cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
F1 – THE MÖSSBAUER EFFECT AND ITS RELATION TO LATTICE DYNAMICS IN SIMPLE LATTICES*

A brief discussion is given of the possible applications of the Mossbauer effect to the study of lattice dynamics. Particular emphasis is given to those aspects which are hard to measure by any other technique, namely, the properties of isolated impurities. The effects of localized modes, of anharmonicities in the inpurity coupling, and of proximity to a free surface are mentioned.
Increasing rural patient access using clinical pharmacy specialist providers: Successful practice integration within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Purpose Access to care is a critical issue facing healthcare and affects patients living in rural and underserved areas more significantly. This led the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to launch a project that leveraged the expertise of the clinical pharmacy specialist (CPS) provider, embedding 180 CPS providers into primary care, mental health, and pain management across the nation. Methods This multidimensional project resulted in hiring 111 CPS providers in primary care, 40 CPS providers in mental health, and 35 CPS providers in pain management to serve rural veterans' needs. From October 2017 to March 2020, CPS providers provided direct patient care to 213,477 veterans within 606,987 visits. This was an average of 43,000 additional visits each quarter to support comprehensive medication management services, demonstrating an additional 219,823 visits in fiscal year 2018 and 232,030 visits in fiscal year 2019. Over the course of the project, the team provided mentorship to 164 CPS providers, performed consultative visits at 27 VA facilities, and trained 180 CPS providers in educational boot camps. Conclusion VA funding of rural health initiatives adding CPS providers to primary care, mental health, and pain teams has resulted in positive measures of comprehensive medication management, interdisciplinary team satisfaction, facility leadership acceptance, and multiple positive outcomes.
Human-Machine Interfaces for Handover from Automated Driving Systems: A Literature Review:

New automated driving systems are constantly being developed and integrated into vehicles. At the current state of technology, these features still require drivers to monitor performance and resume...
Treg-associated monogenic autoimmune disorders and gut microbial dysbiosis.

Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs) caused by a single-gene defect generally are referred to as monogenic autoimmune disorders. For example, mutations in the transcription factor autoimmune regulator (AIRE) result in a condition called autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy; while mutations in forkhead box P3 lead to regulatory T cell (Treg)-deficiency-induced multiorgan inflammation, which in humans is called "immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy with X-linked inheritance" (or IPEX syndrome). Previous studies concluded that monogenic diseases are insensitive to commensal microbial regulation because they develop even in germ-free (GF) animals, a conclusion that has limited the number of studies determining the role of microbiota in monogenic PIDs. However, emerging evidence shows that although the onset of the disease is independent of the microbiota, several monogenic PIDs vary in severity in association with the microbiome. In this review, we focus on monogenic PIDs associated with Treg deficiency/dysfunction, summarizing the gut microbial dysbiosis that has been shown to be linked to these diseases. From limited studies, we have gleaned several mechanistic insights that may prove to be of therapeutic importance in the early stages of life. IMPACT: This review paper serves to refute the concept that monogenic PIDs are not linked to the microbiome. The onset of monogenic PIDs is independent of microbiota; single-gene mutations such as AIRE or Foxp3 that affect central or peripheral immune tolerance produce monogenic diseases even in a GF environment. However, the severity and outcome of PIDs are markedly impacted by the microbial composition. We suggest that future research for these conditions may focus on targeting the microbiome.
Gender Stereotypes: The Profiling of Women in Marketing

Stereotyping in advertising is considered as both “mirror” and “mold”, reflecting and shaping the values of its target audience. However, the connection between stereotyping of women in advertising and marketers’ profiling of women has not yet been explored. To address the issue, this study provides meta-analysis of research on gender stereotypes in advertising and content analysis of “how to market to women” in practical marketing guidelines and academic research. Women are more likely portrayed as young while men are in the middle age and older age segments. Women are often portrayed as sexually attractive. They are significantly portrayed in decorative roles and traditional roles. Meanwhile, some marketers present more realistic female images. The female market is heterogeneous. Women play multiple roles in daily life, and traditional roles are just a few among many. Female consumers are strong, assertive, and active. They join the labor force and gain higher social, financial, and educational status. They support social causes that matter to their communities and the societies in which they live.
Sensitivity of prick test with walnut commercial extracts and of prick by prick with raw walnut compared with open food challenge in walnut allergy.

