cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pragmatic trial design of an intervention to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with serious mental illness.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death for people with serious mental illness (SMI), but clinicians are often slow to address this risk. Methods/Design 78 Midwestern primary care clinics were randomized to receive or not receive access to a clinical decision support (CDS) tool. Between March 2016 and September 2018, primary care clinicians (PCPs) received CDS alerts during visits with adult patients with SMI who met minimal inclusion criteria and had at least one CV risk factor not at goal. The PCP CDS included a summary of six modifiable CV risk factors and patient-specific treatment recommendations. Psychiatrists received CDS alerts during their next visit with an eligible patient with SMI that alerted them to an elevated body mass index or recent weight gain and the presence of an obesogenic SMI medication. Study outcomes include total modifiable CV risk, six modifiable CV risk factors, and use of obesogenic SMI medications. Discussion This cluster-randomized pragmatic trial allowed PCPs and psychiatrists the opportunity to improve CV risk in a timely manner for patients with SMI. Effectiveness will be assessed using an intent-to-treat analysis, and outcomes will be assessed largely through electronic health record data harvested by the CDS tool itself. In total, 10,347 patients with SMI had an index primary care visit in a randomized clinic, and 8937 patients had at least one follow-up visit. Analyses are ongoing, and trial results are expected in mid-2020. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02451670
Waves in Plates and Cylinders

The chapter begins by developing simplified models for analyzing flexural waves is wide strips. This then generalized to arbitrary crested waves in large plates using the periodically extended load method. An extended plate can have a localized boundary; in that case the reflected waves are called scattered waves. The case of wave impinging on a rigid disk is considered in detail. The chapter concludes by considering waves (both along the length and in the hoop direction) in cylinders; this is a rich example of differential coupling and the Donnell shell equations are used for an elegant simplification.
Stabilized Supralinear Network: Model of Layer 2/3 of the Primary Visual Cortex

Abstract Electrophysiological recording in the primary visual cortex (V1) of mammals have revealed a number of complex interactions between the center and surround. Understanding the underlying circuit mechanisms is crucial to understanding fundamental brain computations. In this paper we address the following phenomena that have been observed in V1 of animals with orientation maps: 1) surround suppression that is accompanied by a decrease in the excitatory and inhibitory currents that the cell receives as the stimulus size increases beyond the cell’s summation field; 2) surround tuning to the center orientation, in which the strongest suppression arises when the surround orientation matches that of the center stimulus; and 3) feature-specific suppression, in which a surround stimulus of a given orientation specifically suppresses that orientation’s component of the response to a center plaid stimulus. We show that a stabilized supralinear network that has biologically plausible connectivity and synaptic efficacies that depend on cortical distance and orientation difference between neurons can consistently reproduce all the above phenomena. We explain the mechanism behind each result, and argue that feature-specific suppression and surround tuning to the center orientation are independent phenomena. Specifically, if we remove some aspects of the connectivity from the model it will still produce feature-specific suppression but not surround tuning to the center orientation. We also show that in the model the activity decay time constant is similar to the cortical activity decay time constant reported in mouse V1. Our model indicates that if the surround activates neurons that fall within the reach of the horizontal projections in V1, the above mentioned phenomena can be generated by V1 alone without the need of cortico-cortical feedback. Finally, we show that these results hold both in networks with rate-based units and with conductance-based spiking units. This demonstrates that the stabilized supra-linear network mechanism can be achieved in the more biological context of spiking networks.
Focal ST-segment elevation without coronary occlusion: myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary atherosclerosis associated with COVID-19-a case report

Background While it is understood that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is primarily complicated by respiratory failure, more data are emerging on the cardiovascular complications of this disease. A subset of COVID-19 patients present with ST-elevations on electrocardiogram (ECG) yet normal coronary angiography, a presentation that can fit criteria for myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary atherosclerosis (MINOCA). There is little known about non-coronary myocardial injury observed in patients with COVID-19, and we present a case that should encourage further conversation and study of this clinical challenge. Case summary An 86-year-old man presented to our institution with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and an ECG showing anteroseptal ST-segment elevation concerning for myocardial infarction. Mechanic ventilation was initiated prior to presentation, and emergent transthoracic echocardiography reported an ejection fraction of 50-55%, with no significant regional wall motion abnormalities. Next, emergent coronary angiography was performed, and no significant coronary artery disease was detected. The patient tested positive for COVID-19. Despite supportive management in the intensive care unit, the patient passed away. Discussion We present a case of COVID-19 that is likely associated with MINOCA. It is crucial to understand that in COVID-19 patients with signs of myocardial infarction, not all myocardial injury is due to obstructive coronary artery disease. In the case of COVID-19 pathophysiology, it is important to consider the cardiovascular effects of hypoxic respiratory failure, potential myocarditis, and significant systemic inflammation. Continued surveillance and research on the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 is essential to further elucidate management and prognosis.
The Relationship Between Sexual Compulsivity, Emotional and Spiritual Distress of Religious and Non-religious Internet Pornography Users

