cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GRAZING ON WETLAND MEADOWS

ABSTRACT Marshlands owners have been interested in “profitable” use of their property for centuries. Through ditching, diking and draining, these marshes were visualized as potentially productive pastures. One shortcoming in this planning was the oversight of “cat-clay” problems associated with large quantities of organic matter and anaerobic conditions. The resultant complex polysulfides when oxidized resulted in extremely acidic soil conditions, detrimental to all vegetative growth. The extent of compaction of the substrate and the species of vegetation in the wetland meadows and prairies determine the feasibility of grazing the area by ungulates. In grazed Spartina marshes, net primary production was 50% of the production occurring on ungrazed marshes. Grazing also had a significant negative impact on the macro-invertebrate populations and resulted in differences in plant successional trends. Grazing also significantly reduced detritus production. Marshes appear to recover from grazing once it is terminated. Since even low density grazing does produce a significant impact on the wetlands ecosystem, additional research is needed to document the optimum invertebrate population, and the minimum detritus production necessary to sustain secondary production in adjoining systems.
Fine particulate air pollution and premature atrial contractions: The REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke study.

Several reports have suggested that particulate matter (PM) exposure increases the risk for atrial arrhythmias. However, data from large-scale epidemiologic studies supporting this hypothesis are lacking. We examined the association of PM <2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) concentration with premature atrial contractions (PACs) in 26,609 (mean age=65±9.4 years; 55% female; 41% black) participants from the REGARDS (REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke) study. Estimates of short- (2 weeks) and long-term (1 year) PM2.5 exposure were computed before each participant's baseline visit using geographic information system data on the individual level at the coordinates of study participants' residences. PACs were identified from baseline electrocardiograms. A total of 2140 (8.2%) participants had evidence of PACs on the baseline electrocardiogram. Short-term PM2.5 (per 10 μg/m3) exposure was not associated with PACs (OR=1.09, 95% CI=0.98, 1.23). Increases in long-term PM2.5 (per 10 μg/m3) were associated with PACs (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.10, 1.78). Interactions were not detected for short- and long-term PM2.5 exposure by age, sex, or race. Long- but not short-term PM2.5 exposure is associated with PACs. This suggests a role for long-term PM2.5 exposure in initiating supraventricular arrhythmias that are triggered by PACs.
Information aggregation failure in a model of social mobility

Abstract I study a model in which high and low income voters must decide between continuing with a status quo policy or switching to a different policy, which is more redistributive. Under the status quo policy, low income voters may get an opportunity to become high income earners. Such opportunities are expected to arise infrequently, so in expectation these voters prefer the more redistributive policy. Nevertheless, there is an equilibrium in which the vast majority of them cast their ballots in favor of re-electing the less redistributive status quo. Although these voters are fully strategic and correctly assess their chances for upward mobility, they vote exactly as if they are naive voters who over-estimate their chances of becoming rich. As the size of the electorate grows, the status quo policy can be re-elected with certainty, and the election fails to fully aggregate information.
Multiple selection filters ensure accurate tail-anchored membrane protein targeting

Accurate protein localization is crucial to generate and maintain organization in all cells. Achieving accuracy is challenging, as the molecular signals that dictate a protein's cellular destination are often promiscuous. A salient example is the targeting of an essential class of tail-anchored (TA) proteins, whose sole defining feature is a transmembrane domain near their C-terminus. Here we show that the Guided Entry of Tail-anchored protein (GET) pathway selects TA proteins destined to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) utilizing distinct molecular steps, including differential binding by the co-chaperone Sgt2 and kinetic proofreading after ATP hydrolysis by the targeting factor Get3. Further, the different steps select for distinct physicochemical features of the TA substrate. The use of multiple selection filters may be general to protein biogenesis pathways that must distinguish correct and incorrect substrates based on minor differences.
Stem cells: Valine starvation leads to a hungry niche.

The haematopoietic stem cells that rejuvenate blood depend on a dietary source of the amino acid valine — a finding that has been exploited to reduce the toxicity of bone-marrow transplantation in mice.
Immunoadjuvanticity of endotoxins and nontoxic derivatives for normal and leukemic immunocytes.

Endotoxins from many Gram negative bacteria are known to be immunostimulators. For example, administration of crude or even purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin preparations into experimental animals challenged with various soluble and/or particulate antigens may result in altered immune responses, including enhanced responses, especially when the endotoxins are given shortly before or simultaneously with antigen (4, 10, 14, 15, 17, 19, 24, 25, 26). Studies in these laboratories have shown that a polysaccharide (PS)-rich derivative from endotoxins lacking the lipid A moiety and free of toxicity is a potent immunostimulant for normal mice (7, 8, 11). For example, the PS obtained from Serratia marcescens is equivalent to the intact endotoxin in enhancing the antibody response to a T cell dependent antigen such as sheep erythrocytes (SRBC) in vitro. In vivo the PS was less effective than LPS in enhancing the immune response to SRBC but still considerable adjuvant effect could be demonstrated (1, 2). Injection of SRBC into normal mice or addition of this antigen to cultures of splenocytes from non-immunized mice results in an antibody response readily detected by the hemolytic plaque assay in vitro. Furthermore, treatment of the animals or cell cultures with either LPS or its PS derivative results in enhanced antibody formation.
Women's dieting goals (weight loss, weight maintenance, or not dieting) predict exercise motivation, goals, and engagement in undergraduate women: A self-determination theory framework

