cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Communication Limitations in Patients With Progressive Apraxia of Speech and Aphasia

Purpose Individuals with primary progressive apraxia of speech (AOS) have AOS in which disruptions in articulation and prosody predominate the speech pattern. Many develop aphasia and/or dysarthria later in the disease course. The aim of this study was to describe the communication limitations in these patients, as measured by (a) the patient via the Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB) and (b) the speech-language pathologist via the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's (ASHA) Functional Communication Measures (FCMs) and an adapted motor speech disorder (MSD) severity rating. Method Speech and language evaluations were completed for 24 patients with progressive AOS (n = 7 with isolated AOS; n = 17 with a combination of AOS and aphasia). Descriptive comparisons were utilized to evaluate differences in communication measures among patients with various combinations of MSDs and aphasia. Differences associated with phonetic predominant or prosodic predominant AOS were also examined. Across the entire cohort, correlations were calculated between the participation ratings and other clinical assessment measures. Results The CPIB reflected greater limitations for those with aphasia and AOS compared to isolated AOS, but was not notably different when dysarthria occurred with AOS (n = 9/24). Across the cohort, there were statistically significant correlations between the CPIB and ASHA FCM-Motor Speech and Language Expression ratings and the MSD severity rating. The CPIB did not correlate with the ASHA FCM-Language Comprehension or other speech-language measures. Conclusions Patients with neurodegenerative AOS experience reduced participation in communication that is further exacerbated by co-occurring language deficits. The study suggests measures of severity cannot be assumed to correlate with measures of participation restrictions and offers a foundation for further research examining the day-to-day sequela of progressive speech and language disorders. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12743252.
Emergency department visits and inpatient hospitalizations among older patients with brain metastases: a dual population- and institution-level analysis.

Background Older patients with brain metastases (BrM) commonly experience symptoms that prompt acute medical evaluation. We characterized emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient hospitalizations in this population. Methods We identified 17 789 and 361 Medicare enrollees diagnosed with BrM using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database (2010-2016) and an institutional database (2007-2016), respectively. Predictors of ED visits and hospitalizations were assessed using Poisson regression. Results The institutional cohort averaged 3.3 ED visits/1.9 hospitalizations per person-year, with intracranial disease being the most common reason for presentation/admission. SEER-Medicare patients averaged 2.8 ED visits/2.0 hospitalizations per person-year. For patients with synchronous BrM (N = 7834), adjusted risk factors for ED utilization and hospitalization, respectively, included: male sex (rate ratio [RR] = 1.15 [95% CI = 1.09-1.22], P 2 (RR = 1.27 [95% CI = 1.17-1.37], P < .001; RR = 1.36 [95% CI = 1.24-1.49], P < .001); and receipt of non-stereotactic vs stereotactic radiation (RR = 1.44 [95% CI = 1.34-1.55, P < .001; RR = 1.49 [95% CI = 1.37-1.62, P < .001). For patients with metachronous BrM (N = 9955), ED visits and hospitalizations were more common after vs before BrM diagnosis (2.6 vs 1.2 ED visits per person-year; 1.8 vs 0.9 hospitalizations per person-year, respectively; RR = 2.24 [95% CI = 2.15-2.33], P < .001; RR = 2.06 [95% CI = 1.98-2.15], P < .001, respectively). Conclusions Older patients with BrM commonly receive hospital-level care secondary to intracranial disease, especially in select subpopulations. Enhanced care coordination, closer outpatient follow-up, and patient navigator programs seem warranted for this population.
How Much Sunlight Does it Take to Disinfect a Boardroom? A Short History of Executive Compensation Regulation in America

This article reviews the history of executive compensation regulation in America and surveys the literature on the effects of these policies. CEOs are almost exclusively in the top 1% of the pay distribution, and regulation of their pay is seen as a well-targeted way of reducing income inequality. Mandatory disclosure of executive compensation has increased nearly uniformly since 1933. A number of other regulations, including special taxes on CEO pay and rules regarding votes on some pay packages have also been introduced, particularly in the last 20 years. However, there is little solid evidence that any of these policies have had any substantial impact on pay. I also review limited evidence from overseas on 'Say on Pay', recently proposed in the US, which would allow nonbinding shareholder votes on CEO compensation. The experiences of other countries have been positive, with tighter linkages between pay and performance and improved communication with investors. Mandatory say on pay would be beneficial in the United States, both increasing shareholder value and making CEO pay fairer, thus reducing the likelihood of passage of other legislation to reduce income inequality, such as higher taxes on the rich. (JEL-codes: J01, J08, J33, K22) Copyright , Oxford University Press.
An Imaging Feature From Pre-Therapy Computed Tomography (CT) Scans Correlates With Pathological and the Clinical Outcomes in Patients (Pts) With Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA).

