cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SOCIAL STRATIFICATION AND ECONOMIC INEQUALITY IN NIGERIA: CAUSES, EFFECTS AND THE WAY FORWARD

This paper examines the issues involved in social stratification, a situation where human beings are not considered equal by themselves. It does this vis-a-vis the factors that create inequalities and its effects subscribe and affirm the fact that the world, is hierarchically structured and made and so like the rock whose layers are placed in Strata, human beings are graded in levels..However , this paper makes a case against a static stratification in which someone’s social class is fixed because of an individual gender ,education ,birth place, color to name a few and favors social mobility in which one can progress from one class to another if he or she consciously works towards it and merits it. There are social injustices that tend to make a permanent polarization of the society into the “haves” and “have not,” bourgeoisie and proletariat, aristocrats and commoners in which the rich continues to be richer and the poor poorer without any hope of bridging the existing artificial inequality. This article in a strong language does not admit or compromise on static inequality, and as such recommends social mobility as a panacea to the human side of social stratification. Human side in the sense that most of the issues involved in social stratification are man-made, mere historical accident and not intrinsically linked to individuals.
An all optical dynamical dark trap for neutral atoms.

We describe the experimental realization of a dynamical optical trap for atoms: the Rotating Off-resonant Dipole Optical (RODiO) Trap. A blue detuned circularly scanned laser beam creates a time averaged “box” for the atoms. We characterized this novel confinement technique by varying the trapping geometry and the laser beam parameters. Our observations agree well with a numerical model.
Tissue-specific requirements of β-catenin in external genitalia development

External genitalia are body appendages specialized for internal fertilization. Their development can be divided into two phases, an early androgen-independent phase and a late androgen-dependent sexual differentiation phase. In the early phase, the embryonic anlage of external genitalia, the genital tubercle (GT), is morphologically identical in both sexes. Although congenital external genitalia malformations represent the second most common birth defect in humans, the genetic pathways governing early external genitalia development and urethra formation are poorly understood. Proper development of the GT requires coordinated outgrowth of the mesodermally derived mesenchyme and extension of the endodermal urethra within an ectodermal epithelial capsule. Here, we demonstrate that β-catenin plays indispensable and distinct roles in each of the aforementioned three tissue layers in early androgen-independent GT development. WNT-β-catenin signaling is required in the endodermal urethra to activate and maintain Fgf8 expression and direct GT outgrowth, as well as to maintain homeostasis of the urethra. Moreover, β-catenin is required in the mesenchyme to promote cell proliferation. By contrast, β-catenin is required in the ectoderm to maintain tissue integrity, possibly through cell-cell adhesion during GT outgrowth. The fact that both endodermal and ectodermal β-catenin knockout animals develop severe hypospadias in both sexes raises the possibility that the deregulation of any of these functions can contribute to the etiology of congenital external genital defects in humans.
Atmospheric Turbulence Effects On Large Telescope Image Motion And Size

Atmospheric turbulence effects on large telescope image motion and sizeFred F. ForbesKitt Peak National Observatory*P. O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726Neville J. WoolfUniversity of Arizona, Steward ObservatoryTucson, Arizona 85721AbstractAstronomical seeing has been studied by measuring image size and motion using relativelysmall (ti0.5 m) telescopes. These techniques have been successfully extended to telescopesin the 2 -4 m class. For site survey investigations, it is desirable to use a compact tele-scope elevated such that seeing measurements are free of image degradation due to groundeffects. The smaller instrument suffers from image degradation due to diffraction underthe testing conditions of greatest interest, namely, sub-arcsecond seeing. Although imagemotion measurements can be extended to conditions of excellent seeing, it has not beendemonstrated that small telescope images are representative of large telescope images withregards to image size or motion.In an attempt to understand image scaling laws between large and small telescopes, wehave studied image motion and profiles for telescopes from 0.6 to 4.0 m in diameter underseeing conditions extending from sub-arcsecond to several arcseconds. A model is presentedin which image motion data taken with small telescopes can be used to predict image pro-files that would be measured with a 15 m class telescope. We also consider the signal tonoise aspects of measuring seeing by way of image motion and small telescopes.IntroductionThe method of site testing by studying star trails has been around for some time. Thequantitative use of those trails has been very difficult up until now.
Thermodynamic Study of Binary Mixtures Containing Glycols or Polyethylene Glycols + Benzyl Alcohol at 308.15 K

Excess molar enthalpies and excess molar volumes of binary mixtures containing ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, or poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEG200, PEG300, PEG400, and PEG600) + benzyl alcohol were determined at 308.15 K and at atmospheric pressure using a flow microcalorimeter and a digital density meter. Results were fitted to the Redlich−Kister polynomial to estimate the binary interaction parameters. The results are interpreted in terms of molecular interactions between the components.
Effect of Molecular Orientation on Polymer Free Volume Distribution: An Atomistic Approach

