cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of antiretroviral regimen on renal transplant outcomes in HIV-infected recipients.

Background Protease inhibitors (PI) pose a challenge post-transplant due to significant drug interactions with calcineurin inhibitors, prompting many clinicians to convert patients to non-interacting regimens prior to transplant. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of PI-based regimens on graft outcomes in HIV-infected renal transplant recipients. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 50 HIV-infected renal allograft recipients (27 receiving a PI regimen, 23 receiving a non-PI regimen) transplanted between 2003-2015 were analyzed. Results Cumulative rejection rates at 12 and 36 months were 41% and 54% in the PI group vs 52% and 86% in the non-PI group. At last follow-up, the overall risk of acute rejection in the PI group was 46% lower compared with the non-PI cohort (P = 0.12). Patients who received a PI-based regimen had significantly reduced graft failure rates (P = 0.027). There was no difference between groups in the degree of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, arteriolar hyalinosis, arterial sclerosis, or glomerular sclerosis on available biopsies, despite longer follow-up time in the PI group. Conclusions Our study suggests that PI-based antiretroviral therapy regimens are associated with improved graft survival and that patients can achieve adequate outcomes on a PI-based regimen when necessary. Due to study limitations, further studies are needed to determine the optimal immunosuppression/antiretroviral therapy regimen post-transplant.
Evaluation of Bayesian multiple stage estimation under spatial CAR model variants

ABSTRACTIn this study, an evaluation of Bayesian hierarchical models is made based on simulation scenarios to compare single-stage and multi-stage Bayesian estimations. Simulated datasets of lung cancer disease counts for men aged 65 and older across 44 wards in the London Health Authority were analysed using a range of spatially structured random effect components. The goals of this study are to determine which of these single-stage models perform best given a certain simulating model, how estimation methods (single- vs. multi-stage) compare in yielding posterior estimates of fixed effects in the presence of spatially structured random effects, and finally which of two spatial prior models – the Leroux or ICAR model, perform best in a multi-stage context under different assumptions concerning spatial correlation. Among the fitted single-stage models without covariates, we found that when there is low amount of variability in the distribution of disease counts, the BYM model is relatively robust to misspe...
Treatment Outcomes in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer.

Background. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is rare, accounting for 1-2% of thyroid malignancies. Median survival is only 3-10 months, and the optimal therapeutic approach has not been established. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes in ATC based on treatment modality. Methods. Retrospective review was performed for patients treated at a single institution between 1990 and 2015. Demographic and clinical covariates were extracted from the medical record. Overall survival (OS) was modeled using Kaplan Meier curves for different treatment modalities. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between treatment and disease characteristics and OS. Results. 28 patients with ATC were identified (n = 16 female, n = 12 male; n = 22 Caucasian, n = 6 African-American; median age 70.9). Majority presented as Stage IVB (71.4%). Most patients received multimodality therapy. 19 patients underwent local surgical resection. 21 patients received locoregional external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with a median cumulative dose of 3,000 cGy and median number of fractions of 16. 14 patients received systemic therapy (n = 11 concurrent with EBRT), most commonly doxorubicin (n = 9). 16 patients were never disease free, 11 patients had disease recurrence, and 1 patient had no evidence of disease progression. Median OS was 4 months with 1-year survival of 17.9%. Regression analysis showed that EBRT (HR: 0.174; 95% CI: 0.050–0.613; p=0.007) and surgical resection (HR: 0.198; 95% CI: 0.065–0.598; p=0.004) were associated with improved OS. Administration of chemotherapy was not associated with OS. Conclusions. Anaplastic thyroid cancer patients receiving EBRT to the thyroid area/neck and/or surgical resection had better OS than patients without these therapies, though selection bias likely contributed to improved outcomes since patients who can undergo these therapies tend to have better performance status. Prognosis remains poor overall, and new therapeutic approaches are needed to improve outcomes.
A novel transfer learning framework for low-dose CT

Over the past few years, deep neural networks have made significant processes in denoising low-dose CT images. A trained denoising network, however, may not generalize very well to different dose levels, which follows from the dose-dependent noise distribution. To address this practically, a trained network requires re-training to be applied to a new dose level, which limits the generalization abilities of deep neural networks for clinical applications. This article introduces a deep learning approach that does not require re-training and relies on a transfer learning strategy. More precisely, the transfer learning framework utilizes a progressive denoising model, where an elementary neural network serves as a basic denoising unit. The basic units are then cascaded to successively process towards a denoising task; i.e. the output of one network unit is the input to the next basic unit. The denoised image is then a linear combination of outputs of the individual network units. To demonstrate the application of this transfer learning approach, a basic CNN unit is trained using the Mayo low- dose CT dataset. Then, the linear parameters of the successive denoising units are trained using a different image dataset, i.e. the MGH low-dose CT dataset, containing CT images that were acquired at four different dose levels. Compared to a commercial iterative reconstruction approach, the transfer learning framework produced a substantially better denoising performance.
Patient Experience with Rechargeable Implantable Pulse Generator Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders.

