cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ALOHA: developing an interactive graph-based visualization for dietary supplement knowledge graph through user-centered design

Dietary supplements (DSs) are widely used. However, consumers know little about the safety and efficacy of DSs. There is a growing interest in accessing health information online; however, health information, especially online information on DSs, is scattered with varying levels of quality. In our previous work, we prototyped a web application, ALOHA, with interactive graph-based visualization to facilitate consumers’ browsing of the integrated DIetary Supplement Knowledge base (iDISK) curated from scientific resources, following an iterative user-centered design (UCD) process. Following UCD principles, we carried out two design iterations to enrich the functionalities of ALOHA and enhance its usability. For each iteration, we conducted a usability assessment and design session with a focus group of 8–10 participants and evaluated the usability with a modified System Usability Scale (SUS). Through thematic analysis, we summarized the identified usability issues and conducted a heuristic evaluation to map them to the Gerhardt-Powals’ cognitive engineering principles. We derived suggested improvements from each of the usability assessment session and enhanced ALOHA accordingly in the next design iteration. The SUS score in the second design iteration decreased to 52.2 ± 11.0 from 63.75 ± 7.2 in our original work, possibly due to the high number of new functionalities we introduced. By refining existing functionalities to make the user interface simpler, the SUS score increased to 64.4 ± 7.2 in the third design iteration. All participants agreed that such an application is urgently needed to address the gaps in how DS information is currently organized and consumed online. Moreover, most participants thought that the graph-based visualization in ALOHA is a creative and visually appealing format to obtain health information. In this study, we improved a novel interactive visualization platform, ALOHA, for the general public to obtain DS-related information through two UCD design iterations. The lessons learned from the two design iterations could serve as a guide to further enhance ALOHA and the development of other knowledge graph-based applications. Our study also showed that graph-based interactive visualization is a novel and acceptable approach to end-users who are interested in seeking online health information of various domains.
Considerations in Advanced and Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer

Advanced and recurrent head and neck malignancies contribute to significant mortality and morbidity for patients. Due to difficulty in physical examination, cancers in the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx are especially likely to go undetected in their earlier stages. For this reason, head and neck cancer patients often present with more advanced disease than other cancer patients. As a result, the disease process and its aggressive treatment modalities can impact several aspects of a patient’s quality of life.
Changing allegiances in disputed borderlands: Dan’s political status on the eve of the Aramaean invasion

ABSTRACTPatrimonial configurations are of high importance for evaluating periods that lacked the presence of an imperial rule in the ancient Near East and for understanding the creation of local te...
Idiopathic Ulcerative Laryngitis: A National Survey of Academic Laryngologists

Summary Objectives Idiopathic ulcerative laryngitis (IUL) is a rare disorder characterized by ulceration in the mid-membranous portions of the vocal folds. The etiology and optimal management of this condition are poorly understood. We aimed to survey laryngologists on their experiences with managing IUL in order to better understand the diagnosis and treatment of this unusual condition. Methods An online survey was sent to 149 laryngologists practicing at academic institutions in the United States. Survey questions assessed respondents’ professional backgrounds and clinical experiences with IUL. Individual responses were tallied and calculated as percentages of total responses. Results A total of 96 out of 149 academic laryngologists completed the survey, leading to an overall response rate of 64.4%. All respondents reported that they had encountered IUL in practice, including 56.3% who reported having seen 1–10 cases, 22.9% reporting 11–20 cases, and 20.8% reporting greater than 20 cases over their careers. Dysphonia (99.0%) and cough (84.4%) were the two co-occurring primary presenting symptoms reported. Most base diagnosis on laryngeal videostroboscopy (93.8%). Fungal/bacterial cultures and operative biopsy had been performed by approximately 30% of respondents with occasional candidiasis reported but otherwise negative or nonspecific results. Common therapies used were empiric: antireflux therapy (91.7%), modified voice rest (91.7%), and oral steroids (80.2%). Among survey respondents with experience managing more than 10 cases of IUL, many found complete voice rest (60.0%), oral steroids (55.9%), behavioral cough suppression (46.7%), and modified voice rest (46.3%) to be at least moderately effective treatment options. Resolution of symptoms was most commonly reported to occur over the course of 1–3 months (59.4%) and recurrences were seen not very often or never (85.4%). However, permanent sequelae were common, including vocal fold stiffness (89.6%) and dysphonia (81.3%). Conclusions IUL is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. Diagnosis is typically made with laryngeal videostroboscopy and spontaneous resolution occurs over 1–3 months. Laryngologists commonly treat empirically with antireflux therapy, voice rest, antimicrobials, and oral steroids. While no empiric treatment appears to be highly effective for the management of IUL, complete or modified voice rest, oral steroids, and behavioral cough suppression may be the most effective of the currently available options. Further research is necessary to improve the understanding and optimal management of IUL.
Post-stroke cognitive impairments and responsiveness to motor rehabilitation: A review.

