cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of human leukocyte antigen and calculated panel reactive antibody on BK viremia in kidney transplant recipients: A single-center experience and literature review

BACKGROUND The aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the effect of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and calculated panel reactive antibody (cPRA) on BK virus activation as evidenced by BK viremia (BKV). PATIENTS AND METHODS At our institution, 649 kidney transplant patients were screened for BKV from 2009 to 2017. Patients were considered to have BKV if they had >10 000 copies/mL of BK DNA in their blood. Donor and recipient HLA and cPRA, demographic, clinical and laboratory data, as well as immunosuppressive medications were collected. RESULTS We identified 122 BK positive and 527 BK negative patients. Only 25% of the patients had cPRA of 20% or more, and 64% had more than three HLA-A, -B, and -DR mismatches. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, male gender, age, and maintenance of steroid therapy significantly increased the risk of BKV (P = 0.005, 0.005 and <0.001, respectively). The degree of cPRA and the individual HLA allele and HLA allele matching did not significantly affect BKV. CONCLUSION Neither the degree of HLA mismatching nor cPRA appears to affect BKV. Moreover, no specific HLA allele, HLA allele matching, or cPRA were associated with BKV.
Impact of Low-Salt Diet Education at Time of Discharge on Heart Failure Readmission and Mortality

Background Heart failure is the leading indication for hospital admission in adults over 65 years of age. The benefit attributable to patient diet education in preventing readmission and mortality has not been well established. Methods PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for articles published from 1990 to 2018. Inclusion criteria were any randomized prospective studies in English that included patients admitted for decompensated heart failure (HF) and received either standard discharge process or discharge process that included low-salt diet education by medical professionals. All articles underwent dual review. Data was extracted from the included studies and study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. Trials were excluded if they were presented only as abstracts, sub-studies of larger clinical trials or duplicate publications. A total of 2755 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Results Three of the five RCTs provided results that could be included in a meta-analysis model for HF readmission. The random-effects model revealed a statistically significant (P = 0.008) effect of diet education at time of discharge for HF exacerbation on the odds (OR = 0.47; 95% CI = 0.27 - 0.82) of future HF readmission within the next 180 days. Four of the five RCTs provided results that could be included in a meta-analysis model for death. The random-effects model revealed a statistically significant (P = 0.026) effect of diet education at time of discharge for HF exacerbation on the odds (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.42 - 0.95) of mortality within the next 180 days. Conclusions Discharge process that incorporates low-salt diet education reduces hospital readmission and improves survival of patients hospitalized for heart failure.
Elective delivery at 34 weeks vs routine obstetric care in fetal gastroschisis: randomized controlled trial.

Objective To evaluate whether elective preterm delivery (ED) at 34 weeks is of postnatal benefit to infants with isolated gastroschisis compared with routine obstetric care (RC). Methods Between May 2013 and September 2015, all women with a sonographic diagnosis of fetal gastroschisis referred to a single tertiary center, before 34 weeks' gestation, were invited to participate in this study. Eligible patients were randomized to ED (induction of labor at 34 weeks) or RC (spontaneous labor or delivery by 37-38 weeks, based on standard obstetric indications). The primary outcome measure was length of time on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Secondary outcomes were time to closure of gastroschisis and length of stay in hospital. Outcome variables were compared using appropriate statistical methods. Analysis was based on intention-to-treat. Results Twenty-five women were assessed for eligibility, of whom 21 (84%; 95% CI, 63.9-95.5%) agreed to participate in the study; of these, 10 were randomized to ED and 11 to RC. The trial was stopped at the first planned interim analysis due to patient safety concerns and for futility; thus, only 21 of the expected 86 patients (24.4%; 95% CI, 15.8-34.9%) were enrolled. Median gestational age at delivery was 34.3 (range, 34-36) weeks in the ED group and 36.7 (range, 27-38) weeks in the RC group. One patient in the ED group delivered at 36 weeks following unsuccessful induction at 34 weeks. Neonates of women who underwent ED, compared to those in the RC group, showed no difference in the median number of days on TPN (54 (range, 17-248) vs 21 (range, 9-465) days; P = 0.08), number of days to closure of gastroschisis (7 (range, 0-15) vs 5 (range, 0-8) days; P = 0.28) and length of stay in hospital (70.5 (range, 22-137) vs 31 (range, 19-186) days; P = 0.15). However, neonates in the ED group were significantly more likely to experience late-onset sepsis compared with those in the RC group (40% (95% CI, 12.2-73.8%) vs 0%; P = 0.03). Conclusion This study demonstrates no benefit of ED of fetuses with gastroschisis when postnatal gastroschisis management is similar to that used in routine care. Rather, the data suggest that ED is detrimental to infants with gastroschisis. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
How Should We Decide Whether and When Some Care Is Better Than No Care