This study sought to examine the relationship between the sexual compulsivity, emotional and spiritual distress of religious and non-religious adults who sought assessment for pornography addiction on the Internet. Religious (n = 350) and non-religious (n = 114) data were analyzed separately with a one-way between-subjects multivariate analysis of variance. The Kalichman Sexual Compulsivity Scale was used to divide the religious and non-religious into three groups: non-sexually compulsive (NCs); moderately sexually compulsive and sexually compulsive (SCs). All of the dependent variables, except age, were significantly higher for SCs than NCs for the religious. For the non-religious, all of the dependent variables, except age and time spent viewing Internet pornography (IP), were significantly higher for SCs than NCs. The non-religious spent significantly more time viewing IP than the religious. Yet, the religious were significantly more sexually compulsive. Emotional distress and spiritual distress were found to be significantly higher for SCs than the NCs regardless of religiosity. The non-religious were significantly more anxious and stressed than the religious. Specific religious affiliations did not have any significant bearing on the degree of sexual compulsivity. Religious practice, being associated with less viewing of IP, suggests the likelihood that moral reasons may provide some rationale for not viewing IP. At the same time, religious practice might reinforce shame in the addiction cycle thus religious individuals may be more at-risk to developing a compulsive pattern of viewing IP. The implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are presented.
A Backward Design Approach to Health Communication: Developing Health Literacy Skills During COVID-19

This article describes an approach to addressing health literacy and the infodemic surrounding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a way to develop communication skills among students in an unde...
Recent Increases in Outpatient Total Hip Arthroplasty Have Not Increased Early Complications.

BACKGROUND Outpatient total hip arthroplasty (THA) has increased in recent years. Recent regulatory changes may allow and incentivize outpatient THA in more patients; however, there are concerns regarding safety. The purpose of this study is to assess early complications in outpatient THA compared to longer hospitalization. METHODS We identified patients undergoing primary THA in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2015 and 2018. Patients were stratified by length of stay (LOS): 0 days (LOS 0), 1-2 days, and ≥3 days. Thirty-day rates of any complication, wound complications, readmissions, and reoperation were assessed. Multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS In total, 4813 (4%) patients underwent outpatient THA, 84,627 (64%) had LOS of 1-2 days, and 42,293 (32%) had LOS ≥3 days. LOS 0 patients were younger, had lower body mass index, and less medical comorbidities compared to those with postsurgical hospitalization. Any complication was experienced in 3.2% of the LOS 0 group, 5.3% of the LOS 1-2 group, and 15.6% for the LOS ≥3 group (P < .0001). Readmission rates were 1.6%, 2.6%, and 4.7% for the 3 groups, respectively (P < .0001). After controlling for confounding variables, patients with LOS 1-2 days had higher odds for any complication (odds ratio 1.56 [1.32-1.83) and readmission (odds ratio 1.41 [1.12-1.78]) compared to LOS 0 days. Patients with LOS ≥3 days had higher odds for complications compared to LOS 0 or 1-2 days. CONCLUSION Outpatient THA had lower odds for readmission or complications compared to LOS 1-2 days. Despite increased outpatient surgery, many patients had postsurgical hospitalization and, due to patient factors, this remains an integral patient of post-THA care.
Direct Detection of Biotinylated Proteins by Mass Spectrometry

Mass spectrometric strategies to identify protein subpopulations involved in specific biological functions rely on covalently tagging biotin to proteins using various chemical modification methods. The biotin tag is primarily used for enrichment of the targeted subpopulation for subsequent mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. A limitation of these strategies is that MS analysis does not easily discriminate unlabeled contaminants from the labeled protein subpopulation under study. To solve this problem, we developed a flexible method that only relies on direct MS detection of biotin-tagged proteins called "Direct Detection of Biotin-containing Tags" (DiDBiT). Compared with conventional targeted proteomic strategies, DiDBiT improves direct detection of biotinylated proteins ∼200 fold. We show that DiDBiT is applicable to several protein labeling protocols in cell culture and in vivo using cell permeable NHS-biotin and incorporation of the noncanonical amino acid, azidohomoalanine (AHA), into newly synthesized proteins, followed by click chemistry tagging with biotin. We demonstrate that DiDBiT improves the direct detection of biotin-tagged newly synthesized peptides more than 20-fold compared to conventional methods. With the increased sensitivity afforded by DiDBiT, we demonstrate the MS detection of newly synthesized proteins labeled in vivo in the rodent nervous system with unprecedented temporal resolution as short as 3 h.
Autooxidation as a basis for altered function by polymorphonuclear leukocytes

