cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The association of discharge destination with 30-day rehospitalization rates among older adults receiving lumbar spinal fusion surgery.

Abstract Background As defined by Medicare (United States), post-acute rehabilitation services include care provided in inpatient rehabilitation units and facilities, skilled nursing facilities, long-term acute hospitals, and by home health services. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the use of rehabilitation-based post-acute services among Medicare beneficiaries who were hospitalized for lumbar spinal fusion (ICD-9-CM procedure codes 81.04–81.08) in 2012–2014, examined the case-mix for those discharged to rehabilitation- and non-rehabilitation based services, and determined the association between these categories of discharge disposition and 30-day rehospitalization. The independent effect of rehabilitation-based discharge destination on 30-day readmissions was examined with a generalized linear mixed model, first adjusting for patient characteristics and then stratified by clusters that delineated more homogenous clinical profiles. Results Among 261,558 Medicare beneficiaries with lumbar spinal fusion surgery, 50.8% were discharged to a rehabilitation-based post-acute services. Patients discharged to rehabilitation-based services were older and had more comorbidities, and had longer hospital lengths of stays. After adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics, patients discharged to rehabilitation-based post-acute care had increased odds of 30-day rehospitalization than those without discharge to other destinations (OR 1.36; 95%CI = 1.31, 1.40). Analysis of patients by clinical profile clusters found similar results. Conclusions Clinical profiles of Medicare beneficiaries who had lumbar spinal fusion surgery and were discharged to rehabilitation-based post-acute services included more comorbidities than those discharged to non-rehabilitation based settings. Controlling for these differences did not mediate the negative association between use of rehabilitation-based post-acute services and 30-day readmission.
Strong modulation of second-harmonic generation with very large contrast in semiconducting CdS via high-field domain

Dynamic control of nonlinear signals is critical for a wide variety of optoelectronic applications, such as signal processing for optical computing. However, controlling nonlinear optical signals with large modulation strengths and near-perfect contrast remains a challenging problem due to intrinsic second-order nonlinear coefficients via bulk or surface contributions. Here, via electrical control, we turn on and tune second-order nonlinear coefficients in semiconducting CdS nanobelts from zero to up to 151 pm V−1, a value higher than other intrinsic nonlinear coefficients in CdS. We also observe ultrahigh ON/OFF ratio of >104 and modulation strengths ~200% V−1 of the nonlinear signal. The unusual nonlinear behavior, including super-quadratic voltage and power dependence, is ascribed to the high-field domain, which can be further controlled by near-infrared optical excitation and electrical gating. The ability to electrically control nonlinear optical signals in nanostructures can enable optoelectronic devices such as optical transistors and modulators for on-chip integrated photonics. Dynamically controlling nonlinear signals with large modulation amplitudes is a challenging task. Here, Ren et al. demonstrate high-contrast electric switching of the second-order nonlinear coefficient in CdS nanobelts and explain the observed transistor-like behavior based on high-field domains.
The spatial dynamics of female choice in an exploded lek generate benefits of aggregation for experienced males

The spatial distribution of prospective mates can dramatically affect the process and outcome of mate choice. In a variety of species, spacing between males influences the likelihood that females visit particular individuals or respond to competing signals. Discrimination by females is expected to be highest among neighbouring males, yet males of some species aggregate in ways that apparently facilitate such comparisons. To better understand the selective pressures affecting male aggregation, we investigated how spatial organization of male territories related to female mate sampling tactics and male mating success in the lance-tailed manakin, Chiroxiphia lanceolata. This species displays in a dispersed lek of alpha males, each of which usually has a subordinate beta partner that participates in displays but does not mate with females attracted by their cooperative courtship. We video-recorded courtship activity at display perches of 12 alpha–beta pairs for 42 days in 2013, and documented 478 visits by 82 banded females. We further quantified the relationship of aggregation with genetic mating success for 49 alphas displaying at georeferenced locations in 5 years. Males with close neighbouring alphas were visited by more females, but geographic centrality was unrelated to female visit frequency. Females moved shorter distances between consecutive courtship visits than expected at random, but only 20.5% of 73 females visiting males with video-monitored nearest neighbours visited both neighbouring alpha males. Effects of aggregation on annual genetic reproductive success were only evident after accounting for the stronger effects of alpha age and experience, and only experienced alphas benefited from having close neighbours. Selection for aggregation more likely influences social behaviour of older alphas than settlement decisions by younger males. Benefits of aggregation for experienced alphas mitigate declines in old age, and may generate selective pressure favouring the long-term social alliances that are a key characteristic of this mating system.
“Why are the Gifted Classes So White?” Making Space for Gifted Latino Students:

