cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Defining Concepts and New Directions: A Commentary on “The Fewer the Merrier?: Assessing Stigma Surrounding Nonnormative Romantic Relationships”

Conley and colleagues’ recent article identifying consensual nonmonogamous (CNM) relationships as stigmatized in American society made a significant contribution to the domain of relationships research. However, definitions and operationalizations of monogamous and consensual nonmonogamous relationships in their research left us with questions about the generalizability of the conclusions and with ambiguity about the specific policies they view as in need of modification in order to accommodate CNM relationships. While “The Fewer the Merrier” does shed some light on an understudied population, in order for significant advances to be made in understanding the public policy needs of the CNM group it is important to be specific about which groups are being discussed.
Abstract Data Types

The sections in this article are 1 Abstract Data Types Encapsulate Data Structures 2 Creation and Design of ADTs 3 Related Topics
Negative affect and unsafe sex in HIV-positive men.

This cross-sectional study of 155 sexually active HIV-positive men (48% homosexual, 39% bisexual, 13% heterosexual) sampled at an outpatient clinic in Los Angeles found that negative affective states (depression-dejection, tension-anxiety, confusion-bewilderment, anger arousal, and keeping anger inward) were significantly associated with having engaged in unprotected anal intercourse in the most recent sexual encounter with a male partner. Negative affect was not associated with unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse with most recent female partners. Path analyses suggested that the association of negative affect (composite score) and unsafe sex with male partners was mediated by participants' use of alcohol/drugs in the 3 hours before the sexual encounter. Additionally, the association of depression-dejection and unsafe sex tended to be mediated by attributions of responsibility for protecting sex partners (i.e., more responsibility attributed to partners than to self). The findings support a psychological escape model of sexual risk behavior in seropositive men and demonstrate the need for secondary prevention programs for HIV-positive persons.
Thermal Control for the MFTF Magnet

The Mirror Fusion Test Facility (MFTF) will have the world’s largest magnet. External dimensions of the assembled Yin-Yang magnet will be 7.8 by 8.5 by 8.5 m, and it will weigh approximately 300 tons. More than 8000 liters of circulating liquid helium will be required to maintain the nearly 50 km of superconductor at below 5.0 K while the latter carries almost 6000 A in a magnetic field up to nearly 7.7 T. Such formidable conditions have necessitated extensive planning to achieve the required thermal control.
What to do with stories: The sciences of narrative medicine

Before her death last year, Dr Miriam Divinsky and I corresponded about storytelling in medicine. Her work introduced readers of this journal to narrative medicine[1][1] and paved the way for this special issue of stories and reflections from practice, joining widespread developments in this young
Neither the cholesterol or arginine content of whole egg explains its beneficial effect on glucose homeostasis in BHE/cdb rats 1

Abstract Male weanling BHE/cdb rats were fed either a whole-egg diet, a control diet, or a control diet that matched either the arginine or cholesterol content of the whole-egg diet. Glucose tolerance, renal function, cholesterol status, and urea cycle activity was assessed at 250 days of age. Neither the cholesterol content of the whole-egg diet nor its arginine content could explain the whole-egg diet effect on glucose tolerance, renal metabolism, or renal function. At 250 days of age BHE/cdb rats fed the whole-egg diet had a near normal glucose tolerance, whereas rats fed the other diets had impaired tolerance as well as impaired renal function. This diet difference might be attributable to either the vitamin A or lecithin content of the whole egg, but is not attributable to its arginine or cholesterol content.
Release of Cystic Fibrosis Airway Inflammatory Markers from Pseudomonas aeruginosa–Stimulated Human Neutrophils Involves NADPH Oxidase-Dependent Extracellular DNA Trap Formation

Cystic fibrosis (CF) airways are characterized by bacterial infections, excess mucus production, and robust neutrophil recruitment. The main CF airway pathogen is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Neutrophils are not capable of clearing the infection. Neutrophil primary granule components, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and human neutrophil elastase (HNE), are inflammatory markers in CF airways, and their increased levels are associated with poor lung function. Identifying the mechanism of MPO and HNE release from neutrophils is of high clinical relevance for CF. In this article, we show that human neutrophils release large amounts of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in the presence of P. aeruginosa. Bacteria are entangled in NETs and colocalize with extracellular DNA. MPO, HNE, and citrullinated histone H4 are all associated with DNA in Pseudomonas-triggered NETs. Both laboratory standard strains and CF isolates of P. aeruginosa induce DNA, MPO, and HNE release from human neutrophils. The increase in peroxidase activity of neutrophil supernatants after Pseudomonas exposure indicates that enzymatically active MPO is released. P. aeruginosa induces a robust respiratory burst in neutrophils that is required for extracellular DNA release. Inhibition of the cytoskeleton prevents Pseudomonas-initiated superoxide production and DNA release. NADPH oxidase inhibition suppresses Pseudomonas-induced release of active MPO and HNE. Blocking MEK/ERK signaling results in only minimal inhibition of DNA release induced by Pseudomonas. Our data describe in vitro details of DNA, MPO, and HNE release from neutrophils activated by P. aeruginosa. We propose that Pseudomonas-induced NET formation is an important mechanism contributing to inflammatory conditions characteristic of CF airways.
Environments of kangaroo rats (Dipodomys) and effects of environmental change on populations in southern Nevada