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) remains a highly lethal disease. Biomarkers are needed to identify pts who may benefit from specific therapeutic strategies. Here, we hypothesized that imaging features derived from pre-therapy CT are associated with histopathological and clinical outcomes. MATERIALS/METHODS Retrospectively, we identified 60 pts with localized iCCA (24 M, 36 F, median age 65 [range 26-84]), who received upfront resection as a discovery cohort (D1) and 87 pts with locally advanced iCCA (49 M, 38 F, median age 64 [range 30-88]) who received chemo and radiation therapy as a validation cohort (D2). Using the pre-therapy CT, we contoured the tumors in the arterial phase and used a voxel-based method to quantify the tumors enhancing volume (normalized to liver parenchyma), and called this quantification: volumetric enhancement (VE). Using the training cohort only, we performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to evaluate the classification ability of VE in differentiating long vs short (36 months) overall survival (OS), and to obtain an optimal cut-off for validation in D2. Corresponding slides from resection specimens of 38 pts from D1 were stained with H&E and digitally analyzed to quantify the tumor infiltration percentage. We used Pearson correlation coefficient, likelihood ratio, Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazard for statistical analyses. RESULTS As a continuous variable, higher VE values were associated with better OS in D1 (RR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.95-0.99], P = 0.0007) and D2 (RR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.95-0.98], P < 0.0001). On multivariate analyses, VE as a continuous variable was an independent prognostic factor for OS accounting for traditional covariates in D1 (RR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.95-0.99], P = 0.002) and D2 (RR = 0.96, 95% CI [0.94-0.98], P < 0.0001). Using D1, VE demonstrated high accuracy in classifying pts with short vs. long term survival (Area under the curve (AUC) = 0.77), with an optimal threshold of 32.2% to dichotomize the VE into low versus high. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that pts with high VE tumors had better median OS (145 vs 34 months, P = 0.002 and 46 vs 22 months, P < 0.0001), and distant metastasis free survival DMFS (107 vs 11 months, P < 0.0001 and 29 vs 13 months, P < 0.0001) compared to those with low VE tumors in D1 and D2 respectively. Pts with low VE tumors were more likely to have a higher nodal positivity rate compared to those with high VE tumors in D1 (P = 0.002). Tumors with high VE values had higher histopathological tumor infiltration percentage compared to those with lower VE values (⍴ = 0.72, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION A CT-based measure of volumetric enhancement was associated with clinical and biological differences in resectable and unresectable iCCA, which may help personalize use of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery in this disease.
Choline Ameliorates Deficits in Balance Caused by Acute Neonatal Ethanol Exposure

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is estimated to occur in 1 % of all live births. The developing cerebellum is vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol. People with FASD have cerebellar hypoplasia and developmental deficits associated with cerebellar injury. Choline is an essential nutrient, but many diets in the USA are choline deficient. In rats, choline given with or following alcohol exposure reduces many alcohol-induced neurobehavioral deficits but not those associated with cerebellar function. Our objective was to determine if choline supplementation prior to alcohol exposure would ameliorate the impact of ethanol on a cerebellar-associated behavioral test in mice. Pregnant C57Bl6/J mice were maintained on a choline-deficient diet from embryonic day 4.5. On postnatal day 1 (P1), pups were assigned to one of eight treatment groups: choline (C) or saline (S) pre-treatment from P1 to P5, ethanol (6 g/kg) or Intralipid® on P5, C and or S post-treatment from P6 to P20. On P30, balance and coordination were tested using the dowel crossing test. Overall, there was a significant effect of treatment and females crossed longer distances than males. Ethanol exposure significantly reduced the total distance crossed. Choline pre-treatment increased the distance crossed by males, and both pre- and post-treatment with choline significantly increased total distance crossed for females and males. There was no effect of choline on Intralipid®-exposed animals. This is the first study to show that choline ameliorates ethanol-induced effects on balance and coordination when given before ethanol exposure. Choline fortification of common foodstuffs may reduce the effects of alcohol.
Androgen Therapy in Nonendocrine Illnesses

This chapter presents current data regarding androgen administration in nonendocrine disorders such as critical illness, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), renal failure, and pulmonary disease. The effects of testosterone (T) on virility and muscle strength have been recognized since ancient times. In the late 1800s, Brown-Sequard reasoned that the decreased virility and muscle mass associated with aging could potentially be reversed with T supplementation. In 1889, he reported to the Societe de Biologie in Paris a trial of self-administration of an extract from testes of dogs and guinea pig (Hoberman and Yesalis, 1995). His description of increased physical strength and intellectual energy (as well as relief from constipation and lengthened arc of his urine) triggered a burst of interest in T within the scientific community. Although Brown-Sequard’s experiments were subsequently shown to be a dramatic demonstration of placebo effect (his extraction process denatured sex steroids), the resultant research led to isolation of T by the mid 1930s. By the 1940s, analogs of T were being produced and evaluated.
Improving applicant selection: identifying qualities of the unsuccessful otolaryngology resident.