Background/aims Nonrechargeable deep brain stimulation implantable pulse generators (IPGs) for movement disorders require surgical replacement every few years due to battery depletion. Rechargeable IPGs reduce frequency of replacement surgeries and inherent risks of complications but require frequent recharging. Here, we evaluate patient experience with rechargeable IPGs and define predictive characteristics for higher satisfaction. Methods We contacted all patients implanted with rechargeable IPGs at a single center in a survey-based study. We analyzed patient satisfaction with respect to age, diagnosis, target, charging duration, and body mass index. We tabulated hardware-related adverse events. Results Dystonia patients had significantly higher satisfaction than Parkinson's disease patients in recharging, display, programmer, and training domains. Common positive responses were "fewer surgeries" and "small size." Common negative responses were "difficulty finding the right position to recharge" and "need to recharge every day." Hardware-related adverse events occurred in 21 of 59 participants. Conclusion Patient experience with rechargeable IPGs was largely positive; however, frustrations with recharging and adverse events were common. Dystonia diagnosis was most predictive of high satisfaction across multiple categories, potentially related to expected long disease duration with need for numerous IPG replacements.
Independent and Joint Effects of Vascular and Cardiometabolic Risk Factor Pairs for Risk of All-Cause Dementia: A Prospective Population-Based Study

Objectives To assess independent and joint effects of pairs of vascular and cardiometabolic risk factors (VCMRFs) in relation to risk of all-cause dementia. Design Population-based longitudinal cohort study of cognitive impairment. We used an algorithm to select pairs of VCMRFs and tested their joint effects in time-dependent Cox models. We used attributable proportions (AP) to measure the proportion of risk from interactions beyond any additive effect. Setting Economically depressed small-town population. Participants Adults age 65+ years with up to 10 yearly study visits (N=1701, median (Q1, Q3) age, 78 (71.0, 83.0), 62.3% female, 94.9% white). Results Among 1701 participants free from prevalent dementia with at least one follow-up visit, 109 developed incident all-cause dementia. In pairings of APOE*4 with hypertension (HTN) and congestive heart failure (CHF), the variables contributed independently and additively to all-cause dementia risk. In pairings of APOE*4 with stroke and stroke with CHF, the variables demonstrated independent contributions to all-cause dementia risk; their joint effects showed excess detriment demonstrating synergistic interactions (joint HR [95% CI]: 28.33 [6.74, 119.01] and 50.30 [14.57, 173.57] respectively, fully adjusted models). Physical activity (PA) was independently associated with lower all-cause dementia risk when paired with APOE*4, stroke, and CHF in unadjusted models; these associations did not survive covariate adjustment. The joint effect of low PA and APOE*4 was associated with additively increased all-cause dementia risk (joint HR [95% CI]: 4.61 [2.07, 10.23], fully adjusted model). Conclusions Reduction of VCMRFs, including low PA, could be valuable for dementia prevention, especially among APOE*4 carriers.
Building HVAC Scheduling Using Reinforcement Learning via Neural Network Based Model Approximation

Buildings sector is one of the major consumers of energy in the United States. The buildings HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, whose functionality is to maintain thermal comfort and indoor air quality (IAQ), account for almost half of the energy consumed by the buildings. Thus, intelligent scheduling of the building HVAC system has the potential for tremendous energy and cost savings while ensuring that the control objectives (thermal comfort, air quality) are satisfied. Traditionally, rule-based and model-based approaches such as linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) have been used for scheduling HVAC. However, the system complexity of HVAC and the dynamism in the building environment limit the accuracy, efficiency and robustness of such methods. Recently, several works have focused on model-free deep reinforcement learning based techniques such as Deep Q-Network (DQN). Such methods require extensive interactions with the environment. Thus, they are impractical to implement in real systems due to low sample efficiency. Safety-aware exploration is another challenge in real systems since certain actions at particular states may result in catastrophic outcomes. To address these issues and challenges, we propose a modelbased reinforcement learning approach that learns the system dynamics using a neural network. Then, we adopt Model Predictive Control (MPC) using the learned system dynamics to perform control with random-sampling shooting method. To ensure safe exploration, we limit the actions within safe range and the maximum absolute change of actions according to prior knowledge. We evaluate our ideas through simulation using widely adopted EnergyPlus tool on a case study consisting of a two zone data-center. Experiments show that the average deviation of the trajectories sampled from the learned dynamics and the ground truth is below 20%. Compared with baseline approaches, we reduce the total energy consumption by 17.1% ~ 21.8%. Compared with model-free reinforcement learning approach, we reduce the required number of training steps to converge by 10x.
Stellar profile independent determination of the dark matter distribution of the Fornax Local Group dwarf spheroidal galaxy

