cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aspiration in the otherwise healthy Infant-Is there a natural course for improvement?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Timing and indication for surgical intervention is a major challenge in managing pediatric oropharyngeal dysphagia. No study has evaluated a natural course of swallowing dysfunction in otherwise healthy infants. Our objective was to review the outcomes and time to resolution of abnormal swallow in infants with aspiration. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series at a tertiary children's hospital. METHODS Fifty patients under 1 year old with aspiration on a modified barium swallow study were included. Patients born <34 weeks, with medical or genetic comorbidities, or who underwent surgical intervention for aspiration were excluded. Patients were followed until aspiration resolved on a swallow study. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. RESULTS Forty patients (25 patients [50%] by 6 months, 10 [20%] by 1 year, three [6%] by 2 years, and two [4%] at the end of the follow-up interval) were recommended a normal diet, and 10 patients (20%) were still aspirating by the end of the follow-up interval. Median time to resolution was 202 ± 7 days (range, 19-842 days), probability 48% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34-0.62). The probability of resolution at 6 months was 46% (95% CI: 0.4-0.68), at 1 year was 64% (95% CI: 0.51-0.77), at 2 years was 76% (95% CI: 0.64-0.88), and at the end of the follow-up interval 81.3% (95% CI: 0.7-0.92). CONCLUSIONS The majority of infants with aspiration and without any other major comorbidities improved within 1 year. Future research should be directed toward better understanding swallowing dysfunction in neurologically normal infants. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 130:514-520, 2020.
Neuropsychological Impairment in Candidates for Cardiac Transplantation

Several studies have considered the question of neurobehavioral impairment in patients with cardiac disease. In most cases these studies have focused on patients who were undergoing surgical intervention such as valve replacement (open heart) or coronary artery bypass procedures. To date there have been no studies of neuropsychological function in patients who undergo heart transplantation. This procedure is being performed more frequently due in large part to improvements in surgical technique and in prevention of complications (e.g. tissue rejection). In view of the increasing number of patients who are evaluated for this procedure, it was of interest to examine the possibility of neuropsychological impairment in a sample of patients who were candidates for cardiac transplantation. In view of the fact that the etiology and nature of cardiac pathology was somewhat different than in previously reported cardiac disease samples, the nature and extent of neuropsychological deficits may also be different.
Modeling Multivariate Time Series in Economics: From Auto-Regressions to Recurrent Neural Networks

The modeling of multivariate time series in an agnostic manner, without assumptions about underlying theoretical structure is traditionally conducted using Vector Auto-Regressions. They are well suited for linear and state-independent evolution. A more general methodology of Multivariate Recurrent Neural Networks allows to capture non-linear and state-dependent dynamics. This paper takes a range of small- to large-scale Long Short-Term Memory MRNNs and pits them against VARs in an application to US data on GDP growth, inflation, commodity prices, Fed Funds rate and bank reserves. Even in a small-sample regime, MRNN outperforms VAR in forecasting: its out-of-sample predictions are about 20% more accurate. MRNN also fares better in interpretability by means of impulse response functions: for instance, a shock to the Fed Funds rate variable generates system dynamics that are more plausible according to conventional economic theory. Additionally, the paper shows how, due to its inherent non-linearity, MRNN can discover (in an unsupervised manner) different macroeconomic regimes. Utilizing its state dependence, MRNN may also be a useful tool for policy simulations under practically relevant economic conditions (such as Zero Lower Bound).
Special Purpose Vehicle Dalam Tinjauan Hukum Dan Ekonomi (Special Purpose Vehicle in Law and Economics Perspective)

Artikel ini menganalisis keberadaan Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) dengan menggunakan pendekatan ilmu ekonomi terhadap hukum (atau dikenal sebagai pendekatan Hukum dan Ekonomi), khususnya terkait fungsi SPV dalam suatu grup perusahaan, tanggung jawab hukum atas perbuatan suatu SPV dan potensi penyalahgunaan keberadaan SPV untuk melakukan pelanggaran hukum. Dalam pandangan penulis, daripada memusatkan perhatian terhadap tanggung jawab grup perusahaan atas pelanggaran hukum oleh SPV (yang menimbulkan kerumitan yang tidak perlu), penegakan hukum terhadap SPV akan lebih efisien apabila dilakukan dengan jalan menyusun aturan yang dapat mencegah terjadinya kapitalisasi modal yang rendah dalam SPV (khususnya untuk bidang kegiatan usaha tertentu)”This paper (which will be published in the latest Journal of Indonesia Corruption Watch) analyses the existence of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) through the perspective of law and economics, specifically in relation to the function of SPVs within group of companies, legal liability relating to SPVs' business activities, and the SPVs' misuse potentials for conducting illegal activities. The author believes that for Indonesia case, rather than focusing our efforts in enforcing enterprise liability for SPV illegal actions via piercing the corporate veils doctrine, it would be more efficient if the government establishes new rules which will prevent various method of under-capitalization in SPVs (especially in certain business activities).
Visual Thinking Strategies: Exploring Artwork to Improve Output in the L2 Classroom.

