cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The prognostic value of early repolarization with ST-segment elevation in African Americans.

Background Increased prevalence of classic early repolarization, defined as ST-segment elevation (STE) in the absence of acute myocardial injury, in African Americans is well established. The prognostic value of this pattern in different ethnicities remains controversial. Objective Measure association between early repolarization and cardiovascular mortality in African Americans. Methods The resting electrocardiograms of 45,829 patients were evaluated at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Hospital. Subjects with inpatient status or electrocardiographic evidence of acute myocardial infarction were excluded, leaving 29,281 subjects. ST-segment elevation, defined as an elevation of >0.1 mV at the end of the QRS, was electronically flagged and visually adjudicated by 3 observers blinded to outcomes. An association between ethnicity and early repolarization was measured by using multivariate logistic regression. We analyzed associations between early repolarization and cardiovascular mortality by using the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Results Subjects were 13% women and 13.3% African Americans, with an average age of 55 years and followed for an average of 7.6 years, resulting in 1995 cardiovascular deaths. There were 479 subjects with lateral STE and 185 with inferior STE. After adjustment for age, sex, heart rate, and coronary artery disease, African American ethnicity was associated with lateral or inferior STE (odds ratio 3.1; P = .0001). While lateral or inferior STE in non-African Americans was independently associated with cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 1.6; P = .02), it was not associated with cardiovascular death in African Americans (hazard ratio 0.75; P = .50). Conclusions Although early repolarization is more prevalent in African Americans, it is not predictive of cardiovascular death in this population and may represent a distinct electrophysiologic phenomenon.
Is Self-Referral Associated with Higher Quality Care?

Objective To assess the extent to which patients self-refer to cancer specialists and whether self-referral is associated with better experiences and quality of care. Data Sources Data from surveys and medical record abstraction collected through the Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance Consortium. Study Design Observational study of patients with lung and colorectal cancer diagnosed from 2003 through 2005 in five geographically defined regions and five integrated health care delivery systems. Methods Multivariable logistic regression models used to assess factors associated with self-referral and propensity score-weighted doubly robust models to test the association between self-referral and experiences/quality of care. Principal Findings Among 5,882 patients, 9.7 percent of lung cancer patients and 14.9 percent of colorectal cancer patients self-referred to at least one cancer specialist. Black patients were less likely to self-refer than white patients (odds ratio: 0.48, 95 percent confidence interval: 0.35, 0.64); patients with high incomes (vs. low) and with a college degree (vs. non-high school graduates) were significantly more likely to self-refer. Self-referral was associated with lower ratings of overall physician communication for patients with lung cancer but, conversely, higher odds of curative surgery among patients with stage I/II lung cancer. Conclusions A small but significant proportion of patients self-referred to their cancer specialists; rates varied by patient race and socioeconomic status. To the extent that self-referral is associated with quality, it may reinforce disparities in care.
Spline pyramids for intermodal image registration using mutual information

We propose a new optimizer for multiresolution image registration. It is adapted to a criterion known as mutual information and is well suited to inter-modality. Our iteration strategy is inspired by the Marquardt-Levenberg algorithm, even though the underlying problem is not least- squares. We develop a framework based on a continuous polynomial spline representation of images. Together with the use of Parzen histogram estimates, it allows for closed- form expressions of the gradient and Hessian of the criterion. Tremendous simplifications result from the choice of Parzen windows satisfying the partition of unity, also based on B-splines. We use this framework to compute an image pyramid and to set our optimizer in a multiresolution context. We perform several experiments and show that it is particularly well adapted to a coarse-to-fine optimization strategy. We compare our approach to the popular Powell algorithm and conclude that our proposed optimizer is faster, at no cost in robustness or precision.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The lymphatic tissue microenvironments in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: in vitro models and the significance of CD40-CD154 interactions

To the editor: Despite major improvements of treatments, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains an incurable disease. One of the reasons for the inability to completely eliminate the leukemic clone is survival signals from the microenvironment. Coculture models demonstrated that various stromal
Electromigration and spatial variations in metallic conductivity

Electromigration has assumed considerable technical significance since its manifestation as a cause for integrated circuit failure. The driving force in electromigration is generally assumed to consist of a “direct force” due to the applied field and an “electron wind” term due to momentum exchange with the current carriers. In the case of the “direct force” it is uncertain how effectively the charge is screened. In the case of the “electron wind” it is unclear whether the moving atom senses the carrier’s change in lattice momentum or real momentum or some more complex compromise. The prevailing viewpoint in the literature favors lattice momentum, and this is criticized. A more meaningful prescription is obtained, following Bosvieux and Friedel, by considering the forces on the unscreened lattice defect, due to the total localized charge polarization in the presence of current flow. The nature of this polarization pattern is still the subject of considerable disagreement. This author's views on the subject are outlined.
Quintessence and the transition to an accelerating universe