Climates and plant components of environments of the heteromyid rodents Dipodomys merriami, D. microps , and D. deserti are characterized and compared on sites over 2600 square kilometers in central-southern Nevada. Sites compared are those with the 20 highest-density populations each of D. merriami and D. microps , and all sites with D. deserti , from among 58 undisturbed communities where rodent numbers were established by five consecutive years of censusing. The study areas were in eight drainage basins of the Nevada Test Site, at elevations of 915 to 1850 meters (m), and included Mojave, Great Basin, and transition desert systems. Other parameters measured on each site, and compared for the site groups, are rainfall, maximum and minimum air temperatures, and various parameters for all plant components of the systems. Plant data were collected seasonally with the rodent data, whereas the climatic data were for 10 years. Distributions of D. merriami and D. deserti were correlated with the low shrub cover and low mean precipitation/mean temperature (P/T) ratios of the Mojave Desert Larrea communities. Distributions and higher densities of D. microps were closely correlated with the high shrub cover and high P /T ratios of the Coleogyne and Grayia-Lycium communities of the transition, and Artemisia of the Great Basin Desert. On the compared sites either D. merriami or D. microps usually occurred to the near exclusion of the other, and none of the plant parameters other than percentage shrub cover distinguished the two rodent environments. Restriction of D. microps to environments with high mean rainfall supports recent physiological evidence by others that this species may have the highest bodywater turnover rate and lowest urine-concentrating ability in the genus. On nine other sites shrub cover had been destroyed (and surface soils modified) by nuclear detonations, fire, or blading prior to the measurements period. Three of the sites were in declining ionizing-radiation fields. Regardless of nature of origin of the disturbance, there was a rapid and usually nearly complete replacement of D. microps by large D. merriami populations following the disturbance. The only change in plant parameters consistent among the sites was the large reduction in shrub cover. Occupancy of these sites by D. merriami was in accord with its ability to live with low shrub cover. Disappearance of D. microps was evidently related to its corresponding requirement of high shrub cover, suggesting a vulnerability to elimination by predators where there are few or no shrubs in the environment.
Space relevant laboratory studies of ion-acoustic and ion-cyclotron waves driven by parallel-velocity shear

Results from a Q-machine experiment are used to illustrate the dispersion-relation regimes associated with ion-acoustic and ion-cyclotron waves modified by the presence of shear in the magnetic-field-aligned (parallel) ion flow. Identifying the regimes requires knowledge of the sign of the ratio of wavevector components and the sign of parallel-velocity shear. Ion-temperature anisotropy is shown to influence significantly the propagation direction of oblique ion-acoustic waves. The necessity of documenting the instability mechanism with measurements of the electron and ion distribution functions, the electron and ion parallel-velocity shear, the flow-frame Doppler shifts, both small and large values of propagation angle, and the growth rate is illustrated. The existence of these shear-modified, low-frequency waves at values of parallel electron-drift velocity substantially smaller than the excitation thresholds predicted by homogeneous-plasma theory demonstrates the suitability of parallel-velocity shear for playing a role in the mechanism responsible for broadband extremely-low-frequency waves observed in the auroral ionosphere where there exists spatial variations and filamentation in the parallel plasma flow. This article was scheduled to appear in issue 5 of Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion. To access this Special issue please follow this link: http://www.iop.org/EJ/toc/0741-3335/45/5
Quaternary rivers on the New Jersey shelf: Relation of seafloor to buried valleys

The Quaternary evolution of the stream net on the New Jersey shelf has been interpreted on the basis of bathymetric maps and also by means of seismic profiling, with somewhat different results. Maps show the most recent positions of seafloor shelf valleys, but these valleys may have been created by retreating estuary mouths rather than by subaerial stream erosion. Seismic profiles reveal buried valleys of subaerial fluvial origin, which may follow courses that diverge markedly from the trends of associated seafloor valleys. Shelf valleys must be understood in the context of erosional shoreface retreat, a process that largely remade the shelf surface during successive Quaternary transgressions. Most shelf landforms are marine and post-transgressional in origin, having been formed at the foot of the shoreface. Only very large and deeply incised subaerial landforms survive the shoreface-retreat process. The marine landforms that tend to replace or bury subaerial river valleys include shelf valleys created by estuary-mouth scour, shoal-retreat massifs, and shelf deltas. Three distinct shelf valley sets, including both seafloor and buried valleys, are attributable to the ancestral Delaware, Great Egg, and Hudson Rivers, respectively. Individual valleys within valley sets may follow markedly divergent paths. In the case of the Hudson, the estuary retreated up a deeply incised river valley and was confined by it; the shelf valley is a river valley only partially filled by estuarine deposits. In the case of the other two rivers, the estuary mouths became largely decoupled from the underlying river valleys during the transgression, and their retreat paths do not everywhere overlie the buried channels. In each valley set, divergent buried valleys apparently belong to periods of subaerial exposure of the shelf that occurred earlier in Holocene time.
Acoustic change detection algorithm using an FM radio