The goal of this study was to elicit greater quantity and quality of output in speaking and writing from L2 Spanish students through Visual Thinking Strategies. Previous studies completed in the L1 classroom demonstrate that students exhibit gains when pairing whole-class discussion with writing, thus inspiring this present study. As such, thirty-two Spanish IV (intermediate) students in a rural high school in the United States participated in this study that lasted eight weeks. Control and experimental groups were established to rule out additional variables. Through Visual Thinking Strategies, students in the experimental group discussed authentic artwork on multiple occasions through a teacher-facilitated discussion, followed by individual writing about the piece of artwork. Results of the study showed statistically significant growth among the experimental group in writing through measures of word tokens, word types, word tokens per sentence, and clauses per sentence. Furthermore, very large effect sizes were present. Regarding speaking, data reflect that students in the experimental group greatly outperformed their counterparts in quantity of L2 production as well in words per utterance. These results suggest that Visual Thinking Strategies may be a worthwhile strategy to incorporate into the L2 classroom as way to facilitate students’ growth in these areas.
Radiocarbon dating the pace of monument construction and village aggregation at Garden Patch: A ceremonial center on the Florida Gulf Coast

Abstract On the Gulf coastal plain of the southern United States, the Middle Woodland period (ca. AD 100 to 500) witnessed the widespread growth of relatively large village communities. At the largest sites, earthen and/or shell mounds dot the perimeters of circular plazas defined by arcs of midden. The impetuses toward aggregation are still poorly understood, but the establishment of grand site plans through construction of monuments by initial occupants indicates that ritual practices seem to have been paramount. This article discusses results of 23 AMS assays from an equal number of discrete contexts at the Garden Patch site, a coastal multi-mound center with accompanying circular village and plaza. The dates, which are modeled using Bayesian statistics, enable an assessment of the full chronology of mound and village construction and occupation. Two Bayesian models are formulated: a four phase model that defines the total site occupation and a two phase model that assesses the specific timing and tempo of platform mound construction. Results indicate that following an initially small and isolated settlement next to the freshwater pond (Phase I), the organized site plan was made manifest quickly during the 4th century (Phase II). Over a period of no more than a few decades, structures were built at the future locations of mounds at opposite ends of the site and the circular village was constructed and occupied. The two investigated mounds were constructed sometime over the following 50 years, with the village and mound complex occupation persisting through the 6th century (Phase III). During Phase IV, another village was established de novo on the western edge of the site sometime during the 8th century. The later inhabitants seem to have entirely avoided the formerly occupied areas of the site but made use of the mounds for ceremonial purposes. This study corroborates the ritual associations of initial village aggregations in the region and the rapid creation and multi-century persistence of original site plans.
Paleontology and Geology of the Badwater Creek Area, Central Wyoming. Part 21. Natrona, a New Genus of Rodent, Family Sciuravidae (Mammalia)

A new small sciuravid rodent, Natrona natronensis, new genus and species, from Uintan and Duchesnean deposits in the Wagon Bed Formation at the Hendry Ranch locality in central Wyoming exhibits some morphological parallelism in the structure of its P4 to the M1 of the more derived cricetid rodents. Other occurrences of this new lineage may be from the Eocene of Trans-Pecos Texas and Lac Pelletier, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Feasibility Identification of an Optimal Power Flow Problem: Method and the Convergence Region

Because of its inherent nonlinear and non-convex natures, computation of the optimal power flow (OPF) problem remains difficult. When solving an OPF problem using a numerical method, if a divergence occurs, it is difficult to figure out whether it is because the numerical method fails to find the optimum or no feasible region exists for the imposed set of equalities and inequalities at all. In this paper, a trajectorybased method to identify the feasibility of an OPF problem is proposed. The method developed in this paper has been numerically verified using several OPF problems.
Therapeutic Phlebotomy for Testosterone-Induced Polycythemia.

Objectives To evaluate therapeutic phlebotomy (TP) requests for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and to highlight the impact to a blood center (BC) or service that provides TP for individuals on TRT. Methods Review of TP requests for individuals on TRT at our BC over a 3-year period from 2014 through 2016, as well as the total number of TP collections. Results Total TPs during 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 475, 500, and 569, respectively. Annual TP collections for patients on TRT were 193, 212, and 239, respectively. TRT patients with TP orders increased 71.4% during this period. After discontinuation of TP services for TRT at our BC, 32% continued to donate as volunteer blood donors at our BC. Conclusions Our BC observed increased TP requests for patients on TRT from 2014 through 2016. Our findings suggest that individuals on TRT may be presenting to BCs as volunteer blood donors to avoid charges for TP.
Serine protease inhibitor disrupts sperm motility leading to reduced fertility in female mice