Abstract The implications of seven popular models of quintessence based on supergravity or M/string theory for the transition from a decelerating to an accelerating universe are explored. All seven potentials can mimic the Λ CDM model at low redshifts 0 ⩽ z ⩽ 5 . However, for a natural range of initial values of the quintessence field, the SUGRA and Polonyi potentials predict a transition redshift z t ≈ 0.5 for Ω Λ 0 = 0.70 , in agreement with the observational value z t ≈ 0.46 and in mild conflict with the Λ CDM value z t = 0.67 . Tables are given for the quintessence potentials for the recent average w ¯ 0 of the equation of state parameter, and for w 0 and w 1 in the low- z approximation w ≈ w 0 + w 1 z . It is argued that for the exponential potential e λ φ to produce a viable present-day cosmology, λ ⩽ 2 . A robust, scaled numerical method is presented for simulating the cosmological evolution of the scalar field.
Fidelity tolerance analysis for computational imaging system

Computational imaging has been using for depth of field extension, distance estimation and depth map for stereo imaging and displaying with great successfully, which are realized by using special designed imaging lens and optimized image post-processing algorithm. Several special coding structures have been presented, like cubic, generalized cubic, logarithmic, exponential, polynomial, spherical and others. And different image post-processing algorithms like Wiener filter, SVD method, wavelet transform, minimum mean square error method and others are applied to achieve jointly-optimization. Although most of studies have shown excellent invariant of optical transfer function for imaging lens, but such invariance will be unsatisfied when manufacturing errors are considered. In this paper, we present a method to consider behavior of tolerance in computational imaging system from pure optical to optical - digital, which means lens and image post-processing are both included. An axial irradiance equalization phase coded imaging system is illustrated for tolerance sensitivity by using similarity of point spread function (PSF), Strehl ratio (SR), and root mean square error (RMSE) of restored images. Finally, we compare differences between presented method and Zemax.
Dielectric relaxation of chloroform and chloroform-cyclohexane mixtures at gigahertz and terahertz frequencies. The inertial term

Abstract Experimental values of the loss coefficient e″ of the complex permittivity e∗ = e′−J e″ for chloroform and for chloroform-cyclohexane mixtures at 25°C and in the frequency range ∼1 GHz to ∼5 THz are reported. These and previous literature data for chloroform are interpreted by the sum of one Debye and of one Rocard-Powles function.It appears that for data extending from low gigahertz frequencies to several terahertz use of a Debye function plus the Rocard-Powles function, the latter retaining the inertial term, can describe the frequency profile of the loss coefficient e″.
Comparison of variational RRKM theory with quantum scattering theory for the Ne+H+2→NeH++H reaction

Abstract A comparison between variational RRKM theory and three-dimensional quantum scattering theory calculations of the cumulative reaction probability for the Ne+H + 2 →NeH + +H reaction is presented. Total angular momentum J =0 is considered with the energy ranging from the threshold for reaction (0.7144 eV) up to 1.1 eV. The variational RRKM theory calculations indicate the simultaneous presence of two separate transition state regions throughout the full energy range. Calculations which consider only the long range transition state overestimate the cumulative reaction probability. The agreement with Gaussian averaged scattering theory results is improved when statistical assumptions for the probability of oscillations from one transition state to the other are implemented.
Blacks' and Whites' Perceptions of Interracial and Intraracial Date Rape

The prevalence of rape myths contributes to victims' reluctance to report rapes. Black (n = 30) and White (n = 96) U.S. college students responded to the Rape Myth Scale (Burt, 1980) and read a scenario of an acquaintance rape; the race of the perpetrator and victim (Black or White) were varied. The respondents assessed the victim's and perpetrator's responsibility and evaluated the incident. As hypothesized, the respondents with strong beliefs in rape myths were more tolerant of the rapist and less tolerant of the victim than were those with weaker beliefs. There was limited support for the myth of the Black rapist and White victim; however, the myth of the Black rapist appeared particularly strong among the Black respondents. The women responded more negatively to the rapist and more positively to the victim than the men did. Such biases in attitudes toward rape could keep women from reporting rapes and accused rapists from receiving fair trials.
Molecular cloning and sequence analysis of the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase β subunit from dog kidney