Background and aim Diagnosis of walnut allergy includes the evaluation of IgE sensitization by skin prick tests (SPT) with standardized commercial extracts. When assuming the loss of relevant allergens due to extract preparation and storage, it is possible to perform SPT with fresh foods, i.e., prick by prick (PbP). To our knowledge, there is no published comparison between SPT with commercial extracts and PbP with fresh food about their sensitivity to the diagnosis of walnut allergy. Therefore, we describe our experience. Methods We observed seven children (mean age + SD 6.8 years + 5.2, range 2 - 15 years; male 85%) with an history of immediate adverse reaction following walnut ingestion. All but one the patients underwent SPT with at least two out of three walnut commercial extracts (Lofarma, Milan, Italy; ALK-Abello, Milan, Italy; Allergopharma, Rome, Italy). It has also been performed PbP with raw walnut. IgE-mediated walnut allergy was diagnosed based on suggestive history, positivity of PbP and failed open food challenge with walnut. Results The SPT with Lofarma extract was never positive (sensitivity = 0%), that performed with ALK extract was positive in 2/5 cases (sensitivity 40%) and that of Allergopharma extract was positive in 1/5 cases (sensitivity 20%). PbP was positive in 7/7 cases (sensitivity 100%). Conclusions In the specific case of walnut allergy in pediatric age, the execution of SPT alone with commercial extract may not be sufficient and clarifying in the diagnostic iter. We suggest to always associate the execution of PbP test.
Effects of Scarification, Phytohormones, Soil Type, and Warming on the Germination and/or Seedling Performance of Three Tamaulipan Thornscrub Forest Species.

The Tamaulipan thornforests of south Texas and northeast Mexico are an ecologically and economically important conservation hotspot. Thornforest restoration is limited by native tree and shrub seedling availability for planting. Seedling shortages arise from low seed availability and knowledge gaps regarding best practices for germinating and growing the 70+ thornforest species desired for restoration plantings. To fill key knowledge gaps, we investigated three ecologically important thornforest species with low or highly variable germination or seedling survival rates: Ebenopsis ebano, Cordia boissieri, and Zanthoxylum fagara. For each, we quantified the effects of different dosages of chemical seed treatments used to promote germination (sulfuric acid, SA; gibberellic acid, GA; indole-3-butyric acid, IBA) on germination likelihood and timing. We also quantified the effects that these chemical seed treatments, soil media mixture type, and soil warming had on seedling survival, growth, and root morphology. Ebenopsis germination peaked (>90%) with 40–60 min SA treatment. Cordia germination peaked (40%) with 100 mg/L GA treatment. Zanthoxylum germination was negligible across all treatments. Seed molding was rare but stirring during SA treatment reduced Ebenopsis molding by 4%. Ebenopsis seedling survival, height, leaf count, and root morphology were minimally affected by seed treatments, generally reduced by warming, and influenced by soil mix, which also mediated responses to warming. These results suggest improvements to existing practices that could increase Ebenopsis germination by 10–20% and potentially double Cordia germination.
Predictors of Early Durvalumab Discontinuation After Chemoradiotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Based on the PACIFIC trial, adjuvant durvalumab is now recommended after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC), with an intended course duration of one year. In PACIFIC, approximately 50% of subjects did not complete the planned durvalumab course. Here, we explore causes and predictors of early durvalumab discontinuation to test the hypothesis that extent of normal tissue irradiation may be associated with durvalumab treatment duration. MATERIALS/METHODS We reviewed patients treated for LA-NSCLC with definitive CRT at our institution who began adjuvant durvalumab between 2017 and 2020. Duration of durvalumab receipt and causes for early discontinuation (defined as a course duration shorter than 11.5 months) were tabulated. Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to test clinical factors (age, performance status, tumor histology, presence of known driver mutations, PD-L1 expression), measures of disease burden (stage, metabolic tumor volume [MTV] on pre-treatment FDG-PET), and treatment characteristics (mean radiotherapy doses received by the esophagus, heart, and lungs) as predictors of early durvalumab discontinuation. These variables were also tested as predictors of progression-free survival (PFS) duration after durvalumab initiation. The Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to estimate rates of durvalumab completion and PFS for the entire cohort and for patient subgroups. RESULTS Fifty-three patients met inclusion criteria. Nineteen patients completed a one-year course of durvalumab, twenty-eight patients discontinued durvalumab early, and six are still receiving durvalumab. The actuarial rate of completing a one-year durvalumab course was 36%. Reasons for early durvalumab discontinuation were disease progression (n = 10), lung toxicity (n = 8), other toxicity (n = 6), and death unrelated to cancer progression or treatment toxicity (n = 4). Univariate and multivariate Cox models identified mean heart dose as the only statistically significant predictor of early immunotherapy discontinuation (HR 1.11 per Gy, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.21, P = 0.025). The rate of durvalumab completion for patients with mean heart dose below the cohort median (9.7 Gy) was 55%, compared to only 20% for patients with higher mean heart doses (log rank P = 0.020). Mean heart dose was also the only statistically significant predictor of PFS after immunotherapy initiation in a multivariable Cox model (HR 1.19 per Gy, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.32, P = 0.001). Median PFS duration for patients with mean heart dose below the cohort median was 32 months, compared to only 8 months for patients with higher mean heart doses (log rank P < 0.001). CONCLUSION For LA-NSCLC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy followed by immunotherapy, extent of cardiac irradiation may be a risk factor for early immunotherapy discontinuation and disease recurrence or death. A multi-institutional validation study is underway.
Teaching and Learning During and After COVID-19: Lessons Learned from the Social Work Classroom