The local group dwarf spheroidal galaxies (LG dSphs) are among the most promising astrophysical targets for probing the small scale structure of dark matter (DM) subhalos. We describe a method for testing the correspondence between proposed DM halo models and observations of stellar populations within LG dSphs. By leveraging the gravitational potential of any proposed DM model and the available stellar kinematical data, we can derive a prediction for the observed stellar surface density of an LG dSph that can be directly compared with observations. Because we do not make any reference to an assumed surface brightness profile, our model can be applied to exotic DM distributions that produce atypical stellar density distributions. We use our methodology to determine that the DM halo of the Fornax LG dSph is more likely cored than cusped, ascertain that it is characterized by a semi-minor to semi-major axis ratio in minor tension with simulations, and find no substantial evidence of a disk within the dSph's larger DM halo.
THE YOUTH AND THE MODERN: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Every generation has challenges that are specific to the youth and which look modern at the particular time and open up numerous opportunities. In each generation, some people are identified as “leaders” in one of two ways. First, there are those who stand out as “leaders” because they have natural attractions and emit authority despite themselves. Second, there are those who are created by people in authority in effort to groom and nurture potential leaders in particular areas. There are times when the effort to create leaders is successful in that hitherto unrecognized talent comes forth. It is also possible, however, to create disaster when the authorities impose the unfit on reluctant followers in the name of grooming leaders. The best scenario, for any place, is when those to be identified for nurturing are also natural. Once they mature, these can be very effective in delivering on expectations. Key words: Youth, modernity, challenges, opportunities
Evaluation of the photodecarbonylation of crystalline ketones for the installation of reverse prenyl groups on the pyrrolidinoindoline scaffold

Abstract We report synthetic efforts toward the regiocontrolled installation of the prenyl moiety in debromoflustramine A by the regiospecific photodecarbonylation of a prenyl-substituted ketone. Synthetic approaches to access the plausible photodecarbonylation substrates beginning from tryptamine were evaluated. Initial attempts to synthesize a suitable substrate for photodecarbonylation were hampered by a lack of substrate crystallinity (a prerequisite for solid-state photochemistry). Ultimately, a crystalline substrate could be accessed to attempt the key step by judicious selection of N-substituents. Although the photodecarbonylation did not result in the desired reverse prenylation, this study highlights the troubleshooting and optimization required for crystal phase photochemistry and underscores methods that can be used to control substrate crystallinity.
Expression of the mitochondrial genome in HeLa cells. V. Transcription of mitochondrial DNA in relationship to the cell cycle.

Abstract An investigation of the rate of incorporation of [5-3H]ur dine into mitochondrial RNA in synchronized HeLa cells in different phases of the cell cycle has revealed a considerable acceleration of this incorporation in cells in S and especially in G2 phase. An analysis of the labeling of the intramitochondrial UTP pool has shown that this acceleration reflects a true increase in the rate of synthesis of mitochondrial RNA: this increase is considerably greater than can be accounted for by the expected doubling of mit-DNA ‡ templates during the S and G2 phases.
Datasets for material ignition from high radiant flux

Abstract High heat flux (>500 kW/m2) ignitions occur in scenarios involving metal fires, propellants, lightning strikes, above ground nuclear weapon use, etc. Data for material response in such environments is primarily limited to experimental programs in the 1950s and 1960s. We have recently obtained new data in this environment using concentrated solar energy. A portion of the experimental data were taken with the objective that the data be useful for model validation. To maximize the utility of the data for validation of predictive codes, additional focus is placed on repeatability of the data, reduction of uncertainties, and characterization of the environment. We illustrate here a portion of the data and methods used to assess environmental and response parameters. The data we present are novel in the flux range and materials tested, and these data constitute progress in the ability to characterize fires from high flux events.
New Micromethods for Studying Sublobular Structure and Function in the Isolated, Perfused Rat Liver

Periportal and pericentral (centrilobular) regions of the liver lobule differ with respect to ultrastructure, metabolism, and pathology.1–3 These differences are most striking in the response of the liver to various hepatotoxins.4 Some toxins (e.g., ethanol and carbon tetrachloride) cause selective damage to centrilobular areas, while others (e.g., allyl alcohol) injure periportal regions predominantly. In part, these differences among various regions of the liver lobule may reflect gradients of oxygen, metabolites, and hormones that are established as blood flows through the living lobule. They may also result from intrinsic differences in enzymes, cofactors, and metabolic intermediates in different regions of the liver lobule. A better understanding of hepatic function in health and disease requires that more knowledge about microheterogeneity within the liver lobule be obtained.
The sleeper effect of perceived insufficient milk supply in US mothers.