Objectives/Hypothesis To identify the prevalence and management of problematic residents. Additionally, we hope to identify the factors associated with successful remediation of unsuccessful otolaryngology residents. Study Design Self-reported Internet and paper-based survey. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed to 152 current and former program directors (PDs) in 2012. The factors associated with unsuccessful otolaryngology residents and those associated with the successful remediation of problematic residents were investigated. An unsuccessful resident is defined as one who quit or was removed from the program for any reason, or one whose actions resulted in criminal action or citation against their medical license after graduation from residency. Remediation is defined as an individualized program implemented to correct documented weaknesses. Results The overall response rate was 26% (40 PDs). Seventy-three unsuccessful or problematic residents were identified. Sixty-six problematic or unsuccessful residents were identified during residency, with 58 of 66 (88%) undergoing remediation. Thirty-one (47%) residents did not graduate. The most commonly identified factors of an unsuccessful resident were: change in specialty (21.5%), interpersonal and communication skills with health professionals (13.9%), and clinical judgment (10.1%). Characteristics of those residents who underwent successful remediation include: poor performance on in-training examination (17%, P < .01) and inefficient use of time (11.4%, P = .02). Conclusions A large proportion of otolaryngology PDs in this sample identified at least one unsuccessful resident. Improved methods of applicant screening may assist in optimizing otolaryngology resident selection. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:842–847, 2015
Real-time PCR assay for quantitative mismatch detection.

We describe here a quantitative realtime PCR assay for the detection of single-base-pair differences that does not require fluorescently labeled gene-specific probes or complicated primer combinati...
Minimalist recovery techniques for single event effects in spaceborne microcontrollers

This paper presents a fault-tolerant design approach to allow the use of non-hardened commodity microcontrollers as embedded computing nodes in spacecraft, where a high rate of transient errors and occasional latch ups are expected due to the space radiation environment. In order to preserve their primary advantage of high functional density, low-cost approaches were explored that leverage features of existing commercial microcontrollers. A built-in, high-speed serial port is used for voting among redundant devices and a novel wire-OR output voting scheme exploits the bidirectional controls of I/O pins. A fault-tolerant node testbed was implemented, and fault-insertion tests were conducted to test the effectiveness of the fault-tolerance techniques.
Voyager 2 Solar Wind Observations in the Outer Heliosphere

We discuss the solar wind parameters measured in the distant heliosphere from the Voyager 2 spacecraft. Periodic variations in the speed of the wind observed at roughly the solar rotation period may correspond to interaction regions between slower and faster streams of wind. Since the interplanetary magnetic field is enhanced in such regions, they are important for the study of modulation of cosmic rays. Unfortunately, direct observation of the enhanced magnetic field from Voyager 2 has been made difficult by spacecraft-associated noise since 1989.
The Definition, Recognition, and Interpretation of Convergent Evolution, and Two New Measures for Quantifying and Assessing the Significance of Convergence

Convergent evolution is an important phenomenon in the history of life. Despite this, there is no common definition of convergence used by biologists. Instead, several conceptually different definitions are employed. The primary dichotomy is between pattern-based definitions, where independently evolved similarity is sufficient for convergence, and process-based definitions, where convergence requires a certain process to produce this similarity. The unacknowledged diversity of definitions can lead to problems in evolutionary research. Process-based definitions may bias researchers away from studying or recognizing other sources of independently evolved similarity, or lead researchers to interpret convergent patterns as necessarily caused by a given process. Thus, pattern-based definitions are recommended. Existing measures of convergence are reviewed, and two new measures are developed. Both are pattern based and conceptually minimal, quantifying nothing but independently evolved similarity. One quantifies the amount of phenotypic distance between two lineages that is closed by subsequent evolution; the other simply counts the number of lineages entering a region of phenotypic space. The behavior of these measures is explored in simulations; both show acceptable Type I and Type II error. The study of convergent evolution will be facilitated if researchers are explicit about working definitions of convergence and adopt a standard toolbox of convergence measures.
PROPERTIES OF ELECTRODIALYZED BACTERIAL SPORES

Harper, M. K. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C.), H. R. Curran, and M. J. Pallansch. Properties of electrodialyzed bacterial spores. J. Bacteriol. 88:1338–1340. 1964.—Washed spores of Bacillus cereus, B. megaterium, and B. stearothermophilis suspended in distilled water were electrodialyzed at a potential of 250 v, 50 ma, for 6.5 hr, under conditions which precluded rise in temperature or shift in pH. Dipicolinic acid (DPA) was not released from the spores by electrodialysis, as indicated by essentially complete recovery of residual DPA from the treated spores. Uptake of stain, heat stability, and viability of the electrodialyzed spores were comparable to the nondialyzed controls. These findings are discussed in relation to those reported by Rode and Foster.
Can we cure indolent lymphomas

