cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association of Maternal Comorbidity With Severe Maternal Morbidity: A Cohort Study of California Mothers Delivering Between 1997 and 2014.

Background Rates of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) are higher in the United States than in other high-resource countries and are increasing further. Objective To examine the association of maternal comorbid conditions, age, body mass index, and previous cesarean birth with occurrence of SMM. Design Population-based cohort study using linked delivery hospitalization discharge data and vital records. Setting California, 1997 to 2014. Patients All 9 179 472 mothers delivering in California during 1997 to 2014. Measurements SMM rate, total and without transfusion-only cases; 2019 maternal comorbidity index. Results Total SMM increased by 160% during this time, and SMM excluding transfusion-only cases increased by 53%. Medical comorbid conditions were associated with an increasing portion of SMM occurrences. Medical comorbid conditions increased over the study period by 111%, and obstetric comorbid conditions increased by 30% to 40%. Identified medical comorbid conditions had high relative risks ranging from 1.3 to 14.3 for total SMM and even higher relative risks for nontransfusion SMM (to 32.4). The obstetric comorbidity index that is most often used may be undervaluing the degree of association with SMM. Limitations Hospital discharge diagnosis files and birth certificate records can have misclassifications and may not include all relevant clinical data or social determinants. The period for analysis ended in 2014 to avoid the transition to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification, and therefore missed more recent years. Conclusion Obstetric and, particularly, medical comorbid conditions are increasing among women who develop SMM. The maternal comorbidity index is a promising tool for patient risk assessment and case-mix adjustment, but refinement of factor weights may be indicated. Primary funding source National Institutes of Health.
Helping International Students Identify Themselves: Social Media Usage and Organizational Attachment

The relationship between social media usage and personality has received increased scrutiny recently. The current study studies international students’ organizational attachment through the exploration of their personality and usage of university social media. Participants were 51 international students from a Midwest State University and 49 domestic (U.S.) students for comparison purposes. Results showed some differences in the structure of personality, level of social media usage, and level of organizational attachment comparing international students and domestic students. Results also supported the complementary purpose of using social media for international students, where agreeableness and openness to experience are negatively associated with social media usage. Moreover, the relationship was stronger when students’ English proficiency is lower. An overall model demonstrated the relationship among international students’ personalities, university social media usage, and organizational attachment.
Extremal problems for pairs of triangles.

A convex geometric hypergraph or cgh consists of a family of subsets of a strictly convex set of points in the plane. There are eight pairwise nonisomorphic cgh's consisting of two disjoint triples. These were studied at length by Bras (2004) and by Aronov, Dujmovic, Morin, Ooms, and da Silveira (2019). We determine the extremal functions exactly for seven of the eight configurations. The above results are about cyclically ordered hypergraphs. We extend some of them for triangle systems with vertices from a non-convex set. We also solve problems posed by P. Frankl, Holmsen and Kupavskii (2020), in particular, we determine the exact maximum size of an intersecting family of triangles whose vertices come from a set of $n$ points in the plane.
Nurse spiritual self-care: A scoping review

Abstract Background The health care research on spirituality has focused on patients. Less is known about the spiritual self-care of nurses who work with these patients in all types of challenging environments. Nurse spiritual self-care may be helpful in reducing workplace stress and burnout. Purpose The purpose of this review was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the conceptual definitions, theory and measurement of nurse spiritual self-care as reflected in the current literature. Methods The review framework was aligned with the recommendations consistent with the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping reviews. Findings Ten studies were included. Three included explicit definitions and five explicitly stated theories. Five quantitative, four qualitative, and one mixed measurement of concept were found. Discussion This scoping review identified conceptualizations, theoretical frameworks, and measurements that can be foundational to future research in this area. Our paper highlights the need for further research on nurse spiritual self-care.
Inequality and the Partisan Political Economy

Inequality is shown to shape public policies with significant redistributive ramifications. As a measure of the poor median voter's dissatisfaction with the economic status quo, some scholars argue...
PPP Syndrome: Pancreatitis, Panniculitis, Polyarthritis

Pancreatitis, panniculitis and polyarthritis syndrome (PPP Syndrome) is a rare manifestation of extra-pancreatic complications of acute pancreatitis. It occurs as a consequence of pancreatic duct disruption and ongoing leakage of pancreatic enzymes. PPP Syndrome is characterized by inflammation and fat necrosis. In rare cases, fatty tissue of the mesentery may be affected. Imaging may demonstrate a mesenteric mass. Treatment is directed at correction of underlying pancreatic disease and control of inflammation.
Broadband Terahertz Time-Domain Imaging via a 63-Pixel Focal-plane Array

