cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Association of Increased FFP:RBC Transfusion Ratio to Primary Graft Dysfunction in Bleeding Lung Transplantation Patients.

Objectives Lung transplantation is associated with a significant risk of needed transfusion. Although algorithm-based transfusion strategies that promote a high fresh frozen plasma:red blood cells (FFP:RBC) ratio have reduced overall blood product requirements in other populations, large-volume transfusions have been linked to primary graft dysfunction (PGD) in lung transplantation, particularly use of platelets and plasma. The authors hypothesized that in lung transplant recipients requiring large-volume transfusions, a higher FFP:RBC ratio would be associated with increased PGD severity at 72 hours. Design Observational retrospective review. Setting Single tertiary academic center. Participants Adult patients undergoing bilateral or single orthotopic lung transplantation and receiving >4 U PRBC in the first 72 hours from February 2014 to March 2019. Interventions None. Measurements and Main Results Patient demographics, operative characteristics, blood transfusions, and outcomes including PGD scores and length of stay were collected. Eighty-nine patients received >4U PRBC, had available 72-hour PGD data, and were included in the study. These patients were grouped into a high-ratio (>1:2 units of FFP:RBC, N = 38) or low-ratio group ( Conclusions In bleeding lung transplantation patients at high risk for PGD, a high FFP:RBC transfusion ratio was associated with worsened 72-hour PGD scores when compared with the low-ratio cohort.
Does Decreased Access to Emergency Departments Affect Patient Outcomes? Analysis of Acute Myocardial Infarction Population 1996–2005

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of emergency departments (EDs) decreased from 4,176 to 3,195 between 1995 and 2005, while annual ED visits increased from 96.5 million to 115.3 million during the same period (Nawar, Niska, and Xu 2007). This trend has been noted as a major issue facing the emergency care system in the United States by the Institute of Medicine (Institute of Medicine 2007; Niska, Bhuiya, and Xu 2010), and literature documenting decreased access to EDs abounds (Institute of Medicine 2007; DeLia and Cantor 2009). However, while there are many anecdotal reports or single-hospital case studies suggesting the adverse effects of overcrowding and closures on patient care (Adams and Biros 2001; Hwang et al. 2006; Pines et al. 2007; Pines and Hollander 2008), there is little systematic empirical evidence to demonstrate these claims. The principal objective of our research is to examine whether decreased ED access (measured by increased driving time to the nearest ED) results in adverse patient outcomes or changes in patient health profiles. We focus on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, a group that has relatively homogenous patient characteristics and is sensitive to the availability of ED care. Specifically, we address the following research questions: Does increased driving time to the nearest ED result in increased mortality rates among AMI patients? Does increased driving time to the nearest ED result in changes in health profile of AMI patients who arrived alive in the hospital? If decreased ED access has an adverse effect on patient outcomes, is the effect transitory or permanent? We expand the previous literature on ED access in several ways. First, we capture permanent ED closure even in hospitals that did not close down. Second, we provide national estimates of the effect of decreased ED access on patient outcomes. Third, we examine whether there are changes in patient health profiles when distance to ED changes. Finally, we explore potential temporal effects.
Internalizing External Goals

Abstract. The current study examined environmental contingencies (e.g., badgification) and individual factors (e.g., causality orientation) as a potential avenue for gamification to encourage adopt...
Anhedonia, positive affect dysregulation, and risk and maintenance of binge‐eating disorder

Low positive affect has been identified as an antecedent of binge-eating episodes among individuals with binge-eating disorder (BED), yet positive affect has received far less attention in eating disorders research than its counterpart, negative affect. In this article, we argue that the low levels of positive affect which occur with anhedonia (i.e., loss of interest or pleasure in activities) may contribute to the onset and maintenance of BED. We introduce a theoretical model in which anhedonia increases the risk for BED through its interrelationships with dysregulated eating and weight gain, and we describe potential direct (e.g., reward-related processes) as well as indirect (e.g., influences on depressive symptoms and physical activity) pathways by which anhedonia may lead to adverse eating- and weight-related outcomes. We also propose a momentary maintenance model in which low positive affect and positive affect dysregulation occurring with anhedonia maintain binge eating directly and indirectly through maladaptive health behaviors, such as decreased physical activity, less healthy eating, and fewer social interactions, which in turn maintain anhedonia. We draw upon outside literature to present evidence that aligns with the proposed risk and maintenance models and conclude by outlining avenues for future research-including methodological/measurement, theoretical, and clinical research directions.
Patient selection for pediatric gastrostomy tubes: Are we placing tubes that are not being used?