Attempts at weight control are common in university students. Two of the most commonly cited methods of weight control are dieting and exercise. The purpose of this study was to assess if different...
Distributed fiber optics sensors for civil engineering infrastructure sensing

Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) is one of the promising tools for structure health monitoring. It can measure physical quantities (such as temperature, strain, and vibration) of the fiber co...
Effects of Single Channel Kinetics upon Transmembrane Voltage Dynamics

A standard membrane model, based upon the continuous deterministic Hodgkin-Huxley equations, is compared to an alternative membrane model, based upon discrete stochastic ion channel populations represented through Markov processes. Simulations explore the relationship between these two levels of activity: the behavior of the macroscopic membrane currents versus the behavior of their microcopic ion channels.
Methane Sinks, Distribution, and Trends

At present the amount of methane removed from the atmosphere each year is about 500 Tg/yr or more than 90% of that released into the atmosphere each year. Most of the methane is removed by reacting with tropospheric OH radicals; lesser amounts are removed by soils and stratospheric oxidation by OH, O(1D), and minor reactions. This chapter is on the removal rate of CH4 and its variability in space and time.
Human Genetic Susceptibility to Amebiasis

One important unanswered question in amebic research is why only a proportion of individuals exposed to Entamoeba histolytica develop clinical disease. Variation in host genetic makeup is a key to explaining interindividual differences in susceptibility to amebiasis. In this chapter, we discuss the effects of a nonsynonymous polymorphism of the leptin receptor and HLA class II alleles in mediating resistance to amebiasis. In a prospective study on a cohort of preschool children living in Dhaka, Bangladesh, children with two copies of the ancestral Q223 allele in the leptin receptor were resistant to amebiasis. Children and mice with at least one copy of the leptin receptor 223R mutation were more susceptible to amebic colitis. HLA class II allele DQB1*0601 and the heterozygous haplotype DQB1*0601/DRB1*1501 were found to be protective against human intestinal amebiasis. An understanding of the human genes that underlie susceptibility to amebiasis could open new potential therapeutic and prophylactic pathways to the management of amebiasis.
A Cluster-Randomized Clinical Trial Testing the Effectiveness of the Addressing Tobacco Through Organizational Change Model for Improving the Treatment of Tobacco Use in Community Mental Health Care: Preliminary Study Feasibility and Baseline Findings.

Introduction People with mental illness are more likely to smoke and less likely to receive tobacco treatment than the general population. The Addressing Tobacco Through Organizational Change (ATTOC) approach supports organizational change to increase tobacco treatment in this population. We describe preliminary study feasibility and baseline behaviors and attitudes among clients and staff regarding tobacco treatment, and assesse correlates of treatment of smoking. Methods Preliminary accrual, engagement, and baseline data are reported from a cluster-randomized trial comparing ATTOC to usual care. Feasibility, thus far, was the rate of site and participant accrual and engagement (eg, participants remaining in the trial). Correlates of assessing smoking, advising cessation, and providing treatment were assessed. Results Site and participant accrual is 80% (8/10) and 86% (456/533), and engagement is 100% and 82%. "Staff asking about smoking" was reported by 63% of clients and 38% of staff; "staff advising cessation" was reported by 57% of clients and 46% of staff; staff report "assisting clients with any medication" at most 22% of the time, whereas at most 18% of clients report receiving a cessation medication; 59% of clients want tobacco treatment, but 36% of staff think that it is part of their job. "Staff assisting with medications" is related to more training, believing treating smoking is part of their job, and believing patients are concerned about smoking (ps Conclusions This trial of training in tobacco treatment within mental health care is feasible thus far; self-reported rates of tobacco treatment are low and associated with clinician attitudes and barriers. Implications Evaluation of ways to help address tobacco use treatment in community mental health care is feasible and needed, including the use of technical assistance and training guided by an organizational change approach.
Initial Emergency Department Visit and Follow-Up Care for Concussions among Children with Medicaid