cDNA complementary to mRNA coding for the β subunit of dog renal (Na+ + K+)-ATPase has been cloned into λgt11 and the nucleotide sequence of the DNA has been determined. The amino acid sequence of the β subunit polypeptide has also been deduced from the DNA. The mature form of the dog kidney β subunit contains 302 amino acids with three potential asparagine-linked attachment sites for carbohydrate. The initiation methionine is removed during processing of the polypeptide to its mature form. Although the β subunit is an integral membrane protein there is no signal sequence for the polypeptide, and hydropathy analysis predicts that the β subunit polypeptide spans the cell membrane only once. Secondary structure predictions and a model for the structure of the β subunit are proposed. DNA sequencing of the 5′ non-coding region of the mRNA revealed a 200 bp inverted repeat from the coding region. Blot hybridization of a fragment of the β subunit cDNA identified a single mRNA species of 2.7 kb in dog kidney and several rat tissues. RNA from rat liver was deficient in mRNA that hybridized to the dog kidney β subunit cDNA, although mRNA that hybridized to an α subunit cDNA was detected. RNA from a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2, however, contained comparable levels of mRNA for both the α and the β subunits.
Time-resolved imaging of flame kernels: Laser spark ignition of H2/O2/Ar mixtures

The shape and structure of developing flame kernels in laser-induced spark ignited hydrogen/air mixtures is investigated as a function of gas composition and time. Using planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) to measure the spatial distribution of OH radicals produced inside the reaction zone, we have recorded the evolution of the nascent flame kernel in a series of images following the laser-induced spark. This series provides the rate of flame growth, the evolution of the flame shape, and the intensity of the PLIF signal as a function of time for both igniting flames and nonignition events. The reaction zones grow quickly at early times, but slowly decrease in propagation rate as the energy density within the flame kernel decreases. A distinct anisotropy is observed in the expanding spark and flame kernel. At short times (t < 100 μs), a toroidal shape is observed similar to that seen previously for electrode-spark ignitions and for laser ignitions in methane/air. There is also a tendency for the flame to grow back toward the ignition laser. Successful ignitions appear virtually identical to failed ignitions during the first 100 μs. Significant differences, notably in intensity, appear between 100 and 500 μs following the spark. These observations imply that early flame kernel growth is dominated by gas motion induced by the short-duration spark. The ultimate fate of an ignition lies with the chemistry of the reactions which determines whether the gas undergoes a transition from hot plasma to propagating flame.
Evaluation of sulfur flow emplacement on Io from Galileo data and numerical modeling

Galileo images of bright lava flows surrounding Emakong Patera have been analyzed and numerical modeling has been performed to assess whether these flows could have resulted from the emplacement of sulfur lavas on Io. Images from the solid-state imaging.(SSI) camera show that these bright, white to yellow Emakong flows are up to 370 km long and contain dark, sinuous features that are interpreted to be lava conduits, approx. 300-500 m wide and > 100 km long. Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) thermal emission data yield a color temperature estimate of 344 K +/- 60 K (less than or equal to 131 C) within the Emakong caldera. We suggest that these bright flows likely resulted from either sulfur lavas or silicate lavas that have undergone extensive cooling, pyroclastic mantling, and/or alteration with bright sulfurous materials. The Emakong bright flows have estimated volumes of approx. 250-350 cu km, similar to some of the smaller Columbia River Basalt flows. If the Emakong flows did result from effusive sulfur eruptions, then they are orders of magnitude greater in volume than any terrestrial sulfur flows. Our numerical modeling results show that sulfur lavas on Io could have been emplaced as turbulent flows, which were capable of traveling tens to hundreds of kilometers, consistent with the predictions of Sagan [ 19793 and Fink et al. [ 19831. Our modeled flow distances are also consistent with the measured lengths of the Emakong channels and bright flows. Modeled thermal erosion rates are approx. 1-4 m/d for flows erupted at approx. 140-180 C, which are consistent with the melting rates of Kieffer et al. [2000]. The Emakong channels could be thermal erosional in nature; however, the morphologic signatures of thermal erosion channels cannot be discerned from available images. There are planned Galileo flybys of Io in 2001 which provide excellent opportunities to obtain high-resolution morphologic and color data of Emakong Patera. Such observations could, along with further modeling, provide additional information to better constrain whether sulfur lavas produced the Emakong flows.
Solvatochromic studies in polyethylene glycol--salt aqueous biphasic systems.

Abstract The polarities of the co-existing phases of a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-2000–K 3 PO 4 aqueous biphasic system (ABS) have been examined using Reichardt’s carboxylated pyridinium- N -phenoxybetaine dye as a probe. Using this probe, the polarities of these phases have been compared to those of conventional solvent extraction systems and micellar systems using values obtained from the literature. In general, these extraction systems are comparable in polarity to rather polar solvents. Data on the free energy of transfer of solvents suggests that this may be due to the failure of the probe to account for the real polarity of the salt-rich phase compared to the polymer-rich phase. Examination of the monophasic region of these systems suggests that the reason for this is that the probe is partitioned to a discreet solvent domain dominated by PEG, even though phase separation of the solution is not observed. The use of linear free energy relationships for the characterization of ABS is briefly discussed.
Validate the IRI2007 model by the COSMIC slant TEC data during the extremely solar minimum of 2008

