cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intensification without degrees cross-linguistically

In this paper, we examine the semantics of two cross-categorial modifiers that receive an interpretation of intensification: -issimo in Italian, and semu in Washo. Given that both modifiers can combine with a wide range of categories, including those not typically considered grammatically gradable, we argue against an analysis of these modifiers along the lines of e.g., Kennedy and McNally (Language 81(2):345–381, 2005) for very, as uniformly boosting a degree standard. Rather, we argue that the type of modification found with -issimo and semu is one that manipulates a contextual parameter present in the modified expressions, and more specifically universally quantifies over possible contexts of evaluation. Such an analysis allows us to account for the wide distribution of these modifiers, and their co-occurrence with categories that do not encode degree variables. We therefore argue for a typological split in the landscape of intensifiers, both across and within languages, between those that track degree variables, and those that do not.
Pharmacist self-perception of readiness to prescribe hormonal contraception and additional training needs.

Abstract Introduction Our objectives were to describe pharmacist perceptions of training and preparation to prescribe hormonal contraception (HC), identify training gaps, and elicit preferred training methods. Methods In this cross-sectional survey, pharmacists in the United States (US) completed an online 29-item survey. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses. Results Of 823 participating pharmacists, 58% felt they received adequate training to prescribe HC. Prescribing any medications within the last five years or completion of residency training were significantly associated with more participants feeling adequately trained. Of those who indicated HC was not covered in their pharmacy school curriculum, most (78%) felt they were either not adequately trained or unsure. Only 36% were aware of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention US Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (CDC MEC). Residency-trained pharmacists were statistically more likely to have used the CDC MEC and feel comfortable prescribing for adolescents. Most participants desired more training about switching between products (80%) and patient specific product selection (72%). Preferred methods for additional training were basic ( Conclusions As pharmacist scope of practice expands to include prescribing HC, many opportunities remain to ensure pharmacists feel adequately trained to provide this service. Pharmacy educators and training programs should incorporate the findings of this study into their curricula, experiential opportunities, and continuing education offerings. Additional studies are needed on the effectiveness of various training formats and programs.
Fatty acid synthesis in satellite glial cell promotes regenerative growth in sensory neurons

Peripheral sensory neurons switch to a regenerative state after nerve injury to enable axon regeneration and functional recovery. Whether satellite glial cells (SGC), which completely surround the neuronal soma, contribute to the regenerative responses remains unexplored. Here we defined the transcriptional profile of SGC and identified Fabp7/BLBP as a novel marker of SGC. We report that nerve injury changes gene expression in SGC, which is mostly related to lipid metabolism, specifically fatty acid synthesis and PPARa signaling. Conditional deletion of Fatty acid synthase (Fasn), the committed enzyme in de novo fatty acid synthesis in SGC impairs axon regeneration. Treatment with the PPARa agonist fenofibrate rescues axon regeneration in mice lacking Fasn in SGC. This results indicates that PPARa functions downstream of fatty acid synthesis in SGC to promote axon regeneration. These results identify fatty acid synthesis in SGC as a fundamental novel mechanism mediating axon regeneration in adult peripheral nerves.
Types of Atelectasis

Atelectasis is defined by either partial or complete collapse of lung parenchyma. The following chapters review its imaging features and several underlying types. Typical patterns of lung collapse and their associated radiographic signs are also described. A brief overview of pleural and lobar anatomy is provided.
The global circulation of discursive resources and the lived experience of globalization

This essay explores mainstream communication research related to globalization and the use of discursive resources. We provide a state-of-the-discipline review of contemporary empirical studies tha...
Barriers and Facilitators to Discussing Goals of Care among Nephrology Trainees: A Qualitative Analysis and Novel Educational Intervention

Background: Goals of care (GOC) conversations are critical to advance care planning but occur infrequently in nephrology. National workshops have improved trainee comfort with initiating GOC conversations but lack interface with palliative subspecialists and can incur travel-related costs. We developed an educational intervention focused on GOC conversations for nephrology trainees that incorporated into routine schedules and offered feedback from palliative subspecialists. Objective: To explore barriers and facilitators to discussing GOC and uncover perceptions of GOC-related behavior change post-intervention. Design: Qualitative study. Setting/Subjects: Sixteen nephrology trainees at an academic medical center. Measurements: Analyses of semistructured interviews occurred in phases: (1) isolation of quotes; (2) development of a coding system; and (3) creation of a framework of interrelationships between quotes using an inductive/deductive approach. Results: We captured the following themes: (1) prior knowledge (ability to define GOC, knowledge of communication frameworks and prognostic data, exposure to outpatient GOC conversations; (2) attitudes related to GOC conversations (responsibility, comfort, therapeutic alliance, patient preparedness, partnership with care teams); and (3) potential change in behaviors (increased likelihood to initiate GOC conversations early, more accurate identification of patients appropriate for a GOC conversation). Conclusions: Prior knowledge of, exposure to, and attitudes toward advance care planning were key determinants of a nephrology trainees' ability to initiate timely GOC conversations. After our intervention, trainees reported increased comfort with and likelihood to initiate GOC conversations and an improved ability to identify appropriate candidates. Our intervention may be a novel, feasible way to coach nephrologists to initiate timely GOC conversations.
Inequitable Experiences Between Black and White Women Discussing Sexual Health With Healthcare Providers: Findings From a U.S. Probability Sample.

