cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Black-White Differences in Housing Type and Sleep Duration as Well as Sleep Difficulties in the United States.

Housing environments can directly and indirectly affect sleep, and blacks are more likely than whites to live in suboptimal housing conditions, which may independently contribute to sleep disparities. However, few large-scale epidemiological studies consider the potential influence of housing type on sleep health. Using data from the 2004–2015 National Health Interview Survey, we investigated overall and Black-White differences in the association between housing type (house/apartment versus mobile home/trailer) and sleep duration as well as sleep difficulties among 226,208 adults in the U.S. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate sex-specific prevalence ratios (PR) for sleep categories, first comparing houses/apartments to mobile homes/trailers and then blacks to whites within housing types. All models were adjusted for age, educational attainment, income, occupational class, self-reported general health status, and region of residence. Compared to participants living in houses/apartments, the prevalence of short sleep was higher for men (PR = 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.08)) and women (PR = 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04–1.09)) in mobile homes/trailers. Black men (PR = 1.26 (95% CI: 1.21–1.30)) and women (PR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.20–1.27)) in a house/apartment were more likely to be short sleepers than their white counterparts. There was generally no significant difference in sleep characteristics (except long sleep) between black and white men in mobile homes/trailers after adjustments, and black men in houses/apartments as well as black women in both housing types were less likely to report sleep difficulties although being more likely to report short sleep. Overall, individuals in mobile homes/trailers, which may represent suboptimal housing, had worse sleep than those in houses/apartments; and racial differences in the quality of houses and apartments are likely to greatly vary in ways that still contribute to sleep disparities. Race–sex group differences in sleep duration among residents in a house/apartment and even a lack of racial difference among individuals living in mobile homes/trailers support the need for more research on residential environments and eventually multi-level interventions designed to reduce sleep disparities.
Mononitrates: defining the ideal long-acting nitrate.

Abstract As a result of recent advances in our understanding of the role of nitric oxide and endothelial-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) in vascular control, physicians now have the potential to overcome the loss of EDRF effect by administering nitrates. Nitrates are converted to nitric oxide, resulting in vasodilator effects that improve the myocardial oxygen supply-demand imbalance responsible for myocardial ischemia. This discovery has resulted in a renewed interest in the nitrates for the treatment of ischemic syndromes, particularly chronic stable angina pectoris. Over the past 2 years, an important new formulation of nitrate has become available--isosorbide-5-mononitrate. Three different mononitrate formulations are available in the United States: Ismo tablets in December 1992; followed over a year later by Monoket tablets, available since June 1993; and Imdur extended-release tablets, available since August 1993. Although the mononitrates share the same generic name, they are not similar in regard to their formulations, which suggests the need for future studies designed to explore any clinical differences.
The Speech Arm Vision Eyes (SAVE) scale predicts large vessel occlusion stroke as well as more complicated scales

Introduction The Speech Arm Vision Eyes (SAVE) scale, a 4-item clinical scale emphasizing binary scoring and avoidance of nuanced examination distinctions, predicts LVOs with similar characteristics as more complex scales. Methods Receiver operating characteristic analyses of the prospective STOPStroke study assessed the ability of the SAVE scale and other published scales to predict LVO. We identified scale thresholds with positive likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals of ≥5.0 or negative likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals of ≤0.5. Results 735patients were studied. LVO prevalence was 33%. Area under the curve was 0.79 for SAVE, 0.82 for FAST-ED, 0.80 for mNIHSS and NIHSS, and lower for all other scales. SAVE=4, EMSA=6, mNIHSS≥10, NIHSS≥16, and RACE≥8 had positive likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals ≥5.0. SAVE≥2, CPSS≥2, C-STAT≥1, EMSA≥4, FAST-ED≥3, G-FAST≥3, mNIHSS≥6, NIHSS≥9, PASS≥1, RACE≥2, VAN=1, and 3I-SS≥1 had negative likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals ≤0.5. Conclusions SAVE=4 performed similarly to more complex scales at predicting LVO. Other simplified scales did not have thresholds with positive likelihood ratios with 95% confidence intervals ≥5.0. Validation is need in a prehospital cohort of patients with suspected stroke.
Clinical Guidelines in Pediatric Hearing Loss: Systemic Review Using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II Instrument