Many mechanical and rheological properties of polymers are related to the amount and the distribution of its free volume. In this work, the evolution of free volume and its distribution in a linear model polymer resembling polyethylene under extensional strain are studied using a combination of molecular dynamics (MD) and Voronoi tessellation. When the molecular orientation due to stretch increases, the total number of voids in the sample decreases along with the number-average void size, while the number of larger unoccupied regions in the polymer increases, which become more elongated due to stretch. The hand-sphere probe shows that the overall free volume is decreasing during stretching; however, the reduction is not distributed evenly in the region. Free volume associated with atoms located away from the ends of molecular chains decreases while the free volume associated with atoms located at the molecular ends increases with stretch. Results from this computational work are in good agreement with sev...
Jesse Jackson's argumentation as an explanation of political success: A comparison of Jackson's 1984 and 1988 addresses to the democratic national convention

In 1984 and 1988 Jesse Jackson addressed the Democratic National Convention. In both speeches, Jackson relied heavily upon analogy and literary comparison to create appropriate images in the minds of the audience. However, the speeches differed significantly in approach: the 1984 address relied more upon analogy and literary comparison than did the 1988 address. The 1984 address could also be labeled most accurately epideictic or forensic, whereas the 1988 address more appropriately would be considered deliberative. This article analyzes the arguments used by Jackson in the 1984 address and the 1988 address to provide an explanation for Jackson's greater success at the polls in 1988.
Elevation of Laser Flare Photometry in Patients With Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and AIDS

Purpose To investigate an alteration of the blood-ocular barriers by laser flare photometry in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) diagnosed with cytomegalovirus retinitis. Methods Serial laser flare photometry measurements from 31 eyes of 31 patients with AIDS and newly diagnosed cytomegalovirus retinitis were compared with measurements from 31 control patients with AIDS but without documented eye disease. Location and extent of retinitis, presence of visual symptoms, and CD4 lymphocyte counts were also compared with laser flare photometry readings. Results Laser flare readings (mean ± SE) were significantly higher in eyes with (13.0 ± 1.5 photon counts per msec) than without cytomegalovirus retinitis (4.9 ± 0.3 photon counts per msec) ( P P = .01). A significant correlation was found between area of involvement of peripheral retinitis and laser flare photometry readings ( P = .008). Readings in patients without cytomegalovirus retinitis increased significantly 10 months after the first measurement (9.5 ± 1.9 photon counts per msec) ( P = .04). Readings in patients with cytomegalovirus remained elevated 3 months after successful treatment of retinitis (12.3 ± 2.3 photon counts per msec) ( P = .6). Conclusions Laser flare photometry readings are significantly elevated in eyes with cytomegalovirus retinitis, suggesting a breakdown of the blood-ocular barriers. Increasing laser flare photometry readings over time in patients without known ocular disease suggests that HIV infection may cause progressive breakdown of the blood-ocular barrier.
Rainfall estimation from TOGA radar observations during LBA field campaign

[1] The TRMM Large Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere (LBA) experiment, conducted between January and February of 1999 in Southwest Amazon, deployed among other instruments NASA's C-band Doppler radar (TOGA) and four dense rain gauge networks. This paper presents a procedure devised to derive surface rainfall rate estimates from combination of TOGA observations and the in situ rain gauge rainfall measurements. The spatial and temporal scales considered are 2 × 2 km2 grids of instantaneous to hourly rain accumulations. The procedure includes evaluation of TOGA calibration through comparisons with TRMM Precipitation Radar (PR) data and implementation of an optimal quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) algorithm. Comparisons with PR indicated a 4-dB calibration offset occurring in the later two thirds of the observation period. The implemented QPE algorithm applies a parameter that differentiates the Z-R conversion in convective and stratiform regimes and a stochastic filtering approach for estimation of mean-field bias on the basis of radar-rain gauge comparisons at the hourly timescale. The calibration of the algorithm parameter values is formulated as a global optimization problem, which is solved by minimizing the radar-rain gauge rainfall accumulation root-mean-square (rms) difference at the hourly timescale. A random resampling calibration/validation exercise is performed to evaluate the algorithm performance and its sensitivity to parameter values. Validation against gauges shows that the algorithm produces unbiased estimates with ∼57% relative RMS difference at the hourly scale. Comparison with S-POL rain estimates showed good correlation (0.9) but some overestimation (9%). Rainfall products are used to derive rainfall statistics for two distinct meteorological low-level wind regimes (easterly and westerly) that occurred during LBA. Finally, instantaneous rain estimates are compared against TRMM PR rainfall profiles for six coincident storm cases showing high correlation (0.9) and low (7%) systematic difference (PR overestimation).
The effect of lidocaine on in vitro adhesion and migration of equine neutrophils.

