cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age and different influenza viruses.

We read with interest the comment by Rimmelzwaan, Fouchier and Osterhaus explaining different age distribution of cases caused by avian influenza A viruses of the H5N1 and H7N9 subtypes (1). They proposed that the low incidence of severe H5N1 infections in the elderly compared with younger people might be related to the presence of cross-protective antibodies to neuraminidase that had been induced by seasonal influenza A H1N1 viruses. There is another type of cross-reactive antibody which may contribute to the protection against the H5N1 subtype. In contrast to conventional neutralizing antibodies binding to the globular head of the hemagglutinin, which are subtype- or even strain-specific, antibodies binding to the stalk region of the hemagglutinin are broadly neutralizing. Some antibodies to the hemagglutinin stalk are subtype-cross-reactive (2). Previously Matthew Smallman-Raynor and Andrew D. Cliff suggested a possibility that persons born before 1969 have immunity to the H5N1 subtype, which may have been associated with geographically widespread influenza A events before the late 1960s (3). We proposed that widespread influenza A events before the late 1960s may have been due to the H2N2 pandemic starting in 1957 (4), based on and expanding the hypothesis published by Peter Palese and Taia T. Wang (5). The stalk-specific neutralizing antibodies induced against H2 subtype viruses in 1957–68 may be more cross-reactive to the H5 subtype than those induced against the H1 subtype (the H1, H2 and H5 subtypes belong to Group 1 hemagglutinins, but the H5 subtype is more similar to the H2 subtype than the to the H1 subtype). This may have rendered the population born before 1968 more resistant to the H5N1 subtype than persons born after 1968, who only have experienced seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes. Since the H7 subtype belongs to Group 2 hemagglutinins, most stalk-specific neutralizing antibodies induced against H2 subtype are unlikely to be cross-reactive to the H7 subtype and may not have induced more resistance in the older age group against the H7 subtype than the younger age group, resulting in the more typical age distribution of H7N9 subtype as an infectious disease. Although the H3 subtype belongs to the same Group 2 hemagglutinin as the H7, considering that the H3 subtypes have been circulating since 1968, it is difficult to know the impact of antibodies generated against the H3 subtype on the resistance against the H7 subtype. We think our hypothesis is not mutually exclusive with that offered by Rimmelzwaan et al.
Who is referring teens to health information on the web?: hyperlinks between blogs and health web sites for teens

This study analyzes the hyperlinks leading to six teen health web sites from a specific form of social media -- blogs - in order to discover who is referring teens to reliable health information. This was done by gathering inlink data using Google Webmaster Tools and then classifying inlink sources by type of creator. The study found that the teen health web sites in this study had a weak level of referrals from health-related groups compared to other organizations such as schools, and public libraries. With regard to blogs, we saw that personal blogs out-numbered blogs in any other category. We saw little evidence of blogs -- either personal or official -- created by health care professionals, a group which might be expected to actively refer teens to reliable health information. The weak network of inlinks leading from reliable health care providers is a lost opportunity for health care professionals to reach young people. Due to the weak network of inlinks from reliable health information sources, teens may not be accessing accurate and reliable health information. This could have a potential cost in terms of health outcomes. The results of this study present a snap shot rather than all-inclusive view of the visibility of teen health web sites and offer a starting point for further investigation.
Controlling length and areal density of artificial cilia through the dipolar assembly of ferromagnetic nanoparticles

Artificial cilia have been explored for use in microrobotics, MEMS, and lab-on-a-chip devices for applications ranging from micromixers, microfluidic pumps, locomotion, acoustic detection, and heat transfer. We have previously demonstrated the ability to assemble dense brushes of magnetically actuated artificial cilia through the dipolar assembly of 24 nm ferromagnetic cobalt nanoparticles. With little more than a strategically placed permanent magnet, the nanoparticles assemble at room temperature in less than 60 s. Despite areal densities exceeding 1 cilium/μm2, diameters below 25 nm, aspect ratios exceeding 400, and flexural rigidities below 3 × 10−28 N m2, these seemingly delicate structures resist collapse upon each other or the underlying substrate. The current study investigates the ability to rationally control their average length and areal density by changing the nanoparticle concentration and the dimensions of the rectangular capillary tube containing the dispersion. We find that the length and areal density obey a simple conservation of mass relationship with concentration and capillary height such that the product of the former is directly proportional to the product of the latter. Detailed statistical analysis supports a mechanism in which the role of the external field is to align pre-existing chains with the external field, assist stacking of chains along the axis of the field, and then draw them towards the ends of the permanent magnets, where the magnetic field gradient is steepest.
Interpolation by ridge polynomials and its application in neural networks

We consider multivariate interpolation at arbitrary points and provide effective interpolation formulas by using simple ridge polynomials which essentially possess the nature of univariate polynomials in computation, and show that ridge polynomials with least degree can be found for interpolation purpose, which a computational algorithm is provided correspondingly. We then apply the interpolation results to design a computational algorithm for training feedforward neural networks.
Toxic consequence of the abrupt depletion of glutathione in cultured rat hepatocytes.

