cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting Hospital Readmission via Cost-Sensitive Deep Learning

With increased use of electronic medical records (EMRs), data mining on medical data has great potential to improve the quality of hospital treatment and increase the survival rate of patients. Early readmission prediction enables early intervention, which is essential to preventing serious or life-threatening events, and act as a substantial contributor to reduce healthcare costs. Existing works on predicting readmission often focus on certain vital signs and diseases by extracting statistical features. They also fail to consider skewness of class labels in medical data and different costs of misclassification errors. In this paper, we recur to the merits of convolutional neural networks (CNN) to automatically learn features from time series of vital sign, and categorical feature embedding to effectively encode feature vectors with heterogeneous clinical features, such as demographics, hospitalization history, vital signs, and laboratory tests. Then, both learnt features via CNN and statistical features via feature embedding are fed into a multilayer perceptron (MLP) for prediction. We use a cost-sensitive formulation to train MLP during prediction to tackle the imbalance and skewness challenge. We validate the proposed approach on two real medical datasets from Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and all data is taken from historical EMR databases and reflects the kinds of data that would realistically be available at the clinical prediction system in hospitals. We find that early prediction of readmission is possible and when compared with state-of-the-art existing methods used by hospitals, our methods perform significantly better. For example, using the general hospital wards data for 30-day readmission prediction, the area under the curve (AUC) for the proposed model was 0.70, significantly higher than all the baseline methods. Based on these results, a system is being deployed in hospital settings with the proposed forecasting algorithms to support treatment.
Implementing the Tchebycheff Method in a Spreadsheet

The Tchebycheff Method [29] is one of a group of interactive procedures [e.g., 3–7, 10, 13–14, 16–19, 21, 23, 25-27, 30–31] for solving multiple objective programming problems. While the procedures in this group represent a diversity of Solution strategics, the implementations of most of these procedures posses remarkable similarities [8, 9], with most of these procedures being essentially supervisory routines designed to call commercial-grade linear, integer and nonlinear programming codes as their workhorse Software. That is, to probe the Solution set at each iteration, one or more (single objective) mathematical programs must be solved, at which point in earlier Computing environments, an appropriate solver such as MINOS (Murtagh and Saunders [1977]) for linear problems, MPSX (IBM [1979]) for integer problems, or GRG2 (Lasdon and Waren [1986]) for nonlinear problems would be called.
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF UNSTEADY WAKE DEVELOPMENT BEHIND AN IMPULSIVELY STARTED CYLINDER IN SLIGHTLY VISCOUS FLUID

The initial unsteady flow around an impulsively started circular cylinder at Reynolds number 9500 (based on the diameter) is simulated using a hybrid random vortex numerical method. This study investigates the relationship of the creation, diffusion and convection of vorticity (both inside and outside the boundary layer) to the genesis and evolution of the complex and “unstable” flow structures of the recirculating zone behind the cylinder. The simulation reveals the detailed geometric features of the wake (e.g. size and orientation of the vortices, size and growth of the wake, and shape of the wake boundary), the velocity distribution on the wake axis, and the velocity vector field behind the cylinder. Numerical functionals are plotted and analyzed.
Immigration and native migration in New York City, 1985–1990

The 1990 Public Use Micro Sample is used to analyze the relationship between immigration and outmigration of the native born in New York City. The study population is limited to native born males who lived in the five boroughs in 1985. The relationship between immigration and the probability of various kinds of moves is assessed using logistic regression. Results suggest that immigration has an insignificant effect on migratory behavior, with the exception of inter-borough migration. Unlike prior work, this study examines a single metro area, and does not limit itself to inter-state migration. These results are consistent with more recent work (Card 2001; Kritz et al. 2001), which has failed to find a positive labor market level effect of immigration on native migratory behavior. The inter-borough finding is consistent with the occurrence of voluntary residential segregation within the city, in which the native born move away from areas of immigrant concentration but do not leave the labor market, yet there is no direct evidence that this process occurred.
Construction and Performance of Highly-Efficient Micro Gas Cells for the Infrared Spectra

The design and use of two low-cost, highly-efficient micro gas cells are described. The first cell, having a path length of 77 mm and a volume of 2.5 cc, has a cell efficiency of 3.08 as defined by the ratio of path length to volume. The second cell, having a path length of 9 mm and a volume of 0.045 cc, has a cell efficiency of 20. This cell is designed for use with a beam condensing system.
Evaluation of myocardial fibrosis by post gadolinium T1 measurement in patients with pulmonary hypertension

