cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of Several Human Homologs of Hamster DNA Damage-inducible Transcripts CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NOVEL UV-INDUCIBLE cDNA THAT CODES FOR A PUTATIVE RNA-BINDING PROTEIN

Low ratio hybridization subtraction technique was previously used in this laboratory to enrich and isolate a number of low abundance UV-inducible hamster transcripts (Fornace, A. J., Jr., Alamo, I. J., and Hollander, M. C. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 85, 8800-8804) that led to the identification and cloning of five important hamster and human GADD genes (Fornace, A. J., Jr., Nebert, D. W., Hollander, M. C., Luethy, J. D., Papathanasiou, M., Fargnoli, J., and Holbrook, N. J. (1989) Mol. Cell. Biol. 9, 4196-4203). In this study we have characterized the remaining DNA damage-inducible (DDI) transcripts. Of the 24 DDI clones, 3 clones (A13, A20, and A113) representing different regions of the same hamster cDNA exhibited near perfect homology to human p21(WAF1/CIP1) cDNA. The DDI clones A26, A88, and A99 displayed very high sequence homologies with the human proliferating nuclear antigen, rat translation initiation factor-5 (eIF-5), and human thrombomodulin, respectively, whereas clones A29 and A121 matched with express sequence tagged sequences of unknown identity. The DDI clones A18, 106, and A107 were different isolates of the same hamster cDNA (hereafter referred to as A18) and displayed high sequence homology with the members in the heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family. Using the hamster A18 partial-length cDNA as a probe, we screened human fibroblast cDNA library and isolated the corresponding full-length human cDNA. The deduced amino acid sequence revealed that the putative protein contains all the canonical features of a novel glycine-rich hnRNP. The A18 mRNA levels were specifically increased in response to DNA damage induced by UV irradiation or UV mimetic agents. Thus the putative A18 hnRNP is the first hnRNP whose mRNA is specifically regulated in response to UV-induced DNA damage; accordingly, it may play some role in repair of UV-type DNA damage.
pwdArmor: Protecting Conventional Password-Based Authentications

pwdArmor is a framework for fortifying conventional password-based authentications. Many password protocols are performed within an encrypted tunnel (e.g., TLS) to prevent the exposure of the password itself, or of material for an offline password guessing attack. Failure to establish, or to correctly verify, this tunnel completely invalidates its protections. The rampant success of phishing demonstrates the risk of relying solely on the user to ensure that a tunnel is established with the correct entity. pwdArmor wraps around existing password protocols. It thwarts passive attacks and improves detection, by both users and servers, of man-in-the middle attacks. If a user is tricked into authenticating to an attacker, instead of the real server, the user's password is never disclosed. Although pwdArmor does not require an encrypted tunnel, it gains added protection from active attack if one is employed; even if the tunnel is established with an attacker and not the real server. These assurances significantly reduce the effectiveness of password phishing. Wrapping a protocol with pwdArmor requires no modification to the underlying protocol or to its existing database of password verifiers.
On the Objective Function Behavior in s, S Inventory Models

The most common measure of effectiveness used in determining the optimal s, S inventory policies is the total cost function per unit time, Es, Δ, Δ = S-s. In stationary analysis, this function is constructed through the limiting distribution of on-hand inventory, and it involves some renewal-theoretic elements. For Δ â¥ 0 given, Es, Δ turns out to be convex in s, so that the corresponding optimal reorder point, s1Δ, can be characterized easily. However, Es1Δ, Δ is not in general unimodal on Δ â¥ 0. This requires the use of complicated search routines in computations, as there is no guarantee that a local minimum is global. Both for periodic and continuous review systems with constant lead times, full backlogging and linear holding and shortage costs, we prove in this paper that E's1Δ, Δ = 0, Δ â¥ 0, is both necessary and sufficient for a global minimum Es1Δ, Δ is pseudoconvex on Δ â¥ 0 if the underlying renewal function is concave. The optimal stationary policy can then be computed efficiently by a one-dimensional search routine. The renewal function in question is that of the renewal process of periodic demands in the periodic review model and of demand.sizes in the continuous review model.
The Price System and Economic Change, A Commentary on Theory and History

This paper is intended to provoke a general discussion of the nature and uses of historical sociology and its possible relevance to the work of economic historians. It is not an exhaustive treatment of the topic. Terms of reference merely call for a reconsideration of “the penetrative powers of the price system.”
The prolactin family: effectors of pregnancy-dependent adaptations

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone involved in many biological functions. In some species, there is a family of PRL-related genes; such is the case in the mouse and rat. The actions of members of the PRL family can be distinguished based on the involvement of the PRL receptor signaling pathway (classical versus nonclassical). Recent insights into the biology of the PRL family have been derived from mouse mutagenesis studies. There is compelling evidence suggesting that the PRL family contributes to the regulation of pregnancy-dependent adaptations to physiological stressors.
uvby photometry of 33 Tauri, HD 50169, and HR 7786 and an assessment of FCAPT comparison stars ?