INTRODUCTION Identifying pediatric patients who may benefit from gastrostomy tube (GT) placement can be challenging. We hypothesized that many GTs would no longer be in use after 6 months. METHODS Inpatient GT placements in patients < 18 years old at a tertiary children's hospital from 9/2014 to 2/2020 were included. The primary outcome was GT use <6 months (short-term). Secondary outcomes included age at placement, indication for GT, and operations for GT-related issues. RESULTS Fifteen percent (22/142) of GTs were used for <6 months post-operatively. The median duration of short-term GT use was 1.6 months (IQR 0.9-3.4 months). Short-term GTs were more likely to be placed in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) (18.2% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.03) and adolescents (≥12 years old, 22.7% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.005). Gastrocutaneous fistula closure was required in 33.3% of short-term patients who had their GTs removed (n = 6/18), with median total hospital charges of $29,989 per patient. CONCLUSION Fifteen percent of pediatric GTs placed as inpatients were used for <6 months, more commonly among adolescents and in TBI patients. One-third of patients with short-term GTs required gastrocutaneous fistula closure. Adolescents and TBI patients may benefit from consideration of short-term nasogastric tube (NGT) feeds rather than surgical GT placement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III.
“We Belong Here”: Identities, Family, Sense of Belonging, and Persistence in Latinx First-Generation College Students’ Educational Journeys

Schools often perceive Latinx youth as disengaged and even dangerous. However, they and their parents often have high educational aspirations and view college as the pathway to economic mobility. This mixed-methods cross-sectional study investigated the roles of sense of belonging at the university, ethnic-racial identity (ERI), perceptions of ERI discrimination, and family emotional support in first-generation (FG) college students’ academic self-efficacy and well-being, as indexed by depressive symptomatology. Multiple regression analyses showed that only sense of belonging at the university and the belonging subscale of ERI significantly predicted academic self-efficacy and depression symptomatology. However, the qualitative analyses revealed the importance of siblings for Latinx FG college students’ academic self-efficacy, mental health, and future career and life goals.
The Systems Integration Architecture: an Agile Information Infrastructure

The Systems Integration Architecture project is taking a fresh approach to integration with special emphasis on supporting Agile, Virtual enterprises and their unique need for reconfigurable, de-centralized information systems. SIA is based on a different conceptual model of integration — called the TAR model — one which allows higher level integration than the traditional common, neutral format, shared database. The basic concept is that all information processing consists of a series of transformations of data sets called “Aspects” into other “Aspects”. The transformations are effected by what are called Functional Transformation Agents which provide a single function and have a well defined interface structure which allows them to be integrated in a variety of ways. The Systems Integration Architecture provides three high level services which allow FTA’s to be defined, combined into diverse networks which provide transformations of aspects in a manner transparent to the user and executed under a variety of control algorithms in a heterogeneous, de-centralized environment. These are: an Executive--to provide business control services; a Librarian--to act as somewhat of a meta data dictionary, keeping track of FTA’s and their input and output Aspects; and a Network--which is based on the Common Object Request Broker Architecture to facilitate communication between objects on a heterogeneous network. An extended entity relationship diagram is provided and each of the objects in the system is described. A simple example of its use is provided.
Li·ba·tion: an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (Merriam-Webster)

> It was our ritual > > every Monday at 2. > > She would start by asking > > How have you been feeling? > > Pretty good , I'd say. You? > > while sitting in the chair. > > Same old same old , she'd smile > > while rolling up my sleeve. > Next, the rhythmic cleansing > > with rubbing
Appraising and Promoting People in Security Programs

It is difficult to appraise the efforts of the workers at all levels. The resistance to appraisals takes many forms: dislike of judging others, fear of harming workplace community, and concern that litigation can be filed by dissatisfied workers at some point. Yet the returns from an appraisals program are worth the effort. Properly managed appraisal programs can document and correct unproductive behavior before it becomes unchangeable or causes harm. On the positive side, appraisals identify and encourage superior performance in the workplace and help develop talent. Numerous ways exist for assessing and ranking employees, all of which must be measured against the needs of the workplace. Promotions help the organization reward those who are able to maintain the desired standards of productivity and to bring fresh ideas into the organization to move it forward. Performance evaluations of the CEO and senior staff officers are less likely than appraisal further down the management hierarchy ladder. This is because senior staff officers are under scrutiny by a variety of outside sources, such as the board of directors, trustees, or an equivalent governing body.
Epigenetic and developmental influences on the risk of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a growing cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by the presence of a variety of metabolic disturbances including obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and elevated fasting blood sugar. Although the risk for metabolic syndrome has largely been attributed to adult lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and smoking, there is now strong evidence suggesting that predisposition to the development of metabolic syndrome begins in utero. First posited by Hales and Barker in 1992, the “thrifty phenotype” hypothesis proposes that susceptibility to adult chronic diseases can occur in response to exposures in the prenatal and perinatal periods. This hypothesis has been continually supported by epidemiologic studies and studies involving animal models. In this review, we describe the structural, metabolic and epigenetic changes that occur in response to adverse intrauterine environments including prenatal and postnatal diet, maternal obesity, and pregnancy complications. Given the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome in both the developed and developing worlds, a greater understanding and appreciation for the role of the intrauterine environment in adult chronic disease etiology is imperative.
l 1 Optimisation and shaping in finite settling time stabilising control