Objectives Despite the importance, impact, and prevalence of pediatric hearing loss (HL), there are very few published clinical practice guidelines (CPG) supporting the evaluation and management of pediatric patients with HL. Our objective was to appraise existing CPGs to ensure safe and effective practices. Methods A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCO, as well as a manual Google search. Three independent assessors using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument evaluated CPGs related to HL in children. Standardized domain scores were calculated for each guideline. Results A total of four guidelines met the inclusion criteria and were appraised. Scope and purpose achieved a high median score of 83%. Stakeholder involvement, clarity of presentation, and editorial independence achieved intermediate scores of 67%, 54%, and 50%, respectively. The areas that required most improvement and achieved low scores were rigor of development and applicability, with scores of 22% and 38%, respectively. Based on the AGREE II measures, the four guidelines had domain scores less than 60% for each domain, and without modification no guideline could be recommended. Conclusions Based on the AGREE II, the qualities of CPGs for pediatric HL have several shortcomings, and the need for a comprehensive CPG remains. Rigor of development and applicability present the greatest opportunities for improvement of these CPGs. Laryngoscope, 130:212-216, 2020.
Sphingosine kinase and p38 MAP kinase signaling promote resistance to arsenite-induced lethality in Caenorhabditis elegan

Arsenite is a naturally occurring mitochondrial toxin that generates oxidative stress in vivo. Previously, we have reported that SPHK-1/sphingosine kinase plays a critical role in promoting survival following arsenite exposure in C. elegans. However, the molecular mechanism by which SPHK-1 confers resistance to arsenite-induced toxicity is not known. Using a combination of genetic, fluorescence imaging, and behavioral approaches, we addressed the cellular and molecular mechanism by which SPHK-1 signaling protects animals from arsenite-induced lethality. SPHK-1 kinase activity and localization to mitochondria are required for protection from arsenite-induced lethality. Genetic alterations leading to low SPH levels promote resistance to arsenite-mediated toxicity. SPHK-1 functions in the PMK-1/p38 MAPK pathways in the intestine to promote protection. Finally, sphk-1 mutants are sensitive to a range of oxidative stressors including juglone, paraquat and heat. SPHK-1 and PMK-1 signaling play important roles in the oxidative stress response in C. elegans.
Musculoskeletal disorders in hemodialysis patients: different disease clustering according to age and dialysis vintage

Musculoskeletal disorders remain a major problem in hemodialysis patients. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations in hemodialysis patients and identify disease cluster profiles. We performed a cross-sectional study including all adult patients in the hemodialysis unit at Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital. We collected demographic characteristics, musculoskeletal symptoms, biologic parameters, and treatments. Musculoskeletal disorders were classified by a rheumatologist into predefined diagnostic categories. Prevalence was presented, and a cluster analysis was performed. Eighty-nine patients were included, mean age was 67.5 ± 12 years, and 43.8% were female. Dialysis vintage was 5.7 ± 5.37 years. Musculoskeletal symptoms were reported by 76.4% of the patients. Pain was the most frequent symptom (44.9%). The main diagnoses were osteoarthritis (53.9%) and fracture (27%). Musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders were significantly associated with dialysis vintage and age. Cluster analysis identified three patient profiles: younger with low calcium levels, younger but long dialysis vintage with osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, and older with long dialysis vintage and fractures. The prevalence of musculoskeletal manifestations is high in the hemodialysis population and increases with dialysis vintage. Musculoskeletal disorders cluster according to age and dialysis vintage.
The potential for malignancy from atopic disorders and allergic inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author(s): Muir, Amanda B; Whelan, Kelly A; Dougherty, Michael K; Aaron, Bailey; Navarre, Brianna; Aceves, Seema S; Dellon, Evan S; Jensen, Elizabeth T | Abstract: ObjectiveWhile chronic inflammation is a well-established risk factor for malignancy, studies evaluating the relationship between allergic inflammation and cancer have revealed conflicting results. Here, we aimed to assess the association between allergic inflammation in the lung (asthma), skin (eczema) or oesophagus (eosinophilic oesophagitis; EoE) and cancer at the organ site.DesignWe conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify observational studies (case-control, cohort and cross-sectional) evaluating the association between asthma and lung cancer, eczema and skin cancer, or EoE and oesophageal cancer. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to define pooled estimates of effects.Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science.Eligibility criteria for selectionIncluded studies evaluated the incidence of cancer.ResultsThirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, 27 in the lung, four in the skin and one in the oesophagus. Meta-analysis of the three studies with prospective data collection of asthma diagnosis revealed a positive association with incident lung cancer (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09-1.44); however, this result was not consistently supported by the larger dataset of retrospective studies (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.90-1.83). Overall, studies in the lung displayed significant heterogeneity (I2 98%, Pnln.0001), but no significant effect modification on the association between asthma and lung cancer was identified for the variables of sex, smoking or study design. Meta-analysis could not be applied to the four papers reviewed in the skin, but three suggested an association between eczema and non-melanoma skin cancer, while the remaining study failed to identify an association between melanoma and eczema. A single study meeting inclusion criteria showed no association between EoE and oesophageal malignancy.ConclusionsThe current data cannot exclude the possibility of an association between atopy and malignancy the lung, skin and oesophagus. The relationship between allergy and cancer should be explored further in prospective studies that any association identified between these conditions has the potential for significant public health implications.
‘In other schools you can plan it that way’: a raciolinguistic perspective on dual language education

