cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mnemiopsis leidyi (Ctenophora) in Narragansett Bay, 1975–1979: Abundance, size composition and estimation of grazing

Abstract Surveys of the distribution, abundance and size of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi were carried out in Narragansett Bay, R.I. over a 5-year period, 1975–1979. Yearly variations were observed in time of initiation of the ctenophore increase and maximum abundance. Biomass maxima ranged from 0·2 to 3 g dry weight m −3 at Station 2 in lower Narragansett Bay while maximum abundance varied from 20 to 100 animals m −3 . Ctenophores less than 1 cm in length generally composed up to 50% of the biomass and 95% of the numerical abundance during the peak of the M. leidyi pulse. During the 1978 maxima and the declining stages of the pulse each year, 100% of the population was composed of small animals. M. leidyi populations increased earlier, reached greater maximum abundances, and were more highly dominated by small animals in the upper bay than toward the mouth of the bay. The averageclearance rate of M. leidyi larvae feeding on A. tonsa at 22°C was 0·36 l mg −1 dry weight day −1 , with apparent selection for nauplii relative to copepodites. Predation and excretion rates applied to ctenophore biomass estimated for Narragansett Bay indicated that M. leidyi excretion is minor but predation removed a bay-wide mean of 20% of the zooplankton standing stock daily during August of 1975 and 1976. Variation in M. leidyi predation at Station 2 was inversely related to mean zooplankton biomass during August and September, which increased 4-fold during the 5-year period.
Carbon dioxide stripping in aquaculture. Part 1: Terminology and reporting

Abstract The removal of carbon dioxide gas in aquacultural systems is much more complex than for oxygen or nitrogen gas because of liquid reactions of carbon dioxide and their kinetics. Almost all published carbon dioxide removal information for aquaculture is based on the apparent removal value after the CO 2 (aq) + HOH ⇔ H 2 CO 3 reaction has reached equilibrium. The true carbon dioxide removal is larger than the apparent value, especially for high alkalinities and seawater. For low alkalinity freshwaters (
Strychnine blocks inhibitory postsynaptic potentials elicited in masseter motoneurons by sensory stimuli during carbachol-induced motor atonia

In previous studies we reported that large-amplitude inhibitory potentials were elicited in masseter motoneurons by auditory stimuli (95-dB clicks) and stimulation of the sciatic nerve in alpha-chloralose-anesthetized cats [Kohlmeier K. A. et al. (1994) Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 20, 1218; Kohlmeier K. A. et al. (1995) Sleep Res. 24, 9]. These potentials were always elicited during motor atonia induced by the pontine injection of carbachol into the nucleus pontis oralis and were never elicited prior to atonia. In the present report, the hyperpolarizing potentials that arose in response to clicks and stimulation of the sciatic nerve were blocked following the juxtacellular application of strychnine, a glycinergic antagonist. In contrast, bicuculline, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, did not suppress the carbachol-dependent hyperpolarizing potentials elicited by these stimuli. In some motoneurons, blockade of the inhibitory potential by strychnine revealed a depolarizing potential. These data suggest that clicks and stimulation of the sciatic nerve not only elicit inhibition of motoneurons but also activate an excitatory drive which is masked by elicited inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. These findings suggest that glycine is likely to be the neurotransmitter that is responsible for the inhibitory postsynaptic potentials elicited in masseter motoneurons following the presentation of auditory and somatosensory stimuli during carbachol-induced motor atonia. We suggest that the same system that mediates glycinergically-dependent motor atonia during naturally occurring active sleep [Chase M. H. et al. (1989) J. Neurosci. 9, 743-751] also mediates the carbachol-dependent response of motoneurons to sensory stimuli.
Buildup region and skin-dose measurements for the Therac 6 Linear Accelerator for radiation therapy

Buildup and surface-dose measurements were taken for the 6 MV photon beam from a Therac 6 linear accelerator manufactured by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) with and without a lucite blocking tray in place. Further measurements were made with a copper filter designed to reduce secondary electrons emitted by photon interactions with the Lucite tray. The results are discussed in relation to skin-sparing for radiation therapy patients. The measurements were made with a fixed volume PTW parallel-plate ionization chamber and corrected to zero-chamber volume. The results were found to be consistent with similar measurements taken with a variable volume extrapolation chamber.
Secondary Hypertension, Issues in Diagnosis and Treatment

Secondary hypertension (SH) often implies a correctable form of nonessential hypertension. Often certain clinical clues prompt a more extensive evaluation of the causes of the hypertension. Renovascular disease, intrinsic renal disease, primary hyperaldosteronism, and obstructive sleep apnea represent the most common causes of SH. This article defines the disorder and details its epidemiology, prevalence, pathophysiology, physical findings, and treatment strategies.
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-positive acute myeloblastic leukemia

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is a biochemical marker for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In studies of ALL at diagnosis, there are usually greater than 40% TdT-positive cells by indirect immunofluorescence, whereas acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) shows less than 1% TdT-positive cells. Rare cases of TdT-positive AML have been reported. We present here three AML patients with TdT in 15%, 45%, and 90% of the leukemic blasts. The diagnosis of AML was established on the basis of morphology and cytochemistry, and the cases included one patient with Auer rods. Myeloperoxidase was present respectively in 20%, 90%, and 5% of the blasts. There was no Philadelphia chromosome present in the three cases. These results may indicate the simultaneous presence of lymphoid and myeloid populations, or the presence of a blast cell with both lymphoid and myeloid markers.
Biventricular assist device-induced right ventricular reverse structural and functional remodeling.