In this paper we consider some further performance requirements apart from tracking and disturbance rejection imposed on the family of Finite Settling Time Stabilising (FSTS) controllers of a plant P. In particular, using the complete parametrisation of the family of FSTS controllers it is shown how optimal controllers in the sense of minimising the l 1 or l ∞ norm of a certain error vector or shaping the error signal, control signal or input-output transfer function, can be constructed. This contribution examines the case of step inputs; the approach is algebraic and it reduces to the solution of a finite linear programme.
Integrity and authenticity of ADS-B broadcasts

We propose a novel approach to provide authenticity and integrity of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) messages. We employ a key-management schema for authentication and rely on a key-edhashed message authentication code (HMAC) for integrity. Our approach avoids scalability and compatibility issues, as we neither change the packet format nor its size.
Reduced bladder tumour recurrence rate associated with narrow‐band imaging surveillance cystoscopy

Study Type – Diagnostic (exploratory cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? Narrow-band imaging cystoscopy is a new imaging modality developed to enhance conventional standard white-light cystoscopy to evaluate bladder tumors. The current paper suggests that fulguration of low-risk papillary bladder tumours using NBI cystoscopy results in fewer subsequent tumour recurrences than fulguration using standard cystoscopy. How, or if, NBI cystoscopy will become integrated into routine management of non-invasive bladder tumours remains for further study. OBJECTIVE To evaluate frequency of recurrences among patients with papillary bladder tumours followed sequentially with conventional white-light (WLI) cystoscopy and narrow-band imaging (NBI) cystoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cohort of 126 patients with recurrent low-grade papillary bladder tumours were followed every 6 months for 3 years by conventional WLI cystoscopy, and then over the next 3 consecutive years by NBI cystoscopy. Recurrent tumours detected were treated by outpatient fulguration or transurethral resection. We compared the tumour recurrence rate during follow-up with WLI and NBI cystoscopy, using patients as their own controls. RESULTS Of the 126 patients, 94% had tumour recurrences during WLI cystoscopy vs 62% during NBI cystoscopy. The mean number of recurrent tumours was 5.2 with WLI cystoscopy vs 2.8 with NBI cystoscopy, and the median recurrence-free survival time was 13 vs 29 months (P= 0.001). CONCLUSION Compared with follow-up with WLI cystoscopy, NBI cystoscopy was associated with fewer patients having tumour recurrences, fewer numbers of recurrent tumours, and a longer recurrence-free survival time.
Robustness of ARMARKOV adaptive control disturbance rejection algorithm

We perform numerical experiments involving the ARMARKOV adaptive control algorithm. The performance of the algorithm is considered under a diverse set of conditions representing plant and disturbance uncertainty including perturbed disturbance spectrum, perturbed plant model, additive measurement noise, control input saturation, and feedback path sign inversion. These numerical experiments can be viewed as only representative illustrations of the properties of this adaptive control algorithm. Nevertheless, these simulations suggest that the algorithm has significant ability to provide robust stability and performance under diverse deteriorating conditions.
Interweaving algebra and topology: Lattice-valued topological systems

This paper is primarily dedicated to understanding the natural role that topological systems and lattice-valued topological systems play in understanding the relationship between algebra and topology, a relationship expressed by an ''interweaving'' of embeddings of (essentially) algebraic and topological categories. This natural role is revealed by how various categories for systems relate to locales, topological spaces, and various categories for lattice-valued topology.
An Assessment of Selected Validity-Related Properties of a Shortened Version of the Secondary Level English Proficiency Test and Locally Developed Writing Tests in the LACCD Context.

This is the report of a study that was underaken to obtain direct empirical evidence regarding aspects of the validity and usefulness for ESL placement of (a) a shortened version of the Secondary Level English Proficiency (SLEP) Test, being used for ESL placement by colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD), and (b) locally developed and scored writing tests. The LACCD Central Office provided scores on the shortened version of the SLEP and the writing samples, grades in ESL courses, and background data (gender, language, educational status, and so on) for over 10,000 students. This report documents and evaluates • patterns of performance on the shortened SLEP and the writing tests in the general ESL population and in selected demographic subpopulations, • concurrent relationships among scores on the components of the LACCD placement battery, • observed levels of correlation between scores on the shortened SLEP test, the writing test, and the placement composite, on the one hand, and student performance in ESL courses, as indexed by grade earned (a grade on the “A-F” scale, or a Pass/Fail grade), on the other, by course and by college, and in various subgroups (e.g., gender, educational level, age, language), and • the extent to which observed relationships in placed samples are influenced by non-validity-related factors (for example, differential restriction of range on the tests that were used to place students, sample size, and type of grading system). The findings of this collaborative undertaking provide direct empirical evidence that the shortened SLEP and locally developed writing tests are providing valid information regarding related aspects of ESL proficiency in the demographically diverse ESL student population being served by the LACCD; and the findings logically extend available evidence supportive of the validity of the Secondary Level English Proficiency Test for ESL assessment purposes in the LACCD and elsewhere. Based on study findings, the local writing tests and the shortened SLEP appear to be providing an effective basis for placing students, within time constraints that appear to be considered necessary, from an administrative perspective. Research is needed to address questions regarding the extent to which use of the full-length version of the SLEP would enhance the overall validity of placement. Some pertinent lines of inquiry are suggested.
The impedance boundary condition for a periodically corrugated metal surface