Objective: To test whether perception of insufficient milk (PIM) supply in the breast-feeding relationship of one child predicts how long mothers breast-feed subsequent children, and whether this association differs for first-time mothers v. mothers with previous children. Design: Secondary analysis of Infant Feeding Practices Study II (ordinary least squares regression) and Year 6 follow-up. Setting: Mailed, self-report survey of US mother–infant dyads, 2005–2012. Participants: Women pregnant with a singleton were recruited from a consumer opinion panel. Exclusion criteria included: mother age <18; infant born <5 lbs, born before 35 weeks or with extended NICU stay, and mother or infant diagnosed with condition that impacts feeding. A subsample with PIM data (n 1460) was analysed. Results: We found that women who weaned because of PIM with the index child stopped breast-feeding 5·7 weeks earlier than those who weaned due to other reasons (4·9 weeks earlier for multiparas, P < 0·001; 7·1 weeks earlier for primiparas, P < 0·001). Using Year 6 follow-up data (n 350), we found subsequent child 1 weaned 9·2 weeks earlier if the mother experiences PIM as a multipara (P = 0·020) and 10·6 weeks earlier if the mother experiences PIM as a primipara (P = 0·019). For subsequent child 2 (n 78), the magnitude of association was even larger, although insignificant due to low power. Conclusions: These findings indicate that PIM may carry forward in the reproductive life course, especially for first-time mothers. Perceptions of breast milk insufficiency and contributors to actual inadequate milk supply with the first child should be targeted, rather than intervening later in the reproductive life course.
Clinical Update: The Implementation of Evidence-Based Emotion Regulation Treatment for Clients with Autism

Autism is more widely recognized and diagnosed than ever before, due in part to broadened diagnostic criteria, heightened awareness of the condition in popular media, and improved early identificat...
Integrated Behavioral Health Service Models and Core Competencies

Health care in the United States continues to remain fragmented, inefficient, inequitable, and ineffective. These factors, combined with long histories of inequities in access to social determinants of health and wealth, have contributed to health disparities for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), disparities that have been exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Integrating health and behavioral health services can address system fragmentation and inequitable access to resources. In this chapter, I define integrated behavioral health practice (IBHP) and provide an overview of the various factors that have led to the rise of integrated behavioral health care (IBHC) in the United States over the last two decades. These inter-related and overlapping factors include service fragmentation, health disparities, the realization of the role of trauma in health outcomes, and the recognition of the co-occurring and bidirectional nature of mental illnesses, addiction, trauma, and physical illnesses. I also identify the barriers to full integration of behavioral health care in health settings and explore potential solutions by highlighting specific models of integrated behavioral health care and the competencies associated with effective integrated behavioral health practice.
QTL Analysis of Cold-tolerance at Seedling Stage in Rice

To provided the experimental materials for identifying and cloning the quantitative trait loci(QTLs)of cold tolerance at the seedling stage,the authors analyzed QTLs location and evaluate the genetic effects of two parents and 213 RILs for cold tolerance at the seedling stage with the rate of dead seedlings by using software QTL IciMapping 4.0,and based on genetic linkage map of 141 SSR molecular markers and mapping population of 213lines(recombination inbred lines,RIL)derived from a cross between IR24 and Asominori.The QTLs qCTS-6,qCTS-11andqCTS-12 related to cold tolerance at the seedling stage were detected on chromosome 6,11 and 12,respectively.Individual QTLs(LOD=3.194 3,LOD=4.688 2,LOD=3.797 0)explained 5.662 7%,8.549 6% and 12.787 7% of the observed phenotypic variance separately.All the three of detected QTLs allelescame from cold-tolerant parent Asominori.
Thermal-fluid analysis of a parabolic trough solar collector of a direct supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle: A numerical study

Abstract Recently, supercritical carbon dioxide, S-CO2, has been suggested for utilization as the working fluid in solar thermal power plants. Replacing current working fluids with S-CO2, however, is not a straightforward task. This work numerically investigates the heat transfer and flow filed in a parabolic trough solar collector which carries S-CO2. A full-scale three-dimensional model of the parabolic trough is developed and analyzed using the Star CCM + software. The variation of carbon dioxide’s thermophysical properties inside the receiver tube is considered. The computational model is validated against a set of experimental data published by Sandia National Laboratories with no more than a 2.81% error margin. The numerical experiment is carried out at five different times during a typical summer day in Albuquerque, NM. Numerical results confirm that in all cases, heat loss from the upper half of the receiver tube is more than the absorbed solar incidence on that side. At noon, when the absorbed heat flux on the lower surface of the receiver tube reaches its maximum at 29810 W/m2, the net heat loss flux from the upper half of the receiver tube reaches 2622 W/m2. Consequently, the heat transfer from the upper half of the receiver tube unfavorably impacts the thermal efficiency of the parabolic trough. Additionally, while from 8 AM to 12 PM thermal efficiency drops less than 2.4%, the S-CO2 temperature increment grows over 182%. A reverse trend occurs from noon to 4 PM, mainly due to the change in the available solar incidence.
Outcomes of Lymphovenous Anastomosis for Upper Extremity Lymphedema: A Systematic Review