Background Support with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) induces LV reverse structural and functional remodeling, evidenced by normalization of passive end-diastolic pressure–volume relationships (EDPVRs) and cardiomyocyte function. These changes are not evident in the right ventricle (RV), which remains dilated during LVAD support. However, studies on whether RV reverse remodeling could be induced by RV or biventricular assist support (BiVAD) have not been published. Methods Whole hearts from 16 patients with end-stage congestive heart failure (CHF) at the time of cardiac transplantation without LVAD support, 16 patients with LVAD support, and 3 patients with BiVAD support were used to study RV EDPVRs, with estimation of chamber stiffness. Perfused isolated myocardial trabeculae were used for functional studies. Furthermore, RV free wall samples were used for histology and collagen determination by hydroxyproline. Results The RV size, calculated from the ex vivo RV EDPVRs, RV mass, and myocyte diameter were significantly smaller in BiVAD-supported hearts than in non-supported or LVAD-supported hearts ( p p Conclusion BiVAD-induced hemodynamic unloading support resulted in significant reverse structural and functional remodeling of the right chamber. The lack of these findings during LVAD support alone provides additional support that diastolic pressure and volume unloading is an important mechanism underlying the process of reverse remodeling.
Dielectric Constant with Local Field Effects Included

The self-consistent field method of Cohen and Ehrenreich is used to obtain the macroscopic longitudinal dielectric constant that includes local field effects. The physical basis for the local field is discussed for nonlocalized electrons. In the limit of long wavelengths and low frequencies, it is shown that the dielectric constant can be split into an acceleration term that describes the motion of electrons from atom to atom and an atomic term that describes the motion of the electrons around each atom. It is proved that the acceleration term contains no local field correction whereas the atomic term does contain a local field correction. The local field correction is calculated explicitly for the weak binding limit and is found to be of the same order in the weak potential as the atomic term, but the coefficient is much smaller for most Fermi surfaces. This justifies, for most Fermi surfaces, the common practice of neglecting local field corrections. In the tight-binding limit, the Lorentz expression for the dielectric constant is obtained.
Stride Period Adaptation for a Biomimetic Running Hexapod

We demonstrate an adaptation strategy for adjusting the stride period in a hexapedal running robot. The robot is inspired by discoveries about the self-stabilizing properties of insects and uses a sprawled posture, a bouncing alternating-tripod gait, and passive compliance and damping in the limbs to achieve fast, stable locomotion. The robot is controlled by an open-loop clock cycle that activates the legs at fixed intervals. For maximum speed and efficiency, this imposed stride period should be adjusted to match changes in terrain or loading conditions. An ideal adaptation strategy will complement the design philosophy behind the robot and take advantage of the self-stabilizing role of the mechanical system. In this paper we describe an adaptation scheme based on measurements of ground contact timing obtained from binary sensors on the robot’s feet. We discuss the motivation for the approach, putting it in the context of previous research on the dynamic properties of running machines and bouncing multi-legged animals, and show results of experiments.
Complex self‐identification and compounded representation in federal systems

(1999). Complex self‐identification and compounded representation in federal systems. West European Politics: Vol. 22, Compounded Representation in West European Federations, pp. 59-89.
The place for pneumoperitoneum in the repair of massive hernia

Progressive pneumoperitoneum before the repair of massive abdominal and inguinal hernias, first introduced in 1940, remains an important technique in preparing patients for the operation. Reports of its use have appeared sporadically in the surgical literature. This article recounts the technique of progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum, its advantages and complications, and the variety of situations in which it is useful. Surgeons treating large hernias accompanied by loss of domain of abdominal viscera should consider preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum as a helpful and often necessary adjunct to hernial repair.
TAK-ling IKK Activation: “Ub” the Judge

Investigation of the signaling events that lead to the activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) has been a hotbed for the discovery of previously uncharacterized signaling mechanisms. The important role that nondegradative polyubiquitin chains play in these processes is now well recognized; however, precisely how they orchestrate NF-κB signaling is still a matter of much controversy. A recent study has challenged the dogmatic view by demonstrating that interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a major proinflammatory cytokine, activates two consecutive pathways, the “RING” and “zinc” pathways, to coordinate early and late activation of NF-κB, respectively. This study introduces a paradigm shift in the still-evolving mechanism of regulation of NF-κB.
Variability in leaf characteristics and water loss in the weeping lovegrass complex.