Social work programs are preparing professionals to respond to natural disasters and global pandemics when they arise. However, literature on the learning experiences of students in the social work classroom with synchronous instruction during a natural disaster or global pandemic is limited, as is documentation of the experiences of social work faculty. Further, seldom discussed in the literature are the personal and emotional reflections of students and social work faculty. This paper provides the observations of two MSW students and their instructor within the context of the global pandemic of COVID-19 in order to more closely examine how this pandemic impacted their learning and teaching experiences in the classroom with synchronous instruction. Lessons learned from the authors’ experiences are outlined in an effort to identify key components for educators and social work programs to consider during and after a natural disaster or global pandemic.
Case of infant invasive Streptococcus intermedius infection suggesting the need for anaerobic cultures.

Abstract We report the case of an immunocompetent 6-month-old boy with a lung abscess and empyema caused by Streptococcus intermedius detected only from anaerobic cultures. Invasive S. intermedius infection in infants is rare. S. intermedius has been infrequently reported as a causative microorganism of lung abscess and empyema as most of the S. intermedius infections in children have been head and neck infections. While anaerobic cultures are often not performed for infant patients, we suggest the need for these cultures, including blood cultures, especially in cases of pediatric empyema, brain abscess, and liver abscess, which can be caused by S. intermedius.
TRAVEL TIME PREDICTION AND INFORMATION AVAILABILITY IN COMMUTER BEHAVIOR DYNAMICS

The prediction of travel time by trip makers constitutes an important component of the complex daily dynamics of commuter behavior, which are of particular concern in systems evolving towards equilibrium, such as after major traffic control changes or disruptions due to major reconstruction or maintenance activities. The day-to-day dynamics of the prediction of travel time by commuters on their next trip, with particular emphasis on the effect of information availability, are investigated in this paper using an experimental approach involving commuters in a simulated commuting system. A travel time prediction model developed previously for a limited information situation provides the framework for analyzing this phenomenon, using results obtained from a second experiment where users are provided with complete information on the previous day's performance. Insights into the effect of information availability are obtained through the comparative analysis of the model's performance and estimated parameter values in the two experiments. The results suggest that additional information tends to reduce the perceived uncertainty associated with the system's performance; commuters combine this supplied information with their latest experienced travel time in forming a base value for the predicted travel time on the next trip. This base value is adjusted by a safety margin that is primarily governed by the latest experienced schedule delay, in order to protect against unacceptably late or early arrival at the workplace.
Analogical and case-based reasoning for predicting satellite task schedulability

Satellites represent scarce resources that must be carefully scheduled to maximize their value to service consumers. Near-optimal satellite task scheduling is so computationally difficult that it typically takes several hours to schedule one day's activities for a set of satellites and tasks. Thus, often a requestor will not know if a task will be scheduled until it is too late to accommodate scheduling failures. This paper presents our experiences creating a fast Analogical Reasoning (AR) system and an even faster Case-Based Reasoner (CBR) that can predict, in less than a millisecond, whether a hypothetical task will be scheduled successfully. Requestors can use the system to refine tasks for maximum schedulability. We report on three increasingly narrow approaches that use domain knowledge to constrain the problem space. We show results that indicate the method can achieve >80% accuracy on the given problem.
Developing the Final Frontier: Defining Private Property Rights on Celestial Bodies for the Benefit of All Mankind

Sustainable colonization and exploitation of the lunar surface, Mars, or near by asteroids is still decades away. However, NASA, the Obama Administration, and other agencies around the world have shown a growing interest in establishing a human presence on the moon, mars, and beyond.Unfortunately, the legal regime concerning the use of the Moon and other celestial bodies, which is necessary to further development in outer space, is largely unsettled. One important unsettled area is the ownership status of celestial bodies and whether private property rights on those bodies are permissible and desirable.This Paper takes the view that private property rights on celestial bodies is permissible and desirable if celestial bodies are considered terra nullius – incentivizing development – and private property rights be defined in terms of a social obligation norm. This coupling of concepts will satisfy the desires of both proponents of celestial development and proponents of outer space as the common heritage of all mankind.
Does Membership Payoff for Covered Workers? A Distributional Analysis of the Free Rider Problem

This paper examines the union membership wage premium among private sector employees covered by collective bargaining agreements. Using Current Population Survey data for 2000–2003, the author not only estimates the conditional mean wage premium—the metric on which most previous research has focused—but also employs recently developed (instrumental) quantile regression techniques to estimate the wage effect of membership across the wage distribution. Members enjoyed, on average, a wage premium of 9% over comparable covered nonmembers. Further analyses find no evidence that this mean premium is explained either by unobserved differences or by measurement error. The author also finds that a narrow focus on the mean impact partially masks heterogeneity in the impact across the distribution. Notably, membership wage effects were considerably more pronounced for low wage earners than for high wage earners.
The CoRNR motif controls the recruitment of corepressors by nuclear hormone receptors