The U.S. Army is interested in developing low-cost, low-power, non-line-of-sight sensors for monitoring human activity. One modality that is often overlooked is active acoustics using sources of opportunity such as speech or music. Active acoustics can be used to detect human activity by generating acoustic images of an area at different times, then testing for changes among the imagery. A change detection algorithm was developed to detect physical changes in a building, such as a door changing positions or a large box being moved using acoustics sources of opportunity. The algorithm is based on cross correlating the acoustic signal measured from two microphones. The performance of the algorithm was shown using data generated with a hand-held FM radio as a sound source and two microphones. The algorithm could detect a door being opened in a hallway.
The use of seclusion is not evidence-based practice.

TOPIC Published articles on the use of seclusion in psychiatric care. PURPOSE To present the argument that the use of seclusion in the psychiatric care of children is not evidence-based practice. SOURCES Review of the scientific study literature of the last 30 years on the use of seclusion. CONCLUSIONS The scientific evidence available illustrates that the use of seclusion with children is not therapeutic and is, in fact, harmful to patients.
In search of the perfect face lift: a personal odyssey.

Thomas D. Rees, MD ASAPS President, 1979–1980. To me, the change in attitude toward face lift surgery is as important as the changes that have occurred in surgical technique. Forty years ago and for many years thereafter, it was implied by many of our academic leaders that face lifting was beneath the dignity of any legitimately motivated plastic surgeon and was not worthy of serious attention. The procedure was considered necessary only as a source of income. Breast reduction and rhinoplasty were considered to be more “reconstructive” and thus acceptable, but face lifting was thought to be pure vanity surgery. Rhytidectomy was rarely included in the formal curriculum of a training program, and the operation was shrouded in mystery. This recollection is supported by the paucity of papers on rhytidectomy in the plastic surgery literature by respected authors in the 1950s and ’60s. Those that were published were sparse in detail and generally of poor quality; they were limited to the subjective views of the authors, who often reported fanciful techniques dreamed up in an armchair. Very few books on aesthetic surgery were available in the 1950s, and none were written by “legitimate” well-trained plastic surgeons. The most widely read book on the subject, The Surgery of Injury and Plastic Repair ,1 was filled with information and techniques gleaned from the literature and was often of questionable practical validity. At that time, didactic teaching was virtually nonexistent. To become proficient, it was necessary for surgeons of my generation to harvest tidbits of technique from many sources. Aesthetic surgery papers were rare at the national meetings of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and much rarer still at the Association meetings. For many years such papers were rejected out of hand by the program committees, reflecting the prejudice …
The dual nature of the martian crust: Young lavas and old clastic materials

Abstract Visible and thermal infrared spacecraft datasets are used to gain insight into the nature of the surface materials and upper martian crust, revealing a distinct transition in the physical properties of martian crustal materials that occurred during the Hesperian era. Contrary to a prevailing view of the martian crust as primarily composed of lava flows, we find that most older regions of Mars have morphological and thermophysical properties consistent with poorly consolidated fine-particulate materials that may have a volcaniclastic origin. By contrast, younger surfaces contain blocky materials and thermophysical properties consistent with effusive lava flows. Explosive volcanism is likely to have been dominant on early Mars and these findings have implications for the evolution of the volatile content of the crust and mantle and subsequent development of the surface morphology. This dual nature of the crust appears to be a defining characteristic of martian history.
The isolation and properties of mitochondria from rat pancreas

A technique for the isolation of functional rat pancreatic mitochondria is described. The resultant mitochondrial preparations contained oligomycin-insensitive Mg2+-ATPase activity and coupled respiration could only be demonstrated in the absence of Mg2+ and in the presence of EDTA.
Ergonomics on the Hangar Floor: Structuring the Intervention Process

A methodology is demonstrated which systematically interpreted aircraft inspection tasks in human factors terms, performed projects where human/system mismatches were found, and re-integrated the project findings to provide for comprehensive intervention. A generic function description was first used to structure extensive hangar-floor observations and analysis, and potential mismatches determined. Projects were completed for each function, for example redesigned workcards for the Initiate function and lighting studies for the Search function. Integrative techniques developed were a computer-based audit program to evaluate human factors in aircraft inspection tasks, and a systematic implementation technique based on human factors teams in the hangar.
Assessment of medical personnel exposure to nitrogen oxides during inhaled nitric oxide treatment of neonatal and pediatric patients.