This review discusses the prevalence of cognitive deficits following stroke and their impact on responsiveness to therapeutic intervention within a motor learning context. Clinical and experimental studies have established that post-stroke cognitive and motor deficits may impede ambulation, augment fall risk, and influence the efficacy of interventions. Recent research suggests the presence of cognitive deficits may play a larger role in motor recovery than previously understood. Considering that cognitive impairments affect motor relearning, post-stroke motor rehabilitation therapies may benefit from formal neuropsychological testing. For example, early work suggests that in neurotypical adults, cognitive function may be predictive of responsiveness to motor rehabilitation and cognitive training may improve mobility. This sets the stage for investigations probing these topics in people post-stroke. Moreover, the neural basis for and extent to which these cognitive impairments influence functional outcome remains largely unexplored and requires additional investigation.
The Syntax of Imperatives

1. Introduction 2. Imperatives across languages 3. Foundations for an analysis of the imperative clause 4. The syntax of imperative clauses: a performative hypothesis 5. Basque allocutive agreement 6. Conclusion.
The molecular biology of FMRP: new insights into fragile X syndrome

Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is the product of the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1), a gene that - when epigenetically inactivated by a triplet nucleotide repeat expansion - causes the neurodevelopmental disorder fragile X syndrome (FXS). FMRP is a widely expressed RNA-binding protein with activity that is essential for proper synaptic plasticity and architecture, aspects of neural function that are known to go awry in FXS. Although the neurophysiology of FXS has been described in remarkable detail, research focusing on the molecular biology of FMRP has only scratched the surface. For more than two decades, FMRP has been well established as a translational repressor; however, recent whole transcriptome and translatome analyses in mouse and human models of FXS have shown that FMRP is involved in the regulation of nearly all aspects of gene expression. The emerging mechanistic details of the mechanisms by which FMRP regulates gene expression may offer ways to design new therapies for FXS.
On the Sample Complexity of Rank Regression from Pairwise Comparisons.

We consider a rank regression setting, in which a dataset of $N$ samples with features in $\mathbb{R}^d$ is ranked by an oracle via $M$ pairwise comparisons. Specifically, there exists a latent total ordering of the samples; when presented with a pair of samples, a noisy oracle identifies the one ranked higher with respect to the underlying total ordering. A learner observes a dataset of such comparisons and wishes to regress sample ranks from their features. We show that to learn the model parameters with $\epsilon > 0$ accuracy, it suffices to conduct $M \in \Omega(dN\log^3 N/\epsilon^2)$ comparisons uniformly at random when $N$ is $\Omega(d/\epsilon^2)$.
Parents' Self-Reported Psychological Impacts of COVID-19: Associations With Parental Burnout, Child Behavior, and Income.

Objective The current study investigates associations between parents' perceived coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) psychological impacts and experiences of parental burnout, children's behaviors, and income. Methods Data were collected during an online survey of parents' (N = 1000) pandemic experiences in April 2020. Parents (M = 36.5 years old, SD = 6.0; 82.1% White) with at least one child 12 years or younger reported on measures of mental health, perceived COVID-19 impacts, parental burnout, and perceived increases in children's stress and positive behaviors. Results Path model analyses revealed that parents who perceived increased psychological impacts from COVID-19 reported higher levels of parental burnout, greater increases in children's stress behaviors, and less positive behavior in children. Additionally, there were significant indirect effects of parental burnout on the link between COVID-19 psychological impacts and children's behaviors. Finally, family income moderated associations between psychological impacts and children's stress behaviors, such that the association was stronger for families with lower income. Conclusions These results suggest parents' perceptions of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their mental health has implications for parent and child well-being, with stronger associations for low-income families. Given the potential for spillover effects between parents and children, promoting family well-being through practice and policy initiatives is crucial, including providing financial and caregiving relief for parents, and mental and behavioral health support for families.
Nucleated red blood cells as a biomarker for mortality in infants and neonates requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac disease.

Introduction Nucleated red blood cells (NRBC) are rare in the peripheral circulation of healthy individuals and their presence have been associated with mortality in adults and very low birth weight newborns, however, its value as a biomarker for mortality in infants requiring veno-arterial (VA) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has yet to be studied. We sought to determine if NRBC can serve as a biomarker for ECMO mortality and inpatient mortality in infants requiring V-A ECMO. Methods A single-center retrospective chart review analyzing infants Results One hundred two patients required VA ECMO. Sixty-five patients required ECMO post-cardiotomy, 19 for perioperative deterioration, and 18 for myocardial dysfunction. Fifty-one patients (50%) died (21 died on ECMO, 30 died post-ECMO decannulation). Multivariable analysis found Age 50% post-ECMO decannulation (OR 17.1, 95% CI 3.1-95.1, p = 0.001), Single Ventricle (OR 9.0, 95% CI 1.7-47.7, p = 0.01), and lactate at ECMO decannulation (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.3-7.1, p = 0.011) to be independently associated with inpatient mortality. ROC curves evaluating NRBC pre-ECMO decannulation as a biomarker for mortality on ECMO (AUC 0.80, 95% CI 0.68-0.92, p ⩽ 0.001) and post-ECMO decannulation (AUC 0.75, 95% CI 0.65-0.84, p ⩽ 0.001) show NRBC to be an accurate biomarker for mortality. Conclusions Greater than 50% increase in NRBC post-ECMO decannulation is associated with inpatient mortality. NRBC value pre-ECMO decannulation may be a useful biomarker for mortality while on ECMO and post-decannulation.
Cultural Surprises as Sources of Punctuated Equilibria in Policies and Institutions