Dierential Stromgren uvby photometric obser- vations from the Four College Automated Photoelectric Telescope are presented for the ellipsoidal variable 33 Tauri, and the magnetic Chemically Peculiar stars HD 50169 and HR 7786. We conrm that Hube's period of 2.975272 days for 33 Tau is correct. HD 50169 is a constant MCP star. HR 7786 is a large amplitude class member con- rming Winzer's discovery, but its period is 8.5297 days. Its comparison star, HR 7721, a spectroscopic binary B7 V star, is variable with an amplitude of order 0.1 mag, but of indeterminant period. In addition Hipparcos photome- try of the comparison and check stars for early type stars whose photometry is being obtained with the FCAPT is reviewed to ascertain the stability of these stars.
Acoustic characteristics of reticent speech

Summary Reticent speakers differ from nonreticent speakers in vocal characteristics, such as fundamental frequency, frequency range, fluency, and intensity, which prompt negative impressions on the part of listeners. Waveform and spectrographic analyses were performed on the vocal cues of 19 reticent and nonreticent subjects (57 speech samples). Statistically significant differences were found in fluency between reticent and nonreticent speech. Reticent male speakers also showed significantly higher F 0 , whereas reticent female speakers demonstrated narrower frequency range. Identification and analysis of these characteristics are required for effective remediation.
Causes and consequences of expanded subventricular zones

Primates have evolved an expanded isocortex relative to many other mammals. Parrots and songbirds have evolved an expanded telencephalon relative to many other birds. Previous work suggests that the expansion of the telencephalon in parrots and songbirds as well as the isocortex in primates is achieved, at least in part, by selectively delaying neurogenesis, expanding the subventricular zone (SVZ) and delaying maturation. The finding that similar developmental alterations in the spatial and temporal pattern of neurogenesis evolved together in these two distant lineages suggests that a single change in developmental mechanism might account for the expansion of the isocortex or telencephalon. We here review how uniformly lengthening developmental schedules may result in delays of neurogenesis, the expansion of the SVZ and delayed maturation. We propose that delays in neurogenesis may cause ventricular zone (VZ) cells to proliferate faster than the VZ can expand, which may force many proliferating cells to leave the VZ and form an expanded SVZ. Prolonged proliferation in the VZ and SVZ causes delays in neuronal maturation, which in turn may promote learning from conspecifics. Thus, we suggest that a single heterochronic change in developmental timing may orchestrate a variety of changes in the spatial and temporal pattern of proliferation, which has important behavioral consequences in adulthood.
Securing infrastructure from high explosive threats

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is working with the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, the Transportation Security Administration, and several infrastructure partners to characterize and help mitigate principal structural vulnerabilities to explosive threats. Given the importance of infrastructure to the nation's security and economy, there is a clear need for applied research and analyses (1) to improve understanding of the vulnerabilities of these systems to explosive threats and (2) to provide decision makers with time-critical technical assistance concerning countermeasure and mitigation options. Fully-coupled high performance calculations of structural response to ideal and non-ideal explosives help bound and quantify specific critical vulnerabilities, and help identify possible corrective schemes. Experimental validation of modeling approaches and methodologies builds confidence in the prediction, while advanced stochastic techniques allow for optimal use of scarce computational resources to efficiently provide infrastructure owners and decision makers with timely analyses.
Beyond Marble Cakes and Picket Fences: What U.S. Federalism Scholars Can Learn from Comparative Work

Scholarship on federalism seems to reside in two worlds: that of U.S. federalism scholars and that of comparative and non-U.S. scholars. There is little evidence of cross-fertilization of research across the two worlds—especially U.S. scholars reading and citing comparative federalism work. This article describes what U.S. scholars are missing and how U.S. scholarship might be enriched from tapping into comparative federalism research.
Distributed computing for multidisciplinary design optimization using Java

The programming language Java (recently referred to as the computer language of the Web) offers substantial possibilities for the type of complex engineering problems typically encountered in multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) problems. In order to demonstrate the potential uses of Java for MDO problems, this paper presents the development of the Web Interface for complex engineering design (WICkED) software, which simulates the convergence of a decomposed complex system in a distributed computing environment and computes the sensitivity derivatives of the system with respect to the independent input variables using the GSE method or the finite difference method. In this application, one computer is designated as the server and sends out required inputs to a number of client subsystems over the Internet. A number of client computers can connect to the server and then receive the inputs necessary to calculate the solution to their model. As the code necessary to solve the model already exists at the client, only the inputs have to be sent over the network. When the client has solved the calculation, it returns the results to the server which processes the result to produce new inputs.
ARTIFICIAL DIELECTRICS OF CONDUCTIVE FIBERS IN POLYMERS : EFFECTS OF VISCOSITY AND MATRIX COMPOSITION ON PERMITTIVITY AND LOSS