This case of cleft lip and palate repair by a surgical mission team is common. Low-risk, single-procedure surgical interventions requiring minimal follow-up with substantial quality of life improvement are well suited for this type of mission. However, cleft repair can also be quite complex and require multiple surgeries and other care over time, postoperative surveillance, and speech therapy. These benefits and burdens prompt us to investigate, from clinical and ethical perspectives, whether and when some surgical care is better than none. We argue that, when performing surgical interventions in low- and middle-income countries, mission teams should consider a systems-based approach that emphasizes collaboration, context, and sustainability.
Radical scavenging polyethylene films as antioxidant active packaging materials

Abstract Most foods and beverages require the use of additives to avoid degradative reactions responsible for spoilage, yet consumers are demanding removal of such additives from product formulations. In the present work, fish protein hydrolysates (heretofore “peptides”), natural compounds with demonstrated antioxidant activity, were bound to polyethylene (PE) surface through a two-step conjugation. The films were activated by UV-ozone treatment, and polyethyleneimine (PEI) was used to tether the peptides. Surface characterization of control and modified films was performed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), dye assays, contact angle and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) after each functionalization step. Surface characterization confirmed the successful activation and functionalization of the PE through the incorporation of carboxylic acids and amines. The covalent attachment of the active peptides onto the PE surface was confirmed by the changes observed in dye assays results and introduction of characteristic absorbance bands in ATR-FTIR spectra. Surface wettability showed the increase of hydrophilicity after UV-ozone treatment, and amine and peptide conjugation. TEAC assay showed that the amount of peptide bounded was not enough to have radical scavenging capacity, however amine conjugated films showed ability to scavenge free radicals (~1.2 nmol Trolox/cm2) and thus prevent oxidation reactions in foods. Such radical scavenging active packaging materials offer a potential alternative to the use of antioxidant additives in food and beverage formulations, addressing consumer demands for clean labels while mitigating food waste and loss due to spoilage.
Bridging the Gap Between Single-Strain and Community-Level Plant-Microbe Chemical Interactions.

Although the influence of microbiomes on the health of plant hosts is evident, specific mechanisms shaping the structure and dynamics of microbial communities in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere ar...
Allure of Water: An Interview with Steven Holl

Steven Holl is the founder and principal of the award-winning Steven Holl Architects and is a tenured professor of architecture at Columbia University. His work around the globe has demonstrated a ...
Factors Associated With Neurobehavioral Complications in Pediatric Abdominal Organ Transplant Recipients Identified Using Computable Composite Definitions.

OBJECTIVES Neurologic complications occur in up to 40% of adult abdominal solid organ transplant recipients and are associated with increased mortality. Comparable pediatric data are sparse. This study describes the occurrence of neurologic and behavioral complications (neurobehavioral complications) in pediatric abdominal solid organ transplant recipients. We examine the association of these complications with length of stay, mortality, and tacrolimus levels. DESIGN The electronic health record was interrogated for inpatient readmissions of pediatric abdominal solid organ transplant recipients from 2009 to 2017. A computable composite definition of neurobehavioral complication, defined using structured electronic data for neurologic and/or behavioral phenotypes, was created. SETTING Quaternary children's hospital with an active transplant program. PATIENTS Pediatric abdominal solid organ transplant recipients. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Computable phenotypes demonstrated a specificity 98.7% and sensitivity of 63.0% for identifying neurobehavioral complications. There were 1,542 readmissions among 318 patients, with 65 (20.4%) having at least one admission with a neurobehavioral complication (total 109 admissions). Median time from transplant to admission with neurobehavioral complication was 1.2 years (interquartile range, 0.52-2.28 yr). Compared to encounters without an identified neurobehavioral complication, encounters with a neurobehavioral complication were more likely to experience ICU admission (odds ratio, 3.9; 2.41-6.64; p < 0.001), have longer ICU length of stay (median 10.3 vs 2.2 d; p < 0.001) and hospital length of stay (8.9 vs 4.3 d; p < 0.001), and demonstrate higher maximum tacrolimus level (12.3 vs 9.8 ng/mL; p = 0.001). Patients with a neurobehavioral complication admission were more likely to die (odds ratio, 5.04; 1.49-17.09; p = 0.009). In a multivariable analysis, type of transplant, ICU admission, and tacrolimus levels were independently associated with the presence of a neurobehavioral complication. CONCLUSIONS Common electronic health record variables can be used to accurately identify neurobehavioral complications in the pediatric abdominal solid organ transplant population. Late neurobehavioral complications are associated with increased hospital resource utilization, mortality, and tacrolimus exposure. Additional studies are required to delineate the relationship between maximum tacrolimus level and neurobehavioral complications to guide therapeutic drug monitoring and dosing.
Investigation on an outbreak of unexplained group fever

Objective To understand the causes of an unexplained fever outbreak, so as to provide references for scientific and standardized disposal of similar epidemics. Methods Clinical data of 13 patients reported in an epidemic of unexplained group fever in one school of Ningxia in May 2018 were collected as case group. Twelve healthy students in the same class were selected as control group. Throat swab specimens were detected by RT-PCR for viral nucleic acid detection, and on-site epidemiological investigation was carried out to analyze the incidence and suspected transmission route. Results A total of 13 cases were diagnosed with 4 male and 9 female cases. The onset time was clustered. There was no obvious aggregation of family source and class seats. The main symptoms included fever (13 cases) and vomiting (10 cases) . By viral nucleic acid detection, 5 cases in the case group were positive for adenovirus, while all the cases in the control group were negative. Conclusions This is a clustered fever epidemic caused by adenovirus infection. It recommends that schools should strengthen morning check, follow-up due to illness, and teacher and student health education, so as to improve health and disease prevention awareness and prevent the occurrence of such epidemics again. Key words: Adenoviruses, human; Group epidemic; Fever
Illness Uncertainty and Its Antecedents for Patients With Prostate Cancer and Their Partners.