Abstract Background In the United States, efforts to achieve health equity and reduce sexual health disparities remain a national priority; however, limited research has focused on understanding racial differences in patient/provider discussions about sexual health. Aim To quantify racial differences between black and white women (aged 18–49 years) in the United States discussing sexual health with a healthcare provider in the past year. Methods Data were analyzed from a subset of 1,654 women aged 18–49 years who participated in the 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior. Measures of interest included visiting a healthcare provider and discussing sexual health with the provider in the past year. Log binomial models were developed to estimate risk ratios for the likelihood of sexual health topics encountered by black women; models were adjusted for age, marital status, education level, and annual income. Main Outcome Black women were significantly more likely to report having a healthcare visit in the past year compared to white women and were more likely to have discussed their sexual health activities. Results The adjusted risk ratio (ARR) for black women who reported discussing sex or sexual health with a healthcare provider was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.06–1.26). The ARR for black women who were asked if they were sexually active was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.06–1.26) and about their condom use was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.27–1.74). Black women were nearly 2 times more likely to be offered sexually transmitted disease testing (ARR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.46–2.02) and to report that they were provided condoms for future use (ARR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.12–3.36). Clinical Translation Healthcare providers are encouraged to have routine sexual health discussions with all patients; however, we found that there are differences among black and white women in discussing their sexual health activities. Strengths & Limitations The present study utilized a nationally representative probability survey, including an oversample of black women. The study focused on sexual health discussions of black and white women with a healthcare provider, and therefore, women who did not have a healthcare visit in the past year were excluded from the analysis. Conclusion Black women reported having conversations about their sexual activities (eg, condom use) and were offered sexually transmitted disease testing more often than white women. These data provide insights that will impact patient/provider communication and aid in improving the delivery of sexual healthcare for all women. Townes A, Rosenberg M, Guerra-Reyes L, et al. Inequitable Experiences Between Black and White Women Discussing Sexual Health With Healthcare Providers: Findings From a U.S. Probability Sample. J Sex Med 2020;17:1520–1528.
Editors' note: COVID-19 presenting with ophthalmoparesis from cranial nerve palsy.

Dr. Dinkin et al. reported 2 cases with MRI confirmation of cranial nerve inflammation within several days of systemic symptoms of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Both patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR from a nasal swab, and both were treated with hydroxychloroquine (one also with intravenous immunoglobulin), with mild short-term improvement. The authors suggest the inflammatory cranial neuropathies could have been because of a postviral immune-related response. Dr. Machado wonders whether the cranial neuropathies could have resulted from direct viral invasion, given their onset shortly after the viral symptoms started. As noted by Gutierrez-Ortiz et al. (Dinkin et al., reference 2 below) 2 patients developed evidence of cranial nerve inflammation and autoimmune neuropathy within 3–5 days of COVID-19 symptom onset. Each of these 4 cases highlight the accelerated time course of inflammatory cranial neuropathies after systemic manifestations of COVID-19, which seems to be more rapid than has been typically reported for variants of Guillain-Barre syndrome after other infectious illnesses. These observations may also support that there is an asymptomatic phase of this viral infection during which an immune response may be generated. Dr. Dinkin et al. reported 2 cases with MRI confirmation of cranial nerve inflammation within several days of systemic symptoms of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Both patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR from a nasal swab, and both were treated with hydroxychloroquine (one also with intravenous immunoglobulin), with mild short-term improvement. The authors suggest the inflammatory cranial neuropathies could have been because of a postviral immune-related response. Dr. Machado wonders whether the cranial neuropathies could have resulted from direct viral invasion, given their onset shortly after the viral symptoms started. As noted by Gutierrez-Ortiz et al. (Dinkin et al., reference 2 below) 2 patients developed evidence of cranial nerve inflammation and autoimmune neuropathy within 3–5 days of COVID-19 symptom onset. Each of these 4 cases highlight the accelerated time course of inflammatory cranial neuropathies after systemic manifestations of COVID-19, which seems to be more rapid than has been typically reported for variants of Guillain-Barre syndrome after other infectious illnesses. These observations may also support that there is an asymptomatic phase of this viral infection during which an immune response may be generated.
PET Imaging of Vesicular Monoamine Transporters

The vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2) is a protein specifically located in the membrane of neurotransmitter storage vesicles of monoaminergic neurons (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine) and was considered as a potential marker for noninvasive in vivo imaging of changes in monoaminergic innervation in human neurological diseases. Development efforts towards suitably radiolabeled compounds for in vivo imaging using positron emission tomography (PET) yielded optimized carbon-11 ((+)-α-[11C]dihydrotetrabenazine, DTBZ) and fluorine-18 (9-O-(3-[8F]fluoropropyl)dihydrotetrabenazine, AV-133) radioligands. Applications of VMAT2 radioligand imaging in animal models (mouse, rat, pig and nonhuman primate) and human studies of numerous neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s and related movement disorders, dementia with Lewy bodies), psychiatric diseases (e.g., schizophrenia), and drug abuse (cocaine, methamphetamine) have demonstrated that in vivo imaging of the VMAT2 provides a powerful tool to investigate changes of monoaminergic innervation in human disease conditions.
Polyacrylamide grafted polysaccharide as friction reducer for slickwater fracturing treatment

A series of polysaccharide-graft-polyacrylamide copolymers were prepared via conventional free radical polymerization process, where polysaccharide served as macro-initiators in water-in-oil invers...
Reductive TCA cycle metabolism fuels glutamine- and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion

Summary Metabolic fuels regulate insulin secretion by generating second messengers that drive insulin granule exocytosis, but the biochemical pathways involved are incompletely understood. Here we demonstrate that stimulation of rat insulinoma cells or primary rat islets with glucose or glutamine + 2-aminobicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (Gln + BCH) induces reductive, "counter-clockwise" tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux of glutamine to citrate. Molecular or pharmacologic suppression of isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2), which catalyzes reductive carboxylation of 2-ketoglutarate to isocitrate, results in impairment of glucose- and Gln + BCH-stimulated reductive TCA cycle flux, lowering of NADPH levels, and inhibition of insulin secretion. Pharmacologic suppression of IDH2 also inhibits insulin secretion in living mice. Reductive TCA cycle flux has been proposed as a mechanism for generation of biomass in cancer cells. Here we demonstrate that reductive TCA cycle flux also produces stimulus-secretion coupling factors that regulate insulin secretion, including in non-dividing cells.
Environmental, human health, and economic implications of landfill leachate treatment for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance removal.

Abstract Landfill leachate is commonly treated offsite with municipal wastewater. This offsite leachate treatment may be limited or no longer applicable due to the increasingly stringent regulations and concerns related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) discharge into the environment, resulting in development of full-scale, onsite leachate treatment facilities. To help landfills prepare for the potential shift from offsite to onsite leachate treatment for PFAS compliance, this study analyzed and compared the environmental, human health, and economic performances of a typical onsite and a typical offsite leachate treatment alternative through life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost assessment (LCCA) using a landfill site located in Zhuzhou, China as a testbed. Two distinct functional units (FUs) were investigated: 1 m3 of leachate treated and 1 g of PFAS removed. Our results show that the onsite scenario offered benefits from human health and economic perspectives, while the offsite scenario generally performed better from the environmental perspective when a leachate PFAS concentration of 150,704 ng/L was assumed. The extent of this tradeoff varied when different functional units were adopted. The onsite scenario will not be competitive from all three perspectives when PFAS concentration in the raw leachate is less than 1666 ng/L.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Dopamine β-Hydroxylase Gene

Dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) catalyzes conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine and thus is a hallmark protein of noradrenergic (NA) neurons. While DBH is largely co-expressed with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in NA and adrenergic neurons, DBH is not expressed in dopaminergic neurons. The highly restricted pattern of DBH expression in the nervous system (typically expressed in >0.0001% of the total neurons) predicts that this gene is subject to neuron-specific as well as to cell type-specific control mechanisms. Therefore, delineation of molecular mechanisms of DBH gene transcription may provide important insight to how NA phenotype is specified during neural development and how its abnormal regulation is related to brain disorders in which NA neurotransmission is dysregulated.
Genome-Wide Association Identifies SLC2A9 and NLN Gene Regions as Associated with Entropion in Domestic Sheep

Entropion is an inward rolling of the eyelid allowing contact between the eyelashes and cornea that may lead to blindness if not corrected. Although many mammalian species, including humans and dogs, are afflicted by congenital entropion, no specific genes or gene regions related to development of entropion have been reported in any mammalian species to date. Entropion in domestic sheep is known to have a genetic component therefore, we used domestic sheep as a model system to identify genomic regions containing genes associated with entropion. A genome-wide association was conducted with congenital entropion in 998 Columbia, Polypay, and Rambouillet sheep genotyped with 50,000 SNP markers. Prevalence of entropion was 6.01%, with all breeds represented. Logistic regression was performed in PLINK with additive allelic, recessive, dominant, and genotypic inheritance models. Two genome-wide significant (empirical P<0.05) SNP were identified, specifically markers in SLC2A9 (empirical P = 0.007; genotypic model) and near NLN (empirical P = 0.026; dominance model). Six additional genome-wide suggestive SNP (nominal P<1x10-5) were identified including markers in or near PIK3CB (P = 2.22x10-6; additive model), KCNB1 (P = 2.93x10-6; dominance model), ZC3H12C (P = 3.25x10-6; genotypic model), JPH1 (P = 4.68x20-6; genotypic model), and MYO3B (P = 5.74x10-6; recessive model). This is the first report of specific gene regions associated with congenital entropion in any mammalian species, to our knowledge. Further, none of these genes have previously been associated with any eyelid traits. These results represent the first genome-wide analysis of gene regions associated with entropion and provide target regions for the development of sheep genetic markers for marker-assisted selection.
Human fetal arousal as indicated by heart rate recordings