Inhibition of the sperm transport process in the female reproductive tract could lead to infertility. We previously showed that a pan-serine protease inhibitor, 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride (AEBSF), blocked semen liquefaction in vivo and resulted in a drastic decrease in the number of sperm in the oviduct of female mice. In this study, we used a mouse model to test the efficacy of AEBSF as a reversible contraceptive, a sperm motility inhibitor, and a spermicide. Additionally, this study evaluated the toxicity of AEBSF on mouse vaginal tissues in vivo and human endocervical cells in vitro. We found that female mice treated with AEBSF had significantly less pups born per litter as well as fertilization rates in vivo compared to the vehicle control. We then showed that AEBSF reduced sperm motility and fertilization capability in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, AEBSF also exhibited spermicidal effects. Lastly, AEBSF treatment in female mice for 10 min or 3 consecutive days did not alter vaginal cell viability in vivo, similar to that of the vehicle and non-treated controls. However, AEBSF decreased cell viability of human ectocervical (ECT) cell line in vitro, suggesting that cells in the lower reproductive tract in mice and humans responded differently to AEBSF. In summary, our study showed that AEBSF can be used as a prototype compound for the further development of novel non-hormonal contraceptives for women by targeting sperm transport in the female reproductive tract.
Thirty Years of Innocence: Wrongful Convictions and Exonerations in the United States, 1989-2018

Systematic reporting of data about wrongful conviction cases in the United States typically begins with 1989, the year of the country’s first post-conviction, DNA-based exonerations. Year-end 2018 thus concludes a full thirty years of information and marks a propitious time to take stock. In this article, we provide an overview of known exonerations, innocence advocacy, and wrongful conviction-related policy reforms in the U.S. during these three decades. First, we provide a brief history of wrongful convictions in the U.S. before turning to the modern era of innocence. We describe the key sources of data pertaining to wrongful convictions and exonerations. Then, using case data from the National Registry of Exonerations, we offer a detailed analysis of national and state-by-state trends in exonerations, including annual totals, DNA- and non-DNA-exonerations, and capital case exonerations. Our examination includes factors corresponding to sources of error, state death-penalty status, and regional differences. We then discuss innocence advocacy organizations, with a particular focus on Centurion Ministries and members of the Innocence Network. This is followed by an examination of state-by-state trends in innocence-related policy reforms on key issues as identified by the Innocence Project. The final section of the article discusses the many important matters we do not yet know about wrongful convictions and poses thoughts, questions, and ideas for continued scholarship focusing on miscarriages of justice. The Appendix provides state-by-state summaries of select information relating to wrongful convictions and innocence reforms.
Risk Stratification of Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients Treated with Chemo-Radiotherapy: An Institutional Analysis.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine which factors predicted survival and to derive a risk prediction model for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (cCRT). Methods This investigation included 149 patients with locally advanced NSCLC who were treated with cCRT at Stony Brook University Hospital between 2007 and 2015. A finite set of demographic, clinical, and treatment variables were evaluated as independent prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated, and log rank tests were used to evaluate difference in survival between groups. To derive a risk score for mortality, a machine learning approach was utilized. To maximize statistical power while examining replicability, the sample was split into discovery (n=99) and replication (n=50) subsamples. Elastic-net regression was used to identify a linear prediction model. Youden's index was used to identify appropriate cutoffs. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine mortality risk; model concordance and hazards ratios were reported. Results One-quarter of the patients survived for three years after initiation of cCRT. Prognostic factors for survival in the discovery group included age, sex, smoking status, albumin, histology, largest tumor size, number of nodal stations, stage, induction therapy, and radiation dose. The derived model had good risk predictive accuracy (C=0.70). Median survival time was shorter in the high-risk group (0.93 years) vs the low-risk group (2.40 years). Similar findings were noted in the replication sample with strong model accuracy (C=0.69) and median survival time of 0.93 years and 2.03 years for the high- and low-risk groups, respectively. Conclusion This novel risk prediction model for overall survival in patients with stage III NSCLC highlights the importance of integrating patient, clinical, and treatment variables for accurately predicting outcomes. Clinicians can use this tool to make personalized treatment decisions for patients with locally advanced NSCLC treated with concurrent chemo-radiation.
The promise of optical NMR spectroscopy for experimental aqueous geochemistry

New quantum technologies are being adapted to detect extraordinarily small magnetic fields. The signals are derived from the stimulated emission of light from single-atom defects in diamonds. The intensity of light reports the spin state of the electrons in the color center. The physics is relevant to geochemists because it points to a means of conducting NMR experiments on solutions in diamond-anvil cells. Because the method is so sensitive, it can detect signals in subnanoliter volumes, making work at elevated temperatures and pressures possible, and also on solutions that are dangerous in larger volumes.
Healthy Subject Testing with the Robotic Gait Rehabilitation (RGR) Trainer

The Robotic Gait Rehabilitation (RGR) Trainer has been designed to address secondary gait deviations in stroke survivors undergoing rehabilitation. In this paper we describe the operating principle of the RGR Trainer and the systems ability to record the pelvic obliquity patterns (during normal gait and during hip hiking simulated by healthy subjects). Furthermore, we present results of experiment designed to teach new gait pattern in healthy subjects.
FBMC3D—A Large-Scale 3-D Monte Carlo Simulation Tool for Modern Electronic Devices