Objective. This study was an assessment of potential exposures of medical personnel to nitrogen oxides during simulated and actual inhaled nitric oxide treatment of newborn and pediatric patients. Design. Breathing zone exposures to nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were monitored using data-logging personal dosimeters during simulated and actual administration of NO gas to patients in an intensive care setting. Sample. A total of 28 bedside nurses and 18 respiratory therapists were monitored during 6 different patient treatments. Analysis. The highest measured concentrations of NO and NO2 in the personal breathing zones of the nurses and respiratory therapists were peak readings ( Conclusion. Detectable exposures to NO and NO2were brief, infrequent, and well below Occupational Safety and Health Administration permissible exposure limits or any other exposure guideline, eg, American Conference of Governmental Hygienists Threshold Limit Values.
MULTIPLE PARAMETER CONTINUATION: COMPUTING IMPLICITLY DEFINED k-MANIFOLDS

We present a new continuation method for computing implicitly defined manifolds. The manifold is represented as a set of overlapping neighborhoods, and extended by an added neighborhood of a bounda...
Selective study of paramagnetic centres in coals by e.s.r. and e.s.e. spectrometry

Abstract Electron spin resonance (e.s.r.) and electron spin echo (e.s.e.) studies of two natural and heat-treated bituminous coals are presented. In all samples, two main paramagnetic centres have been detected and studied selectively by obseving e.s.e. decays at different parts of the e.s.r. signal. These centres interact differently with neighbouring protons and the interaction is reduced in both centres by heat-treatment. The e.s.r. measurements reflect the heterogeneity of the region around the radical and are sensitive to the presence of proton hyperfine and dipolar broadening interactions. E.s.e. decays are sensitive to the presence of signals with longer spin memory time TM. The TM values obtained for all samples can be rationalized by assuming an exchange frequency in the range 1 × 108 − 1 × 109s−1.
Change in neuropsychological functioning over one year in youth at clinical high risk for psychosis

Schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders are associated with significant neuropsychological (NP) impairments. Yet the onset and developmental evolution of these impairments remains incompletely characterized. This study examined NP functioning over one year in a sample of youth at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis participating in a treatment study. We assessed functioning across six cognitive domains at two time points in a sample of 53 CHR and 32 healthy comparison (HC) subjects. Linear regression of HC one-year scores was used to predict one-year performance for CHR from baseline scores and relevant demographic variables. We used raw scores and MANOVAs of the standardized residuals to test for progressive impairment over time. NP functioning of CHR at one year fell significantly below predicted levels. Effects were largest and most consistent for a failure of normative improvement on tests of executive function. CHR who reached the highest positive symptom rating (6, severe and psychotic) on the Structured Interview of Prodromal Syndromes after the baseline assessment (n = 10/53) demonstrated a particularly large (d = -1.89), although non-significant, discrepancy between observed and predicted one-year verbal memory test performance. Findings suggest that, although much of the cognitive impairment associated with psychosis is present prior to the full expression of the psychotic syndrome, some progressive NP impairments may accompany risk for psychosis and be greatest for those who develop psychotic level symptoms.
Computer-guided surgery for tacfayarrhythmias in children: Current results and expectations

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this report is to summarize our entire surgical experience in the treatment of tachyarrhythmias in children. We emphasize our application of a newer computerized mapping system for use in both the electrophysiology laboratory and the operating room to localize points of activation of the tachyarrhythmias. Background . A retrospective review was undertaken to examine the results of operative procedures in 290 children undergoing surgical treatment for tachyarrhythmias from 1977 to the present. Methods . Operative procedures were performed in 290 children and consisted of the following: surgical ablation of accessory pathways of the Kent bundle type (210 children); surgery with cryoablation for atrial ectopic tachycardia (35 children); surgical excision or cryoablation, or both, for ventricular tachycardia (26 children); cryoablation for the permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia (15 children) and atrioventricular (AV) node reentrant tachycardia (4 children). Results . The surgical cure rate for accessory pathway tachycardia in the era before computerized mapping was 80% (41 patients) in the period from 1977 to 1982 and 95% (86 patients) in the period from 1982 to 1988. This rate improved to 100% (83 patients) after the advent of the computerized mapping technique. These improved results are probably due to a combination of factors, including increasing experience in electrophysiologic mapping and surgery, and cannot be attributed to the computerized mapping system alone. Surgical cure or major improvement in symptoms was documented in 33 (94%) of 35 patents with atrial ectopic tachycardia. Surgical cure was accomplished in 25 (96%) of 26 patients with the complex form of ventricular tachycardia, In 19 patients with the permanent form of junctional reciprocating tachycardia and the more typical AV node reentrant tachycardia, the surgical cure rate was 100%. Conclusions . In all forms of supraventricular reentrant tachycardia that occur in children, preoperative computerized mapping techniques combined with intraoperative computerized mapping and surgical ablation can eliminate tachycardia at a success rate of close to 100%. Computerised mapping techniques are less accurate in patients with atrial ectopic tachycardia because of multiple foci and a broader surface area to be mapped. This experience demonstrates that excellent results can be achieved in the surgical treatment of tachyarrhythmias in children.
IL-10 suppresses IL-17-mediated dermal inflammation and reduces the systemic burden of Vaccinia virus in a mouse model of eczema vaccinatum.