Objectives Guided by Mishel's uncertainty in illness theory, patterns of change in uncertainty were explored over time for patients with prostate cancer and their partners. In addition, the relationships between uncertainty and its antecedents were examined, and the role effects (patient versus partner) on these relationships were assessed. Sample & setting This study is a secondary analysis of the longitudinal data collected from a randomized clinical trial. Methods & variables The current authors fitted multiple-level models that included time-invariant baseline variables (sociodemographics and cancer factors) and time-varying variables (uncertainty, symptoms, and social support) measured at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 months thereafter. Results No statistically significant patterns of change in uncertainty over time were detected. Partners reported greater uncertainty than patients. Higher uncertainty was associated with more general and prostate cancer-specific symptoms, recurrent and advanced prostate cancer, higher prostate-specific antigen level, and lower social support. More urinary symptoms were associated with greater uncertainty in patients than in partners. Implications for nursing Uncertainty management can be tailored for and target symptom management and social support.
Understanding the Effect of Bid Quantities, Project Characteristics, and Project Locations on the Duration of Road Transportation Construction Projects during Early Stages:

Creating accurate estimates for the duration of road transportation projects is a challenging task that estimators and engineers have to face daily, and a lack of understanding of what drives such ...
Avian forebrain processing of magnetic intensity and inclination: hippocampus, anterior forebrain Wulst and an unexpected double-dissociation

It is often neglected that the ability of birds to extract navigational information from the earth’s magnetic field can be shaped by learning and memory, which would necessarily recruit brain regio...
Ist die kieferorthopädische Korrektur einer wachsenden hyperdivergenten retrognathen Klasse II möglich

Ein groser Teil der Klasse-II-Falle ist retrognath und hyperdivergent. Viele zeigen ein ungunstiges Wachstumsmuster, durch das sich die anteroposterioren, die vertikalen und die transversalen skelettalen Beziehungen immer weiter verschlechtern. Mit den bisherigen Behandlungsstrategien liesen sich zwar die dentalen Beziehungen korrigieren, bei den skelettalen Problemen waren sie jedoch wenig effektiv. Bei der Behandlung der dentalen und der skelettalen Probleme ist es daher wichtig, den Unterkiefer nach vorne zu rotieren, anstatt ihn nach vorne zu uberstellen. Eine echte Rotationsbewegung der Mandibula nach vorne, durch die bei wachsenden Kindern hauptsachlich die Projektion des Kinns bestimmt wird, lasst sich am besten durch absolute oder relative Intrusion der Zahne durchfuhren. Dies fuhrt bei Kindern im Wachstum zu einer starkeren Kinnprojektion, zu einem verbesserten Skelettprofil, zur Verkleinerung von Grund- und Kieferwinkeln und zur Verringerung der vorderen unteren Gesichtshohe. Die mit diesem Verfahren erreichten orthopadischen Veranderungen sind vergleichbar mit oder sogar besser als die Ergebnisse, die kieferorthopadisch mit skelettaler Verankerung oder chirurgisch bei Erwachsenen erreicht werden. Das Verfahren scheint auserdem zu stabileren Ergebnissen zu fuhren als die Behandlung erwachsener Patienten, da hier mit und nicht gegen das Wachstum gearbeitet wird.
A scoping review of interventions for older adults transitioning from hospital to home

Background/objectives Older adults are at high risk for adverse outcomes as they transition from hospital to home. Transitional care interventions primarily focus on care coordination and medication management and may miss key components. The objective of this study is to examine the current scope of hospital-to-home transitional care interventions that impact health-related outcomes and to examine other key components including engagement by older adults and their caregivers. Design Scoping review. Methods Eligible articles focused on hospital transition to home intervention, measured primary outcomes posthospitalization, used randomized controlled trial designs, and included primarily adults aged 60 years and older. Articles included in this review were reviewed in full and all data were extracted that related to study objective, setting, population, sample, intervention, primary and secondary outcomes, and main results. Results Five hundred sixty-seven records were identified by title. Forty-four articles were deemed eligible and included. Most common transitional care intervention components were care continuity and coordination, medication management, symptom recognition, and self-management. Few studies reported a focus on caregiver needs or goals. Common modes of intervention delivery included by phone, in person while the patient was hospitalized, and in person in the community following hospital discharge. The most common outcomes were readmission and mortality. Conclusion To improve outcomes beyond healthcare utilization, a paradigm shift is required in the design and study of care transition interventions. Future interventions should explore methods or novel interventions for caregiver engagement; leverage an interdisciplinary team or care coordination hub with engagement from underrepresented specialties such as social work and occupational therapy; and examine opportunities for interventions designed specifically to address older adult and caregiver-reported needs and their well-being.
Truth Hurts? Mandatory Environmental Information Disclosure and Regulatory Activities