N-CoR and SMRT are transcriptional corepressors that associate with nuclear hormone receptors (NRs) in the absence of ligand. This interaction is the molecular target of differentiation therapy for acute promyelocytic leukaemia, wherein retinoic acid dissociates corepressor from leukaemogenic receptor fusion proteins. Binding of ligand to NRs induces a conformation that attracts coactivator proteins containing an Leu-x-x-Leu-Leu motif (the 'NR box'). Here we show that N-CoR and SMRT contain sequences that are similar to the NR box and are repeated in each of two NR interaction domains. We show that this CoRNR ('corner') box is required for NR interaction, and that CoRNR box peptides specifically block corepressor interaction in vitro and repression in vivo. Sequences flanking the CoRNR box determine NR specificity. Thus, the key feature of hormone action, differential recognition of unliganded and liganded NRs by coactivators and corepressors, is due to very subtle differences between CoRNR and NR boxes. The molecular mechanisms of repression and activation by NRs are thus linked in an unexpected manner.
The concept of path objects [ATC]

Implementing the path object concept has the potential to solve many problems that are now facing planners of the world's future ATC systems. By incorporating the aircraft's flight management computer into the architecture of the traffic control system, the path object concept offers the capability to maintain a high degree of certainty about an aircraft's intended path regardless of its complexity. The path object concept offers a common language that can express complete information about the aircraft's intended path, which in turn offers benefits to both the ground control system and the aircraft operator. By simplifying the expression of flight paths, it solves many practical problems related to the of navigation databases, of procedures for the pilot, charting and cockpit display of information, and efficiency of transmission. Coupled with a universally available coordinate system provided by GPS, path objects can be used anywhere in the world without reliance on ground based navigation aids or datalink.
Mass calibration of galaxy clusters at redshift 0.1–1.0 using weak lensing in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe 82 co-add

We present galaxy cluster mass–richness relations found in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe 82 co-add using clusters found using a Voronoi tessellation cluster finder. These relations were found using stacked weak lensing shear observed in a large sample of galaxy clusters. These mass–richness relations are presented for four redshift bins, 0.1 < z ≤ 0.4, 0.4 < z ≤ 0.7, 0.7 < z ≤ 1.0 and 0.1 < z ≤ 1.0. We describe the sample of galaxy clusters and explain how these clusters were found using a Voronoi tessellation cluster finder. We fit a Navarro-Frenk-White profile to the stacked weak lensing shear signal in redshift and richness bins in order to measure virial mass (M200). We describe several effects that can bias weak lensing measurements, including photometric redshift bias, the effect of the central BCG, halo miscentering, photometric redshift uncertainty and foreground galaxy contamination. We present mass–richness relations using richness measure NVT with each of these effects considered separately as well as considered altogether. We also examine redshift evolution of the mass–richness relation. As a result, we present measurements of the mass coefficient (M200|20) and the power-law slope (α) for power-law fits to the mass and richness values inmore » each of the redshift bins. We find values of the mass coefficient of 8.49 ± 0.526, 14.1 ± 1.78, 30.2 ± 8.74 and 9.23 ± 0.525 × 1013 h–1 M⊙ for each of the four redshift bins, respectively. As a result, we find values of the power-law slope of 0.905 ± 0.0585, 0.948 ± 0.100, 1.33 ± 0.260 and 0.883 ± 0.0500, respectively.« less
Echinostoma and echinostomiasis.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the studies on the biology, life history, infectivity, immunology, pathology, epidemiology, physiology, and biochemistry of Echinostoma . Some studies on other genera of Echinostomatidae are considered as they relate to Echinostoma. The systematics of the 37-collar-spined Echinostoma in the E. revoluturn group is discussed and is based on morphological, biometrical, isoenzymatical, and biological characteristics. The chapter focuses on E. trivolvis, E. caproni, and E. revolutum. Echinostome adults are cosmopolitan, hermaphroditic digeneans that live in the intestines and bile ducts of numerous vertebrate hosts, particularly, aquatic or semi-aquatic birds and mammals. Results derived from the experimental infection of laboratory rodents have provided insight into the pathogenesis of echinostomes. The diagnosis of echinostomiasis is made by recovering the eggs in the feces. The time of deposition of eggs in the feces will vary between species. Species diagnosis is based mainly on the morphological study of the adult worm, which can be obtained after anthelmintic treatment. The transplantation studies and cultivation of Echinostoma in vivo and in vitro are also discussed. The use of echinostomes in physiological, biochemical, and behavioral studies is an untapped resource. Many of the studies done on E. trivolvis need to be performed on E. caproni , E. revohturn , and other echinostomes for comparative purposes. The gross and histopathological effects of echinostome infections are well documented in experimental infections in mice and hamsters.
Review focus series: sarcomeric proteins as key elements in integrated control of cardiac function