Bryson Valley Elementary School’s population is changing, formerly consisting of students, 72% of whom identified as White, but now only 53% of students do so; 26% of its 800 students identify as L...
The unusual nutritional and toxin-related underproduction anemias: Approaching the riddle beyond iron, cobalamin, and folate

"Anemias beyond iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies" covers a wide array of everything which lies beyond commonly seen anemias caused by deficiencies of three micronutrients. Although anemias due to deficiencies of iron, B12, and folate are common in daily practice and account for at least one-third of anemia etiologies in older adults, it is not uncommon to encounter other nutritional and toxin-induced underproduction anemias. The combination of thorough clinical examination, careful peripheral blood smear review, and judicious selection of supporting laboratory studies is typically sufficient to make an assertive diagnosis of those cases. Moreover, the recognition of overlapping features with primary hematologic disorders and the diagnostic limitations of conventional testing are important for clinicians to determine when to refer to a hematologist. Herein, we discuss clinical features and diagnostic approaches to unusual underproduction anemias due to deficiencies of vitamin B6 and copper, and toxic effects of alcohol and lead.
Conductors in mixed characteristic

Abstract In this paper we study conductors that occur in an integral extension of an unramified regular local ring S of mixed characteristic p > 0 obtained by adjoining a p n th root ω of an element of S. We calculate the primary decomposition of the conductor of the integral closure of S [ ω ] and give some applications of this calculation. In particular, we show that under certain special circumstances, the integral closure of S [ ω ] admits a finitely generated, maximal Cohen–Macaulay module.
Ultrasound of Diffuse Thyroid Enlargement: Thyroiditis

Diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland is a common finding during both physical examination and ultrasound evaluation. While iodine deficiency is still the most common cause of goiter worldwide, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, also referred to as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is the most common cause of goiter and hypothyroidism in the USA, most of Europe, and other countries with adequate dietary iodine. Table 6.1 lists the common causes of diffuse thyroid enlargement. Thyroiditis describes a diverse group of conditions characterized by thyroid inflammation. While there is significant overlap in the sonographic findings of these various entities, ultrasound provides insight into the etiology and clinical course of the disease process, and may identify nodules that may require fine needle aspiration biopsy.
TRANSCRIPTION FACTORS | ATF

The mammalian activating transcription factor (ATF)/cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) family of transcription factors represents a group of basic region-leucine zipper (bZip) proteins that were originally defined in the late 1980s by two criteria: (1) they bind to the consensus ATF/CRE site ‘TGACGTCA’ in vitro; and (2) they form homo- or heterodimers. Over the years, more cDNAs encoding proteins that fulfill the above criteria have been isolated. The names of these cDNAs vary depending on the researchers who made the isolation and on the history of discovery, rather than the function of these proteins. Thus far, more than 50 bZip proteins have been identified. In this article, the classification of the ATF proteins is described and then they are compared with other bZip proteins. This is followed by a review of four ATF proteins: ATF2, ATF3, ATF4, and ATF6. Despite the diversity in the functions of these proteins, one common theme is their involvement in stress responses; their potential role in respiratory diseases is discussed.
A Review of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Psychoactive Drugs

This book is apparently a collection of 23 papers presented at a symposium about the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychoactive drugs, which is referred to in the text as “this symposium” but not identified by the editors! Therefore, despite the title of the book and the misleading titles of some of the chapters, the book is more a “proceedings” than a reference book, and the “chapters” are usually presentations of the authors original research. For example, Chapter 14, “Pharmacodynamics of Certain Drugs of Abuse,” contains only the authors' research on marijuana, plus an experiment involving cocaine and one with levoalpha-acetylmethadol (LAAM). The chapter has a total of 6 references, all studies by the author. Likewise, Chapter 23, with the impressive title of “Immunoassays for Pharmacokinetic Studies of Psychoactive Drugs,” presents only “the development and validation of an RIA, (for) THC and phencyclidine.” The reader is informed that “for additional information on immunoassays, several excellent texts are available on the subject.”
Design and synthesis of cyanamides as potent and selective N-acylethanolamine acid amidase inhibitors.