This paper examines the impacts of mandatory environmental information disclosure policy on the implementation of traditional command-and-control environmental regulations in the context of the Tox...
Fugitive Justice: Runaways, Rescuers, and Slavery on Trial

During the tumultuous decade before the Civil War, no issue was more divisive than the pursuit and return of fugitive slaves - a practice enforced under the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850. When free Blacks and their abolitionist allies intervened, prosecutions and trials inevitably followed. These cases involved high legal, political, and - most of all - human drama, with runaways desperate for freedom, their defenders seeking recourse to a 'higher law' and normally fair-minded judges (even some opposed to slavery) considering the disposition of human beings as property. "Fugitive Justice" tells the stories of three of the most dramatic fugitive slave trials of the 1850s, bringing to vivid life the determination of the fugitives, the radical tactics of their rescuers, the brutal doggedness of the slavehunters, and the tortuous response of the federal courts. These cases underscore the crucial role that runaway slaves played in building the tensions that led to the Civil War, and they show us how 'civil disobedience' developed as a legal defense. As they unfold we can also see how such trials - whether of rescuers or of the slaves themselves - helped build the northern anti-slavery movement, even as they pushed southern firebrands closer to secession. How could something so evil be treated so routinely by just men? The answer says much about how deeply the institution of slavery had penetrated American life even in free states. "Fugitive Justice" powerfully illuminates this painful episode in American history, and its role in the nation's inexorable march to war.
Acquittals in Mugenzi & Mugiraneza v. Prosecutor Contribute To the Weak Legacy of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda

In 2011, the Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) found Justin Mugenzi and Prosper Mugiraneza guilty of conspiracy to commit genocide and direct and public incitement to commit genocide due to their roles in the removal and replacement of Jean-Baptiste Habyalimana as prefect of Butare in April 1994. In February 2013, the Appeals Chamber reversed these convictions and acquitted Mugenzi and Mugiraneza, determining that the appellants did not possess the requisite mens rea and genocidal intent. The ICTR’s goal is to bring justice and reconciliation to Rwanda, but these acquittals demonstrate its institutional weakness. The Appeals Chamber’s weak reasoning, simplistic view of the facts, and failure to take a strong stance against government leadership contributed to this weakness and may have a lasting impact on the ICTR’s legacy.
Michigan Emergency Response Study: Phase III: Implications of the failure to report pursuits and inaccurate accident reporting ‐ a research note

This analysis is the result of Phase III of the Michigan Emergency Response Study. A check of traffic tickets issued by the State Police officers during Phase II MERS revealed that officers issued twice the the number of tickets for fleeing and eluding than the number of pursuits reported. This study was conducted to determine the number of unreported pursuits and the officers’ reasons for failing to report. An analysis of the 65 reported MERS accidents was also conducted. This analysis revealed state police officers may have under‐reported their pursuits during the study year by a factor of 14.5, and describes the implications of such reporting on the rates of accidents, injuries and fatalities. The accident analysis revealed 43 per cent of the reported accidents were intentional collisions, which further reduced the official pursuit accident rate. Applies the findings of MERS III to provide indicated reductions in the accident, injury and fatality rates. Suggests recommendations to improve police pursuit reporting. The findings indicate that the police not only act in their own worst interests when they fail to report pursuits accurately, but also raise serious implications as to their accountability and integrity.
Bulk phase proton fluxes during the generation of membrane potential in rat liver mitochondria.

The addition of oxygen to anaerobic rat liver mitochondria incubated at 15 degrees C in the absence of permeant cations produced negligible rapid H+ ejection, monitored spectroscopically with phenol red, which corresponded kinetically to the rise in delta psi, as monitored by merocyanine 540. Slow H+ translocation was observed under these conditions during the aerobic phase, the extent of which was proportional to the amount of oxygen added and the rate dependent on the rate of counter-ion movement. Measurement of H+ disappearance in the mitochondrial matrix, as monitored by neutral red, likewise showed little or no rapid H+ change in the absence of counter-ion movements. In the presence of permeant cations, the H+ disappearance in the matrix was readily measured. This observation argues against the importance of the mitochondrial outer membrane and intermembrane space in masking H+ movements. The H+ translocation required in the generation of maximal or static head delta psi was determined by following the spectral response of merocyanine to increasing oxygen additions. The amount of oxygen giving maximal Delta psi corresponds to an extrusion of 2-3 ng ions of H+ . mg of protein-1. The absence of H+ movement of near this magnitude during the development of the Delta psi argues against the Delta psi-driven backflow of H+ ions as the sole explanation of these observations.
LEAPS: Detecting Camouflaged Attacks with Statistical Learning Guided by Program Analysis