Review and original articles in this focused issue of the Journal highlight the increased understanding of the role of sarcomeric proteins in control of cardiac function downstream of Ca2+ signalling. Figure 1 provides a context for integrating these articles in a minimal model of sarcomeric function in long- and short-term responses of the heart to stressors. In the model, state changes in the form of a physiological extrinsic stress, such as exercise or a pathophysiological stress such as hypertension promote a stream of mechanical and chemical signals, indicated as cytoskeletal, neurohormonal, and redox strains. Cytoskeletal strain induced by sarcomere length changes engage the Frank–Starling mechanism and also induce neurohormonal strains, as do feedback mechanisms. Readout of these neurohormonal signals is altered protein phosphorylation of cellular proteins including membrane proteins, transcription factors, and the sarcomeric proteins. Altered redox environment also induces post-translational modifications in sarcomeric proteins likely to trigger altered function independently of Ca2+ fluxes. Responses that compensate for the extrinsic stress maintain efficient cardiac function. For example, in exercise with increased venous return, rate and force of contraction and rate of relaxation are enhanced to match the increased heart rate and to permit cardiac output to increase with minimal increases in end-diastolic volume. A failure in the ability of the signalling cascade to engage compensatory pathways to maintain efficient function in response to an extrinsic stressor leads to decompensation and a viscous cycle ensues, exacerbating the stress. Figure 1 Scheme summarizing signalling mechanisms controlling cardiac function. See text for further description. Emerging evidence has substantially altered the understanding of the relative significance of mechanisms at the level of cardiac sarcomeric proteins in the processes summarized in Figure 1 . Sarcomeres are …
Ceramide-driven stress signals in cancer and aging

Publisher Summary Acute generation of ceramide has been noted so widely in response to lethal cellular stress that it is considered to represent a nearly universal feature of the apoptotic process. In addition, it is now clear that ceramidedriven signals can impinge upon numerous aspects of cell survival ranging from restriction of cell cycle transit to the induction of differentiation, senescence, and apoptotic cell death. The versatility of ceramide action involves the complex modulation of both proximal and distal signaling elements. The complexities of ceramide metabolism have been reviewed in detail previously. This chapter provides a brief overview of known ceramideregulated kinases and phosphatases, and outlines the apparent roles of their downstream effecters in mediating distinct biological features of ceramide action in mammalian systems. The probable existence of one or more protein kinases subject to the direct influence of ceramide was suggested based upon the obvious signaling potential associated with the sphingomyelin pathway.
Treatment of Sinoatrial Rhythm Disturbances with Permanent Cardiac Pacing

Fifty-two patients with sinoatrial disturbances causing syncope, dizzy spells, heart failure or predisposition to ventricular tachyarrhythmias were treated with permanent cardiac pacing between January 1966 and June 1970. They were followed up from 12 to 60 months. The rhythm disorders treated with permanent pacer implantation were: (1) sinus bradycardia (27 patients); (2) sinoatrial block or arrest (10 patients); (3) brady-tachyarrhythmia syndrome (11 patients); and (4) sinus bradycardia with ventricular tachyarrhythmia (4 patients). Forty-seven patients had ventricular and 5 had coronary sinus pacemakers. Two of the five patients with coronary sinus pacemakers subsequently required ventricular pacing because of failure of the coronary sinus electrode to capture the atrium. One patient died 3 weeks after pacemaker implantation because of renal failure. Eleven others died of natural causes 3 to 38 months after implantation of the pacemaker. Long-term pacemaker complications such as perforation of the right ventricle, displacement or fracture of the pacing electrode, infection at the site of the powerpack and raised threshold were observed in nine patients. Syncopal or near syncopal episodes were abolished in 32 of 35 patients, chronic congestive heart failure was alleviated in 7 of 12 patients, and recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias were controlled in 3 of 4 patients by pacing and antiarrhythmic agents. We conclude that permanent ventricular pacing is an effective therapeutic approach in sinoatrial disturbances causing symptoms such as syncope, dizzy spells, brady-tachyarrhythmia syndrome, heart failure or recurrent ventricular arrhythmias.
Greenland Ice Sheet Surface Properties and Ice Dynamics from ERS-1 SAR Imagery

C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery from the European Space Agency's ERS-1 satellite reveals the basic zonation of the surface of the Greenland Ice Sheet. The zones have backscatter signatures related to the structure of the snowpack, which varies with the balance of accumulation and melt at various elevations. The boundaries of zones can be accurately located with the use of this high-resolution imagery. The images also reveal a large flow feature in northeast Greenland that is similar to ice streams in Antarctica and may play a major role in the discharge of ice from the ice sheet.
Nephrosclerosis from childhood to old age, a viewpoint