Abstract Cultured hepatocytes were exposed to two chemicals, dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) and diethyl maleate (DEM), that abruptly deplete cellular stores of glutathione. Upon the loss of GSH, lipid peroxidation was evidenced by an accumulation of malondialdehyde in the cultures followed by the death of the hepatocytes. Pretreatment of the hepatocytes with a ferric iron chelator, deferoxamine, or the addition of an antioxidant, N,N′ -dipheriyl- p -phenylenediamine (DPPD), to the culture medium prevented both the lipid peroxidation and the cell death produced by either DNFB or DEM. However, neither deferoxamine nor DPPD prevented the depletion of GSH caused by either agent. Inhibition of glutathione reductase by 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) or inhibition of catalase by aminotriazole sensitized the hepatocytes to the cytotoxicity of DNFB. In a similar manner, pretreatment with BCNU potentiated the cell killing by DEM. DPPD and deferoxamine protected hepatocytes pretreated with BCNU and then exposed to DNFB or DEM. These data indicate that an abrupt depletion of GSH leads to lipid peroxidation and cell death in cultured hepatocytes. It is proposed that GSH depletion sensitizes the hepatocyte to its constitutive flux of partially reduced oxygen species. Such an oxidative stress is normally detoxified by GSH-dependent mechanisms. However, with GSH depletion these activated oxygen species are toxic as a result of the iron-dependent formation of a potent oxidizing species.
Small-angle scattering of metastable hydrogen formed by collisions of neutral hydrogen atoms with gas targets

An experimental investigation has been made of the scattering of metastable hydrogen formed in collisions of neutral hydrogen with helium; projectile energies were in the range 1 to 20 keV and scattering angles investigated range from 0.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to 1.5\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. In addition angular distributions of scattering H${}^{0}$ and ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ were measured in an extended angular range of 0.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} - 5.0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. Total cross sections for $\mathrm{H}(2s)$ formation in helium and argon targets have also been measured. The total cross sections for $\mathrm{H}(2s)$ formation in helium are in good agreement with coupled-state theoretical predictions at energies above 4.0 keV; the measured differential cross sections show the same angular dependence as theory at 10-keV impact energy. Also, at low energies, a low-angle peak is found in the angular distribution of $\mathrm{H}(2s)$; this is in accordance with theoretical predictions.
Electromyographic biofeedback: Behavioral treatment of neuromuscular disorders

Electromyographic biofeedback is becoming widely used to help patients regain voluntary control of specific muscles affected by neuromuscular disorders. Electromyographic feedback training has been employed in the rehabilitation of patients affected by poliomyelitis, cerebrovascular accident, torticollis, nerve injury, temporomandibular joint syndrome, bruxism, and other disorders. While EMG biofeedback appears to be a promising treatment technique, the research literature on its effectiveness consists mainly of uncontrolled case reports and clinical trials. It is concluded that new studies with more sophisticated designs and more careful control are needed to demonstrate that EMG biofeedback makes a unique contribution to the treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Research is needed to identify relevant patient characteristics predictive of success, specify appropriate muscle groups for the treatment of particular disorders, determine how feedback can be most efficiently combined with more conventional techniques in achieving a therapeutic effect, and establish meaningful criteria of success in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders.
The Structure of Scientific Titles

This article proposes a taxonomy of scientific titles: those staking claims; those setting problems; and those conveying themes. A close analysis of the deep structure of these titles suggests that their goal is the maximization of information content within a short compass, a compression that permits their easy retrieval in computerized searches. Placing these titles into the context provided by Gross, Harmon, and Reidy’s Communicating Science suggests further that titles evolved to this point by adapting to changes in systems of information retrieval.
On the unimodality of spherically symmetric stable distribution functions

Abstract Several theorems are obtained concerning the unimodality of spherically symmetric distribution functions. These theorems are used to show that a class of spherically symmetric infinitely divisible distribution functions that contains the class of spherically symmetric stable distribution functions is unimodal.
ρ parameter and pseudo-Goldstone-boson couplings to the Z

The possibility that neutral pseudo Goldstone bosons of "enhanced" technicolor theories can imitate neutral-Higgs-boson couplings to the $Z$ is considered in light of $\ensuremath{\rho}$-parameter constraints. A rough estimate indicates that couplings of neutral pseudo Goldstone bosons to the $Z$ induced by extended technicolor interactions are unlikely to be of conventional Higgs strength.
BDNF Genotype Modulates Resting Functional Connectivity in Children