Abstract Human fetal arousal leves have been defined according to instanneous fetal heart rate recordings. Five levels are discribed: the hyperreactive, moderate reactive, reactive, nonreactive, and responsive nonreactive. These arousal levels of the fetus appear to be dependent upon maternal medications, the maternal emotional state, perhaps the fetus' own intrinsic pattern of arousal, and the general health of the fetus. The fetus in an unresponsive or low arousal state can be aroused with repeated stimuli such as sound or uterine contractions to a more reactive level. In late labor, most fetuses give a mixed response to stimuli, being unresponsive to sound but responsive to uterine contractions. Like patterns of heart rate decelerations, the base-line variability of heart rate is useful in determining the state of fetal health.
The Mechanism of Action of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone THE ROLE OF MITOCHONDRIAL CHOLESTEROL ACCUMULATION IN THE REGULATION OF STEROIDOGENESIS

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and its mediator cyclic adenosine 3′ : 5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) are known to stimulate steroidogenesis at a site prior to the formation of 3β-hydroxy-pregnen-5-en-20-one (Δ5-pregnenol-one). In a study of the mechanisms of this effect, it was found that cyclic AMP added directly to isolated adrenal mitochondria failed to enhance transformation of endogenous mitochondrial cholesterol to Δ5-pregnenolone. On the other hand, when adrenal mitochondria were isolated from hypophysectomized rats treated with either ACTH or N6, O2′-dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3′ : 5′-monophosphate (dibutyryl cyclic AMP) in vivo, they produced significantly more Δ5-pregnenolone in vitro than mitochondria from untreated rats. It was found that the adrenal mitochondria from the treated animals contained significantly more cholesterol than those from controls. When hypophysectomized rats were treated with α-ethyl-α-(p-aminophenyl)glutarimide (aminoglutethimide), which blocks mitochondrial conversion of cholesterol to Δ5-pregnenolone, and given ACTH or dibutyryl cyclic AMP as well, the effect of the latter substances on mitochondrial cholesterol accumulation was markedly accentuated. The cholesterol accumulated in mitochondria was predominantly in the free form. Mitochondria from rats treated with aminoglutethimide and either ACTH or dibutyryl cyclic AMP were isolated and washed to free them of the adrenal inhibitor. Upon in vitro incubation, these mitochondria formed markedly increased quantities of Δ5-pregnenolone, which reflected the increased cholesterol precursor pool that was accumulated during prior in vivo treatment. The results suggest that ACTH and its mediator cyclic AMP stimulate steroidogenesis by regulating the mitochondrial precursor pool of cholesterol, rather than through a direct effect on the mitochondrial enzyme system that transforms cholesterol to Δ5-pregnenolone.
Chapter 11 fossil preservation during the aftermath of the end-permian mass extinction: taphonomic processes and palaeoecological signals

Abstract A high number of Lazarus taxa and an alleged rarity of silicified faunas during the Early Triassic have been interpretedpreviously as indication that the fossil record following the end-Permian mass extinction is poor and unreliable for palaeontologic studies. This preliminary examination of Early Triassic fossil preservation reveals that silicified faunas are actually moderately common in Lower Triassic strata. Furthermore, an evaluation of environmental and ecological characteristics of the after math of the end-Permian mass extinction indicates that the numerous Early Triassic molds and recrystallized calcareous fossils are at least suitable for palaeoecologic studies. Within this context, future tests with the aim of continuing to examine the potential Early Triassic preservation bias are proposed.
Compartmentation of Amino Acid Metabolism

Compartmentation of metabolic events has received increasing attention in recent years. In the area of amino acid metabolism heterogeneous functional pools have been postulated for microorganisms,(1–3) plants,(4,5) and animal tissues.(6–8) The concept of metabolic compartmentation was suggested because of observations that could not be explained by the simple precursor-product relationship as described by Zilversmit, Entenman, and Fishler.(9)
Chapter 2 Animal models of developmental dyslexia: Lessons from developmental and cognitive neuroscience