Methods Patients (n=19) with a clinical diagnosis or imaging findings of pulmonary hypertension who underwent cardiac MR between 1/1/2009 and 9/30/2014 were identified. Controls (n=10) were referred for cardiac MR evaluation to rule out ARVD due to family history or palpitations, but with a normal cardiac MR examination. Both patients and controls underwent cardiac MR with delayed gadolinium enhancement. Post-contrast locklocker inversion recovery sequences were obtained approximately 15 minutes following administration of gadolinium. T1 values were measured in the ventricular septum by placing a region of interest (ROI) that was confined to the myocardium using a semiautomated method. Manual correction was used to adjust ROIs that included the blood-pool. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis equality-of-populations rank test to compare the patient and control groups due to data skewness.
COOLING CUSTARDS AND PUDDINGS WITH COLD-TUBE AGITATION1

This investigation is concerned with the cooling of 4-gal batches of custards and puddings from an initial temperature of 140°F to a final temperature of 60°F, using a rotating cold tube agitator. ...
Learning in Morocco: language policies and the abandoned educational dream

In her thoroughly researched and well-written book Learning in Morocco: Language Policies and the Abandoned Educational Dream (2016), Charis Boutieri offers a succinct and incisive analysis of the ...
Emotionally evocative patients in the emergency department: a mixed methods investigation of providers’ reported emotions and implications for patient safety

Background Emergency department (ED) physicians and nurses frequently interact with emotionally evocative patients, which can impact clinical decision-making and behaviour. This study introduces well-established methods from social psychology to investigate ED providers’ reported emotional experiences and engagement in their own recent patient encounters, as well as perceived effects of emotion on patient care. Methods Ninety-four experienced ED providers (50 physicians and 44 nurses) vividly recalled and wrote about three recent patient encounters (qualitative data): one that elicited anger/frustration/irritation (angry encounter), one that elicited happiness/satisfaction/appreciation (positive encounter), and one with a patient with a mental health condition (mental health encounter). Providers rated their emotions and engagement in each encounter (quantitative data), and reported their perception of whether and how their emotions impacted their clinical decision-making and behaviour (qualitative data). Results Providers generated 282 encounter descriptions. Emotions reported in angry and mental health encounters were remarkably similar, highly negative, and associated with reports of low provider engagement compared with positive encounters. Providers reported their emotions influenced their clinical decision-making and behaviour most frequently in angry encounters, followed by mental health and then positive encounters. Emotions in angry and mental health encounters were associated with increased perceptions of patient safety risks; emotions in positive encounters were associated with perceptions of higher quality care. Conclusions Positive and negative emotions can influence clinical decision-making and impact patient safety. Findings underscore the need for (1) education and training initiatives to promote awareness of emotional influences and to consider strategies for managing these influences, and (2) a comprehensive research agenda to facilitate discovery of evidence-based interventions to mitigate emotion-induced patient safety risks. The current work lays the foundation for testing novel interventions.
Impact of race on incidence and survival from colorectal cancer in young adults in the United States.

62Background: Multiple studies have reported an increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in young( < 45 years)adults.However, the impact of race on the incidence, tumor location and survival...
Avoidance of social threat: Evidence from eye movements during a public speaking challenge using 360°- video.

Abstract Social anxiety (SA) is thought to be maintained in part by avoidance of social threat, which exacerbates fear of negative evaluation. Yet, relatively little research has been conducted to evaluate the connection between social anxiety and attentional processes in realistic contexts. The current pilot study examined patterns of attention (eye movements) in a commonly feared social context – public speaking. Participants (N = 84) with a range of social anxiety symptoms gave an impromptu five-minute speech in an immersive 360°-video environment, while wearing a virtual reality headset equipped with eye-tracking hardware. We found evidence for the expected interaction between fear of public speaking and social threat (uninterested vs. interested audience members). Consistent with prediction, participants with greater fear of public speaking looked fewer times at uninterested members of the audience (high social threat) compared to interested members of the audience (low social threat) b = 0.418, p = 0.046, 95% CI [0.008, 0.829]. Analyses of attentional indices over the course of the speech revealed that the interaction between fear of public speaking and gaze on audience members was only significant in the first three-minutes. Our results provide support for theoretical models implicating avoidance of social threat as a maintaining factor in social anxiety. Future research is needed to test whether guided attentional training targeting in vivo attentional avoidance may improve clinical outcomes for those presenting with social anxiety.
Sensitivity analysis of dye absorption-spectrum transferability relative to substrates

This study describes a sensitivity analysis of absorption-spectrum transferability with respect to substrates for optimizing NIR-SWIR reflectance of dyed materials with respect to specified target spectra. Inverse modeling is applied to reflectance spectra of prototypical IR absorbing dyes, which have been deposited upon different substrates, with different deposit-layer thicknesses. IR absorption features of any given IR absorbing dye will be a function of deposit-layer microstructure and dielectric response of substrate material. This study examines the feasibility of parametrically modeling absorption-spectrum dependence on dye-deposit microstructure and dye-deposit-substrate interaction, which will depend on the sensitivity of absorption-spectrum transferability with respect to different types substrates.
Review and recommendations for structural testing of buried gravity storm drain pipes and culverts