Cortical arteries of the kidney in benign nephrosclerosis are characterized by arterial intimal fibroplasia whereas arterioles are affected by hyalinization; these features overlap in the tiniest terminal arteries. In malignant nephrosclerosis, the characteristic lesions are mucoid edema and fibrinoid necrosis respectively. A fifth kind of vasculopathy is marked by reduced calibre and increased wall thickness to diameter ratio; although this is often called “hypertrophy”, wall mass may not be increased, and the name “structural autoregulation” has been proposed in its place. Fibroplasia is found to some degree in every elderly person, even those who never experienced high blood pressure; blood pressure is elevated in those who manifest more than what is usual for the age. A review of reports concerning hypertension in subjects who lack evidence of nephrosclerosis suggests that such subjects may be statistical outliers who are likely to demonstrate regression to the mean in blood pressure rather than subsequent progression of renovasculopathies. It is proposed that uneven sclerosis of arteries may cause heterogeneity of nephrons so that some nephrons are sufficiently ischemic to evoke elevation of blood pressure by Goldblatt mechanisms, while other nephrons have structural autoregulation. A kidney with a small population of ischemic nephrons may show normal overall average function by available clinical methods. The etiology of arterial intimal fibroplasia in aging normotensives is unknown. That unknown etiology could, in theory, explain hypertension as merely the consequence of the more extreme degrees of benign renovasculopathies. A novel kind of epidemiological approach is proposed for pursuing clues to the unknown etiology.
Role of phonons in the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity

Abstract While phonons are generally considered to be irrelevant to the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity, a large number of experimental results indicate otherwise. We argue that the electron–phonon coupling in strongly correlated electron systems is unconventional, and results in a strong spin–charge–phonon coupling. It could contribute significantly to the superconductivity of the cuprates through the synergetic spin–phonon mechanism.
Kinetic Analysis of the Metal Binding Mechanism of Escherichia coli Manganese Superoxide Dismutase

The acquisition of a catalytic metal cofactor is an essential step in the maturation of every metalloenzyme, including manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). In this study, we have taken advantage of the quenching of intrinsic protein fluorescence by bound metal ions to continuously monitor the metallation reaction of Escherichia coli MnSOD in vitro, permitting a detailed kinetic characterization of the uptake mechanism. Apo-MnSOD metallation kinetics are “gated”, zero order in metal ion for both the native Mn2+ and a nonnative metal ion (Co2+) used as a spectroscopic probe to provide greater sensitivity to metal binding. Cobalt-binding time courses measured over a range of temperatures (35–50°C) reveal two exponential kinetic processes (fast and slow phases) associated with metal binding. The amplitude of the fast phase increases rapidly as the temperature is raised, reflecting the fraction of Apo-MnSOD in an “open” conformation, and its temperature dependence allows thermodynamic parameters to be estimated for the “closed” to “open” conformational transition. The sensitivity of the metallated protein to exogenously added chelator decreases progressively with time, consistent with annealing of an initially formed metalloprotein complex (kanneal = 0.4 min−1). A domain-separation mechanism is proposed for metal uptake by apo-MnSOD.
Feedback neural network for pattern recognition

In the present paper, a new synthesis approach is developed for associate memories based on a modified relaxation algorithm. The design problem, of feedback neural networks for associative memories is formulated as a set of linear inequalities such that the use of pseudo relaxation method is evident. The pseudo relaxation training in the synthesis algorithms is guaranteed to converge for the design of neural networks without any constraints on the connection matrix. To demonstrate the applicability of the present result and to compare the present synthesis approach with existing design methods, a pattern recognition example is considered.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Decarboxylation in the reactions of O-. with metal carbonyl complexes in the gas phase

Abstract The gas phase reactions of O with some first row transition metal complexes have been investigated using Fourier transform ion-cyclotron resonance spectroscopy. O, generated by dissociative electron capture from N2O, reacts with M(CO)x, (M = V, Cr, Fe) and manganese(methylcyclopentadienyl)(CO)3 to generate ML(CO)n−1, exclusively. Thermochemical arguments indicate the products cannot be generated by a simple dissociative electron-transfer mechanism, but must result from loss of CO2. Although the reactions that generate the metal anion complexes and CO2 are > 95 kcal mol−1 exothermic, the metal carbonyl anion products do not subsequently decompose indicating non-statistical energy disposal in the products. The order of relative rate constants for the reactions of the homoleptic carbonyl complexes [kII(O−./V(CO)6) > kII(O−./Cr(CO)6) > kII(O−./Fe(CO)5)] and the product energy disposal results support an addition/elimination mechanism. ca]†|Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Estimation of seismic demands on isolators in asymmetric buildings using non‐linear analysis