Abstract The effect of lidocaine on in vitro migration and adhesion of equine neutrophils was evaluated. Neutrophils were isolated from equine whole blood using a Percoll-gradient centrifugation protocol. Purified neutrophils were incubated with lidocaine at concentrations from 0.1 to 1000 μg/ml for 30 min at 37 °C, after calcein loading. Neutrophil integrin-mediated adhesion in response to stimulation with 100 nM LTB 4 , 100 nM PAF, or 100 ng/ml IL-8, or integrin-mediated migration in response to stimulation with 100 nM LTB 4 , 150 nM PAF, or 100 ng/ml IL-8 was assessed. Statistical significance was set at P 4 -stimulated adhesion was significantly increased when neutrophils were incubated with 1 mg/ml lidocaine compared to that at 5 μg/ml lidocaine. Migration was significantly increased in response to IL-8. IL-8 and LTB 4 stimulated migration was significantly increased when neutrophils were incubated with 1 mg/ml lidocaine, compared to lower lidocaine concentrations. In conclusion, lidocaine did not inhibit neutrophil migration or adhesion in vitro at therapeutic concentrations, and increased migration and adhesion at higher concentrations.
Actor's Status and Conformity to Norms: A Study of Students' Evaluations of Instructors

The relationship between behavior and interpersonal evaluation is examined from the perspective of role theory. We hypothesize that others' evaluation of a role actor—his or her status—is related t...
Toward a code of ethics for primary prevention.

This paper explores the topic of a code of ethics for primary prevention, and offers some tentative guidelines for the purpose of stimulating discussion. Codes of ethics provide guidelines for both procedural issues — such as the relationship of the practitioner with consumers, colleagues, and the community at large — and substantive issues — what goals and objectives to pursue, and how to resolve conflicts between them. This paper discusses some philosophical issues and then presents nine “rules” derived from the Hippocratic tradition, but expanded to fit the context of contemporary primary prevention.
Part four: Lung cancer, malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma

This is the fourth of a six-part series on the metastatic spread and natural history of 18 common tumors. Part one summarized symptom/problem anticipation, cancer metastasis, and the 18 tumors that each cause more than 6000 deaths per year in the United States. Bladder and brain cancer were discussed, with information given on tumor types, metastatic spread and invasion, and common symptoms. Parts two and three charted the natural histories, problems, and assessment parameters of advanced cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, esophagus, kidney, and liver; and leukemia. Part four provides corresponding information on lung cancer, malignant melanoma, and multiple myeloma. Each of these cancers is presented separately, with information given on mortality rates, the most common tumor types, sites of metastases, common problems, and common oncology emergencies. Sites of spread, resulting problems (including site-specific symptoms), and assessment parameters are presented as tables. Material is presented so that clinicians will be able anticipate the spread of these cancers and can thus identify problems early in their development so that the problems are more easily managed.
Stochastic optimization of the cost of automatic assembly systems

Abstract This paper extends a study of Liu and Sanders in which they evaluated the performance of asynchrounous automatic assembly systems based on system throughput or production rate. In contrast, this paper approaches the design problem by attempting to minimize the manufacturing cost. Similar to Liu and Sanders, we apply the stochastic quasigradient (SQG) method in order to search for the optimal solutions, consisting of the total number of pallets and the number of buffer spaces between stations. A comparison between the ‘maximum throughput’ problem and the ‘minimum cost’ problem is made.
The decay of 8.8 min 49Ca to levels in 49Sc

Abstract The decay of 8.8 min 49Ca was reinvestigated using a 35 cm3 Ge(Li) detector and a scintillation pair spectrometer. Gamma rays were observed with energies (and intensities) of 2229.0 (0.29), 2372.3 (0.45), 3084.4 (100), 4071.9 (8.0), and 4738.2 (0.30) keV. The large log ft values for decay to the 2229.0 and 2372.3 keV states suggest positive parity assignments and identification as s 1 2 and d 3 2 proton hole states.
Computer-aided graphics in distillation columns design

Abstract A portable computer simulator has been developed to aid in the design of distillation columns with either an internal reboiler or an open steam. The program (PANCHN) uses the traditional Ponchon-Savarit method and a modified form which incorporates a more exact analysis of the feed region in the case of a partially vaporized feed. Examples of this simulation program and its computer graphics output are presented to illustrate the program's capability and usefulness in studying the effect of operating parameters in the design of distillation columns. While equilibrium data for some systems are stored in its data bank, the present simulator has the flexibility of reading equilibrium data for other systems, as well as overriding stored data.
Role of water in intrazeolite photochemistry

The photochemical and photophysical behavior of several ketones included within Na X zeolites is dependent upon the adsorbed water within the zeolite. Results suggest that when the zeolite is dry (water free), the guest ketones reside within supercages and when the internal structure is filled with water the guest molecules are displaced to the external surface.
Solid oxide fuel cells for stationary, mobile, and military applications