To investigate the possibility that human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) elaborate sufficient amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and other radicals of reduced oxygen to be autotoxic and retard directed cell movement and phagocytosis, the rate of ingestion of opsonized lipopolysaccharide-paraffin oil particles and movement through Nuclepore filters were studied. Ingestion rates were increased under anaerobic conditions and in normal aerobic conditions in the presence of extracellular catalase but not superoxide dismutase (SOD) or scavengers of singlet oxygen or hydroxyl radicals. Conversely, ingestion rates were decreased when cells were exposed to H2O2 or a superoxide anion (O2-)-H2O2 generating system of xanthine-xanthine oxidase. Catalase, but not SOD, prevented the effect and also enhanced the directed movement of PMN in normal aerobic conditions. PMN from volunteers administered 1600 U/day of the membrane lipid antioxidant alpha-tocopherol were hyperphagocytic but killed Staphylococcus aureus 502A less effectively than controls, suggesting that less H2O2 was available to damage PMN or kill bacteria. H2O2-dependent stimulation of the hexose monophosphate shunt, H2O2 release from phaogytizing PMN, and fluoresceinated concanavalin A cap formation promoted by H2O2 damage to microtubules were all diminished, but the release of O2- from phagocytizing PMN was not diminished in the vitamin E group. These results support the hypothesis that directed movement and phagocytosis by PMN are attenuated by autooxidative damage to the cell membrane by endogenously derived H2O2 and that the administration in vivo of vitamin E may prevent this damage by scavenging H2O2.
Formation of scale spacing patterns in a moth wing: I. Epithelial feet may mediate cell rearrangement

Abstract A new staining procedure reveals outlines of individual, scattered cells within an epithelial monolayer and shows that cells form intimate contacts not only with adjacent cells but also with nonadjacent (and often relatively distant) cells. Cell interactions in the two-dimensional monolayer of the Manduca wing are more complex than originally supposed. Cells extend long basal processes at the time that major changes in epithelial pattern are occurring. The pattern of regularly spaced scale rows in the wing arises from the rearrangement of irregularly distributed scale primordial cells and is probably mediated by short-range and long-range interactions of these epithelial processes.
Algorithms from complexity theory: polynomial-time operations for complex sets

Typically, a set is described as complex when its membership problem has no efficient solution. Many sets of central interest for data management, design of computer chips, scheduling, fault-tolerant network design, and general optimization—such as the NP-complete sets—are thought to be complex in this sense. Though much effort has been spent accumulating evidence of the infeasibility of membership testing for these sets, less effort has been spent determining which operations can be efficiently performed on complex sets.
Effects of aspirin on pathways of ion permeation in Necturus antrum: role of nutrient HCO3.

Abstract Intracellular microelectrodes were used to evaluate electrical properties of the cell membranes in Necturus antral mucosa during exposure to luminal acid alone (pH 4) or to 5 mmol/L aspirin [acetylsalicyclic acid (ASA)] in the presence of luminal acid. When nutrient solutions were buffered by HCO 3 − (pH 7.3), ASA moderately depolarized and increased the resistances of both cell membranes. When nutrient solutions were buffered by HEPES (pH 7.3), ASA induced even greater depolarizations of the cell membranes. In addition, resistance of the apical membrane did not increase and resistance of the basolateral membrane decreased. The changes in basolateral membrane resistance were observed when tissues were exposed to 5 mmol/L salicylate but not during exposure to luminal acid alone or to acidified luminal solutions containing 5 mmol/L acetate, a small and permeable organic acid. Electron microscopy confirmed that these initial electrophysiological changes precede alterations in cell morphology. The findings suggest that nutrient HCO 3 − attenuates changes in membrane potentials caused by ASA. Loss of nutrient HCO 3 − seems to accelerate alterations in basolateral membrane resistance caused by ASA and its salicylate moiety.
QSO Absorption Lines, Early Evolution of Galactic Halos and the Metagalactic UV Flux

Recent observations of QSO absorption lines are described which indicate that a large fraction of the baryonic content of the Universe seen at redshifts z ~ 3 was in the form of tenuous highly ionized clouds in the outer halos of galaxies. The heavy element composition of the clouds covered the range now exhibited by the globular clusters in the halo of our own Galaxy. The observations also indicate a secular increase in the average heavy element content by a factor of 3 in the first 3 billion years. The QSO absorption lines indicate that the metagalactic flux of ionizing radiation has a hard spectrum over the whole redshift range 1.3 ≤ z ≤ 3.6. The observed luminous QSOs at high redshifts cannot produce the inferred ionizing flux and the hot stars expected to be present in newly forming galaxies cannot account for the high ionization levels observed. It is therefore conjectured that the early Universe contained a large population of low-luminosity active galactic nuclei. These observations provide the first direct information about the evolution of the gaseous halos of galaxies at early times.
Does culture make a difference? Racial/ethnic patterns of completed suicide in San Francisco, CA 1987–1996 and clinical applications.