Buried pipes are important components of the underground infrastructure. Structural failure of these pipes is costly, socially and environmentally disruptive. To prevent such incidents, a deep unde...
Uncovering the Sources of Machine-Learning Mistakes in Advertising: Contextual Bias in the Evaluation of Semantic Relatedness

Imagine a beer advertisement next to an article about drunk driving, or a coupon for a free dinner embedded in an article about food poisoning. While humans are quite good at seeing the error in th...
What Would Delegates Do? When and Why the Delegate Paradox Matters

The consensus that American politicians are more ideologically extreme than voters has been challenged by the observation that issue delegates---who adopt voters' majority position on each issue---can be more extreme than the median voter. We deepen understanding of this "delegate paradox" by showing that it is conditional. Issue delegates are much more extreme than the median voter in left- and right-leaning constituencies, but not in evenly divided or ideologically purist constituencies. Consequently, the delegate paradox (1) matters most under conditions that have recently emerged in American politics, but (2) still cannot explain the disconnect between legislators and evenly-divided constituencies like states and competitive House districts. We verify these implications by replicating and extending two prominent studies. Although issue delegates representing full states are not much more extreme than the median voter, party issue delegates have moved to the extremes at nearly twice the rate of party median voters and are just as extreme as legislators.
Changes in subjective measures of appetite during 6 months of alternate day fasting with a low carbohydrate diet.

Summary Objective Alternate day fasting (ADF) has been shown to lower body weight and improve subjective appetite by increasing fullness. What remains unknown, however, is whether carbohydrate restriction during ADF would provide additional weight loss benefits by helping to lower hunger as well. Accordingly, this study examined the effect of 6-months of ADF combined with a low carbohydrate diet on fasting and postprandial appetite ratings. Methods Adults with obesity (n = 31) participated in ADF (600 kcal “fast day” alternated with an ad libitum “feast day”) with a low-carbohydrate background diet (30% carbohydrates, 35% protein, and 35% fat). The 6-month trial consisted of a 3-month weight loss period followed by a 3-month weight maintenance period. Results After 6-months of an ADF-low carbohydrate diet, body weight decreased (P Conclusions These findings suggest that ADF combined with a low carbohydrate diet is not associated with any changes in appetite, relative to baseline. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03528317.
Terrorist attacks, land resource competition and violent farmer-herder conflicts

Abstract Armed conflicts that involve the capture of land and territory can have direct and spillover effects on other land-related conflicts. In this paper, we conceptualize how attacks by terrorists relate to violence from farmer-herder conflicts when both activities are observed in the same geographic area and in the same timeframe. Using both monthly national time series and state-year panel data for Nigeria, we employ Vector Autoregression (VAR) and Spatial VAR (SpVAR) models to examine the existence and direction of temporal and spatial relationships between Boko Haram attacks and violent farmer-herder conflicts. Our VAR results suggest that the former Granger-cause the latter, but not the other way around, supporting the notion that terrorist violence has spillover effects via an increase in violent farmer-herder conflicts. However, our SpVAR results suggest spatial competition or crowding-out between one form of violence and another in a given geographical area. Specific land management and policy implications are also highlighted.
Lebanese Catholic schools: past achievements and contemporary challenges in times of economic distress and COVID 19 pandemic

Lebanon is currently trapped in a full-scale emergency. Apart from the Syrian refugee mass influx of 2011, which had led the country to severe social and economic constraints, a civic uprising igni...
Large-scale shift in the structure of a kelp forest ecosystem co-occurs with an epizootic and marine heatwave.

Climate change is responsible for increased frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme events, such as marine heatwaves (MHWs). Within eastern boundary current systems, MHWs have profound impacts on temperature-nutrient dynamics that drive primary productivity. Bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) forests, a vital nearshore habitat, experienced unprecedented losses along 350 km of coastline in northern California beginning in 2014 and continuing through 2019. These losses have had devastating consequences to northern California communities, economies, and fisheries. Using a suite of in situ and satellite-derived data, we demonstrate that the abrupt ecosystem shift initiated by a multi-year MHW was preceded by declines in keystone predator population densities. We show strong evidence that northern California kelp forests, while temporally dynamic, were historically resilient to fluctuating environmental conditions, even in the absence of key top predators, but that a series of coupled environmental and biological shifts between 2014 and 2016 resulted in the formation of a persistent, altered ecosystem state with low primary productivity. Based on our findings, we recommend the implementation of ecosystem-based and adaptive management strategies, such as (1) monitoring the status of key ecosystem attributes: kelp distribution and abundance, and densities of sea urchins and their predators, (2) developing management responses to threshold levels of these attributes, and (3) creating quantitative restoration suitability indices for informing kelp restoration efforts. Meredith McPherson et al. use a 34-year time series of satellite and in situ derived data to study bull kelp forests of northern California and demonstrate the ecosystem shifts following a marine heatwave event between 2014 and 2016. The results show that increased herbivory by sea urchins due to the loss of a predator reduced bull kelp forest resistance to fluctuating environmental conditions and point to the importance of ecosystem-based and adaptive management strategies.
Correlating structure and orbital occupation with the stability and mechanical properties of 3d transition metal carbides

