cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing or eliminating use of the category of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance decreases the diagnostic accuracy of the Papanicolaou smear

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of “atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance” (ASCUS) is controversial, not only for the clinical utility of its subcategories (favor reactive vs. favor dysplasia), but for its very existence as an expression of uncertainty. In the current study, the authors investigated the impact of reducing and eliminating this category on the sensitivity and predictive values for detecting squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs). METHODS One hundred cervical Papanicolaou (Pap) smears originally diagnosed as ASCUS, all of which had histologic follow-up, were reviewed blindly and reclassified as either negative (within normal limits/benign cellular changes), low-grade SIL (LSIL), or high-grade SIL (HSIL) by 1 reviewer who eliminated ASCUS as a diagnostic possibility entirely. A second reviewer reinterpreted the cases but attempted to use the ASCUS diagnosis (favor reactive or favor dysplasia) sparingly. All histologic diagnoses were reviewed, and an adjudicated final diagnosis was established. Reviewed smear interpretations were correlated with the histologic diagnosis (original, reviewed, and adjudicated). Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test. RESULTS Thirty-eight women had histologically confirmed SIL (21 LSIL cases and 17 HSIL cases [including 1 case of endocervical adenocarcinoma]); 31 of these 38 cases originally were classified as ASCUS, not otherwise specified, 1 case was classified as ASCUS favor reactive, and 6 cases were classified as ASCUS favor dysplasia. The reviewer who used the ASCUS diagnosis sparingly reclassified the smears as negative (62 cases); ASCUS, favor reactive (3 cases); ASCUS, favor dysplasia (13 cases); LSIL (19 cases); and HSIL (3 cases). The reviewer who eliminated the ASCUS category reclassified the smears as negative (59 cases), LSIL (29 cases), and HSIL (12 cases). The rate of SIL/HSIL in those cases interpreted as abnormal was 38%/17% originally, 42%/24% with a reduced ASCUS interpretation, and 37%/17% when the ASCUS category was eliminated. In those ASCUS smears that were reclassified as negative, the SIL/HSIL rate was 35%/13% with the reduced ASCUS interpretation and 39%/17% when the ASCUS category was eliminated. The sensitivity for detecting a SIL/HSIL was reduced from 100%/100% for the original ASCUS interpretation to 42%/53% for the reduced ASCUS interpretation to 39%/41% with the elimination of the ASCUS interpretation. CONCLUSIONS Although in the current study utilization of the ASCUS diagnosis was found to result in a 62% negative or reactive outcome on biopsy, a significant number of patients with SIL were detected (38% in the current series, 17% with HSIL). Despite the improved correlation with negative biopsies, reducing or eliminating the ASCUS diagnosis appears to decrease the sensitivity of the Pap smear significantly and appears to be no better than chance at predicting a diagnosis of SIL on biopsy, including HSIL. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2002. © 2002 American Cancer Society.
Propellant condensation on surfaces near an electric rocket exhaust.

Propellant condensation on surfaces near electric rocket exhaust, calculating particle arrival rates, backflow and desorption energies
On the inflation-unit labor cost relation

This paper investigates the independent effects of wage and productivity growth on inflation utilizing Weintraub's Wage-Cost-Markup (WCM) model. An Alternative WCM model formed by considering asymmetry in adjustment speeds of wage and productivity growth on pricing produces long-run effects conforming to a priori expectations concerning the magnitude and equality of inflation's response to wage and productivity growth. The model also produces improved predictive performance when compared with an estimated equation relating inflation to current unit labor cost growth. The findings offer a price equation that can be employed in econometric models relating inflation to unit labor cost growth.
Methodological Advances in the Spatial Analysis of Land Fragmentation

This article evaluates the effect of moving window (MW) size on observed fragmentation spatial patterns and proposes a method to identify an effective MW size using Simpson's diversity index. To test the robustness of the proposed method, we demonstrate its use in six cities in the Phoenix metropolitan area that have substantial variation in land composition and configuration. Next we explore the effects of gradient observation scale and the role of scale in removing noise. We compare and discuss two popular approaches to measuring urban-to-rural fragmentation gradients—concentric ring- and transect-based approaches—highlighting the usefulness of each approach in an extensive and rapidly urbanizing region. This study provides a new method for selecting window size, offers insights on scale effects, and provides guidance on gradient scale selection to achieve the best representation of land fragmentation patterns for urban analysis.
Effects of cortisone, starvation, and rickets on oxidative enzyme activities of epiphyseal cartilage from rats.