A specific polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is associated with alterations in brain anatomy and memory; its relevance to the functional connectivity of brain networks, however, is unclear. Given that altered hippocampal function and structure has been found in adults who carry the methionine (met) allele of the BDNF gene and the molecular studies elucidating the role of BDNF in neurogenesis and synapse formation, we examined the association between BDNF gene variants and neural resting connectivity in children and adolescents. We observed a reduction in hippocampal and parahippocampal to cortical connectivity in met-allele carriers within both default-mode and executive networks. In contrast, we observed increased connectivity to amygdala, insula and striatal regions in met-carriers, within the paralimbic network. Because of the known association between the BDNF gene and neuropsychiatric disorder, this latter finding of greater connectivity in circuits important for emotion processing may indicate a new neural mechanism through which these gene-related psychiatric differences are manifest. Here we show that the BDNF gene, known to regulate synaptic plasticity and connectivity in the brain, affects functional connectivity at the neural systems level. In addition, we demonstrate that the spatial topography of multiple high-level resting state networks in healthy children and adolescents is similar to that observed in adults.
Singer's formant in sopranos: fact or fiction?

Abstract Although it is generally agreed that the singer's formant (F S ) is a prerequisite for successful stage performance, the results of this research do not support its presence in the soprano voices of trained female singers. Results are based on a recent investigation testing 10 advanced/professional sopranos in two groups singing sustained vowels at three frequencies: high (932 Hz), mid (622 Hz), and low (261 Hz). Spectrographic analysis shows that the nature of harmonic energy varies in relation to pitch. A resonance band somewhat resembling the tenor F S was usually evident in vowels sung at low and mid pitch. However, unlike the F S of typically less than 1 kHz bandwidth associated with tenors, sopranos singing similar pitches produced corresponding bandwidths which were significantly broader, usually at least 2-kHz wide. Vowels sung by sopranos at high-pitch levels exhibited strong fundamental frequency production with strong reinforcement of adjacent harmonics extending to 5 kHz and beyond. This type of production in essence nullifies the necessity for a typical F S . Absence of the F S in strong soprano voices might also imply the adaptation of a sufficiently different overall vocal tract configuration, so that techniques geared to developing maximal projection should not be the same as those developed to maximize the F S in other voices.
Plasmon dispersion in semimetallic armchair graphene nanoribbons

The dispersion relations for plasmons in intrinsic and extrinsic semimetallic armchair graphene nanoribbons (acGNR) are calculated in the random phase approximation using the orthogonal ${p}_{z}$-orbital tight-binding method. Our model predicts new plasmons for acGNR of odd atomic widths, $N=5,11,17,...$ Our model further predicts plasmons in acGNR of even atomic widths, $N=2,8,14,...$, related to those found using a Dirac continuum model but with different quantitative dispersion characteristics. We find that the dispersion of all plasmons in semimetallic acGNR depends strongly on the localization of the ${p}_{z}$ electronic wavefunctions. We also find that overlap integrals for acGNR behave in a more complex way than predicted by the Dirac continuum model, suggesting that these plasmons will experience a small damping for all $q\ensuremath{\ne}0$. Plasmons in extrinsic semimetallic acGNR with the chemical potential in the lowest (highest) conduction (valence) band are found to have dispersion characteristics nearly identical to their intrinsic counterparts, with negligible differences in dispersion arising from the slight differences in overlap integrals for the interband and intraband transitions.
FSH suppression does not affect bone turnover in eugonadal men.

Context: In vitro and animal studies have reported conflicting results regarding an independent role for FSH in the regulation of bone turnover. Objective: Our objective was to test the hypothesis that suppressing serum FSH while holding serum gonadal steroid levels stable in the eugonadal range will affect biochemical markers of bone metabolism in healthy men. Participants, Design, and Setting: Eugonadal men aged 20 to 50 years participated in this randomized controlled trial at a tertiary care academic teaching hospital. Interventions: Participants received monthly GnRH analog injections to suppress FSH secretion plus daily topical testosterone gel in prespecified doses (intervention group). Controls received matching placebos (control group). Subjects in the intervention group were individually matched with subjects in the control group to ensure that the mean testosterone and estradiol levels (measured every 4 weeks during the 16-week study period) in the 2 groups were similar. Main Outcome Measures: ...
Geometric finite element discretization of Maxwell equations in primal and dual spaces

Abstract Based on a geometric discretization scheme for Maxwell equations, we unveil a mathematical transformation between the electric field intensity E and the magnetic field intensity H, denoted as Galerkin duality. Using Galerkin duality and discrete Hodge operators, we construct two system matrices, [ X E ] (primal formulation) and [ X H ] (dual formulation) respectively, that discretize the second-order vector wave equations. We show that the primal formulation recovers the conventional (edge-element) finite element method (FEM) and suggests a geometric foundation for it. On the other hand, the dual formulation suggests a new (dual) type of FEM. Although both formulations give identical dynamical physical solutions, the dimensions of the null spaces are different.
A class of simple and efficient degenerated shell elements-analysis of global spurious-mode filtering