Abstract During 2008, the solar activity is extremely low. The satellite observations show that the ionospheric height and electron density is much lower than the predictions by the international reference ionosphere (IRI) model. In this paper, we compared the slant total electron content (TEC) observed by the COSMIC satellites during 2008 with the IRI model results. It is found that the IRI model with IRI2001 and IRI2001 Cor. topside options will always overestimate the electron density in both lower and higher altitudes. But the rest two topside options (NeQuick, and TTS) tend to overestimate the electron density in the F layer and underestimate it in the topside altitudes. The switch altitude between overestimation and underestimation and the latitude-local time distribution of the model deviation depend on the topside option. The current investigation might be useful for the model improvement as well as data assimilation work based on the IRI model and the LEO TEC data.
Maintained consciousness during witnessed asystole after spinal anesthesia for Cesarean section

Despite its low incidence, cardiac arrest after spinal anesthesia carries a high mortality. Counterintuitively, young and healthy patients with low resting pulse are at increased risk. We report the case of a healthy 24 yr G 2 P0 at term scheduled for elective Cesarean section whose heart rate decreased to 30 bpm, followed by more than 30 seconds of asystole 3 minutes after spinal anesthesia with a T4 level block. Following atropine and epinephrine administration, the patient had several single heart beats when startled by the anesthesiologist’s loud voice and when touching her chest to prepare for chest compressions. Eventually, regular sinus rhythm returned with a heart rate of up to 160 bpm. The patient was rapidly prepped, and within 5 minutes, the fetus was delivered surgically with Apgar scores of 8 and 9. Most unusually, the patient remained responsive during the entire event and denied having lost consciousness. Supine position and volume loading may have contributed to venous pooling within the cerebral vasculature, so even in the absence of cerebral blood flow during asystole venous blood may still have been present and delayed cerebral hypoxia. Therefore, loss of consciousness in the supine position may occur considerably after the onset of asystole which may reduce the time available for treatment and contribute to its high mortality. Inspiration during the two startle reactions may have decreased vagal tone and permitted enough spontaneous cardiac activity to circulate the resuscitative drugs without CPR.
Alterations in guanine nucleotide regulatory protein expression and activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Alterations in the expression and activity of guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (G proteins) have been linked to the growth of several human tumors. We hypothesized that the expression and activity of G proteins are altered in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression of Gi and Gs proteins was determined in six human tumors and six normal controls (adjacent nonneoplastic liver) by Western blotting using specific antisera raised against the alpha subunit of G proteins Gi1, Gi1-2, Gi3, and Gs. Differences in G-protein expression were quantified by densitometry and expressed as percentage change from normal controls. The expression of Gi α1 was significantly increased in 80% of tumors (Gi α1, 284% +/- 77%; P < .05 percent of normal tissue), whereas Gi α1-2 and Gi α3 expression was increased in 67% of tumors (Gi α1-2, 218% +/- 21%; Gi α3, 154% +/- 6%; P < .05 percent of normal tissue). The functional activity of Giα proteins as determined by pertussis toxin-catalyzed adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-ribosylation was also significantly increased in these tumors. In contrast, Gs α-protein expression was significantly reduced in all tumors examined (74% +/- 8% of normal tissue, P < .05). The functional activity of Gs α, as determined by adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity, was significantly decreased in tumor as compared to normal liver under both basal and agonist stimulated (guanosine triphosphate γ S and forskolin) conditions. In summary, these data show for the first time a significant alteration in G-protein expression and functional activity in human HCC tissue. These alterations indicate a down-regulation of the AC-linked enzyme effector system in HCC that may be of critical importance to the formation and progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma. (Hepatology 1997 Nov;26(5):1189-94)
Surface structures of sulfur and carbon overlayers on Mo(100): A detailed analysis by automated tensor LEED

Abstract Detailed surface structures have been determined for three ordered sulfur overlayers and one ordered carbon overlayer on Mo(100), by automated tensor low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). The three ordered sulfur structures occur at 0.5, 0.67 and 0.75 monolayers (ML) and have c(2 × 2), c(3√2 × √2)R45° and c(4 × 2) periodicities with one, two and three atoms per unit cell, respectively, while the carbon structure has c(2 × 2) periodicity at 0.5 ML. In addition, a previously reported p(2 × 1) structure at high sulfur coverage is shown to actually be a poorly ordered version of the c(4 × 2) structure. In all four ordered structures the substrate is unreconstructed (unlike the clean surface) but relaxed down to its second layer, while the adatoms reside at or near fourfold hollow sites. In the c(2 × 2) structures, the smaller carbon penetrates deeper into the hollow sites than does sulfur: C approaches the second-layer Mo atoms closer than the first-layer Mo atoms, while S does the opposite. Except for the c(4 × 2) structure, the second-layer Mo atoms are pushed deeper into the substrate by adatoms directly above them. In the c(4 × 2) structure, large lateral displacements due to crowded S packing complicate this picture. In the two higher-coverage S structures, adatoms in adjacent hollow sites repel each other, forcing each other away from the hollow centers by 0.13 to 0.2 A. Comparison with results of parallel STM experiments is made. A brief discussion is also given of a very high-coverage sulfur structure interpreted as MoS2-like.
Studies on the mode of action of cholesterol oxidase on insect midgut membranes