Objective To describe the rates and patterns of initial emergency department (ED) encounters and follow-up care for concussions among Medicaid-insured children before and after the 2013 enactment of Ohio concussion law. Study design Using a time-series design, this study analyzed concussion claim data obtained from Partners for Kids, a pediatric accountable-care organization in Ohio. A total of 12 512 concussions and 48 238 associated claims for services between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2017, with an initial ED encounter among Medicaid-insured children (ages 0-18 years) were analyzed. The effect of the law on the odds of follow-up care were assessed using generalized estimating equations models, adjusted for sex, age group, and residence location. Results Of the total 12 512 concussions, 63.9% occurred in male patients, 70.1% in patients ages 10-18 years, and 65.2% in patients from urban areas. The rate of initial ED encounters for concussions increased from 2008 to 2014 (2.8 to 4.9 per 10 000 members), followed by a decrease in 2016 (4.2 per 10 000 members). A significant increase in follow-up care after the initial ED encounter was observed from pre-law to post-law (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.61, 1.86). A shift in follow-up care was observed from radiology and ambulance services in pre-law to primary care providers in post-law. Conclusions The Ohio concussion law may have influenced the patterns of initial ED visit and follow-up care for concussions among Medicaid-insured children. Future studies evaluating the impact of the law should analyze the utilization patterns among children with various insurance/payment types.
The Effect of Climate Change on the Location of Branches of Agriculture in Russia

The article provides an assessment of the expected changes in the location of agricultural sectors affected by possible climate change, which is simulated by the displacement of natural and agricultural zones within production frontiers of Federal subjects. The spatial distribution of resources, efficiency of agricultural production, transport flows, demand and comparative competitive positions of individual sectors of agriculture are taken into account.
A precision medicine drug discovery pipeline to identify dual CDK2/9 inhibition as a novel treatment for colorectal cancer.

e16056Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the 3rdmost common form of cancer in the US, responsible for over 50,000 death each year. Therapeutic options for advanced colorectal cancer are limited...
Photochemical NOT Gate for DNA Computing

Abstract DNA-based Boolean logic gates (AND, OR and NOT) can be assembled into complex computational circuits that generate an output signal in response to specific patterns of oligonucleotide inputs. However, the fundamental nature of NOT gates, which convert the absence of an input into an output, makes their implementation within DNA-based circuits difficult. Premature execution of a NOT gate before completion of its upstream computation introduces an irreversible error into the circuit. We developed a novel DNA gate design utilizing photocaging groups that prevents gate function until irradiation at a certain time-point. Optical activation provides temporal control over circuit performance by preventing premature computation and is orthogonal to all components of DNA computation devices. Using this approach, we designed NAND and NOR logic gates that respond to synthetic microRNA inputs. We further demonstrate the utility of the NOT gate within multi-layer circuits in response to a specific pattern of four microRNAs.
Impact of positive surgical margins on survival after partial nephrectomy in localized kidney cancer: analysis of the National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND The impact of positive surgical margins (PSM) on outcomes in partial nephrectomy (PN) is controversial. We investigated impact of PSM for patients undergoing PN on overall survival (OS) in different stages of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS Retrospective analysis of patients from the US National Cancer Database who underwent PN for cT1a-cT2b N0M0 RCC between 2004-13. Patients were stratified by pathological stage (pT1a, pT1b, pT2a, pT2b, and pT3a [upstaged]) and analyzed by margin status. Cox Regression multivariable analysis (MVA) was performed to investigate associations of PSM and covariates on all-cause mortality (ACM). Kaplan-Meier analysis (KMA) of OS was performed for PSM versus negative margin (NSM) by pathological stage. Sub-analysis of Charlson Comorbidity Index 0 (CCI=0) subgroup was conducted to reduce bias from comorbidities. RESULTS We analyzed 42,113 PN (pT1a: 33,341 [79.2%]; pT1a, pT1b: 6689 [15.9%]; pT2a: 757 [1.8%]; pT2b: 165 [0.4%]; and pT3a: upstaged 1161 [2.8%]). PSM occurred in 6.7% (2823) (pT1a: 6.5%, pT1b: 6.3%, pT2a: 5.9%, pT2b: 6.1%, pT3a: 14.1%, P<0.001). On MVA, PSM was associated with 31% increase in ACM (HR 1.31, P<0.001), which persisted in CCI=0 sub-analysis (HR: 1.25, P<0.001). KMA revealed negative impact of PSM vs. NSM on 5-year OS: pT1 (87.3% vs. 90.9%, P<0.001), pT2 (86.7% vs. 82.5%, P=0.48), and upstaged pT3a (69% vs. 84.2%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS PSM after PN was independently associated with across-the-board decrement in OS, which worsened in pT3a disease and persisted in sub-analysis of patients with CCI=0. PSM should prompt more aggressive surveillance or definitive resection strategies.
Colectomy Rates Are Increasing Among Inpatients With Concomitant Ulcerative Colitis and Clostridioides difficile.