Abstract Results obtained for a class of degenerated shell elements formulated in convected (curvilinear) coordinates are presented. Each node has five degrees of freedom, with displacements expressed directly in global coordinates. Rotations of directors are treated in an efficient manner that preserves continuity across interelement boundaries, and allows treatment of general boundary conditions. A contibuous field of local triads can be generated by a method proposed herein. A plane stress linear constitutive relation is developed with respect to a general system of curvilinear coordinates whose transverse coordinate is not necessarily normal to the shell lamina. Element stiffness matrices are obtained in a form directly ready for global assemblage, avoiding completely local-global transformations. Uniform reduced-integration is employed to relieve shear and membrane locking. It is shown analytically that spurious zero-energy modes are invariant under change of element geometry. These spurious modes are filtered in a reliable and efficient manner that preserves consistency of the element, and is insensitive to change of material constants and geometric parameters. Spurious-mode filtering is performed directly at the global level. The element passes patch tests, and is robust under severe element distortions. Extensive numerical results are presented to assess the performance of the element. Practical aspects of implementing the present formulation are also discussed. The same filtering methodology can be applied to other shell formulations as well.
Vulnerability to calcium-induced neurotoxicity in cultured neurons expressing calretinin.

Calretinin (CR) is a calcium-binding protein purported to have neuroprotective properties. This study was designed to characterize the types of neurons containing CR in two different primary cultures and to determine which, if any, CR-immunoreactive (CR-ir) neurons are resistant to excitotoxic insults. Calretinin-containing neurons in cortical primary cultures derived from E14 rat embryos were not resistant to either kainic acid or a brief calcium overload induced by the calcium ionophore A23187. Equal proportions of CR-ir and GABAergic cortical neurons were lost after a 24-h exposure to 100 or 500 microM kainic acid. A 3 microM, 3-h exposure to A23187 induced equivalent amounts of cell loss in both the total cell and CR-ir cortical neuron culture populations. Cortical cultures grown for 6-7 days were more vulnerable than 12- to 13-day-old cultures to short-term, low-concentration treatments of A23187. Older cultures, however, were more severely affected when examined 24 h after a 3-h exposure to A23187. Calretinin-immunoreactive neurons derived from the diencephalon were relatively more resistant than cortical neurons to kainic acid at 6-7 days in vitro. In cortical or diencephalic cultures, CR was rarely coexpressed with GABA or calbindin D-28k. No vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, or parvalbumin was detected in CR-ir neurons in either culture system. We suggest that the presence of CR alone is not sufficient to spare neurons from a toxic calcium overload. Calretinin may still buffer calcium at low concentrations or be a component in a calcium-based signal transduction system.
Who Likes Competent Women? Competence, Sex-Role Congruence of Interests, and Subjects' Attitudes Toward Women as Determinants of Interpersonal Attraction1

Men (N= 264) and women (N= 343) students were shown one of 4 videotape versions of a female stimulus person (SP) being interviewed. The SP portrayed a Competent or Incompetent individual who was Feminine or Masculine in her interests. The S s, who had previously been given an Attitudes Toward Women Scale (AWS, Spence & Helmreich, 1972) rated the SP on several characteristics, including likability. A 2 × 2 ANOVA indicated that women S s significantly preferred the Competent and the Masculine SPs. For men, the variables interacted significantly, the Masculine-Competent SP being liked most, the Masculine-Incompetent least, and the two Feminine SP s being intermediate and similar to each other. When S s' AWS scores (high, medium, or low) were included, complex interactions were found between AWS and experimental condition, especially in the male groups.
Second harmonic generation in potassium niobate thin films

Green light produced by second harmonic generation has been observed in an epitaxial orthorhombic KNbO3 thin film planar waveguide produced by ion‐beam sputter deposition on a (100)‐oriented MgO single crystal substrate. A Nd:YLF laser beam, with a wavelength of 1.053 μm and ∼80 ps, 100 MHz pulses under mode‐locked operation, was coupled into the waveguide using a rutile prism, and a green light streak 3–4 mm long was seen in the guide. The TM0 mode of the input beam was phase matched to the TE1 mode of the second harmonic for a film thickness of 2300 A. Second harmonic generation was also observed in a nonwaveguided configuration on thicker (4600–6500 A) films on both MgO and KTaO3 substrates.
The role of debridement: through small portals.