We present a flexible, full-band, 3-D Monte Carlo (MC) modeling software package for charge transport in semiconductor devices. The numerical model can employ both analytical and full-band descriptions of the band structure simultaneously and uses unstructured meshes for device discretization that can be constructed with commonly available meshing tools. A numerical approach is also included to minimize the self-forces resulting from the unstructured mesh. The scattering rates are computed over a tetrahedral mesh, the refinement capabilities of which provide accurate rates near band minima and maxima. The efficient geometrical device discretization enables us to simulate devices that have traditionally been limited to drift-diffusion approaches due to the computational requirements of MC simulations. To highlight the capabilities of this tool, we present two simulation examples, a conical HgCdTe APD and a silicon trench MOS, both run with a superparticle charge of 1e. In addition to simulating the output characteristics of the trench MOS and the gain and excess noise factor of the APD, we investigate the injection location-dependent time response and corresponding diffusion tail.
HIV/AIDS in U.S. schools: Neuropsychological and psychoeducational implications

The introduction of new treatments for and increased knowledge about HIV/AIDS in the United States has resulted in a substantial decrease in mortality but an increase in morbidity for children with...
Evolution of Water Hazard Control Technology in China’s Coal Mines

We analyzed the regional nature of China’s coal mine water disasters based on three aspects: the main water source, water-conducting passages, and threat level of water hazards. The development of water hazard control technology in China’s coal mines, including exploration and assessment of hydrogeological conditions, water inrush mechanisms, and predictive technology were all reviewed. We then focused our discussion on the calculation theory and methods behind mine inflow prediction, methods of dewatering and depressurizing, and technology for mining under water pressure and water-blocking grouting. Finally, we present the evolving trend of coal mine water disaster prevention and control technology, which is characterized by accuracy, transparency, environmental considerations, informatization, and intelligent technology.
A Queer Reading of the United States Census

LGBTQ neighborhoods face change. Planning for these neighborhoods requires data about LGBTQ residential concentration. Some analysts have used US Census same-sex partner data to make judgments about LGBTQ neighborhoods. Two agency actions make this reliance problematic. The US Census was required to enforce the Defense of Marriage Act and reassigned some LGBTQ responses in a heteronormal way. The Census also assigned sex based upon patterns of names. These US Census actions of gay removal and sex assignment to datasets raise questions about the usefulness of the partner dataset. A queer reading of the census may give a better representation of neighborhood development and decline. Data are developed for four queer neighborhoods: the West Village in New York City, Center City Philadelphia, Midtown Atlanta, and Midtown Kansas City. The results show that queer attributes of these areas grew to about 1990. Some queer attributes may have declined some from their peak. The results raise questions about social surveys, the closet, and the direction of LBGTQ neighborhoods in the twenty-first century. LGBTQ displacement has occurred.
A Resident-Driven Mobile Evaluation System Can Be Used to Augment Traditional Surgery Rotation Evaluations.

BackgroundThe Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires residents to receive milestone-based evaluations in key areas. Shortcomings of the traditional evaluation system (TES) ar...
Reading Statistics in Nursing Research: A Self-Study CD-ROM Module

A statistics CD-ROM tutorial program was developed to replace a classroom course with several self-study modules. For the CD-ROM delivery method, students were asked to complete a Likert-type questionnaire with response options similar to those used for end-of-course evaluations at the nursing school. Ratings ranged from 1 to 5, with 1 equaling outstanding and 5 equaling completely unsatisfactory. Ratings for the CD-ROM were compared with those of a Web-based course taught the prior year. Mean satisfaction ratings of Web-based delivery of content was low due to technical problems with the Internet courseware used. Overall satisfaction with the CD-ROM for students who used all the components was improved substantially, compared to the Web-based delivery method.
Practical issues of physiologic measurement for clinical research with children. Part I: measurement accuracy and precision.

Column Editor: Lauren Clark Scientific Inquiry provides a forum to facilitate the ongoing process of questioning and evaluating practice, presents informed practice based on available data, and innovates new practices through research and experimental learning.
Logics of Knowledge, Games and Dynamic Logic

We study monotonic and non-monotonic Logics of Knowledge, giving decision procedures and completeness results. In particular we develop a model theory for a non-monotonic Logic of Knowledge and show that it corresponds exactly to normal applications of a non-monotonic rule of inference due to Mccarthy.
Towards unsupervised polyaromatic hydrocarbons structural assignment from SA-TIMS –FTMS data