Images captured by terahertz time-domain imaging systems are information rich because of the wide imaging bandwidth. However, the speed of the state-of-the-art terahertz time-domain imaging systems is still limited by their single-pixel imaging modality. Here, we present terahertz time-domain imaging via a terahertz focal-plane array, which eliminated the need for mechanical raster scanning. We demonstrate resolving 63-pixel terahertz images up to 2.9 THz.
Electrolytes for Lithium and Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this chapter, new trends in the formulation of non-aqueous liquid electrolytes will be discussed. Novel solvents and salts used in Li-ion battery electrolytes are categorized and illustrated, and the progress in understanding the formation mechanism behind the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is discussed.
Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test

The Kaufman Adolescent and Adult Intelligence Test (KAIT) was developed by Alan S. Kaufman and Nadeen L. Kaufman in 1993 and is an individually administered intelligence test for individuals ranging from 11 to 85-plus years of age. It has a strong theoretical base integrating Horn and Cattell's concept of fluid and crystallized intelligence, Luria and Golden's notion of frontal lobe planning ability, and Piaget's construct of formal operational thought (Smith, 2001). Keywords: intelligence; intelligence theory; UIQ; IQ tests; crystallized/fluid intelligence
Crystal structure of a conserved hypothetical protein from Escherichia coli

The crystal structure of a conserved hypothetical protein from Escherichia coli has been determined using X-ray crystallography. The protein belongs to the Cluster of Orthologous Group COG1553 (National Center for Biotechnology Information database, NLM, NIH), for which there was no structural information available until now. Structural homology search with DALI algorism indicated that this protein has a new fold with no obvious similarity to those of other proteins with known three-dimensional structures. The protein quaternary structure consists of a dimer of trimers, which makes a characteristic cylinder shape. There is a large closed cavity with approximate dimensions of 16 A × 16 A × 20 A in the center of the hexameric structure. Six putative active sites are positioned along the equatorial surface of the hexamer. There are several highly conserved residues including two possible functional cysteines in the putative active site. The possible molecular function of the protein is discussed.
Spreading of Denmark Strait Overflow Water in the Western Subpolar North Atlantic: Insights from Eddy-Resolving Simulations with a Passive Tracer

AbstractThe oceanic deep circulation is shared between concentrated deep western boundary currents (DWBCs) and broader interior pathways, a process that is sensitive to seafloor topography. This study investigates the spreading and deepening of Denmark Strait overflow water (DSOW) in the western subpolar North Atlantic using two ° eddy-resolving Atlantic simulations, including a passive tracer injected into the DSOW. The deepest layers of DSOW transit from a narrow DWBC in the southern Irminger Sea into widespread westward flow across the central Labrador Sea, which remerges along the Labrador coast. This abyssal circulation, in contrast to the upper levels of overflow water that remain as a boundary current, blankets the deep Labrador Sea with DSOW. Farther downstream after being steered around the abrupt topography of Orphan Knoll, DSOW again leaves the boundary, forming cyclonic recirculation cells in the deep Newfoundland basin. The deep recirculation, mostly driven by the meandering pathway of the up...
Scenario for Ultrarelativistic Nuclear Collisions: V. Onset of Deconfinement. (How the Nuclei Get Unbound.)

We consider a Euclidean extension of the wedge form of Hamiltonian dynamics, which explicitly accounts for the strong localization of the first interaction in nuclear collisions. A new principle of the analytic continuation via the tetrad vector is introduced. We discover the existence of self-dual solutions with short life-times (ephemerons) and conjecture that these vacuum fluctuations can lower the Euclidean action of the system of the colliding nuclei, thus enforcing a breakdown of the nuclei coherence. We suggest that the ephemerons can be identified with the gluons-partons, which are resolved in high-energy nuclear collisions.
Historical Health Conditions in Major U.S. Cities

Abstract. The Historical Urban Ecological data set is a new resource detailing health and environmental conditions within seven major U.S. cities during the study period from 1830 to 1930. Researchers collected and digitized ward-level data from annual reports of municipal departments that detail the epidemiological, economic, and demographic conditions within each city. They then drafted new geographic information system data to link the tabular records to ward geographies. These data provide a new foundation to revisit questions surrounding the urban mortality transition and the growth of U.S. cities.
PfAlba1: master regulator of translation in the malaria parasite

During the asexual replication cycle of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the RNA-binding protein PfAlba1 binds and stabilizes a subset of transcripts for translation at a later time point.Please see related Research article: http://www.genomebiology.com/2015/16/1/212.
The effect of physician recommendation on enrollment in the breast cancer chemoprevention trial

Abstract Background. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of physician recommendation on whether to enroll in a randomized controlled chemoprevention trial for breast cancer. Methods. We surveyed 360 women who were at increased risk for breast cancer regarding social and behavioral factors that could influence their decision to enroll or not to enroll in the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial (BCPT). Respondents completed a questionnaire following attendance at an informational session about the trial. The analysis was restricted to 175 women who discussed the possibility of their participation in the trial with their primary care physician (PCP) and who reported what their physician advised them to do regarding participation. Results. Logistic regression modeling showed that among women who discussed the trial with their physician, physician recommendation was the most important factor that influenced the respondent's decision to enroll in the BCPT. Women who reported that their physician advised them to enroll in the trial were 13 times more likely to participate than were women who reported that their physicians advised them not to participate. Conclusions. The results of our study show that PCPs play an important role in influencing preventive health behavior, specifically, regarding enrollment in a randomized breast cancer chemoprevention trial. Efforts to increase recruitment to a trial should include enlisting the support of PCPs.
Quadratic representations for groups of Lie type over fields of characteristic two