We report the microwave dielectric properties of composites made of nickel-coated graphite fibers in two different types of silicone polymers. The influence of matrix viscosity on the fiber alignment, fiber filamentation in the composites, and how those affect the permittivity and loss tangent of the composite are discussed. The dependence of the permittivity and loss of the composites on the permittivity and loss of the matrix will also be compared.
Self-healing Li–Bi liquid metal battery for grid-scale energy storage

Abstract In an assessment of the performance of a Li|LiCl–LiF|Bi liquid metal battery, increasing the current density from 200 to 1250 mA cm−2 results in a less than 30% loss in specific discharge capacity at 550 °C. The charge and discharge voltage profiles exhibit two distinct regions: one corresponding to a Li–Bi liquid alloy and one corresponding to the two-phase mixture of Li–Bi liquid alloy and the intermetallic solid compound, Li3Bi. Full cell prototypes of 0.1 Ah nameplate capacity have been assembled and cycled at 3 C rate for over a 1000 cycles with only 0.004% capacity fade per cycle. This is tantamount to retention of over 85% of original capacity after 10 years of daily cycling. With minimal changes in design, cells of 44.8 Ah and 134 Ah capacity have been fabricated and cycled at C/3 rate. After a hundred cycles and over a month of testing, no capacity fade is observed. The coulombic efficiency of 99% and energy efficiency of 70% validate the ease of scalability of this battery chemistry. Post mortem cross sections of the cells in various states of charge demonstrate the total reversibility of the Li3Bi solid phase formed at high degrees of lithiation.
Lycopene, tomato products, and prostate cancer prevention. Have we established causality?

The relationship between tomato products and prostate cancer prevention has been the subject of increasingly intense research activity over the past decade. The hypothesis that tomato products contain phytochemicals, perhaps lycopene and others, that modify prostate carcinogenesis warrants investigation. However, scientists, regulatory agencies, marketers of products, and those defining public health policy have differing opinions regarding the strength of the data when applied to criteria for inference and causality. It is useful to briefly review these criteria and discuss the relative strengths and weaknesses of the published data in order to better define future directions for research. Accepted categories of criteria include: consistency, strength of association, biological gradient, temporality, specificity, biological mechanisms and coherence, and experimental evidence. We believe that continued support for research regarding tomato products, lycopene and other phytochemicals, and prostate cancer risk is warranted and may ultimately serve as the basis for more consistent public health recommendations for the consumer. But, what do we say to the public when the data is still inconclusive? The authors support the recommendation that a minimum of five serv- ings of fruit and vegetables should be consumed daily from a variety of sources. We believe that the hypothesized benefits of tomato products for prostate cancer prevention may be achieved with approximately five servings of tomato products per week. The consumption of lycopene supplements is not currently recommended for prostate cancer prevention or ther- apy. Future research will allow us to provide more definitive guidelines.
Querying phylogenies visually

Querying and visualization of phylogenetic databases remain a great challenge due to their inherent complex structures. Popular phylogenetic databases such as Tree of Life and TreeBASE do not support flexible querying through query languages for the exploration of their contents. The query facility employed in these databases is usually limited to complex interfaces or is too limited to be useful for many applications. The most striking shortcoming of these systems is that they do not treat phylogenies (trees) as first citizens. In this paper, we introduce a novel visual query language for phylogenetic databases in which trees are recognized as basic units. We also introduce a Web based query interface, based on this language, for querying any tree like structure, either on the Web (e.g. Tree of Life), or in traditional relational databases (e.g. TreeBASE). As an aside, the mapping technique used in our system makes it possible to interoperate between a variety of heterogeneous phylogenetic databases. Finally, we demonstrate that the basic tree manipulation operators proposed in this paper can be used to form unlimited types of tree queries that were not possible in popular phylogenetic databases until now.
Recurrent Group C Streptococcal Tonsillitis in an Adolescent Male Requiring Tonsillectomy

A 15-year-old boy had repeated episodes of tonsillitis with group C strepto cocci over a four-month period. The tonsillitis cleared with antibiotic therapy but was followed by a recurrence within a few days. Tonsillectomy resulted in a permanent cure and group C streptococcus was found in the tonsils. A literature search has failed to reveal similar cases and a brief review of the existing literature is given.
Interactions between CYP2E1 and CYP2B4: Effects on Affinity for NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Reductase and Substrate Metabolism