In recent years, there has been a massive expansion of dual language education (DLE) programs across the United States. Many of these programs are located in relatively affluent areas with large nu...
A multi-objective parallel detection algorithm for images of power transmission line corridors

The application of deep learning-based image recognition technology in remote monitoring of power transmission lines has improved the protection level of power transmission lines. However, since the current hidden danger detection is based on a single general algorithm, the accuracy of the detection results needs to be improved. In this paper, we proposed a multi-objective parallel detection algorithm for images of power transmission line corridors based on basic feature sharing. Firstly, we tested the detection effects of different detection algorithms on various types of hidden danger images, based on which benchmark algorithms are selected and optimized for various types of hidden dangers. After that, we designed a multi-objective parallel detection framework to implement the parallel detection of the above three detection algorithms. The experimental results show that the multiobjective parallel detection algorithm proposed in this paper can improve the detection accuracy, as well the detection speed.
Effect of timing delay between visual and vestibular stimuli on heading perception.

The effect of timing on visual-inertial integration on heading perception has not been previously examined. This study finds that visual headings influence inertial heading perception when timing d...
Koopman Autoencoder Architecture for Current Density Modeling in Kinetic Plasma Simulations

We present a reduced-order model (ROM) based on Koopman autoencoder architecture for prediction of current density in kinetic plasma simulations. We apply the proposed method to forecast the time evolution of the current density derived from high-fidelity electromagnetic particle-in-cell (EMPIC) simulation based on the Maxwell- Vlasov system of equations. We test the Koopman auto encoder architecture for a two-dimensional oscillating electron beam inside a square cavity. Such analysis can be crucial in modeling of complex nonlinear plasma system as well as expediting time-consuming particle-in-cell simulations.
Robustness of Bayes Methods

A statistical procedure is robust if its behavior is not very sensitive to the assumptions which justify it. In classical statistics these are assumptions about a probability model {P θ ,θ∈Θ} for the observations in Y, and about a loss function L connecting the decision and unknown parameter value. In Bayesian statistics, there is in addition an assumed prior distribution.
Central Banks: Reform or Abolish?

Advocates of central bank reform must examine why central banks emerged and what forces sustain them. They did not arise in an institutional vacuum, and will not be reformed in an institutional vacuum. The historical origins of central banks explain how they came into existence. The forces sustaining and feeding their growth may differ from those explaining their origin. Plans to abolish central banks constitute an extreme reform. It is doubtful that such plans can succeed without broader institutional change, occurring either first or simultaneously. That is likely true regardless of the strength of evidence on central bank performance. I examine these issues in what follows.
Modeling and time domain simulation of VCSEL using VHDL-AMS

A circuit-level model of VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser) was developed using VHDL-AMS. Square-wave and sinusoid-wave input response of the VCSEL were simulated. The large signal responses of different types of VCSEL were studied. Taking the advantage of VHDL-AMS a simple transmitter composed of a CMOS driving circuit and VCSEL was simulated in one simulation tool.
The impact of multicore on math software

Power consumption and heat dissipation issues are pushing the microprocessors industry towards multicore design patterns. Given the cubic dependence between core frequency and power consumption, multicore technologies leverage the idea that doubling the number of cores and halving the cores frequency gives roughly the same performance reducing the power consumption by a factor of four. With the number of cores on multicore chips expected to reach tens in a few years, efficient implementations of numerical libraries using shared memory programming models is of high interest. The current message passing paradigm used in ScaLAPACK and elsewhere introduces unnecessary memory overhead and memory copy operations, which degrade performance, along with the making it harder to schedule operations that could be done in parallel. Limiting the use of shared memory to fork-join parallelism (perhaps with OpenMP) or to its use within the BLAS does not address all these issues.
Genetic susceptibility to ozone-induced lung hyperpermeability: role of toll-like receptor 4.