Cholesterol oxidase (EC 1.1.3.6.) is an insecticidal protein known to have potent activity against the boll weevil, milder activity against a number of lepidopteran species, and virtually no activity against other insects. Several factors that could explain its species-dependent differential activity were examined. We compared cholesterol concentrations and rates of cholesterol oxidation in the midgut membranes from larvae of boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman), southern corn rootworm (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber), tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens Fabricius), and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus). Results showed that cholesterol concentration alone could not account for the differences in insecticidal activity and that midgut brush-border membranes of all species tested were generally susceptible to oxidation by cholesterol oxidase in vitro. We also demonstrated that cholesterol oxidase stability in the midgut environment was similar for the species tested and thus could not account for the differential activity. However, comparison of the pH of the insect midgut fluids with the pH optimum of cholesterol oxidase indicated that the lower sensitivity of lepidopteran larvae to the enzyme may be partially due to the alkaline nature of their midgut environments. In some species, oxidation caused significant changes in the activities of brush-border membrane alkaline phosphatase, and these changes did correlate with the susceptibility of the insect to cholesterol oxidase. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 34:429–442, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electric-dipole 4fN–4fN transition intensity parametrizations for lanthanides: an examination of multiple local minima

Abstract For most symmetries the standard parametrization of one-photon electric-dipole transitions between crystal-field levels of the 4fN configuration of lanthanide ions gives the same predictions for several quite different parameter sets. An alternative parametrization scheme that provides separate parameters for each of the different polarization directions has been shown to remove this anomaly. A second problem arises due to the fact that multiple local minima may fit the data nearly equally well. Through a detailed reexamination of a series of lanthanide oxydiacetate (LnODA, Ln=Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, and Ho) systems using the new parametrization, we examine the multiple local minima problem, and attempt a determination of the robustness of the global parametrization minimum.
The fit between journals and theses

Abstract The titles of a substantial sample of articles related to speech pathology and audiology over a period of 21 years were catalogued under one or more of 10 categories, e.g., normal audition, defective phonation, and the like. The titles of theses and dissertations in this field of six universities of Ohio over the same period were also catalogued. The articles appeared in 17 journals. The journals were treated as seven groups of “related” journals. The total output of journals was stable over the period studied; a “group” of journals tended to be consistent with itself over successive 3-year periods; the seven groups of journals tended to be unique, and not to replicate each other. The topics treated in the journals were accepted as a criterion for contemporaneousness. The student output of the universities varied in contemporaneousness from one school to another, ranging upward to r = 0.98 (10 categories). The overall correlation between the student and the journal outputs was r = 0.79.
Pharmacologic Profiling of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Inhibitors as Mitigators of Ionizing Radiation–Induced Cell Death

Ionizing radiation (IR) induces genotoxic stress that triggers adaptive cellular responses, such as activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling cascade. Pluripotent cells are the most important population affected by IR because they are required for cellular replenishment. Despite the clear danger to large population centers, we still lack safe and effective therapies to abrogate the life-threatening effects of any accidental or intentional IR exposure. Therefore, we computationally analyzed the chemical structural similarity of previously published small molecules that, when given after IR, mitigate cell death and found a chemical cluster that was populated with PI3K inhibitors. Subsequently, we evaluated structurally diverse PI3K inhibitors. It is remarkable that 9 of 14 PI3K inhibitors mitigated γIR-induced death in pluripotent NCCIT cells as measured by caspase 3/7 activation. A single intraperitoneal dose of LY294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one], administered to mice at 4 or 24 hours, or PX-867 [(4S,4aR,5R,6aS,9aR,Z)-11-hydroxy-4-(methoxymethyl)-4a,6a-dimethyl-2,7,10-trioxo-1-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethylene)-1,2,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,8,9,9a,10-dodecahydroindeno[4,5-H]isochromen-5-yl acetate (CID24798773)], administered 4 hours after a lethal dose of γIR, statistically significantly (P < 0.02) enhanced in vivo survival. Because cell cycle checkpoints are important regulators of cell survival after IR, we examined cell cycle distribution in NCCIT cells after γIR and PI3K inhibitor treatment. LY294002 and PX-867 treatment of nonirradiated cells produced a marked decrease in S phase cells with a concomitant increase in the G1 population. In irradiated cells, LY294002 and PX-867 treatment also decreased S phase and increased the G1 and G2 populations. Treatment with LY294002 or PX-867 decreased γIR-induced DNA damage as measured by γH2AX, suggesting reduced DNA damage. These results indicate pharmacologic inhibition of PI3K after IR abrogated cell death.
Implications of Robert Venturi's theory of architecture