Abstract Epiphyseal cartilage fractions from rats have been shown to have the enzymatic complement for oxidizing a wide variety of substrates though at relatively low rates compared to tissues such as liver and heart. In contrast to previous data for glycolytic enzymes, mitochondrial oxidative enzyme levels do not appear to be specifically affected by dietary rickets, starvation, or cortisone treatment and do not correlate with the oxidative activity of cartilage slices. These findings give added emphasis to our earlier suggestion that control of glycolytic enzyme levels plays a central role in regulation of cartilage cell economy. A marked difference in the relative distribution between supernatant and pellet fractions of glycerol-3- P oxidase compared to other typical mitochondrial enzymes including succinate dehydrogenase is interpreted as evidence for two classes of mitochondria in cartilage. According to this hypothesis, there is a class of more readily sedimented mitochondria which contain relatively much more glycerol-3- P oxidase. Although this enzyme is thought to play a role in regulation of glycolysis, the control of synthetic-degradative mechanisms for it does not appear to be coordinated with those for the glycolytic enzymes and glycerol-3- P dehydrogenase of the cartilage cytoplasm. It is suggested that the oxidase may have a special role in Ca 2+ accumulation by mitochondria.
Maternal behaviors : evidence that they feed back to alter brain morphology and function

We review evidence suggesting that the brain of maternally behaving rats is altered as a result of the behavior of the animal towards her pups. Morphological changes seen in the supraoptic nucleus, which contains oxytocinergic neurons important for lactation, are observed not only in parturient, lactating animals but also in virgin animals induced by the presence of rat pups to behave maternally. The supraoptic nuclei of lactating and maternally behaving virgin animals have a higher incidence of dendritic bundling relative to non-maternal virgin animals. Also, stimulation of the lateral olfactory tract in in vitro brain slices elevates electrotonic coupling among supraoptic neurons only in maternally behaving animals and not in male or non-maternal virgins. In general the evidence presented supports the idea that maternal behavior in lactating and non-lactating animals, can have profound effects on the morphology and physiological functioning of oxytocinergic neurons in the hypothalamus.
Epigenetic hypothesis tests for methylation and acetylation in a triple microarray system.

To fully elucidate the functional relationship between DNA methylation and histone hypoacetylation in gene silencing, we have developed an integrated "triple" microarray system that allows us to begin to decipher the influence of epigenetic hierarchies on the regulation of gene expression in cancer cells. Our hypothesis is that in the promoter region of a silenced gene, reversal of two epigenetic factors (i.e., DNA demethylation and/or histone hyperacetylation) is highly correlated with gene reexpression after treatment of the human epithelial ovarian cancer cell line CP70 with the drug combination 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (DAC), a demethylating agent, and trichostatin A (TSA), an inhibitor of histone deacetylases. To estimate the posterior probabilities for genes with altered expression, DNA methylation and histone acetylation status measured with a triple-microarray system, we have employed an established empirical Bayes model. Two methods have been proposed to test our hypothesis that DNA demethylation a...
Interpretation and Optimization of Absorbance and Fluorescence Signals from Voltage-sensitive Dyes

Voltage-sensitive dyes produce absorbance and fluorescence changes that can be used to image voltage. The present study develops a systematic approach to the optimization of these signals. A mathematical analysis assesses the dye optical density (OD) that optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio in absorbance and fluorescence measurements. The signal-to-noise ratio is maximal for a dye OD of 2 (natural logarithm) in absorbance and ~1 in fluorescence. The fluorescence result is approximate because, in contrast to absorbance, the optimal dye OD varies with the amount of scattering and intrinsic absorbance of the tissue. The signal-to-noise ratio of absorbance is higher in thick preparations such as brain slices; fluorescence is superior in thin preparations such as cell culture. The optimal OD for absorbance and fluorescence, as well as the superiority of absorbance, were confirmed experimentally on hippocampal slices. This analysis also provided insight into the interpretation of signals normalized to resting light intensities. With both absorbance and fluorescence, the normalized signal (ΔI/I) varies with OD, and does not reflect the change in dye absorbance. In absorbance this problem is remedied by dividing ΔI/I by the dye OD to obtain the absorbance change. For fluorescence a correction is possible, but is more complicated. Because this analysis indicates that high levels of stain optimize the signal-to-noise, dyes were tested for pharmacological actions and phototoxicity. The absorbance dye RH155 was found to have pharmacological action at high staining levels. The fluorescent dye RH414 was phototoxic. Adverse effects could not be detected with the absorbance dye RH482.
Trans-Resveratrol Alters Mammary Promoter Hypermethylation in Women at Increased Risk for Breast Cancer

Trans-resveratrol, present in high concentration in the skin of red grapes and red wine, has a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in vitro, prevents the formation of mammary tumors, and has been touted as a chemopreventive agent. Based upon in vitro studies demonstrating that trans-resveratrol downregulates the expression of 1) DNA methyltransferases and 2) the cancer promoting prostaglandin (PG)E(2), we determined if trans-resveratrol had a dose-related effect on DNA methylation and prostaglandin expression in humans. Thirty-nine adult women at increased breast cancer risk were randomized in double-blind fashion to placebo, 5 or 50 mg trans-resveratrol twice daily for 12 wk. Methylation assessment of 4 cancer-related genes (p16, RASSF-1α, APC, CCND2) was performed on mammary ductoscopy specimens. The predominant resveratrol species in serum was the glucuronide metabolite. Total trans-resveratrol and glucuronide metabolite serum levels increased after consuming both trans-resveratrol doses (P < .001 for both). RASSF-1α methylation decreased with increasing levels of serum trans-resveratrol (P = .047). The change in RASSF-1α methylation was directly related to the change in PGE(2) (P = .045). This work provides novel insights into the effects of trans-resveratrol on the breast of women at increased breast cancer risk, including a decrease in methylation of the tumor suppressor gene RASSF-1α. Because of the limited sample size, our findings should be validated in a larger study.
Hormone-dependent processing of the avian progesterone receptor