Completed suicides in San Francisco were examined in the racial groups of African Americans, Asians, Caucasians, Hispanics, and Native Americans for a 10-year period (1987-1996). Comparisons of rates across race and gender showed that both Caucasian men and women had the highest rates. Significant differences were found when racial groups were compared across age groups, gender, and method, but no significant difference was found in the use of firearms as a method of suicide. Differences and similarities are illustrated by comparing Caucasian and Asian patterns of suicide in the areas of (1) suicide in Asian homelands, (2) cultural context, and (3) cultural beliefs regarding psychopathology. A framework relating cultural variables to predisposing client variables is suggested for clinicians and researchers.
SAMPLING: MAKING ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY MORE COST EFFECTIVE

With the huge volumes of electronic data subject to discovery in virtually every instance of litigation, time and costs of conducting discovery have become exceedingly important when litigants plan their discovery strategies. Rather than incurring the costs of having lawyers review every document produced in response to a discovery request in search of relevant evidence, a cost effective strategy for document review planning is to use statistical sampling of the database of documents to determine the likelihood of finding relevant evidence by reviewing additional documents. This paper reviews and discusses how sampling can be used to make document review more cost effective by considering issues such as an appropriate sample size, how to develop a sampling strategy, and taking into account the potential value of the litigation in relation to the costs of additional discovery efforts.
Concentration enrichment in the ion source of a pulsed electron beam high pressure mass spectrometer

Abstract The magnitude of concentration enrichment of methyl iodide in methane, helium, and argon buffer gases within the ion source of a pulsed e-beam high pressure mass spectrometer (PHPMS) is characterized here by a theoretical model and by kinetic measurements of the gas phase ion/molecule reaction, F− + CH3I → CH3F + I−, at 150°C. A relatively simple PHPMS ion source is used in which the magnitude of enrichment is related only to the ventilation of individual molecules out of the ion source by passage through its ion exit and electron entrance slits. It is shown that significant enrichment does occur under typical operating conditions of this source and that the magnitude of enrichment is strongly dependent on the choice of ion source pressure. These observations are explained in terms of the flow conditions thought to exist in the ion source. Recommendations for improving the accuracy of future kinetic and equilibrium measurements by the PHPMS are provided.
Isolating the Typicality Effect in Semantic Memory

An experiment was conducted to isolate the typicality effect in the overall categorization process. Subjects were required to indicate whether or not a probe word was a member of one of a variable ...
Role of cyclic 3′5′ adenosine monophosphate on corticosteroid synthesis and release from the intact adrenal gland

Abstract ACTH and potassium-deprivation augment cyclic AMP levels and steroid synthesis in perfused cat adrenal glands, but only ACTH also enhances corticosteroid release. Calcium-deprivation increases cyclic AMP levels but does not enhance steroid synthesis or release. These data are discussed in light of the concept that an increase in adrenal cyclic AMP levels is not sufficient to trigger the physiologic release response, but that an additional effect of ACTH is required.
Prevalence and Quantitation of Species C Adenovirus DNA in Human Mucosal Lymphocytes

The common species C adenoviruses (serotypes Ad1, Ad2, Ad5, and Ad6) infect more than 80% of the human population early in life. Following primary infection, the virus can establish an asymptomatic persistent infection in which infectious virions are shed in feces for several years. The probable source of persistent virus is mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, although the molecular details of persistence or latency of adenovirus are currently unknown. In this study, a sensitive real-time PCR assay was developed to quantitate species C adenovirus DNA in human tissues removed for routine tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. Using this assay, species C DNA was detected in Ficoll-purified lymphocytes from 33 of 42 tissue specimens tested (79%). The levels varied from fewer than 10 to greater than 2 x 10(6) copies of the adenovirus genome/10(7) cells, depending on the donor. DNA from serotypes Ad1, Ad2, and Ad5 was detected, while the rarer serotype Ad6 was not. When analyzed as a function of donor age, the highest levels of adenovirus genomes were found among the youngest donors. Antibody-coated magnetic beads were used to purify lymphocytes into subpopulations and determine whether viral DNA could be enriched within any purified subpopulations. Separation of T cells (CD4/8- expressing and/or CD3-expressing cells) enriched viral DNA in each of nine donors tested. In contrast, B-cell purification (CD19-expressing cells) invariably depleted or eliminated viral DNA. Despite the frequent finding of significant quantities of adenovirus DNA in tonsil and adenoid tissues, infectious virus was rarely present, as measured by coculture with permissive cells. These findings suggest that human mucosal T lymphocytes may harbor species C adenoviruses in a quiescent, perhaps latent form.
Effect of processing on the utilization by young pigs of the fat in soya beans and sunflower seeds

The digestibility coefficients of the fat in coarsely ground and finely ground roasted soya beans, in extruded soya beans, and in regular, roasted and dehulled sunflower seeds were compared using 12 weanling pigs in a balance trial. Total faecal fat was corrected for endogenous faecal fat. There were no significant differences in fat digestibility due to fineness of grind of the roasted soya beans. Extrusion increased (P<0.05) the digestibility of fat, dry matter, energy and nitrogen in the soya beans. Roasting of regular sunflower seeds tended to decrease the digestibility of fat and energy. Dehulled sunflower seeds had lower (P<0.05) fat digestibility and higher (P<0.05) nitrogen and matter digestibility than regular sunflower seeds. These results indicate that extrusion is an effective means of increasing the availability of the fat in soya beans, while roasting appears to decrease fat availability in sunflower seeds.
Forced-choice versus free-choice procedures: caffeine self-administration in humans.