A major complaint against cultural theories is that they cannot explain political and policy change. Cultural and institutional accounts of politics and policy are also often seen as antagonistic. The cultural theory developed by Mary Douglas, Aaron Wildavsky, and others, by contrast, offers a theory of culture that includes a theory of cultural change that integrates institutions into its explanation of change. Moreover, this cultural theory can help specify the cultural conditions for dramatic institutional and policy change, thereby strengthening Baumgartner and Jones’ “punctuated equilibria” theory of change. The plausibility of this cultural theory of change is illustrated here by using it to explain how dramatic changes in forest and wildlife science led to dramatic changes in forest and wildlife policy and management institutions in the Pacific Northwest.
The H-R Diagrams of The LMC and SMC

We present new determinations of the H-R diagrams for luminous, hot stars in the LMC and the SMC. Using all available photometric and spectroscopic data, we discuss the conversion of the observed measurements to temperature and luminosity. The resulting H-R diagrams for normal stars confirm the upper luminosity limit, and also show an interesting “ridge” not noted before.
Hall-effect circuits and architectures for nonvolatile system design

Many of the limitations of electronic systems, including data loss on power failures, high standby power consumption, and susceptibility to radiation-induced soft errors, derive from the fact that semiconductor devices rely on capacitatively-stored charge to represent state information. In this paper, we describe a novel magnetoelectronic circuit element, the hybrid Hall effect device that can be used to implement nonvolatile logic and storage. We present circuit designs for reconfigurable magnetoelectronic gates based on this device, and outline a microprocessor architecture that incorporates magnetoelectronic devices to enable it to consume zero idle power and tolerate power failures.
Interphase behaviour in graphite-thermoplastic monofilament composites

The role of the fibre-matrix interphase in transferring load from the matrix to the fibre in graphite-thermoplastic composites is not well understood. The goal of this work was to alter the interphase of graphite-thermoplastic monofilament composites in a controlled manner by treating the fibre surface, and then correlating fibre surface morphology, fibre surface energy, fibre strength, and matrix properties with interphase behaviour. A monofilament composite system was employed to study the fibre-matrix interphase because fibre-fibre interaction and processing variability are eliminated. A fragmentation method was used to observe the interphase behaviour of the monofilament composites indirectly by measuring the interphase shear stress, a parameter which governs the load transfer from the matrix to the fibre. It was found that the improvement in the ability of the interphase to transfer load from the matrix to the fibre increased with the severity of the treatment and was due primarily to increased micromechanical locking (increased surface roughness). Debonding at the interphase occurred along either the fibre-matrix interphase (in the composites with a tough matrix) or perpendicular to the fibre (in composites with a weaker matrix, and a strong interphase). Thus the matrix properties, by limiting the properties of the composite, strongly influenced the value of improving the interphase properties.
Changing patterns of proteoglycan synthesis during chondrogenic differentiation

The pattern of proteoglycan synthesis was examined in the cartilages of the anterior and the posterior limbs, the vertebra and the sterna of the developing chick embryo, during chondrogenic differentiation. At stage 18, the limb primordia synthesize small monomeric proteoglycans. In all nine cartilages examined, there was a shift during differentiation from small to larger intermediate forms followed by a transition toward the aggregate forms. As development proceeds, the proportion of aggregates increases and the small proteoglycans almost disappear. Chondrogenic differentiation is thus marked by a increase in the size of the proteoglycan molecules, and an increase in the proportion of the large proteoglycan aggregates.
Beyond content-based retrieval: modeling domains, users and interaction

Most research in information retrieval has focused on the problem of matching user queries to stored document representations. In this talk, I will take a step back from the core matching algorithms and look at other sources of information that can fruitfully be brought to bear to improve information access in a variety of applications. Important sources include: a) information about the world of objects (domain modeling); b) information about the user (user modeling); and c) improved interactive interfaces for information access and management.
Elite Strategies in a Global World: A Typology of Polish Patriots

This study focuses on how Polish elites view the relationship between Polish identity and Poland's place in the world. Samples of priests, politicians, and intellectuals were interviewed in 1999 and 2009. A typology of four ideal types is proposed: ideological nationals, pragmatic nationals, pragmatic transnationals, and ideological transnationals. This typology can be viewed as a continuum of elite emphasis ranging between national and transnational themes. This continuum of emphasis can be seen when examining elite responses to questions concerning NATO membership, EU membership, Polish identity, and Polish democracy. This study finds that while the majority of Polish priests and politicians wished to emphasise national over transnational themes, intellectuals stressed transnational themes. Nevertheless, most acknowledged the inseparable nature of these themes when they talked about the contemporary Polish nation.
Embryonic expression of pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide and its selective type I receptor gene in the frog Xenopus laevis neural tube.