Abstract Suppose K is a field of characteristic two, G is a group of Lie type over K, and V is an irreducible KG-module. By the Steinberg Tensor Product Theorem, V≅⊗i∈IVi, where each Vi is an algebraic conjugate of a restricted KG-module. If G contains a quadratically acting fours-group, then |I|⩽2. If |I|=2 or if |I|=1 and some restrictions are imposed on the fours-group, then a list of the possible restricted modules is able to be determined. In all cases, the restricted modules are fundamental modules and in many cases the majority of these are ruled out.
Transport of methotrexate by primary cultures of rat hepatocytes: Stimulation of uptake in vitro by the presence of hormones in the medium

Abstract Rat hepatocytes in primary monolayer culture exhibit an energy-dependent, concentrative accumulation of methotrexate. This transport system appears not to be involved in the uptake of the reduced folate derivatives. The capacity to accumulate methotrexate is rapidly diminished during culture and several lines of evidence indicate that this is due to the nonphysiologic environment provided by the culture system. The uptake system is partially stabilized by including glucagon, hydrocortisone, and tocopherol in the medium; these factors increase both the rate and extent of accumulation of methotrexate and result in intracellular levels that are approximately 250% of control (4 h incubation) after 24 and 48 h in culture. The site of hormonal stimulation of uptake is not completely understood, but several features of this process are apparent. Including the additives in the medium does not alter either the metabolism of methotrexate to polyglutamates or its intracellular binding. Thus, the main difference between the control and treated hepatocytes appears to be the capacity to accumulate free intracellular methotrexate. These observations suggest that the hormones act in some manner to stabilize the plasma membrane, and more specifically, the transport system for methotrexate. A similar effect has been observed with the hepatic transport system for asialoglycoproteins. ( A. L. Tarentino and J. H. Galivan, 1980 , In Vitro , 16 , 833–846). Some understanding of the mechanism of the factors in stimulating methotrexate uptake can be achieved from these studies. Glucagon appears to be acting at least in part through adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate since it can be replaced by either isoproterenol and theophylline or N 6 ,O 2′ -dibutyryl adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate. Dexamethasone can replace hydrocortisone, showing that the metabolism of hydrocortisone is not necessary for it to be active. Tocopherol may be acting as an antioxidant since it can be totally replaced by ascorbic acid. None of the data indicate whether these factors act directly on the plasma membrane or by altering the level of various intracellular metabolites which in turn stabilize the membrane. They do suggest that losses in function that are observed in the transfer of hepatocytes from the intact organ to culture may be prevented by adding factors, particularly hormones, that the cells normally encounter in vivo , and that the restoration of function may in part reflect a physiological function of the hormones.
Lead and Minor Hearing Impairment

We examined data recorded for 3,545 subjects aged 6-19 y who participated in the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Survey. We sought to confirm a relationship between blood lead levels and elevated hearing thresholds that we previously reported in a similar study in which data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was used. Lead was associated with an increased risk of hearing thresholds that were elevated above the standard reference level at all four frequencies (i.e., 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz). Lead was also associated with hearing thresholds when they were treated as a continuous outcome. The relationships appeared to continue at blood lead levels less than 10 micrograms/dl. An increase in blood lead, from 6 micrograms/dl to 18 micrograms/dl, was associated with a 2-dB loss in hearing at all frequencies, and an additional 15% of children had hearing thresholds that were below the standard at 2,000 Hz.
Unusual dicationic trimetallic aluminum chelates

Abstract The bimetallic compounds, L(AlMeCl)2 with L=Salpen(tBu) (N,N′-1,3-propylenenebis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylideneimine), Salben(tBu) (N,N′-1,4-butylenebis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylideneimine)) and Salhen(tBu) (N,N′-1,6 hexylenebis(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylideneimine)) form the unusual trimetallic dicationic complexes, {[Salpen(tBu)∗]2(AlCl)3]}2+[GaCl4]−[GaMe2Cl2]− (1), {[Salben( t Bu) ∗ ] 2 (AlCl) 3 ]} 2+ [GaCl 4 ] − [GaMe 2 Cl 2 ] − (2) and {[Salhen( t Bu) ∗ ] 2 (AlCl) 3 ]} 2+ [GaCl 4 ] − [GaMe2Cl2]− (3) when combined with GaCl3 in toluene. In their formation, the ligands of the compounds undergo a unique dealkylation reaction to lose one tBu group from each ligand (marked with an asterisk). These compounds are a new and unique class of aluminum cations. The compounds were characterized by Mp, analyses, IR, 1H NMR, and in the case of 1 and 2, by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry.
Smoking mice: a potential model for studying accumulation of drusen-like material on Bruch's membrane.