(...) We measured wax levels, water loss, and leaf width and rolling characteristics of 19 lovegrasses, Eragrostis curvula (Schrad.) Nees, to determine if variation existed for these characteristics and the relationships among then. A broad range of germplasm that could be characterized as belonging to the curvula or robusta forms of E. curvula was established in field plots in 1979. Each characteristic was studied on at least two different dates between 1980 and 1982 (...)
The Effects of Allopurinol and Superoxide Dismutase in a Rat Model of Skin Flap Necrosis

• Oxygen-free radicals have been implicated as mediators of ischemic damage in a number of tissues, including heart, kidney, small intestine, and skin. Superoxide dismutase, a free radical scavenger, and allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase (a catalyst in the formation of superoxide) have been shown separately to decrease ischemic damage to tissue. Sixty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats (220 to 280 g) were divided into five groups: control, superoxide dismutase only, allopurinol only, high-dose combined allopurinol and superoxide dismutase, and low-dose combined allopurinol and superoxide dismutase. An 18-cm 2 ventral island skin flap, based on a single inferior epigastric vessel, was raised and replaced. Blood flow was assessed with a perfusion fluorometer immediately after the flap was replaced, and on postoperative days 1 and 3. Gross necrosis was assessed on postoperative day 7. Gross necrosis was reliably reduced in all groups as compared with the control; however, necrosis in any one experimental group was not significantly different from any other experimental group. Necrosis (expressed as a percentage of the area of the random [distal] half of the flap) was as follows for each group: control, 74%; superoxide dismutase, 43%; allopurinol, 43%; high-dose combined, 48%; low-dose combined, 33%. Blood flow, as represented by the dermofluorescence index, was not changed by any of the treatments. Blood flow was also related to the eventual survival or necrosis for any one portion of tissue. All experimental groups survived with significantly less blood flow than the control. The allopurinol group survived with significantly less blood flow than the superoxide dismutase and high-dose combined groups, but there was no significant difference in survival vs blood flow between the allopurinol and the low-dose combined groups. This study suggests that the elimination of free radicals may significantly increase flap survival, and that a balance of free radical scavengers and/or enzyme inhibitors may provide optimum protection from ischemic damage. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1989;115:207-212)
Mechanisms of cancer cell metastasis to the bone: a multistep process

For metastasis to occur, tumor cells must first detach from their tissue of origin. This requires altering both the tissue of origin and the cancer cell. Once detached, cancer cells in circulation must also acquire survival mechanisms. Although many may successfully disseminate, variation exists in the efficiency with which circulating tumor cells home to and invade the bone marrow as metastastic seeds. Disseminated tumor cells that do successfully invade the marrow are secured by cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. However, establishing a foothold in the marrow is not sufficient for disseminated tumor cells to create metastases. A significant latent phase must be overcome by either rescuing cellular proliferation or attenuating micrometastatic mass dormancy programs. Finally, growing metastases fuel osteolysis, osteoblastogenesis and T-cell differentiation, creating a variety of tumor phenotypes. Each step in the metastatic cascade is rich in biological targets and mechanistic pathways.
Alkaline processing (nixtamalization) of white Mexican corn hybrids for tortilla production : Significance of corn physicochemical characteristics and process conditions

ABSTRACT Five white corn hybrids were processed (nixtamalized) using 10 different processing conditions; tortillas were prepared to establish relationships between corn composition, physical characteristics, and nixtamalization process or product properties. Corn hybrids were characterized by proximate analysis and by measuring Stenvert hardness, Wisconsin breakage, percent floaters, TADD overs, thousand-kernel weight, and test weight. Corn characteristics were correlated with process and product variables (effluent dry matter loss and pH; nixtamal moisture and color; masa moisture, color, and texture; and tortilla moisture, color, and rollability). Process and product variables such as corn solid loss, nixtamal moisture, masa texture, and tortilla color were influenced not only by processing parameters (cook temperature, cook time, and steep time) but also depended on corn characteristics. Significant regression equations were developed for nixtamalization dry matter loss (P < 0.05, r2 = 0.79), nixtamal ...
Facile aqueous-phase synthesis of multi-responsive nanogels based on polyetheramines and bisepoxide