The current consensus is that indolent lymphomas are incurable disorders. There are some indications that these malignancies are potentially curable. Indeed, not all indolent lymphomas are currently incurable. For example, patients with Ann Arbor stage I-II indolent lymphomas can experience long-term disease-free survival and probable cure. Also, from the available literature data, it seems that the achievement of a molecular complete remission is a desirable objective. Patients who achieve a persistently negative PCR state seldom relapse, whereas the opposite is true for persistently positive cases. In view of its excellent correlation with disease-free survival when examined serially in multiple blood or marrow samples, the PCR technique has the potential of providing a tumor marker that can be used as an early end point for clinical trials. By serving as an early surrogate end point, PCR could play an important role in expediting the development of new treatment strategies. Whether IFN is capable of increasing the molecular complete remission rate as measured by PCR is not known. However, it is clear that from the clinical standpoint, IFN has been able to increase 2-fold the length of remission in patients with advanced indolent lymphomas. In at least two studies, this has been associated with prolongation of survival. More intensive regimens such as alternating triple therapy, when used in combination with IFN, seem to have improved the quality of remissions as judged by the PCR assay. Finally, the site where the bcl-2 breakpoint occurs seems to have clinical significance. Those follicular lymphomas with germ-line bcl-2, in our experience, have behaved more aggressively than the others, and their failure-free survival seems different from the usual indolent lymphomas and more closely resembles the large cell lymphomas. Although the biological significance of this observation is not yet understood, this group might actually constitute a prognostically different subset with a more aggressive and perhaps more curable lymphoma. Whether the plateau observed in their failure-free survival curve will be maintained with more follow-up and whether they might be a curable subset remain to be determined.
Kinetics and stoichiometry of light-induced proton release and uptake from purple membrane fragments, Halobacterium halobium cell envelopes, and phospholipid vesicles containing oriented purple membrane

Abstract We have used flash spectroscopy and pH indicator dyes to measure the kinetics and stoichiometry of light-induced proton release and uptake by purple membrane in aqueous suspension, in cell envelope vesicles and in lipid vesicles. The preferential orientation of bacteriorhodopsin in opposite directions in the envelope and lipid vesicles allows us to show that uptake of protons occurs on the cytoplasmic side of the purple membrane and release on the exterior side. In suspensions of isolated purple membrane, approximately one proton per cycling bacteriorhodopsin molecule appears transiently in the aqueous phase with a half-rise time of 0.8 ms and a half-decay time of 5.4 ms at 21 °C. In cell envelope preparations which consist of vesicles with a preferential orientation of purple membrane, as in whole cells, and which pump protons out, the acidification of the medium has a half-rise time of less than 1.0 ms, which partially relaxes in approx. 10 ms and fully relaxes after many seconds. Phospholipid vesicles, which contain bacteriorhodopsin preferentially oriented in the opposite direction and pump protons in, show an alkalinization of the medium with a time constant of approximately 10 ms, preceded by a much smaller and faster acidification. The alkalinization relaxes over many seconds. The initial fast acidification in the lipid vesicles and the fast relaxation in the envelope vesicles are accounted for by the misoriented fractions of bacteriorhodopsin. The time constants of the main effects, acidification in the envelopes and alkalinization in the lipid vesicles correlate with the time constants for the release and uptake of protons in the isolated purple membrane, and therefore show that these must occur on the outer and inner surface respectively. The slow relaxation processes in the time range of several seconds must be attributed to the passive back diffusion of protons through the vesicle membrane.
Computing singular solutions to nonlinear analytic systems

A method to generate an accurate approximation to a singular solution of a system of complex analytic equations is presented. Since manyreal systems extend naturally tocomplex analytic systems, this porvides a method for generating approximations to singular solutions to real systems. Examples include systems of polynomials and systems made up of trigonometric, exponential, and polynomial terms. The theorem on which the method is based is proven using results from several complex variables. No special conditions on the derivatives of the system, such as restrictions on the rank of the Jacobian matrix at the solution, are required. The numerical method itself is developed from techniques of homotopy continuation and 1-dimensional quadrature. A specific implementation is given, and the results of numerical experiments in solving five test problems are presented.
RP of Si3N4 burner arrays via assembly mould SDM

A rapid prototyping process applying ceramic gelcasting and assembly mould shape deposition manufacturing has been developed to fabricate mesoscale silicon nitride components with complex 3D geometry. An overview of the fabrication of Si3N4 burner arrays for gas turbine reheat applications is demonstrated. The design of burner arrays features internal fuel passages and integrated fuel injection elements, which cannot be manufactured by conventional methods. Geometrical decomposition of design models and recent developments in ceramic processing provide a novel approach in prototyping the burner arrays. In this paper, issues of materials compatibility, mould fabrication strategies, ceramic processing, and design iterations will be discussed along with the functional test of the 4×4 burner array.
Topologically driven coronal dynamics – a mechanism for coronal hole jets

Bald patches are magnetic topologies in which the magnetic field is concave up over part of a photospheric polarity inversion line. A bald patch topology is believed to be the essential ingredient for filament channels and is often found in extrapolations of the observed photospheric field. Using an analytic source-surface model to calculate the magnetic topology of a small bipolar region embedded in a global magnetic dipole field, we demonstrate that although common in closed-field regions close to the solar equator, bald patches are unlikely to occur in the open-field topology of a coronal hole. Our results give rise to the following question: What happens to a bald patch topology when the surrounding field lines open up? This would be the case when a bald patch moves into a coronal hole, or when a coronal hole forms in an area that encompasses a bald patch. Our magnetostatic models show that, in this case, the bald patch topology almost invariably transforms into a null point topology with a spine and a fan. We argue that the time-dependent evolution of this scenario will be very dynamic since the change from a bald patch to null point topology cannot occur via a simple ideal evolution in the corona. We discuss the implications of these findings for recent Hinode XRT observations of coronal hole jets and give an outline of planned time-dependent 3-D MHD simulations to fully assess this scenario.
Sexual selection: Conflict, kindness and chicanery