Abstract Currently, there are no animal models that can be used to test pharmacological efficacy of drugs that are under development for treating dry AMD. We suggest measuring the accumulation of a panel of drusen-like proteins on Bruch’s membrane in mice as a surrogate endpoint to test pharmacological modulation of the course of drusen formation. We further suggest that the buildup of proteins on Bruch’s membrane in the RPE/choroid in “smoking mice” can be used as a surrogate model for pharmacological studies and that using these mice will significantly decrease the time frame for demonstrating pharmacological efficacy of lead compounds.
Technetium(II) complexes of potentially heptadentate Schiff base ligands: synthesis and characterization. X-ray crystal structure of [Tc(tren-py3)](PF6)2

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of structural isomers of tris[4-(2-pyridyl)-3-aza-3-butenyl] aminetechnetium(II) tetraphenylborate are described. Two other structural isomers, tris[4-(2-(6-methyl- pyridyl))-3-aza-3-butenyl]aminetechnetium(II) tetraphenylborate and tris[4-(2-pyridyl)3-aza-3-pentenyl]aminetechnetium(II) tetraphenylborate, are also reported. Fast atom bombardment mass spectra, electron spin resonance spectra, cyclic voltammetry and conductivity studies of the new, Tc(II) complexes of potentially heptadentate ligands are discussed. The X-ray crystallographic structure of the PF6− salt of the major isomer of tris[4-(2-pyridyl)-3-aza-3-butenyl]aminetechnetium(II) shows a pseudo seven coordinate capped octahedral geometry. The mean Tc-imine nitrogen distance is 2.071 A, and the mean Tc-pyridine nitrogen distance is 2.109 A. The Tc-tertiary amine nitrogen distance is 2.933(7) A, but this nitrogen's lone pair is directed toward the Tc atom (the average Tc-NC angle is 102°). Crystal data for C24H27F12N7P2Tc: monoclinic space group P21/c, a=15.082(1), b=10.7455(8), c=19.777(1) A, β=110.29(1)°, V=3006.2(8) A3 to give Z=4 and R=0.061.
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, induced anxiety, and quality of life

Since its approval in 1985, the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has supplanted antiarrhythmic drugs as the standard of care for patients with potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias. The increased popularity of ICDs stems primarily from their safety and tolerability compared with commonly used medications notorious for adverse drug reactions. As ICD indications have broadened, the number of implantations has increased substantially, and more attention has been directed to sequelae of implantation, particularly after ICD firing. Although scant, studies of quality of life and psychiatric symptoms in patients with ICDs consistently report assorted psychiatric disturbances affecting up to 87% of recipients. Depression and anxiety predominate: up to 38% of patients experience symptoms that meet diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder. Psychological theories such as the classic conditioning model, learned helplessness model, and cognitive appraisal model have been invoked to conceptualize these new-onset ICD-induced anxiety disorders. Small trials of psychosocial interventions, including support groups and cognitive behavioral therapy, have had mixed results. Little is known about preexisting anxiety disorders in ICD recipients, particularly which premorbid features predict a worse prognosis, other than suggestions that younger patients and those receiving multiple shocks are at greater risk. Prospective studies of the psychopathology of patients with ICDs, both before and after implantation, are warranted.
Effects of corticotropin-releasing factor on prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response in two rat strains.

Rationale: Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response is altered by manipulations that affect brain monoamine neurotransmission. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a neurotransmitter that is released during stress, and CRF receptors are expressed in areas of the brain which contribute to PPI, and central administration of CRF changes extracellular concentrations of the monoamines. Therefore, CRF is in a position to alter PPI, either by causing the release of other neurotransmitters, or by direct effects at CRF receptors. Objectives. The present experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of CRF would decrease PPI in rats. Additionally, these experiments were used to examine whether CRF results in differential changes in PPI in rat strains that show high and low basal PPI, and whether CRF-induced grooming behavior and increased startle amplitude are also strain-dependent. Methods: Male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats inbred in our colony in La Jolla, WKY rats obtained from Charles River, and Brown Norway (BN) rats from Harlan, Sprague-Dawley were tested for grooming behavior, PPI and startle amplitude following ICV infusion of either CRF (1.0–3.0 μg) or saline. Results: CRF significantly decreased PPI in both BN rats, which show relatively little PPI in the basal condition and, in WKY rats. The amplitude of the acoustic startle response was increased in WKY rats only and, only by the 3.0 μg dose of CRF. CRF increased grooming behavior in the La Jolla colony WKY and BN rats. However, within the time frame during which the rats were being observed, CRF failed to significantly increase grooming in Charles River WKY rats. Conclusions: CRF diminished PPI of the acoustic startle response in rats that show high (WKY) and low (BN) basal PPI. This effect does not appear to be dependant on CRF-induced changes in startle amplitude. The results suggest the possibility that stress-induced exacerbation of symptoms in schizophrenia, which is characterized by deficient PPI, may be CRF-dependent.
Rapid Transepithelial Transport of Prions following Inhalation