The pollutant ozone (O3) induces lung hyperpermeability and inflammation in humans and animal models. Among inbred strains of mice, there is a 3-fold difference in total protein (a marker of permeability) recovered in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid after a 72-h exposure to 0.3 ppm O3. To determine the chromosomal locations of susceptibility genes, we performed a genome screen using recombinant inbred (RI) strains of mice derived from O3-susceptible C57BL/6J (B6) and O3-resistant C3H/HeJ (HeJ) progenitors. Each RI strain was phenotyped for O3-induced hyperpermeability, and linkage was assessed for 558 markers using Map Manager QTb27. A significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) was identified on chromosome 4. The likelihood ratio χ2 statistic (16.6) for the peak of the QTL was greater than the significance threshold (16.3) determined empirically by permutation test. This QTL contains a candidate gene, Toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4 ), that recently has been implicated in innate immunity and endotoxin susce...
Impact of Gastrointestinal Bacillus anthracis Infection on Hepatic B Cells

Ingestion of Bacillus anthracis results in rapid gastrointestinal (GI) infection, known as GI anthrax. We previously showed that during GI anthrax, there is swift deterioration of intestinal barrier function leading to translocation of gut-associated bacteria into systemic circulation. Additionally, we described dysfunction in colonic B cells. In concordance with our previous studies, here, we report early migration of the Sterne strain of B. anthracis along with other gut-resident bacteria into the infected murine liver. Additionally, despite a global decrease in the B cell population, we observed an increase in both B-1a and marginal zone (MZ)-like B cells. Both of these cell types are capable of producing immunoglobulins against common pathogens and commensals, which act as a general antibody barrier before an antigen-specific antibody response. Accumulation of these cells in the liver was associated with an increase in chemokine expression. These data suggest that the presence of Sterne and other commensals in the liver trigger migration of MZ-like B cells from the spleen to the liver to neutralize systemic spread. Further research is required to evaluate the possible cause of their failure to clear the infection within the liver, including the potential role of dysfunctional mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling.
The effect of political generation on identity and social change: Age cohort consequences

In this article, we explore how political generation affects the ways in which diverse individuals come together and change their social and personal identities. Drawing on 52 in-depth interviews with members of the Red Hat Society, we show that women draw on their political generation, and the gains of the women's movement specifically, to oppose cultural constructions of aging. The Red Hat Society provides a "free space" for women to foster a collective identity that both visibly challenges aging norms and provides its members new standards for self-approval. We conclude by highlighting the importance of focusing on political generation to understand collective action over the life course and call for more scholarship on the function of political generation in social change.
Optical and X-ray emission from stable millisecond magnetars formed from the merger of binary neutron stars

The coalescence of binary neutron stars (NSs) may in some cases produce a stable massive NS remnant rather than a black hole. Due to the substantial angular momentum from the binary, such a remnant is born rapidly rotating and likely acquires a strong magnetic field (a ‘millisecond magnetar’). Magnetic spin-down deposits a large fraction of the rotational energy from the magnetar behind the small quantity of mass ejected during the merger. If the magnetar outflow is indeed trapped behind the ejecta (instead of placing most of its energy into a collimated jet), this has the potential for creating a bright transient that could be useful for determining whether an NS or black hole was formed in the merger. We investigate the expected signature of such an event, including for the first time the important impact of e^± pairs injected by the millisecond magnetar into the surrounding nebula. These pairs cool via synchrotron and inverse Compton emission, producing a pair cascade and hard X-ray spectrum. A fraction of these X-rays are absorbed by the ejecta walls and re-emitted as thermal radiation, leading to an optical/UV transient peaking at a luminosity of ∼10^(43)–10^(44) erg s^(−1) on a time-scale of several hours to days. This is dimmer than predicted by simpler analytic models because the large optical depth of e^± pairs across the nebula suppresses the efficiency with which the magnetar spin-down luminosity is thermalized. Nevertheless, the optical/UV emission is more than two orders of magnitude brighter than a radioactively powered ‘kilonova’. In some cases, nebular X-rays are sufficiently luminous to re-ionize the ejecta, in which case non-thermal X-rays escape the ejecta unattenuated with a similar peak luminosity and time-scale as the optical radiation. We discuss the implications of our results for the temporally extended X-ray emission that is observed to follow some short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), including the kilonova candidates GRB 080503 and GRB 130603B.
Association of Linear Alkylbenzenesulfonates with Dissolved Humic Substances and Its Effect on Bioavailability

The association of C10-, C12-, and C14-linear alkylbenzenesulfonates (LAS) with natural and spec- imen-grade dissolved humic substances (DHS) was measured with fluorescence quenching and with ultra...
HIPEC: The Complexities of Clinical Trials

The treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies presents unique and challenging problems to the cancer clinician. These patients more than many other cancer patients often suffer from significant and disabling symptoms as a direct result of local tumor progression. As a result, development in this field has largely focused on the disease site rather than histology. Innovative therapies have been largely driven by surgical oncologists who are often confronted with the challenge of controlling or palliating the locoregional progression in the absence of systemic disease. Traditionally, recurring problems were inevitable, and success was transient at best. More recent approaches have attempted to combine surgical debulking with locoregional administration of chemotherapy in an attempt to halt unrelenting locoregional progression of the disease. Offering innovative therapy to patients with no standard treatments available is part of what fulfills our mission as surgical oncologists.
Vertebrate Segmentation: Snail Counts the Time until Morphogenesis