Abstract The development of novel transition metal carbides for improved hard coating technologies requires a detailed understanding of the factors influencing their stability and mechanical performance. To this end, we carried out first principles calculations based on density functional theory to tabulate the electronic structures, formation energies, and phonon dispersion curves of 3d transition metal carbides adopting zincblende, rocksalt, and cesium chloride structures. By analyzing the corresponding results, we outline a theoretical framework that describes how valence electron concentration and bonding configuration control the stability of these compounds. Many early transition metal carbides are predicted to be stable in the rocksalt and zincblende structures, enabled by filled bonding states, whereas the cesium chloride structure shows persistent instability. For compounds that are predicted to be stable, mechanical properties were investigated through calculation of elastic tensors, from which observable properties including Vicker’s hardness and ductility were derived. A robust mechanical performance is shown to be correlated with complete filling of bonding orbitals as illustrated for rocksalt TiC and VC, which have calculated hardnesses of 25.66 and 22.63 GPa respectively. However, enhanced ductility and toughness can be achieved by allowing partial occupation of the antibonding states as in CrC, which has a relatively low Pugh’s ratio of 0.51.
Electing Judges: The Surprising Effects of Campaigning on Judicial Legitimacy

In "Electing Judges", leading judicial politics scholar James L. Gibson responds to the growing chorus of critics who fear that the politics of running for office undermine judicial independence. While many people have opinions on the topic, few have supported them with actual empirical evidence. Gibson rectifies this situation, offering the most systematic and comprehensive study to date of the impact of campaigns on public perceptions of fairness, impartiality, and the legitimacy of elected state courts - and his findings are both counterintuitive and controversial. Gibson finds that ordinary Americans do not conclude from campaign promises that judges are incapable of making impartial decisions. Instead, he shows, they understand the process of deciding cases to be an exercise in policymaking, rather than of simply applying laws to individual cases - and consequently think it's important for candidates to reveal where they stand on important issues. Negative advertising also turns out to have a limited effect on perceptions of judicial legitimacy, though the same cannot be said for widely hated campaign contributions. Taking both the good and bad into consideration, Gibson argues that elections are ultimately beneficial in boosting the legitimacy of courts, despite the slight negative effects of some campaign activities. "Electing Judges" will initiate a lively debate inside both the halls of justice and the academy.
Steady-State Generic Mobility

The random trip and cluster mobility model are considered as the steady-state generic mobility model. Both mobility models are described proving the fact that it is a stable (that is, perfect simulation) model. The random waypoint and other mobility models that are subsets of the random trip model are explained. The strong stochastic property of the random trip model that has the random waypoint mobility pattern is also illuminated. The scale-free property of the cluster mobility model is described in the context of the scale-free mobile ad hoc network.
Laser Flow Measurements in an Idealized Total Cavopulmonary Connection With Mechanical Circulatory Assistance

This study examined the interactive fluid dynamics between a cavopulmonary assist device and univentricular Fontan circulation. We conducted two-dimensional particle image velocimetry measurements on an idealized total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) with an axial pump prototype intravascularly inserted into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and then in the IVC and the superior vena cava (SVC) for a dual-pump support case. The glass model of the TCPC consisted of rigid vessels having a diameter of 13.4 mm and a one-diameter vessel offset at the TCPC junction. Fluid velocity profiles were examined at a cardiac output of 3 L/min and SVC and IVC flow ratios of 30/70%, 40/60%, and 50/50% and pump rotational speeds from 3000 to 9000 rpm. In addition, cardiac outputs of 5 and 7 L/min were also examined. As compared to the flow profile with the pump present, the measured velocity field demonstrated the presence of rotational (i.e., out of plane) motion, which forced the higher-velocity regions toward the periphery of the vessel. As a result, few flow vortices were captured in the image plane downstream of the pump in the TCPC junction. However, the velocity profiles for all cases demonstrated the expected shunting preference of IVC flow toward the right pulmonary artery. Furthermore, the inclusion of the pump provided a pressure rise of 3 to 9 mm Hg, which would be sufficient to relieve systemic hypertension in Fontan patients with circulatory dysfunction.
Forecasting Based on Common Trends in Mixed Frequency Samples

We analyze the forecasting performance of small mixed frequency factor models when the observed variables share stochastic trends. The indicators are observed at various frequencies and are tied together by cointegration so that valuable high frequency information is passed to low frequency series through the common factors. Differencing the data breaks the cointegrating link among the series and some of the signal leaks out to the idiosyncratic components, which do not contribute to the transfer of information among indicators. We find that allowing for common trends improves forecasting performance over a stationary factor model based on differenced data. The "common-trends factor model" outperforms the stationary factor model at all analyzed forecast horizons. Our results demonstrate that when mixed frequency variables are cointegrated, modeling common stochastic trends improves forecasts.
A folding transition and novel zinc finger accessory domain in the transcription factor ADR1.