Prion infection and pathogenesis are dependent on the agent crossing an epithelial barrier to gain access to the recipient nervous system. Several routes of infection have been identified, but the mechanism(s) and timing of in vivo prion transport across an epithelium have not been determined. The hamster model of nasal cavity infection was used to determine the temporal and spatial parameters of prion-infected brain homogenate uptake following inhalation and to test the hypothesis that prions cross the nasal mucosa via M cells. A small drop of infected or uninfected brain homogenate was placed below each nostril, where it was immediately inhaled into the nasal cavity. Regularly spaced tissue sections through the entire extent of the nasal cavity were processed immunohistochemically to identify brain homogenate and the disease-associated isoform of the prion protein (PrPd). Infected or uninfected brain homogenate was identified adhering to M cells, passing between cells of the nasal mucosa, and within lymphatic vessels of the nasal cavity at all time points examined. PrPd was identified within a limited number of M cells 15 to 180 min following inoculation, but not in the adjacent nasal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT). While these results support M cell transport of prions, larger amounts of infected brain homogenate were transported paracellularly across the respiratory, olfactory, and follicle-associated epithelia of the nasal cavity. These results indicate that prions can immediately cross the nasal mucosa via multiple routes and quickly enter lymphatics, where they can spread systemically via lymph draining the nasal cavity.
Quantitative determination of deoxyribonucleic acid from cells collected on filters.

Abstract A method is described for the quantitation of cellular deoxyribonucleic acid from mammalian cells collected on cellulose triacetate membrane filters. DNA released from cells by sonication is fluorescently quantitated based on the DNA-dependent fluorescence enhancement of the anti-tumor antibiotic mithramycin. Pretreatment of filters with bovine serum albumin prior to sonication is necessary to prevent the loss of DNA-mithramycin fluorescence. The cellular DNA content in isolated capillary endothelium is 7.1 pg per cell and in isolated hepatocytes, 17.7 pg per cell.
High heat load performance of an inclined-crystal monochromator with liquid gallium cooling on the CHESS-ANL undulator

Results for the performance of a novel double crystal monochromator subjected to high heat loads from an APS prototype undulator at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) are presented. The monochromator was designed to achieve symmetric diffraction from asymmetric planes to spread out the beam footprint thereby lowering the incident power density. Both crystals had (111) oriented surfaces and were arranged such that the beam was diffracted from the (11{bar 1}) planes at 5 KeV. Rocking curves with minimal distortion were obtained at a ring electron current of 96 mA. This corresponded to 370 Watts total power and an peak power density of 48 Watts/mm{sup 2} normal to the incident beam. These results are compared to data obtained from the same crystals in the standard geometry (diffracting planes parallel to surface). The footprint area in the inclined case was three times that of the standard case. We also obtained rocking curve data for the {l_brace}333{r_brace} reflection at 15 KeV for both standard and inclined cases, and these data also showed a minimal distortion for the inclined case. In addition, thermal data were obtained via infrared pyrometry. Not only the diffraction data but also the thermal data revealed a dramaticallymore » improved performance for the inclined crystal case.« less
Regulation of increased acid proteinase in denervated skeletal muscle

Abstract Acid proteolytic enzyme activity was determined in homogenates of control and denervated rat extensor digitorum longus muscle. With either undenatured or [ 3 H]acetylated hemoglobin (pH3.5) as substrate, total enzyme activity in muscles denervated near the point of nerve entry was consistently increased 48 and 72 hr after surgery. A series of ‘near-far’ experiments was performed to determine if the length of nerve stump left attached to the denervated muscle would affect the time course of the elevation in proteolytic activity, but these experiments did not result in differences that could be attributed to the level of nerve section. Acid proteinase, presumably important in degradative processes, is clearly under some form of neural control. Whether the motor nerve exerts this influence by controlling the level of muscular activity or by additional means remains to be established.
Representation, Ideology, and the Form of the Essay

This essay examines the beginnings of first-year writing programs in the academy and the early history of the essay to reveal how and why a particularly limiting range of allowable subjectivities entered into the writing classroom through the essay’s form. Most college first-year writing courses privilege a thesis-driven form of the essay that is much closer to Bacon’s (1592/1966) collection of essays, in contrast to those written by Montaigne (1575/1965), who is often referred to as the “Father of the Essay.” Reasons for this practice include the writing curriculum’s seeming alliance with classical rhetoric’s definition of both essay and student writer. The concept of ideology as conceived by Althusser (1968/1971) proves useful for understanding the essay’s implications in subjectivity formation. Although all essay forms are informed by ideology, the act of privileging thesis-driven forms in schooling practices can also privilege the practice of requiring students to take on subjectivities allowed only within those forms. Expanding the writing forms assigned within first-year writing programs can offer writers more open, contradictory possibilities for expressing authority, resistance, critical inquiry, creativity, and difference.
Complicated atherosclerotic lesions: a potential cause of ischemic ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac arrest survivors who do not have inducible ventricular tachycardia?