Multiple mating by females can result in fitness costs for both sexes, and to reduce these costs each sex may attempt to manipulate the other. Substantial insights into the nature of this sexual antagonism have recently come from studies of two different fly species.
Synthesis of [14C]ciladopa

[14C]Ciladopa (S(−)-2-[4-[[2-14C]-2-hydroxy-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]-1-piperazinyl]-2,4,6-cycloheptatrien-1- one hydrochloride; AY-27,110 hydrochloride) has been synthesized in six steps incorporating [14C]carbon dioxide. [7-14C]Acetoveratrole, obtained from veratric acid via the acid chloride, was brominated and coupled with a troponylpiperazine salt. The resulting ketone was stereospecifically reduced microbiologically to give the S(−) enantiomer of the corresponding alcohol. Two batches of [14C]ciladopa were produced, giving a combined overall yield of 25% from [14C]barium carbonate (sp. act. 44.7 ± 0.6 and 43.4 ± 0.8 μCi/mg; 99.2 and 98.9 % radiochemical purity, respectively).
Police responses to wife beating: Neglect of a crime of violence

Abstract Data were collected from women seeking admission to a spouse abuse shelter in a small southern city. The questionnaire which they completed requested demographics and a wide variety of attitudinal data. The paper reports an analysis of the women's perceptions of police responses to their victimization, their feelings towards self, and their willingness to pursue mobilization of the law in their own behalf. It was reported that the police rarely made referrals to helping agencies and that the most common police action was to “talk” to the assaulter/batterer. Victims' feelings toward self were not nearly as negative overall in this sample as is typically assumed of abused women. Some support was found for a series of hypotheses that positive police responses enhance the victims' self-image and encourage them to seek mobilization of the law.
Parameter identifiability of dynamical systems

This paper considers the identification of dynamical systems from input-output data. The problem of parameter identifiability for such systems is approached by considering whether system outputs obtained with different parameter values can be distinguished one from another. The results are stated formally by defining the notion of "output distinguishability". Parameter identifiability is then defined precisely in terms of output distinguishability. Several results concerning this approach are presented.
Measurement of Tl(III/I) Electron Self-Exchange Rates Using Enriched Stable Isotope Labels and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

An approach is described for measuring electron self-exchange rate constants (k 11 ) in solution based upon stable isotope-labeled reactants, chemical separations, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The technique is demonstrated for the exchange between Tl III and Tl I aquo ions in aqueous HClO 4 . Tl III is prepared using 203 Tl-enriched Tl 2 O 3 ( 203 Tl abundance, ∼36%), and Tl I is prepared from natural abundance Tl reagents (natural 203 Tl abundance, 29.52%). The exchange is monitored by mixing the labeled and unlabeled reactants and performing timewise separations through selective precipitation of Tl I as TlBr. Isotope abundances are measured in the TlBr precipitate and Tl III solution phases using ICPMS with minimal sample preparation ; an NIST 981 (common lead) spike is added, and the 208 Pb/ 206 Pb is measured as an internal standard to correct for mass discrimination. The self-exchange rate constant is determined from a McKay plot obtained from the 205 Tl abundances of either oxidation state. A k 11 of (1.0 ± 0.1) x 10 -4 M -1 s -1 was obtained in 1.5 M aqueous HClO 4 at 25 °C.
Rater mood and employee emotional expression in a customer service scenario: interactions and implications for performance review outcomes

Abstract This laboratory study examined mood and affect intensity of raters , employee gender and emotional expression, and their impact on a performance review outcome in a customer service scenario. Rater mood, rater affect intensity, and employee emotional expression all interacted to predict the amount of raise assigned, and the effect was intensified when the rater was affectively intense. Employee emotional expression and the interaction between gender and strength of expressed affect also significantly predicted outcomes.
Cardiac CT assessment of left atrial accessory appendages and diverticula.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence, morphology, size, and location of left atrial abnormalities including diverticula and accessory appendages in consecutive patients undergoing cardiac-gated CT for coronary artery evaluation.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Routine retrospectively gated contrast-enhanced 64-MDCT angiography (0.75-mm collimation, 330-milliseconds gantry rotation time) was performed in 529 consecutive patients. CT data sets were evaluated using axial, sagittal, coronal, and interactive multiplanar reconstructions; maximum intensity projections (MIPs); and interactive volume rendering. The presence, type, and location of left atrial appendages and diverticula were recorded.RESULTS. One hundred twenty-one patients had left atrial accessory appendages (n = 20) or left atrial diverticula (n = 81) or both (n = 20). One hundred four left atrial diverticula were found in 101 of the 529 patients (20%) and 44 accessory appendages in 41 patients (8%). Of the atrial diverticula,...
The microtubule cytoskeleton is required for a G2 cell cycle delay in cancer cells lacking stathmin and p53.