Avian progesterone receptor exists as two forms, A and B, with molecular weights of 79,000 and 110,000 daltons, respectively. The origin and significance of these two forms is an area of active investigation and debate. Monoclonal antibodies produced against these two forms were used to examine receptor stability in cytosol and changes in the receptor forms induced by hormone binding. The lability of hormone binding at elevated temperatures is well documented. Analysis by Western blotting showed the receptor was stable in freshly prepared oviduct cytosol for 2 hr at 37 degrees C, while hormone binding was lost within 30 min. However, loss of receptor through degradation was seen when cytosol was prepared from frozen tissue or when homogenization was excessive. Progesterone was injected into diethylstilbestrol-stimulated chicks to examine, in vivo, effects of hormone treatment on receptor forms in the cytosol and nuclear fractions. Progesterone treatment caused a time- and dose-dependent conversion of the A receptor to a form (A') with a slower electrophoretic mobility. The cytosolic progesterone receptor was divided equally between the B and A forms, while the nuclear receptor was predominantly A'. The amount of nuclear receptor was consistently less than cytosolic receptor. Receptor phosphorylation was analyzed by incubating tissue minces with [32P]orthophosphate with or without progesterone followed by immune isolation of receptor forms. Progesterone treatment caused a time-dependent increase in cytosol receptor phosphorylation which was evident after 5 min of treatment. This phosphorylation was observed with both the A and B receptor forms. The results indicate that receptor phosphorylation is a very early event during progesterone action.
System dynamics modeling

Abstract The System Dynamics approach to modeling social systems appears to be gaining rapid acceptance as a legitimate tool of management science even as it still evokes controversy. Some of its basic assumptions, strategies and conventions are indicated. Modeling with this methodology is described. Primarily for pedagogical reasons, four approaches to starting a model are identified with some indications as to which of some of the published models might have used them. Finally, the issue of nonlinear relationships is raised. Some of the ways in which this matter can be dealt with are sketched.
Reaction of Carbon-Monoxide and Molecular-Oxygen with P450terp (CYP108) and P450BM-3 (CYP102)

The kinetics and equilibrium of carbon monoxide binding and the reaction of autodecomposition of oxycomplexes of two bacterial P450s--P450BM-3 and P450terp--have been studied and compared with the corresponding properties of P450cam and some of the microsomal P450s. The second-order reaction rate constants for the reaction of P450terp and P450BM-3 with carbon monoxide in the absence of substrate at 5 degrees C were 3.6 x 10(6) and 1.6 x 10(6) M-1 s-1, respectively. The presence of the physiological substrate markedly influenced the rate of carbon monoxide binding with P450terp, decreasing the rate constant by approximately 100-fold, and did not have a significant effect on carbon monoxide binding with P450BM-3. The reaction of carbon monoxide with both cytochromes was monophasic in the absence or in the presence of substrate. The carbon monoxide binding enthalpy change was very small for P450BM-3 (-0.2 kcal mol-1) and more negative for P450terp (-3.2 kcal mol-1). The rate constants of decomposition of oxy-P450terp and oxy-P450BM-P (heme domain of P450BM-3) at 5 degrees C were 7.1 x 10(-4) and 2.5 x 10(-2) s-1, respectively. Raising the temperature to 20 degrees C resulted in 24- and 9-fold increase of decomposition of oxy-complexes of P450terp and P450BM-P, respectively. The kinetic properties of the binding reaction of diatomic gases to P450cam, P450terp, and P450BM-3 are consistent with the structures of their active sites.
The magnetic moment at the yttrium site in Y-Fe compounds: pressure dependence of the magnetisation and hyperfine field

The pressure dependence of the magnetisation of Y2Fe17, Y6Fe23 and YFe2 at 4.2 K has been deduced from forced volume magnetostriction measurements in fields up to 12 T. The pressure dependence of the 89Y hyperfine field in the above compounds and YFe3 has been measured using NMR. The results are consistent with a model in which a moment of approximately=-0.4 mu B exists at the Y site of all four compounds as found in computer calculations for YFe2.
DEM simulation of granular media—structure interface: effects of surface roughness and particle shape