Currently cyber infrastructures are facing increasingly stealthy attacks that implant malicious payloads under the cover of benign programs. Existing attack detection approaches based on statistical learning methods may generate misleading decision boundaries when processing noisy data with such a mixture of benign and malicious behaviors. On the other hand, attack detection based on formal program analysis may lack completeness or adaptivity when modelling attack behaviors. In light of these limitations, we have developed LEAPS, an attack detection system based on supervised statistical learning to classify benign and malicious system events. Furthermore, we leverage control flow graphs inferred from the system event logs to enable automatic pruning of the training data, which leads to a more accurate classification model when applied to the testing data. Our extensive evaluation shows that, compared with pure statistical learning models, LEAPS achieves consistently higher accuracy when detecting real-world camouflaged attacks with benign program cover-up.
Groupoids: unifying internal and external symmetry

The aim of this paper is to explain, mostly through examples, what groupoids are and how they describe symmetry. We will begin with elementary examples, with discrete symmetry, and end with examples in the differentiable setting which involve Lie groupoids and their corresponding infinitesimal objects, Lie algebroids.
ESD qualification and testing of semiconductor electronic components

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) standards, qualification and testing techniques are not keeping pace with the wide proliferation of product and package types, chip architectures, digital/analog mixed signal applications, multichip module (MCM) packages, and three-dimensional silicon packages. ESD test standards are primarily focused on impulse wave forms and testers and are not addressing the pace and changing trend of the semiconductor industry. For example, most ESD event simulators are not adequately addressing product with high pin counts, high-volume testing, and software needs. This paper discusses our perspective of those adjustments needed to drive ESD learning on product chips and of new package environments. Also discussed are ESD testing methodologies, wafer-level test systems, packaging effects, simulation, and MCM ESD testing.
Oxidant-Mediated Increases in Redox Factor-1 Nuclear Protein and Activator Protein-1 DNA Binding in Asbestos-Treated Macrophages

Alveolar macrophages have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of acute and chronic lung disorders. We have previously shown that normal human alveolar macrophages exhibit decreased DNA binding activity of the transcription factor, AP-1, compared with monocytes. Furthermore, this decrease in AP-1 DNA binding appears to be due to a decrease in the redox active protein, redox factor (Ref)-1. Ref-1 is an important redox regulator of a number of transcription factors, including NF-kappaB and AP-1. In this study we evaluated the role of asbestos, a prototypic model of chronic fibrotic lung disease, in Ref-1 expression and activity. We found that incubation with low concentrations of crocidolite asbestos (0.5-1.25 microg/cm(2)) resulted in an increase in nuclear Ref-1 protein after 5 min, with a persistent elevation in protein up to 24 h. Additionally, an increase in nuclear Ref-1 could be induced by treating the cells with an oxidant-generating stimulus (iron loading plus PMA) and inhibited by diphenyleneiodonium chloride, an inhibitor of NADPH oxidase. The asbestos-induced accumulation of nuclear Ref-1 was associated with an increase in AP-1 DNA binding activity. These findings suggest that an exposure associated with fibrotic lung disease, i.e., asbestos, modulates accumulation of nuclear Ref-1 in macrophages, and that this effect is mediated by an oxidant stimulus.
Real-time scheduling for software prototyping

This paper presents several real-time scheduling algorithms developed to support rapid prototyping of embedded systems using the Computer Aided Prototyping System (CAPS). The CAPS tools are based on the Prototyping System Description Language (PSDL), which is a high-level language designed specifically to support the conceptual modeling of real-time embedded systems. This paper describes the scheduling algorithms used in CAPS along with the associated timing constraint and hardware models, which include single and multi-processor configurations.
Measurement of 13C spin-spin relaxation times by two-dimensional heteronuclear 1H13C correlation spectroscopy

We have developed a heteronuclear ‘H-detected 2D NMR experiment for measurements of 13C T2 values. This experiment is suited for measurements of T2 values in macromolecules, such as proteins, where conventional measurements of 13C T2 values are not possible because of the low resolution of ID spectra and the lack of sensitivity of 13C detection. Samples of alanine 13C-enriched either at the C” or at the CB position were used to test whether this technique and direct detection of ‘3C in a Carr-Purcell experiment ( 1) yield the same results. The experiment we propose is shown in Fig. 1. It consists of a 2D double DEPT (2) sequence which is related to a sequence we have used recently (3) to determine spin-lattice relaxation times in basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor, and for reverse detection 1 D NMR experiments proposed for T, measurements (4, 5). Longitudinal ‘H magnetization is transferred to transverse i3C magnetization by means of a DEPT sequence. This is allowed to undergo spin-spin relaxation during a time r2. A carbon 180” pulse is applied in the middle of this period to refocus chemical-shift precession and dephasing due to magnetic field inhomogeneity. At the end of the r2 period, the carbon magnetization is converted to longitudinal magnetization during which time a homospoil pulse (typically of 1 ms duration) is applied along the z direction to randomize magnetization in the transverse plane. The 13C z magnetization is now reconverted to transverse magnetization and labeled with carbon frequencies during the t, evolution period. Subsequently, it is converted to observable ‘H magnetization by means of an inverse DEPT sequence. The phase cycles are given in the legend to Fig. 1. Phase cycle Cp r eliminates contributions originating from carbon instead of proton polarization, while $2 takes care of magnetization not converted to I&, by the 6 pulse. It is not necessary if 0 = 90”. Phase cycles & and $3 constitute a z filter; ti3 and the receiver phase cycle also eliminate magnetization of protons not coupled to i3C. Experiments with 72 delays from 1 ps to 2 s were recorded. The intensities of the resonances were fitted to an exponential curve and the values of the spin-spin relaxation times were determined to be 205 ms for the a-carbon and 457 ms for the methyl carbon (Figs. 2A and 2C). For comparison we have also measured the T2 values with a Carr-Purcell type sequence with direct detection. The T2 values measured were 205 and 5 13 ms for the C” and
Dynamic inconsistency and choice