Abstract We present a method based on Green's second integral theorem for obtaining a local impedance boundary condition for a p- or s-polarized electromagnetic field at the periodically corrugated interface between vacuum and a metal. The surface is defined by the equation χ 3 = ζ ( χ 1 ), where the surface profile function ζ (χ 1 ) is a single-valued, periodic function of χ 1 , and the plane of incidence is the χ 1 χ 3 -plane. The results are used in the determination of the dispersion curves for surface plasmon polaritons propagating normal to the grooves and ridges of the surface.
Orthographic Problem-Solving

Spelling-error analysis can produce intervention techniques that may promote greater generalization of spelling skills for problem spellers.
Microheterogeneity of alpha1-acid glycoprotein in the detection of intercurrent infection in systemic lupus erythematosus

We evaluated the clinical usefulness of determinations of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein microheterogeneity patterns in distinguishing patients who have active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from those who have SLE with intercurrent infection. We used agarose affinity electrophoresis with concanavalin A (Con A) as a ligand. Results were expressed as reactivity coefficients (RC), which are the ratios of variants reactive with Con A to the variants not reactive with Con A. No significant differences were found between the mean RC (+/- SD) in healthy individuals (1.35 +/- 0.26) and that in patients with various degrees of SLE activity. In contrast, a significantly higher mean RC was found in sera from patients with intercurrent infection (2.70 +/- 0.76) compared with each of the other groups studied (P less than 0.001). An RC greater than 2.25 was found in none of 42 sera from patients without infection and in 15 of 18 sera from patients with infection (sensitivity 83%, specificity 100%). C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also significantly higher in SLE patients with intercurrent infection than in patients with very active disease (P less than 0.05). Levels of CRP greater than 60 mg/liter were found in 3 of 42 SLE patients without infection and in 8 of 18 patients with infection (sensitivity 39%, specificity 93%). The results show that in SLE patients, the finding of a relative increase in Con A-bound serum alpha 1-acid glycoprotein is a more sensitive indicator of intercurrent infection than is the finding of increased levels of CRP.
RESPIRATION OF CEREAL GRAINS AND FLAXSEED

In earlier papers by Bailey (2, 3) and Bailey and Gurjar (4, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), the researches in this field prior to 1921 were reviewed, and the relationship of moisture content, damaged and broken kernels, and various other factors to the relative level of respiration of wheat, rice, and corn (maize) was traced. These laboratory investigations paralleled or supplemented certain large scale, or practical, studies of grain storage. It became evident that the prediction of the behavior of stored grain as determined by chemical composition, physical characteristics, and the several biological factors involved in keeping qualities, is not a simple matter. The weighting of these several variables, and the extent to which they are related to factors of environment, including climatic conditions, composition of the air in the grain bin, and ventilation becomes very involved. Despite these practical difficulties, it still appears that the laboratory attack upon certain of the details of this problem is a logical procedure and will ultimately lead to the most satisfactory solutions. Observations made during commercial operations of grain handling and storage, while interesting and useful as respects the individual parcels of grain involved, are of limited value in effecting an analysis of the several factors operative in such instances. Thus there is a definite lack of control of many variables in these cases, certain of which cannot even be held constant during any extended period. Moreover, there is also the formidable item of expense when the storage of thousands of bushels of grain is involved, which places such work outside of the reach of modest research budgets. Since the publication of the papers cited above, several contributions to the literature have appeared, and certain of these tie into the researches reported in this paper so definitely as to necessitate a brief review of them before detailing the data accumulated by the author. Coleman, Rothgeb, and Fellows (10) observed much the same relationships between moisture content, and other factors of quality of sorghum, and the rate or respiration as measured in terms of C02 produced per unit of time and material, that had previously been reported for corn (maize) by Bailey (2). The actual levels of respiration were lower in sorghum than in maize, however. Bakke and Noecker (6) studied the relation of moisture to respiration
Optical Biopsy: A New Frontier in Endoscopic Detection and Diagnosis