An enhanced discrete element method for the numerical modelling of particulate media is presented. This method models a particle of general shape by combining several smaller particles of simpler shape, such as a circle, into clusters that act as a single larger particle. The clusters more accurately model the geometry- dependent behaviour of the particles, such as particle interlock and resistance to rolling. The method is implemented within the framework of an existing DEM program without the introduction of new contact or force algorithms. An extensive set of numerical ‘experiments’ is performed which demonstrate the method's effectiveness. The granular media–structure interface shear test simulations are performed using both clustered and non-clustered particles. The results indicate that the clustered particles undergo less rolling and provide for increased shear resistance of the medium. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impaired hypoxic cerebral vasodilation in younger adults with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) increases the risk of cerebrovascular disease and stroke; however, its impact on human cerebral circulation remains unclear. Reduced cerebral dilation is also associated with an increased risk of stroke and may occur in MetSyn adults. We hypothesised that MetSyn adults would exhibit reduced cerebral vasodilation to hypoxia and hypercapnia. Middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) was insonated with Doppler ultrasound in younger (approximately 35 years) MetSyn and healthy adults. We measured mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and end tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2). Cerebrovascular conductance index (CVCi) was calculated as MCAv*100/MABP. Cerebral vasodilation (ΔCVCi) to hypoxia (SpO2 = 90% and 80%) and hypercapnia (+10 mm Hg PetCO2) was assessed. Baseline MCAv was similar, while adults with MetSyn had lower baseline CVCi. MetSyn adults demonstrated markedly reduced ΔCVCi compared to healthy adults in response to hypoxia (90% SpO2: 1±2 vs 6±2; 80%...
Combined structure and motion extraction from visual data using evolutionary active learning

We present a novel stereo vision modeling framework that generates approximate, yet physically-plausible representations of objects rather than creating accurate models that are computationally expensive to generate. Our approach to the modeling of target scenes is based on carefully selecting a small subset of the total pixels available for visual processing. To achieve this, we use the estimation-exploration algorithm (EEA) to create the visual models: a population of three-dimensional models is optimized against a growing set of training pixels, and periodically a new pixel that causes disagreement among the models is selected from the observed stereo images of the scene and added to the training set. We show here that using only 5 % of the available pixels, the algorithm can generate approximate models of compound objects in a scene. Our algorithm serves the dual goals of extracting the 3D structure and relative motion of objects of interest by modeling the target objects in terms of their physical parameters (e.g., position, orientation, shape, etc.), and tracking how these parameters vary with time. We support our claims with results from simulation as well from a real robot lifting a compound object.
How do we get fat? An epidemiologic and metabolic approach

Obesity results when the energy intake exceeds expenditure for a long period. The first law of thermodynamics, which describes this relationship, does not provide insight into the failures to couple energy intake and expenditure. Research over the past two decades has provided an unprecedented expansion of knowledge about the physiological and molecular mechanisms regulating body fat. Perhaps the greatest impact has resulted from the cloning of genes corresponding to the five mouse monogenic obesity syndromes and the subsequent characterization of the human counterparts to these syndromes. Extensive molecular and reverse genetic studies (mouse knockouts) have helped establish other critical pathways that regulate body fat and food intake, and also have either validated or refuted the importance of previously identified pathways.
The effect of molecular size on non-Fickian sorption in glassy polymers

Rutherford backscattering spectrometry has been used to determine the concentration against depth profiles of n-iodoalkanes diffusing into a polymer glass photoresist. All the iodoalkanes smaller than iodohexane show strongly non-Fickian, or Case II, diffusion. After an induction time a sharp front forms, with almost no concentration gradient behind the front. Ahead of the front the concentration decreases exponentially with depth, a form predicted for Fickian diffusion ahead of a moving boundary. Values of the diffusion coefficientD extracted from this Fickian precursor decrease strongly withn, the number of carbon atoms in the iodoalkane. A similar decrease is observed for the front velocity, the magnitude of which is in qualitative agreement with that predicted by the Thomas and Windle model of Case II diffusion. For the larger values ofn, D decreases asn−2, prompting speculation that these longer chains diffuse into the glass by a reptation-like mechanism.
MOSFET scaling into the 10 nm regime

Abstract Scaling limits of the double-gate MOSFET structure are explored. Because short-channel effects can be adequately controlled by thinning the silicon body, the eventual scaling limit will be determined by the ability to control off-state leakage due to quantum mechanical tunneling and thermionic emission between the source and drain. Depending on threshold voltage and the source/drain doping profile, this will restrict gate length scaling to 5–11 nm. As power supplies are scaled down, maintaining on-state drive current may become difficult due to threshold voltage limitations. Series resistance becomes important as the body thickness is reduced, but intrinsic device performance may still be improved.
Now You See It, Now You Don't: The Mysterious Case of the Vanishing Split Bond Rating in States