In this paper, we analyze an intra-personal game where a decision-maker is summarized by a succession of selves. Selves may (or may not) have conflicting interests, and earlier selves may have imperfect knowledge of the preferences of future selves. At date 1, self-1 chooses a menu, at date 2, the preferences of self-2 realize and self-2 chooses an item from the menu. We show that equilibrium choice is consistent with either a preference for flexibility, a preference for betweenness or a preference for systematic restriction. Overall, the analysis reconciles the decision–theoretic approach of choice over time with the game–theoretic multiple-selves approach.
Disruption of copulatory behavior of male rats by olfactory bulbectomy at two, but not ten, days of age

Abstract Male rats received bilateral olfactory bulbectomies or a sham operation at 2 days of age, 10 days of age, or in adulthood. Relative to sham-operated males, bulbectomy at 2 days of age or in adulthood reduced the proportion of males that copulated when tested as adults. In contrast, copulatory behavior was essentially normal in male rats bulbectomized at 10 days of age. The copulatory deficit in the Day-2 bulbectomized males was not a secondary effect of a testicular dysfunction because the age at preputial separation was normal and exogenous testosterone was ineffective in activating copulation in the noncopulating bulbectomized males. Neonatally bulbectomized males (both Day-2 and Day-10) showed a small, but significant, olfactory deficit when tested at 15 days of age, yet responded similarly to sham-operated males when tested in adulthood. Recovery of copulation after olfactory system damage appears to be dependent on the age of the animal at the time of the lesions. Furthermore, our results support previous suggestions that sparing of function is not a necessary consequence of the high plasticity of the developing nervous system.
2,4,6-Tris­[2-(tri­methyl­silyl)­ethynyl]-1,3,5-triazene: a novel precursor to C–N two-dimensional structures

The title structure, C18H27N3Si3, consists of separate mol­ecules arranged in sheets parallel to the ab plane. In each mol­ecule, the central (CN)3 ring, the ethynyl units, and the Si atoms lie in the same plane. Typical C—C and C—N bond distances are 1.197 (5) and 1.42 (4) A, respectively. The angles inside the (CN)3 ring range from 114 (3) to 125 (3)° and the acetyl­enic branches are nearly linear.
The Rise and Decline of Science in Islamic Civilization

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/22-1-13526 The rise of science in the Islamic civilization was the direct consequence of the unique transformation of human minds by Islam. As Islam spread to other nations, Muslims were exposed to other societies and their civilizations. There was a remarkable in-gathering and synthesis of human knowledge. Islamic scientists dominated the scene for several centuries but gradually science started to suffer a decline along with the decline of the political eminence of the Muslim state. The factors both extrinsic and intrinsic for this decline are discussed. Presented as the Al-Razi Memorial Lecture, 21st Annual Convention, Islamic Medical Association of North America, Anaheim, California July, 1988
Sensitivity of High-frequency Rayleigh-wave Data Revisited

Rayleigh-wave phase velocity of a layered earth model is a function of frequency and four groups of earth properties: Pwave velocity, S-wave velocity (Vs), density, and thickness of layers. Analysis of the Jacobian matrix (or the difference method) provides a measure of dispersion curve sensitivity to earth properties. Vs is the dominant influence for the fundamental mode (Xia et al., 1999) and higher modes (Xia et al., 2003) of dispersion curves in a high frequency range (>2 Hz) followed by layer thickness. These characteristics are the foundation of determining S-wave velocities by inversion of Rayleigh-wave data. More applications of surface-wave techniques show an anomalous velocity layer such as a high-velocity layer (HVL) or a low-velocity layer (LVL) commonly exists in near-surface materials. Spatial location (depth) of an anomalous layer is usually the most important information that surface-wave techniques are asked to provide. Understanding and correctly defining the sensitivity of high-frequency Rayleigh-wave data due to depth of an anomalous velocity layer are crucial in applying surface-wave techniques to obtain a Vs profile and/or determine the depth of an anomalous layer. Because depth is not a direct earth property of a layered model, changes in depth will result in changes in other properties. Modeling results show that sensitivity at a given depth calculated by the difference method is dependent on the Vs difference (contrast) between an anomalous layer and surrounding layers. The larger the contrast is, the higher the sensitivity due to depth of the layer. Therefore, the Vs contrast is a dominant contributor to sensitivity of Rayleigh-wave data due to depth of an anomalous layer. Modeling results also suggest that the most sensitive depth for an HVL is at about the middle of the depth to the half-space, but for an LVL it is near the ground surface.
The Filamentous Phage pIV Multimer Visualized by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy

A family of homomultimeric outer-membrane proteins termed secretins mediates the secretion of large macromolecules such as enzymes and filamentous bacteriophages across bacterial outer membranes to the extracellular milieu. The secretin encoded by filamentous phage f1 was purified. Mass determination of individual molecules by scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed two forms, a unit multimer composed of about 14 subunits and a multimer dimer. The secretin is roughly cylindrical and has an internal diameter of about 80 angstroms, which is large enough to accommodate filamentous phage (diameter of 65 angstroms).
Synergistic Supervision: A Confirmed Key to Retaining Entry-level Student Affairs Professionals

Entry-level student affairs staff are the profession's future and seasoned professionals must lay a strong supervisory foundation. Supervision has received little attention in the literature even though practitioners spend substantial time supervising. Although an important role, many seasoned professionals are ill prepared for this task. This study identified valuable supervision practices noted as valuable by entry-level professionals and whether those practices included synergistic supervision. Implications using the framework of Bronfenbrenner’s ecology model are offered.
The Szegö kernel for nonpseudoconvex tube domains in ℂ2

We consider the Szego kernel associated with domains in given by for a nonconvex polynomial of even degree with positive leading coefficient. Such domains are not pseudoconvex. We give a precise description of a subset of on which the kernel and all of its derivatives are finite. We show, in particular, that for such domains, the Szego kernel has singularities off the diagonal of as well as points on the diagonal at which it is finite.
Spinal interneurons play a minor role in generating ongoing renal sympathetic nerve activity in spinally intact rats

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine whether spinal interneurons play a role in the regulation of sympathetic activity in spinally intact rats. In acutely spinally transected rats, we have described a population of spinal interneurons that, by virtue of correlations between their ongoing firing rates and the magnitude of ongoing renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), are candidates for generators of sympathetic activity. Further evidence for a sympathetic role for these neurons comes from our observation that cervical spinal stimulation that reduces RSNA also reduces their discharge rates. In chloralose-anesthetized, spinally intact and spinally transected rats, we recorded ongoing RSNA and the ongoing activities of T10 dorsal horn and intermediate zone interneurons, and we determined the incidence of sympathetically related neurons in these rats by cross-correlating their activities with RSNA. The incidence of correlated neurons was much smaller in spinally intact than in spinally transected rats. We stimulated the dorsolateral, C2–3 spinal cord before and after acute C1 spinal transection. Dorsolateral cervical stimulation in spinally transected rats reduced both RSNA and the activities of most T10 interneurons, but stimulation in spinally intact rats increased RSNA while still reducing the activities of most T10 interneurons. Both the low incidence of sympathetically correlated spinal neurons in intact rats and the dissociation between the effects of cervical stimulation on RSNA and the discharge rates of spinal interneurons argue against these neurons playing a major role in regulating sympathetic activity in intact rats.
Family Resiliency During Childhood Cancer: The Father's Perspective:

Most studies of childhood cancer have focused on mothers, but few studies have examined the views of fathers on the effects of their child's cancer diagnosis and treatment on the family. The purpose of this study was to explore the resources that help fathers adapt to life after their child's diagnosis using the resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation as a framework. Eight fathers whose children had received treatment in a university pediatric oncology clinic in the prior 12 months were interviewed in depth. Data were coded thematically using NVivo. Results indicated that support from extended family, the church, and health care professionals was necessary for fathers to remain positive during their child's illness; spousal and parent-child relationships strengthened; and changes in family life varied based on the composition of the household. Further studies are warranted to better understand how fathers cope, so that pediatric oncology nurses and other health care professionals can provide holistic care that addresses the unique needs of all family members.
Analysis and Design of Delayed Resonator in Discrete Domain

The delayed resonator (DR) is a new active vibration absorption technique that uses time-delayed partial state feedback to generate ideal resonance on a passive vibration absorber. It has many attractive features such as real-time tunability, ease of implementation, and total suppression of vibration for tonal frequency disturbances. The DR controller has been developed in continuous domain until now. In this paper, discrete domain analysis is presented. Simulation results indicate an expected dependency of stability on the sampling period for this active control strategy. A major advantage of discrete domain analysis is the reduction of characteristic roots from infinite to finite numbers and consequent simplicity in the analysis and design of the controller. It is shown that discrete domain control design for DR yields better vibration suppression considering the sampled control structure in implementations.
EXPRESSION AND SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION PATHWAYS OF ENDOTHELIN RECEPTORS IN NEUROENDOCRINE CELLS