BACKGROUND Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is an important cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exacerbation and is associated with increased risk of hospitalization, colectomy, and mortality. Previous analysis have reported an increasing rate of CDI and associated mortality in IBD patients. We examined the trends in CDI-associated outcomes in hospitalized patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) over the last decade. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used data from the National Inpatient Sample to identify patients hospitalized with both CDI and IBD from 2006 to 2014. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, partial/total colectomy, hospital length of stay, and charges. Analysis included univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS Between 2006 and 2014, CDI-related hospitalizations increased in both CD (1.6% to 3.2%; P<0.001) and UC (4.9% to 8.6%; P<0.001). CDI-associated mortality in CD and UC patients decreased from 2.4% to 1.2% (P<0.001) and 11.3% to 9.7% (P<0.001), respectively. CDI-associated colectomy rate increased from 4.3% to 8.8% (P<0.001) in UC but decreased from 4.5% to 2.8% (P<0.001) in CD. In multivariable analysis, compared with 2006, there was a nonsignificant decrease in mortality in 2014 in both CD [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25-1.24] and UC (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.61-1.07), but a significant increase in colectomy in 2014 only in UC (AOR 2.12, 95% CI 1.46-3.06). CONCLUSIONS CDI rates have increased in CD and UC over the last decade. Although there has been a significant increase in colectomies in UC, CDI-associated mortality in CD and UC has not increased over this time.
Fall-Related Facial Trauma: A Retrospective Review of Fracture Patterns and Medical Comorbidity.

Purpose Medical comorbidities may contribute to falls and thus require identification for education and prevention. We hypothesized that the epidemiology and injuries seen will be similar to the literature, with most falls that result in injury occurring in the elderly, to prominent facial structures, and are associated with specific comorbidities. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients evaluated by the Trauma and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery services after sustaining traumatic facial injury from July 2015 to June 2016 as a result of a fall. Associations between injury patterns, previous falls, and medical comorbidities were analyzed, and descriptive and bivariate statistics were reported. Results Of 152 patients included, 53.3% were females with a mean age of 61.2 years. Soft tissue laceration was seen in 59.9% of patients. The 3 most common fracture patterns seen were nasal fracture in 30.9%, orbital fracture in 30.3%, and zygoma fracture in 20.4%. Cardiovascular disease (53.3%) was the most common comorbidity. No major comorbidity was seen in 32.9% of patients. There was a significant association between orbital fracture and neurologic disease (P = .04). Patients with neurologic disease had a significantly longer length of stay (P Conclusions The results are consistent with the literature, with the most fall-related trauma occurring in the elderly with injury to prominent facial structures. The most common comorbidity was cardiovascular disease, which was associated with previous falls. There is a significant association between neurologic disease and orbital fractures. Future studies should focus on recurrent falls after receiving appropriate education to reduce risk based on their specific comorbidities.
Lessons from Pharmacovigilance: Pulmonary Immune-Related Adverse Events After Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

To characterize pulmonary toxicities associated with the use of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors Adverse event reports from immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1/L1 and CTLA-4 were captured from the W.H.O pharmacovigilance database (VigiBase) up until Dec. 31st 2019 and were analyzed to evaluate for measures of association between the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors and pulmonary toxicities. Disproportionality analysis using both frequentist and Bayesian approaches were used to detect signals between pulmonary immune-related adverse events and the use of these agents. A total of 9202 adverse pulmonary immune checkpoint inhibitor-related events were captured up until 2019. Adverse pulmonary events were compromised of 1305 airway, 18 alveolar, 5491 interstitial, 898 pleural, 560 vascular and 939 non-specific pulmonary events. We found a common association between all immune checkpoint inhibitors studied and pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism and respiratory failure. We also noted other associations between immune checkpoint inhibitors, however not as uniformly across agents. Most of these immune-related adverse drug reactions were noted to be severe and accounted for a significant source of mortality in the reported cases. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are associated with a spectrum of inflammatory pulmonary toxicities. The breadth of pulmonary complications and prevalence may be underappreciated with the use of these agents.
Outcomes of Initial Observation Versus Upfront Microsurgical Resection for Small to Medium-sized Vestibular Schwannomas.

OBJECTIVE To assess postoperative outcomes and predictive factors of patients observed prior to microsurgery and those undergoing upfront resection for small and medium-sized VS. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS VS patients who had microsurgery from 2003 to 2018 for tumors up to 2.5 cm. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative outcomes including facial nerve function and interventions, complications, extent of resection, and salvage therapy. RESULTS Of 220 patients, 120 were initially observed, and 100 pursued upfront microsurgery. There was no significant association between initial observation and upfront microsurgery for postoperative facial nerve function at 2 to 3 weeks (p = 0.18) or 12 months (p = 0.5), facial nerve intervention (p = 0.5), major/minor complications (p = 0.48/0.63), recurrence (p = 0.8), subtotal resection (p = 0.6), or salvage therapy (p = 0.9). Time from initial consultation to surgery did not significantly impact outcomes. Intrameatal tumors were more likely to be observed (odds ratios [OR] 2.93; 95% CI 1.53-5.63; p = 0.001). Patients with larger tumor volume (OR 0.52; 95% CI 0.37-0.72; p < 0.0001), brainstem compression (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.09-0.91; p = 0.03), or higher PTA were less likely to undergo observation (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.97-0.997; p = 0.02). On multivariable analysis, predictive factors for observation were smaller tumor volume (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.38-0.75; p < 0.001), lower PTA (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98-0.999; p = 0.04), and diabetes (OR 2.54; 95% CI 0.95-6.83; p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS Patients with worse hearing, larger tumor volume, and brainstem compression were more likely to pursue upfront microsurgery. A watchful waiting period does not appear to worsen outcomes and can be considered for patients with better hearing and smaller tumors without brainstem compression.
Data-based Control of Partially-Observed Robotic Systems