Abstract Among all designs of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), the most progress has been achieved with the tubular design. However, the electrical resistance of tubular SOFCs is high, and specific power output (W/cm 2 ) and volumetric power density are (W/cm 3 ) low. These low power densities make tubular SOFCs suitable only for stationary power generation and not very attractive for mobile applications. Planar SOFCs, in contrast, are capable of achieving very high power densities. Additionally, sizeable cost reductions are possible through a concept called “mass customization” that is being pursued in the US Department of Energy's Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA). This concept involves the development of a 3–10 kW size core planar SOFC module that can be mass produced and then combined for different size applications in stationary power generation, transportation, and military market sectors, thus eliminating the need to produce custom-designed and inherently more expensive fuel cell stacks to meet a specific power rating. This paper discusses the recent work at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in support of the design and development of low-cost modular SOFC systems using lower temperature, anode-supported SOFCs.
Convexity and the Beta Invariant

We apply a generalization of Crapo's β invariant to finite subsets of Rn. For a finite subset C of the plane, we prove β(C)=|int (C)|, where |int (C)| is the number of interior points of C, i.e., the number of points of C which are not on the boundary of the convex hull of C . This gives the following formula: ΣK free(-1) |K|-1 |K|=|int(C)|.
Evolution of Sickness and Healing

Evolution of Sickness and Healing. Horacio Fabrega Jr. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1997 (cloth), xv. 364pp.
Methylmercury Antagonizes the Survival-Promoting Activity of Insulin-like Growth Factor on Developing Cerebellar Granule Neurons

Methylmercury (MeHg), a widely distributed environmental toxicant, has a profound effect on the developing central nervous system. Human exposure to MeHg in utero has led to severe neurological abnormalities in children, including cognitive and motor dysfunction. The abnormalities appear to result from death of neurons and altered cytoarchitecture in the developing CNS. Death of cerebellar granule neurons occurs following both adult and in utero exposure to MeHg, indicating the vulnerability of these cells to the toxic action of MeHg. The studies reported here use purified cultures of developing mouse cerebellar granule neurons to evaluate whether MeHg directly acts on these developing neurons to inhibit their survival. These experiments show that, in purified cultures of cerebellar granule neurons maintained in medium containing insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) as the only added trophic factor, low micromolar concentrations of MeHg inhibit granule neuron survival. The reduction in survival produced by MeHg can be partially reversed by increasing the concentration of IGF-I, suggesting an antagonism between MeHg and IGF-I. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K), an intracellular mediator of IGF-I's survival promoting action, can synergistically enhance MeHg's effect on survival. Further studies indicate that MeHg's inhibition of survival involves apoptotic death of granule neurons. This apoptosis appears to require activation of gene transcription and may involve an increase in expression of the immediate early transcription factor c-Jun. These studies suggest that MeHg can act on developing granule neurons to increase the expression of c-Jun and antagonize IGF-I's survival promoting activity.
Within-litter variance in rat maternal behaviour.

Abstract As a first step in determining the influence of maternal behaviour on sibling behavioural variance, we tested whether rat mothers differentially interact with neonates within the same litter. We also tested whether fading of an ink-mark on individual pups could provide an index of within-litter variance in maternal licking in laboratory rats. In Study 1, during the first postnatal week we distinguished individual Sprague–Dawley rat pups across 4 litters by placing an ink-mark on the skin and quantified variance in maternal licking frequency toward each pup and compared fading of individual pup marks to the frequency of maternal licks received and to four pup characteristics that could influence mark-fading. In Study 2, neonate mark-fading (a proxy for maternal licking) was compared to adolescent and adult offspring behaviour across 8 litters. Results indicated that: (1) there are substantial and consistent differences in how much rat mothers lick same-sex siblings within a litter, (2) differential licking rates can be documented with a non-observational method (ink-mark-fading), and (3) within-litter variance in maternal behaviour may relate to sibling behavioural variance. The findings indicate a viable research model for future experimental studies on causes and consequences of differential maternal investment within families.
Evolution of virulence, environmental change, and the threat posed by emerging and chronic diseases

Assessments of future threats posed by infection have focused largely on zoonotic, acute disease, under the rubric “emerging diseases.” Evolutionary and epidemiological studies indicate, however, that particular aspects of infrastructure, such as protected water supplies, vector-proof housing, and health care facilities, protect against the emergence of zoonotic, acute infectious diseases. While attention in the global health community has focused on emerging diseases, there has been a concurrent, growing recognition that important chronic diseases, such as cancer, are often caused by infectious agents that are already widespread in human populations. For economically prosperous countries, the immediacy of this threat contrasts with their infrastructural protection from severe acute infectious disease. This reasoning leads to the conclusion that chronic infectious diseases pose a more significant threat to economically prosperous countries than zoonotic, acute infectious diseases. Research efforts directed at threats posed by infection may therefore be more effective overall if increased efforts are directed toward understanding and preventing infectious causes of chronic diseases across the spectrum of economic prosperity, as well as toward specific infrastructural improvements in less prosperous countries to protect against virulent, acute infectious diseases.
Acculturation strategies among Vietnamese-Americans