In several cancer cell lines, depleting the microtubule-destabilizing protein stathmin/oncoprotein18 leads to a G2 cell cycle delay and apoptosis. These phenotypes are observed only in synergy with low levels of p53, but the pathway(s) activated by stathmin depletion to delay the cell cycle are unknown. We found that stathmin depletion caused greater microtubule stability in synergy with loss of p53, measured by the levels of acetylated α-tubulin and the rate of centrosomal microtubule nucleation. Nocodazole or vinblastine-induced microtubule depolymerization abrogated the stathmin-depletion induced G2 delay, measured by the percentage of cells staining positive for several markers (TPX2, CDK1 with inhibitory phosphorylation), indicating that microtubules are required to lengthen G2. Live cell imaging showed that stathmin depletion increased time in G2 without an impact on the duration of mitosis, indicating that the longer interphase duration is not simply a consequence of a previous slowed mitosis. In contrast, stabilization of microtubules with paclitaxel (8 nM) slowed mitosis without lengthening the duration of interphase, demonstrating that increased microtubule stability alone is not sufficient to delay cells in G2.
Characterization of hard metal dusts from sintering and detonation coating processes and comparative hydroxyl radical production.

Dust samples from sintering and detonation coating hard-metal processes were characterized, compared, and contrasted for morphology, composition, and generation of hydroxyl radicals. Inhalation of respirable hard-metal (sintered carbide) dusts from hard-metal processes is known to cause fibrotic and asthmatic lung disease. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis was used for morphology, composition, and elemental distribution. An electron spin resonance (ESR) spin trapping technique was used to detect hydroxyl radical generation. Samples were incubated with air-saturated buffer solutions containing a spin trap and analyzed by ESR for the presence of •OH in solution. Postdetonation coating samples often had surface contamination of Co on the WC particles, as shown by elemental mapping of individual particles; this was not evident in predetonation samples or unsintered materials in this study. ESR measurements show that both detonation-gun materials were capable of generating •OH, whil...
Symptom and activities of daily living trajectory in multiple sclerosis: a 10-year study.

Background: Symptom control in chronic illness is not merely a matter of medical management as the patient and family must rely on their own judgment, wisdom, and ingenuity for controlling symptoms. The absence in the literature regarding the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) as perceived by afflicted people and their family members led to the 10-year longitudinal study. Objectives: To study patient self-report data to determine whether particular interventions may be needed to enhance the individual's comfort and functional levels. Methods: The chronic illness trajectory of three groups of people with MS (≤5 years of diagnosis, n=49;>5 to 10 years,n=36; and >10 years, n=68) was examined over a 10-year period. Serial self-assessments of the subjects' prevalence of MS-related symptoms (motor, brain stem, sensory, elimination, mental/emotional) and level of activities of daily living (ADL) functioning(fine and gross motor activities, sensory/communication, socializing/recreation, intimacy) were obtained annually. Profiles illustrating the subject's symptom and ADL pattern were also returned annually to each subject. Results: Using 10-year average scores, study findings indicated no group differences relative to symptoms but showed significant group differences in all ADL functions. Separate group within-year (1, 3, 5, 7, 10) comparisons reflected significant increases in motor, brain stem, and elimination symptoms together with a decline in all ADL functions for specific groups. Conclusions: Medical data suggest, on average, a continuous downward trajectory beginning in the first years of illness or at approximately 36 to 37 years of age. In contrast, in this research, patient self-reports of fine and gross motor ADL, a correlate of neurologically based disability evaluations, reflect that relatively major decline begins after 5 years post-diagnosis and after age 40 for subjects recruited primarily from nonclinical sites.
Reliability-aware performance model for optimal GPU-enabled cluster environment

Given that the reliability of a very large-scaled system is inversely related to the number of computing elements, fault tolerance has become a major concern in high performance computing including the most recent deployments with graphic processing units (GPUs). Many fault tolerance strategies, such as the checkpoint/restart mechanism, have been studied to mitigate failures within such systems. However, fault tolerance mechanisms generate additional costs and these may cause a significant performance drop if it is not used carefully. This paper presents a novel fault tolerance scheduling model that explores the interplay between the GPGPU application performance and the reliability of a large GPU system. This work focuses on the checkpoint scheduling model that aims to minimize fault tolerance costs. Additionally, a GPU performance analysis is conducted. Furthermore, the effect of a checkpoint/restart mechanism on the application performance is thoroughly studied and discussed.
Lung function in infants with chronic pulmonary disease after severe adenoviral illness