The region responsible for sequence-specific DNA binding by the transcription factor ADR1 contains two Cys2–His2 zinc fingers and an additional N-terminal proximal accessory region (PAR). The N-terminal (non-finger) PAR is unstructured in the absence of DNA and undergoes a folding transition on binding the DNA transcription target site. We have used a set of HN-HN NOEs derived from a perdeuterated protein–DNA complex to describe the fold of ADR1 bound to the UAS1 binding site. The PAR forms a compact domain consisting of three antiparallel strands that contact A-T base pairs in the major groove. The three-strand domain is a novel fold among all known DNA-binding proteins. The PAR shares sequence homology with the N-terminal regions of other zinc finger proteins, suggesting that it represents a new DNA-binding module that extends the binding repertoire of zinc finger proteins.
Auroral recombination of N and O - A possible source for emission in the gamma and delta bands of NO

Radiative recombination of N and O provides a significant source for auroral emission in the gamma and delta bands of NO with selective population of vibrational levels in the A 2 Sigma(+) and C 2 Pi states. This mechanism may account for emissions detected near 2150 A. Models are derived for the auroral ionosphere and include estimates for the concentrations of N and NO. The concentration of NO is estimated to have a value of about 100 million per cu cm near 140 km in an IBC III aurora. The corresponding density for N is about 50 million per cu cm, and the concentration ratio NO(+)/O2(+) has a value of about 5.5.
Obesity as a Risk Factor for Consideration for Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

Abstract Background Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes and is prevalent in patients with advanced heart failure requiring left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The understanding of high body mass index (BMI) and outcomes after LVAD implantation continues to evolve. In this study we investigated the effects of obesity on post–LVAD implantation outcomes. Methods and Results In this retrospective study, 288 patients with both Heartmate II and Heartware HVADs, implanted as bridge to transplantation (BTT) and destination therapy (DT), were enrolled. Patients were stratified according to BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 . Baseline demographics were obtained. Post–LVAD implantation incidence of readmissions and major adverse events were tabulated. The cohort comprised of 95 (33%) obese and 193 (67%) nonobese patients, as well as, 63 (25%) female and 225 (75%) male patients; 48 (20%) were implanted as BTT and 240 (80%) as DT. The mean BMI in the obese group was 35.2 kg/m 2 compared with 24.3 kg/m 2 ( P P = .009). Multivariate analysis confirmed that BMI was an independent predictor for post–LVAD heart failure readmissions (odds ratio 2.47, 95% confidence interval 1.15–5.32; P = .02) Obese patients had a higher mean total number of hospitalizations compared with nonobese patients, (4.2 vs 3.4; P = .03) as well as higher median total length of stay after LVAD implantation (28 vs 14 days; P = .05), but these were not significant when adjusted for covariates. Conclusions Obese patients had higher incidence of post–LVAD implantation heart failure readmissions. There was no difference in overall survival or outcomes between the 2 groups. There was no difference in total rehospitalizations or length of stay between obese and nonobese patients. Our analysis suggests that obesity should not preclude LVAD candidacy.
The internalization of weight bias is associated with severe eating pathology among lean individuals

Abstract Objective The internalization of weight bias is associated with clinically significant eating pathology among overweight adults. However, these relationships have not yet been assessed in lean individuals, who may perceive themselves to be overweight and subsequently internalize weight bias. The aim of the present study, therefore, was to determine whether lean individuals internalize weight bias and if the internalization of weight bias among lean respondents is associated with eating pathology. Method Participants were 197 lean (mean BMI: 22.28 ± 1.89, range 15.80–24.98) adults who completed the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) and measures of disordered eating behaviors and attitudes via an anonymous online survey. Results Based on convergence of responses from the EDE-Q and QEWP-R, and using DSM-5 behavioral criteria, 10% and 15% of participants were classified into a binge eating and binge/purge group, respectively. WBIS scores were significantly higher among those with binge and/or purge behaviors compared to those without eating pathology. Bivariate correlations revealed positive associations between WBIS score and BMI, depression, and all EDE-Q subscales (restraint, eating concern, shape concern, weight concern). Logistic regressions indicated that internalized weight bias was significantly associated with binge/purge behaviors (OR = 4.67, 95% CI: 2.38–9.17, p p Discussion These novel findings suggest that lean individuals may internalize weight bias. Importantly, the internalization of weight bias among lean individuals is associated with clinically significant eating pathology.
Word List Memory Predicts Everyday Function and Problem-Solving in the Elderly: Results from the ACTIVE Cognitive Intervention Trial