Studies in microsomal and reconstituted systems have shown that the presence of one cytochrome P450 isoform can significantly influence the catalytic activity of another isoform. In this study, we assessed whether CYP2E1 could influence the catalytic activity of CYP2B4 under steady-state turnover conditions. The results show that CYP2E1 inhibits CYP2B4-mediated metabolism of benzphetamine (BNZ) with a Ki of 0.04 µM. However, CYP2B4 is not an inhibitor of CYP2E1-mediated p-nitrophenol hydroxylation. When these inhibition studies were performed with the artificial oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide, CYP2E1 did not significantly inhibit CYP2B4 activity. Determinations of the apparent KM and kcat of CYP2B4 for CPR in the presence of increasing concentrations of CYP2E1 revealed a mixed inhibition of CYP2B4 by CYP2E1. At low concentrations of CYP2E1, the apparent KM of CYP2B4 for CPR increased up to 23-fold with virtually no change in the kcat for the reaction, however, at higher concentrations of CYP2E1, the apparent KM of CYP2B4 for CPR decreased to levels similar to those observed in the absence of CYP2E1 and the kcat also decreased by 11-fold. Additionally, CYP2E1 increased the apparent KM of CYP2B4 for BNZ by 8-fold and the apparent KM did not decrease to its original value when saturating concentrations of CPR were used. While the individual apparent KM values of CYP2B4 and CYP2E1 for CPR are similar, the apparent KM of CYP2E1 for CPR in the presence of CYP2B4 decreased significantly, thus suggesting that CYP2B4 enhances the affinity of CYP2E1 for CPR and this may allow CYP2E1 to out-compete CYP2B4 for CPR.
Amylose Determination of Native High-Amylose Corn Starches by Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was investigated as an alternative method to more conventional iodine-binding methods for determining starch amylose in a maize breeding program, because it requires fewer steps. In addition, many current DSC instruments are now equipped with sampling robots for performing automated analysis. The iodine-binding method and a recently described DSC method for amylose determination were compared using five commercial starch samples. In addition, two sets (Set 1 and Set 2) of germplasm samples obtained from a high-amylose breeding program were examined using each method. Correlation coefficients (r 2 ) between the two methods for the commercial starch samples, Set 1 and Set 2 were found to be 0.99, 0.89 and 0.82, respectively, suggesting a good correlation but with greater discrepancy between them with increasingly higher amylose values. The DSC method appeared to have an improved repeatability, because its associated CV value was lower (4.1 %) compared to the iodine-binding method (5.8%). It was concluded that the DSC method should be effective in discriminating high-amylose genotypes in a breeding program specifically designed to identify maize starches with amylose values at or above 70%.
Abstract 3994: Obese Patients Receiving Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Have lower Rates of Intracerebral hemorrhage and Mortality

Background: The current recommended dose of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA) for ischemic stroke patients weighing >100 kg is fixed at 90 mg and thus obese patients receive less ...
Computer Access Technologies for Controlling Assistive Robotic Manipulators: Potentials and Challenges

One of the most challenging barriers to a successful application of the assistive robots is how to enable users who have special needs to interact with the robot aids in an efficient and comfortable manner, since the conventional control method using a traditional joystick combined with buttons and/or knobs demands fine motor control and good dexterity resulting in cognitive and physical workload. Adopting computer access technology, which has provided an alternative means to allow people who have a wide range of special needs to independently access their computer, can be a practical solution to this issue. In this paper, we reviewed and discussed the potentials and challenges of computer access technologies as an alternative control method for controlling assistive robotic manipulators, focusing on most widely adopted interventions in the clinical settings, including alternative pointing, keyboard-only access, switch scanning interface and speech recognition.
The Effect of Types of Respiratory Exercise on Respiratory Muscle Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Purpose: This study intended to classify voluntary respiratory exercise and exercise using breathing training equipment to suggest proper respiratory exercise to relieve symptoms of patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: Sixteen subjects were randomly selected for experimental group I, which performed feedback breathing exercise and 15 sub jects were randomly selected for experimental group II, which performed a complex breathing exercise. The mediation program was per formed 30 minutes a session, once a day, three times a week, for five weeks. This study analyzed before and after results within groups and between groups through measurement of respiratory muscle activity and health-related quality of life. Results: Activity of sternocleidomastoid muscle and scalene muscle increased meaningfully within experimental group I and activity of diaphragm increased significantly within experimental group II (p<0.05) and there was a meaningful difference in health-related quality of life within experimental group II (p<0.05). Significant differences in change of activity of respiratory muscle and health-related quali ty of life were observed between groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed conflicting results between activity of agonist and synergist in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to types of respiratory exercise and that complex respiratory exercise is more effective in health-related quality of life. Therefore, it found that the more severity increase, the more self-respiratory technique is an effective program. Diversified approach methods will be needed to improve respiratory function and quality of life for patients, and continuous clinical studies will be needed in the future.
Attachment to Life: Psychometric Analyses of the Valuation of Life Scale and Differences Among Older Adults