Abstract The present study tested the effects of four predictors (education, years in the US, level of involvement with the American culture, and level of involvement with the Vietnamese culture) in predicting Vietnamese-Americans’ acculturation strategies which, in turn, predicted the Vietnamese-Americans’ self-esteem. Berry's Acculturation Model was used as the theoretical tool to identify the Vietnamese-Americans’ predominant acculturation strategy. One hundred thirty-eight participants from the Washington DC metropolitan area and the Midwest US completed the Acculturation Questionnaire. Path analyses supported the strategies of integration, marginalization and separation acting as mediators between the four predictors and the dependent variable of self-esteem.
Upconversion fiber-optic confocal microscopy under near-infrared pumping

We present a simple upconversion fiber-optic confocal microscope design using a near-infrared laser for pumping of a rare-earth-doped glass powder. The nonlinear optical frequency conversion process is highly efficient with more than 2% upconversion fluorescence efficiency at a near-infrared pumping wavelength of 1.55 μm. The upconversion confocal design allows the use of conventional Si detectors and 1.55 μm near-infrared pump light. The lateral and axial resolutions of the system were equal to or better than 1.10 and 13.11 μm, respectively.
Environmental life-cycle impacts of CRT and LCD desktop computer displays

Abstract Final impact results from an industry-wide environmental life-cycle assessment of cathode ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) computer monitors are presented for 20 environmental impact categories. Considering the entire life cycle of each monitor, water eutrophication and aquatic ecotoxicity impacts for the baseline analysis were greater for the LCD while all other impact categories (e.g., resource use, energy, ozone depletion, landfill space use, human health toxicity) were greater for the CRT. Energy inputs from CRT glass manufacturing, for which there was some uncertainty in the data, drive many of the CRT impacts. Modifying the glass energy data based on comparison to secondary data resulted in nine of the 20 impact categories having greater relative life-cycle impacts for the LCD than the CRT. When comparing the manufacturing stages of each monitor type in the baseline scenario, the LCD has greater relative burdens on the environment in eight categories. Energy, global warming, and human health toxicity impacts are also presented in greater detail, showing contributions from each life-cycle stage. This study's results can allow industry to focus on frit manufacturing, PWB manufacturingimprovements can be made.
Women Who Choose a Man's Career: A Study of Women in Ministry

Fifty women who chose to pursue a male-dominated career, the ministry, were interviewed about components of career choice and professional development including sex and function of their role models and educational experiences. Sex-role orientation employing the Bem Sex Role Inventory and family data were also collected. Findings indicate a complex interaction of sex and function of role models with age and sex-role orientation of subjects.
Predictions of volcanic eruptions at Mt Vesuvius, Italy

Abstract We present a mathematically-based model for predicting the likelihood of future eruptions of Vesuvius and, by implication, other volcanoes. The volcanic activity of Vesuvius in the period 1630–1989 is described by a compound Poisson distribution with a gamma compounding density. The frequency distribution of eruptions in any given interval of equal length follows a negative binomial distribution (NBD). The assumptions of the NBD model are less restrictive, so the observation time can be extended to include the long repose following the 1944 eruption of Vesuvius. Moreover, this exceedingly flexible model has only two parameters which can be determined easily from the eruptive count data. The future probability of x number of eruptions is predicted on the aggregate behaviour of past volcanic activity. This capability would be useful for long-term planning, such as for land-use development, although not for short-term forecasts of volcanic hazards.
Reactions of sulfur dioxide with oxidized polyolefins

The reactions of gaseous sulfur dioxide with partially oxidized polypropylene and polyethylene have been investigated by iodometry and by Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. Comparison was also made with chemical changes observed in model liquid hydroperoxides which were analysed by FTIR, nmr and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopies. Reaction of macro- and model hydroperoxide groups with SO2 proceeds by two consecutive reactions which occur in varying proportions depending upon the SO2/hydroperoxide ratio. Because of this, the use of the SO2 reaction products detected by infra-red (believed to be hydrosulfates) to quantify hydroperoxide is unreliable and gives little improvement in detection level over direct measurement of hydroperoxide by infra-red. Exposure to SO2 and then gaseous ammonia produces some ammonium sulfate from hydroperoxide groups. The ammonium sulfate can be detected with high sensitivity by infra-red, but the stoichiometry of its generation is again variable.
Recent trends in Hispanic immigration to the United States.

Recent patterns of Hispanic immigration to the United States are examined using data from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. "From 1960 to 1978 Hispanic immigration increased significantly reflecting the general acceleration in total immigration to the United States. Demographic trends reveal that Hispanic immigrants are increasingly working-age women. Their occupation composition is primarily blue collar with operatives emerging as the predominant job category during the 1970s." The authors note that these immigrants settle primarily in a small number of urban centers of Hispanic population and culture in the United States and thus the effects of immigration will be concentrated on the low-skill segment of particular urban labor markets that already contain large numbers of Hispanic workers. (EXCERPT)
Decision-making theory and DSS design

A sampling of decisions of practicing managers represented by evening MBA students is reviewed to explore the applicability and the completeness of existing theories of decision-making. In response to a review of difficulties illustrated by the study, a utilitarian and descriptive model of decision-making is described. We further discuss the role of this model in the analysis and design of decision support systems (DSS).
Current multimodality management of infectious intracranial aneurysms.