The genes encoding pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and its selective type I receptor (PAC1) are expressed in the embryonic mouse neural tube, where they may be involved in neurogenesis and neural tube development. We examined here the early expression and potential actions of PACAP and PAC1 in the vertebrate developmental model Xenopus laevis. PACAP and PAC1 mRNAs were first detected by RT-PCR in stage 16–18 embryos (18 hours after fertilization). Two distinct PACAP precursor mRNAs were identified. One encoded both growth hormone-releasing hormone and PACAP, whereas the other encoded only full-length PACAP. Unlike that in the adult, the latter represented the predominant embryonic PACAP mRNA species. In situ hybridization revealed that PACAP and PAC1 mRNAs were restricted to neural cells. PAC1 gene expression was observed mainly in the ventricular zone in the ventral parts of the prosencephalon, mensencephalon, rhombencephalon, and anterior spinal cord. In contrast, PACAP mRNA was localized exclusively in postmitotic cells in the dorsolateral parts of the rhombencephalon and entire spinal cord. Most PACAP mRNA-containing cells were characterized as Rohon-Beard neurons. Exposure of early embryos to UV irradiation, which ventralizes embryos and inhibits neural induction, reduced the expression of PACAP and PAC1 genes. These results suggest that PACAP may be involved in the early development of the embryonic Xenopus neural tube. J. Comp. Neurol. 441:266–275, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Prospective randomized trial of azathioprine in cryopreserved valved allografts in children

Abstract Background . The purpose of this study was to prospectively assess the effects of azathioprine on the humoral immune response to HLA alloantigens and allograft function in children receiving cryopreserved valved allografts. Methods . We randomized 13 children to receive azathioprine or not to receive azathioprine (controls) after receiving a cryopreserved valved allograft. Azathioprine patients received intraoperatively 4 mg/kg of azathioprine and 2.0 ± 0.5 mg/kg once daily for 3 months after operation. Panel reactive antibodies against HLA class I and class II alloantigens were measured before, 1 month, and 3 months after operation. Results . Panel reactive antibodies were not significantly different between the azathioprine and control groups before (0.0% ± 0% versus 1.6% ± 1%), 1 month (59% ± 17% versus 71% ± 12%), or 3 months (84% ± 15% versus 96% ± 1.3%) after operation. There were no differences in degree of allograft valve stenosis between azathioprine (31.5 ± 26 mm Hg, 13.4 ± 7 months postoperatively) and control groups (25.4 ± 11 mm Hg, 17.2 ± 10 months postoperatively) or allograft valve insufficiency. Conclusions . Azathioprine does not significantly decrease the immune response to HLA alloantigens or affect the function of cryopreserved valved allografts used in children to repair congenital heart defects.
Evaluation of a novel laparoscopic camera for characterization of renal ischemia in a porcine model using digital light processing (DLP) hyperspectral imaging

Digital light processing hyperspectral imaging (DLP® HSI) was adapted for use during laparoscopic surgery by coupling a conventional laparoscopic light guide with a DLP-based Agile Light source (OL 490, Optronic Laboratories, Orlando, FL), incorporating a 0° laparoscope, and a customized digital CCD camera (DVC, Austin, TX). The system was used to characterize renal ischemia in a porcine model.
Future Mission Trends and their Implications for the Deep Space Network

Planning for the upgrade and/or replacement of Deep Space Network (DSN) assets that typically operate for forty or more years necessitates understanding potential customer needs as far into the future as possible. This paper describes the methodology Deep Space Network (DSN) planners use to develop this understanding, some key future mission trends that have emerged from application of this methodology, and the implications of the trends for the DSN's future evolution. For NASA's current plans out to 2030, these trends suggest the need to accommodate: three times as many communication links, downlink rates two orders of magnitude greater than today's, uplink rates some four orders of magnitude greater, and end-to-end link difficulties two-to-three orders of magnitude greater. To meet these challenges, both DSN capacity and capability will need to increase.
Acute BDNF Treatment Upregulates GluR1-SAP97 and GluR2-GRIP1 Interactions: Implications for Sustained AMPA Receptor Expression