Purpose of study Examine psychometric properties of Lawton's Valuation of Life (VOL) scale, a measure of an older adults' assessment of the perceived value of their lives; and whether ratings differ by race (White, Black/African American) and sex. Design and methods The 13-item VOL scale was administered at baseline in 2 separate randomized trials (Advancing Better Living for Elders, ABLE; Get Busy Get Better, GBGB) for a total of 527 older adults. Principal component analyses were applied to a subset of ABLE data (subsample 1) and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on remaining data (subsample 2 and GBGB). Once the factor structure was identified and confirmed, 2 subscales were created, corresponding to optimism and engagement. Convergent validity of total and subscale scores were examined using measures of depressive symptoms, social support, control-oriented strategies, mastery, and behavioral activation. For discriminant validity, indices of health status, physical function, financial strain, cognitive status, and number of falls were examined. Results Trial samples (ABLE vs. GBGB) differed by age, race, marital status, education, and employment. Principal component analysis on ABLE subsample 1 (n = 156) yielded two factors subsequently confirmed in confirmatory factor analyses on ABLE subsample 2 (n = 163) and GBGB sample (N = 208) separately. Adequate fit was found for the 2-factor model. Correlational analyses supported strong convergent and discriminant validity. Some statistically significant race and sex differences in subscale scores were found. Implications VOL measures subjective appraisals of perceived value of life. Consisting of two interrelated subscales, it offers an efficient approach to ascertain personal attributions.
Assessing Stress in Zoo-Housed Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) Using Allostatic Load

Stress contributes to the development of chronic degenerative diseases in primates. Allostatic load is an estimate of stress-induced physiological dysregulation based on an index of multiple biomarkers. It has been applied to humans to measure effects of stress and predict health outcomes. Assessing allostatic load in nonhuman primates may aid in understanding factors promoting compromised health and longevity in captive populations, as well as risk assessment among wild populations following human activities. We applied an allostatic load index to gorillas housed at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (N = 27, 1956–2014) using data from medical records and biomarkers from banked serum. We estimated allostatic load using seven biomarkers (albumin, cortisol, corticotropin-releasing hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, glucose, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and then examined this index for associations with age, sex, number of stressful events, parturition, physiological health measures, and age at death. Stressful events were defined as agonistic interactions with wounding, translocations, and anesthetizations. Allostatic load positively associated with age and total number of lifetime stressful events. Allostatic load was significantly higher in females than in males. Allostatic load was not associated with number of pregnancies and was not different between nulliparous and parous females. Allostatic load associated positively with serum creatinine and triglyceride levels, showed a nonsignificant negative association with cholesterol, and did not associate significantly with age at death. These results demonstrate the potential utility of allostatic load for exploring long-term stress and health risks, as well as for evaluating environmental stressors for gorillas and other nonhuman primates in captivity and in the wild.
Teaching with Batman and Sherlock: Exploring student perceptions of leadership using fiction, comic books, and Jesuit ideals

Employers seek college graduates with leadership skills, but studies indicate not all students graduate with leadership ability. Furthermore, an interdisciplinary perspective of leadership implies that leadership learning and ability can be achieved with a variety of methods. This study sought to understand how reading fiction, including comic books and traditional books, engages undergraduate student perceptions of leadership. A group (N = 17) of community college students first read a Batman comic book, The Long Halloween, and then read a traditional (no images) book, A Study in Scarlet, the first Sherlock Holmes story. Participant perceptions of leadership were collected using structured surveys. The study determined that participant perceptions of leadership in the comic book were formed similarly to perceptions of leadership in the traditional book, although slight differences were noted. The study’s findings suggest that (a) fiction can engage student perceptions of leadership and (b) comic books can provide educational readings similar to traditional (no images) books.
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - Managed Elderly Hospitalizations with Dementia in Texas, 2001–2010: A Population-Level Analysis