Arthroscopic debridement represents one option for treatment of the patient with degenerative arthritis of the knee. Numerous procedures, including joint lavage, removal of loose bodies, partial meniscectomy, and techniques to stimulate cartilage repair may be included under this topic. Understanding surgical indications and clinical results requires differentiation of these individual components where possible. Furthermore, it is important to note that degenerative changes present along a spectrum of involvement. However, despite patient heterogeneity, selective application of conservative debridement, partial meniscectomy and removal of mechanical irritants will result in improved midterm follow-up results in approximately two thirds of patients. Patient expectations are crucial, and the temporizing nature of the procedure must be understood.
Market Dynamics and Investment Performance of Distressed and Defaulted Debt Securities

The market for investing in distressed and defaulted debt is continuing to receive a great deal of attention despite the shrinkage in the supply of new securities in the last few years and the recent (1997-98) poor return performance to investors. This is primarily due to the expected growth in the supply of new distressed and defaulted public and private debt paper, the perception that prices are now at attractive levels and the documented relatively low correlation of returns with the more traditional debt and equity markets. This article reviews some of the important attributes of this unique investment vehicle and updates our analysis of the risk and return performance of defaulted debt.
Depression Treatment and Satisfaction in a Multicultural Sample of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Patients

OBJECTIVE —To assess rates of depressive symptoms, depression treatment, and satisfaction in a multicultural sample of individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —This study was conducted with a cross-sectional community-based survey design. RESULTS —The sample ( n = 221) was predominantly female (60.3%), had type 2 diabetes (75%), and was middle class with a mean (±SD) age of 54 ± 12 years. A total of 53% were white. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD) (mean 16.4 ± 11.3). Using conservative thresholds (CESD score ≥22), 25.3% of participants reported clinically significant depression. Rates of depression did not differ by ethnic group or diabetes type. The majority (76%) of depressed participants reported treatment (52% antidepressants, 63% mental health providers, 19% alternative healers, and 15% herbal remedies). African Americans were less likely to report any depression treatment, to receive antidepressant medications, or receive treatment from a mental health professional compared with whites. Participants with high depressive symptoms reported general satisfaction with depression treatment experiences. CONCLUSIONS —High rates of depressive symptoms were observed across ethnic groups, yet significant differences in use of depression treatment existed across ethnic groups. Those seeking depression treatment reported satisfaction with a variety of depression treatment modalities. Increased depression screening and treatment may be beneficial for ethnically diverse patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
"The Beauty of America": Nationalism, Education, and the War on Terror

In this article, Thea Renda Abu El-Haj draws on qualitative research conducted with Palestinian American high school students to explore school as a key site for nation building. By focusing on their teachers' talk and practice, she examines how U.S. nationalism and national identities are produced through everyday racialized and gendered discourses and practices inside one school. She argues that this nation building is deeply entwined with the cultural logic that undergirds U.S. imperial ambitions in relation to the current "war on terror" and explores how productions of everyday nationalism and national belonging define an "American" identity in opposition to cultural and political traits and values assumed to characterize Islam. Ultimately, Abu El-Haj demonstrates how complex discourses about the United States engender a view of education as alternately a liberating and disciplining force for Arab American youth. She concludes with implications for educating teachers "to better address the complexitie...
TOWARDS A THEORY OF COMPREHENSION OF DECLARATIVE CONTEXTS

An outline of a theory of comprehension of declarative contexts is presented. The main aspect of the theory being developed is based on Kant's distinction between concepts as rules (we have called them conceptual specialists) and concepts as an abstract representation (schemata, frames). Comprehension is viewed as a process dependent on the conceptual specialists (they contain the inferential knowledge), the schemata or frames (they contain the declarative knowledge), and a parser. The function of the parser is to produce a segmentation of the sentences in a case frame structure, thus determininig the meaning of prepositions, polysemous verbs, noun group etc. The function of this parser is not to produce an output to be interpreted by semantic routines or an interpreter, but to start the parsing process and proceed until a concept relevant to the theme of the text is recognized. Then the concept takes control of the comprehension process overriding the lower level linguistic process. Hence comprehension is viewed as a process in which high level sources of knowledge (concepts) override lower level linguistic processes.
On the observation of parity admixtures with perturbed angular correlations

Abstract A new parity test is proposed using combined electric and magnetic perturbation of the angular correlation of two gamma rays, one pure and one mixed. The experiment requires a measurement of the asymmetry of the coincidence rate in fixed counters for reversal of an applied magnetic field. An asymmetry of order 10 −4 is predicted for 181 Ta in Hf. Either a single crystal or a powdered source may be used.
A prospective analysis of microsatellite instability as a molecular marker in colorectal cancer