A new strategy for the preparation of nanogels from commercially available monomers of bisepoxide and aliphatic polyetheramine has been developed. The nanogels are generated in a one-pot process through aggregation polymerization of an in situ formed thermal sensitive intermediate polymer in an additive-free and catalyst-free aqueous environment. Such a facile process allows easy size tuning of the gel particles from the nanometer to the micron scale, simply by adjusting the reactant concentration. The obtained nanogels demonstrated responsiveness to multiple biologically relevant stimuli, including temperature, pH, and oxidation. Nile red was encapsulated in the nanogels as a model hydrophobic drug. In vitro drug release studies showed stimuli-triggered release from the nanogels, suggesting the potential for controlled drug delivery.
Roles of eIF2α kinases in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Cell signaling in response to an array of diverse stress stimuli converges on the phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α). Evidence is accumulating that persistent eIF2α phosphorylation at Ser51 through prolonged overactivation of regulatory kinases occurs in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), leading to shutdown of general translation and translational activation of a subset of mRNAs. Recent advances in the development of gene-based strategies and bioavailable inhibitors, which specifically target one of the eIF2α kinases, have enabled us to investigate pathogenic roles of dysregulated eIF2α phosphorylation pathways. This review provides an overview of animal model studies in this field, focusing particularly on molecular mechanisms by which the dysregulation of eIF2α kinases may account for synaptic and memory deficits associated with AD. A growing body of evidence suggests that correcting aberrant eIF2α kinase activities may serve as disease-modifying therapeutic interventions to treat AD and related cognitive disorders.
Frankfurt's Argument against Alternative Possibilities: Looking Beyond the Examples†

Harry Frankfurt dramatically shaped the debates over freedom and responsibility by arguing that the sort of freedom germane to responsibility does not involve the freedom to do otherwise. His argument turns upon an example meant to disprove the Principle of Alternative Possibilities: A person is morally responsible for what she has done only if she could have done otherwise. Debate over Frankfurt's argument has turned almost exclusively on the success of the example meant to defeat it. But there is more to Frankfurt's argument than the example in question, and this is not widely recognized. Inattention to these other aspects of Frankfurt's argument has distorted the force of it. In this paper I shall explore avenues for both refuting and advancing Frankfurt's argument that look beyond the examples. These further considerations invite us to think in broader terms about moral responsibility's nature and the sort of freedom required for it.
Behavioral Functioning among Mexican-origin Children: Does Parental Legal Status Matter?

Using data on 2,535 children included in the Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey, we investigate how the legal status of immigrant parents shapes their children’s behavioral functioning. Variation in internalizing and externalizing problems among Mexican youth with undocumented mothers, documented or naturalized citizen mothers, and U.S.-born mothers is analyzed using a comparative framework that contrasts their experience with that of other ethnoracial groups. Our findings reinforce the importance of differentiating children of immigrants by parental legal status in studying health and well-being. Children of undocumented Mexican migrants have significantly higher risks of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems than their counterparts with documented or naturalized citizen mothers. Regression results are inconsistent with simple explanations that emphasize group differences in socioeconomic status, maternal mental health, or family routines.
Sex Bias in Interspecific Copulation between the Hermaphroditic Freshwater Snails, Physa acuta and P. pomilia (Physidae)

Abstract. Previously-published mate-choice experiments have uncovered significant prezygotic reproductive isolation between South Carolina populations of Physa acuta (Draparnaud, 1805) and P. pomilia (Conrad, 1834). Here we report the results of similar tests returning no evidence of such barriers between an Alabama population of P. pomilia and three separate populations of P. acuta, two from Alabama and one from South Carolina. However, heterogametic copulations did demonstrate both a significant sex bias and a significant size bias. The smaller P. acuta was more likely to copulate in the male role and hence less exposed to any potential fitness decrements due to the reduced viability and sterility of the hybrids produced. Our observations on defeated mating attempts suggested that P. acuta may be more aggressive than Alabama P. pomilia in mating contests (its smaller size perhaps contributing to greater agility) and hence more likely to prevail in the male role. The absence of a sex bias in our previous...
Overcorrection: generalization and maintenance1.

The present study examined the effects of one component of overcorrection—verbal reprimands—and compared them with the effects of the entire overcorrection procedure. Generalization and maintenance of effects were also evaluated. A combined reversal and multiple-baseline experimental design was used to evaluate the effect of the various contingencies on the inappropriate searching behavior of a severely and profoundly mentally retarded adult living in a group home. Searching was defined as carefully and thoroughly touching floors, sofas, cabinets, etc. Data were collected by group-home personnel during three separate observation periods each day of the 115-day study: before breakfast, after breakfast, and after dinner. Observers also served as experimenters. Following an initial baseline phase, verbal reprimands followed searching behavior during two daily experimental periods in multiple-baseline fashion. An immediate reduction of searching during experimental periods occurred with the onset of verbal reprimands. No reduction was observed in the third daily observation period, the control session. After a second baseline phase, during which searching behavior was not shown to return to the original baseline levels, overcorrection procedures (washing hands) were instituted. Overcorrection virtually eliminated inappropriate searching during both daily experimental periods. Further, the effects generalized to the daily control session. In a final experimental phase, decreased searching behavior was maintained with verbal reprimands alone.
3-D physical modeling and pseudospectral simulation of seismic common-source data volumes

