stars.
Nonlinear Effects of Inflation on Economic Growth

This paper examines the possibility of nonlinear effects of inflation on economic growth. It finds evidence of a significant structural break in the function that relates economic growth to inflation. The break is estimated to occur when the inflation rate is 8 percent. Below that rate, inflation does not have any effect on growth, or it may even have a slightly positive effect. When the inflation rate is above 8 percent, however, the estimated effect of inflation on growth rates is significant, robust, and extremely powerful. The paper also demonstrates that when the existence of the structural break is ignored, the estimated effect of inflation on growth is biased by a factor of three.
Biodegradation of chlorferon and diethylthiophosphate by consortia enriched from waste cattle dip solution.

Abstract Chlorferon and diethylthiophosphate (DETP) are the hydrolysis products of coumaphos, an organophosphate pesticide. In this research, two consortia of bacterial cultures, one responsible for degrading chlorferon and the other for degrading DETP, were selectively enriched from waste cattle dip solution. The enriched cultures were used as inocula to grow biomass for biodegradation studies. For chlorferon degradation, the optimum biomass concentration was found to be 80 g/L, and pH 7.5 was selected as the optimal operating pH. Chlorferon degradation was characterized by substrate inhibition kinetics with parameter values estimated to be V m = 0.062 ± 0.011 mg/(g-biomass) h, K m = 21 ± 7 mg/L, and K Si = 118 ± 45 mg/L. For DETP degradation, the optimum biomass concentration was found to be 60 g/L, and the optimum pH was in the range of 7.5–8. DETP degradation was characterized by Michaelis–Menten kinetics with parameter values estimated to be V m = 1.52 ± 0.10 mg/(g-biomass) h and K m = 610 ± 106 mg/L.
Balancing Employee Rights and Responsibilities in Sexual Harassment Cases Following Faragher and Ellerth: An Employer’s Perspective

In 1998, the United States Supreme Court issued two opinions that delicately balanced the responsibilities of employers and employees in fulfilling Title VII’s goal of eliminating discrimination in the workplace. Those two opinions—Faragher v. City of Boca Raton and Burlington Industries,Inc. v. Ellerth—require employers to implement measures to prevent harm to their employees, but also require employees to take advantage of those measures to avoid harm. Numerous articles have evaluated the responsibilities of the employer under Faragher and Ellerth. But little, ifany, emphasis has been placed on the responsibilities of the employee. This article evaluates the role of the employee in avoiding harm and, analyzing recent decisions from the Second and Third Circuits, argues that the employee’s responsibilities shouldplay an integral part in evaluating sexual harassment liability.
The specialty of administration

The administration of dental schools is a specialized task. Much, however, can be learned through formal education and experience. Administrators of dental schools should become specialists in administration. Those with potential administrative talent should be encouraged to develop their skill through education and experience in a secondary administrative role.
Purinergic receptors and gastrointestinal secretomotor function.

Secretomotor reflexes in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are important in the lubrication and movement of digested products, absorption of nutrients, or the diarrhea that occurs in diseases to flush out unwanted microbes. Mechanical or chemical stimulation of mucosal sensory enterochromaffin (EC) cells triggers release of serotonin (5-HT) (among other mediators) and initiates local reflexes by activating intrinsic primary afferent neurons of the submucous plexus. Signals are conveyed to interneurons or secretomotor neurons to stimulate chloride and fluid secretion. Inputs from myenteric neurons modulate secretory rates and reflexes, and special neural circuits exist to coordinate secretion with motility. Cellular components of secretomotor reflexes variably express purinergic receptors for adenosine (A1, A2a, A2b, or A3 receptors) or the nucleotides adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP), or uridine diphosphate (UDP) (P2X1-7, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y6, P2Y12 receptors). This review focuses on the emerging concepts in our understanding of purinergic regulation at these receptors, and in particular of mechanosensory reflexes. Purinergic inhibitory (A1, A3, P2Y12) or excitatory (A2, P2Y1) receptors modulate mechanosensitive 5-HT release. Excitatory (P2Y1, other P2Y, P2X) or inhibitory (A1, A3) receptors are involved in mechanically evoked secretory reflexes or “neurogenic diarrhea.” Distinct neural (pre- or postsynaptic) and non-neural distribution profiles of P2X2, P2X3, P2X5, P2Y1, P2Y2, P2Y4, P2Y6, or P2Y12 receptors, and for some their effects on neurotransmission, suggests their role in GI secretomotor function. Luminal A2b, P2Y2, P2Y4, and P2Y6 receptors are involved in fluid and Cl-, HCO3-, K+, or mucin secretion. Abnormal receptor expression in GI diseases may be of clinical relevance. Adenosine A2a or A3 receptors are emerging as therapeutic targets in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and gastroprotection; they can also prevent purinergic receptor abnormalities and diarrhea. Purines are emerging as fundamental regulators of enteric secretomotor reflexes in health and disease.