With the advent of high resolution ion mobility analyzers and their coupling to ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometers, there is a need to further develop a theoretical workflow capable of correlating experimental accurate mass and mobility measurements with tridimensional candidate structures. In the present work, a general workflow is described for unsupervised tridimensional structural assignment based on accurate mass measurements, mobility measurements, in silico 2D-3D structure generation, and theoretical mobility calculations. In particular, the potential of this workflow will be shown for the analysis of polyaromatic hydrocarbons from Coal Tar SRM 1597a using selected accumulation - trapped ion mobility spectrometry (SA-TIMS) coupled to Fourier transform- ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The proposed workflow can be adapted to different IMS scenarios, can utilize different collisional cross-section calculators and has the potential to include MSn and IMSn measurements for faster and more accurate tridimensional structural assignment.
Adenovirus-mediated inhibition of survivin expression sensitizes human prostate cancer cells to paclitaxel in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND Improvements in the response rates to chemotherapy would represent an important advancement in the care of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. There is accumulating evidence that Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family, is associated with both cancer progression and drug resistance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of Survivin in paclitaxel-resistance and whether the targeting of Survivin sensitizes prostate cancer cells to paclitaxel. METHODS Human prostate cell lines PC-3, DU-145, and LNCaP were infected with replication-deficient adenoviruses encoding either wild-type Survivin [pAd-S(WT)], to examine Survivin overexpression effects, or a phosphorylation-defective Survivin Thr34 Ala dominant negative mutant [pAd-S(T34A)], to examine Survivin inactivation effects. The effects of wild-type or mutant Survivin on spontaneous and paclitaxel-induced apoptosis were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Forced overexpression of wild-type Survivin with pAd-S(WT) increased resistance to paclitaxel in all cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of Survivin using pAd-S(T34A) resulted in a significant increase in the rate of spontaneous and paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in all cell lines, both in vitro and in vivo. This effect was abolished by co-treatment with VAD-CHO (Calbiochem, San Diego, CA), a pan-caspase inhibitor, indicating that Survivin normally mediates resistance to paclitaxel through suppression of caspase-mediated apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Survivin mediates paclitaxel-resistance in prostate cancer cells. The inhibition of Survivin sensitizes prostate cancer cells to paclitaxel-induced apoptosis through a caspase-dependant mechanism in vitro and in vivo. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Shrinkage control of low-profile unsaturated polyester resins cured at low temperature

Abstract With the development of new manufacturing processes, such as low-pressure compression moulding of sheet moulding compound (SMC), resin transfer moulding (RTM) and vacuum infusion liquid composite moulding (e.g. SCRIMP) processes, low-shrinkage moulding compounds which can be processed at low temperatures have attracted considerable interest from the composite industry. In this paper, an integrated rheology–kinetics–morphology–dilatometry study on an unsaturated polyester resin (UPE) mixed with different low-profile additives (LPAs) was carried out to investigate the shrinkage control mechanism of LPA under low-temperature cure. The reaction rate was determined by a differential scanning calorimeter, while a scanning electron microscope and a Rheometrics dynamic analyser were employed to follow the morphological and rheological changes respectively. The volume change of the resin mixture during the curing process was measured by a dilatometer. It was found that the shrinkage behaviour of the resin mixture strongly depends on the competition of the shrinkage induced by the resin polymerization and the expansion induced by microvoid formation. The results also showed that LPAs with higher molecular weight and lower LPA content seem to work better under low-temperature cure. Several moulding experiments were conducted to verify the dilatometry results.
An improved hermetic sample enclosure for simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry/synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction

A hermetic sample enclosure for performing simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry/synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction, previously developed in our laboratory, suffered from poor calorimetric performance. A new enclosure design has been developed that addresses this problem. Like the previous design, it is based on a Perkin-Elmer DSC-2C measuring head. While the original enclosure necessitated a sample pan rather inconsistent with the requirements of DSC, more sophisticated modifications to the new measuring head made it compatible with a new sample pan that does not compromise calorimetric performance. The original alternative temperature measurement and control system was upgraded with low-noise components. In addition, water-cooling was added to the measuring head. A prototype sample enclosure has been fabricated and successfully tested in multiple experiments.
Thoratec HeartMate II ® Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation in Patient with Patent Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

We report a case of HeartMate II(®) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation as a destination therapy in a patient with a patent ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt after being suffered from subarachnoid hemorrhage. Because the patient's VP shunt was running through her right anterior chest and abdominal wall, a driveline exit site was selected in her left upper quadrant to avoid unnecessary perioperative complication in relation to the patent VP shunt tube. Tailored driveline placement was a key element of this LVAD implantation in this already sick patient with multiple comorbidities.
Nalorphine: Increased Sensitivity of Monkeys Formerly Dependent on Morphine

Three rhesus monkeys Macaca mulatta , formerly dependent on morphine, had increased sensitivity to nalorphine9s effect of suppressing operant responding for food, as compared with two monkeys with no history of morphine exposure. Within the dose range employed, nalorphine injections produced emesis, salivation, and hyperirritability in formerly morphine-dependent monkeys but not in controls.
Shedding light on Salmonella carriers

Host-to-host transmission in most Salmonella serovars occurs primarily via the fecal–oral route. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is a human host-adapted pathogen and some S. Typhi patients become asymptomatic carriers. These individuals excrete large numbers of the bacteria in their feces and transmit the pathogen by contaminating water or food sources. The carrier state has also been described in livestock animals and is responsible for food-borne epidemics. Identification and treatment of carriers are crucial for the control of disease outbreaks . In this review, we describe recent advances in molecular profiling of human carriers and the use of animal models to identify potential host and bacterial genes involved in the establishment of the carrier state.
Human Rights Education for Underprivileged High School Students