During segmentation of vertebrate embryos, unsegmented mesenchymal mesoderm is divided into epithelial segments called somites. This process is governed by oscillating gene expression of the somite clock. A recent paper identifies the transcription factor Snail as a link between the somite clock and the control of somite morphogenesis.
A CAMAC and FASTBUS engineering test environment supported by a MicroVAX/MicroVMS system

A flexible, multiuser engineering test environment established for the engineers in SLAC's Electronic Instrumentation Engineering group is described. The system hardware includes a standard MicroVAX II and MicroVAX I with multiple CAMAC, FASTBUS, and GPIB instrumentation buses. The system software components include MicroVMS licenses with DECNET/SLACNET, Fortran, Pascal, FORTH, and a versatile graphical display package. In addition, there are several software utilities available to facilitate FASTBUS and CAMAC prototype hardware debugging. >
Mechanisms of the Nonlinear Response of a Swirl Flame to Harmonic Excitation

This paper describes an experimental investigation of the amplitude dependent processes controlling the response of a swirling flame to harmonic excitation. Simultaneous measurements of the acoustic pressure, velocity, and CH* and OH* radical chemiluminescence were obtained over a range of forcing frequencies, amplitudes, and nozzle exit velocities. These were supplemented with OH planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) measurements at several representative conditions. The results presented show that there exist substantial nonlinearities in the flame response to forced oscillations. Furthermore, while the flame response monotonically and linearly increases with perturbation amplitude for low forcing levels, its behavior becomes much more complex at higher levels — this includes saturation as well as more complex, non-monotonic behaviors. Analysis of the OH PLIF images show that the observed dynamics result from a superposition of at least five flame/flow processes — (1) the oscillating velocity of the annular jet, oscillations in (2) position and (3) strength of the vortex breakdown bubble and separation bubble, (4) unsteady liftoff of the flame, and (5) an oscillating turbulent flame speed. These processes generally occur simultaneously, with non-monotonic dependencies upon forcing amplitude. This sheds some light on the complex overall flame heat release response measurements and suggests a fruitful area for detailed computational studies that can better elucidate the underlying physics controlling the phenomenon.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Determination of cadmium in pure zirconium by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy

Zirconium materials are important and high purity is required in many fields of technology. The maximum allowable impurity concentration in nuclear grade zirconium is <100 μg/g for most elements, but <0.4 μg/g of cadmium is essential owing to its large neutron capture cross section. Cadmium in zirconium has been determined routinely by numerous techniques including emission spectroscopy. Dithizone-methylisobutylketone (MIBK), dithizone-chloroform, and sodium diethyl dithiocarbamate-chloroform were used to separate and concentrate cadmium in high-purity zirconium. Solvent extraction with ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC) is widely used for a variety of materials, because it allows a multi-element analysis of a single extract over a wide pH range. Back extraction from APDC-MIBK is seldom applied.
Estimating earnings in an information-poor market: The case of crack cocaine

Abstract From a procedure that uses information on price and transaction behavior at the retail level, the paper estimates that the typical crack cocaine dealer in 1988 earned $35, 000 from dealing. Due to biases in the procedure, the estimate should be regarded as the upper bound on the average earnings. The analysis sheds light on other issues about illicit drugs. By focusing on actual behavior in the market, the analysis leads to a better understanding of the relations between risks, price, and dealer behavior. Also, the analysis shows a way of estimating earnings in other markets where financial information is equally poor if available at all.
A comment on the damping of magnetohydrodynamic waves

It is shown that a revision is necessary in the commonly used expression for the damping scalelength of a magnetohydrodynamic wave in a plasma when the plasma exhibits anisotropic conductivity. The consequence of this revision may be quite drastic in some astrophysical situations.
Visualization of Stents in the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery by Transthoracic Echocardiography in Pigs and Humans

In this study, we demonstrate that coronary artery stents can be visualized by transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography. We were able to image stents in the left anterior descending coronary artery in 6 of 6 pigs and in 6 of 7 patients studied.
EFFECTS OF IONS AND METABOLIC INHIBITORS ON THYROID-STIMULATING-HORMONE STIMULATION OF GLUCOSE OXIDATION IN THYROID SLICES.