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays several prominent roles in synaptic plasticity and in learning and memory formation. Reduced BDNF levels and altered BDNF signaling have been reported in several brain diseases and behavioral disorders, which also exhibit reduced levels of AMPAr subunits. BDNF treatment acutely regulates AMPA receptor expression and function, including synaptic AMPAr subunit trafficking, and implicates several well defined signaling molecules that are required to elicit long term potentiation and depression (LTP and LTD, respectively). Long term encoding of synaptic events, as in long term memory formation, requires AMPAr stabilization and maintenance. However, factors regulating AMPAr stabilization in neuronal cell membranes and synaptic sites are not well characterized. In this study, we examine the effects of acute BDNF treatment on levels of AMPAr-associated scaffolding proteins and on AMPAr subunit-scaffolding protein interactions. We also examine the effects of BDNF-dependent enhanced interactions between AMPAr subunits with their specific scaffolding proteins on the accumulation of both types of proteins. Our results show that acute BDNF treatment upregulates the interactions between AMPAr subunits (GluR1 and GluR2) with their scaffold proteins SAP97 and GRIP1, respectively, leading to prolonged increased accumulation of both categories of proteins, albeit with distinct mechanisms for GluR1 and GluR2. Our findings reveal a new role for BDNF in the long term maintenance of AMPA receptor subunits and associated scaffolding proteins at synapses and further support the role of BDNF as a key regulator of synaptic consolidation. These results have potential implications for recent findings implicating BDNF and AMPAr subunits in various brain diseases and behavioral disorders.
Efficacy and Survival Associated With Cystoscopy and Clot Evacuation for Radiation or Cyclophosphamide Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis

Purpose: We assessed the outcome of patients with hemorrhagic cystitis severe enough to require cystoscopy and clot evacuation.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 33 patients with cyclophosphamide or radiation induced hemorrhagic cystitis treated with cystoscopy.Results: Mean followup of living patients was 76 months. Of 33 patients 20 (61%) had resolution of hematuria after single cystoscopy unrelated to hemorrhagic cystitis etiology. Only 4 of 11 patients (36%) had resolution after 2 or more cystoscopies, and all were in the radiation induced hemorrhagic cystitis group (4 of 6, 67%) with none in the cyclophosphamide induced hemorrhagic cystitis group (0 of 5, p = 0.02). Hematuria was refractory to cystoscopy in 9 patients and ileal conduits were created in 4. Kaplan-Meier overall survival at 1, 2 and 5 years was 58%, 51% and 43%, respectively, with survival tending to be worse in patients who received cyclophosphamide for bone marrow transplantation induction. Of the 18 de...
Polymer Brush-Modified Electrode with Switchable and Tunable Redox Activity for Bioelectronic Applications

A new signal-responsive interface with switchable/tunable redox properties based on a pH-responding polymer brush was studied. Poly(4-vinyl pyridine), P4VP, functionalized with Os-complex redox units was grafted to an indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive support in the form of a polymer brush. The modified electrode surface was responsive to the changes of the pH value of the electrolyte solution: at acidic pH = 4.0 the redox-polymer film demonstrated the reversible electrochemical process, E° = 0.29 V (vs Ag/AgCl), while at neutral pH > 6, the polymer was not electrochemically active. The reversible transformation between the active and the inactive state originated from the structural changes of the polymer support. The protonation of the pyridine units of the polymer backbone at the acidic pH resulted in the swelling of the polymer brush allowing quasi-diffusional translocation of the flexible polymer chains, thus providing direct contact of the polymer-bound redox units and the conducting electrode suppo...
A density-tapering approach for modeling the seismic response of free-surface topography

This study investigates the accuracy of a density-tapering approach for modeling the seismic response of free-surface topography on a fourth-order staggered finite-difference grid. The accuracy of the boundary condition near the free-surface and at-depth is rigorously tested in 2D where noise artifacts are identified and characterized. This technique is then modified using spatial density filters, to reduce the noise artifacts while retaining the accuracy, stability, and computational efficiency of the original algorithm. The modified density- tapering boundary condition is accurate down to 15 points per wavelength (PPW) with noise levels below 5% in almost all instances. This multi-step technique adjusts only the material properties near the taper zone allowing it to remain a preprocessing technique, applied prior to the finite-difference calculation.
Human in vivo percutaneous absorption of pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide.

Abstract In order to determine the human in vivo percutaneous absorption of pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide, a commercial formulation containing either [14C]pyrethrin (3.8 mCi/mmol) or [14C]piperonyl butoxide (3.4 mCi/mmol) was applied to the ventral forearm of six human volunteers. The formulation contained 0.3% pyrethrin and 3.0% piperonyl butoxide. Spreadability studies showed that concentrations of 5.5 μg pyrethrin/cm2 and 75.8 μg piperonyl butoxide/cm2 (used in this study) would be consistent with levels found in actual use. The forearms were thoroughly cleansed with soap and water 30 min after application (as recommended for actual use). Percutaneous absorption was determined by urinary cumulative excretion following dose application. With a 7-day urinary accumulation, 1.9 ± 1.2% (SD) of the dose of pyrethrin and 2.1 ± 0.6% of the dose of piperonyl butoxide applied was absorbed through the forearm skin. 1 hr after application blood samples contained no detectable radioactivity. The percutaneous absorption of pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide from the scalp was calculated to be 7.5% of the applied dose for pyrethrin and 8.3% for piperonyl butoxide. The calculated half-life of 14C excretion was 50 hr for pyrethrin and 32 hr for piperonyl butoxide. The data should be of relevance to appropriate risk assessment in extrapolating animal data to humans.
Pediatric Cardiac Transplantation in Children With High Panel Reactive Antibody