Background: Microsatellite instability (MSI) may be a molecular marker of colorectal tumor biology. We sought to evaluate the incidence and significance of MSI in an unselected colorectal cancer population. Methods: Colorectal cancer cases from a community health system were prospectively evaluated for MSI and patient outcomes monitored. Results: Of 240 eligible, 140 underwent testing; 43 (31%) had high-frequency MSI (MSI-H). Those with MSI-H tumors presented with earlier disease stage (P = .014) and lymphocytic infiltration (P <.001). Stage III MSI-H patients trended toward improved disease-free survival (P =.065). MSI-H patients were more likely to have other primary malignancies. Conclusions: Prevalence of MSI-H in the general colorectal cancer population is higher than previously reported. MSI testing of colorectal cancers is useful as part of a molecular profile to stratify patients for prognosis, treatment, and further study. Patients with MSI-H tumors are more likely to have other primary malignancies, suggesting a role for heightened screening.
MR of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: prevalence and spectrum of cerebrovascular malformations.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to describe the prevalence and types of cerebral vascular malformations (CVMs) seen with MR imaging in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). METHODS: We reviewed retrospectively the brain MR images of 184 consecutive patients with HHT. Catheter angiography was performed in 17 patients with CVMs detected on MR images. RESULTS: MR imaging revealed 63 CVMs in 42 patients. Classic arteriovenous malformations (n = 10) had a conspicuous network of vessels with flow voids and enlarged adjacent pial vessels. Apparent venous malformations (n = 5) were best seen after administration of contrast material as a prominent vessel coursing through normal brain parenchyma. Indeterminate vascular malformations (n = 48) had a spectrum of appearances characterized by variable combinations of heterogeneous signal intensity, enhancement, or hemosiderin. Angiography in 17 patients revealed 47 CVMs. Forty-six were arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), including 25 CVMs not seen with MR imaging and 21 CVMs that by MR criteria included 8 AVMs and 13 indeterminate vascular malformations. Angiography confirmed 1 venous malformation seen with MR imaging but failed to detect 3 indeterminate lesions revealed by MR imaging. CONCLUSION: MR imaging of a large cohort of consecutive patients with HHT revealed a CVM prevalence of 23% (42/184). Most CVMs (48/63) have an atypical appearance for vascular malformations on MR images. Angiographic correlation suggests that MR imaging underestimates the prevalence of CVMs and that the majority of indeterminate CVMs, despite their variable MR appearance, are AVMs.
Dos especies nuevas de Weinmannia (Cunoniaceae) de los bosques montanos en La Paz, Bolivia

ABSTRACT A recent investigation of Weinmannia L. (Cunoniaceae) material collected from the Yungas region of La Paz, Bolivia, has uncovered two new species, W. davidsonii A. Fuentes & Z. S. Rogers and W. yungasensis A. Fuentes & Z. S. Rogers, both endemic to the area. Weinmannia davidsonii is similar to W. bangii Rusby but differs most obviously by the tomentose (vs. glabrous) ovary and denser pubescence of the leaves. Weinmannia yungasensis is close to W. dryadifolia Moricand ex Seringe but is distinguished most notably by the leaves that are up to 5-foliolate (vs. up to 3-foliolate), the larger simple leaves (0.9–3 × 0.8–2.5 cm vs. 1–2 × 0.6–1.2 cm), the glabrous (vs. pubescent) stipules, and the lax (vs. congested) longer inflorescences ((2–)3.5–5.5 cm vs. 1–3(–3.5) cm). Both species belong to section Weinmannia L.
Ethics in Project Management Research on Values-Based Leadership in Project Driven Arenas

The paper addresses the values-based leadership skills, values and concepts of ethical project management professionals, and, considers the applicability of this leadership construct to the processes of managing major projects in different industries and applications. The research study on which the paper is based addresses the suitability of a values-based leadership approach for leading project teams, with a focus on improving the partnerships within project-driven industries. The project-driven industries for this research include a) facility construction & design, b) information technology (both systems development and telecommunications), c) new product development related programs, and d) manufacturing related areas. The main research question addressed is: "Can the application of values-based leadership skills, values and concepts improve the processes of project management, especially within project-driven industries?" A follow on to this research question is the hypothesis of: "Values-based leadership skills, values, and concepts are highly applicable to the processes of project management, in particular, in the leading of programs from concept through completion." The paper on this research assesses the eleven leadership values postulated in the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, as means to establish an ethical rubric within project-driven industries. The research used a quantitative approach to assess the critical elements of this topic. On previous research on this topic, a mixed methods approach was found appropriate to identify the values shared between the leader and followers (qualitative), review the values-base for the particular application (quantitative), and compare the leader's ethical values with the organization (mixed methods).
Tunable active bandpass filters using three-terminal MESFET varactors

The concept of three-terminal MESFET varactors is presented. Based on this concept, two types of tunable active bandpass filters working at the X-band were developed. The first circuit used two MESFETs, of which one was used as a MESFET varactor and the other was used to generate a negative resistance. The second circuit used only one MESFET, which had both the functions of the two MESFETs in the first circuit. The experimental results showed the possibility of using the MESFET in the active mode to generate both a negative resistance and a variable reactance. >
Sublethal pathology in bats associated with stress and volcanic activity on Montserrat, West Indies