Abstract The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation of glucose oxidation by thyroid slices does not seem to be dependent on the ionic composition of the buffer since the effect was observed in Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate, Krebs-Ringer phosphate, KCl, NaCl, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, Tris and glycylglycine buffers. A concentration of ouabain which inhibited I − trapping by thyroid slices had no effect on TSH stimulation of glucose oxidation. The observations suggest that the effect of TSH on glucose oxidation is not dependent upon its stimulation of cell-membrane ATPase (EC 3.6.1.4). Although NaF and p -hydroxymercuribenzoate by themselves increased thyroid-slice glucose oxidation, they inhibited the response to TSH. Dinitrophenol and iodoacetate inhibited both basal and TSH augmented glucose oxidation. Dicumarol had no effect on basal glucose oxidation but also decreased the TSH effect. All of these inhibitors abolished the TSH increase in TPN + levels and most of them were associated with a decrease in TPN + and TPNH. Although explanations for the results with the inhibitors themselves are not apparent, their effect on TSH responsiveness suggests that energy-yielding reactions are necessary.
Detection of pentachlorophenol and its glucuronide and sulfate conjugates in fish bile and exposure water

Abstract The glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of pentachlorophenol (PCP) that were present in the bile and exposure water of goldfish (Carassius auratus) were used to develop methodology to quantify PCP and its metabolites. Reverse phase HPLC with radioactivity detection separated PCP and its metabolites, and was used to verify a method of quantification that used differential extraction and scintillation counting. Extractions of aqueous phase at pH 2 or 8, with butanol, ethyl acetate, or ether indicated that ether at pH 8 best separated PCP from its metabolites. The sulfate conjugate of PCP was the major metabolite produced when goldfish were exposed to 125 μg 14C‐PCP/1. It was present primarily in the exposure water, but also appeared in the bile.
The stretched DNA geometry of recombination and repair nucleoprotein filaments

The RecA protein of Escherichia coli plays essential roles in homologous recombination and restarting stalled DNA replication forks. In vitro, the protein mediates DNA strand exchange between single-stranded (ssDNA) and homologous double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecules that serves as a model system for the in vivo processes. To date, no high-resolution structure of the key intermediate, comprised of three DNA strands simultaneously bound to a RecA filament (RecA · tsDNA complex), has been elucidated by classical methods. Here we review the systematic characterization of the helical geometries of the three DNA strands of the RecA · tsDNA complex using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) under physiologically relevant solution conditions. Measurements of the helical parameters for the RecA · tsDNA complex are consistent with the hypothesis that this complex is a late, poststrand-exchange intermediate with the outgoing strand shifted by about three base pairs with respect to its registry with the incoming and complementary strands. All three strands in the RecA · tsDNA complex adopt extended and unwound conformations similar to those of RecA-bound ssDNA and dsDNA. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopoly (Nucleic Acid Sci) 61: 145–158, 2002
Genetic analysis of the carboxy-terminal region of the hepatitis C virus core protein.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a liver-tropic pathogen with severe health consequences for infected individuals. Chronic HCV infection can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and is a leading indicator for liver transplantation. The HCV core protein is an essential component of the infectious virus particle, but many aspects of its role remain undefined. The C-terminal region of the core protein acts as a signal sequence for the E1 glycoprotein and undergoes dual processing events during infectious virus assembly. The exact C terminus of the mature, virion-associated core protein is not known. Here, we performed genetic analyses to map the essential determinants of the HCV core C-terminal region, as well as to define the minimal length of the protein that can function for infectious virus production in trans. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major contributor to the development of human liver diseases, infecting approximately 2% of the population, or 130 million people, worldwide (2). Up to 80% of HCV infections progress to chronic hepatitis and can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (38). No vaccine exists to prevent HCV infection, and current treatments are frequently inadequate. HCV is an enveloped virus of the genus Hepacivirus in the family Flaviviridae (30). The single-stranded, positive-sense
Estrogen use, hypertension and stroke in postmenopausal women.

Abstract Among nondiabetic women aged 58–79 years in a stable retirement community, use of oral estrogens was significantly associated with hypertension. Estrogen use was not significantly associated with stroke when the data were adjusted for the association of estrogen use with hypertension.
The impact of work force reduction on subsequent performance in major mergers and acquisitions: an exploratory study

Abstract Several large firms in Corporate America in the 1990s have engaged in a major merger or acquisition with a firm in the same industry. One of the main motives behind such combinations is to create synergies by consolidating the activities in the two firms. Consolidation often involves work force reduction in the two firms. Yet, no research has examined whether such work force reduction results in superior performance. The results of this study reveal that work force reduction has an adverse impact on performance in the consolidated organization. Additionally, work force reduction in the acquired firm and work force reduction in the acquiring firm is also, separately, negatively related to post-acquisition performance.
What is intelligence

IQ tests are interpreted as measures of general intelligence or g-which is construed as a heritable component of the commonality among measures of intellect that relates to the acquisition of knowledge. Intelligence changes over life-span-it declines with age and the IQ phenotype becomes more congruent with the genotype. Intelligence is influenced by cohort specific exposures and requires exposure to formal education for its development. It is not easily changed and intelligence influences educational performance and occupational status.
Reaction Mechanism of cis-1,3-Butadiene Addition to the Si(100)-2 × 1 Surface