Abstract Sudden cardiac death that is not due to acute myocardial infarction may be due to primary ventricular tachycardia or to an arrhythmia secondary to a transient episode of ischemia. The purpose of this study was to determine if the incidence of complicated coronary lesions, which may be a cause of unstable ischemic syndromes, is increased in survivors of an aborted sudden death, especially those without ventricular tachycardia inducible by programmed ventricular stimulation. Nineteen consecutive survivors of an aborted sudden death not due to an acute infarction who underwent coronary angiography and programmed ventricular stimulation within 3 weeks of the event were matched for age, sex, previous infarction, and severity of coronary artery disease with 38 control patients with stable coronary artery disease. There was no difference in the incidence of complicated coronary lesions between the total group of sudden death victims and controls (47% vs 42%). However, 6 of the 11 (64%) sudden death patients who did not have inducible ventricular tachycardia had a complicated lesion as compared to only two of the eight (25%) patients with inducible ventricular tachycardia ( p = 0.10). Angiograms identified a complicated lesion or functioning myocardium supplied only by collateral vessels as possible sources of transient ischemia in 73% of noninducible sudden death patients and in 25% of inducible sudden death patients ( p = 0.04). Thus coronary angiography in cardiac arrest survivors who do not have induclble ventricular tachycardia often suggests a possible mechanism of transient ischemia. However, these angiographic findings are relatively nonspecific when sudden death victims are compared to stable patients who have a simlar number of diseased arteries and a history of previous myocardial infarction.
Usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography to screen for left atrial thrombus before elective cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.

Abstract Elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation may be complicated by systemic thromboembolic events, presumably caused by embolization of preexisting left atrial (LA) thrombi. 1–4 Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has proven to be a very sensitive means of detecting LA thrombi 5 and may therefore provide a means of screening patients before cardioversion. We report our initial experience with TEE as a screening test before elective cardioversion in patients who were referred for the purpose of excluding the presence of LA thrombus before cardioversion.
SLC6A4 polymorphisms and age of onset in late-life depression on treatment outcomes with citalopram: a Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) report.

Objective Age at onset of first major depressive episode (MDE) does not necessarily translate into different treatment outcomes to antidepressants in late-life depression. The influence of genetic variants may affect this relationship. Design Post hoc data set analysis of the association between variants in the promoter region (indel, rs25531) and within intron 2 (Stin2 VNTR) of the SCL6A4 gene and treatment outcomes among older participants in the first treatment arm of the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression trial (STAR*D). Setting Participants were enrolled from 23 psychiatric and 18 primary care settings. Participants Two hundred twenty-one, white non-Hispanic subjects, aged 60 to 75 years, with 16-item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Clinician Rating (QIDS-CR 16 ) initial score ≥10, and who remained in the study for at least 6 weeks, were genotyped. Intervention Citalopram treatment for up to 14 weeks. Measurements Main outcome was remission rate defined as a score of ≤5 on the QIDS-CR 16 . Response was a secondary outcome defined as a reduction of ≥50% of baseline QIDS-CR 16 . Results Polymorphism in the indel promoter region was associated with remission among subjects whose first lifetime episode of major depression occurred later than age 55. In this group, subjects with L/L genotype had significantly higher remission (80% versus 43%) compared to those subjects with any other indel promoter genotype. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the genetic effect of the indel promoter region on remission increases along with age at onset of MDE. Conclusions Variants in the indel promoter region of the SLC6A4 gene have a more robust effect to antidepressant outcome among older subjects who experienced their first MDE at a later age. The mechanism of action of these variants remains to be determined.
A fractal study of the fracture surfaces of cement pastes and mortars using a stereoscopic SEM method

Abstract A stereoscopic scanning electron microscopic (SEM) method, based on surface areas tallied over a much wider range of measurement scales than has been used in the past, was used to evaluate the fractal characteristics of fracture surfaces of cement pastes and mortars. Fracture surfaces of cement pastes exhibit two distinct fractal regimes: a regime of low fractal dimension (ca. 2.02) at low magnification scales and a significantly higher fractal dimension (ca. 2.12) at higher magnifications. The crossover occurs at a scale dimension slightly greater than 1 μm 2 . Neither water/binder (w/b) ratio nor the presence of silica fume appears to influence these fractal characteristics. Cement paste areas exposed on mortar fracture surfaces are identical with those of cement paste specimens. In contrast to the paste areas, areas of crushed sand exposed on mortar fracture surfaces display a single fractal domain of significantly higher fractal dimension, around 2.20.
Political independence in America, III: In search of closet partisans