Methodological comparisons of procedures for drug self-administration are rare. In studies examining the reinforcing effect of caffeine in humans, caffeine self-administration usually has been inferred from performance under forced-choice procedures. In the present experiment, caffeine self-administration via coffee was compared under forced-choice and free-choice conditions; i.e., when subjects were and were not required to use a minimum number of coffees. Ten moderate coffee drinkers (2–7 cups/day) were assigned to forced- and free-choice conditions using a randomized cross-over design. Under each choice condition, subjects completed six independent, double-blind trials, consisting of a 2-day exposure period followed by a 2-day test period. During exposure, subjects consumed either decaffeinated or caffeinated (100 mg/serving) coffee on day 1 and the other coffee on day 2. During the test period, subjects had concurrent access to the same decaffeinated and caffeinated coffees. Under the forced-choice condition, subjects were required to drink at least four cups of coffee per day during the test period. Under the free-choice condition, subjects did not have a minimum-cup requirement. In general, the relative rate at which subjects self-administered caffeinated versus decaffeinated coffee was similar across choice conditions, even though subjects self-administered significantly fewer cups of both coffee types under the free-choice than the forced-choice condition. These results suggest that, at least for caffeine, forced-choice and free-choice procedures produce comparable results. Whether this finding generalizes to a context in which caffeine or another drug is more robustly self-administered, remains to be determined.
The Effect of the Arbitrary Level Assignment of Satellite Cloud Motion Wind Vectors on Wind Analyses in the Pre-thunderstorm Environment

The impact of satellite-derived cloud motion vectors on SESAME rawinsonde wind fields was studied in two separate cases. The effect of wind and moisture gradients on the arbitrary assignment of the satellite data is assessed to coordinate surfaces in a severe storm environment marked by strong vertical wind shear. Objective analyses of SESAME rawinsonde winds and combined winds are produced and differences between these two analyzed fields are used to make an assessment of coordinate level choice. It is shown that the standard method of arbitrarily assigning wind vectors to a low level coordinate surface yields systematic differences between the rawinsonde and combined wind analyses. Arbitrary assignment of cloud motions to the 0.9 sigma surface produces smaller differences than assignment to the 825 mb pressure surface. Systematic differences occur near moisture discontinuities and in regions of horizontal and vertical wind shears. The differences between the combined and SESAME wind fields are made smallest by vertically interpolating cloud motions to either a pressure or sigma surface.
Liquid chromatography studies of solute-chain interaction under reordering/resolvation conditions-I Correlations between solute structure and changes in retention for hydroxylated aliphatic and aromatic compounds.

Abstract The current investigation is an extension of previous liquid chromatography studies involving conformational changes of n-alkyl-bonded phases under totally aqueous mobile phase conditions. Relative changes in retention, Δ k′ r , before and after reordering/resolvation of an octyl phase have been studied with various linear, branched, cyclic and aromatic compounds. The magnitude of Δ k′ r can be correlated to structural features in the solute, such as size, shape, rigidity and substitution. The largest values of Δ k′ r were obtained for rigid solutes with multiple hydroxy groups.
The use of periosteal flaps in scalp and forehead reconstruction

In certain clinical situations, coverage of scalp and forehead soft-tissue defects is best accomplished by skin graft. When bone is also exposed, however, skin graft coverage may not be possible. Flaps of periosteum can be used in these cases as bony coverage, thus providing the vascularized bed necessary for skin graft "take." Advantages and disadvantages of these periosteal flaps are discussed.
Interference effects on the recall of pictures, printed words, and spoken words

Abstract In an extension of the work of Pellegrino, Siegel, and Dhawan, nouns were presented in triads as pictures, printed words, or spoken words and followed by visual, acoustic, visual and acoustic, or no interference. Recall, presentation type, and confidence ratings were elicited after each triad. After all triads were presented, participants free-recalled as many nouns as possible, indicated presentation type, and rated confidence as measures of long-term memory. In short-term memory, pictorial superiority was noted under conditions of acoustic and visual and acoustic interference but not after visual interference. Long-term memory data showed superior recall for pictures. These results were compared to the Pellegrino et al. research and to Paivio's dual coding hypothesis, and differences in patterns of short-term and long-term memory data were interpreted within a levels of processing framework.
Communication and cross-cultural adaptation patterns among Asian Indians