A set of 40 finite temperature ab initio molecular dynamics trajectories is employed to investigate the distribution of addition products and underlying microscopic mechanism of the addition of 1,3-butadiene to the Si(100)-2 × 1 surface. The product yields are in good agreement with recent STM measurements and include a Diels−Alder [4 + 2] adduct with a surface dimer acting as the dienophile, a [4 + 2]-like adduct that bridges two dimers within a row, a [4 + 2]-like adduct that bridges two dimers in adjacent rows, and an interdimer [2 + 2]-like adduct. The trajectories indicate that a common mechanism underlies the distribution and is predominantly a nonconcerted stepwise mechanism that proceeds via an intermediate zwitterion composed of a carbocation bonded to a negatively charged surface dimer.
Euclidean field theory. I. The moment problem

The extension of the Schwinger functions to various positive linear functionals on the Borchers algebra is discussed. In one case, we construct a measure onL and give criteria for uniqueness as well as for the homogeneous chaos to lead to an ℒ2-space.
Sediment transport mechanics upstream of an orifice

Mechanics of sediment transport, maximum scour depth, and scoured volume upstream of a circular orifice was explored under constant head condition. A high-speed camera was used to investigate the sediment transport mechanism. It was found that sediment transport had two distinct phases. In the first phase, the sediment transport was due to excess bed shear stress and occurred within an area that was elliptical in shape, and the mobilized sediment was transported out of the orifice. In the second stage, vortices appear in the area that was scoured during the first phase. The sediment particles were lifted up into the main flow by these vortices, which were then transported out of the orifice by the main flow. The scour depth and scoured volume were found to be dependent on sediment size and head over the orifice.
Response of the large‐scale, Southern Hemisphere extratropical atmospheric circulation to extremes of Antarctic sea‐ice concentration in a general circulation model

Abstract The study uses a general circulation model (GCM) to simulate the Southern Hemisphere atmospheric response to observed extremes in sea‐ice concentration. Two multi‐year simulations were completed for minimum and maximum sea‐ice climatologies and the results compared. The comparisons show that the Southern Hemisphere atmosphere is sensitive to sea‐ice extremes and the signs of this sensitivity extend to middle and lower latitudes. The sea‐ice extremes force patterns of variability that resemble the leading mode of circulation. Zonal wave one is reduced and zonal wave 3 is almost completely dampened in the minimum sea‐ice simulation. These responses in the zonal waves are attributed to changing variability in the atmosphere over the mid‐latitude Pacific and the Bellingshausen, Amundsen, and Weddell Seas.
Cardiac Evaluation, Toxicity and Monitoring in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Multiple chemotherapeutic drugs are used in the treatment of breast cancer, many of which have the potential to produce cardiotoxicity. The anthracyclines are highly efficacious against breast cancer, but pose a particularly high risk for cardiotoxicity. The incidence of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy increases in a dose-related fashion and with prior cardiac radiation exposure. The exact mechanism of toxicity is unknown, but the maximum tolerated cumulative dose can be increased by reducing peak drug levels and with concurrent administration of dexrazoxane. Because anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy is largely irreversible and cumulative, prevention is the preferred strategy. Monitoring by assessment of left ventricular function by the most reproducible method available as patients approach potentially toxic doses can substantially reduce toxicity. The long-term outcome of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy is better than previously reported because of advances in therapy. Recommendations for cardiac monitoring depend on the baseline cardiac function. In patients with baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50%, periodic assessment of LV function will depend on other cardiac risk factors present and cumulative dosing of the cardiotoxic drugs. A decrease in LVEF of more than 10% or an absolute decrease to less than 30% is an indication for doxorubin discontinuation. Doxorubin-based chemotherapy should not be initiated in patients with a baseline LVEF of less than 30%.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Men Caught in the Gender Bind of Early Childhood Education:

This paper presents the results of a series of in-depth interviews with men who work in early childhood education (ECE), their women peers, their supervisors, and faculty members of colleges of edu...
Activity of the Vesicular Calcium Pump in the Spontaneously Failing Heart-Lung Preparation

The in vitro calcium uptake activity has been examined in fragments of sarcoplasmic reticulum, i.e. vesicles, obtained from hearts spontaneously failing in the canine heart-lung preparation. The rate of uptake was found to be less than that observed for vesicles from control hearts. If the vesicles were prepared from a failed heart that had been treated in vivo with ouabain, then the rate of calcium uptake was normal. In vitro additions of ouabain increased the rate of calcium uptake only with vesicles prepared from failing hearts. This effect of ouabain on calcium uptake by vesicles appears, therefore, to be specific for the defect causing depression of calcium uptake. No evidence could be found that the depression of calcium uptake is due to uncoupling of the pump adenosine triphosphatase. Calcium uptake and adenosine triphosphatase activity were found to be proportionately depressed in the failing heart and proportionately restored by ouabain.
Poetics and Eros in Early Modern Persia: The Lovers' Confection and The Glorious Epistle by Muhtasham Kāshānī