Abstract Objective: To evaluate pulmonary function and bronchodilator responses in young children with chronic pulmonary disease (CPD) after a severe adenoviral lower respiratory tract infection. Methods: Pulmonary function tests were performed in 13 patients (mean age, 1.32 ± 0.8 years) with CPD and were compared with a control group of 13 healthy infants (mean age, 1.16 ± 0.4 years). Results: Respiratory rate, peak tidal expiratory flow (PTEF), PTEF/tidal volume, absolute time up to PTEF, time percentage to PTEF, volume percentage for PTEF, and compliance and resistance of the respiratory system were significantly affected in the CPD group. Similarly, maximal flow at functional residual capacity (V maxFRC) was 56.0 ± 42 mL/s and 373 ± 107 mL/s in the CPD and control groups, respectively ( P = .001). No within-group differences with baseline values or between-group differences were noted in response to treatment with ipratropium bromide or albuterol. Conclusion: Young children with CPD caused by adenovirus have pulmonary function changes characterized by severe obstruction and diminished lung distensibility not responsive to the administration of inhaled ipratropium bromide or albuterol. (J Pediatr 134:730-3)
Biochemistry of the ustilaginales. XII. Characterization of extracellular glycolipids produced by Ustilago sp.

A water-soluble compound formed by Ustilago sp. (PRL 627) in aerobic, submerged culture has been identified as D-mannopyranosyl-1-meso-erythritol. The extracellular "oil" produced at the same time ...
Another Place Is Possible? Labor Geography, Spatial Dispossession, and Gendered Resistance in Central Appalachia

The demise of Fordism and inauguration of neoliberal policy regimes may be conceptualized as historical processes of spatial dispossession that diminish and sometimes destroy the collective spaces of working-class life. In central Appalachia, where miners’ militant, unionized brotherhood once influenced the geography of the bituminous coal industry and enabled the growth of active, working-class communities, spatial dispossession is especially stark. Here, neoliberalization of space involves not only the familiar dismantling of public institutions but also corporate enclosures of lands once treated as commons, withdrawal of residents from polluted local ecologies, intentional destruction of union solidarity, and erosion of miners’ heroic masculinity. Historical analysis reveals this dismantling of labor's gendered geography and degradation of working-class environments as mutually interrelated processes. Spatial dispossession is also evoking opposition, however, from reactionary, industry-orchestrated mob...
INTENSE-FIELD NONLINEAR OPTICS Long distance propagation of UV filaments

We present a summary of experimental results on short pulse (1 ps) UV (248.6 nm) filaments. We will show that their dynamics are solely governed by the intensity in the filament, which leads us to conclude that they could be scaled to longer pulsewidths. In the special case of long pulse (≈ 1 ns) filaments, our theoretical analysis reveals an analytical solution which fully decribes the beam waist and power dissipation during propagation. We show that those filaments can propagate hundreds of metres and are insensitive to atmospheric turbulences.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy: a survey of factors associated with medication usage

Abstract The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has decreased morbidity and mortality for people living with HIV/AIDS, but adherence to HAART is a critical factor in successful treatment. Adherence to medication is a complex and poorly understood behavior. A survey was undertaken to evaluate subjective correlates of adherence and non-adherence based on previously distilled themes from a qualitative study of adherence. A 60-question survey was completed by patients in the outpatient clinic setting regarding demographics, CD4 cell count, viral load, adherence, and screening questions about medication usage and attitudes toward HIV. Ninety-eight adherent and 34 non-adherent patients completed the survey. After logistic regression analysis, several questions appeared to be the main predictors of non-adherence: Have you ever thought of having HIV as a “punishment?” Do you feel that your medicines are hard to take? Do you believe the medicines for HIV that you take are working for you? These qu...
Modeling of Multi-spectral Forward Light Scattering Patterns from Bacterial Colonies

Forward scattering patterns of the bacterial colony for multiple wavelengths were predicted with scalar diffraction theory. The phase and number of diffraction rings were distinguishably varied, while, the radiuses were similar.
Power, Embedded Games, and Coalition Formation

ABSTRACT Applications of game theory frequently presume but do not show that social structures contain games. This study shows that multiple games are embedded in strong power structures and that power is exercised because 1) the game of those low in power contains a dilemma whereas 2) the game of those high in power does not. As in previous analyses, we find those low in power play the Prisoner's Dilemma game. New to this analysis is the discovery that those high in power play the Privileged game, a game with no dilemma. Also new is the extension of the analysis to the design of coalitions. That extension shows that, when coalition formation succeeds, it eliminates the dilemma of those low in power by transforming their game from Prisoner's Dilemma to Privileged. By contrast, exactly the same coalition structure does not alter the game played by those high in power. Applying well-known game theoretic solution concepts, we predict that low power coalitions will countervail power, but that coalitions of th...
Modeling Substrate- and Inhibitor-Bound Forms of Liver Alcohol Dehydrogenase: Chemistry of Mononuclear Nitrogen/Sulfur-Ligated Zinc Alcohol, Formamide, and Sulfoxide Complexes

Using a mixed nitrogen/sulfur ligand possessing a single internal hydrogen bond donor (N,N-bis-2-(methylthio)ethyl-N-(6-amino-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (bmapa)), we prepared and structurally and spectr...
Crystallization of a Lithium Silicate Glass‐Ceramic under Pressure