BACKGROUND The demand for critical care services among elderly with dementia outpaces that of their non-dementia elderly counterparts. However, there are scarce data on the corresponding attributes among ICU-managed patients with dementia. MATERIAL AND METHODS We used the Texas Inpatient Public Use Data File to examine temporal trends of the demographics, burden of comorbidities, measures of severity of illness, use of healthcare resources, and short-term outcomes among hospitalizations aged 65 years or older with a reported diagnosis of dementia, who were admitted to ICU (D-ICU hospitalizations) between 2001 and 2010. Average annual percent changes (AAPC) were derived. RESULTS D-ICU hospitalizations (n=276,056) had increasing mean (SD) Charlson comorbidity index [1.7 (1.5) vs. 2.6 (1.9)], with reported organ failure (OF) nearly doubling from 25% to 48.5%, between 2001–2001 and 2009–2010, respectively. Use of life support interventions was infrequent, but rose in parallel with corresponding changes in respiratory and renal failure. Median total hospital charges increased from $26,442 to $36,380 between 2001–2002 and 2009–2010. Routine home discharge declined (–5.2%/year [–6.2%– –4.1%]) with corresponding rising use of home health services (+7.2%/year [4.4–10%]). Rates of discharge to another hospital or a nursing facility remained unchanged, together accounting for 60.4% of discharges of hospital survivors in 2010. Transfers to a long-term acute care hospital increased 9.2%/year (6.9–11.5%). Hospital mortality (7.5%) remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Elderly D-ICU hospitalizations have increasing comorbidity burden, with rising severity of illness, and increasing use of health care resources. Though the majority survived hospitalization, most D-ICU hospitalizations were discharged to another facility.
Negotiations of Power by MENA Women: A Social Scientific Sounding:

Anthropologists recognize that male domination in MENA cultures (Patriarchalism) is a myth to which both men and women pay lip service. To challenge the myth is to jeopardize the assurances its observance gives to both men and women. In the domestic sphere, however, women wield considerable power which men reluctantly allow mainly in order to have peace (Prov 19:13; 21:9, 19; 27:15). Such inequality of power characterizes all cultures. Cross-cultural research explains the nature of this inequality, and how men and women negotiate serves a higher place in the Christian understanding of salvation. This has implications for Christian life and practice.
Electron heating by ultra-fast, ultra-intense laser irradiation of wavelength-scale wires

Wavelength-scale platinum wires were irradiated by a 1-micron wavelength laser at relativistic intensities, accelerating electrons in the laser-matter interaction. Wire diameters and angles relative to laser polarization were varied, and emitted electron distributions were measured.
Prothrombin Complex Concentrates in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: The Current State and the Future

Background After decades of practice of pediatric cardiac surgery, postoperative bleeding due to the immaturity of hemostasis, hemodilution, and hypothermia remains a concern. Recently, a new approach for adult coagulopathy after bypass has emerged. Prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs), designed to treat bleeding in hemophilia patients, are safely and efficiently used off label for hemorrhage after bypass. However, optimal dosing, indications and contraindications, and laboratory tests to assess the efficacy of PCC use in children have not yet been established. This literature review outlines the challenges of bypass-related coagulopathy, the pharmacology, and the experience in use of PCCs, with a focus on their potential in pediatric cardiac surgery. Methods After a thorough literature search of MEDLINE, Scopus, and Ovid databases using the term "prothrombin complex concentrate AND pediatric," 23 relevant articles were selected. Results The data supporting successful use of PCCs in acquired coagulopathy after cardiac surgery in adults have been increasing. Although small volume, low immunogenicity, efficiency, and speed in correcting coagulopathy are attractive qualities of PCCs for pediatric practice, current evidence is only anecdotal. The main concerns are unknown dosing regimens, the inability to closely monitor the effects of PCCs in real time, and a possibility of thrombotic complications, which can be particularly devastating in young congenital cardiac patients whose lives frequently depend upon the patency of artificial shunts. Conclusions Extensive, high-quality research is warranted to fill in the gaps of knowledge regarding using PCCs in pediatric cardiac practice.
Double Exposures Repetition and Realism in Meyer’s Die Hochzeit des Mönchs

Der Beitrag untersucht das Problem des Realismus in Meyers Novelle in bezug auf zwei konkurrierende Modelle der Motivation und Reprasentation: ein hermeneutisches des Sichhineinsetzens und Sichwiedererkennens und ein auf Freud basierendes der Verdrangung, Verschiebung und Verbergung. Im Wechselspiel von Dantes Erzahlen und seiner Erzahlung wird Fragen von Begehren, Macht, Identitat und Tod nachgegangen.
Light-Switchable Ion Channels and Receptors for Optogenetic Interrogation of Neuronal Signaling

Optogenetics is an emerging technique that enables precise and specific control of biological activities in defined space and time. This technique employs naturally occurring or engineered light-responsive proteins to manipulate the physiological processes of the target cells. To better elucidate the molecular bases of neural functions, substantial efforts have been made to confer light sensitivity onto ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors that mediate signaling events within and between neurons. The chemical strategies for engineering light-switchable channels/receptors and the neuronal implementation of these tools are discussed.
Principal components analysis and track quality index: A machine learning approach