I would like to learn more about human rights so I can have more interest in them. —Anacostia Senior High School, male, age 15 Today's global climate is dominated by increasing social inequality, b...
Idiopathic granulomatous orchitis: morphology and evaluation of its relationship to IgG4 related disease

Idiopathic granulomatous orchitis (IGO) is rare, thought to result from an autoimmune reaction to spermatogenic elements. Its relationship to IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) has not been evaluated. Sixteen orchiectomy specimens (1984-2012) with a prominent intratubular granulomatous reaction were reviewed: IGO (n = 6); intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified (IGCNU) with a granulomatous reaction and associated seminoma (GS, n = 6); and unclassified intratubular granulomatous orchitis not fitting into a specific entity (UGO, n = 4). Men with IGO were 32 to 86 years old, presenting with a mass suspicious for malignancy. Only one patient had a history of an inflammatory disease. Clinical follow-up was available for 2 patients with IGO, and both had no evidence of systemic IgG4-RD. All IGO cases had an epithelioid granulomatous reaction confined to seminiferous tubules, an extensive interstitial lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, 3 of 6 had prominent interstitial fibrosis, and 3 of 6 cases had plasma cells with an IgG4+/IgG+ ratio >40%. In GS, 10% to 100% of tubules with IGCNU had a granulomatous reaction, which in 3 cases replaced IGCNU cells. In contrast to IGO, GS had more intratubular multinucleated giant cells, more peritubular sclerosis, fewer interstitial plasma cells, and no interstitial fibrosis. Of the 4 UGO cases, most had predominantly interstitial with less intratubular granulomatous inflammation. Only 1 non-IGO case had elevated tissue IgG4 (GS case). It is critical and sometimes difficult to distinguish GS from IGO. IGO shares some features with IgG4-RD, yet current evidence does not support its classification as a localized manifestation of IgG4-RD occurring in the testis.
The cytotoxic T lymphocyte protease granzyme A cleaves and inactivates poly(adenosine 5'-diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-1.

Granzyme A (GzmA) in killer cells induces caspase-independent programmed cell death. In this study, we show that GzmA cleaves the DNA damage sensor poly(adenosine 5′-diphosphate-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) after Lys498 in its automodification domain, separating the DNA binding domain from the catalytic domain, which interferes with repair of GzmA-induced DNA damage and enhances susceptibility to GzmA-mediated death. Overexpressing K498A PARP-1 reduces GzmA-mediated death and drives dying cells to necrosis rather than apoptosis. Conversely, inhibiting or genetically disrupting PARP-1 enhances cell vulnerability. The N-terminal GzmA cleavage fragment of PARP-1 acts as a PARP-1 dominant negative, binding to DNA and blocking DNA repair. Disrupting PARP-1, which is also a caspase target, is therefore required for efficient apoptosis by both caspase-independent and caspase-dependent pathways.
Riboflavin-binding protein from reptiles: A comparison with avian riboflavin-binding proteins

Abstract 1. 1. Riboflavin-binding protein (RBP) has been isolated for the first time from reptilian sources. 2. 2. RBP from eggs of Python molurus (Indian python) and Chrysemys picta (painted turtle) has been isolated and compared to RBP from Gallus gallus domesticus (chicken), a well-characterized protein, and a newly isolated RBP from Cairina moschata (Muscovy duck). 3. 3. Each of the proteins is phosphorylated and glycosylated. 4. 4. The ratio of riboflavin binding to protein is 1:1 and the K D for each protein is between 1–3 nM. 5. 5. The mol. wts, different for each species, range from 30,000–40,000, with the reptilian proteins being approx. 10,000 larger than the avian proteins.
Determination of the multi-scattered solar radiation from a leaf canopy for use in climate models

The terrestrial component of climate models requires computationally efficient algorithms for determining the multi-scattered radiation contributing to its heating from solar radiation. Much of the vegetated land cover has strong 3D controls on its radiation. The scattering from a 3D object of isotropic scatters is formulated abstractly and an approach to solution is described in the context of a spherical object. A Laplace integral representation of the 3D integral equation for radiative transfer is discretized. Such discretization provides the solution in terms of solutions to 3D Helmholtz equations, a single such equation in the lowest order approach. A Green's function approximate solution along the paths of entering and exiting radiation is integrated over such radiation for the paths assumed to coincide except for direction. The resulting approximate description of multi-scattered radiation corresponds to replacing the 3D scattering paths with a 1D path with attenuation amplified by a diffusivity factor. This description combines with previously derived analytic solutions for single scattered radiation to provide an efficient representation of the bidirectional scattering from the 3D object, intended for use in climate models and remote sensing.
RNA POLYMERASE ACTIVITY IN THE SUPERIOR CERVICAL GANGLION OF THE NEONATAL RAT: THE EFFECT OF NERVE GROWTH FACTOR