Endothelins (ETs) were initially thought to be primarily involved in the control of cardiovascular activity, but the presence of ETs and their receptors in a wide variety of other tissues has suggested a much broader range of functions. Specific receptors for ETs are found in nonvascular tissues including neuronal, neuroendocrine, and endocrine cells. In addition, immunoreactive ETs are present in the brain, pituitary, and peripheral endocrine tissues. However, the ET levels in hypothalamo-hypophysial portal and peripheral blood are low, suggesting that the ET system participates in neuroendocrine regulation through paracrine and/or autocrine mechanisms. Both ETA and ETB receptors are expressed in the hypothalamus, adrenal, parathyroid glands, pancreas, ovary, uterus, placenta, and prostate, while only ETA receptors are expressed in GT1 neurons, anterior pituitary cells, alpha T3-1 immortalized gonadotropes, parathyroid-derived cells, thyrocytes, testicular Leydig and Sertoli cells, normal and neoplastic ovarian granulosa cells, chondrocytes, and other cell types. Activation of ET receptors elicits the sequence of cellular events typical of Ca(2+)-mobilizing receptors, with prominent increases in phosphoinositide hydrolysis and elevations of [Ca2+]i that occur in oscillatory and nonoscillatory modes depending on the cell type. ET-induced activation of the phosphoinositide/Ca(2+)- mobilizing pathway in neuronal and endocrine cells is associated with rapid stimulation of secretory responses, including release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, oxytocin, vasopressin, substance P, atrial natriuretic peptides, gonadotropins, thyrotropin, growth hormone, parathyroid hormone, aldosterone, and catecholamines. On the other hand, ET has inhibitory actions on prolactin, progesterone, and renin release. In addition to stimulating phospholipase C-dependent pathways, ETs also activate phospholipase D-and MAP-kinase-dependent pathways in some of their target cells, as well as expression of early response genes and increased mitogenic activity. In many neuroendocrine cells, ET induces rapid and marked desensitization of its signaling system, in association with extensive internalization of ET receptors and reduced signaling and secretory responses. These findings raise the possibility that ETs participate in the control of secretory responses in the hypothalamo-pituitary system and peripheral endocrine cells, as well as in long-term aspects of regulation in certain neuroendocrine cells.
Vascular endothelial growth factor stimulates a novel calcium-signaling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Background. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent vascular mitogen that selectively stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration through an unknown mechanism while having no effect on VSMC proliferation. It is known that VSMC migration and proliferation are dependent on the second messenger Ca 2+ and, in particular, mitogen-stimulated Ca 2+ influx. We hypothesized that the selective effect of VEGF on VSMC migration versus proliferation was a result of differential VEGF-stimulated Ca 2+ signaling pathways. Methods. Primary cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were grown to subconfluency and assigned to the following experimental groups: no stimulation, stimulation with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) (20 ng/mL) as positive control, and stimulation with VEGF 165 (40 ng/mL). Total increase in [Ca 2+ ] cyt and intracellular calcium release was quantified with the use of a fura-2 fluorescence assay. Assays for the following receptors VEGFR-1 (Flt-1), VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1) and PDGFR-β were performed by immunoprecipitation, while PLCγ 1 , Akt 1/2, and phospholamban B phosphorylation were assessed with Western immunoblotting. Results. VSMCs stimulated with VEGF 165 exhibited no intracellular Ca 2+ release, compared with a 75 ± 30 nmol/L intracellular calcium release after PDGF-BB stimulation, (P <. 02) VEGF 165 -stimulated VSMCs in Ca 2+ -containing media exhibited 192 ± 26 nmol/L increase in [Ca 2+ ] cyt , compared with 354 ± 54 nmol/L increase after PDGF-BB stimulation (P <.02). VEGF 165 did not phosphorylate PLCγ 1 after 1, 5, or 10 minutes of treatment. VEGF 165 treatment did not result in PI3-K/Akt activation at 1-, 5-, or 10-minute time points. Calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) was activated by both VEGF 165 and PDGF-BB after 1 and 5 minutes of stimulation. The presence of the receptors VEGFR-1, VEGFR2, and PDGFR-β was confirmed in all experimental groups. Conclusions. VEGF induces extracellular calcium influx but no intracellular calcium release in VSMCs. This lack of intracellular Ca 2+ release stems from the inability of VEGF 165 to activate the PLCγ 1 cascade and IP3 receptor-mediated Ca 2+ release. The lack of PI3-K/Akt activation at these time points indicates a novel extracellular Ca 2+ influx pathway sufficient to activate CaMKII. A paradigm relating extracellular Ca 2+ influx to CaMKII activation and migration is suggested and may account for the selective effects of VEGF on VSMC migration.
Dielectric relaxation in two ordered phases of slightly reduced rutile

The frequency dependence of the dielectric loss in two ordered phases of slightly reduced rutile has been determined at low temperatures. The results were analyzed in terms of the Debye equation for dielectrics with a distribution of relaxation times and with thermally activated dipoles. Hopping process of charge carriers between two ion sites in these phases is proposed.