Abstract Developmental dyslexia, a potentially crippling problem in a literate society, has attracted considerable research interest over the past 20 years. In addition to investigating its target problems, this research effort has yielded results that bear on our general understanding of brain-behavior relationships. Thus, three differences between the brains of dyslexic and non-dyslexic individuals have been noted: (1) Symmetry of normally asymmetric brain regions; (2) The appearance of focal minor neocortical malformations; and (3) Defects in the fast processing of auditory and visual information. It is hypothesized that injury during late neocortical migration underlies these differences. Using rats, we have studied the morphological, cellular, developmental, and connectional aspects of cerebral asymmetry. Immune-disordered mice, such as New Zealand Black (NZB) and BXSB strains, spontaneously develop focal neocortical malformations and we can induce similar disorders in otherwise normal rodents, thus enabling further study of the anatomic and behavioral sequelae. Animals with induced malformations (but not their unlesioned counterparts) have difficulties in the fast processing of auditory information. Taken together, this research suggests that focal injury to developing cortical plate can have widespread anatomical and cognitive consequences, and that these outcomes can be successfully modeled in non-human animals.
Effect of residual stress on crack propagation in MDPE pipes

Crack propagation behaviour in single edge notched specimens prepared from medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe is examined under creep condition. The crack grown from an exterior notch (inbound) initiated faster than that grown from an interior notch (outbound). Subsequently, the outbound crack propagated monotonically to ultimate failure. The inbound crack showed anomalous behaviour involving two arrest stages prior to ultimate failure. The pipe is found to possess substantial residual stresses. The energy release rate for each case was calculated taking into account the respective residual stream distribution. The fact that the rates of crack propagation are not a unique function of the energy release rate indicates that the fracture is also influenced by morphological gradients imposed by processing conditions.
Vertebral Osteomyelitis Presenting as Lumbar Dysfunction: A Case Study

Lumbar dysfunction is a common diagnosis that the physical therapist encounters on a daily basis. The etiology of the patient's symptoms can be mechanical or systemic, and this must be discerned so that appropriate care may be provided for the patient. When signs and symptoms are present that do not suggest a mechanical etiology, the physical therapist must be able to recognize this and refer the patient appropriately. This case study describes lumbar pain of an insidious onset in an otherwise healthy 32-year-old male and the evolution of systemic signs and symptoms which were initially thought to have a mechanical or nonsystemic etiology. Discussion is directed toward the clinical presentation of osteomyelitis, the importance of a thorough review of a patient's medical history, and a complete physical examination in determining if the presenting complaints are mechanical or systemic in etiology.
Stratophenetic analysis of avascular necrosis in turtles : affirmation of the decompression syndrome hypothesis

Abstract 1. 1. The decompression syndrome hypothesis, as an explanation of the etiology of avascular necrosis, is further substantiated through analysis of its occurrence in turtles. 2. 2. No examples were identified in terrestrial or aquatic forms diving to depths insufficient for development of decompression syndrome. 3. 3. The “population” frequency of avascular necrosis has substantially diminished over geologic time. 4. 4. A frequent occurrence in Cretaceous marine turtles, it is only rarely observed in specimens younger than Miocene age. 5. 5. Evolution of physiologic and/or behavioral protective mechanisms appears to be responsible for reduced susceptibility to the underlying decompression syndrome.
Be Careful What You Wish For: FRBR, Some Lacunae, A Review

The library catalog as a catalog of works was an infectious idea, which together with research led to reconceptualization in the form of the FRBR conceptual model. Two categories of lacunae emerge—the expression entity, and gaps in the model such as aggregates and dynamic documents. Evidence needed to extend the FRBR model is available in contemporary research on instantiation. The challenge for the bibliographic community is to begin to think of FRBR as a form of knowledge organization system, adding a final dimension to classification. The articles in the present special issue offer a compendium of the promise of the FRBR model.
H2O, ‘Water’, and Transparent Reduction

Do facts about water have a priori, transparent, reductive explanations in terms of microphysics? Ned Block and Robert Stalnaker hold that they do not. David Chalmers and Frank Jackson hold that they do. In this paper I argue that Chalmers' and Jackson's critique of Block and Stalnaker crucially hinges on a reductio argument, and that the reductio can be defused. I conclude that the counterexamples given by Block and Stalnaker are cogent. If I am right, then we have no reason to accept Chalmers' and Jackson's contentions that physicalism requires a priori, transparent, reductive explanations of all facts in terms of microphysical facts. This conclusion has consequences for C&J's argument that conceptual analysis is essential to philosophical methodology.
Morphology and Quaternary sedimentation of the Mozambique Fan and environs, southwestern Indian Oceans*