Abstract Individuals with atopic dermatitis (AD) are susceptible to a severe, potentially fatal, systemic infection and inflammatory response following exposure to Vaccinia virus (VV). IL-10 acts both as an inducer of Th2 responses and as a regulator of T cell activation. It has been shown to limit skin inflammation elicited by contact sensitizers. AD exacerbations have been associated with decreased IL-10 function. We used IL-10−/− mice to test the role of the cytokine in VV immunity. They exhibited larger primary lesions and increased cutaneous neutrophil infiltration compared to wild-type (WT) counterparts. This was associated with enhanced production of IL-17A, IL-17F and CXCL2. Paradoxically, despite intact adaptive immune responses, tissue viral burdens were increased in IL-10−/− mice. These findings suggest that IL-10 is important in limiting skin inflammation induced by VV and that abnormal IL-17-driven neutrophil recruitment at the primary infection site in the skin results in increased systemic viral dissemination.
Hydrocarbons in Sand Crabs ( ) from Southern California (U.S.A.)

Abstract Emerita analoga (Crustacea:Hippidae) from three southern California (U.S.A.) beaches contained 0.9 to 24.1 μg/g dry wt saturated hydrocarbons, and 3.6 to 21.4 μg/g dry wt unsaturated hydrocarbons. Major constituents were (in wt. % total): n-alkanes (13.1%), heneicosapentaene plus heneicosahexaene (1.0%), squalene (5.1%), and unidentified polyenes (7.8%). Crabs from beaches exposed to small boat traffic and natural oil seepage were slightly and severely tainted, respectively, with petroleum hydrocarbons. Animals from San Nicolas Island (85 km offshore) contained only biogenic compounds.
Hadronic origin of the pion mass

Abstract We construct generalized gauge models of hadrons (and leptons) including π, ϱ, A1, π′, ϱ, A1, π′, ϱ′ A1′, … In these models, the pion may be taken a psuedo-Goldstone boson. In a lone loop approximation to the simplest of these models, we obtain a strikingly accurate pion mass, as a function of hadronic (large) parameters. In a supporting current algebra derivation, we see that the essential ingredients for the smallness are (a) asymptotic chiral symmetry and (b) a low energy cut-off imposed by Weinberg's second spectral function sum rule. The model also agrees with ϱ′ data, and predicts an A1′ around 3 (GeV)2. In addition, the pion form factor is essentially monopole, while the baryon form factors are dipole.
Layer minimization of escape routing in area array packaging

We devise a central triangular sequence to minimize the escape routing layers in area array packaging. We use a network flow model to analyze the bottleneck of the routable pins. The triangular patterns are generated in a reverse order from the last to the first layer. We demonstrate that the triangular pin sequence maximizes the sum of escape pins in the accumulated layers and thus minimize the number of escape routing layers. A test case is presented to illustrate the approach.
Synthesis of dl‐erythro and threo‐sphingosine‐4,5‐3H

DL-erythro-sphingosine and DL-threo-sphingosine specifically labelled with 3H in positions 4 and 5 were prepared. The synthesis of these compounds was based on a modification of a procedure published by Grob and Gadient. Quantitative separation of the sphingosines from acetylenic impurities was accomplished, and the physical constants of pure DL-erythro and threo sphingosines were determined. D-erythro sphingosine was prepared by resolving the DL racemate and it was found identical to the naturally occurring product.
Liver Tumors in Rats Fed Thiourea or Thioacetamide.

Thiourea administered orally to albino rats for a prolonged period of time induces liver tumors, without liver cirrhosis, in a large percentage of cases at concentrations which may be below those producing hyperplasia of the thyroid gland. Thioacetamide appears to be slightly tumorigenic in the rat liver and, in addition, is a very potent producer of nodular cirrhosis.
Cauda equina syndrome associated with longstanding instrumented spinal fusion.

Background This study sought to describe a patient with a slowly progressive cauda equina syndrome (CES) who had imaging findings of the CES that occurs as a rare complication of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but whose spinal fusion was due to thoracolumbosacral instrumentation, not spondyloarthropathy. Methods A 53-year-old woman presented with a 5-year history of slowly progressive CES affecting sensory and sphincter more than motor function many years after sequential instrumented fusions of her thoracic and then lumbosacral spine. Imaging studies showed enlargement of the caudal sac and dorsal arachnoid diverticula eroding into posterior elements of the lumbar spine similar to findings reported in patients with CES in longstanding AS. Despite extensive evaluation, no other cause for her CES was found. We postulate that our patient's CES is on the same pathophysiologic basis as that proposed for patients with longstanding AS (fibrosis of peridural tissues with increase in transmitted cerebrospinal fluid pulse pressure). Because of reports that patients with CES due to longstanding AS are helped by placement of a lumboperitoneal shunt, our patient underwent this procedure. Results Seventeen months postoperatively, the patient's symptoms and neurologic examination are unchanged, and her previous slow progression has been halted. Conclusions This case strongly suggests that extensive surgical thoracolumbosacral fusion can, rarely and after many years, be associated with lumbosacral nerve root damage and a slowly progressive CES that is similar to that seen in patients with spinal fusion due to longstanding AS.
Pseudoscalar glueball wave functions from QCD sum rules.