A procedure based on rigorous non-linear analysis is presented that estimates the peak deformation among all isolators in an asymmetric building due to strong ground motion. The governing equations are reduced to a form such that the median normalized deformation due to an ensemble of ground motions with given corner period Td depends primarily on four global parameters of the isolation system: the isolation period Tb, the normalized strength η, the torsional-to-lateral frequency ratio Ωθ, and the normalized stiffness eccentricity eb/r. The median ratio of the deformations of the asymmetric and corresponding symmetric systems is shown to depend only weakly on Tb, η, and Ωθ, but increases with eb/r. The equation developed to estimate the largest ratio among all isolators depends only on the stiffness eccentricity and the distance from the center of mass to the outlying isolator. This equation, multiplied by an earlier equation for the deformation of the corresponding symmetric system, provides a design equation to estimate the deformations of asymmetric systems. This design equation conservatively estimates the peak deformation among all isolators, but is generally within 10% of the ‘exact’ value. Relative to the non-linear procedure presented, the peak isolator deformation is shown to be significantly underestimated by the U.S. building code procedures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of novel sulfur containing spirocyclic phosphoranes

Abstract The synthesis of new spirocyclic phosphoranes containing both sulfur and oxygen hetero atoms bonded to phosphorus is described.
On the distinction between radical chemistry and Gif chemistry competitive oxidation of alkanes and sec.-alcohols

Abstract By comparing the reactivities of alcohols and alkanes towards TBHP radical oxidation and non-radical Gif oxidation, we bring additional evidence regarding the non-radical nature of Gif chemistry.
A turbulence model for rapid flows of granular materials part II. Simple shear flows

Abstract Using the one-equation turbulence model of Part I, rapid flows of granular materials are studied. The equations governing the transport of mass, linear momentum and fluctuation energy are considered. For simple shear flows, the dependences of the stress—shear rate relationship on the coefficient of restitution and solid volume fraction are studied. Couette and gravity flows of granular materials in rapid flow regimes are analyzed. Velocity, solid volume fraction and fluctuation energy profiles are calculated. The results are compared with those of the other theoretical models and the existing experimental data. It is shown that the predictions of the turbulence model agree reasonably well with the experimental data.
The practice of linguistic nonviolence

As should be obvious, “linguistic nonviolence” is the antonym to “linguistic violence” as “peace” is the antonym to “war.” Whether or not we are conscious of their effects, altered terminology and changed descriptions can comfort and even advantage us. Language can comfort us when used to affirm diversity and achieve recognition. During one stage of the civil rights struggle, the phrase “Black is beautiful” came to express a growing sense of pride and self‐affirmation among African Americans. Some feminists, responding to the lack of symmetry in designating all men as “Mr.” and women as either “Miss” or “Mrs.,” coined “Ms.” as an alternative that facilitates more symmetrical titles for gender when adults are addressed in a formal manner. Phrases and terms such as these can advantage a social group even if its members do not always recognize the consequences of these linguistic changes.
RV work efficiency is greatly reduced in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension as evidenced by 4D flow cardiac MRI

Background The dynamic assessment of intracardiac flow remained challenging until the recent development of timeresolved 3D phase-contrast CMR (PC-CMR), which allows for assessment of multi-dimensional whole heart and great vessel flow. Previous studies have used this technique in the ventricles to quantify flow type of the ventricle and the kinetic energy of each flow component. In the great vessels, parameters such as total flow, peak systolic velocity, and wall shear stress have excellent scan-rescan, inter-observer, and intra-observer reproducibility. In disease conditions, pathological vortices have been reported both in the ventricles and great vessels. We propose to use time-resolved 3D PC-CMR to study right ventricular (RV) work in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) as compared to normal subjects.
Comparison of the Density and Distribution of Traps Generated by High Voltage Stress in Silicon Oxide and Silicon Oxynitrides

A technique has been developed to determine the density and distribution of spatially deep traps throughout an insulator. These traps were created and charged by a high voltage stressing pulse and allowed to discharge upon the removal of the pulse. During the transient following pulse removal, the currents were measured. A correlation from current to trap densities and from time of decay to location within the dielectric has been made. This method has been applied to gauge the differences between nitrided dielectrics and thermal oxides. We have found initial trap levels, before stressing, to be lower in silicon oxide devices than silicon oxynitride devices. However, trap levels increased faster in thermal oxides as the stress increased, and became larger than the levels found in nitrided oxides. Nitrided devices tended to resist additional trap formation. Current-voltage measurements have shown that nitrides developed higher leakage currents as the stress was increased than did thermal oxides.
Price Smoothing and Inventory

This paper explains the phenomenon of price rigidity (or price smoothing) as the outcome of the optimal inventory policy of a multi-period profit-maximizing firm under demand and output uncertainties. Price smoothing may be manifested in two forms. First, price changes may be moderated with respect to those implied by the demand function; and second, the firm may choose to restrict price fluctuations by establishing upper and/or lower bounds on prices. We show that the extent of the asymmetry in price smoothing depends on the relationship between the inventory holding cost and the backlog penalty cost. Our model accommodates a wide range
Role of mixing in copolymerizations of styrene and n-butyl acrylate