Abstract Background Elevated panel reactive antibody (PRA) may be considered a risk factor precluding pediatric orthotopic heart transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed our management strategy and outcome data for children undergoing heart transplantation with high PRA (> 10%). Methods Sixty consecutive children (median age=130.5 days) underwent heart transplantation. Diagnoses included hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) (30 patients), cardiomyopathy (18 patients), and postoperative complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) (12 patients). Standard induction immunosuppressive therapy included pulse steroids, gamma globulin, and polyclonal rabbit antithymocyte globulin. Initial immunosuppression is a calcinurin inhibitor and an antiproliferative agent. Eight children exhibited elevated PRA (group P). Fifty-two exhibited nonelevated PRA (group N). Immunosuppression was modified in group P as follows: preoperative intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) and/or cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil and preoperative and postoperative exchange transfusions or plasmapheresis. In group P, cyclophosphamide was the initial antiproliferative agent. Results Group P=4 HLHS patients (all status post [s/p] prior cardiac surgery) and 4 postoperative CCHD patients. Group N=26 HLHS patients (4 patients s/p prior cardiac surgery), 18 cardiomyopathy patients, and 8 postoperative CCHD patients. Group P patients were older and weighed more than group N patients. Waiting time for donor heart, cardiac ischemic time, and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. Thirty-day mortality for group P was 25% and for group N it was 7.9% ( p = 0.178). Overall mortality for group P was 50% and for group N it was 15.4% ( p = 0.043). Conclusions Although heart transplantation can offer children with end-stage heart failure and elevated PRA their only chance of survival, these patients remain high risk despite aggressive immunosuppression.
Injection drug use and patterns of highly active antiretroviral therapy use: an analysis of ALIVE, WIHS, and MACS cohorts

Sustained use of antiretroviral therapy has been consistently shown to be one of the primary predictors of long-term effectiveness. Switching and discontinuation reflect patient and provider decisions that may limit future treatment options. In this study, we utilize data reported at semi-annual study visits from three prospective cohort studies, the AIDS Link to IntraVenous Exposure (ALIVE), the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), and the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), to investigate determinants of HAART modification with a particular focus on reported injection drug use (IDU). Longitudinal data collected between 1996 and 2004 contributed from 2,266 participants (37% with a reported history of IDU) who reported initiating their first HAART regimen during follow-up were utilized. Separate proportional-hazards models were used to identify factors measured prior to HAART-initiation associated with the time to first HAART discontinuation and first switch of components of HAART among continuous HAART users. The use of PI- vs. NNRTI-based regimens among HAART users with and without any history of IDU was similar over follow-up. The median time to a first report of discontinuation of HAART was 1.1 years for individuals with a history of IDU but 2.5 years for those without a history of IDU and multivariate analyses confirmed overall that individuals with a history of IDU were at greater risk for HAART discontinuation (adj RH = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03–1.48). However, when restricting to data contributed after 1999, there was no longer any significant increased risk (adj RH = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.81–1.36). After adjusting for pre-HAART health status and prior ARV exposure, individuals who were ethnic/racial minorities, reported an annual income < $10,000/year, and were not employed were at significantly greater risk for HAART discontinuation. The median time to a first change in HAART regimen was approximately 1.5 years after first HAART report and was not elevated among those with a history of IDU (adj RH = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.89–1.34). Our analyses demonstrate that injection drug use by itself does not appear to be an independent risk factor for HAART switching or discontinuation in more recent years. However, as continued HAART use is of paramount importance for long-term control of HIV infection, efforts to improve maintenance to therapy among disadvantaged and minority populations remain greatly needed.
Establishing and maintaining the body plan ofAcetabularia acetabulumin the absence of cellularization

Abstract How do ‘unicellular’ organisms in which cytokinesis and karyokinesis may be uncoupled spatially delimit regions which are structurally and functionally distinct? Developmentally arrested ( da ) phenotypes fail to complete development and morphologically altered ( ma ) phenotypes of Acetabularia acetabulum make body parts in the wrong proportions or places. When grafted to wild type, mild ma defects phenoconvert body parts of the graft partner to ma . Strong ma defects convert one body part into another on their own body. These defects may tell us how the body plan of organisms which lack obvious internal partitions are established and maintained during development.
Localization of C-Type Virus Particles in Lymphoid Germinal Centers of C58 Mice.∗:

SummaryA systematic electron microscopic study was done on bone marrow, spleen, lymph node, and thymus tissues of C58 mice which have a high incidence of spontaneous lymphocytic leukemia. The primary objective was to determine the frequency and distribution of virus particles over the lifespan of these mice. The unique finding was made that C-type virus particles were localized in germinal centers of the spleen and lymph node of young (3 to 6.5 months old) preleukemic mice. C-type particles were associated with the lacy network of reticular cell dendritic processes in germinal centers. Virus particles were found infrequently in other areas of the spleen or lymph node, thymus and bone marrow of preleukemic mice. Alterations were observed in the cytoarchitecture of the reticular cell networks that contained many particles. The possible importance of the occurrence of C-type particles in lymphoid germinal centers was discussed in terms of the pathogenesis of spontaneous leukemia.
Strength and leakage finite element analysis of a GFRP flange joint