This study uses the 1980 NES questions on partisanship to investigate the question of the attributes of “closet partisans,” using a typology of partisans and independents developed from an alternative (PST) set of survey items to the usual ones. The study explores the application of four criteria to those learners most suspected of being undercover partisans. What is found is that those learners who are most like strong partisans on the criteria of political involvement and partisan commitment are nonetheless least like strong partisans on two further criteria: independence attitudes and affective response to the substantive content of elections. Thus, theAmerican Voter analysis, which assumes leaners are Independents, and the Wolfinger et al. critique ofThe American Voter, which concludes that leaners are partisans, both turn out to be oversimplifications of political reality.
The Synthesis of Dialkyldithiocarbamatogold(I) Dimers

Abstract Several new dialkyldithiocarbamatogold(I) dimers of the type [Au(S2CNR2)]2, where R = i-butyl, n-octyl, n-dodecyl, cyclohexyl, benzyl, and allyl, and R2N = morpholino and piperidino, have been synthesized by the reaction, in water, of K[AuCl4] or H[AuCl4], Na2SO3, and NaS2CNR2. The complexes were characterized by IR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis and, where possible, mass spectral analysis.
The Role of the Indonesian Throughflow in the Indo–Pacific Climate Variability in the GFDL Coupled Climate Model

Abstract The impacts of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) on the tropical Indo–Pacific climate, particularly on the character of interannual variability, are explored using a coupled general circulation model (CGCM). A pair of CGCM experiments—a control experiment with an open ITF and a perturbation experiment in which the ITF is artificially closed—is integrated for 200 model years, with the 1990 values of trace gases. The closure of the ITF results in changes to the mean oceanic and atmospheric conditions throughout the tropical Indo–Pacific domain as follows: surface temperatures in the eastern tropical Pacific (Indian) Ocean warm (cool), the near-equatorial Pacific (Indian) thermocline flattens (shoals), Indo–Pacific warm-pool precipitation shifts eastward, and there are relaxed trade winds over the tropical Pacific and anomalous surface easterlies over the equatorial Indian Ocean. The character of the oceanic changes is similar to that described by ocean-only model experiments, though the amplitude of...
Finite state models for perception

Abstract In this report finite state grammars are used as representations for a variety of recognition procedures. The simplest applications are for the recognition of objects. More complex grammars are described for systems with internal constraints. We distinguish between simple systems containing an integrated set of grammatical rules, and complex systems of several disjoint grammars in which the functions of recognition and prediction are separated. These disjoint systems have certain advantages. As multi-purpose systems they can be used with considerable flexibility and in a variety of ways. Moreover, additions to existing subsystems can be made with relative ease and new control grammars can be added without major reorganization of the original processing system.
Restrictive Transport of a Lipid‐Soluble Peptide (Cyclosporin) Through the Blood–Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport of a highly lipid-soluble peptide, [3H]cyclosporin, was studied in ketamine-anesthetized rats using the carotid artery injection technique. For comparison, peptide transport into rat liver was also assessed with the portal vein injection technique. Despite the high lipid solubility of this peptide (1-octanol/Ringer's partition coefficient = 991 +/- 55), the extraction by rat brain was only 2.9 +/- 0.5% in the presence of 80% human serum, and this value approximated the extraction for a poorly diffusible substance such as [3H]inulin, 2.0 +/- 0.1%. In contrast, the hepatic extraction of [3H]cyclosporin was high, 84 +/- 2%, in the presence of 80% human serum. The BBB transport of cyclosporin is markedly restricted owing to the combined effects of binding by serum proteins and a paradoxically low permeability of the BBB to the peptide.
Precise branch point mapping and quantification of splicing intermediates

Lariat intermediates of a group II intron were investigated via RT-PCR. Several reverse transcriptases appeared capable of reading through a branched nucleotide. A new method has been established that yields precise information about the location of the branch point within an intron. As an extension of our approach, antisense transcripts of the previously cloned PCR products were successfully used in RNase Protection Assays, providing a tool for quantification of splicing intermediates. Application of the method presented to other self-splicing introns as well as introns in nuclear pre-mRNAs is envisaged.
Therapeutic alternatives for the Mallory-Weiss tear