Bond ratings on state-issued debt provide a signal to credit markets that help them charge an appropriate interest rate, based on the risk of payment default. Though actual default may occur only in extreme circumstances, observed differences in ratings and interest costs across states and time demonstrate that a sound economy, strong financials, and stable policies matter. When data on the factors that presumably affect ratings is public and easily accessible, making sense of differences of opinion between bond rating agencies is difficult. We suggest that such differences—observed as so-called split bond ratings—are often ephemeral. Utilizing a simulation method to uncover the latent credit risk presented by each state, we show that split ratings on state bonds are often due to the fact that presumed category overlap between rating agencies is absent when evaluated on a common latent scale. Most observed state bond rating splits from 1997 through 2006 can be explained by this category mismatch. Our approach has broad implications for pricing state debt, as well as pricing rated debt in other capital market sectors.
Physiological pharmacokinetic modeling of inhaled trichloroethylene in rats

Abstract The pharmacokinetics of trichloroethylene (TCE) was characterized during and following inhalation exposures of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The blood and exhaled breath TCE time-course data were used to formulate and assess the accuracy of predictions of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PB-PK) model for TCE inhalation. Fifty or 500 ppm of TCE was inhaled by unanesthetized rats of 325–375 g for 2 hr through a miniaturized one-way breathing valve. Repetitive samples of the inhaled and exhaled breath streams, as well as arterial blood, were collected concurrently during and for 3 hr following the exposures and analyzed for TCE by headspace gas chromatography. Respiratory rates and volumes were continuously monitored and used in conjunction with the pharmacokinetic data to delineate uptake and elimination profiles. Levels of TCE in the exhaled breath attained near steady-state soon after the beginning of exposures, and were then directly proportional to the inhaled concentration. Exhaled breath levels of TCE in rats were similar in magnitude to values previously published for TCE inhalation exposures of humans. Levels of TCE in the blood of the 50 ppm-exposed animals also rapidly approached near steady-state, but blood levels in the 500 ppm-exposed animals rose progressively, reaching concentrations 25- to 30-fold higher than in the 50 ppm group during the second hour of exposure. The 10-fold increase in inhaled concentration resulted in an 8.7-fold increase in cumulative uptake, or total absorbed dose. These findings of nonlinearity indicate that metabolic saturation ensued during the 500 ppm exposure. The PB-PK model was characterized as blood flow-limited with TCE eliminated unchanged in the exhaled breath and by saturable liver metabolism. The uptake and elimination profiles were accurately simulated by the PB-PK model for both the 50 and 500 ppm TCE exposure levels. Such a model may be quite useful in risk assessments in predicting internal (i.e., systemically absorbed) doses of TCE and other volatile organics under a variety of exposure scenarios.
Variation in vascular distribution in small lung cancers.

Abstract Purpose To assess the vascular component of small lung cancers. Material and methods We identified 105 resected non-small-cell lung carcinomas without pathologic evidence of vascular, lymphatic, bronchial, or pleural invasion. The percentage of BAC (% BAC) of all adenocarcinomas was determined by a pulmonary pathologist. A representative histology slide of each carcinoma was digitally scanned and the number of blood vessels (#V) with at least a diameter of 200 μm was identified as well as the area of these blood vessels (VA) and of the tumor (TA) was obtained. The CT consistency of the cancers was also recorded as non-solid (NS), part-solid (PS) and solid. Results The number of blood vessels per cm2 of tumor area (#V/TA) was higher for adenocarcinoma (7.3 ± 4.7) as compared with large- and squamous-cell carcinoma (3.6 ± 2.1, 2.3 ± 1.1, respectively, P Conclusions These results suggest that tumor vessels experience a continuous temporal and spatial remodeling as tumors grow and that bigger tumors tend to have fewer but larger blood vessels. It also suggests that, on average, squamous- or large-cell carcinomas have a larger average vessel diameter as compared with adenocarcinomas and that the vasculature of an adenocarcinoma might remodel as the % BAC decreases. The overall proportion of tumor volume comprised of vessels 200 μm or larger is small and unlikely to influence overall tumor volume and doubling time estimates.
A reinforced right-ventricle-to-pulmonary-artery conduit for the stage-1 Norwood procedure improves pulmonary artery growth

Abstract Objective To compare early postoperative outcomes, angiographic, and intervention findings and 1-year survival between 2 groups of infant patients: those receiving a standard right-ventricle-to-pulmonary-artery (RV-PA) conduit versus a ring-reinforced RV-PA conduit, in undergoing Norwood stage-1 surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The technique of using such a ring-reinforced graft, placed through a limited ventriculotomy, has theoretic advantages in preserving right ventricular function, compared with the standard technique of RV-PA conduit creation. Methods This retrospective cohort study was performed between July 2006 and July 2013. A total of 87 patients with HLHS underwent Norwood stage-1 surgery during this period; 48 received a standard nonreinforced RV-PA conduit; 39 received a ring-reinforced conduit. Primary and secondary outcomes were survival and need for cardiac reintervention up to age 12 months. Results No difference was found in transplant-free survival by age 12 months (87% ring-reinforced vs 73% nonreinforced, P = .12). The group with the nonreinforced, versus ring-reinforced, grafts had more interventions in the first year (69% vs 35%, respectively; P P P = .27). The corrected pulmonary artery index (Nakata) was greater in the group with ring-reinforced grafts (213 ± 76 vs 134 ± 68 mm 2 /m 2 , P Conclusions A ring-reinforced conduit is associated with reduced intervention, as well as higher pulse pressures and improved pulmonary artery growth, in infants undergoing stage-1 palliation for HLHS.
Electroencephalographic correlates of near-drowning encephalopathy in children☆