Abstract The Asian-Indian community in the United States has grown rapidly over the past 25 years. Many indicators of cross-cultural adaptation by Asian Indians have been examined. However, a significant gap in the research has been the role of communication in the process of cross-cultural adaptation by Asian Indians. Using Y. Kim's theory of communication and cross-cultural adaptation as a framework, this study examines the relationship between several mass communication and interpersonal communication variables and cross-cultural adaptation among Asian Indians living in the United States. Secondary analysis of data from a sample of 222 Asian-Indian “influentials” indicates, generally, that use of U.S. communication channels contributes to cross-cultural adaptation by Asian Indians, while use of Asian-Indian channels of communication does not. Policy implications of the results and limitations of the study are discussed in the conclusion.
Antagonism of bromobenzene-induced hepatotoxicity by the α-adrenergic blocking agents, phentolamine and idazoxan

The coadministration of phentolamine, an α -adrenoreceptor antagonist, was found to be effective in antagonizing the hepatotoxicity produced by bromobenzene in B6C3F1 mice. Multiple doses of phentolamine, administered in dosages of 10 mg/kg, attenuated almost completely the acute lethality resulting from a 0.5 ml/kg dosage of bromobenzene. Consistent with this decline in lethality, the coadministration of phentolamine significantly altered the magnitude of hepatocellular necrosis, the elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase activity, and the glutathione depression normally produced by this dose of bromobenzene. These protective effects were not limited to phentolamine. Idazoxan, an adrenergic antagonist more specific for α 2 -receptors, was equally effective in antagonizing the bromobenzene-induced hepatotoxicity. Measurements of serum catecholamine levels revealed that the administration of hepatotoxic doses of bromobenzene elevates serum epinephrine levels. Furthermore, the phentolamine antagonism of the bromobenzene hepatotoxicity could be correlated to elevated serum epinephrine levels in both a temporal and dose-dependent manner. Although the mechanism of the phentolamine antagonism remains to be established, one promising hypothesis involves its prevention of an epinephrine-mediated compromise in the glutathione-dependent detoxification of bromobenzene.
The Role of Energetic Cost in the Age‐Related Slowing of Gait Speed

Objectives: To determine whether slow gait represents a compensatory strategy to reduce the energetic cost of walking with age. Design: Cross-sectional analysis. Setting: Community-dwelling volunteers from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA). Participants: Four hundred twenty community-dwelling persons aged 32 to 96 (mean 68.1 ± 12.5) who underwent a physical examination, physical function testing, and energy expenditure assessment. Measurements: Energy expenditure per minute (mL/kg/min) and per meter (mL/kg/m) during 2.5 minutes of overground walking at customary speed and usual gait speed over 6 m (m/s) were examined. General linear regression models were used to assess the relationship between customary walking energy expenditure and usual gait speed, adjusted for potential confounders including smoking, medical diagnoses, walking-related pain, and balance difficulty. Results: Usual gait speed was slower with increasing age after age 65. Energy expenditure per minute during customary walking averaged 13.0 ± 2.8 mL/kg/min and was independent of age (? < 0.01, P = .88). In contrast, energy expenditure per meter walked was progressively higher after age 65 (? = 0.35, P < .001) and heightened after age 80 (r = 0.57, P < .001), mirroring the observed pattern of usual gait speed. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for multiple impairments and comorbidities. Conclusion: These observations support the hypothesis that slower gait at older ages may reflect a compensatory action to offset the greater energetic cost of walking associated with aging and chronic conditions. Future studies should evaluate the specific mechanisms that contribute to this phenomenon as novel targets for clinical intervention.
Histone stoichiometry in chicken erythrocyte nuclei.

Summary In order to establish a quantitative relationship among the major histone components in chicken erythrocyte nuclei, an electrophoretic analysis was performed on purified histone fractions and on total histone extracts. The relative staining of the histones was calculated from quantitative densitometry of the amido black complexes. By comparison with the relative staining of the pure histone standards, we have calculated the molar ratios of the histones in the total histone extracts. The calculated molar ratios are not consistent with previous suggestions of pairs of all histones per repeating chromatin unit (the v bodies).
Multivariate discriminant analysis of bioclastic turbidites

A piston core from the southern Blake Basin penetrated nine distinct bioclastic carbonate turbidites separated by pelagic terrigenous clay units. X-ray diffraction analysis of the carbonate mineralogy of the graded, laminated, and homogenous units of the individual turbidite units indicated a general loss of unstable carbonates in the homogenous unit beyond that contained in the lower two units. Univariate and multivariate statistical tests were employed to determine the significance of the changes and to determine if different units of a turbidite sequence could be consistently grouped by statistical methods. Principal components, discriminant function, and cluster analysis were used in the multivariate tests. The graded and laminated units were closely related in mineralogy with little significant differences. The mineralogy of the homogenous units was significantly different than that of the other two units except in one example. Cluster analysis generated five groupings of the samples with the end members consisting of graded and laminated units at one end and homogenous units at the other.
Characterization of d electrons in solids by structure I. Localized vs collective electrons