Abstract Track geometry data exhibits classical big data attributes: value, volume, velocity, veracity and variety. Track Quality Indices-TQI are used to obtain average-based assessment of track segments and schedule track maintenance. TQI is expressed in terms of track parameters like gage, cross-level, etc. Though each of these parameters is objectively important but understanding what they collectively convey for a given track segment often becomes challenging. Several railways including passenger and freight have developed single indices that combines different track parameters to assess overall track quality. Some of these railways have selected certain parameters whilst dropping others. Using track geometry data from a sample mile track, we demonstrate how to combine track geometry parameters into a low dimensional form (TQI) that simplifies the track properties without losing much variability in the data. This led us to principal components. To validate the use of principal components as TQI, we employed a two-phase approach. First phase was to identify a classic machine learning technique that works well with track geometry data. The second step was to train the identified machine learning technique on the sample mile-track data using combined TQIs and principal components as defect predictors. The performance of the predictors were compared using true and false positive rates. The results show that three principal components were better at predicting defects and revealing salient characteristics in track geometry data than combined TQIs even though there were some correlations that are potentially useful for track maintenance.
Eicosanoids in the Phytophthora infestans-potato interaction: lipoxygenase metabolism of arachidonic acid and biological activities of selected lipoxygenase products

Potato tuber and leaf discs were treated with the fungal elicitor arachidonic acid. Hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acids (HpETEs), produced by reaction of lipoxygenase with arachidonic acid, were then extracted from the tissues and analysed. 5-, 8-, 11-, 12-, and 15-HpETE were formed rapidly by both leaf and tuber tissues. 5-HpETE was the predominant lipoxygenase product in treated tuber discs, whereas 12- and 15-HpETE were the principal products produced by leaf discs. HpETEs were formed in tuber discs within 10 min after addition of the elicitor and increased during the first 5 h after treatment. The quantity of HpETEs, however, was inversely related to the amount of arachidonic acid initially applied to the discs and to the sesquiterpene phytoalexin levels induced. Treatments that enhance ( β -glucans from Phytophthora infestans ) or inhibit (abscisic acid) elicitor activity generally did not have a corresponding effect on the levels of HpETEs formed in tuber tissues, suggesting that these treatments primarily affect the response at sites different from the initial lipoxygenase reaction with arachidonic acid. Eicosatetraynoic acid, an acetylenic analogue of arachidonic acid and irreversible inhibitor of lipoxygenases, suppressed the elicitor-induced hypersensitive response in tuber discs and inhibited formation of HpETEs from arachidonic acid by microsomes from tuber discs. A collection of purified lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid were tested for elicitor activity in potato and fungitoxicity to P. infestans and P. capsici . None of these possessed elicitor activity but several HpETEs and hydroxy-acids were inhibitory to cystospore germination. The results are discussed in relation to the proposed role of lipoxygenase and lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid in hypersensitivity expression and disease resistance in potato.
Prognostic Factors for PTLD

Poor prognostic factors in the traditional non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), such as poor performance status, multifocal disease, and increased age, are also poor prognostic factors in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). Rituximab has proven efficacy in CD-20 positive PTLD and has altered the management and prognosis of this disease. Less common circumstances including post allogeneic bone marrow transplant PTLD, T cell PTLD, and CNS involvement are associated with poor outcomes. The preponderance of evidence does not support the use of monomorphic, EBV-negative, and early onset disease as reliable prognostic factors. PTLD in children generally has some clinical and biologic differences from PTLD in adults, but the limited data suggest that prognostic factors may be similar. Several PTLD prognostic indices, which may help clinicians risk-stratify patients have been developed. The advent of new therapies, new immunosuppressive agents, and deeper understanding of the biology of PTLD will perp etually alter the classification, management, and outcome of this heterogeneous group of disorders.
How Competitive Action Mediates the Resource Slack–Performance Relationship: A Meta-Analytic Approach

The fungibility of organizational slack provides firms significant latitude in addressing both internal and market pressures. A vast literature suggests that slack influences firm performance; however, the empirical record is mixed, and the underlying mechanism linking slack to performance remains ambiguous. We address these issues by theoretically expanding the slack–performance model to include mediation. Specifically, we develop and test a model in which a firm’s competitive behaviours direct the utilization of slack toward the realization of firm performance. Our meta‐analytic‐based structural equation model supports partial mediation, showing that competitive behaviours provide some resolution to the conflicted understanding of how slack affects performance. Further, we provide value to the slack literature by consolidating the evidence for the effects of various types and forms of organizational slack. Beyond providing robustness to our theoretical model, doing so offers a more complete understanding of how operationalizations of slack and performance outcomes matter.
Pulmonary Artery Pulsatile Index (PAPi) Score May Predict Risk of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device