Numerical simulation of common‐source seismic responses of arbitrarily complicated three‐dimensional (3-D) variable‐velocity structures is implemented by pseudospectral solution of the scalar wave equation. Potential applicability of such simulation to data analysis and interpretation is demonstrated by comparing synthetic 3-D (x, y, t) common‐source gathers with those recorded on an areal grid of receivers over a physical scale model of a salt tongue. The iterative model adjustment process in fitting the physical model data is analogous to that which would be required for field data. Comparing differences between 2-D and 3-D synthetic responses allows interpretation of out‐of‐plane propagation. It is necessary to include the effects on the source directivity, because of a shield placed over the source during data acquisition, to numerically approximate the main features in the recorded scale model data.
Discussion of “Some Controversial Multiple Testing Problems in Regulatory Applications”

We want to commend the authors on addressing two challenging issues that are of fundamental importance to the developers of innovative pharmaceutical products. These two issues are related, but are...
Attribute‐based differentiation of alternatives

An intermediate step is introduced to the dialogue decision process for decision analysis. Alternatives are refined after they have been generated within a strategy table but before they are subject to more detailed evaluation. Two or more judges create a subjective mapping from alternatives to attributes that will later be mapped to criteria. In strategy tables, each of the alternative strategies consists of a coherent set of choices made across several decisions that are to be coordinated. These strategic alternatives are modified so as to increase their differentiation in the attribute space, rather than in the decision space alone. When criteria weights are unknown, the best alternative from the modified set may be superior to the best alternative from the original set. Furthermore, analysis of the resulting alternatives may yield a better mapping of the value response surface for the action space, in the sense that this mapping leads to eventual construction of a higher value alternative. Results are reported for a consulting engagement incorporating the proposed step. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caspase-8 and FLIP regulate RIG-I/MDA5-induced innate immune host responses to picornaviruses.

Picornaviruses are small, nonenveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses, which cause a wide range of animal and human diseases, based on their distinct tissue and cell type tropisms. Myocarditis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis and the common cold are the most significant human illnesses caused by picornaviruses. The host response to picornaviruses is complex, and the damage to tissues occurs not only from direct viral replication within infected cells. Picornaviruses exhibit an exceptional ability to evade the early innate immune response, resulting in chronic infection and autoimmunity. This review discusses the detailed aspects of the early innate host response to picornaviruses infection mediated by RIG-I-like helicases, their adaptor, mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein, innate immune-induced apoptosis, and the role of caspase-8 and its regulatory paralog, FLIP, in these processes.
Prognostic significance of exercise-induced left bundle-branch block

Context.—Approximately 0.5% of all patients who undergo exercise testing develop a transient left bundle-branch block (LBBB) during exercise, but its prognostic significance is unclear.Objective.—To determine whether exercise-induced LBBB is an independent predictor of mortality and cardiac morbidity.Design.—Matched control cohort study. Between September 1990 and February 10, 1994, 17277 exercise stress tests were performed on patients.Setting.—Tertiary care, academic medical center.Patients.—From the cohort, 70 cases of exercise-induced LBBB were identified. The controls comprised 70 individuals without LBBB at rest or during exercise that matched the 70 cases based on age, test date, sex, prior history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and β-blocker use.Main Outcome Measures.—All-cause mortality, percutaneous coronary intervention, open heart surgery, nonfatal myocardial infarction, documented symptomatic or sustained ventricular tachydysrhythmia, or implantation of a permanent pacemaker or an implantable cardiac defibrillator.Results.—A total of 37 events (28 events from the exercise-induced LBBB cases and 9 from the control cohort) occurred in 25 patients (17 exercise-induced LBBB patients and 8 control patients) during a mean follow-up period of 3.7 (0.9 years) (median, 3.8 years [range, 0.9-5.2 years]). There were 7 deaths, of which 5 occurred among patients with exercise-induced LBBB. Four-year Kaplan-Meier event rates were 19% among exercise-induced LBBB patients and 10% among controls (log rank χ2, 5.2; P =.02). After further adjusting for small differences in age, exercise-induced LBBB remained associated with a higher risk of primary events (adjusted relative risk, 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-6.65; P =.02).Conclusion.—Exercise-induced LBBB independently predicts a higher risk of death and major cardiac events.
Significant long-term reduction in n-channel MESFET subthreshold leakage using ammonium-sulfide surface treated gates

Ammonium-sulfide ((NH/sub 4/)/sub 2/S) treated gates have been employed in the fabrication of GaAs MESFETs that exhibit a remarkable reduction in subthreshold leakage current. A greater than 100-fold reduction in drain current minimum is observed due to a decrease in Schottky gate leakage. The electrical characteristics have remained stable for over a year during undesiccated storage at room temperature, despite the absence of passivation layers. >
PO-0210 Features Of Hcv Infection In Children From A Hepatology Department In South-eastern Europe