Abstract Outer d electrons in solids may be either localized or collective, depending upon the magnitudes of the overlap integrals Δ for crystal-field orbitals on neighboring atoms. If Δ Δ c , they are localized; and if Δ > Δ c , they are collective. At Δ c there is a change from one electronic phase to the other. This change may be first-order. The crystal-field orbitals contain covalent mixing into atomic d orbitals of s and p orbitals of nearest-neighbor anions and cations, so that there are two types of overlap integrals: cation-cation Δ cc and cation-anion-cation Δ cac . If Δ cc > Δ c and Δ cac Δ c , the d orbitals form cation-sublattice band states. If Δ cc Δ c and Δ cac > Δ c , they form crystalline band states. In the case of heavy atoms in a low valence state, such as Pb2+ or Bi3+, anion-vacancy trap orbitals may mix with heavy-atom core orbitals to produce partially filled band orbitals that must be distinguished from collective d orbitals. Collective electrons in partially filled bands have a well defined Fermi surface, localized electrons do not. Therefore a Fermi-surface-dependent property that is enhanced as the band narrows and is different for localized electrons, where the Fermi surface is not well defined, is particularly useful for characterizing the state of the d electrons. Spontaneous crystallographic distortions to lower symmetry at lower temperatures represent such a property.
To be or not to be Angolosaurus: a multilocus perspective on the phylogenetic position of Africa's desert plated lizard (Gerrhosauridae)

The Desert Plated Lizard is a Namib sand dune specialist whose distinct morphological habitus has elicited differing taxonomic interpretations. Originally described as Gerrhosaurus skoogi, the species was later placed in a monotypic genus, Angolosaurus, to emphasize its endemic status and psammophilous condition. Distinct views exist regarding its phylogenetic position as well. General morphological and cranial osteological analyses, respectively, identify the species as either the sister taxon to the remaining African gerrhosaurids or sister taxon to all (African + Madagascan) gerrhosaurids. Alternatively, a mitochondrial DNA phylogeny places the species within the genus Gerrhosaurus. Given these conflicting topologies, we revisit the systematic status of the Desert Plated Lizard, presenting here the first multilocus phylogeny for the African gerrhosaurids. Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood analyses depict the Desert Plated Lizard as being nested within a clade containing four species of Gerrhosaurus. This strongly supported clade, recovered in mitochondrial, nuclear and combined gene analyses, corroborates the previous mitochondrial phylogeny. Alternative topologies – in which the species was constrained to correspond to morphological phylogenetic placements – differ significantly from our multilocus topology. Thus, we reiterate and conclude that Angolosaurus is a junior synonym of Gerrhosaurus.
Relationship between benthic foraminifera and food resources in South San Francisco Bay, California, USA

Foraminifera are amongst the most abundant known protists found in marine habitats, and are ecologically important constituents of the benthic meiofauna. The seasonality of San Fran- cisco Bay, USA, makes it an ideal system in which to study the relationships between primary produc- tion, organic matter fluxes, and food resources for the benthos. Samples were collected at one site at a depth of 8.8 m in South San Francisco Bay on monthly cruises for 2 yr from November 1999 through November 2001. Each month, water column parameters (chlorophyll concentration) and sediment parameters (chlorophyll, total organic carbon, nitrogen, amino acids, bacterial abundance) were measured, and benthic foraminiferal population size and biovolume was counted and calculated. Water column chlorophyll peaked in the spring of 2000 and 2001, and the fall of 2000, with sediment parameters peaking 1 to 3 mo later. The benthic foraminiferal standing crop peaked during the spring of both study years, and showed a large peak in the fall of 2001 dominated by the small-sized foraminifer Fursenkoina pontoni. The data strongly suggest that benthic foraminifera increase in number following phytoplankton blooms when many kinds of sediment organic matter also increase. Foraminiferal biovolume does not necessarily follow this pattern, especially when peaks in standing crop mainly consist of small-sized individuals. Foraminiferal biovolume and standing crop generally increase when the sediment C:N ratio increases, suggesting that benthic foraminiferal populations in South San Francisco Bay may be exploiting a detrital food source in addition to recently deposited fresh phytoplankton. Thus, foraminifera are probably quick to exploit sediment organic matter, and may be important remineralizers of nutrients in this system.
A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Phonics Instruction and Minority Elementary School Student Academic Achievement

This meta-analysis of 22 studies examines the relationship between phonics and the academic achievement of urban minority elementary school children. Further analyses distinguish between those studies that are of higher quality than the others and those studies that examine all minority students and mostly minority students. Results indicate a significant relationship between phonics instruction and higher academic achievement. Phonics instruction, as a whole, is associated with academic variables by about .23 to .33 of a standard deviation unit. This relationship holds for studies that examine all minority students and those that include mostly minority students. The results also hold for higher quality studies. The significance of these results is discussed.
Parity coding for page-oriented optical memories with intrapage intensity variations.