Purpose Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is one of the most common complications following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Correlation of right heart failure and GIB after LVAD has previously been demonstrated, however no predictive scores have been developed to identify those at risk. The purpose of this this study was to determine if pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) is a predictor of GIB post LVAD implantation. Methods We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of LVAD patients in our institution from 2015 to 2018. All patients with a clinically significant GIB were selected for analysis and compared to a random cohort of matched patients without GIB. A clinically significant GIB was defined as a drop in Hemoglobin >2 g/dL, clinical signs or symptoms of GIB and/or need for transfusion of packed red blood cells. PAPi score was calculated using pre-operative hemodynamics and comparisons between the two groups were completed using a Pearson correlation coefficient. Results A total of 110 LVAD patients were included, 53 were identified to have clinically significant GIB bleeding and were compared to 57 controls. The GIB cohort was found to be more likely to have a PAPi Conclusion PAPi has been shown to be a powerful predictor of right ventricular failure following LVAD implantation. Our study demonstrates that PAPi may also predict other clinically significant outcomes, specifically GIB.
The Impact of Frailty on Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement and Removal Procedures.

Abstract Objective To determine whether frailty is associated with increased odds of 30-day surgical complications among men undergoing both artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) placement and removal procedures and to determine whether frailty was associated with increased odds of having an AUS removal procedure. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of men undergoing AUS placement and removal procedures using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) from 2006 to 2013. Frailty was quantified using the NSQIP-FI (frailty index) and was applied to logistic regression models predicting 30-day complications (overall, major, and minor) and the odds of having an AUS removal procedure (over an AUS placement procedure). Results We identified a total of 624 and 147 men undergoing AUS placement and removal procedures, respectively. NSQIP-FI of ≥0.27, but not age, was associated with major complications (aOR 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.2-9.9), while age ≥85 years, but not NSQIP-FI, was associated with minor complications (aOR 7.9, 95% confidence interval 1.4-45.6). Men undergoing AUS removal procedures tended to be more frail compared to men undergoing AUS placement procedures (12.9% vs 6.1% had NSQIP-FI of ≥0.27, P Conclusion Men undergoing AUS removal procedures are, on average, more frail compared to men undergoing AUS placement procedures. Frailty is associated with increased odds of major complications and with having an AUS removal procedure. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating measures of frailty, instead of age alone, into the perioperative decision-making process for adults considering these types of procedures.
Clinical phenotype in carriers of intermediate alleles in the huntingtin gene.

Abstract Objective To describe the phenotype of individuals with intermediate allele (IA) CAG repeat length in the huntingtin (HTT) gene evaluated at the Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic (PDCMDC) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). Background Huntington disease (HD) is caused by a mutation in the HTT gene of 36 or more CAG trinucleotide repeats. Since our original case report of pathologically proven HD with 29 CAG repeats, a growing body of evidence has accumulated supporting the observation that individuals with IA (27 to 35 CAG repeats) may exhibit clinical, imaging, and pathologic manifestations of HD. About 6% of the general population has CAG repeats in the IA range in at least one allele of the HTT gene. The presence of IA is a challenge for genetic counseling. Methods Medical records of patients with IAs seen at the PDCMDC at BCM from January 2008 to the present were reviewed to assess age at symptom onset, dominant clinical features and presence of psychiatric and cognitive symptoms. Results Four men and five women were found to have IAs (range: 27–35) in the course of their evaluation at the PDCMDC. The age at onset of clinically evident symptoms ranged from 27 to 78 years. Six individuals had chorea, three had gait disturbance, two had stereotypies, and one patient had multiple motor tics. All nine had psychiatric symptoms, with depression being the most common. Conclusion Our series of 9 individuals with IA in the HTT gene exhibit a variety of motor and non-motor features that overlap with the HD phenotype. These individuals and their offspring should be considered at risk for development of progressive HD.
The Prospects for Sustaining Evidence-based Responses to the US Opioid Epidemic State Leadership Perspectives

The US 21st Century Cures Act provided $7.5 billion in grant funding to states and territories for evidence-based responses to the opioid epidemic. Currently, little is known about optimal strategies for sustaining these programs beyond this start-up funding. Using an inductive, conventional content analysis, we conducted key informant interviews with former and current state leaders (n = 16) about barriers/facilitators to sustainment and strategies for sustaining time-limited grants. Financing and reimbursement, service integration, and workforce capacity were the most cited barriers to sustainment. Status in state government structure, public support, and spending flexibility were noted as key facilitators. Effective levers to increase chances for sustainment included strong partnerships with other state agencies, workforce and credentialing changes, and marshalling advocacy through public awareness campaigns. Understanding the strategies that leaders have successfully used to sustain programs in the past can inform how to continue future time-limited, grant-funded initiatives.
A Novel Moment for #WriteWithAphra

Introduction to the Fall 2020 issue that describes our summer 2020 writing camp #WriteWithAphra.