Data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial (N = 2,802) were analyzed to examine whether word list learning predicts future everyday functioning. Using stepwise random effects modeling, measures from the modified administrations of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) and the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) were independently predictive of everyday IADL functioning, problem-solving, and psychomotor speed. Associations between memory scores and everyday functioning outcomes remained significant across follow-up intervals spanning 5 years. HVLT total recall score was consistently the strongest predictor of each functional outcome. Results suggest that verbal memory measures are uniquely associated with both current and future functioning and that specific verbal memory tests like the HVLT and AVLT have important clinical utility in predicting future functional ability among older adults.
Hydrogen sulfide filtration combustion: comparison of theory and experiment

Filtration combustion waves in an inert porous media were analyzed comparatively for lean and rich H2S–air mixtures. Temperature, velocity, and chemical products of the combustion wave were studied experimentally in the range of equivalence ratios from 0.1 to 5.5. Downstream (superadiabatic) wave propagation was observed for ultra-lean (ϕ⩽0.45) and ultra-rich (ϕ⩾1.7) mixtures. Upstream (underadiabatic) propagation corresponds to the range of equivalence ratios from 0.45 to 1.7. It was found that, with equal heat content, rich mixtures have higher combustion temperatures than corresponding lean mixtures. The products of partial H2S oxidation, H2, and S2 are dominant for ultra-rich superadiabatic combustion, where up to 60% of H2S was converted to S2 and H2. For lean mixtures, the dominant products were H2O, SO2, and H2SO4.
Sulfur isotopic fractionation in vacuum UV photodissociation of hydrogen sulfide and its potential relevance to meteorite analysis

Select meteoritic classes possess mass-independent sulfur isotopic compositions in sulfide and organic phases. Photochemistry in the solar nebula has been attributed as a source of these anomalies. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is the most abundant gas-phase species in the solar nebula, and hence, photodissociation of H2S by solar vacuum UV (VUV) photons (especially by Lyman-α radiation) is a relevant process. Because of experimental difficulties associated with accessing VUV radiation, there is a paucity of data and a lack of theoretical basis to test the hypothesis of a photochemical origin of mass-independent sulfur. Here, we present multiisotopic measurements of elemental sulfur produced during the VUV photolysis of H2S. Mass-independent sulfur isotopic compositions are observed. The observed isotopic fractionation patterns are wavelength-dependent. VUV photodissociation of H2S takes place through several predissociative channels, and the measured mass-independent fractionation is most likely a manifestation of these processes. Meteorite sulfur data are discussed in light of the present experiments, and suggestions are made to guide future experiments and models.
Analytical description of a Fabry-Perot spectrometer. 7: TESS, a high-luminosity high-resolution twin-etalon scanning spectrometer.

The analytical description of the twin-etalon scanning spectrometer (TESS), i.e., an enhanced Fabry-Perot spectrometer, is presented in detail. Practical gains of >100 are attainable with this device, and it is also shown that this instrument is competitive with the spherical Fabry-Perot but with the ability to change the resolution at will. The spectral properties of the TESS are investigated for the determination of Doppler widths and shifts to emphasize the similarities and slight differences between this instrument and the single-etalon single-aperture Fabry-Perot. Practical considerations and tolerances required for operation of the TESS are discussed.
Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 stimulates amino acid uptake by the cultured human placental trophoblast

Amino acid uptake by the human placenta is known to occur via several transport mechanisms. However, regulation by extracellular factors has received relatively little attention. A recent report by this laboratory characterized the uptake of α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) stimulated by insulin in the cultured human placental trophoblast The current study evaluated the effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on AIB uptake in cultured human placental trophoblasts. Na+-dependent AIB uptake was significantly stimulated by IGF-l in a time-dependent manner, as early as 30 min after hormone exposure. The maximum effect was at 2–4 hr of continuous exposure to IGF-l and the stimulation was dependent upon IGF-1 concentration approaching maximal stimulation at 50 ng.ml−1. AIB uptake was inhibited by increasing concentrations of α-(methylamino)isobtyric acid (MeAIB). Approximately 75% of basal (unstimulated) Na+-dependent AIB uptake was inhibited by MeAIB. The IGF-1-stimulated increment above basal AIB uptake was completely inhibited by MeAIB. IGF-1 increased the maximum uptake yelocity but not Km. Using equimolar concentrations, stimulation was greater with IGF-1 then with IGF-2. Stimulation by IGF-1, but not insulin, was inhibited by anit-IGF-1 receptor antibody, indicating mediation via the IGF-1 receptor. H7, a nonspecific inhibitor of serine-threonine kinase, inhibited IGF-1-dependent stimulation of AIB uptake. In addition, calphostin C (a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C), but not H89 (a specific inhibitor of protein kinase A), inhibited the IGF-1 action. This study further characterizes regulated amino acid uptake by the human placental trophoblasts and demonstrates that the Na+-dependent component of AIB uptake is stimulated by physiologic concentrations of IGF-1. © 1995 Wiley-Liss Inc.
Throughflow into the Indian Ocean through the Lombok Strait, January 1985–January 1986