A new form of modulation coding for page-oriented memories (POM’s) based on parity is introduced. The parity-based codes are evaluated by use of simulated POM data pages. It is illustrated that the proposed parity codes can outperform balanced modulation codes in the presence of fixed-pattern noise and additive white Gaussian noise.
Discriminators of types of recidivism among boot camp graduates in a five-year follow-up study

Abstract This was a five-year follow-up study of 572 male graduates of a boot camp in the South. The purpose was to determine what elements of life-course theory discriminated between four outcomes: (1) nonrecidivists, (2) recidivists with felonies, (3) technical parole violators, and (4) parole violators due to drugs. Findings indicated a relatively accurate classification of the first three outcomes. The discriminators between nonrecidivists and various types of recidivists in the study were indicators of informal social controls such as marriage, employment, children, and religiosity. Discriminators of felony recidivists were early sexual and physical abuse, gang membership, peer association, carrying a weapon, and early onset of crime. Discriminators associated with technical parole violation were attachment to female caregivers, self-esteem and self-efficacy, and perception that boot camp stimulated thinking about choices in life. The conceptual and policy implications of these findings are discussed in detail.
Anagrelide: a novel agent for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders

Anagrelide hydrochloride (Agrylin®, Roberts Pharmaceutical Corp.) is an oral imidazoquinazoline agent that has been shown to reduce elevated platelet counts and the risk of thrombosis in patients with thrombocythaemia in various myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). It is currently approved by the FDA as oral treatment for essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and thrombocythaemia associated with polycythaemia vera (PV). Anagrelide selectively suppresses bone marrow megakaryocytes by interfering with the maturation process and decreasing platelet production without affecting the erythroid and myeloid progenitor cells. Other medications indicated for the treatment of thrombocythaemia, including interferon α (IFN-α), alkylating agents and hydroxyurea, suppress all cell lines. Anagrelide is known to inhibit platelet cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase at concentrations that exceed those achieved at doses used to treat ET. Anagrelide is extensively metabolised in the liver and its metabolites are ...
Aqueous-phase hydrogenation of lactic acid to propylene glycol

Abstract The metal-catalyzed hydrogenation of lactic acid to propylene glycol (PG) in aqueous solution is investigated in a laboratory-scale stirred batch reactor. Ruthenium on activated carbon is identified as an active catalyst for the reaction, with nearly complete conversion achieved at reaction temperatures of 100–170°C and hydrogen pressures of 7–14 MPa. Selectivity to PG in excess of 90% at 95% lactic acid conversion has been obtained at optimal reaction conditions. Potassium and calcium lactate salts cannot be directly converted to PG, but simple addition of sulfuric acid suffices to convert the salt to free acid, which is then hydrogenated. The ready availability of low-cost lactic acid, produced via fermentation of corn-derived carbohydrates, makes this biomass-based route an attractive alternative to the traditional petroleum-based pathways to PG.
Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoclusters with Enhanced Magnetization and Their Applications in Pulsed Magneto-Motive Ultrasound Imaging

We report here a facile synthetic approach for preparing water-soluble Fe3O4 nanoparticle (NP) clusters with tunable size distribution and magnetic properties. The primary NP sizes were controlled by tuning the nucleation and growth rates with temperature and ligand concentration while the nanocluster sizes were manipulated by controlling interparticle interactions. We have investigated the size control of clusters as well as individual primary NPs via dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) was used to measure the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 NP for determining the effect of size distribution at room temperature. These water dispersible NP clusters can be utilized in various biomedical applications. In this study, we demonstrated the application of synthesized nanoclusters to enhance imaging contrast a novel ultrasound-based imaging modality, pulsed magneto-motive ultrasound (pMMUS) imaging. Our results indicated that by using the NP clusters with enhanced magnetic properties, the pMMUS signal increased significantly which is an essential requirement for further development of in vivo pMMUS imaging.
High-speed low-power photonic transistor devices based on optically-controlled gain or absorption to affect optical interference

We show that a photonic transistor device can be realized via the manipulation of optical interference by optically controlled gain or absorption in novel ways, resulting in efficient transistor signal gain and switching action. Exemplary devices illustrate two complementary device types with high operating speed, microm size, microW switching power, and switching gain. They can act in tandem to provide a wide variety of operations including wavelength conversion, pulse regeneration, and logical operations. These devices could have a Transistor Figure-of-Merits >10(5) times higher than current chi((3)) approaches and are highly attractive.
A theory of resonant light scattering

Abstract By a somewhat novel choice for an interaction representation it has been demonstrated outside a Wigner—Weisskopf ansatz that in two physically well defined situations the spectrum of light scattered by a molecule has the same form as that calculated using a one-photon wavepacket. By characterizing the exciting light using well known concepts from quantum optics we are able to describe the scattered radiation in terms of quantities which are measurable properties of real light sources and molecules.
The new water cooler: Implications for practitioners concerning the NLRB's stance on social media and workers’ rights

This study examines the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) recent decision in , which prohibits employers from firing employees for social media posts that contain work-related grievances. Given that social media has become a large part of corporate image on the Internet, this recent ruling has direct impact on corporate image, social media communication, and public relations. Implications for public relations practitioners and human resource management are discussed and standards for evaluating social media posts in light of this recent decision are provided.