Using QCD sum rules, we calculate the first few moments of the distribution amplitude of a pseudo- scalar glueball, in the approximation that the glueball is narrow. These moments then give the corresponding first few coefficients of the distribution amplitude for the glueball expanded in Gegenbauer polynomials. The distribution amplitude is rather close to its asymptotic form, and the glueball's decay constant'' is about 105 MeV for a pseudoscalar glueball mass of 2.0 GeV.
Automated Solid-Phase Synthesis of Oligosaccharides

Traditionally, access to structurally defined complex carbohydrates has been very laborious. Although recent advancements in solid-phase synthesis have made the construction of complex oligosaccharides less tedious, a high level of technical expertise is still necessary to obtain the desired structures. We describe the automated chemical synthesis of several oligosaccharides on a solid-phase synthesizer. A branched dodecasaccharide was synthesized through the use of glycosyl phosphate building blocks and an octenediol functionalized resin. The target oligosaccharide was readily obtained after cleavage from the solid support. Access to certain complex oligosaccharides now has become feasible in a fashion much like the construction of oligopeptides and oligonucleotides.
Differential Dynamics of Platelet Contact and Spreading

Platelet spreading is critical for hemostatic plug formation and thrombosis. However, the detailed dynamics of platelet spreading as a function of receptor-ligand adhesive interactions has not been thoroughly investigated. Using reflection interference contrast microscopy, we found that both adhesive interactions and PAR4 activation affect the dynamics of platelet membrane contact formation during spreading. The initial growth of close contact area during spreading was controlled by the combination of different immobilized ligands or PAR4 activation on fibrinogen, whereas the growth of the total area of spreading was independent of adhesion type and PAR4 signaling. We found that filopodia extend to their maximal length and then contract over time; and that filopodial protrusion and expansion were affected by PAR4 signaling. Upon PAR4 activation, the integrin αIIbβ3 mediated close contact to fibrinogen substrata and led to the formation of ringlike patterns in the platelet contact zone. A systematic study of platelet spreading of GPVI-, α2-, or β3-deficient platelets on collagen or fibrinogen suggests the integrin α2 is indispensable for spreading on collagen. The platelet collagen receptors GPVI and α2 regulate integrin αIIbβ3-mediated platelet spreading on fibrinogen. This work elucidates quantitatively how receptor-ligand adhesion and biochemical signals synergistically control platelet spreading.
Safety and efficacy of irreversible electroporation of the liver in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and secondary liver metastases

Purpose Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a novel, non-thermal technique used to ablate soft tissue tumors. A potential advantage of IRE over thermal ablation techniques includes the ability to ablate tissue adjacent to blood vessels or other critical structures. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of IRE for the treatment of liver malignancies. Materials and Methods In this institutional review board-approved retrospective study, 15 patients were treated with IRE for 17 tumors in the liver. Eight patients were diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma, 6 had metastatic liver tumors from colorectal cancer, and one patient had cholangiocarcinoma. Median patient age was 58 years. Nine of 15 (60%) were male, and 11/15 (73%) were Eastern Cooperative Performance Status (ECOG) performance status of 0. Median number of tumors was 1 (range 1-2), with a median diameter of 1.8 cm (range 0.7-4.1 cm). IRE was chosen due to proximity of the tumor to large vessels (hepatic vein, n=5; portal vein, n=3), bile duct (n=3), or bowel (stomach, n=2; colon, n=4). Results IRE was performed in standard fashion under general anesthesia using 2-4 probes (median 3). Eleven were performed percutaneously and four surgically. Follow up assessment was performed on all patients. Sixteen of 17 (94%) ablations were technically successful, as defined by complete overlap of the ablation zone with the tumor. Median hospital stay was one day (range 0-34 days). Median follow-up was 219 days. Complications included one case of self-limiting rectus sheath hematoma and one case of acute liver dysfunction (which was transient and resolved). There were no injuries to adjacent bowel. No hepatic or malignancy related deaths have occurred. Imaging follow-up was available for 12/17 (71%) tumors. Ten tumors demonstrated complete response and two demonstrated partial response. Following complete ablation, there was one case of tumor recurrence at the ablation site. Conclusion Irreversible electroporation of liver tumors is safe even when adjacent to bowel or other vital structures. It demonstrates high efficacy based on imaging response criteria, even for lesions adjacent to large blood vessels.
African Writers: Historical Perspectives on Their Trials and Tribulations