Abstract The strength and leakage analysis of a glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) modified stub flanged joint is presented. The analysis is carried out using three-dimensional and axisymmetric finite elements. To model the GFRP material, we use an orthotropic material model. To model the loss of contact between the flange and the gasket, we use a contact condition between these mating parts. In the axisymmetric case, we allow fluid to penetrate the area where contact is lost; the three-dimensional contact formulation, however, does not support this fluid penetration option. We use a commercial finite element package ( Abaqus ) to perform the analysis. The primary emphasis is on assessing the strength of the flange and the leak tightness of the gasket. Bolt interaction is not considered, therefore we assume a constant bolt load over the history of the analyses.
Successful management of ruptured choledochal cyst by primary cyst excision and biliary reconstruction

One to two percent of patients who have choledochal cysts present with cyst rupture and bile peritonitis. Reported cases have been managed with external drainage of the cyst followed by a second procedure to excise the cyst and reconstruct the biliary tract. The authors report two cases of ruptured choledochal cyst treated with primary cyst excision and biliary drainage. The satisfactory outcome of these patients suggests that this is the preferred management.
A horizon-recursive form for predictors and their computation

Concerns the design of self-tuning controllers using output predictors. A simple, horizon-recursive expression for output predictors is obtained for both SISO and MIMO systems described by ARMAX models. This expression reveals that the predictors for the different prediction horizons are recursively related by a key parameter vector. Thus, by recursively computing this key parameter vector, an efficient algorithm for generating predictors is obtained. It shows certain advantages over methods involving recursive solving of Diophantine equations. >
Comparison of Lennard-Jones and Exponential-Six Pair Potentials for Solid Argon at Low Pressure*

Monte Carlo calculations of thermodynamic properties for solid argon are carried out using both the Lennard‐Jones and the exponential‐six pair potentials. When quantum corrections are taken into account the calculated energies and pressures derived from the Lennard‐Jones potential agree better with experiment. Neither pair potential successfully reproduces the experimental elastic constants.
The effect of zinc ions on the platinum electrode in alkaline solutions

Abstract Concentrated KOH + K 2 Zn(OH) 4 + H 2 O and KOH + H 2 O electrolytes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and hydrogen-electrode rest potential measurements. The adsorption of zincate ions on the platinum electrode is demonstrated by modifications of the voltammograms and shifts in rest potentials. Interference with the hydrogen reactions in the voltammograms by zincate ions prevents the use of the H 2 /Pt reference electrode for rest potential measurements in zincate-containing solutions.
Noncoding RNA: linking microRNAs to their targets.

The reliable identification of microRNA (miRNA) targets remains an elusive goal. A new technique, using specially modified synthetic miRNAs to directly capture bound RNAs, brings us closer.
The influence of birth timing upon infant growth and survival in Captive Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatto)

Weights, growth rates, and mortality data of 815 captive-born Macaca mulattainfants were studied to determine if date of birth influences infant growth and survival. The six groups studied displayed a unimodal spring-summer birth season that has become systematically more restricted since 1977. Males exhibited higher rates of stillbirth and neonatal death and were more frequently born outside the normal birth season, when infant mortality was more common. Within the normal birth season, infant weight increased linearly with birth date, and infant growth rate declined linearly with birth date. Female infants with weights and growth rates near the developmental norm, especially those born in the middle of the birth season, have the greatest probability of survival. Males are more likely to survive if their weights and growth rates exceed the developmental norm, and thus male infants might be initially more costly to produce than female infants. These results are inconsistent with the hypothesis that offspring of high-ranking males, which conceived predominantly in the first third of the breeding season, enjoy a selective advantage.
Scavenging of Aerosol Particles by a Falling Water Drop

Abstract This experimental study of the collection efficiency of freely falling water drops for AgCl aerosol particles in nitrogen extends earlier work (Kerker and Hampl, 1974) to submillimeter drop radii. In this case it was not necessary, as in the earlier work, to extrapolate to conditions corresponding to terminal velocity. The results are used to calculate washout coefficients for some hypothetical rainfalls, and they indicate that a significant fraction of the submicron aerosol may be removed by washout. In addition, the effect of charging the drops (for drop radii A = 0.62 and 1.82 mm) was measured. Five-fold increases in collection efficiency were obtained for surface charge densities in the range 2 to 9 × 10−10 C cm−2 which would indicate that there may be substantive increases in scavenging due to charge effects such as encountered in thunderstorms.
Serotonin binding sites. I. Structures of sites on myelin basic protein, LHRH, MSH, ACTH, interferon, serum albumin, ovalbumin and red pigment concentrating hormone.