Abstract Findings in the serial EEGs of 9 children involved in fresh water near-drowning were correlated with neurological signs and final outcome. Our observations revealed that in young near-drowning victims there is a distinct evolution of the EEG which differs considerably from any stereotyped classification outlined for other types of encephalopathies. In patients with a poor clinical outcome, the early phase of near-drowning encephalopathy was characterized electrically by diffuse delta waves, often with alpha or beta frequencies superimposed (alpha-delta and beta-delta pattern). Additional features included poor sleep-waking differentiation and abnormal reactivity. Repetitive focal or multifocal biphasic or triphasic wave forms occurred exclusively in the group with a fatal outcome. The intermediate phase of the encephalopathy was signaled by an attenuation of all fast frequencies (alpha and beta rhythms), enhancement of delta activity, and disappearance of sleep parameters (if present in the earlier recordings). Finally, a modified burst suppression pattern occurred as a late EEG evolution in an encephalopathy of complex and protracted nature.
Crippling SWI-SNF makes tumors GLI-ful.

The chromatin remodeling complex SWI-SNF is altered in cancer. New findings now show that the core component SNF5 can block a Hedgehog (Hh) effector, which promotes malignant rhabdoid tumor growth when SNF5 is lost (pages 1429–1433). Targeting this Hh effector may be a way to combat these aggressive childhood tumors.
Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis

During the thirteen days in October 1962 when the United States confronted the Soviet Union over its installation of missiles in Cuba, few people shared the behind-the-scenes story as it is told here by the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. In this unique account, he describes each of the participants during the sometimes hour-to-hour negotiations, with particular attention to the actions and views of his brother, President John F. Kennedy. In a new foreword, the distinguished historian and Kennedy adviser Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., discusses the book's enduring importance and the significance of new information about the crisis that has come to light, especially from the Soviet Union.
Identification of cytosolic phosphodiesterases in the erythrocyte: A possible role for PDE5

Background Within erythrocytes (RBCs), cAMP levels are regulated by phosphodiesterases (PDEs). Increases in cAMP and ATP release associated with activation of s-adrenergic receptors (sARs) and prostacyclin receptors (IPRs) are regulated by PDEs 2, 4 and PDE 3, respectively. Here we establish the presence of cytosolic PDEs in RBCs and determine a role for PDE5 in regulating levels of cGMP. Material/Methods Purified cytosolic proteins were obtained from isolated human RBCs and western analysis was performed using antibodies against PDEs 3A, 4 and 5. Rabbit RBCs were incubated with dbcGMP, a cGMP analog, to determine the effect of cGMP on cAMP levels. To determine if cGMP affects receptor-mediated increases in cAMP, rabbit RBCs were incubated with dbcGMP prior to addition of isoproterenol (ISO), a sAR receptor agonist. To demonstrate that endogenous cGMP produces the same effect, rabbit and human RBCs were incubated with SpNONOate (SpNO), a nitric oxide donor, and YC1, a direct activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), in the absence and presence of a selective PDE5 inhibitor, zaprinast (ZAP). Results Western analysis identified PDEs 3A, 4D and 5A. dbcGMP produced a concentration dependent increase in cAMP and ISO-induced increases in cAMP were potentiated by dbcGMP. In addition, incubation with YC1 and SpNO in the presence of ZAP potentiated sAR-induced increases in cAMP. Conclusions PDEs 2, 3A and 5 are present in the cytosol of human RBCs. PDE5 activity in RBCs regulates cGMP levels. Increases in intracellular cGMP augment cAMP levels. These studies suggest a novel role for PDE5 in erythrocytes.
An Unusually Fast-Evolving Supernova

Analyses of supernovae (SNe) have revealed two main types of progenitors: exploding white dwarfs and collapsing massive stars. Here we describe SN 2002bj, which stands out as different from any SN reported to date. Its light curve rose and declined very rapidly, yet reached a peak intrinsic brightness greater than −18 magnitude. A spectrum obtained 7 days after discovery shows the presence of helium and intermediate-mass elements, yet no clear hydrogen or iron-peak elements. The spectrum only barely resembles that of a type Ia SN, with added carbon and helium. Its properties suggest that SN 2002bj may be representative of a class of progenitors that previously has been only hypothesized: a helium detonation on a white dwarf, ejecting a small envelope of material. New surveys should find many such objects, despite their scarcity.
Presence of epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and their receptors in human myometrial tissue and smooth muscle cells: their action in smooth muscle cells in vitro.