This study offers a historic overview of the very unfortunate plight of African writers, who are defined here as poets, playwrights, essayists, novelists, and even journalists, and how postcolonial-era political repressive measures-also termed "trials and tribulations"force many of them into "voluntary" exile. These writers have included some of Africa's most famous, as Greenhouse (1994) reported in The New York Times of the unorthodox departure of Professor Wole Soyinka, the Nobel Literature Laureate, from his Nigerian homeland. Instead of leaving Nigeria on the traditional "red carpet" often reserved for diplomats and notable dignitaries, Soyinka-to avoid arrest by Nigerian security agents because of his opinions-had to escape, reportedly, through the bush into exile abroad, to live temporarily in America. Whereas several pieces of empirical evidence have been used to buttress the theme of this study-which promptly includes the discussion of the consequences of political repression and brain drain
In vivo complex formation of actinomycin D and deoxyribonucleic acid.

ACTINOMYCIN D (AMD) has been shown to inhibit the ribonucleic acid (RNA)-polymerase activity of bacterial cells. This inhibition is considered, at present, to represent the sole mechanism by which this agent inhibits cell division1. It appears to result from the formation of complexes between the antibiotic and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)2. Following parenteral administration to animals the antibiotic appears to possess similar activity, but differs in that high doses are required and the effects are reversible3. When administered to rats which have undergone partial hepatectomy, the expected subsequent mitotic activity can be eliminated4.
Sodium nitroprusside in 2014: A clinical concepts review

Sodium nitroprusside has been used in clinical practice as an arterial and venous vasodilator for 40 years. This prodrug reacts with physiologic sulfhydryl groups to release nitric oxide, causing rapid vasodilation, and acutely lowering blood pressure. It is used clinically in cardiac surgery, hypertensive crises, heart failure, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, and other acute hemodynamic applications. In some practices, newer agents have replaced nitroprusside, either because they are more effective or because they have a more favorable side-effect profile. However, valid and adequately-powered efficacy studies are sparse and do not identify a superior agent for all indications. The cyanide anion release concurrent with nitroprusside administration is associated with potential cyanide accumulation and severe toxicity. Agents to ameliorate the untoward effects of cyanide are limited by various problems in their practicality and effectiveness. A new orally bioavailable antidote is sodium sulfanegen, which shows promise in reversing this toxicity. The unique effectiveness of nitroprusside as a titratable agent capable of rapid blood pressure control will likely maintain its utilization in clinical practice for the foreseeable future. Additional research will refine and perhaps expand indications for nitroprusside, while parallel investigation continues to develop effective antidotes for cyanide poisoning.
Tracking gauge symmetry factorizability on intervals

Abstract We track the gauge symmetry breaking pattern by boundary conditions on fifth and higher-dimensional intervals. It is found that, with Dirichlet–Neumann boundary conditions, the Kaluza–Klein decomposition in five-dimension for arbitrary gauge group can always be factorized into that for separate subsets of at most two gauge symmetries, and so is completely solvable. Accordingly, we present a simple and systematic geometric method to unambiguously identify the gauge breaking/mixing content by general set of Dirichlet–Neumann boundary conditions. We then formulate a limit theorem on gauge symmetry factorizability to recapitulate this interesting feature. Albeit the breaking/mixing, a particularly simple check of orthogonality and normalization of fields' modes in effective 4-dim picture is explicitly obtained. An interesting chained-mixing of gauge symmetries in higher dimensions by Dirichlet–Neumann boundary conditions is also explicitly constructed. This study has direct applications to higgsless/GUT model building.
Predisposing Factors in Sudden Cardiac Death in Tecumseh, Michigan A Prospective Study

In an epidemiologic study of the total population of Tecumseh, Michigan, 98 deaths from coronary heart disease were observed between 1959 and 1965. Forty-five of the fatalities occurred within 1 hour of the onset of symptoms and were classified as sudden. The proportion of sudden deaths among men was nearly twice that among women, and the incidence increased progressively with age in both sexes. Hypertensive heart disease, coronary heart disease, or diabetes mellitus had been detected on prior examination in 62% of those who died suddenly. Physiologic abnormalities associated with a high risk of coronary heart disease were also found more frequently than in the total Tecumseh population. All but seven of the persons who died suddenly had abnormalities including arrhythmias and conduction defects which were detected in the standard 12-lead electrocardiogram. Although sudden deaths often seem to occur without warning, the victims are predisposed by conditions which are detectable long before the catastrophi...
Private Insurance Company Involvement in the U.S. Crop Insurance Program