The poet Muhtasham Kāshānī (d. 1588) is today known primarily for his strophic elegy on the martyrdom of Imam Husayn at Karbalā, but such devotional poems make up only a tiny fraction of large oeuvre. Far more substantial are two works of a very different tenor, Nuql-i ‘Ushshāq (The Lover's Confection) and Risāla-yi Jalāliyya (The Glorious Epistle). Using an innovative combination of prose and poetry, these works tell the story of the poet-narrator's stormy affairs with, respectively, an upper-class courtesan and a footman attached to a nobleman's house. As part of the larger literary movement known as the maktab-i vuqū‘ or “realist school,” these purported autobiographical accounts of Muhtasham's amorous adventures reveal a sophisticated culture of eros and desire that differs strikingly from the usual representations of the state of literature and the arts under Shah Tahmāsp. After situating these works in their historical, literary, and cultural contexts, the article turns to a close analysis of an ext...
A New Technique for Hemodialysis Access Surgery: Use of the Pneumatic Tourniquet

The purpose of this study was to determine whether tourniquet occlusion could be safely used on the upper extremity for vascular control during hemodialysis access surgery. The hospital and outpatient records of 44 patients undergoing 105 hemodialysis access procedures were retrospectively reviewed. In 48 procedures tourniquet occlusion was used for vascular control, whereas in 57 procedures vascular clamps were used. In those procedures in which the tourniquet was used; the mean tourniquet time was 30 minutes and the mean tourniquet pressure was 242 mm Hg. The operative time was significantly less in the tourniquet group as compared to the clamp group (72.5 minutes vs. 84 minutes, respectively;p=0.029). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of nerve injury, bleeding, hematoma, vascular steal, infection, or swelling between the two groups. There were no complications related specifically to the use of the tourniquet. There was no difference in primary patency in comparing the tourniquet control group with the clamp control group (p>0.5). The use of a pneumatic tourniquet for vascular control during hemodialysis access surgery allows for a faster, technically easier operation with no increase in the complication rate and no effect on primary patency.
Parametric inverse of severely ill-conditioned Hermitian matrices in signal processing

Severely ill-conditioned Hermitian matrices are commonly seen in digital signal processing as well as in other applications where the Galerkin method and the least squares method are employed to seek optimal solutions of linear or nonlinear models. A new treatment for such matrices is proposed in this paper, which is fundamentally different from the well-known conjugate gradient preconditioners, SVD-based methods, and other popular algorithms for solving ill-conditioned systems in the literature. We propose an exact, alternative formula for the inverse of a Hermitian matrix via parametric diagonal perturbation. It reduces the condition number of the original ill-conditioned matrix exponentially. The performance of the proposed algorithm is established via condition analysis and demonstrated over severely ill-conditioned matrix systems from digital filter designs.
Robotic atrial septal defect repair and endoscopic treatment of atrial fibrillation

Computer (robotic) enhancement has emerged as a facilitator of minimally invasive cardiac surgery and has been used to perform portions of intracardiac procedures via thoracotomy incisions. This report describes the use of the da Vinci surgical system in two totally endoscopic (“closed chest”) cardiac operations: atrial septal defect closure and pulmonary vein isolation of atrial fibrillation. ASD closure: Fifteen patients underwent repair of a secundum-type atrial septal defect or patent foramen ovale by a totally endoscopic approach, utilizing the da Vinci robotic system. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was achieved peripherally. Cardioplegia was administered via the distal port of the arterial cannula after endoballoon inflation. Via three port incisions in the right chest, the entire operation including pericardiotomy; bicaval occlusion; atriotomy; atrial septopexy; and atrial closure was performed by a surgeon seated at a computer console. A fourth 15 mm port was utilized for suction and suture passage by a patient-side assistant. In one case, a recurrent shunt was identified and repaired on POD 5. Median ICU length of stay (LOS) was 20 hours, and median hospital LOS was 4 days. Atrial fibrillation surgery: This report also describes the pathway that we have pursued in the development of a totally endoscopic operation for atrial fibrillation. Beginning with animal models, we tested various ablative energy sources; methods of ablation; and minimally invasive approaches. This work has led to the development of a variety of minimally invasive surgical approaches including a totally endoscopic, robotically assisted beating heart procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. © 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.