Endoscopic diagnosis currently relies on the ability of the operator to visualize abnormal patterns in the image created by light reflected from the mucosal surface of the gastrointestinal tract. Advances in fiber optics, light sources, detectors, and molecular biology have led to the development of several novel methods for tissue evaluation in situ. The term "optical biopsy" refers to methods that use the properties of light to enable the operator to make an instant diagnosis at endoscopy, previously possible only by using histological or cytological analysis. Promising imaging techniques include fluorescence endoscopy, optical coherence tomography, confocal microendoscopy, and molecular imaging. Point detection schemes under development include light scattering and Raman spectroscopy. Such advanced diagnostic methods go beyond standard endoscopic techniques by offering improved image resolution, contrast, and tissue penetration and providing biochemical and molecular information about mucosal disease. This review describes the basic biophysics of light-tissue interactions, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of each method, and examines clinical and preclinical evidence for each approach.
Spatial Mutual Information as Similarity Measure for 3-D Brain Image Registration

Information theoretic-based similarity measures, in particular mutual information, are widely used for intermodal/intersubject 3-D brain image registration. However, conventional mutual information does not consider spatial dependency between adjacent voxels in images, thus reducing its efficacy as a similarity measure in image registration. This paper first presents a review of the existing attempts to incorporate spatial dependency into the computation of mutual information (MI). Then, a recently introduced spatially dependent similarity measure, named spatial MI, is extended to 3-D brain image registration. This extension also eliminates its artifact for translational misregistration. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed 3-D spatial MI as a similarity measure is compared with three existing MI measures by applying controlled levels of noise degradation to 3-D simulated brain images.
Optical absorption and collective modes of surface space-charge layers on (110) and (111) silicon

The electronic properties of surface space-charge layers on semiconductors whose constant-energy surfaces are ellipsoids arbitrarily oriented with respect to the surface are investigated. Optical absorption and its relation to collective modes of the system are examined within a framework of energy-functional perturbation theory. Linear-response theory of a quasi-two-dimensional system is applied to study the polarization dependence of the intersubband absorption spectra for Si(111) and Si(110) surface inverstion layers. Both the normal (six- or fourfold) valley occupancy and a reduced (twofold) valley occupancy are considered. The resonance frequencies and their strengths are calculated for both $p$- and $s$-polarized incident light. Resonances occur at frequencies which are shifted from the quasiparticle energy separations by an amount which depends upon the polarization of the light and valley occupancy of the system. In general, the resonance strength depends upon the angle of incidence and the thickness of the oxide layer and the gate electrode. Results are compared with existing theories and experiments.
The investigation of lossy medium similarity ratio in electromagnetic scaling measurement

Because of the dispersion of lossy medium, the existing classic similarity ratio is no longer applicable for the target with lossy medium in electromagnetic scaling measurement. To address this issue, this paper proposed an improved lossy material similarity ratio in two steps. First, this paper derived the similarity ratio by introducing the intermediate model under vertical-incidence electromagnetic wave, which based on reflection coefficient. Second, according to the application of lossy medium in stealth design, the similarity ratio under oblique-incidence wave was derived on the basis of first step, which based on the backward reflectivity. Simulation results verify the feasibility and accuracy of the lossy medium similarity ratio in a wide frequency range, the ratio also works well under different polarization and incident angle.
Variable Rate, Adaptive Transform Tree Coding Of Images

A tree code, asymptotically optimal for stationary Gaussian sources and squared error distortion [2], is used to encode transforms of image sub-blocks. The variance spectrum of each sub-block is estimated and specified uniquely by a set of one-dimensional auto-regressive parameters. The expected distortion is set to a constant for each block and the rate is allowed to vary to meet the given level of distortion. Since the spectrum and rate are different for every block, the code tree differs for every block. Coding simulations for target block distortion of 15 and average block rate of 0.99 bits per pel (bpp) show that very good results can be obtained at high search intensities at the expense of high computational complexity. The results at the higher search intensities outperform a parallel simulation with quantization replacing tree coding. Comparative coding simulations also show that the reproduced image with variable block rate and average rate of 0.99 bpp has 2.5 dB less distortion than a similarly reproduced image with a constant block rate equal to 1.0 bpp.
Bits and genes: A comparison of the natural storage of information in DNA and digital magnetic recording

Man records information in machine-readable form on magnetic tape while Nature stores the structural and operational information of a living organism along a digitally-encoded molecule of DNA in each cell. The data on magnetic tape is written in eight parallel tracks and is organized in bytes, records and reels. In DNA two tracks are used and the corresponding units are codons, genes, and chromosomes. The magnetic transfer method by which information on tape may be copied onto a blank tape is analogous to the replication process whereby a strand of DNA can generate a complementary strand during cell division. Copying is also used in the transcription-translation process by which the information contained along the DNA molecule is interpreted to give a sequence of amino acids from which the protein needed for cell growth is obtained. In both magnetic tapes and DNA, redundancy in the stored data is used to detect and correct errors. The principal difference between the two data storage methods is found in the writing process. A DNA tape is not written but rather made from another DNA molecule by random mutations at the bit level and then by sorting and merging different records from two old tapes.
Sexual Desire in Female Cancer Survivors