This paper presents a data-based approach to control robotic systems with partially-observed feedback. First, an open-loop optimization problem is solved to generate the nominal trajectory and then a linear time-varying Autoregressive–Moving-Average (ARMA) model of the system is calculated along the trajectory from the output measurement data. The system is then described in information state, which contains input-output information of the past few steps. Finally, a feedback gain which is calculated by solving a specific LQG problem along the nominal trajectory. The separate design of the open-loop and the closed-loop problem is used following the Decoupled Data-based Control (D2C) approach. Simulation results are also shown for complex models with fluid-structure interaction in the presence of both process and measurement noise.
Re-dosing of del Nido cardioplegia in adult cardiac surgery requiring prolonged aortic cross-clamp.

Objectives Few data exist on the use of del Nido cardioplegia in adults, specifically during operations requiring prolonged aortic cross-clamp. In this pilot study, we evaluate outcomes of patients undergoing surgery with cross-clamp time >3 h based on re-dosing strategy, using either full dose (FD; 1:4 blood to crystalloid ratio) or dilute (4:1 blood to crystalloid ratio) solution. Methods Consecutive adult patients (>18 years) undergoing cardiac surgery from 2012 to 2018 with cross-clamp time >3 h were reviewed. Patients were excluded if del Nido cardioplegia was not used. Patients were categorized into FD or dilute groups based on re-dosing solution. Propensity score matching was used to control for baseline differences between groups. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Other outcomes examined included: postoperative mechanical support, arrhythmia, stroke, dialysis and cardiac function. Results Included for analysis were 173 patients (115 male) with median age of 63.8 (interquartile range 53.9-73.1). Major comorbidities included diabetes (45), cerebrovascular disease (34), hypertension (131), atrial fibrillation (52) and previous cardiac surgery (83). There were 108 patients (62%) who received FD re-dosing, while 65 (38%) received dilute. A greater proportion of patients in the dilute group received retrograde delivery, for both induction (32/108 vs 39/65, P Conclusions Del Nido cardioplegia has been used in complex cardiac surgery requiring prolonged cross-clamp. Re-dosing can be performed with either FD or dilute del Nido solution with no statistical difference in outcomes.
Decompositions Occurring Remote from the Charge Site: A New Class of Fragmentation of FAB-Desorbed Ions

For the past several years we have been involved in a research program to develop the combined techniques of fast atom bombardment and tandem mass spectrometry for structure determination [1–18]. This research has been performed on a Kratos MS-50 triple sector mass spectrometer which consists of a high resolution MS-50 as MS-I coupled to an electrostatic analyzer serving as MS-II [19]. The ion selected with MS-I has a translational energy of 8KeV and the collision process transfers up to one hundred electron volts into internal energy. This makes accessible reaction channels which are not readily found for ions with the usual range of internal energies. As a result of the high energy, a hitherto unrecognized class of reactions has been discovered. These reactions are most readily observed for closed-shell ions and occur remote from the charged site, in contrast to the common charge-induced reactions. In this paper, the experimental evidence for the nature of the reaction and the extent of its occurrence will be discussed.
Mechanism of activation of the TGF-β receptor

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signals by contacting two distantly related transmem-brane serine/threonine kinases called receptors I and II. The role of these molecules in signalling has now been determined. TGF-β binds directly to receptor II, which is a constitutively active kinase. Bound TGF-β is then recognized by receptor I which is recruited into the complex and becomes phosphorylated by receptor II. Phosphorylation allows receptor I to propagate the signal to downstream substrates. This provides a mechanism by which a cytokine can generate the first step of a signalling cascade.
Molecular neurobiology: Making memories stick?

Studies of the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster have revealed a hitherto unknown protein that is involved in the process of memory formation. Flies lacking this protein — known as Volado, meaning 'absent-minded' — cannot learn to associate particular odours with an electric shock. Volado belongs to the integrin family of cell-adhesion receptors, so it could be involved in moulding the connections between neurons.
Missing Pieces and Incoherence: An Interpersonal/Relational Perspective on Dr. Kronengold's Clinical Material

In this commentary, the author highlights adoption related themes as they appear in Dr. Henry Kronengold's clinical material, featured in this issue. Multiple losses, experiences of exclusion, failed searches, trickery and obstacles to knowledge abound, with attendant painful frustrations and compensatory family romance fantasies emerging. An unacknowledged enactment is hypothesized as a precipitant of the abrupt ending of the treatment. Questions are raised as to the mutative factors, goals, and criteria for termination in child therapy. It is suggested that treatment effectiveness lies in the therapist's ability to become immersed in the unfolding process, be the recipient of unformulated aspects of the patient's experience, and appreciate and participate in the co-construction of an increasingly coherent narrative. The incomplete aspects of the work are noted.
Effectiveness of a Pilot Community Physical Activity and Nutrition Intervention in American Samoa