Background Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) is an accepted microsurgical treatment for lymphedema of the upper extremity (UE). This study summarizes and analyzes recent data on the outcomes associated with LVA for UE lymphedema at varying degrees of severity. Methods A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database to extract articles published through June 19, 2020. Studies reporting data on postoperative improvement in limb circumference/volume or subjective improvement in quality of life for patients with primary or secondary lymphedema of the UE were included. Extracted data consisted of demographic data, number of patients and upper limbs, duration of symptoms before LVA, surgical technique, follow-up, and objective and subjective outcomes. Results A total of 92 articles were identified, of which 16 studies were eligible for final inclusion comprising a total of 349 patients and 244 upper limbs. The average age of patients ranged from 38.4 to 64 years. The duration of lymphedema before LVA ranged from 9 months to 7 years. The mean length of follow-up ranged from 6 months to 8 years. Fourteen studies reported an objective improvement in limb circumference or volume measurements following LVA, ranging from 0% to 100%. Patients included had varying severity of lymphedema, ranging from Campisi stage I to IV. The maximal improvement in objective measurements was found in patients with lower stage lymphedema. Conclusion LVA is a safe, effective technique for the treatment of UE lymphedema refractory to decompressive treatment. Results of LVA indicate greater efficacy in earlier stages of lymphedema before advanced lymphatic sclerosis.
Connecting to Physics

The parity violation of Dirac spinor fields occurs to the level of the Pauli (or Weyl) subspinor fields. So in physics the fundamental fermion fields are Pauli spinors instead of Dirac spinors. Dirac spinors consist of a pair of Pauli spinors; the Dirac algebra is the Pauli algebra tensored with R(2). This extra R(2) is required not only of this physical context, but also of mathematical contexts, like using O L (2) to represent R 8,0 and triality operations (see chapter 7), and in the construction of the groups of the magic square (see chapter 8). This paradigm, that the Clifford algebra of spacetime starts with a Pauli algebra for just space, and that this when tensored with R(2) provides room for time, will also be used below in the construction of a Clifford algebra for (1,9)-spacetime.
The Hormonal Regulation of Glycogen Metabolism in Muscle

Publisher Summary A wide variety of hormonal and nonhormonal mechanisms controls the synthesis and degradation of glycogen in muscle. The general pattern of the control of glycogen degradation and synthesis, by epinephrine and β-adrenergic catecholamines and by glucagon, appears to be well established. With the discovery of the effect of insulin on the enzymatic system of glycogen synthesis, active research began on the chain of events leading from the initial action of insulin to the final activation of the synthesis of glycogen, as well as on the control of the enzymes involved. Although effects of thyroid hormones have been observed on mitochondria1 morphology and metabolism, the finding of the interdependence of thyroid hormones and β-adrenergic catecholamines has revealed other possibilities that appear to be at least in part directly related to glycogen metabolism. Glycogen is the principal reserve form of carbohydrate in animal cells. It has been found in nearly all tissues and is most abundant in liver and muscle.
AN EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF AN INTERMITTENT CYCLE SOLAR-POWERED AMMONIA/WATER ABSORPTION AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

ABSTRACT This paper presents the most recent results obtained from research performed at the University of Florida Solar Research Residence with the solar powered, intermittent cycle, ammonia/water absorption air conditioning system. The solar air conditioner consists primarily of two heat exchanger vessels connected at the top with a vapor line. One heat exchanger functions as a generator/absorber for the intermittent cycle unit. The other heat exchanger contains two tube bundles; one which functions as a condenser and another which acts as an evaporator. The unit intermittently cycles from a generation/condensation mode to an evaporation/absorption mode of operation as the controls dictate. Data are presented related to the operation of the air conditioning unit with varying hot water supply and cooling water supply temperatures. The energy efficiency ratio (EER) and the thermal coefficient of performance (COP) are presented along with explanations of their importance to inexpensive, efficient solar air conditioning.
Bending of Thin Elastic Plates of Variable Thickness