Women with a history of cancer have often been exposed to experiences and treatments that interfere with their sexual lives. As in the general population, the most common problem among female cancer survivors is a loss of interest in or desire for sex. This aim of this review is to describe psychosocial and disease-specific influences on sexual desire and related aspects of functioning in women with cancer. Whereas factors such as poor body image, premature menopause, mood disturbance, and adverse treatment side effects are key risk factors for low sexual desire among survivors, it is also important to consider the survivor’s existing sexual beliefs and context and how these shape her reactions to the challenges posed by cancer treatment. Treatment approaches for low desire in cancer survivors are still in the early stage of development. However, a few recent trials offer promising directions for further research.
Ganglioneuromas in hamsters

A description is given of three cases of ganglioneuromas, which originated from ganglia of the sympathetic chain of hamsters. Other reports of such tumors in this species are reviewed and the literature relative to hamster ganglioneuromas presented. In addition, the possible genesis of origin from adult ganglion cells upon the action of carcinogenic stimuli is discussed.
G Protein Binding Sites on Calnuc (Nucleobindin 1) and NUCB2 (Nucleobindin 2) Define a New Class of Gαi-regulatory Motifs

Heterotrimeric G proteins are molecular switches modulated by families of structurally and functionally related regulators. GIV (Gα-interacting vesicle-associated protein) is the first non-receptor guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that activates Gαi subunits via a defined, evolutionarily conserved motif. Here we found that Calnuc and NUCB2, two highly homologous calcium-binding proteins, share a common motif with GIV for Gαi binding and activation. Bioinformatics searches and structural analysis revealed that Calnuc and NUCB2 possess an evolutionarily conserved motif with sequence and structural similarity to the GEF sequence of GIV. Using in vitro pulldown and competition assays, we demonstrate that this motif binds preferentially to the inactive conformation of Gαi1 and Gαi3 over other Gα subunits and, like GIV, docks onto the α3/switch II cleft. Calnuc binding was impaired when Lys-248 in the α3 helix of Gαi3 was replaced with M, the corresponding residue in Gαo, which does not bind to Calnuc. Moreover, mutation of hydrophobic residues in the conserved motif predicted to dock on the α3/switch II cleft of Gαi3 impaired the ability of Calnuc and NUCB2 to bind and activate Gαi3 in vitro. We also provide evidence that calcium binding to Calnuc and NUCB2 abolishes their interaction with Gαi3 in vitro and in cells, probably by inducing a conformational change that renders the Gαi-binding residues inaccessible. Taken together, our results identify a new type of Gαi-regulatory motif named the GBA motif (for Gα-binding and -activating motif), which is conserved across different proteins throughout evolution. These findings provide the structural basis for the properties of Calnuc and NUCB2 binding to Gα subunits and its regulation by calcium ions.
Ethyl-leaded Gasoline: How a Classic Occupational Disease Became an International Public Health Disaster

AbstractThe author describes the controversy about the use of tetraethyllead (TEL) as a gasoline additive. Early warnings were ignored by industry, and as leaded gasoline became more profitable, scientists willing to support industry were financed as guardians of the Scientific Criteria for lead's health impacts. Controversy erupted in 1924 after refinery accidents left workers dying from violent insanity. In efforts to protect their profits, industry executives falsely claimed there was no alternative to leaded gasoline. Fifty years passed before Scientific, court, and regulatory challenges had any influence. When independent research finally emerged, the results were damning enough to support an international phase-out of leaded gasoline.
Effects of underwater sound exposure on neurological function and brain histology

To evaluate the safety of sonar exposure from a neurological perspective, the vulnerability of the central nervous system to underwater exposure with high-intensity, low-frequency sound (HI-LFS) was experimentally examined. Physiological, behavioral and histological parameters were measured in anesthetized, ventilated rats exposed to brief (5 min), underwater HI-LFS. Exposure to 180 dB sound pressure level (SPL) re 1 μPa at 150 Hz (n = 9) did not alter acute cardiovascular physiology (arterial blood pH, pO2, pCO2, heart rate, or mean arterial blood pressure) from that found in controls (n = 11). Rats exposed to either 180 dB SPL re 1 μPa at 150 Hz (n = 12) or 194 dB SPL re 1 μPa at 250 Hz (n = 12) exhibited normal cognitive function at 8 and 9 days after sound exposure. Evaluation of neurological motor function revealed a minor deficit 7 days after 180 dB SPL/150 Hz exposure that resolved by 14 days, and no deficits after 194 dB SPL/250 Hz exposure. No overt histological damage was detected in any group. These data suggest that underwater HI-LFS exposure may cause transient, mild motor dysfunction.
Two-dimensional plane wave theory of strong acousto-optic interaction in isotropic media

Strong interaction is the preferred (high-efficiency) mode of operation in acousto-optic devices. Yet most theories of strong interaction use simplifying assumptions, such as sharply bounded sound columns, which are often unrealistic. The theory presented in this paper makes no such assumptions; it describes strong acousto-optic interaction as a multiple scattering of plane waves.
Nephrotoxic potential of N-(3,5-dichloro-4-fluorophenyl)succinimide in Fischer 344 rats: comparison with N-(3,4,5-trichlorophenyl)succinimide.