The participation of intermediaries in either public policy or private markets can be justified on the basis of efficiency gains. With respect to private insurance companies and the crop insurance program, efficiency gains may arise from either decreased transaction costs through better established delivery channels and/or the revelation of asymmetric information. However, anecdotal evidence indicates that delivery costs are excessive and it appears that for political economy reasons, rates have and will not be adjusted in response to new information. In conclusion, the value-added of private insurance companies is questioned in light of the current political economy and thus should serve as a caution to other countries wishing to emulate the U.S. system.
The design of a low temperature thermocouple material

Abstract : The paper presents factors pertinent to the development of a passive element of good reproducibility in the temperature region below 300K, with a positive thermopower in the liquid helium range. A silver-gallium alloy containing approximately 4.8% (at.) gallium was found to have properties desirable for use in thermocouples and also suitable for use as a thermoelectric standard material.
Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava: A Problem in the Transvenous Pacing of the Heart

Transvenous pacemaker implantation was impossible from the right side in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) as the two cavae communicated via the coronary sinus and entry into (he right heart could not be achieved. Epicardial pacing was instituted.
Replication of minichromosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is sensitive to histone gene copy number and strain ploidy.

We have characterized a defect in the mitotic transmission of plasmid minichromosomes in yeast strains deleted for the more highly expressed pair of histone H3 and H4 genes. Several observations indicate that an impairment in DNA replication contributes to the decrease in minichromosome stability. First, the maintenance of ARS plasmids that lack centromeres was also defective. Second, the addition of multiple ARS elements suppressed the defect in plasmid maintenance. Third, a synergistic increase in plasmid loss rate was seen when a plasmid containing an inefficient mutated ARS was tested in a strain deleted for histone genes, implying an interaction between ARS activity and the histone gene deletion. These results support the existence of a histone-dependent step in the initiation of DNA replication. We find that the stability of native chromosomes is not affected in strains deleted for histone genes. We propose that reduced histone H3 and H4 protein decreases the efficiency of initiation at ARS elements on plasmids and chromosomes, but that the presence of multiple origins on chromosomes compensates for the reduced efficiency. We find that decreased minichromosome stability is suppressed by increases in strain ploidy. The greater stability due to ploidy increases is not due to a relative increase in the expression of histone genes. We discuss models for the effect of strain ploidy on minichromosome maintenance. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Renal Osteodystrophy—Pathogenesis and Treatment

Histologic bone changes of osteitis fibrosa and osteomalacia are commonly present in patients with end-stage renal disease. Although many patients are not symptomatic from these bone changes, some patients are severely disabled. Altered metabolism of vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone occurs in renal failure and contributes to the development of uremic bone disease. This article reviews the current theories of pathogenesis and treatment of renal osteodystrophy. In addition, the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and treatment of the various aluminum-associated osteomalacic syndromes in uremia are discussed.
Vertical exchange bias effects in multilayer thin films based on iron oxide and chromium oxide

Abstract Multilayer thin films based on iron oxide and chromium oxide are grown using pulsed laser deposition technique. Structural, electrical, and magnetic properties of the multilayer films are studied in detail. X-ray diffraction analysis shows the polycrystalline nature of chromium oxide films, while iron oxide shows strong orientation along (222) direction. Temperature dependent electrical measurements show semiconducting nature of the film. These multilayer films show magneto-resistance (MR) of about 1.4% at 1 T field. Zero field cool and field cool magnetization (M) vs. magnetic field (H) studies clearly show the presence of vertical exchange bias effect. This vertical exchange bias effect decreases with increase in temperature and vanishes at room temperature.
Validity of the rooted staggered determinant in the continuum limit

We investigate the continuum limit of the rooted staggered determinant in the 2-dimensional Schwinger model. We match both the unrooted and rooted staggered determinants with an overlap fermion determinant of two (one) flavors and a local pure gauge effective action by fitting the coefficients of the effective action and the mass of the overlap operator. The residue of this fit measures the difference of the staggered and overlap fermion actions. We show that this residue scales at least as $O({a}^{2})$, implying that any difference, be it local or nonlocal, between the staggered and overlap actions becomes irrelevant in the continuum limit. For the model under consideration here, this observation justifies the rooting procedure for the staggered sea quark action.
"It's Going to Make the Whole Tower Crooked": Victimization Trajectories in IPV

Interest in the mechanisms by which childhood maltreatment can lead to adult intimate partner victimization (IPV) is growing, though limited research has examined these mechanisms from the direct perspective of the victims. Using qualitative methods to examine childhood histories in a sample of 23 IPV survivors, we identified two trajectories, childhood emotional trauma and childhood physical trauma, which lead to revictimization in adulthood in the form of IPV. The emotional trauma trajectory was associated with a desire for intimacy and deficits in navigating interpersonal relationships. Problematic interpersonal schemas and a fear of loneliness swayed many of these women to stay with an abusive partner. The physical trauma trajectory was associated with desensitization and normalization of violence. Problematic interpersonal schemas, and the belief that the experience of violence is normal, promoted tolerance of IPV. Implications for research and intervention are discussed.