Abstract The small Caribbean island of Montserrat has been battered by several hurricanes, and beginning in 1995, pyroclastic eruptions from the Soufriere Hills Volcano have destroyed the southern portion of the island. In addition to being incinerated by pyroclastic flows (300+°C), the bats of Montserrat also have had to contend with acid rain and the deposition of volcanic ash on leaves, fruits, and flowers and its subsequent ingestion by the bats. We document a dramatic decrease in the bat population and increases in several sublethal pathologies associated with the accumulation of ash across the island coincident with the onset of volcanic activity. Before 1995, less than 1% of the fruit bats exhibited evidence of unusual tooth wear. Since 1995, fruit bats have exhibited abnormal tooth wear advanced by the ingestion of volcanic ash while feeding and grooming. Damage to the teeth often includes ablation of the entire enamel crown and the exposure of the pulp cavity. Idiopathic hair loss was practically...
Protein Kinase C and Myocardial Biology and Function

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and its various isoforms has been postulated to have multiple cardiovascular functions, including vascular permeability, cell migration and growth, extracellular matrix production, and expression of various cytokines.1 2 The ability of PKC to regulate many cardiovascular functions is not surprising, because PKC, a family of serine-threonine kinases, is an intracellular signal for many cardiovasotropic growth factors, such as angiotensin, endothelin, and vascular endothelial growth and permeability factor.3 4 5 In addition, PKC activation can indirectly modulate other signal pathways, such as the Raf-MEK1–MAP kinase and PI3 kinase–Akt cascades.6 7 The physiological importance of PKC can also be surmised by the existence of multiple isoforms, of which 12 members have been documented to date. These are usually arranged according to their structure and substrate requirements into the following groups: conventional PKCs (cPKCs) (α, β1/2, and γ), which are Ca2+ dependent and activated by binding to diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidylserine (PS); novel PKCs (nPKCs) (δ, e, η, and θ), which are Ca2+ independent but are activated by DAG and PS; and atypical PKCs (aPKCs) (ζ and ι/λ), which are Ca2+ and DAG independent but are PS sensitive. The distribution of the various PKC isoforms is tissue and species dependent. In the heart, PKC isoforms α, β1/2, δ, e, and ζ have been identified in rat neonatal cardiomyocytes.8 In adult rat cardiomyocytes and myocardium, PKC isoforms δ and e seem to be maintained with age, whereas other PKC isoforms may decline.9 10 In human myocardium, PKC isoforms α, β1/2, δ, and e have also …
Measured HDO/H2O ratios across the tropical tropopause

We present the first simultaneous measurements of HDO and H_2O in the tropical upper troposphere (UT) and lower stratosphere (LS) as derived from infrared solar absorption spectra acquired by the Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) experiment. We find, surprisingly, that the observed HDO/H_2O ratio does not decrease with altitude in this region despite a factor of 4–5 decrease in the water vapor mixing ratio. This observation is inconsistent with the view that dehydration in the tropical UT/LS is by gradual processes, and suggests a major role by convective processes.
Mechanism-based inactivation of porcine kidney diamine oxidase by 1,4-diamino-2-butene

Abstract Cis - and trans -1,4-diamino-2-butene are substrates and potent inactivators of porcine kidney diamine oxidase. Evidence from absorption and NMR spectra indicates that both are oxidized to pyrrole. Both substrates are irreversible mechanism-based inactivators of the enzyme, although the trans isomer is more potent and results in complete inactivation in a reaction which follows pseudo-first-order kinetics with an apparent K i of 0.34 mM and a second-order inactivation constant of 500 M −1 s −1 . Under the same conditions, 46% of the activity remains when the enzyme is reacted with cis -1,4-diamino-2-butene. Trans -4-amino-2-butenal, the product of oxidation of the trans diamine, has been synthesized and shown to undergo cyclization to pyrrole in a concentration-dependent manner, approaching second-order at low concentrations. Trans -4-amino-2-butena is itself a potent irreversible inhibitor with IC 50 of 2.5 μM. We propose that the irreversible inactivation by both cis - and trans 1,4-diamino-2-butene involves attack by a protein-based nucleophilic residue on the unsaturated aminoenal products of the enzymatic reactions, resulting in a covalent adduct. Cyclization of the cis -aminoenal to pyrrole is much more rapid than in the trans case, thus it is less available for inhibitory reaction with the protein.
Behçet's disease and treatment with colchicine

A case of Behcet's disease characterized by anterior uveitis, arthritis, oral, genital, and cutaneous lesions, as well as gastrointestinal involvement, all documented over a 10-month period, is presented. Less commonly appreciated complications, such as pyoderma gangrenosum, hidradenitis suppurativa, perianal fistula, and persisting leukocytosis, were among striking clinical features of the patient's history. Remission of cutaneous lesions and no recurrence of ocular or gastrointestinal manifestations occurred with 0.6 mg oral colchicine twice daily in a period of 5 weeks.
Lessons of the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident for Sustainable Energy Generation: Creation of the Safety Culture in Nuclear Power Plants Around the World

Abstract The world's sustainable energy generation depends on safe and un-interrupted operations of its nuclear power plants. Nuclear power constitutes a major source of energy for many countries and its electricity generation share is around 16%. As such, global security and sustainability are hostages to nuclear safety. Without nuclear safety, in this era of proliferating nuclear weapons, global security will be a dream; and in a world with 58 still operating Soviet-designed nuclear power reactors, sustainability will only be a mirage. According to a Russian official, all the commercial nuclear reactors operating on Russian territory are nothing better than “bombs temporarily generating electricity.” The share of energy generation of these reactors in their respective countries is rather significant; and in the short run, their closure and replacement are neither realistic nor economically feasible. Human and organizational factors play a vital role in the safety of complex, large-scale technological sy...
Therapeutic advantage of grid irradiation for large single fractions.