Numerous structure-nephrotoxicity relationship studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide (NDPS) is one of the most potent nephrotoxicants among the N-arylsuccinimides. The purpose of this study was to extend our previous structure-nephrotoxicity relationship studies by examining the effect of addition of a fluoro verses a chloro group at the 4-phenyl position in NDPS. Male Fischer 344 rats (four rats/group) received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of N-(3,5-dichloro-4-fluorophenyl)succinimide (NDCFPS) or N-(3,4,5-trichlorophenyl)succinimide (NTCPS)(0.4 or 0.8 mmol/kg) or vehicle, and renal function monitored at 24 and 48 h. NDCFPS did not induce significant nephrotoxicity at either dose tested. In contrast, NTCPS (0.4 or 0.8 mmol/kg) induced marked nephrotoxicity characterized by diuresis, increased proteinuria, glucosuria, elevated kidney weight and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration. NTCPS also induced marked proximal tubular necrosis at both doses tested. Neither NDCFPS nor NTCPS induced hepatotoxicity at either dose tested. The results of these experiments indicate that addition of a fluoro group at the 4-position on the phenyl ring of NDPS produces a nonnephrotoxicant NDPS derivative (NDCFPS), while addition of a chloro group at this site produces an NDPS derivative with similar nephrotoxic potential to NDPS. The mechanism for this differential effect between 4-halophenyl substitution is unclear, but may result from increased hydrolysis of the succinimide ring and/or increased clearance of N-arylsuccinimide metabolites when a fluoro group is added to the 4-position of the phenyl ring.
Small-angle X-ray scattering from 12-arm star polystyrene fractions in MEK

Small-angle X-ray scattering, SAXS, measurements were obtained from 12-arm near-monodisperse star polystyrenes in methyl ethyl ketone at 25°C. Calculations from the SAXS data yielded information on the molecular weight, Ms, the radius of gyration, Rg, mass per unit length, mu, radius of gyration of the crosssection, Rq, and persistence length, a∗. Values of Ms and Rg from SAXS were in good agreement with values obtained from light scattering. A branching parameter in terms of a∗, s = a∗1a*b where subscripts l and b refer to linear and branch, respectively, is introduced and related in terms of functionability, f, or g, where g = (Rg)b(Rg)l.
Current opinion in superspreading mechanisms.

Abstract Background An aqueous solution of trisiloxane-ethoxylate surfactants (superspreaders) has fascinating surface properties that promote rapid spreading over a large area of difficult–to-wet substrates. The overall spread area achieved by an aqueous droplet containing superspreaders can be as much as 50 times greater than water, and 25 times more effective than a conventional surfactant on a leaf's surface. The phenomenon that drives superspreading is still not well understood and it is under continuous discussion. Concepts and models The goal of this paper is to review the data published to elucidate the concepts and mechanisms presented in the literature and to propose a model for superspreading. Conclusions A simple model was proposed concerning the surface tension gradient (or Marangoni flow) over the curved droplet surface when the value of the wetting angle was considered. The model predicted the optimum rate of spreading vs. angle at θ = 60° and was in a satisfactory agreement with the experimental observations.
The genus Dalea (Fabaceae tribe Amorpheae) in departamento de Cajamarca, Peru, with description of three new species

Three new species ofDalea (Fabaceae tribe Amorpheae) discovered in the Andes of Cajamarca, Peru by Prof. I. Sanchez Vega are described, illustrated, and discussed. All (Dalea glumacea, D. isidori, D. tridactylites) belong to sect.Parosela ser.Coeruleae, 14 members of which are currently known from the Department, the principal focus of speciation for the series. A key to the 16 taxa ofDalea found hitherto in Departmento de Cajamarca is provided.
The hard stuff: Metals in bioremediation

Abstract Metals, both toxic and valuable, are found in deposits of variable richness. Human activities have dispersed metals beyond their natural deposits throughout soil, sediments, and freshwater. The idea that biological processes or products could contain toxic metals or enhance recovery of valuable metals has been discussed for many years. Recent advances in microbial biogeochemistry and bioinorganic chemistry indicate that these long-standing aspirations could soon be fulfilled.
Thrombospondin-4 is Necessary for the Increased Calcium Cycling Associated with the Slow Force Response