Beginning with a functional program, the rational design method adopted by modernist architects took cognizance of neither cultural meaning nor context. Although criticized for these shortcomings by post-modern theorists, no means of introducing such concerns into the planning process has ever been proposed. This essay sets out a possible procedure − based on the ancient theory of rhetoric − that addresses these matters first, before turning to functional considerations. Its virtue is that it can be employed while otherwise leaving intact the prevailing method of design development.
Improved ambulation and speech production in an adolescent post-traumatic brain injury through a therapeutic intervention to increase postural control

Purpose: This case study examined the effectiveness of a programme designed to improve anticipatory postural control in an adolescent over years 2 and 3 post-traumatic brain injury (TBI). It was hypothesized that her difficulty in walking and talking simultaneously was caused by excessive co-activation of extremity, trunk, and oral musculature during upright activities.Methods: The participant was treated weekly by physical and speech therapy. Treatment focussed on improving anticipatory postural control during gross motor activities in conjunction with oral-motor function.Results: Initially, the participant walked using a walker at a speed of 23 cm s−1. Two years later, she could walk without a device at 53 cm s−1. Initial laryngoscopic examination showed minimal movement of the velum or pharyngeal walls; full movement was present after treatment. The measure of intelligibility improved from no single word intelligible utterances to 85% intelligible utterances after 2 years.Discussion: The results sugges...
Giant Magnetic Moments and Magnetic Bistability of Stoichiomatric MnO Clusters

Ab initio calculations based on density functional theory and generalized gradient approximation reveal many unusual features of stoichiometric $(\mathrm{MnO}{)}_{x}$ $(x\ensuremath{\le}9)$ clusters that contrast with their bulk behavior. The clusters are ferromagnetic and carry atomiclike magnetic moments ranging from $4{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{B}}$ to $5{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{B}}$ per MnO unit, and the moments are localized at the Mn sites. The $(\mathrm{MnO}{)}_{8}$ cluster, in particular, exhibits nearly degenerate ferromagnetic and atypical antiferromagnetic solutions with the ferromagnetic structure carrying a moment of $40{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{B}}$. The structures of $(\mathrm{MnO}{)}_{x}$ clusters are also unique with cubic and hexagonal forms competing for stability. $(\mathrm{MnO}{)}_{2}$ and $(\mathrm{MnO}{)}_{3}$ are unusually stable and form the foundation for further growth.
Structure of Triplet Propynylidene (HCCCH) as Probed by IR, UV/vis, and EPR Spectroscopy of Isotopomers

Spectroscopic data for triplet isotopomers H−C−C−C−H, H−13C−C−C−H, and H−C−13C−C−H are consistent with computational predictions for a symmetric structure in which the terminal carbons are equivalent (C2 or C2v) and are inconsistent with a planar (Cs) structure in which they are not. Experimentally observed 13C isotope shifts in the IR spectra and 13C hyperfine coupling constants in the EPR spectra exhibit good agreement with values predicted by theory for a C2 structure. The 13C hyperfine coupling constants also provide an independent experimental estimate for the bond angles in the molecule. The isotope-dependence of the zero-field splitting parameters reveals the influence of molecular motion in modulating the values of these parameters. The interpretation of motional effects provides a basis for rationalizing the anomalously low E value, which had previously been interpreted in terms of an axially symmetric (D∞h) structure. Computational studies involving Natural Bond Orbital and Natural Resonance The...
Dissociation Between Cardiovascular Risk Markers and Clinical Outcomes in African Americans: Need for Greater Mechanistic Insight

Despite having distinct advantages, such as lower serum triglycerides, higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, and less visceral adiposity, African Americans suffer disproportionately from cardiovascular disease (CVD). In African Americans, attention often focuses on two cardiometabolic risk factors—hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus—because they occur more frequently in African Americans than whites. Exactly how hypertension and hyperglycemia appear to override benefits from the lower prevalence of dyslipidemia and other factors is unknown. From a practical viewpoint, as the combined effects of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus are dominant, then primary prevention with vigorous control of these conditions must be of utmost priority. However, because attention is focused on hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the role of other potential risk factors, such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol oxidation, HDL cholesterol function, lipoxygenase pathway, endothelial progenitor cells, and natriuretic peptide regulation, have not been well studied. In this review, we discuss the paradox of CVD morbidity and mortality among African Americans and offer suggestions for future investigation.
Spectroscopic characterization of flavocytochrome c-552 from the photosynthetic purple sulfur bacterium Chromatium vinosum.