Southwell's equations for the bending of thin elastic plates are derived from a new point of view and are extended to plates of variable thickness and mixed boundary conditions. The bend­ ing and twisting moments and the transverse shear in the plate are expressed in terms of two "stress functions" U and V. The boundary conditions are such that, on an unsupported edge, the boundary values of U and V are known and that, on a clamped edge, the first derivatives of U, V are known. Thus, the new formulation is particularly adaptable to plates with free edges, for which the classical KirchhofT-Love formulation expressed in terms of the deflection function is inconvenient because the boundary conditions involve the second- and third-order deriv­ atives. The theory is applied to a square plate with linear thickness variation (cross sections in the form of a double wedge) simply supported at two diagonal corners and loaded by a pair of equal forces at the other two corners. This loading condition is chosen for its simplicity in experimental verification that is carried out. The stresses and deflection of this plate are found by the relax­ ation method. The profound influence of the thickness variation on the stress distribution is shown by comparing the results with the exact solution for a plate of uniform thickness under the same loading condition. The theoretical results agree with the ex­ periments within the estimated error of both, indicating that the formulation of the bending problems for plates of variable thick­ ness is sound. The influence of the thickness variation and the power of the method are further illustrated by the results for the bending of the square plate by uniform edge moments and also for a fullspan solid swept wing.
Optimal revascularization strategies for percutaneous coronary intervention of distal anastomotic lesions after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objective To determine the best revascularization strategy when treating distal anastomotic lesions. Background Distal anastomotic lesions are the most common reason for venous graft failure especially early after bypass surgery. However, the best percutaneous method for treating these lesions is still controversial. Methods All patients from 2/2000 to 1/2011 who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention of bypass graft distal anastomotic lesions were retrospectively enrolled. Among the 139 patients included, 26 (18.7%) were treated with plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA), 68 (48.9%) with bare metal stents (BMS), and 45 (32.4%) with drug-eluting stents (DES). Results Baseline characteristics were generally comparable among the 3 groups. At 6 months' follow-up, the highest rate of target lesion revascularization–major adverse cardiac events (TLR-MACE) was seen in the BMS group compared to the DES and POBA groups (16.2 vs. 2.2 vs. 3.8%, respectively, P = 0.03), which was driven mainly by the highest rates of death and TLR in the BMS group (11.8 and 4.7%, respectively). At 1-year follow-up, a higher rate of TLR-MACE was seen in the BMS group compared to the DES and POBA groups (20.6 vs. 11.1 vs. 7.7%, respectively, P = 0.19). After adjustment, on Cox regression analysis for hazard ratios, no significant differences were found among the 3 groups at 1-year follow-up of TLR-MACE. Conclusions When selecting the treatment modality for saphenous vein graft distal anastomotic lesions, BMS implantation should be discouraged while POBA and DES implantation can be performed with favorable long-term outcomes. The optimal treatment approach should be evaluated in large, randomized clinical trials.
SYNAPTIC PLASTICITY AND HUMORAL MODULATION OF NEUROMUSCULAR TRANSMISSION IN THE LOBSTER CLAW OPENER DURING THE MOLT CYCLE

Abstract 1. Neuromuscular properties of the lobster dactyl opener were studied at different stages of the molt cycle. 2. Excitatory junctional potentials (EJPs) were found to be significantly larger in hard-shelled premolt lobsters than in soft-shelled postmolt animals. 3. Inhibitory junctional potentials (IJPs) were larger in postmolt claw preparations than in premolt ones. 4. Excitatory transmission was also monitored during superfusion with plasma samples obtained from lobsters in vartious stages of the molt cycle (postmolt = AB; intennolt = C; premolt = D 2 ). 5. D 2 plasma increased EJP amplitude by an average of 28% relative to baseline levels (in saline), while AB plasma reduced EJP size by an average of 6%. 6. Premolt and postmolt plasma produced opposite effects on quantal content ( m ); D 2 ; plasma increased m by a mean of 39%, whereas AB plasma caused a mean reduction by 10%, which suggests that humoral factors may act presynaptically to alter transmitter release. 7. These results provide evidence of neuromuscular plasticity in the opener muscle during the molt cycle, and are consistent with changes in claw-opening behavior seen during this cycle.
Hydrologic Analysis and Model Development for Cannonsville Reservoir

ABSTRACT The hydrology of Cannonsville Reservoir, a water supply and flow augmentation reservoir for the City of New York, is analyzed. Measurements of components of the hydrologic budget of the reservoir over the entire 30 years of operation are reviewed. The largest tributary is gauged near its discharge to the reservoir; all others are ungauged. Water surface elevation and outflow, in the form of spillway flow, direct releases for flow augmentation, and drinking water withdrawal are monitored. Multiple uses of the reservoir and variations in runoff common to the region result in strong seasonal and interannual variations in hydrology. Spillway flow typically occurs in late winter and spring, and is rare in summer and early fall. Releases, to meet minimum flow requirements in the Delaware River downstream, generally occur only in summer and early fall. Drinking water withdrawal is relatively uniform throughout the year. On average, spill, dam releases, and withdrawal for the water supply have represente...
Determination of copper in ammonium fluoride solutions by extraction and atomic-absorption spectrophotometry.

Abstract Extraction with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, followed by mineralization and atomic-absorption spectroscopy is used to determine down to 10 −7 % Cu in 40% ammonium fluoride solution used in the manufacture of semiconductors.
Long-call structure and its relation to taxonomy in lion tamarins.