Objective To implement an algorithm for and assess multimodality (medical, endovascular, and microsurgical) treatment of patients with infectious intracranial aneurysms. Methods Twenty patients with 27 infectious aneurysms were treated during a 10-year period. Bacterial endocarditis was the most common cause (65%). Most aneurysms presented with rupture (75%), and the middle cerebral artery was the most common location (70%). Results Five patients were treated endovascularly, with direct coiling for three patients and parent artery occlusion for two patients. Ten patients (15 aneurysms) were treated surgically, with 6 aneurysms being trapped/resected, 2 trapped/bypassed, 4 clipped, and 3 wrapped. Five patients were treated medically. Treatment-associated neurological morbidity was observed for two patients (10%), and two patients died (10%). Good outcomes were observed for 16 patients (80%). Conclusion Factors that guide management decisions for these patients include aneurysm rupture, hematomas with increased intracranial pressure, and the eloquence of brain tissue supplied by the parent artery. Patients with unruptured infectious aneurysms are initially treated medically, with antibiotics and serial angiography. Patients with ruptured aneurysms that are not associated with hematomas and that do not involve eloquent vascular territory are treated endovascularly. Patients with ruptured aneurysms are treated surgically when there is a hematoma or the risk of ischemic complications in eloquent territory. Therefore, endovascular therapy is the first option for patients in stable condition with ruptured aneurysms; surgical therapy is the first option for patients in unstable condition with ruptured aneurysms and the second option for patients in stable condition who experience failure of endovascular therapy. Medically treated patients with enlarging or dynamic unruptured aneurysms also require direct surgical or endovascular intervention. Favorable patient outcomes can be achieved with this multimodality management.
Chromosomally Aberrant Progeny of Selfed Trisomic Eleocharis erythropoda Steud

Four chromosomally aberrant progeny of a selfed trisomic E. erythropoda were analyzed. Of these, two were reconstituted trisomics for the parental mediumlong chromosome; however, one bore an additional trisomic short chromosome and the other a fragmented medium chromosome. In the third plant one of the medium-long trisomic chromosomes bore an interchange segment of a non-homologous short chromosome and was thus a tertiary trisomic. In the last case the plant was trisomic for a medium chromosome only.
Analysis of the continuous melting of glass

Abstract Some historical aspects of continuous glass melting are recalled. Then, an overall heat balance of the process is used to illustrate that future improvements will be achieved by different means than those which have been successful in the past. The heat balance also permits comparison of ohmic melting with combustion melting when the primary energy source in both cases is coal. A simplified analysis of batch melting begins by defining a melted batch accoding to its effective viscosity and proceeds to calculate the temperature distribution in a cold top batch blanket. Then, the fraction liquid as a function of temperature is determined.
Lungfish neural characters and their bearing on sarcopterygian phylogeny

The phylogenetic affinity of lungfishes has been disputed since their discovery, and they have variously been considered the sister group of actinistians, the sister group of amphibians, or equally related to actinopterygians and crossopterygians. Previous discussions of these hypotheses have considered neural characters, but there has been no general survey of the nervous systems of sarcopterygians that examines the bearing of neural characters on these hypotheses in the context of a cladistic analysis. Such a survey of representatives of all living sarcopterygian groups reveals at least twenty-three characters that are possible apomorphies at some hierarchical level among sarcopterygians. Neural synapomorphies corroborate the phylogenetic hypotheses that actinistians, amphibians, and dipnoans are each monophyletic taxa. The hypothesis that Latimeria is the sister group of amphibians is the least corroborated, as only a single possible synapomorphy, presence of cervical and lumbar enlargements of the spinal cord, supports this hypothesis. The hypothesis that lungfishes are the sister group of amphibians is supported by two possible synapomorphies: loss of a saccus vasculosus and the presence of neurocranial endolymphatic sacs. The hypothesis that actinistians are the sister group of lungfishes is the most corroborated, based on five possible synapomorphies: presence of a superficial isthmal nucleus, a laminated dorsal thalamus with marked protrusion into the third ventricle, olfactory peduncles, evaginated cerebral hemispheres with pronounced septum ependymale, and electroreceptive rostral organs. However, all five characters may be plesiomorphic for bony fishes. The nervous systems of Latimeria and Neoceratodus are very similar to each other, as are the nervous systems of lepidosirenid lungfishes, caecilians, and salamanders. If Neoceratodus is the most plesiomorphic species of living lungfishes, then lepidosirenid apomorphies may have arisen by paedomorphosis. Our inability to examine the neural characters of a relevant outgroup (rhipidistians) may result in many sarcopterygian plesiomorphic characters being interpreted as apomorphic characters, due to the wide distribution of paedomorphic characters among living sarcopterygians and their possible resemblance to plesiomorphic characters present in living outgroups that can be examined.
Two mechanistically distinct forms of endocytosis in adrenal chromaffin cells: Differential effects of SH3 domains and amphiphysin antagonism