Background : The addition of Western foods to the Samoan diet has greatly affected the health of the American Samoan people. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of culturally tailored exercise and nutrition interventions for adults living in Tutuila, American Samoa. Method : Villages in the eastern, central, and western parts of the island of Tutuila were recruited to participate in this study. Villages were randomly assigned to one of three culturally tailored interventions: 46 individuals in one village participated in an exercise intervention, 27 individuals in another village participated in a nutrition-education intervention, and 22 individuals in a third village participated in a combined exercise and nutrition-education intervention. Participants’ nutrition knowledge was measured at pre- and post-intervention stages through a questionnaire. Body Mass Index (BMI), height, and weight were assessed at baseline and again at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Differences in mean BMI over time by group, were assessed using repeated measures ANOVA with baseline BMI as a covariate. To test for differences in nutrition knowledge over time by group, pair-wise comparisons were used for the percent of correct answers at baseline and at week 12. Results : All three groups realized a significant decrease in BMI, from 1.35 in the nutrition only group to 2.27 in the exercise and nutrition group. The exercise and nutrition group also showed significant gains in ability to identify foods high in fiber and fat. Implications : This study demonstrates that decreases in BMI and increases in nutritional knowledge can be obtained through a culturally-tailored intervention, especially one that combines nutrition education and exercise.
Evaluation of Rh hapten.

Abstract In this paper, we have detailed the current methods of Rh hapten production and have described its administration to the sensitized Rh-negative woman. Five representative case histories have been presented along with results obtained in the first 135 cases treated. Recommendations have been made as to the most effective use of the Rh hapten with suggestions as to further investigation.
Enhancing umami taste in foods

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the practical aspects of the use of umami in recipe, menu, and product development and explains how umami, alone or synergistically, enhances food selection for people of all ages. Components that naturally impart an umami taste are featured, as well as other substances and processes that help create an umami taste, including curing, ageing, and fermenting. Examples of how to match the inherent flavor attributes in foods with the appropriate use of ingredients are provided. The chapter describes the methods to help develop flavorful and satiating food products, recipes, and menus featuring umami in a variety of food settings. Attention is given to the use of flavor-enhanced foods in ageing and weight management, growing global issues. Flavor enhancement is important because highly flavorful foods are satisfying, even in small quantities. As the global population grows exponentially, the quantity and quality of food are important considerations for economical food selection, nutritional status, health, and well-being.
An Introduction to Latent Variable Growth Curve Modeling: Concepts, Issues, and Applications (2nd ed.)

This book approaches latent growth modeling (LGM) from a practical, hands-on perspective. LGM, a set of techniques for analyzing change over time, is applied within a structural equation modeling (...
Finding protection cycles in DWDM networks

We introduce the problem of mesh optical network protection based on multiple logical ring/cycles. A two-staged problem formulation as well as classical ring finding algorithms are first discussed. A state-of-art protection cycle (p-cycle) finding algorithm is then proposed. This algorithm is scalable and especially suitable for sparse mesh networks. Finally, the performance of the algorithm is gauged by running on some real world network topologies.
Study of Non-Aqueous Passivation on GaSb (100) Surfaces

Due to the high chemical reactivity of GaSb surfaces, many commonly used aqueous sulfide passivation techniques lead to the growth of surface oxides that degrade device performance. We have developed a non-aqueous passivation regime consisting of Na 2 S/benzene/15-crown-5/oxidant. The use of a non-polar, aprotic organic medium required the addition of a specific chelating agent, i.e. a 15-crown-5 ether, to solubilize sodium sulfide, and organic oxidizing agents, such as anthraquinone and benzophenone, to act as electron acceptors. The surface optical and chemical properties of GaSb surfaces after aqueous and non-aqueous sulfide treatments were compared. Non-aqueous passivation resulted in higher PL intensity, lower oxide content, and a less amount of elemental Sb than aqueous passivation.
Food at Work: Workplace Solutions for Malnutrition, Obesity and Chronic Diseases

'Wanjek's book is worthwhile, particularly for the human rights issues that it raises and the suggestions it describes for short-term solutions. He skilfully integrated two branches of healthcare by providing historical background, a human rights angle and then suggestions for nutritional interventions in the workplace' New Agenda, South African Journal of Social and Economic Policy, Issue 25, 2007 Good nutrition, like other vital occupational safety and health issues, is the foundation of workplace productivity and safety – priority concerns shared by unions, workers, employers and governments around the world. It is well documented that unhealthy foods can lead to obesity and chronic diseases, while macro- and micronutrient deficiencies can cause malnutrition. In both these instances, the effects are detrimental to a strong, well-equipped workforce. This comprehensive volume establishes a clear link between good nutrition and high productivity. It demonstrates that ensuring that workers have access to nutritious, safe and affordable food, an adequate meal break and decent conditions for eating is not only socially important and economically viable but a profitable business practice too. Setting out key points for designing a meal programme, it presents a multitude of “food solutions”, including canteens, meal or food vouchers, mess rooms and kitchenettes, and partnerships with local vendors. Through case studies from a variety of enterprises in 28 industrialized and developing countries, the book offers valuable practical food solutions which can be adapted to workplaces of different sizes and with different budgets. It also addresses an often-overlooked issue in nutrition: access to clean drinking water. Relevant laws, regulations and guides pertaining to meal breaks and workplace nutrition are also highlighted in this volume, and an extensive section containing checklists and other useful resources for unions, employers and governments is included.
Unsteady burning of unconfined fuel vapor clouds