Recent papers (for example, refs 1 and 2) have raised the possibility, perhaps of global significance, that the rate of interbasin mass exchange between the Pacific and Indian Oceans through the Indonesian archipelago (referred to as the throughflow) is far higher than the value of 1–2 Sv (1 Sv = 106 m3 s−1) originally suggested in ref. 3. The elevated temperature and depressed salinity of throughflow water have a critical role in the heat and freshwater balance of the Indian Ocean4. Inasmuch as the Indonesian through-flow route is the only interocean basin connection in tropical latitudes, its presence and strength have important implications to heat flux through the global ocean5. Present estimates of the magnitude of the throughflow are all by various indirect methods and vary greatly, from 1.5 to 20 Sv (refs 1–3, 6–8 reviewed in ref. 5). We present here direct (current meter) observations that support the existence of a large throughflow.
Integrating Research and Practice: A Collaborative Model for Addressing Trauma and Addiction

ABSTRACT This paper reports on a 2 phase project developed by a group of practitioners and researchers to identify which trauma screening instrument clinicians find most useful in addiction treatment settings, provide clinicians with the resources necessary to conduct trauma screenings, and promote collaboration between researchers and practitioners. The data on clinicians’ views on trauma screening and on 3 trauma measures were gathered in 2 focus groups of 8–9 clinicians who volunteered to participate. The 2 measures that the clinicians preferred were pilot tested in 5 agencies. The findings suggest that clinicians have a preference for the Violence and Trauma Screening Questionnaire (District of Columbia Trauma Collaboration Study, 1999). The collaborative process between researchers and practitioners appears to be beneficial.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Coumarin Anticoagulants XLV: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Studies of Acute Interaction between Warfarin and Phenylbutazone in Rats

A comprehensive investigation of the effect of phenylbutazone on warfarin pharmacokinetics and anticoagulant activity was carried out in rats to identify and quantify various aspects of the interaction between these drugs. Adult male rats received intravenous racemic warfarin alone and together with phenylbutazone in a crossover experiment. Prothrombin complex activity and the plasma concentrations of phenylbutazone and of free and total (free plus protein-bound) warfarin were determined repeatedly for up to 60 hr. The total plasma clearance, the apparent volume of distribution, and the disposition rate constant (β) of warfarin were significantly increased and the intrinsic plasma warfarin clearance was significantly decreased during phenylbutazone administration. Phenylbutazone decreased the serum protein binding of warfarin both in vitro and in vivo, but the in vivo effect was much more pronounced, apparently due to the displacing effect of phenylbutazone metabolite(s). Phenylbutazone alone had no apparent effect on prothrombin complex activity in vitro but caused a modest, yet statistically significant, anticoagulant effect in vivo. The anticoagulant effect-plasma warfarin concentration curves for total and free warfarin were shifted to a considerably lower concentration range during phenylbutazone treatment. Thus, the interaction between phenylbutazone and warfarin involves at least three processes: an inhibition of warfarin biotransformation (decreased intrinsic clearance); displacement of warfarin from plasma protein binding sites (increased free fraction); and apparent potentiation of the anticoagulant action produced by a given plasma warfarin concentration. The latter may have been caused, at least in part, by a direct anticoagulant effect of phenylbutazone and/or its metabolite(s). The net effect of decreased protein binding and decreased intrinsic clearance was an increase in the total plasma warfarin clearance. The results of this investigation demonstrate that drug interactions can be complex and multifactorial.
Crisis in the emergency department.

The power and sophistication of terrorist bombings have increased dramatically, but America's emergency and trauma care system has deteriorated to an alarming degree. Dr. Arthur Kellermann writes that strengthening disaster response is a key priority.
Inhibition of collagen synthesis by prostaglandins in the immortalized rat osteoblastic cell line pyla: Structure‐activity relations and signal transduction mechanisms

We previously showed that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) can selectively inhibit collagen synthesis and gene transcription in the immortalized rat osteoblastic clonal cell line Py1a, particularly in the presence of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). In the present study, we examined the structure-activity relations for this effect. PGF2α was approximately 100 times more potent than PGE2. The prostaglandin F receptor (FP) selective agonist, fluprostenol, was the most potent agonist tested, significantly inhibiting incorporation of [3H]proline into both collagen and noncollagen protein at 10−11 M, with more than 90% inhibition of collagen synthesis at 10−8 M. The PGE2 analog, sulprostone, and PGD2 showed activity similar to that of PGE2. PGI2 and its stable analog, carbacyclin, were the least effective. Parathyroid hormone (PTH), forskolin, and isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) were ineffective. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) inhibited collagen synthesis in a manner similar to that of the prostanoids. The inhibitory effects of PGF2α, fluprostenol, and PMA show a similar time course on α1 (I) procollagen mRNA levels. The inhibition appeared to be caused by a decrease in collagen gene transcription as measured by nuclear run-on analysis. Further evidence for a transcriptional effect was obtained with COLIA1 promoter-CAT reporter constructs, although these showed somewhat smaller effects of prostanoids on CAT activity than on mRNA levels or labeling. Based on these results, we conclude that in the Py1a cell line prostanoids inhibit collagen synthesis by a pathway involving activation of protein kinase C that is not dependent on adenylate cyclase. The structure-activity relations for this response suggest that it is mediated by an FP receptor and is distinctly different from the stimulatory effects on bone resorption and formation.
Adaptive and responsive surfaces through controlled reorganization of interfacial polymer layers