We previously identified two forms of endocytosis using capacitance measurements in chromaffin cells: rapid endocytosis (RE), dynamin-1 dependent but clathrin-independent and slow endocytosis (SE), dynamin-2 and clathrin-dependent. Various recombinant SH3 domains that interact with the proline-rich domain of dynamin were introduced into single cells via the patch pipette. GST-SH3 domains of amphiphysin-1, intersectin-IC, and endophilin-I inhibited SE but had no effect on RE. Grb2-SH3 (N-terminal) or a mutant of amphiphysin-1-SH3 was inactive on either process. These data confirm that dynamin-1 dependent RE is independent of clathrin and show that amphiphysin is exclusively associated with clathrin and dynamin-2-dependent SE.
Thermal performance of submerged coil heat exchangers used in solar energy storage tanks

It can be seen from the test results that for the coil flow rate range of interest in solar DHW systems submersed coil heat exchangers can have effectiveness values as low as 0.3 for double-wall coils. This translates into a penalty of 12 to 15 percent for system performance. Inlet and outlet temperatures for the coil are easily measured. The average tank fluid temperature can be determined by inserting a thermocouple rod into the tank along the centerline. The effectiveness of submersed coils is a function of both flow rate and temperature differential between T /SUB coil/ /SUB in/ and T /SUB tank/ . For the purposes of system performance calculations, using programs such as FCHART and SOLCOST which require a single value of epsilon as input, an average value of epsilon can be chosen, representative of the coil flow rate and an intermediate value of temperature differential. This approximation introduces negligible error into the system performance results due to the relative insensitivity of the heat exchanger penalty factor, F' /SUB R/ /F /SUB R/ , with variations in epsilon for epsilon values above 0.5.
Behavior, heredity, and diabetes in college alumnae.

Objective: Diabetes has been increasing in incidence and prevalence in the United States. Physical activity and exercise have been shown to lower the risk of noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDD), a...
Quantum‐Mechanical investigation of large water clusters

The PM3 quantum-mechanical method has been used to study large water clusters ranging from 8 to 42 water molecules. These large clusters are built from smaller building blocks. The building blocks include cyclic tetramers, pentamers, octamers, and a pentagonal dodecahedron cage. The correlations between the strain energy resulting from bending of the hydrogen bonds formed by different cluster motifs and the number of waters involved in the cluster are discussed. The PM3 results are compared with TIP4P potential and ab initio results. The number of net hydrogen bonds per water increases with the cluster size. This places a limit on the size of clusters that would fit the Benson model of liquid water. Many of the 20-mer clusters fit the Benson model well. Calculations of the ion cluster (H2O)40(H3O+)2 reveal that the m/e ratio obtainable by mass spectrometry experiments can uniquely indicate the conformation of the 20 water pentagonal dodecahedron cage present in the larger clusters. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Photoinduced Electron-Transfer Reactions: Highly Efficient Cleavage of C−N Bonds and Photogeneration of Tertiary Amines1

The photocleavage of tertiary amine from tetraphenylborates complexed, via ammonium ions, to various chromophore electron acceptors has been studied by laser-flash photolysis. Electron transfer from the borate anions to acceptor excited states is determined to be the primary photochemical step leading to homolytic C−N bond scission and concomitant formation of the corresponding tertiary amine. This pathway was established by direct observation of p-benzoylbenzyl (7a), p-acetylbenzyl (7b), β-naphthylmethyl (7c), and 7-methoxycoumarin-4-methyl (7d) after laser-flash photolysis from N-(4-benzoyl)benzyl-N,N,N-tributylammonium tetraphenylborate (1a), N-(4-acetyl)benzyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium tetraphenylborate (1b) N,N,N-tributyl-N-(2-methylnaphthalene)ammonium tetraphenylborate (1c), and N,N,N-tributyl-N-(4-methyl-7-methoxycoumarin)ammonium tetraphenylborate (1d), respectively. The presence of radicals (7a−7d) was also suggested by the reaction products. Comparison of the rate constants for quenching of the t...
Obstetricians' resistance to independent, private practice by nurse-midwives in Washington, D.C. hospitals.