Recent evidence on craniodental morphology suggests the acceptance of three species of lion tamarins (Leontopithecus). Confirmatory evidence is presented here using the morphology of long-call vocalizations recorded from several individuals of each type of lion tamarin. Recordings were made of Leontopicthecus rosalia, Leontopithecus chrysopygus, and Leontopithecus chrysomelas at the Centro de Primatologia do Rio de Janeiro (FEEMA) and of L. rosalia at Monkey Jungle in Florida. Thirty separate parameters were measured, and 17 of them differed significantly between populations. In general, L. chrysomelas had higher pitched calls with shorter note duration, while L. chrysopygus, the larger of the animals, had lower pitched calls with longer note duration. L. rosalia was either intermediate to the other two populations or resembled L. chrysopygus. Thus, the results from the analysis of vocal structures closely paralleled the results obtained with more traditional taxonomic methods and suggests that the quantitative analysis of vocal strucures can be a useful adjunct in taxonomy.
Electronic structure and bond competition in the polar magnet PbVO 3

Density functional electronic structure studies of tetragonal ${\mathrm{PbVO}}_{3}$ are reported. The results show an important role for both $\mathrm{Pb}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}6p\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{O}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}2p$ and $\mathrm{V}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}d\text{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{O}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}p$ bonding, with an interplay between these. This is discussed in relation to the possibility of obtaining magnetoelectric behavior.
An Integrated Liver- and Heart-On-A-Chip Platform

Engineering microfluidic devices to mimic human organs' microenvironments addresses many of the challenges of in vivo models, such as the lack of controllability and repeatability, and conventional static in vitro models, including deficiency in mimicking organ complexities. Due to these advantages, "organ-on-a-chip" platforms have gained significant interest for drug screening and studying the biophysics of physiologically relevant microenvironments. Here, we present an integrated heart- and liver-on-a-chip platform by culturing human induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiac myocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and hepatocytes (hiPSC-HPs) in a single microfluidic chip. Since the failure of most of drugs is regarded to the toxicity or dysfunction of these two organs, simultaneous and integrated investigation of the biophysics of toxicology on the liver and heart is essential. A dynamic fluid transport system was engineered by creating endothelial-like barriers to mimic continuous nutrient exchange and cell-cell interaction observed in ventricular myocardium and liver sinusoid. Moreover, using microfluidic channels, the blood flow between liver and heart was mimicked. Laminar fluid flow in these microchannels provides a predictable and spatially and temporally controllable microenvironment to study the biophysics for these two organs on chips. This model not only gives us the ability for testing the effects of heart diseases' drugs on the functionality of the cardiac and liver cells simultaneously, but it also presents the role of detoxification on the heart performance. The effect of different parameters, such as flow rate, was investigated by real time monitoring of the cultured cells morphology and metabolism. The capability of our device for long-term culturing of iPSC-derived liver and cardiac cells was also presented, which is critical for patient-specific drug discovery. We believe that this integrated organ-on-a-chip platform provides new possibilities for the future of drug screening and personalized medicine.
A phantom study of the effect of heart rate, coronary artery displacement and vessel trajectory on coronary artery calcium score: potential for risk misclassification.

Background Accurate coronary artery calcium scoring improves risk stratification in some strata of the population. Objective We evaluated individual and combined effects of reader experience, heart rate, vessel displacement, and trajectory on computed tomography (CT) Agatston score, calcium volume, and calcium mass in a cardiac phantom model. Methods A cardiac motion phantom was scanned with a 64-slice CT scanner with artificial electrocardiogram gating with combinations of the following: heart rates 60, 80, and 100 beat/min; vessel displacement of 1.25 and 2.5 cm; and multiple vessel trajectories of craniocaudal, right-left, anteroposterior, right coronary artery (RCA), left anterior descending, and left circumflex (LCX). Calcium quantification was done by 2 different readers with the use of 3 methods: Agatston, calcium volume, and calcium mass. Results Heart rate, coronary displacement, and trajectory had significant effects on all 3 techniques, with a general decrease in score as the heart rate increased. A vessel displacement of 2.5 cm decreased the Agatston score by 16% ( P P Conclusion The calcium score is affected by heart rate, vessel displacement, and trajectory.
Fracture toughness measurement by microindentation and three-point bend methods

Abstract The microindentation and the three-point bend test of the chevron-notched-bar methods were used to measure the fracture toughness of several common ceramic materials between room temperature and 1000 °C. The fracture toughness calculated from the maximum loads of chevron-notched beams was shown to be in good agreement with the values given in the literature. Agreement of the results obtained by the two methods was excellent at room temperature. The two methods, however, gave opposite trends for the fracture toughness of silicon nitride as a function of temperature. Because of the fewer assumptions involved in the chevron-notched-beam method, it is considered preferable despite more complicated specimen preparation.
Effect of apolipoproteins on the hepatic lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of human plasma high density lipoprotein2-triacylglycerols

The effect of apolipoproteins on the hepatic lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of high density lipoprotein (HDL) triacylglycerols was studied in an in vitro system consisting of purified human post-heparin hepatic lipase, HDL2 and albumin. The apparent values of the Michaelis constant (Km) and maximal velocity (Vmax) for the hepatic lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of HDL2-triacylglycerols were 0.18 mM and 86 nmol free fatty acids released/mg hepatic lipase per min, respectively. The addition of purified human plasma apolipoprotein A-I, A-II, E, C-I or C-III2 (containing 2 mol of sialic acid) to HDL2 caused inhibition of hepatic lipase activity. At a 1:1 weight ratio of added apolipoprotein to HDL2-protein, inhibition was 50% for apolipoprotein E and over 75% for the other apolipoproteins tested. Inhibition of enzyme activity occurred with both the unfractionated HDL2 and the HDL which were reisolated by ultracentrifugation. The major alteration in the composition of the reisolated HDL was an increase in the protein to phospholipid ratio. Based on these results, we speculate on the possible role of the apolipoproteins in the metabolism of HDL2 by hepatic lipase.
Value of the electrical log for estimating ground-water supplies and the quality of the ground water