Immunohistochemical observations indicate that human myometrial smooth muscle cells express epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB and contain EGF and PDGF-beta receptors with no variation in intensity with phases of the menstrual cycle. Furthermore, immunofluorescent microscopic studies revealed that primary myometrial smooth muscle cell cultures also express EGF, PDGF-AB, and contain EGF and PDGF-beta, but not alpha-receptor. Incubation of subconfluent smooth muscle cells in serum-free medium leads to quiescence within 48 h as demonstrated by 3H-thymidine incorporation and labeling index. Exposure of quiescent cells to 10% fetal bovine serum stimulates resumption of DNA synthesis and proliferation in a time-dependent manner with a doubling time of 41.6 h. EGF (1.5-50 ng/ml) and PDGF-AB (1-10 ng/ml) in a dose- and time-dependent manner significantly stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation by quiescent myometrial smooth muscle cells (P less than 0.05). Combinations of EGF...
Foraging Efficiency and Body Size: A Study of Optimal Diet and Habitat Use by Bluegills

A foraging model was developed to predict the optimal diet breadth and maximum energetic intake of a given-sized fish foraging in each of three aquatic habitats: the open water, vegetation, and bare sediments. Model parameters of prey encounter rates and prey handling times were quantified as functions of fish size, prey density, and prey size through a series of laboratory feeding experiments using the bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). Results of these experiments show both searching ability and prey handling efficiency to increase with increasing fish size. Predictions of prey size selection and optimal habitat use based upon maximizing energetic gain were then examined in a small Michigan lake for three size classes of bluegills. Bluegills >100 mm standard length were highly size selective in their feeding and their diets closely matched predictions of an optimal diet model. From two estimates of relative prey visibilities I show that these fish selected larger prey items than would be predicted if prey were consumed "as encountered." Habitat use of large bluegills was also shown to maximize foraging return as fish switched from utilizing vegetation- living prey to utilizing open-water zooplankton as relative foraging profitabilities in the two habitats changed across the summer. Bluegills < 100 mm standard length were restricted in their habitat use, remaining in or near the vegetation despite demonstrated increases in foraging return available in the open-water habitat. Size-related predation risk apparently accounts for differences in habitat use between bluegill size classes, and its consequences for intra- and interspecific competition between size classes are discussed.
Immature viral envelope formation is interrupted at the same stage by lac operator-mediated repression of the vaccinia virus D13L gene and by the drug rifampicin.

Abstract Specific missense mutations of the vaccinia virus D1 3L gene confer resistance to the effects of rifampicin on virion morphogenesis. We constructed a recombinant vaccinia virus in which elements of the Escherichia coli lac operator system were used to regulate the D1 3L gene. Replication of the recombinant vaccinia virus was dependent on addition of the inducer isopropyl β- d -thiogalactoside (IPTG) and the virus yield was decreased by more than 99% when IPTG was omitted. Under the nonpermissive condition, transcription of the D1 3L gene was reduced and synthesis of the 65,000-Da protein product was inhibited by more than 95%. Consequently, virion morphogenesis was blocked at an early stage and uncoated membrane precursors of the immature viral envelope and uncleaved precursors of the major core proteins accumulated. The phenotype of the conditional lethal mutant virus, in the absence of IPTG, closely resembled that of wild-type virus in cells treated with rifampicin.
Descriptive Analysis of 30-Day Readmission After Inpatient Surgery Discharge in the Veterans Health Administration

Importance For the first time to our knowledge, this study analyzes and reports the 30-day all-cause readmission rates for surgical procedures performed in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Objective To analyze and report 30-day all-cause readmission rates following discharge from 9 surgical specialties in the VHA for a 10-year period. Design, Setting, and Participants In a retrospective observational study, Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program data for surgery records and VHA administrative discharge data were linked to evaluate all-cause readmission within 30 days of discharge from the surgical inpatient stay. The study population represents 9 surgical specialty groups: general, urology, neurosurgery, orthopedic, otolaryngology, plastic, thoracic, peripheral vascular, and cardiac. Trends of postoperative hospital admission rates for each surgery were investigated using 10 years (fiscal years 2001-2010; N = 894 943) of linked data. Main Outcomes and Measures All-cause 30-day readmission after surgery for each specialty. Results During the 10-year period, the overall 30-day all-cause readmission rate following inpatient surgery discharge significantly decreased from 12.9% to 12.2% ( P P = .004), otolaryngology ( P = .005), plastic ( P = .02), thoracic ( P = .04), peripheral vascular ( P P = .003). Postoperative hospital length of stay in individual specialties decreased during this period (each P Conclusions and Relevance This retrospective observational study showed decreasing 30-day readmission rates associated with a decline in postoperative hospital length of stay for 9 surgical specialties in the VHA during a 10-year period. Further study will be required to capture data from patients who had surgery at a VHA facility but were readmitted in the private sector.
The elastic-plastic cylinder subjected to radially distributed heat source, lateral pressure and axial force with application to nuclear reactor fuel elements