The rapid accidental escape of a combustible vapor into open surroundings can produce a cloud of gas which can burn as an unsteady, turbulent diffusion flame if ignited at its edge. In such a flame, buoyancy forces induce a mixing of the fuel with air, promoting combustion which ultimately consumes the initial fuel charge. This paper considers three principal characteristics of such a combustion process: the flame height, the time to complete combustion, and the maximum diameter of the flame. A simple entrainment model is proposed which leads to the determination of these flame characteristics, to within two unknown parameters to be determined from experiments. The principal consequence of the model is the prediction that the rise height and the maximum diameter of the flame vary as the 1/3 power of the initial volume of vapor cloud, while the combustion time varies as the 1/6 power. Experimental observations of the burning of small (laboratory scale) vapor samples are described. The experimental observations were lognormally distributed about a mean line whose slope conformed with the scaling laws derived from the theoretical model. From the mean line, the unknown parameters were determined. Within the limits of the laboratory experiments, the principal flame characteristics are nearly independent of the initial conditions of the vapor cloud and also of the fuel type, and are adequately correlated by the equations given by the theoretical model.
Some derivatives of sulfamide

The preparation and properties of compounds such as the carbomethoxy, carbethoxy, and dicarbalkoxy derivatives of sulfamide are described. The reaction of dimethylsulfamyl chloride with a number of amines was investigated and two new compounds are reported. A satisfactory procedure was developed for the preparation of ethyl pyrocarbonate. The pharmacological studies on these compounds will be reported later.
STUDIES IN SYNERGY : SYNERGIC STIMULATING EFFECT OF HYPERSENSITIVITY TO FOREIGN PROTEIN AND TO BACTERIA.

1. The relative synergic stimulating influence of anti-horse serum sensitivity, non-hemolytic streptococcal hyperergy and staphylotoxin intoxication have been determined in connection with rabbits' reaction to simultaneous injections of lens extracts. These three synergic states are increasingly active in the order named. 2. Heterologous lens extract is a much more powerful antigen than is homologous lens, even under conditions where the reactivity of the immunized animal has been much enhanced.
Tests of vector-meson dominance relations in the electric Born model for pion photoproduction☆

Abstract Within the framework of the electric Born model and its hadronic analog we examine the validity of various vector-meson dominance relations for single-pion photoproduction.
Physically nonlinear and related approximate theories of elasticity, and their invariance properties

The existing developments of physically nonlinear elasticity have several shortcomings. With the aim of remedying these deficiencies, a number of approximate theories of elasticity are discussed in the present paper and, in particular, a theory of physically nonlinear elasticity is systematically developed. More specifically, stress-strain relations for anisotropic physically nonlinear materials are derived. The method of Casey & Naghdi [1] is then applied to obtain properly invariant results. This method involves the use of auxiliary motions obtained by removing from any given motion the translation and rotation at any one particle, called a “pivot.” The auxiliary motions represent the original motions in the approximate theory. The connection between the transformation of fields under a change of pivot and invariance requirements associated with the auxiliary motions is investigated.
Intracellular processing of exogenously derived non-lipoprotein [3H)cholesterol in normal and mutant human skin fibroblasts deficient in acid sterol ester hydrolase

By studying the incorporation and esterification of non-lipoprotein, free [3H]cholesterol in normal and acid sterol ester hydrolase-deficient human fibroblasts, it was examined whether the esterification reaction of the lysosomal acid sterol ester hydrolase contributed to the formation of cellular [3H]cholesteryl esters. Both the normal and the acid sterol ester hydrolase-deficient cells incorporated exogenous, vesicle-derived free [3H]cholesterol linearly as a function of time. Also, the rate of [3H]cholesteryl ester formation was almost the same in normal and mutant fibroblasts, indicating that the apparent esterification activity of the acid sterol ester hydrolase in normal fibroblasts did not contribute to the formation of [3H]cholesteryl esters in intact cells. To examine whether the incorporated [3H]cholesterol was transported into the endoplasmic reticulum and esterified by the acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase, the rate of [3H]cholesteryl ester formation was measured in the presence or absence of the acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase-inhibitor 58-035 (Sandoz Inc.). Results showed that the formation of [3H]cholesteryl esters was reduced markedly when cells were co-incubated with the acyltransferase inhibitor. Maximal inhibition (i.e., 75%) was obtained at an inhibitor concentration of 1 microgram/ml. Since the inhibitor 58-035 is very specific for acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase, this finding clearly shows that exogenous, exchangeable [3H]cholesterol can reach and mix with the intracellular substrate pool of the enzyme.
Variation in Property Tax Abatement Programs Among States