Background and aims Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is cause of significant morbidity and mortality, especially in children. The study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of children infected with HCV diagnosed in „Grigore Alexandrescu” Children’s Hospital, Bucharest. Methods We reviewed the medical records of HCV infected children diagnosed between January 1991 and December 2012 and analysed demographic data, viral serology and route of infection. Results We identified 58 cases, all diagnosed by detection of anti-HCV antibodies. 47.3% of the patients came from Bucharest, the rest residing in neighbouring districts. They were equally distributed by means of sex (52.6% boys) and age groups. Regarding alleged route of transmission: 43.7% had infected mothers (perinatal infection), 22.8% had a history of parenteral procedures (surgical intervention, blood transfusions, iv drug abuse, tattoos). 69.5% underwent evaluation for fibrosis, by either hepatic biopsy or fibroscan: 85% had a low fibrosis score ( Conclusions HCV infection in children is a public health issue. Materno-fetal transmission is the main route of infection followed by transfusions and other parenteral routes. We predict that a thorough pregnancy monitorization and an accurate blood donor screening will significantly reduce the number of infected children in our country.
Life satisfaction of rich and poor under socialism and capitalism

Was the difference in life satisfaction between the more and less affluent noticeably smaller under socialism than capitalism? There is no simple answer. If, for example, one compares six ‘Soviet model’ countries with developed capitalist countries generally, the answer is yes. But if one compares these six countries with the market-oriented Nordic welfare states, the answer is no – the happiness gap between rich and poor is not significantly different. What is clear, however, is that in countries transitioning from socialism to capitalism, the happiness gap has typically risen to levels significantly higher than in developed capitalist countries. The principle reason for the larger gap in the transition countries is a substantial worsening of satisfaction with life among the less advantaged segment of the population due in part to relatively large increases in unemployment and income inequality in those countries.
Diagnostic Imaging of the Gallbladder and Hepatobiliary System in Children

Selection of the appropriate imaging techniques for evaluation of the gallbladder, biliary tract, and liver in the pediatric patient depends upon the specific clinical problem at hand. Many situations require two or more imaging methods to sufficiently narrow the diagnostic possibilities. To determine the optimal combination of studies, direct communication between the referring physician and radiologist is essential.
The positive and negative semantic dimensions of relationship satisfaction

Semantic differential items were reconfigured to assess relationship satisfaction across separate positive and negative attitude dimensions. Study 1 (N = 1, 656) supported a 2-factor model for the Positive and Negative Semantic Differential (PN–SMD), as well as its convergent, criterion-related, and incremental validity over the 16-item Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI; J. L. Funk & R. D. Rogge, 2007) using known correlates of relationship satisfaction as criteria. Study 2 (N = 89) replicated the convergent, criterion-related, and incremental validity findings of Study 1 using different criterion measures, the CSI, a bipolar semantic differential measure designed for assessing relationship satisfaction, and an existing 2-dimensional measure of relationship satisfaction. The authors demonstrated across studies that the PN–SMD captures criterion-relevant information about ambivalence versus indifference toward the relationship—associations that are only detectable when using a 2-dimensional satisfaction measure.
A Logic of Partitioned Representations

In this and in the next two chapters we investigate the logical and computational properties of partitioned representations. That you have entered the appendices reflects the fact that you are about to embark upon optional reading, a difficult task for those not versed in the ways of logic and AI. It is not too late to turn back. Yet, should you continue, your journey will be fruitful.
Aging and cancer cell biology, 2009

Cancer is an age-related disease in organisms with renewable tissues. A malignant tumor arises in part from genomic damage, which can also drive age-related degeneration. However, cancer differs from many age-related degenerative diseases in that it entails gain-of-function changes that confer new (albeit aberrant) properties on cells, resulting in vigorous cell proliferation and survival. Nonetheless, interventions that delay age-related degeneration - for example, caloric restriction or dampened insulin/IGF-1 signaling - often also delay cancer. How then is the development of cancer linked to aging? The answer to this question is complex, as suggested by recent findings. This Hot Topic review discusses some of these findings, including how genomic damage might alter cellular properties without conferring mutations, and how some genes that regulate lifespan in organisms that lack renewable tissues might affect the development of cancer in mammals.
The Candida albicans phosphatase Inp51p interacts with the EH domain protein Irs4p, regulates phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate levels and influences hyphal formation, the cell integrity pathway and virulence.

We previously identified Candida albicans Irs4p as an epidermal growth factor substrate 15 homology (EH) domain-containing protein that is reactive with antibodies in the sera of patients with candidiasis and contributes to cell wall integrity, hyphal formation and virulence. In this study, we use a yeast two-hybrid method and co-immunoprecipitation to show that Irs4p physically interacts with the phosphatase Inp51p. Disruption of the Inp51p Asn-Pro-Phe (NPF) motif eliminates the interaction, suggesting that this motif is targeted by Irs4p. Both inp51 and irs4 null mutants exhibit significantly increased levels of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] without changes in levels of other phosphoinositides. Like the irs4 mutant, the inp51 mutant demonstrates increased susceptibility to cell wall-active agents, impaired hyphal formation and abnormal chitin distribution along hyphal walls during growth within solid agar. Moreover, the inp51 and irs4 mutants overactivate the cell wall integrity pathway as measured by Mkc1p phosphorylation. As anticipated, mortality due to disseminated candidiasis is significantly attenuated among mice infected with the inp51 mutant, and tissue burdens and inflammation within the kidneys are reduced. Hyphal formation and chitin distribution in vivo are also impaired, consistent with observations of embedded growth in vitro. All phenotypes exhibited by the inp51 and irs4 mutants are rescued by complementation with the respective genes. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Irs4p binds and activates Inp51p to negatively regulate PI(4,5)P2 levels and the cell integrity pathway, and that PI(4,5)P2 homeostasis is important for coordinating cell wall integrity, hyphal growth and virulence under conditions of cell wall stress.
Design and test in the universities