The identities of the axial ligands to the two hemes of the flavocytochrome c-552 isolated from the photosynthetic purple sulfur bacterium Chromatium vinosum have been investigated by visible / near-infrared absorption and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectroscopies, with parallel electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies. One of the hemes has histidine and methionine as axial ligands and has a local environment that is relatively insensitive to the composition of the bulk medium. The second heme, the local environment of which is sensitive to changes in the composition of the bulk medium, exists as a mixture of two forms, only one of which has histidine / methionine axial ligation. One the basis of its EPR characteristics, the other form most likely has histidine / lysine axial ligation. In aqueous solution near neutral pH, more than half of the second heme is present as the histidine / lysine form, while in 50:50 water / ethylene glycol the histidine / methionine form is the dominant one.
Prolactin and Growth Hormone in Patients with Pituitary Adenomas: A Correlative Study of Hormone in Tumor and Plasma by Immunoperoxidase Technique and Radioimmunoassay

ABSTRACT Excess secretion of growth hormone (hGH) and prolactin by some pituitary tumors has been associated with adenomas classified by tinctorial stains as acidophilic, mixed acidophilic-chromophobe, and chromophobe. In order to establish a functional classification of such tumors, immunoperoxidase stains specific for hGH and prolactin were applied to 21 surgically removed tumors from patients whose plasma levels of the two hormones had been determined preoperatively by radioimmunoassay. Five normal pituitary glands obtained at autopsy were also studied by immunoperoxidase technique. Eight patients had acromegaly and elevated plasma hGH; in 7 of these, hGH was located in the tumor cells by immunoperoxidase. Twelve patients had hyperprolactinemia; the immunoenzyme method identified prolactin in 10 of their tumors. Four patients with tumor prolactin were also acromegalic with demonstrable tumor hGH. Tumor hGH was found in 1 patient with normal plasma hGH, and tumor prolactin in 1 patient with normal plasm...
Environmental and phylogenetic correlates of Eulemur behavior and ecology (Primates: Lemuridae)

The extent of diversity within closely related taxa may be a function of their shared evolutionary history or of selective forces causing adaptive changes. Examining variation among taxa within a single genus may help to identify flexibility in trait variation because recently diverged populations are more likely living in the environment of adaptation. This study examines correlates of diversity in Eulemur, a genus that has a wide distribution in a variety of habitat types throughout Madagascar. Previously published data were gathered from 11 long-term studies of Eulemur populations. Variables were categorized into multiple datasets: (1) environmental characteristics, (2) social organization, and (3) ecology, which included subsets for ranging behavior, diet, and activity budget. Molecular phylogenies from the literature were used to create the fourth and final dataset, a dissimilarity matrix of evolutionary distance among the 12 species and subspecies. Principal components and cluster analyses were implemented to examine the overall ecological similarity among Eulemur populations and to determine which variables contribute most to the variation among taxa. Partial Mantel tests were conducted to test for correlations among the dataset matrices. The results suggest ecological flexibility for the genus, in particular, populations in similar environments displayed similar activity patterns. In contrast, social organization showed no relationship with environment but was correlated with phylogenetic distance among populations. While Eulemur seems to demonstrate some flexibility for ecological adaptations, characteristics related to group size and sex ratio more closely track phylogeny and thus may be less flexible.
Remote oxidation of a steroidal amide, ether, and sulfonate☆

Abstract Template directed halogenation of steroids may be performed in the presence of an amide, ether, or sulfonate.
The Effects of Synchronous Collaborative Technologies on Decision Making: A Study of Virtual Teams

Technological advances have an ever-increasing impact on our society. Globalization and the changing structures of organizations have created virtual work groups that are distributed across space different sites and time. Collaboration among workers is vital to both ongoing organizational activities and project-based activities. Communication is often seen as the most important factor contributing to the success of individuals, project teams, and organizational growth. Improved connectivity together with the increase in groups and teams has resulted in increased interest in extending the usefulness of IT at the individual level to support the issues faced by dispersed teams. This study compares the performance of sixty-four virtual teams utilizing four different collaborative technologies; text-only, audio-only, text-video and audio-video. While the results of the study found no significant difference between the quality of the decisions for teams using text-only versus audio-only communication, the addition of video to audio-only communication resulted in a significant improvement in the quality of teams' strategic decisions.
Quantitative determination of raffinose or melibiose by paper chromatography.