— The activity of RNA polymerase in the superior cervical ganglia of the neonatal rat has been studied. The characteristics of the activity with respect to enzyme concentration, temperature, time, and ion concentrations are presented. Ionic conditions of the assay favoring polymerase I and polymerase II were each studied in the presence of specific inhibitors of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis. The Km for GTP under either polymerase I or polymerase II conditions was found to be 10−5M, and the relative amounts of poly(A)-containing RNA synthesized under both conditions was 4-5%. A decrease in the activity of RNA polymerase with age has been observed. The time course of increased activity following treatment of the animals in vivo or treatment of the isolated ganglia in organ culture with nerve growth factor is presented. The increase in activity observed after the administration of nerve growth factor is discussed in terms of possible mechanisms of action of nerve growth factor in this tissue.
Lipids associated with mineralization of human submandibular gland sialoliths

Abstract Ca-acidic phospholipid-phosphate complexes (CPLX) and the membrane proteolipids (Pr) associated with these complexes are implicated in the process of biological mineralization. Submandibular gland sialoliths were enriched in such lipids, suggesting that these lipids may also be involved in sialolith mineralization. Total lipid (TL), CPLX and Pr content of 25 calculi consisting of hydroxyapatite or hydroxyapatite and whitlockite (ash wt 76 ± 7 g per cent) were determined. TL content ranged from 0.7–16 per cent of the dry wt: 74 per cent of the TL was extracted in chloroform: methanol before sonication. The lipid pool released after sonication contained 65 per cent of the CPLX. CPLX accounted for 13 ± 8 per cent of TL. Additionally, several Pr, of which only 2 (5 per cent of demineralized dry wt) were mineralizable, were extracted from the sialoliths. The sialolith phospholipid composition was characteristic of plasma membranes, not saliva or bacterial membranes. CPLX was enriched in sphingolipids, a salivary gland plasma membrane constituent, suggesting that gland constituents are incorporated into the sialoliths during mineralization. These data are consistent with the view that CPLX and Pr are membrane components actively involved in mineralization.
On almost periodic solutions of the competing species problems

On considere les equations de competition de Lotka-Volterra a 2 dimensions qui sont presque periodiques en temps. On donne des conditions pour l'existence d'une solution asymptotiquement stable presque periodique a composantes positives
Visual Assessment of Clustering Tendency for Rectangular Dissimilarity Matrices

We have an m times n matrix D, and assume that its entries correspond to pair wise dissimilarities between m row objects Or and n column objects Oc, which, taken together (as a union), comprise a set O of N = m + n objects. This paper develops a new visual approach that applies to four different cluster assessment problems associated with O. The problems are the assessment of cluster tendency: PI) amongst the row objects Or; P2) amongst the column objects Oc; P3) amongst the union of the row and column objects Or U Oc; and P4) amongst the union of the row and column objects that contain at least one object of each type (co-clusters). The basis of the method is to regard D as a subset of known values that is part of a larger, unknown N times N dissimilarity matrix, and then impute the missing values from D. This results in estimates for three square matrices (Dr, Dc, DrUc) that can be visually assessed for clustering tendency using the previous VAT or sVAT algorithms. The output from assessment of DrUc ultimately leads to a rectangular coVAT image which exhibits clustering tendencies in D. Five examples are given to illustrate the new method. Two important points: i) because VAT is scalable by sVAT to data sets of arbitrary size, and because coVAT depends explicitly (and only) on VAT, this new approach is immediately scalable to, say, the scoVAT model, which works for even very large (unloadable) data sets without alteration; and ii) VAT, sVAT and coVAT are autonomous, parameter free models - no "hidden values" are needed to make them work.
ENERGETICS AND CHEMICAL KINETICS OF POLYSTYRENE SURFACE DEGRADATION IN INERT AND CHEMICALLY REACTIVE ENVIRONMENTS.

Abstract : Polystyrene (PS) degradation-vaporization produced by intense surface heating has been studied experimentally. Specimens were immersed in the exhaust jet of a small laboratory rocket motor, and the linear regression rate was measured as a function of surface heating rate; corresponding surface temperature levels were obtained by monitoring the thermal radiation emitted from the heated surface. Porous specimens, through which a series of test gases were passed to emerge at the heated surface, permitted these data to be gathered in chemically reactive environments. Correlation of all these data, in both inert and chemically reactive environments, was possible both on the basis of an energy balance struck at the regressing surface and an Arrhenius type of chemical kinetic description of the surface degradation process. Although expected, this represents the first demonstration that both relations are satisfied simultaneously - a result of great importance to the formulation of combustion theories of, e.g., hybrid rocket motors, solid propellant ignition, flame spreading, and deflagration. (Author)
Environment: Early ant plagues in the New World

The identity and origin of the West Indian plague ants of the early sixteenth and late eighteenth centuries have long been a mystery. By reviewing historic accounts with an analysis of the present-day Caribbean ant fauna, I have narrowed the list of suspects to two species and their insect symbionts.
The Development of a Portable Specular Reflectometer for Monitoring Solar Mirror Materials

The general design requirements of a portable reflectometer which can determine the specular reflectance properties of solar mirror materials is presented. Based on these considerations a prototype instrument was developed at Sandia National Labs. Because of the interest in this instrument, a competitive contract was placed with Devices and Services Company, Dallas, TX for the development of a commercial instrument based on the Sandia design. The operation and performance of this instrument are discussed, including the ac-curacy, stability, reproducibility, temperature response, and outdoor performance. Finally, limitations of this instrument and future developments in this area are briefly discussed.
An adduct between peroxynitrite and 2'-deoxyguanosine: 4,5-dihydro-5-hydroxy-4-(nitrosooxy)-2'-deoxyguanosine.