The Mallory-Weiss tear (MWT) is a frequent cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It has been diagnosed more frequently since endoscopy was introduced. Once the diagnosis has been made, several treatment options are available. The treatment modality chosen depends on the type and location of the lesion, the patient's comorbid conditions, the availability of the different therapeutic modalities, and the experience of the endoscopist with each of these different modalities. In general, if the MWT is not actively bleeding at the time of endoscopy, no further treatment is needed owing to a low risk of rebleeding, unless a visible vessel is present. In the presence of a visible vessel or an actively bleeding vessel, then we recommend the use of any of the endoscopic treatment modalities discussed later in this article depending on the patient's condition and clinical scenario. Our review of the literature suggests that multipolar electric coagulation (MPEC) is the treatment modality with better evidence-based support for safety and bleeding control. MPEC has been associated only with very few complications. It should be avoided when esophageal varices are suspected because it may precipitate and aggravate bleeding. In such instances, either polidocanol injection or endoscopic band ligation of the tear is recommended, which is emerging as a safe and effective treatment modality even in patients without varices. In addition, epinephrine injection is an effective first-line modality. However, it should be avoided in patients with history of coronary artery disease owing to the potential for systemic absorption. Endoscopic hemoclipping (EH) is another useful treatment option and is emerging as a first-line modality. However, it is not widely available in all endoscopy emergency units. If it is available, it is a great alternative. Finally, if bleeding continues or recurs despite endoscopic therapy, the patient should be referred for surgical treatment. However, if the patient is not a surgical candidate, then radiologic hemostasis with selective vasopressin or Gelfoam embolization represents a viable treatment alternative that may be used depending on availability of a specialized interventional radiologist.
Explicit Energy Storage Fields and Their Application to Structural Property Inspection of Physical Systems

Bond graph models provide very useful insights into the structure of dynamic systems. One major advantage of using these models is the clear representation of constraints and independent state variables. However, certain over-constrained structures are not dealt with adequately with this approach, Such a situation arises when several energy storage elements of the same type are directly coupled by a junction structure. In these models, although the representations are legitimate in terms of physical meaning, the resultant excess states cause pitfalls in the inspection of system properties. This paper proposes the use of explicit fields to eliminate such ambiguities. It was found that the excess states caused by the topological structures can be totally eliminated by explicit fields. The excess states caused by the imposed sources then can be identified properly. Several applications are presented to illustrate the use of explicit fields.
FACTORIZATION OF THE MATRIX ELEMENTS OF THREE-ELECTRON OPERATORS USED IN CONFIGURATION-INTERACTION STUDIES OF THE ATOMICfSHELL

Abstract Single-electron excitations of the atomic f shell are usually taken into account in analyses of lanthanide and actinide spectra by including six three-electron scalar operators t i in the Hamiltonian. Their matrix elements have been factorized for all f N by using the Wigner–Eckart theorem applied to Racah's groups SO (7) and G 2 . The two component parts, namely a reduced matrix element in G 2 and an isoscalar factor, are tabulated. This provides a compact representation of the values of the matrix elements and also enables unusual selection rules and proportionalities to be exposed.
Health Education Textbook Adoption in Texas: A Lesson in Politics and Morality

Abstract Textbooks are often a core element of curricula and delivery of classroom instruction and have long been a source of controversy. The textbook adoption process has become less about content and more about political/cultural pressure. Special-interest groups from the right and left exert enormous influence on textbook content through bias and "sensitivity" guidelines and "review" processes. Textbooks are now often judged not by their style, content, or effectiveness, but by the way they live up to such guidelines. Texas is the second largest textbook market in the country, behind only California. This paper examines the controversies behind, and the lessons to be learned from, the textbook adoption process in Texas. Recent history has demonstrated that health textbook content decisions are often not based in science or pedagogical best practices. Health educators must be proactive in recognizing this trend and work at the state and local levels to ensure that students have access to scientifically...
Continuous Hydride Generation-Atomic Absorption Method for the Determination of Selenium and Arsenic in Foods

Abstract Determination of selenium and arsenic by continuous hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry is described. The method eliminated the use of a carrier gas for transport of hydrides to the atomizer. Detection limits for selenium and arsenic in foods were 5 and 3 ng/g, respectively. Calibration curves were linear from 2 to 600 ng/mL. The method can be applied to analysis of foods and standard reference materials.
Stones, bones, and heredity.

Genetic disorders of mineral metabolism cause urolithiasis, renal disease, and osteodystrophy. Most are rare, such that the full spectrum of clinical expression is difficult to appreciate. Diagnosis is further complicated by overlap of clinical features. Dent's disease and primary hyperoxaluria, inherited causes of calcium urolithiasis, are both associated with nephrocalcinosis and urolithiasis in early childhood and renal failure that can occur at any age but is seen more often in adulthood. Bone disease is an inconsistent feature of each. Dent's disease is caused by mutations of the CLCN-5 gene with impaired kidney-specific CLC-5 chloride channel expression in the proximal tubule, thick ascending limb of Henle, and the collecting ducts. Resulting hypercalciuria and proximal tubule dysfunction, including phosphate wasting, are primarily responsible for the clinical manifestations. Low-molecular-weight proteinuria is characteristic. Definitive diagnosis is made by DNA mutation analysis. Primary hyperoxaluria, type I, is due to mutations of the AGXT gene leading to deficient hepatic alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase activity. Marked overproduction of oxalate by hepatic cells results in the hyperoxaluria responsible for clinical features. Definitive diagnosis is by liver biopsy with measurement of enzyme activity, with DNA mutation analysis used increasingly as mutations and their frequency are defined. Conclusion: These disorders of calcium urolithiasis illustrate the value of molecular medicine for diagnosis and the promise it provides for innovative and more effective future treatments.