It is argued that a broad-based VLSI curriculum should be established in the university. In conjunction with theoretical teaching, facilities that include an integrated design and test environment, CAD tools, and ATE (automatic test equipment) should be provided. A possible program might be directed toward the computer (or electrical) engineering degree with emphasis on VLSI design and testing. The areas that might be included in such a program are design and architecture, device physics and technology, integrated circuits, testing and fault tolerance, CAD tools, algorithms and applications, and processing techniques. >
Comparison of Na+ currents from type IIa and IIb human intercostal muscle fibers

The voltage dependence and amplitude of Na+ currents (INa) were studied with the loose-patch voltage-clamp technique on 19 fast-twitch human intercostal skeletal muscle fibers at the endplate border and > 200 microns from the endplate (extrajunctional). The fibers were histochemically classified as fast-twitch oxidative-glycolytic (type IIa, n = 9) or fast-twitch glycolytic (type IIb, n = 10). The voltage dependence of activation and fast and slow inactivation of INa were similar for membrane patches recorded on the endplate border and on extrajunctional membrane for both fiber types. INa was about fivefold larger on the endplate border compared with extrajunctional membrane for both fiber types. Type IIb fibers had larger values of INa and manifest fast inactivation of INa at more negative potentials than type IIa fibers. The difference between type IIa and IIb fibers may enable IIb fibers to operate at higher firing frequencies for brief periods.
Short term lead exposure induces a stress-likeresponse in adult mice

Background Developmental and perinatal lead exposure in rats affects the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Cortex (HPA) axis function resulting in elevated corticosterone blood levels thus affecting the level of stress responsivity of the offspring. The majority of the studies on lead exposure and stress have been done by exposing the animal indirectly during gestation, or lactation periods. This study presents evidence supporting that short term lead exposure affects a stress-like response in adult lead-exposed mice. Material/methods DBA/2J mice were exposed to three different lead concentrations, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, in the drinking water for a two week period. After the exposure period the animals were subjected to behavioral tests, i.e., social contact, and the plus maze using a computer-assisted videomonitoring system, Videomex-V (Columbia Instruments). The levels of ACTH and corticosterone in plasma were also measured using a Radioimmunoassay (RIA). Results Exposed animals displayed a significant decrease in the length of time the mice pairs spent within social contact distance (5.18 +/- 0.58 seconds for controls and 3.23 +/- 0.34 seconds for 1000 ppm exposure), and a significant decrease in the percent of time the mice stayed in the open arms of the plus maze (7% for controls and 1% for 1000 ppm exposure) a measure indicator of anxiety. In addition exposed mice showed increased blood levels of ACTH (573 +/- 106 microg/dL for 1000 ppm and 127 +/- 25 microg/dL for control mice) and corticosterone (195.12 +/- 52.47 controls and 87.33 +/- 10.94 for exposed). Conclusions These results support the hypothesis that exposure to lead of the adult mice affects a behavioral and hormonal response consistent with stress.
Progressive Brown-Séquard syndrome: A rare manifestation of cervical disc herniation.

Brown-Sequard syndrome (BSS) is a rare syndrome and is often described in association with spinal cord injury resulting from hemisection of the spinal cord. BSS due to cervical disc herniation is rare with often delayed diagnosis. The importance of early recognition with imaging cannot be over-emphasized, as the prognosis is better when compared to traumatic and vascular etiologies of BSS. We report a rare case of BBS in an 86-year-old man secondary to cervical disc herniation who had dramatic improvement after surgical intervention. This case highlights the unusual presentation from a very common spinal pathology along with a review of the pertinent literature.
ASSESSMENT OF QUALITY OF GENERICS IN CARDIOLOGY: REALITY AND POSSIBILITIES

Wide presence of original drugs’ copies, the so-called “generics”, on the pharmaceutical market is analyzed. The positive side of this expansion is connected with the lower price of generics, which makes it possible to decrease the costs of treatment. From the other side with the advent of big number of copies of the original drugs it becomes more difficult to assess the quality of each particular generic. Russian legislation in the field of registration allows selling in the country almost all drugs, which have at least minimal similarity to the original. The problem of pre-registration studies of bioequivalency of original and analogue drugs, therapeutical equivalency is widely observed. Concrete proposals of how to prevent the overflow of the Russian market with the generics with the unproved efficacy and safety are considered.
Where Are We Now?: A Post-ASFA Examination of Adoption Disruption.