The effect of agitation speed and impeller type on the kinetics of emulsion copolymerization of styrene and n-butyl acrylate was investigated. It was shown that the solids content was an important variable in these studies. At low solids (30%), the impeller type and speed did not have any significant effect on the final number of particles and the overall rate of polymerization. Particle size distributions were unimodal in all the cases. At high solids (50%), some differences were observed when 2 different impellers (Rushton and A310 fluidfoil) were used. The polymerization carried out with the Rushton impeller was faster. Bimodal particle size distributions were obtained for both cases; however, the bimodality was more significant when the A310 fluidfoil impeller was used. Greater numbers of particles and unimodal particle size distributions with high rates of polymerization at 30% solids contrasted the lower numbers of particles and bimodal particle size distributions with lower rates of polymerization seen at 50% solids. These differences were attributed to the partitioning behavior of the surfactant (Triton X-405; octylphenoxy polyethoxy ethanol; Union Carbide, Danbury, CT). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 2277–2289, 1998
Chiral effects on a fluxional ligand: chiral diphosphine platinum(II) complexes with thiacrowns

We report the syntheses, crystal structures, and spectroscopic properties for two new Pt(II) heteroleptic complexes containing the chiral diphosphine ligands R-BINAP and R,R-Chiraphos along with crown trithioether [9]aneS3 (1,4,7-trithiacyclononane). The complexes have the general formula [Pt([9]aneS3)(P2)](PF6)2 (P2 = R-BINAP or R,R-Chiraphos) and form similar structures in which the Pt(II) center is surrounded by a cis arrangement of the two P donors from the diphosphine chelate and two sulfur atoms from the trithioether macrocycle. The third sulfur in each complex shows a long distance interaction with the metal, resulting in an elongated square pyramidal structure with platinum–axial sulfur distances ranging from 2.695(3) to 2.802(2) A with the Chiraphos complex showing the shorter distance. The X-ray crystal structure of the Chiraphos complex exhibits an unusual example of co-crystallization of solid state conformational diastereoisomers within the same unit cell. The unit cell consists of two crystallographically independent complex cations which are related by a conformational change around one carbon–carbon bond in the [9]aneS3 ligand. The 195Pt NMR chemical shifts for both complexes fall in the range of −4167 to −4452 ppm, consistent with a cis-PtS2P2 coordination sphere. The effects of chirality of the diphosphine are most notably seen in the 13C NMR spectrum of the fluxional [9]aneS3 ligand, resulting in two separate resonances as opposed to the single one which has always been observed in Pt complexes containing achiral diphosphines.
Chromosome set manipulation and sex control in common carp: a review

Abstract The development of techniques for production of gynogenetic, androgenetic, polyploid, and monosex progenies in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) is described from a chronological perspective. Gynogenetic progenies were obtained either by suppression of the second meiotic division in eggs (meiotic gynogenesis) or by suppression of the first mitotic division in haploid embryos (mitotic gynogenesis). As a rule, gynogenetic progenies of common carp were all-female, revealing female homogamety (females—XX, males—XY) in this species. Induced gynogenesis results in increased homozygosity; the rate of increase depends on the type of gynogenesis. Inbreeding coefficient (F) for one generation of meiotic gynogenesis in common carp is about 0.6, while diploids obtained by mitotic gynogenesis are homozygous for all genes (F = 1.0). Mitotic gynogenesis was used for production of clones in common carp. In androgenetic progenies of common carp, YY males were identified, that after crossing with normal females (XX) produced all-male progenies. Triploids of common carp are characterized by a significant reduction in gonad development (especially ovaries). However, the reduction in gonad development did not result in an increase of somatic growth rate of fish. The procedure for androgen treatment to induce phenotypic sex reversal in genotypic females (XX) was elaborated. All-female progenies of common carp were produced on a large scale by crossing normal females (XX) with hormonally sex-reversed males (XX). Rearing of all-female progenies in conditions when fish normally reach sexual maturity before reaching of market size increased production yield by 7–8%. In a few cases distant hybridization resulted in polyploidy of fish without application of any physical treatment. The ability of hybrid females between crucian carp (Carassius auratus) and common carp to produce diploid (with unreduced chromosome number) gametes resulted in opportunities to produce triploid and tetraploid hybrid progenies.
The Economic Potentials of Pineapple Marketing in Edo State, Nigeria.

Agricultural marketing involves numerous lines of activities, which if well developed can sustain livelihood. It is in line with this that this study looked at the economic potentials in pineapple marketing with a view to unfolding the various business ventures in it that could be developed to enhance income generation for the farmers/marketers. The study was conducted in Uhunmwode, Ovia North East and Esan West Local Government Areas of Edo State. The data used for the study were obtained with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire from fifty (50) randomly selected pineapple marketers and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Benefit-Cost Ratio was used to assess the economic viability of some of the identified ventures while the Likert Scale was used for the ranking of some identified factors that stagnate enterprise development in pineapple marketing.