This paper gives a brief summary of studies of the value of the electrical log for estimating ground-water supplies and the quality of the water in them made in Texas by the United States Geological Survey and cooperating parties. The electrical log has been found to be especially valuable in the Coastal Plain Region of Texas where the rocks consist mostly of a succession of clays or shales or sandy clays or shales lnterbedded with sands or sandstones. In that region the electrical log has been found to be more useful than the driller's log for correlating the principal water-bearing horizons over wide areas. The log by itself is not an indicator of the permeability of the water-bearing beds, nor a safe guide as to the quality of the water in them, but if it is studied in connection with other data, it is sure to tell an interesting and instructive story. Thus far in Texas no extensive studies have been made of the value of the electrical log in limestone aquifers or in sand or sandstone aquifers associated with limestone.
LOSING VOICE? Educational Management Organizations and Charter Schools' Educational Programs

Charter schools are one form of decentralizing public education by shifting power into the hands of school stakeholders by providing them with more “voice” in day-to-day decisions. However, the inc...
ON THE DEMISE AND MORROW OF SUBCULTURE THEORIES OF CRIME AND DELINQUENCY

(1997). ON THE DEMISE AND MORROW OF SUBCULTURE THEORIES OF CRIME AND DELINQUENCY. Journal of Crime and Justice: Vol. 20, No. 2, pp. 167-178.
Teachers' Views of Integrated Preschools.

The purpose of this study was to investigate integrated preschool teachers' views of integrated preschool settings for young children with and without special needs to see what might be contributing to the difficulties they and others face in designing and implementing integrated programs at the early childhood level. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 teachers to probe their thinking about their roles and settings. The narrative data were analyzed to describe the prototypical experiences and concerns of the teachers. Findings suggest that the conditions under which teachers implemented integration vary considerably from community to community and that teachers experienced more difficulty with sociopolitical variables than pedagogical factors in fulfilling their responsibilities.
Grazer control of nutrient availability in the periphyton

Benthic algal assemblages are regulated by both abiotic (e.g., nutrient) and biotic (e.g., grazing) constraint. The objective of this study was to determine how changes in these two factors affected the structure of an algal assemblage in an ephemeral stream. Coverslips were incubated for 21 days in enclosures containing one of three nutrient environments (ambient, phosphorus-enriched, or phosphorus and nitrogen enriched) and one of four densities of the snail Gonibasis (0, 40, 80, or 120 snails/m2) and examined directly to enumerate the algal assemblage. The effect of grazing on algal biomass was dependent on the nutrient environment. An overstory of diatoms was susceptible to removal by grazing and was not strongly affected by nutrient enrichment. An understory of Stigeoclonium was more resistant to grazing and responded strongly to nutrient enrichment only in the presence of grazers. Snail grazers may mediate nutrient availability to the understory indirectly by removing overlying cells or by direct excretion of nutrients. Multiple interactions occur between benthic herbivores and algae, and, as shown here, some of them are positive and involve modifications of the nutrient environment.
“Happy” Marriages in Early Nineteenth-Century France.

This article uses familial correspondence to examine how bourgeois families conceived of marriage in the early nineteenth-century France. It argues that the companionate model of marriage, which was gaining influence during these years, did not replace the earlier model of the arranged marriage but rather was integrated into it. Marriages continued to be arranged by families but bourgeois couples also sought love and companionship in marriage. Their sense of “happiness” was a very bourgeois kind of happiness, however, based on economic security and domestic peace within the constraints of familial obligations.
The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators

Beginning in the late 1880s, the state legislature approved laws disenfranchising a number of Black voters in Tennessee and made it virtually impossible for the continued election of Black officeholders. Indeed, only 17 Black Tennesseans held elective office from 1885 to 1900 (Cartwright, 1976; Scott, 1964). The landmark reapportionment case Baker v. Carr (1962), which challenged malapportionment in the state legislative body, provided the constitutional precedent that eventually led to the creation of several majority Black districts in Tennessee. As a result of this Supreme Court decision and other apportionment cases (Reynolds v. Sims, 1964; Wesberry v. Sanders, 1964), states were forced to reapportion their legislative districts. The 1964 election of attorney Archie Walter (A. W.) Willis, Jr., the first Black legislator in the state since Reconstruction, was but one important tangible political outcome of these court rulings. This longitudinal study examines the role of race in the Tennessee General Assembly from 1970 to 1988. The study relies heavily on interviews with various Black caucus members and three other sources: Abstracts of Public Chapters (Office of Legislative Ser-