This research provides an exhaustive review of U.S. property tax abatement programs and identifies and compares critical structural differences of abatement programs across states. Program differen...
Cycling the Synapse: Scenic versus Direct Routes for Vesicles

What happens to synaptic vesicles after they release their neurotransmitter content? Recent work on a variety of synaptic systems shows that there is no single answer to this question. Rather, it seems that neurons use a variety of methods to retrieve and reuse synaptic vesicles after they have undergone exocytosis. The challenge now is to establish the molecular mechanisms and to decipher the rules that govern which cycling pathway is used in a given functional context.
Desegregation of hospitals and medical societies in North Carolina.

The struggle to achieve equal rights for American blacks has included legal and social pressure to provide access to jobs, housing, education, the ballot box, theaters, buses, hotels, and restauran...
Promoting Social Competence in School-Aged Children: The Effects of the Open Circle Program.

Abstract One hundred fifty-four fourth graders took part in an investigation of the Open Circle Program (OCP), an intervention model that encourages students, teachers and administrators to learn and practice communication, self-control and social problem-solving skills. Eight classrooms, two in each of four schools, were sampled. Two of these schools were located in middle to upper-middle class suburban areas and two served more diverse populations. Half the classrooms were headed by teachers well versed in OCP curriculum. The other half was not implementing a social competence program. Participants completed the student version of the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) once in the fall and again in the spring. Teachers also rated the social competence of students at these same two points in the school year. Doubly-repeated measures mixed-design MANOVA analyses revealed that across the school year, OCP participants showed significantly greater teacher-reported improvements in both social skills and problem behaviors than did control group members. Although the largest gains were made by OCP children in urban areas, significant positive effects of program participation were shown by all students, regardless of school setting.
Accounting for characteristics of session workloads: A study based on partly-open queue

Many systems, including Web and Software as a Service (SaaS) are best characterized with session-based workloads. Empirical studies have shown that Web session arrivals exhibit long range dependence and that the number of request in a session is well modeled with skewed or heavy-tailed distributions. However, models that account for session workloads characterized by empirically observed phenomena and studies of their impact on performance metrics are lacking. In this paper, we use partly-open queue to account for session-based workloads in a physically meaningful way and use simulation to analyze the behavior of the Web system under Long Range Dependent (LRD) session arrival process and skewed distribution for the number of requests in a session. Our results show that the percentage of dropped sessions, mean queue length, mean waiting time, and the useful server utilization are all affected by the LRD session arrivals and the statistics of the number of requests within a session. The impact is higher in the case of more prominent longrange dependence. Interestingly, both request arrival process and request departure process are long-range dependent, even in the case when session arrivals are Poisson.
Biased networks and the strength of weak ties

Abstract It is shown that the concept of the strength of a weak tie can be embedded within the theory of random and biased nets, thereby obtaining both a bias parameter representation of this concept and a system of formal relations to other concepts based in biased network analysis.
Cysteine Conjugate β-Lyase-Catalyzed Bioactivation of Bromine-Containing Cysteine S-Conjugates: Stoichiometry and Formation of 2,2-Difluoro-3-halothiiranes

1,1-Dichloroalkene-derived S-(1-chloroalkenyl)-l-cysteine conjugates, but not 1,1-difluoroalkene-derived S-(2,2-dihalo-1,1-difluoroethyl)-l-cysteine conjugates, are mutagenic in the Ames test. Rece...
The analysis of organic-substituted group IVB lithium compounds

Abstract A method for the quantitative analysis of triorganosilyl-, -germyl-, and -tinlithium compounds, involving a double titration using allyl bromide, has been investigated and compared with other methods of analysis. The new procedure is considered to be more accurate and convenient than previous methods.
Mcl-1 expression predicts progression-free survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients treated with pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab

Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) is an antiapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 protein family. Increased Mcl-1 expression is associated with failure to achieve remission after treatment with fludarabine and chlorambucil in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the influence of Mcl-1 expression has not been examined in CLL trials using chemoimmunotherapy. We investigated Mcl-1 protein expression prospectively as part of a phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy of pentostatin, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab in patients with untreated CLL. No significant difference by Mcl-1 expression was noted in pretreatment or response parameters. However, in patients with higher Mcl-1 expression, both minimal residual disease-negative status and progression-free survival was found to be significantly reduced (57% vs 19%, P = .01; 50.8 vs 18.7 months; P = .02; respectively). Mcl-1 expression may therefore be useful in predicting poor response to chemoimmunotherapy. These findings further support pursuing treatment strategies targeting this important antiapoptotic protein. (Because the trials described were conducted before the requirement to register them was implemented, they are not registered in a clinical trial database.)