This paper examines obstetricians' explanations for the longstanding and current conflict between obstetricians and nurse-midwives in the District of Columbia over the struggle for independent practice for nurse-midwives. Based on extended interviews with obstetricians, this study shows they are reluctant to provide nurse-midwives with medical backup, a requirement of D.C. law for nurse-midwives to deliver babies in District hospitals. Obstetricians' concerns involve the boundaries of professional responsibility, and economic constraints. Obstetricians believe their more extensive training better qualifies them to handle difficult pregnancies, and they are concerned that nurse-midwives may not call for their help when it is needed. They argue that expanding the use of nurse-midwives will lead to a competition for healthy clients, a competition for paying clients, increased exposure to malpractice liability for obstetricians providing backup, and difficulty obtaining reimbursement from nurse-midwives for t...
The afterlife of identity

The death of a user challenges many of the assumptions we hold for social network sites, social media, and digital identity architecture. Death represents a natural breaching experiment that violates core design assumptions about the relationship between users, their accounts, and related data. By studying death in the context of social media, my work aims to understand how people interact with and experience digital identity systems. It demonstrates limitations of current architecture and provides insight into how social computing systems can better support the entirety of our lives - including when those lives come to an end.
The AGREE II Instrument Is Helpful for Creation of National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory Medicine Practice Guidelines

To the Editor: We commend Don-Wauchope et al., who assessed 11 National Academy of Clinical Biochemistry (NACB)1 laboratory medicine practice guidelines (LMPGs) with the AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II) instrument (1), and we thank Bossuyt for his accompanying editorial (2). The results of this study are helpful but are not unexpected. These LMPGs were developed over several years. The 8 nonarchived LMPGs published in the past 5 years used 4 different systems for grading and weighting practice recommendations. One system that several LMPG committees have used is a modified US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) system. A second system used for 2 LMPGs was that of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. At times, NACB LMPG committees have used clinical societies' systems when these groups are primary collaborators in LMPG development, as well as significant end users of the LMPG. A third system created by the authors of 3 LMPGs focused on tumor marker tests. This unique system was developed by LMPG members who felt that considerable heterogeneity in clinical oncology practice guidelines failed to indicate a preference in any clinical society's system. Finally, authors of the most recent diabetes …
The Mechanism of ATP Hydrolysis at the Noncatalytic Sites of the Transcription Termination Factor Rho

Abstract Escherichia coli transcription termination factor rho is a hexamer with three catalytic subunits that turnover ATP at a fast rate and three noncatalytic subunits that turnover ATP at a relatively slow rate. The mechanism of the ATPase reaction at the noncatalytic sites was determined and was compared with the ATPase mechanism at the catalytic sites. A sequential mechanism for ATP binding or hydrolysis that was proposed for the catalytic sites was not observed at the noncatalytic sites. Pre-steady-state pulse-chase experiments showed that three ATPs were tightly bound to the noncatalytic sites and these were simultaneously hydrolyzed at a rate of 1.8 s−1 at 18 °C. The apparent bimolecular rate constant for ATP binding was determined as 5.4 × 105 m −1 s−1 in the presence of poly(C) RNA. The ATP hydrolysis products dissociated from the noncatalytic sites at 0.02 s−1. The hydrolysis of ATP at the noncatalytic sites was at least 130 times slower, and the overall ATPase turnover was 1500 times slower than that at the catalytic sites. These results from studies of the rho protein are likely to be general to hexameric helicases. We propose that the ATPase activity at the noncatalytic site is too slow to drive translocation of the protein on the nucleic acid or to provide energy for nucleic acid unwinding.
Sieve-tray extractor continuous-phase mixing

The continuous-phase-mixing characteristics of a sieve-tray extractor were studied in a specially designed single-stage experimental apparatus. Two chemical systems were studied: toluene−water and...
Cangrelor: A Novel Intravenous Antiplatelet Agent with a Questionable Future

Current percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guidelines recommend the use of a P2Y12 inhibitor with aspirin and an injectable anticoagulant. However, available oral P2Y12 inhibitor therapy is limited by significant drug interactions, unclear oral absorption in selected clinical conditions, and delayed onset and offset of activity that may be cumbersome for patients requiring coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Cangrelor, a novel intravenous P2Y12 inhibitor, offers potential advantages compared with currently available oral agents, particularly in regard to rapid onset and offset of platelet inhibition. The Cangrelor versus Standard Therapy to Achieve Optimal Management of Platelet Inhibition (CHAMPION) trials compared cangrelor versus an oral loading dose of clopidogrel, given before or after PCI, in patients with both stable and acute coronary syndromes. The results were conflicting, but some evidence demonstrated a lower rate of stent thrombosis compared with clopidogrel and lower rates of a composite cardiovascular end point, with comparable bleeding rates. The BRIDGE study assessed cangrelor as a replacement for oral P2Y12 inhibitors in patients awaiting CABG surgery and demonstrated that cangrelor maintained platelet inhibition during the preoperative period and enabled a rapid return to baseline platelet function upon cessation of the infusion. A new drug application was submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use during PCI to prevent thrombotic events and as bridging therapy for patients awaiting surgery who require therapy with P2Y12 inhibitors. In February 2014, the FDA's Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee recommended against approval due to concerns over an appropriate risk-benefit ratio for use during PCI and a lack of evidence supporting the bridging indication. On April 30, 2014, the FDA issued a Complete Response letter for the PCI and bridging indications, denying approval and requesting further data. The future of this once promising novel intravenous antiplatelet agent is now in question.