Most of the Quaternary sediments of the Mozambique Fan have been derived from Africa-Madagascar and deposited by turbidity currents in Pleistocene time. Currents caused by movement of the Antarctic Bottom Water also played a significant role in reworking and redepositing sediments along the marginal areas of the fan. The inner or upper Mozambique Fan is characterized by a single, leveed valley. Due to the effects of the Coriolis force, the natural levees to the east of the valley (left, looking downstream) are higher and contain more terrigenous sediments than those to the west of the valley. The sea floor to the west of the valley returns regular hyperbolic echoes as seen on 3·5 kHz echograms, whereas to the east of the valley, the sea floor is relatively smooth. The sediments on the valley floor are coarse-grained (with median grain up to 2 mm) and poorly sorted, and occur often as massive turbidites, interbedded with hemipelagic sediments. Away from the valley, both to the east and the west, the terrigenous sediments are relatively fine-grained and have been deposited as overbank turbidite sequences. We estimate the maximum velocities of the channelized turbidity currents in the upper fan to have been 8–32 ms−1. The middle fan has several distributary channels with no levees and has a relatively flat sea floor, characterized by lack of acoustic penetration. Thick, sheet-like, turbidite sand beds, deposited primarily by unchannelized turbidity currents, characterize the middle fan. The middle fan grades, towards the margins, into the outer (lower) fan which is relatively free of channels, has good acoustic penetration and contains hemipelagic and pelagic sediments, and thin, fine-sand turbidite and/or contourite beds. A wide zone of sediment waves, formed from the reworking of the turbidity current-fed sediments by the Antarctic Bottom Water, forms part of the outer fan.
Status epilepticus as a system disturbance: Is status epilepticus due to synchronization or desynchronization?

The traditional view of seizure activity is one in which there is extreme hypersynchronization. Although what is meant by hypersynchronization is rarely explicitly and fully defined, it can be understood to imply large numbers of neurons firing together essentially simultaneously. In this discussion we explore the possibility that seizures-both self-terminating and sustained in status-are not purely synchronous in time or in space. We investigate the alternative possibility that much seizure activity represents spatiotemporal desynchronization. Furthermore, we discuss the possibility that, in contrast to canonical views of epileptic activity, a high degree of synchronization is a prerequisite for termination of the seizure rather than a marker of early and ongoing seizure activity. These ideas will be discussed with reference to results from our collaborative group based on microelectrode recordings in patients with epilepsy as well as to the many studies done by others in both patients and animal models. Finally, we will explore implications for these hypotheses in the treatment of patients with epilepsy and in status epilepticus.
Improvement of Light Transmission using Photonic Lattices for Solar Cells

We study solar-cell interfaces designs using photonic lattices. We simulate rectangular and triangular micro-profiles as the solar cell surface. Compared to the conventional flat surface, the micro-profile interface can increase light transmission to 98%.
Specialized Centers for Heart Failure Management

The incidence of many forms of cardiovascular disease, such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke, has been on the decline over the past two decades. During this same time, the incidence of heart failure has markedly increased.1 2 In 1970, there were 250 000 new cases of heart failure diagnosed in the United States.1 By 1988, this number had grown to 400 000 cases,1 and in 1992, nearly 700 000 new cases of heart failure were identified.2 This increasing incidence of heart failure in the United States has resulted in a current prevalence of heart failure of nearly 5 million cases, or ≈1.5% of the US population.2 Moreover, heart failure is a disease syndrome associated with aging; that is, both the incidence and prevalence of heart failure increase in the elderly population. For example, if one examines the prevalence of heart failure in those more than 75 years old, nearly 10% of this elderly population exhibits the clinical syndrome of chronic heart failure.3 Given this, heart failure is now the most common diagnosis-related group (DRG) discharge diagnosis for those aged more than 65 years old, and it is the fourth leading cause of hospitalization in US adults.4 This has resulted in a substantial economic burden. Estimates of the total direct costs of heart failure treatment in the United States range from $10 billion to nearly $40 billion.2 5 6 Data recently summarized by Konstam et al5 for the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research indicate the following annual expenditure for heart failure in 1990 through 1991: hospital days, $7.5 billion; nursing home days, $1.9 billion; drugs, $0.2 billion; and physician visits, $0.7 billion. In 1991, the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) spent $5.45 billion for the inpatient management of heart …
Effect of dexfenfluramine on fat mass distribution in a high-fat rat model.