A lithium silicate glass has been crystallized under increasing pressure using a constant thermal cycle in a hot isostatic press. As pressure increases, the amount of cristobalite that crystallizes decreases, the amount of quartz increases, and the total volume fraction of crystalline phases increases. Crystallization without added pressure gives a mixture of lithium metasilicate, lithium disilicate, cristobalite, and residual glass; quartz is not normally observed with atmospheric-pressure crystallization. The threshold pressure for the appearance of quartz is about 50 MPa, which is in qualitative agreement with the value obtained from thermodynamic calculation. In this glass-ceramic, quartz is favored over cristobalite at high pressures because it is more dense.
Comparison of cation binding affinities of quinones

Abstract The relative gas-phase basicity scale and the relative dimethoxy borinium ion affinity scale of various quinones were determined by the ligand exchange method to investigate the structural factors which influence the binding properties of the quinones. The relative gas-phase basicity scale and dimethoxy borinium ion affinity scale were similar, and were proved to correlate with the extent of favorable functional group interactions and counteractive electron-withdrawing effects of certain substituents. For 1,2-naphthoquinone and lawsone the order of affinities was reversed, presumably because of a secondary hydrogen-bonding interaction active for lawsone that particularly enhanced the stability of its borinium adduct.
Thyroid cancer and benign thyroid disease in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP): Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) registry experience

Background Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are perceived to be at increased risk for developing thyroid cancer. However, screening guidelines for thyroid cancer in FAP patients are not well established. To report the prevalence of thyroid cancer and benign thyroid disease in FAP patients in a single-center hereditary colorectal cancer registry. Methods A retrospective chart review of all FAP patients enrolled in the MKSCC Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Family Registry was performed.
Timing and magnitude of shortening within the inner fore arc of the Japan Trench

[1] New structural data and kinematic modeling provide evidence for Plio-Quaternary, inner fore-arc shortening inboard of the Japan Trench, northeastern Honshu, accommodated by the Futaba fault, a high-angle, basement-involved fault that bounds the Abukuma massif on the east. Significant throw along the Futaba fault associated with exhumation of the massif is implied by a regionally extensive footwall syncline, the absence of Neogene sediments in the hanging wall, and high relief in the hanging wall adjacent to the fault. Kinematic fault-related fold modeling best reproduces fold geometry with 2.0–3.1 km of dip slip along a 40°–55° west dipping reverse fault. At the southern tip of the fault, tephra horizons of known age within units that predate and postdate deformation bracket the onset of deformation to 3.95–5.6 Ma and are used to calculate an average slip rate of 0.5–0.7 mm/yr, a throw rate of 0.3–0.5 mm/yr, and a shortening rate of 0.3–0.5 mm/yr. The northeastern Japan subduction zone is viewed as a classic example of an erosive margin, where offshore subsidence records have been used to argue for Neogene basal erosion of the upper plate. Tectonic erosion rates have been estimated from reconstructions of the paleomargin that assume no upper plate deformation and temporally constant fore-arc taper. Evidence presented here for Neogene fore-arc shortening, however, suggests that the upper plate is deformable and implies that that offshore subsidence records may reflect a combination of tectonic erosion and upper plate shortening.
Hematocrit Distribution and Tissue Oxygenation in Large Microcirculatory Networks

Objective Oxygen tension in the brain is controlled by the microcirculatory supply of RBC, but the effect of non-Newtonian blood flow rheology on tissue oxygenation is not well characterized. This study assesses different biphasic blood flow models for predicting tissue oxygen tension as a function of microcirculatory hemodynamics. Methods Two existing plasma-skimming laws are compared against measured RBC distributions in rat and hamster microcirculatory networks. A novel biphasic blood flow model is introduced. The computational models predict tissue oxygenation in the mesentery, cremaster muscle, and the human secondary cortex. Results This investigation shows deficiencies in prior models, including inconsistent plasma-skimming trends and insufficient oxygen perfusion due to the high prevalence (33%) of RBC-free microvessels. Our novel method yields physiologically sound RBC distributions and tissue oxygen tensions within one standard deviation of experimental measurements. Conclusions A simple, novel biphasic blood flow model is introduced with equal or better predictive power when applied to historic raw data sets. It can overcome limitations of prior models pertaining to trifurcations, anastomoses, and loops. This new plasma-skimming law eases the computations of bulk blood flow and hematocrit fields in large microcirculatory networks and converges faster than prior procedures.
Synthesis of 6‐nm Ultrafine Monoclinic Zirconia

In the normal paradigm of sintering-densification, grain growth, creep, etc., it is anticipated that, at extremely fine grain size, various phenomena will be exaggerated so as to make direct observation more tractable; this gives impetus to attempts to synthesize such fine-grained materials. In the present case, 6-nm monoclinic zirconia was produced by a hydrothermal technique and is showing very interesting grain growth and rearrangement effects in transmission electron microscopy.