The reactivity of peroxynitrite (OONO-) with DNA is of interest because it is released during chronic inflammation, a major contributor to cancer. Peroxynitrite was found to undergo homolytic addition to the C4−C5 double bond of 2‘-deoxyguanosine with formation of 4,5-dihydro-5-hydroxy-4-(nitrosooxy)-2‘-deoxyguanosine (nox-dG). This adduct may be a useful marker in the study of the chemical processes associated with the mutagenicity of peroxynitrite.
Some Arthropod Predators and Parasites of Adult Scorpionflies (Mecoptera)

Predators and parasites of adult scorpionflies observed over a 5-yr period are discussed. Web-building spiders are the most important predators of scorpionflies, accounting for 65% of the panorpid and 81.7% of the bittacid observed mortality. Male mortality from spider predation is significantly greater than female mortality because of male sexual behavior associated with obtaining nuptial food for females. Five species of robberflies, one species of bittacid, and a damselfly also feed on scorpionflies.
Preventing Small Bore Piping/Tubing Failures in Reciprocating Compressors

API-618 Standard requires pulsation and vibration analysis of reciprocating compressors systems to prevent the system from damages. This analysis is carried out on major piping but often small bore connections are missed out in analysis and mistakes in site fabrication add up to this problem. These small bore connections on reciprocating compressor causes serious problems due to vibrations around reciprocating compressor.This paper describes the issues of small-bore connection on Refinery CCR Platformer Net Gas Compressors where series of failures observed on small bore connection and associated tubing. Vibration/pulsation was the major contributing factor to various failures. Contributory Reasons for failure were analysed and reasons was found due to inadequate design of piping & tubing supports, Transmittal of vibration to platforms. It was found that small bore connections for PT, volume bottle drains, TI/TW were vibrating with high vibration velocity and amplitude. Max Vibration readings were found 705 micron. The dominant peak of vibration frequency is located at 15/17 X RPM. All vibrations were low frequency vibrations (< 300 Hz).The problem was overcome by reducing SBC length and provision of better supports, reduced span for tube and pipe supports, replacement of tubes with higher schedule carbon steel pipes, shifting of instruments to less vibration areas such as basement of compressor house etc. Various modifications explained for reduction of vibration levels. Study compares condition prior to modification and new modification proposals. Modification improved vibration levels and no further failure reported.Study indicates that more attention is warranted for small-bore attachments both in design stage and during operation. It is recommended to remove SBCs wherever possible, redesigning them so they are less susceptible to vibrations and relocating them to areas of less base motion.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Notes on calycophyllous Rubiaceae. Part III. Systematic position of the monotypic Mexican genus Cosmocalyx and notes on the calycophyll development

The systematic position ofCosmocalyx, heretofore treated as agenus incertae sedis, is discussed. The morphological features ofCosmocalyx suggest strong similarities to various genera of the Hamelieae, to which it is compared and where it is placed. A complete description ofCosmocalyx, observations on its phenology, and comments on calyx and fruit development are presented and illustrated.
Localization in the Nucleolus and Coiled Bodies of Protein Subunits of the Ribonucleoprotein Ribonuclease P

The precise location of the tRNA processing ribonucleoprotein ribonuclease P (RNase P) and the mechanism of its intranuclear distribution have not been completely delineated. We show that three protein subunits of human RNase P (Rpp), Rpp14, Rpp29 and Rpp38, are found in the nucleolus and that each can localize a reporter protein to nucleoli of cells in tissue culture. In contrast to Rpp38, which is uniformly distributed in nucleoli, Rpp14 and Rpp29 are confined to the dense fibrillar component. Rpp29 and Rpp38 possess functional, yet distinct domains required for subnucleolar localization. The subunit Rpp14 lacks such a domain and appears to be dependent on a piggyback process to reach the nucleolus. Biochemical analysis suggests that catalytically active RNase P exists in the nucleolus. We also provide evidence that Rpp29 and Rpp38 reside in coiled bodies, organelles that are implicated in the biogenesis of several other small nuclear ribonucleoproteins required for processing of precursor mRNA. Because some protein subunits of RNase P are shared by the ribosomal RNA processing ribonucleoprotein RNase MRP, these two evolutionary related holoenzymes may share common intranuclear localization and assembly pathways to coordinate the processing of tRNA and rRNA precursors.