Abstract The conditions for the quantitative determination of melibiose (or raffinose after invertase hydrolysis) on paper chromatograms by either the use of “Genochrome” or N,N -diethyl- p -phenylenediamine as dip reagents were determined. The maximum density of the spots produced by the reaction of the chromogenic reagent with the sugar was measured by reflected light of 515 mμ wavelength. A linear relationship between the logarithm of the sugar concentration and the reflection density reading was observed with sugar concentrations between 20 and 75μg./5 μl. and, therefore, was the most favorable range in which to make the measurements. When the samples and the sugar standards are measured on the same paper chromatogram, the replicates agree within ±5%; between several chromatograms prepared the same day, replication values will be within ±10%.
Synthesis of a low-density Ti–Mg–Si alloy

Abstract A low-density titanium alloy was synthesized from blended elemental powders of TiH 2 , Mg, and Si by mechanical alloying and/or heat treatment. The titanium hydride was used in place of titanium. Phase transformations occurring in the system during heating at a constant rate were studied with the use of DTA and XRD. During heating of the blended elemental powders decomposition of titanium hydride occurred in the temperature range 550–750°C and some silicon went into solid solution in titanium while the majority of the silicon reacted exothermically with magnesium at about 500°C producing an intermetallic phase Mg 2 Si. This phase was stable on heating up to 950°C, where a eutectic component of this phase began to melt leading to formation of a liquid solution of magnesium in silicon, followed by a reaction of the liquid silicon with titanium and formation of a Ti 5 Si 3 phase. A third reaction in the system was detected at about 1100°C due to formation of MgO, so that after annealing at 1150°C three stable phases, Ti(Si), Ti 5 Si 3 , and MgO, were present in the alloy. No decomposition of the Ti 5 Si 3 phase or formation of Mg 2 Si were detected either during subsequent cooling or a second heating of the alloy. Completely different kinetics of the phase reactions occurred in the mechanically alloyed powders. Magnesium and silicon dissolved in the titanium hydride during mechanical alloying. Decomposition of the titanium hydride occurred at 320–600°C, the Mg 2 Si phase was formed after heating to 450°C, and the Ti 5 Si 3 phase was detected after heating to 570°C. The Mg 2 Si decomposed completely at a temperature of 650°C with the formation of MgO and Ti 5 Si 3 . After heating to 1150°C, three stable phases, TiN 0.3 , Ti 5 Si 3 , and MgO, were present in the alloy. A discussion of the results is given.
Acellular Pertussis Vaccines—A Solution to the Pertussis Problem

Available data relating to pertussis and pertussis immunization are frequently overlooked or misinterpreted. Mortality due to pertussis is underreported. Most whole cell pertussis vaccines are effective; there is no evidence that pertussis vaccines cause brain damage. Moreover, acellular pertussis vaccines have been used successfully in Japan since 1981. Third-generation, genetically derived acellular pertussis vaccines have been developed, but knowledge of antigens and concentrations required has not kept pace with vaccine technology. There is substantial evidence that pertussis is not a single lymphocytosis-promoting factor (LPF) toxin disease
Psychiatric Comorbidity in Children after the 1988: Earthquake in Armenia

ABSTRACT Objective To determine current rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorder, and separation anxiety disorder (SAD) among children 1 years after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia; to determine current rates of comorbid PTSD and depressive disorder; and to assess the contribution of exposure, gender, loss of family members, and loss of residence. Method Two hundred eighteen school-age children from three cities at increasing distances from the epicenter were evaluated using the Child Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Reaction Index, the Depression Self-Rating Scale, and the section on SAD from the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents. Results On the basis of these evaluations, high rates of current PTSD, depressive disorder, and their co-occurrence were found among victims residing in the two heavily impacted cities. SAD was comparatively less frequent, although symptoms of SAD had been pervasive throughout the region. Severity of posttraumatic stress and depressive reactions were highly correlated. Extent of loss of family members was independently correlated with each. Conclusion After a catastrophic natural disaster, children are at risk for comorbid PTSD and secondary depression. Based on the findings, an interactive model is proposed of postdisaster psychopathology. Early clinical intervention is recommended to prevent chronic posttraumatic stress reactions and secondary depression.
Genes that regulate plant development

Abstract Recent progress has been made in identifying the genes that play key roles in regulating plant development. In deaf development and vivipary in maize, flower organ specification in Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum, and trichome formation in Arabidopsis analysis of the genes at the molecular level has provided an indication of the probable function of the gene products. In other developmental systems including embryogenesis, root hair formation and root morphogenesis, genetic pathways have been elucidated and the cloning of the genes is expected in the near future.
Use of Self-expanding Intracranial Stents in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Conventional endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke includes intraarterial pharmacologic thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) administration with or without mechanical thrombectomy with a variety of devices. The present report describes two cases of stroke refractory to TPA administration in which successful recanalization was accomplished by the use of a self-expanding intracranial stent. Stent-assisted recanalization may be a viable option for patients with acute ischemic stroke refractory to thrombolysis or thrombectomy.