Thrombospondin-4 (TSP4) is a matricellular protein found in the heart and upregulated in heart failure; however, its role in cardiac regulation is unknown. Our previous work showed that mice lacking the TSP4 gene (tsp4-/-) respond normally to acute (seconds) pressure overload, but rapidly deteriorate minutes after. Thus, we hypothesize that TSP4 is involved in the slow force response (SFR), the second phase of stretch-mediated adaptation to loading, discovered a century ago, yet not fully understood. One proposed mechanism for the SFR is an increase in ERK phosphorylation that leads to increased Na+/H+ exchanger-1 activity. The latter increases intracellular Na+, causing the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (reverse mode) to rise intracellular Ca2+, therefore increasing force. To investigate this, cardiac papillary muscles were isolated from tsp4-/- and wild-type (WT) littermates. Muscles were stretched from 92% of the length that generated maximum force (Lmax ) to 98% Lmax. This length was maintained for 15 min while force and Ca2+ transients (fura-2AM) were simultaneously recorded. The immediate rise in force without change in Ca2+ (Frank-Starling) was similar in both groups. However, whereas a positive SFR occurred in WT (33 ± 7%, n=5), tsp4-/- muscle displayed a negative SFR (−14 ± 2%, n=5). The difference in force was accompanied by a rise in Ca2+ in WT but not in tsp4-/- (7 ± 2% vs. 1± 2%, P<0.05). Next, hearts were excised from mice 15 minutes following transaortic constriction (pressure overload) and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt was found to be decreased in the tsp4-/- mice (P<0.05). We conclude that TSP4 is necessary for cardiac adaptation to stretch. Its absence blunts the SFR (force and Ca2+ rise). Moreover, TSP4 seems to be involved in this mechanism upstream of ERK1/2 and Akt.
Graph Theoretic Foundations of Multibody Dynamics Part II: Analysis and Algorithms

This second, of a two part paper, uses concepts from graph theory to obtain a deeper understanding of the mathematical foundations of multibody dynamics. The first part [7] established the block-weighted adjacency (BWA) matrix structure of spatial operators associated with serial and tree topology multibody system dynamics, and introduced the notions of spatial kernel operators (SKO) and spatial propagation operators (SPO). This paper builds upon these connections to show that key analytical results and computational algorithms are a direct consequence of these structural properties and require minimal assumptions about the specific nature of the underlying multibody system. We formalize this notion by introducing the notion of SKO models for general tree-topology multibody systems. We show that key analytical results, including mass matrix factorization, inversion, and decomposition hold for all SKO models. It is also shown that key low-order scatter/gather recursive computational algorithms follow directly from these abstract-level analytical results. Application examples to illustrate the concrete application of these general results are provided. The paper also describes a general recipe for developing SKO models. The abstract nature of SKO models allows the application of these techniques to a very broad class of multibody systems.
Socioeconomic impact of gunshot wounds in an urban pediatric population

Abstract Trauma continues to be a leading cause of death and disability in the pediatric population. We retrospectively reviewed 139 cases of gunshot wounds (GSW) in patients under 17 years of age, who were admitted to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from January 1, 1986 to June 30, 1992. There were 4,587 trauma admissions during this period, and the proportion of GSW victims increased from 1.02% in the first 12 months to 5.6% in the final 12 months of the study ( P
Effect of Ebstein's anomaly on short- and long-term outcome of surgically treated patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

BACKGROUNDEbstein's anomaly is the most commonly occurring congenital abnormality associated with the Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. However, the effects of Ebstein's anomaly on the risks and benefits of surgical ablation of accessory pathways in patients with WPW syndrome are unknown.METHODS AND RESULTSThis study compared the long-term outcome of 38 WPW patients with Ebstein's anomaly undergoing accessory pathway ablation to a reference population of 384 similarly treated patients without the anomaly. Ebstein's anomaly was mild in 21 patients (55%) and moderate-to-severe in 17 patients (45%). Sixteen patients (42%) required tricuspid valve surgery, and 23 (61%) had an atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale repaired. Baseline clinical characteristics and preoperative clinical arrhythmias were similar in both groups. Ten-year survival was 92.4% and 91.2% for patients with and without Ebstein's anomaly, respectively (p = NS). During a mean follow-up of 6.2 +/- 3.8 and 5.3 +/- 3.6 years, 82% of ...
Closing the Deception Gap: Accession to the European Union and Environmental Standards in East Central Europe

This article examines the impact of accession to the European Union (EU) on environmental standards in three candidate countries: Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It argues that we must look beyond adoption of environmental standards to their implementation, and it suggests that there is a “deception gap” between what is said on paper and what is actually done in practice. Two sets of factors internal to the East Central European countries work against closing this deception gap: their historical legacy of environmental practice and the interests of domestic producers and environmental groups. Pressure from the EU is the main force in attempting to close the gap, that is, to foster compliance with environmental standards. Domestic producers in East Central Europe could potentially be a force for closing the gap as well.