Abstract It has been shown that in contrast to peripheral fat, visceral fat is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In this study, we investigated whether dexfenfluramine (dF), a compound known to decrease body fat, affects fat mass differentially in various regions of the body. We used a moderately obese rat model fed a high-fat diet (40% fat). After 35 days on the diet, rats were divided into three groups: a dF-treated group ([D] 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally twice daily), a pair-fed group (Cp), and a control group (C) fed ad libitum. C and Cp rats were injected with saline. After 4 weeks of treatment, body fat, fat cell morphology, and metabolism were determined in subcutaneous (inguinal [ING]) and visceral (retroperitoneal [RET] and mesenteric [MES]) fat tissues. Food intake in D and Cp rats was similar, and was lower than in the C group. In comparison to Cp and C rats, D rats had lower body weight and body fat, smaller ING and RET fat pad weights, and smaller fat cell size in all depots. No significant differences were observed in fat mobilization between groups; however, fat accumulation tended to be lower in D rats. These data suggest that dF has an effect on adipose tissue independent of its effect on food intake. However, this effect seems to occur without regional specificity.
Severe disruptive vocalizers.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the most severe disruptive vocalizers in nursing facilities, in regard to their clinical and behavioral characteristics, staff responses, and treatments used, and to report on their prognosis over 6 months. DESIGN: A longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: One hundred seven skilled nursing facilities. PARTICIPANTS: The 203 residents who were among the two most disruptive vocalizers in their respective facilities and who vocalized at least 2 hours a day. MEASUREMENTS: Telephone interviews of licensed nursing staff who cared for the subjects, conducted at baseline, 2, 4, and 6 months. Data gathered included subject demographics, physical function, diagnoses, medication and restraint use, behavioral problems, vocalization characteristics, treatments used, and status at follow-up. RESULTS: Subjects tended to have dementia, to be dependent in most activities of daily living, to have multiple medical problems, to be physically restrained (48%), and to be taking psychotropic medication (76%). Nearly all (95%) were audible at least 50 feet away, with loudness associated with more severe cognitive impairment (OR 4.90, P = .001). When subjects who primarily made nonverbal noises (“screamers”) were compared with those whose predominant expressions were words (“talkers”), hearing impairment, severe cognitive impairment, and greater dependency in activities of daily living characterized the screamers. Staff reported trying a variety of treatments with all subjects, often with little success. Two months after enrollment, 66% of surviving subjects vocalized fewer hours than at baseline, and 45% were rated as improved. Independent predictors of improvement included greater ADL independence, hearing and vision problems, shorter length of stay, urinary incontinence, and use of a treatment other than one-on-one interventions. Nearly one-quarter of subjects (23.4%) died within 6 months. Baseline factors associated independently with a higher probability of death included age, use of activity intervention, physical abusiveness, and absence of wandering. CONCLUSION: Severe disruptive vocalization is associated with severe cognitive and physical impairment and with a high probability of mortality within 6 months. Subcategorization of severe vocalizers by vocalization type or other associated factors may be useful for prognostic and treatment purposes.
Thermodynamic properties of cyclohexane-d1 2: low-temperature heat capacity and enthalpies of transition and fusion from accurate differential scanning calorimetry, and the entropy from spectroscopic results

Abstract The heat capacity of cyclohexane-d 1 2 was measured from 120 to 325 K by the technique of accurate differential scanning calorimetry. A parallel series of measurements on cyclohexane-h 1 2 was found to be accurate to approximately ±2 per cent from 120 to 200 K and to ±1 per cent from 200 to 325 K by comparison with accepted literature values. The enthalpy of the solid-to-solid phase transition in cyclohexane-d 1 2 was found to be (6810±100) J mol −1 at (186.0±0.5) K and that of fusion to be (2620±80) J mol −1 at (277.2±0.5) K. The entropy of ideal gaseous cyclohexane-d 1 2 at 298.15 K was calculated from spectroscopic results to be (322.1±2.8) J K −1 mol −1 . This value was used with the results of the present work and literature data on the enthalpies of vaporization and combustion to tabulate complete thermodynamic properties of cyclohexane-d 1 2 from 120 to 323.15 K, including the standard enthalpies and standard Gibbs free energies of formation in both the liquid and ideal-gaseous states at 298.15 K. These latter values are: liquid, ΔH f o (298.15 K) = −(221.5±4.8) kJ mol −1 , ΔG f o (298.15 K) = −(20.1±6.2) kJ mol −1 ; ideal gas, ΔH f o (298.15 K) = −(188.6±5.0) kJ mol −1 , ΔG f o (298.15 K) = −(15.3±6.3) kJ mol −1 .
"But my patients are different!": risk adjustment in 2012 and beyond.

Feedback of surgical site infection (SSI) rates to surgeons improves patient outcomes and should be considered a cornerstone of any infection control program. For as long as feedback of SSI data has occurred, those in infection control have often heard a searing retort from indignant surgeons: “But my patients are different!” Fortunately, epidemiologists have several tools to use in response. One of the most commonly used approaches involves risk adjustment for differences in case mix between the group of interest (eg, a surgeon's patients) and a comparator. In other words, risk adjustment levels the playing field. Formal risk adjustment for rates of SSI has existed for almost 50 years but is still an imperfect science. In fact, risk adjustment for different variables can lead to different conclusions. Over the past 2 decades, the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) risk index has been used by many hospitals to perform risk adjustment for rates of SSI. The NHSN risk index is simple and effective but has undergone considerable scrutiny. Numerous investigators have described scenarios and/or procedures for which the risk index performed poorly and have offered suggestions for improvement. Indeed, Robert Gaynes summarized some of the shortcomings of the NHSN risk index in 2 editorials 10 years ago, stating, “A composite risk index that captures the joint influence of [intrinsic patient risk] and other risk factors is required before meaningful comparisons of SSI rates can be made by surgeons, among institutions, or across time.”
Reflectance-based determination of optical properties in highly attenuating tissue.