Abstract Purpose In the present work, we used model calculations of cell survival to compare the effects of single fraction high-dose grid therapy with those of uniform dose delivery on tumor and normal tissues. Methods and materials The grid consisted of a hexagonal pattern of divergent holes in a Cerrobend block. A linear-quadratic model was used to find the surviving fraction of tumor and normal tissue cells after high-dose irradiation. Equivalent uniform doses were determined according to the tumor cell kill. The ratio of the normal tissue surviving fraction under grid irradiation to that obtained under equivalent uniform dose irradiation was taken as a measure of therapeutic gain. Results The therapeutic ratio varied from 0.80 to 13.22 for the range of cell sensitivities investigated, with single fraction doses of 10.0–20.0 Gy. Optimization studies showed no significant dependence of therapeutic gain on hole spacing. Conclusion With high, single-fraction doses, grid irradiation revealed a therapeutic advantage over uniform dose irradiation whenever the tumor and surrounding normal tissues cells were equally radiosensitive, or, particularly, if the tumor cells were more radioresistant than the normal cells. The therapeutic gain did not appear to be a strong function of grid design.
The Continuized Log-Linear Method: An Alternative to the Kernel Method of Continuization in Test Equating.

Von Davier, Holland, and Thayer (2004) laid out a five-step framework of test equating that can be applied to various data collection designs and equating methods. In the continuization step, they presented an adjusted Gaussian kernel method that preserves the first two moments. This article proposes an alternative continuization method that directly uses the log-linear function from the smoothing step. This alternative method has the advantages of being simple and direct and producing smoother continuous distributions. When the number of score points is large, it can better preserve the moments. Two real test examples are provided to demonstrate these properties and to compare equating functions based on different methods. The standard error of equating for this method is derived.
ASSESSMENT OF WETLANDS IN THE UPPER JUNIATA WATERSHED IN PENNSYLVANIA, USA USING THE HYDROGEOMORPHIC APPROACH

ABSTRACT This paper reports on the ecological status of wetlands in the Upper Juniata watershed in Pennsylvania, USA, as determined by employing the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach. HGM assessment provides a measure of the potential functional performance of a single wetland for up to 11 functions, depending on the subclass. Functional Capacity Index (FCI) scores calculated for each function range between a score of 1 (indicates the site is performing at optimum levels) and a score of 0 (indicates the site is not performing the function). Mean scores for all functions for the wetland resource in the Upper Juniata ranged from 0.48–0.63, except for Long-term Surface-Water Storage (0.39) and Characteristic Hydrology (0.85). Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) plots were fairly linear over most of the distribution for all functions, indicating that the FCI scores were evenly distributed over the population. Several of the plots flattened at the upper and/or lower ends of the curves, indicating that a very s...
Habit and Meaning in Peirce's Pragmatism

The pragmatic movement has often been misunderstood; the most frequent misconceptions, which assimilated the philosophies of Peirce and James in particular to forms of positivism, reductionism, or crude voluntarism seem to be on the wane. Peirce's scholastic realism, his doctrine of signs, and his conception of truth as the unique and destined goal of inquiry now tend to receive the attention that was formerly reserved for his empiricism and pragmatism. A similar change in the estimation of James seems to be taking place insofar as his theory of truth is seen as much less simplistic than was formerly supposed; and both his conception of truth and his pragmatism are coming to appear as more powerful philosophical suggestions when seen in their connection with his radical empiricism. It would, however, be too easy for those sympathetic to the early pragmatists to attribute the misunderstandings to unsympathetic critics (or, in Peirce's case, to the additional factor of the late appearances of the Collected Papers). Much of the misunderstanding appears to have been generated by the pragmatists themselves; on a superficial level, they seem to be responsible for sometimes misrepresenting their own ideas. This is not a clear case of philosophical bad faith, for there is sometimes an incoherence in their thought which is quite capable of generating several interpretations. The most general discrepancy has always seemed to be between the metaphysics espoused by the pragmatists and their theory of meaning. When the theory of meaning (in its more reductionist versions) was taken to be the primary philosophical contribution of the pragmatists, their metaphysical speculations were regarded as aberrations, to be explained perhaps in terms of the heady climate created by the competing forms of idealism in their philosophical milieu. However, the more we see of the speculative vigor and coherence of their metaphysics, the more we may be tempted to reverse this interpretation.