Abstract T he elastic-plastic deformation of a solid cylinder in the presence of a distributed heat source and subjected to a lateral pressure p and an axial fource F is considered in detail using Tresca's yield function, its associated flow law, and a linear workhardening law. Particular attention is given to the class of problems in which the radial stress, and not the axial stress, is the intermediate principal stress. The general results are applied to the cylindrical nuclear reactor fuel element in the state of plane strain with a radially distributed Gaussian heat source, acting in its fissionable interior. The solution is expressed in closed form in terms of the exponential integral and the incomplete gamma function and is found to exhibit three stages of plastic deformation. In stage I the plastic domain consists of two concentric and adjacent zones with different stress fields and different rates of propagation which expand outward from the centre of the cylinder; in stage II the elastic domain vanishes, while the inner plastic zone continues to propagate; and in stage III a third plastic zone is formed at the outer radius which propagates inward. Throughout the deformation the states of stress are found to exhibit regular progression. A numerical example is included.
Economic performance and U.S. Senate elections: Reply

Major criticisms made by Chressanthis and Shaffer (C-S) are addressed: the authors' failure to include noneconomic variables in the regression model, the inclusion of open elections in the sample, and the use of variables other than the state unemployment rate as economic performance measures. Errors in C-S's interpretations are noted. Additional regression results are reported using modifications of the authors' original model. These suggest that the change (notrelative change as in C-S) in state unemployment rate is superior, and that the authors' model yields a stronger effect of state economic performance on election outcomes than does the C-S model.
Exposure to Childhood Neglect and Physical Abuse and Developmental Trajectories of Heavy Episodic Drinking from Early Adolescence into Young Adulthood

Abstract Background Although the literature suggests that childhood maltreatment (CM) relates to adolescent heavy episodic drinking (HED), few studies have examined the long-term effects of CM on adolescent HED. This study is the first to examine associations between exposure to CM and trajectories of HED from adolescence to young adulthood for the US population. Methods Four waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used. A total of 8503 adolescents followed from adolescence (7th–12th grades) into young adulthood (ages 24–32) were assessed on CM and past-year HED frequency. Using growth curve modeling, trajectories of adolescent HED were examined, with subtype, frequency, and severity of CM as the primary independent variables. All of our analyses controlled for common risk factors for adolescent HED, including demographics, parental and peer alcohol use, parental education and employment, family income, parent–child relationship, and adolescent depression. Results After controlling for potential risk factors, neglect and physical abuse, both individually and in conjunction, were associated with faster increases in HED during adolescence and persistently elevated HED over much of adolescence and young adulthood. The frequency of neglect and physical abuse, individually and in conjunction, was also associated with the trajectory of HED, such that additional instances of these types of maltreatment were associated with faster increases in HED during adolescence and higher rates of peak use during young adulthood. Conclusion Child neglect and physical abuse appear to have long-lasting adverse effects on HED beyond adolescence and throughout much of young adulthood.
A New Study of Fascism

Dr. Nolte's Der Faschismus in seiner Epoche is a work of exceptionally broad range that combines description, comparison, and interpretation in an admirable manner. It attempts three major tasks requiring skills rarely combined in a single historian: a general classification of Fascist systems aiming at a typology; a special examination of the main features of one pre-Fascist ( Action Francaise ) and two Fascist movements (in Mussolini's Italy and in Hitler's Germany); and an overall interpretation, in both historical and philosophical terms, of fascism as the dominant force of the period of European history extending from 1919 to 1945.
Effects of chlordiazepoxide upon fear-motivated behavior in dogs.

Several doses of chlordiazepoxide (45, 100, 200 mg) were administered to dogs while they were subjected to a Sidman nondiscriminated avoidance schedule which contained seven conditioned stimuli-una...
Scalable real time data management for smart grid

This paper presents GridMW, a scalable and reliable data middleware layer for smart grids. Smart grids promise to improve the efficiency of power grid systems and reduce green house emissions through incorporating power generation from renewable sources and shaping demands to match the supply. As a result, power grid will become much more dynamic and require constant adjustments, which requires analysis and decision making applications to improve the efficiency and reliability of smart grid systems. However, these applications rely on large amounts of data gathered from power generation, transmission, and consumption. To this end, millions of sensors, including phasor measurement units (PMU) and smart meters, are being deployed across the smart grid system. Existing data middleware does not have the capability to collect, store, retrieve, and deliver the enormous amount of data from these sensors to analysis and control applications. Most existing data middleware approaches utilize general software systems for flexibility so that the solutions can provide general functionality for a range of applications. However, overheads incurred by generalized APIs cause high latencies and unpredictability in performance, which in turn prevents achieving near real time latencies and high throughput. In our work, by tailoring the system specifically to smart grids, we are able to eliminate much of these overheads while still keeping the implementation effort reasonable. This is achieved by using a log structure inspired architecture to directly access the block device layer, eliminating the indirection incurred by high level file system interfaces. Preliminary results show our system can significantly improve performance compared to traditional systems.