Abstract The present manuscript offers an overview of the current state of affairs within the research field of adaptive and environmentally sensitive polymer surfaces designed to respond to external stimuli in a controlled and predictable manner. Intensive study in the field of the adaptive/responsive surfaces began several decades ago in an attempt to understand relationships between bulk properties/composition of pristine polymeric materials and their surface characteristics. With time, the focus of the research has moved to the design of materials with ‘smart’ or ‘intelligent’ surface behavior. This review describes a number of approaches that has been employed to fabricate such materials, which include but not limited to (a) synthesis of functional polymers with specific composition and architecture; (b) blending of a virgin polymer material with small amounts of (macro)molecular additive; (c) surface modification by various chemical/physical treatment.
An examination of subtype criteria for bulimia nervosa.

Objective We examined the new subtyping criteria for bulimia nervosa by comparing purging and nonpurging bulimia nervosa patients with two similar subgroups: binge eating disorder patients and an eating disorder not otherwise specified (ED-NOS) group who compensates but does not binge eat or meet weight criteria for anorexia, which we labeled compensatory eating disorder (CED). Of particular interest was whether purging could differentiate a more “disturbed” group of patients, bulimic or otherwise. Method: We compared these four subgroups on the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI), the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-90R), and rates of hospitalization. Results: There were few differences between either the purging or nonpurging bulimic patients, or the CED patients. All three groups showed more comorbid disturbance than the binge eating patients. Discussion: The findings failed to support the current subgrouping criteria for purging and nonpurging bulimia nervosa but indicated the need for further revision in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders and the possible creation of a subgroup based on compensatory behaviors. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 22: 179–186, 1997.
'Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSH2/6 complex interacts with Holliday junctions and facilitates their cleavage by phage resolution enzymes.

Abstract Genetic and biochemical studies have indicated that mismatch repair proteins can interact with recombination intermediates. In this study, gel shift assays and electron microscopic analysis were used to show that the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MSH2/6 complex binds to Holliday junctions and has an affinity and specificity for them that is at least as high as it has as for mispaired bases. Under equilibrium binding conditions, the MSH2/6 complex had a K d of binding to Holliday junctions of 0.5 nm. The MSH2/6 complex enhanced the cleavage of Holliday junctions by T4 endonuclease VII and T7 endonuclease I. This is consistent with the view that the MSH2/6 complex can function in both mismatch repair and the resolution of recombination intermediates as predicted by genetic studies.
Altered fracture repair in the absence of MMP9

The regeneration of adult skeletal tissues requires the timely recruitment of skeletal progenitor cells to an injury site, the differentiation of these cells into bone or cartilage, and the re-establishment of a vascular network to maintain cell viability. Disturbances in any of these cellular events can have a detrimental effect on the process of skeletal repair. Although fracture repair has been compared with fetal skeletal development, the extent to which the reparative process actually recapitulates the fetal program remains uncertain. Here, we provide the first genetic evidence that matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) regulates crucial events during adult fracture repair. We demonstrate that MMP9 mediates vascular invasion of the hypertrophic cartilage callus, and that Mmp9(-/-) mice have non-unions and delayed unions of their fractures caused by persistent cartilage at the injury site. This MMP9- dependent delay in skeletal healing is not due to a lack of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or VEGF receptor expression, but may instead be due to the lack of VEGF bioavailability in the mutant because recombinant VEGF can rescue Mmp9(-/-) non-unions. We also found that Mmp9(-/-) mice generate a large cartilage callus even when fractured bones are stabilized, which implicates MMP9 in the regulation of chondrogenic and osteogenic cell differentiation during early stages of repair. In conclusion, the resemblance between Mmp9(-/-) fetal skeletal defects and those that emerge during Mmp9(-/-) adult repair offer the strongest evidence to date that similar mechanisms are employed to achieve bone formation, regardless of age.
Effects of Prior and Interpolated Shock Exposures on Subsequent Avoidance Learning by Goldfish

7 groups (N = 10) of goldfish, Carassius auratus, were treated with either prior or interpolated unsignaled-inescapable shocks or escape training (i.e., CS-omission) to assess the effects on subseq...