We report the results of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of combinations of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) with the tryptophan peptide sequence and similar peptides from myelin basic protein. The binding site appears to consist of the sequence Arg Phe Ser Trp. Similar serotonin binding sites were found to exist on LHRH (Tyr Ser Trp) and MSH-ACTH tetrapeptide (Phe Arg Trp). These binding sites are specific to serotonin as is demonstrated by lack of binding by dopamine, histamine, acetylcholine and a dozen other pharmacologically active amines and indoles. Drugs known to affect serotonin levels, e.g., fenfluramine and L-DOPA, bind weakly to these sites. Structural and functional similarities between the tryptophan peptide, LHRH, and MSH-ACTH with an ACTH-like peptide of human leukocyte interferon, with human and bovine serum albumin, hen ovalbumin, and with red pigment concentrating hormone suggest that the latter peptides may also contain similar serotonin binding sites. The elucidation of serotonin binding sites on these peptides and proteins has implications for understanding various aspects of cancer, autoimmunity, neurological disease, and peptide hormone control.
Transition boiling heat transfer and the film transition regime

The Berenson (1960) flat-plate transition-boiling experiment has been recreated with a reduced thermal resistance in the heater, and an improved access to those portions of the transition boiling regime that have a steep negative slope. Tests have been made in Freon-113, acetone, benzene, and n-pentane boiling on horizontal flat copper heaters that have been mirror-polished, 'roughened', or teflon-coated. The resulting data reproduce and clarify certain features observed by Berenson: the modest surface finish dependence of boiling burnout, and the influence of surface chemistry on both the minimum heat flux and the mode of transition boiling, for example. A rational scheme of correlation yields a prediction of the heat flux in what Witte and Lienhard (1982) previously identified as the 'film-transition boiling' region. It is also shown how to calculate the heat flux at the boundary between the pure-film, and the film-transition, boiling regimes, as a function of the advancing contact angle.
Creating Community and Making Connections in the Third‐Year Spanish Course: A Content‐Based Approach

: In response to advances in second language acquisition (SLA) research and the establishment of national standards for foreign language study, considerable experimentation has taken place in the design of third-year courses during the past five years. However, several practical issues warrant further study and discussion. These include (1) developing courses that facilitate progress toward ACTFL advanced proficiency and (2) redesigning programs to meet the diverse career needs of students. In this article, the author addresses the first issue by discussing a third-year composition and conversation course designed to increase students' communicative skills and the second issue by suggesting links to other subject matter. Areas for future research on the design of the language course sequence are suggested.
Ascending aortic thrombus.

The high pressure and high blood flow across the ascending aorta makes it an unlikely site for thrombus formation. When it does occur, the consequences of its formation, namely thromboembolism can ...
Decreased phosphate reabsorption by volume expansion in the dog.

Decreased phosphate reabsorption by volume expansion in the dog. The effect of volume expansion on tubular phosphate reabsorption (TRP) was studied in intact and acutely thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) dogs infused with a neutral phosphate solution. The infusion of a Ca ++ -containing balanced electrolyte solution increased C Na × 100/GFR from 0.23 to 6.87% and reduced TRP × 100/GFR from 6.2 to 3.6 mg/min in the intact dogs; in TPTX dogs these values changed from 0.35 to 7.02% and from 6.7 to 4.6 mg/min, respectively. Ultrafilterable Ca ++ did not fall in either group. When Ca ++ was omitted from the loading electrolyte solution ultrafilterable Ca ++ fell significantly in both groups. In the intact dogs C Na × 100/GFR increased from 0.48 to 6.26% and TRP × 100/GFR fell from 4.5 to 2.8 mg/min; in TPTX dogs these values changed from 0.48 to 8.26% and from 6.5 to 4.1 mg/min. Thus volume loading appears to inhibit TRP regardless of the presence or absence of parathyroid hormone, and whether dilutional hypocalcemia was prevented or not. It is concluded that the previously reported blunting of the phosphaturic effect of volume expansion by acute parathyroidectomy or calcium infusion may have been due to a low serum phosphorus or filtered phosphate load relative to an increased threshold or tubular reabsorptive maximum or decreased splay.
Maternal Monoclonal Antibody to the V3 Loop Alters Specificity of the Response to a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine

The effect of maternally transferred monoclonal antibody (MAb) on the offspring antibody response to rgp120 SF2 was examined in a murine model. Two MAbs were studied : MAb 83.1, which recognizes a determinant in the V3 loop of gp120 from human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) SF2, and MAb 26.2D3, which recognizes a conserved N-terminal region of gp120 from HIV-1 SF2 . Offspring were immunized at 18-21 days of age with 100 μg of rgp120 SF2 in complete Freund's adjuvant. Offspring immunized in the presence of preexisting MAb 83.1 but not MAb 26.2D3 demonstrated inhibition of the IgG anti-V3 response. The total IgG anti-rgp120 SF2 response was not affected by preexisting MAb. Since newborns at risk for HIV may be immunized in the presence of maternal or administered anti-HIV antibody, alternative strategies may be required to circumvent inhibition of the infant's epitope-specific response to HIV immunization by preexisting antibody.