Little research on adoption disruption has been conducted in recent years, particularly with large populations and multivariate methods. Utilizing administrative data on 15,947 children, this study examines adoption disruption in a large state child welfare system in the United States in the three years leading up to and the three years following the passage of ASFA (Adoption and Safe Families Act), a federal law that mandates speedier movement to termination of parental rights and adoptive placement when parents do not make acceptable progress. Through a Cox proportional hazards model, the risk and protective factors associated with disruption are identified. Overall, the risk of disruption was 11 percent less for placements occurring after 1997. Among factors associated with higher risk were older age of the children entering foster care and placements with up to four siblings. Included in factors associated with a lower risk for disruption were racewhite children were at a lower risk than Afri...
Red Oak Borer (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Emergence from Oak in Ohio

The red oak borer, Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman), damages living oak in the Central States and in the Appalachian hardwood-producing area. Hay (1969) established that the borer has a 2-year synchronated life cycle in which adult emergence occurs in odd-numbered years in southern Ohio. The study area was located on the Scioto Trail State Forest near Chillicothe, Ohio. Emergence data were gathered for 3 generations of the borer in the flight years of 1965, 1967, and 1969. A freeze in south-central Ohio in late spring 1966 caused host-tree mortality when larvae of the 1965-67 generation were immature. The effect of the freeze on borer larval development was studied in 1967.
A compact LTCC 3-way power splitter

By using π equivalent-circuit model of the embedded inductor,the prototype circuit of lumped-element Wilkinson divider was simplified,and a compact LTCC circuit for 3-way power splitter was presented.3D LTCC model of the circuit was established and simulated,and the optimized result of the model was realized,resulting in a 3-way power splitter with a size of 3.2mm×1.6mm×1.3mm and a center frequency of 2.45GHz.As the isolation resistors are buried in the device,much mount area can be saved for application.
Using Spatial Light Modulators in MIMO Visible Light Communication Receivers to Dynamically Control the Optical Channel

We propose a new MIMO visible light communication (VLC) receiver architecture that can dynamically adjust the optical channel by using a spatial light modulator (SLM). This capability enables the VLC receiver to track moving transmitters to support mobility. We also present operating procedures and control algorithms for this SLM VLC receiver to measure the gain from each transmitter, to configure the SLM, and to track the transmitters as they move relative to the receiver. Through the design of a two-photodetector prototype and simplified models for imaging systems, we demonstrate that the SLM VLC receiver can outperform similar traditional imaging VLC receivers that do not use an SLM, even if the traditional VLC receiver is equipped with more photodetectors.
The Primary Plant Body

The vegetative body of higher plants is in general made up of two organ systems, the root system and the shoot system. The shoot system is further composed of two organs, the stem and the leaf. Stems may be composed entirely of primary tissues (tissues derived directly from the primary meristematic tissues of the shoot tip), or they may be composed of primary tissues and secondary tissues (tissues derived directly from the lateral meristems). Usually, stems composed of primary tissues have only a limited number of hard, dense cells present and are spoken of as herbaceous structures. In contrast, stems made up largely of secondary tissues usually have a considerable number of hard, dense cells and are spoken of as woody structures. The herbaceous, dicotyledonous stem will be used as the first example in the following discussion of the primary plant body.
Exercise training-induced changes in the gut microbiota of Standardbred racehorses

Exercise has a significant effect on different physiological systems in the body of human and animals. Only limited numbers of published studies in laboratory animals or humans have shown the effect of exercise on the gut microbiota, and no studies have shown this effect in horses. In this study, 8 horses (4 mares, 4 geldings) were exercise trained for 12 weeks, and 4 additional mares were used as a parallel seasonal control. To identify bacterial community changes over time for both groups, rectal faecal samples were collected, DNA was extracted, and the 16S rRNA gene (V3-V4) was sequenced using the Illumina Miseq platform. One-way ANOVA, Shannon diversity index, and Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) were used to identify differences between and among samples. The exercise training group showed significant changes in the levels of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes phyla (P<0.05), while there were no changes in the gut microbiota of the seasonal control group through the three months of t...
Study on the Difference of Machinability between Iron-Based Sintered Materials and Steel Materials

Iron-based sintered materials are fabricated via the process of compacting iron powder by using die, sintering in 1100 to 1300°C, and quenching or sizing. These materials are used as variable valve system and oil pump system in automobiles. Recently, the severe requirement for complication and high precision shape of them has increased the products machined by turning and drilling. In general, it is more difficult to machine the sintered materials than the steel. However, the quantitative evaluations and the mechanisms of those are ambiguous, then there is a few suggestion for improvement of the machining. In this study, we will report the machinability of sintered materials by compare with that of steel materials, and the improvement of machinability of sintered materials.