Accurate data on in vivo tissue optical properties in the ultraviolet A (UVA) to visible (VIS) range are needed to elucidate light propagation effects and to aid in identifying safe exposure limits for biomedical optical spectroscopy. We have performed a preliminary study toward the development of a diffuse reflectance system with maximum fiber separation distance of less than 2.5 mm. The ultimate objective is to perform endoscopic measurement of optical properties in the UVA to VIS. Optical property sets with uniformly and randomly distributed values were developed within the range of interest: ab- sorption coefficients from 1 to 25 cm ˛1 and reduced scattering coef- ficients from 5 to 25 cm ˛1 . Reflectance datasets were generated by direct measurement of Intralipid-dye tissue phantoms at l=675 nm and Monte Carlo simulation of light propagation. Multivariate calibra- tion models were generated using feed-forward artificial neural net- work or partial least squares algorithms. Models were calibrated and evaluated using simulated or measured reflectance datasets. The most accurate models developed—those based on a neural network and uniform optical property intervals—were able to determine absorption and reduced scattering coefficients with root mean square errors of 62 and 63 cm ˛1 , respectively. Measurements of ex vivo bovine liver at 543 and 633 nm were within 5 to 30% of values reported in the literature. While our technique for determination of optical properties appears feasible and moderately accurate, enhanced accuracy may be achieved through modification of the experimental system and pro- cessing algorithms. © 2003 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Nanoparticle self-assembly at the interface of liquid crystal droplets.

Nanoparticles adsorbed at the interface of nematic liquid crystals are known to form ordered structures whose morphology depends on the orientation of the underlying nematic field. The origin of such structures is believed to result from an interplay between the liquid crystal orientation at the particles’ surface, the orientation at the liquid crystal’s air interface, and the bulk elasticity of the underlying liquid crystal. In this work, we consider nanoparticle assembly at the interface of nematic droplets. We present a systematic study of the free energy of nanoparticle-laden droplets in terms of experiments and a Landau–de Gennes formalism. The results of that study indicate that, even for conditions under which particles interact only weakly at flat interfaces, particles aggregate at the poles of bipolar droplets and assemble into robust, quantized arrangements that can be mapped onto hexagonal lattices. The contributions of elasticity and interfacial energy corresponding to different arrangements are used to explain the resulting morphologies, and the predictions of the model are shown to be consistent with experimental observations. The findings presented here suggest that particle-laden liquid crystal droplets could provide a unique and versatile route toward building blocks for hierarchical materials assembly.
A Theorem on Repeating Decimals

(1967). A Theorem on Repeating Decimals. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 74, No. 6, pp. 669-673.
The influence of a single dose of ACTH on the atopic and histamine skin reactions.

Abstract Employing a single intramuscular 25 mg. dose of ACTH and testing asymptomatic subjects with dilutions of atopens producing only slight cutaneous reactions, the writers have succeeded in demonstrating, in the majority of subjects, a slight but definite depressive effect of the hormone upon the atopic cutaneous skin reaction. The cutaneous response to histamine was not depressed by ACTH in any subject.
The utility of shared ethnicity on job quality among Latino workers

This article uses insights from grounded theory methods to find that Latino workers perceive more workplace abuses from Latino supervisors. This preliminary finding helped to design a quantitative study based on data from the Multi-City Study of Urban Inequality to examine the benefits of sharing ethnicity with the supervisor on wages among Latino workers. Results indicate that Latino workers with co-ethnic supervisors suffer wage penalties compared with Latino wage earners with non-Latino supervisors. The results of this study are of concern, given that Latinos have a greater propensity to have a supervisor of the same race/ethnicity. However, in informal markets, the wage penalty that Latinos suffer from being supervised by a co-ethnic is lessened. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the labor structures that are diminishing the usage of ethnicity for economic empowerment among Latinos.
Polarization states of diffracted light. Changes accompanying fiber activation.

Measurement of the state of optical polarization of light diffracted from single, skinned and intact fibers of anterior tibialis muscle from Rana pipiens revealed a dependence upon rigor, activation, and sarcomere length (SL) change. Changes in total birefringence, delta nT, and differential field ratio value, rT, were determined. In a relaxed, skinned fiber the total birefringence value, delta nT, decreases as sarcomere length is increased from 2.1 microns to approximately 2.8–3.0 microns. From there it increases significantly to a value of approximately 1.8 x 10(-3) at a sarcomere length of 3.6 microns. The differential field ratio, rT, also shows a biphasic response to increasing sarcomere length, first exhibiting a rapid decrease over shorter SL and leveling out after the SL is beyond 3.0 microns. In comparison, relaxed intact fibers change substantially less upon sarcomere length change, showing little change in birefringence and a small bi-phasic change in rT. Skinned fibers were activated using a solution that has the same ionic strength as the relaxing solution and allows repeatable, and sustained activation. A decrease in both delta nT and rT was observed upon fiber activation. The decrease in delta nT and rT was slightly larger at shorter sarcomere lengths than at longer lengths. Relaxed fibers placed in rigor showed changes in delta nT and rT similar to those observed in activated fibers. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that, after activation, a significant portion of the thick filament cross-bridges rotate towards the actin filament resulting in redistribution of the interfilament mass content. They are also consistent with an average orientation of crossbridges in the overlap region different from that in the nonoverlap region.