Abstract N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) inhibition represents an exciting novel approach to treat inflammation and pain. NAAA is a cysteine amidase which preferentially hydrolyzes the endogenous biolipids palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA). PEA is an endogenous agonist of the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), which is a key regulator of inflammation and pain. Thus, blocking the degradation of PEA with NAAA inhibitors results in augmentation of the PEA/PPAR-α signaling pathway and regulation of inflammatory and pain processes. We have prepared a new series of NAAA inhibitors exploring the azetidine-nitrile (cyanamide) pharmacophore that led to the discovery of highly potent and selective compounds. Key analogs demonstrated single-digit nanomolar potency for hNAAA and showed >100-fold selectivity against serine hydrolases FAAH, MGL and ABHD6, and cysteine protease cathepsin K. Additionally, we have identified potent and selective dual NAAA-FAAH inhibitors to investigate a potential synergism between two distinct anti-inflammatory molecular pathways, the PEA/PPAR-α anti-inflammatory signaling pathway,1–4 and the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 pathways which are known for their antiinflammatory and antinociceptive properties.5–8 Our ligand design strategy followed a traditional structure–activity relationship (SAR) approach and was supported by molecular modeling studies of reported X-ray structures of hNAAA. Several inhibitors were evaluated in stability assays and demonstrated very good plasma stability (t1/2 > 2 h; human and rodents). The disclosed cyanamides represent promising new pharmacological tools to investigate the potential role of NAAA inhibitors and dual NAAA-FAAH inhibitors as therapeutic agents for the treatment of inflammation and pain.
Synaptotagmin-7 is a calcium sensor for facilitation at the splanchnic-chromaffin cell synapse

The splanchnic-chromaffin cell synapse is the site at which stimulus-secretion coupling in the adrenal medulla is regulated. However, since the discovery that acetylcholine underlies chemical signaling at this synapse, attention has been disproportionately placed on postsynaptic chromaffin cell function. As a result, the determinants of Ca2+-sensing and exocytosis from splanchnic nerves remain poorly understood. This study shows, for the first time, that a ubiquitous Ca2+-binding protein, synaptotagmin-7 (Syt7) is expressed within the neurons that innervate the adrenal medulla. In synapses that lack Syt7, evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) are smaller in amplitude and decay with more rapid kinetics than wild-type synapses stimulated in an identical manner. EPSCs in Syt7-deficient adrenal slices also fail to facilitate, which is ordinarily a robust property of these synapses. These data are the first to implicate a role for Syt7 in regulating short-term synaptic plasticity in the peripheral nervous system.
Assembly of the [4Fe-4S] cluster of NFU1 requires the coordinated donation of two [2Fe-2S] clusters from the scaffold proteins, ISCU2 and ISCA1.

NFU1, a late acting iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster carrier protein, has a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease Multiple Mitochondrial Dysfunctions Syndrome (MMDS1). In this work, using genetic and biochemical approaches, we identified the initial scaffold protein, mitochondrial ISCU (ISCU2) and the secondary carrier, ISCA1, as the direct donors of Fe-S clusters to mitochondrial NFU1, which appears to dimerize and reductively mediate formation of a bridging [4Fe-4S] cluster, aided by ferredoxin 2 (FDX2). By monitoring the abundance of target proteins that acquire their Fe-S clusters from NFU1, we characterized the effects of several novel pathogenic NFU1 mutations. We observed that NFU1 directly interacts with each of the Fe-S cluster scaffold proteins known to ligate [2Fe-2S] clusters, ISCU2 and ISCA1, and we mapped the site of interaction to a conserved hydrophobic patch of residues situated at the end of the C-terminal alpha-helix of NFU1. Furthermore, we showed that NFU1 lost its ability to acquire its Fe-S cluster when mutagenized at the identified site of interaction with ISCU2 and ISCA1, which thereby adversely affected biochemical functions of proteins that are thought to acquire their Fe-S clusters directly from NFU1, such as lipoic acid synthase (LIAS), which supports the Fe-S dependent process of lipoylation of components of multiple key enzyme complexes, including pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (∝-KGDH) and the glycine cleavage (GC) complex.
Robotic lateral pelvic lymph node dissection after chemoradiation for rectal cancer: a Western perspective.

Aim There are limited outcome data for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), particularly in the West. Our aim was to evaluate the short-term perioperative and oncological outcomes of robotic LPLND at a single cancer centre. Method A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing robotic LPLND for rectal cancer between November 2012 and February 2020 was performed. The main outcomes were short-term perioperative and oncological outcomes. Major morbidity was defined as Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or above. Results Forty patients underwent robotic LPLND during the study period. The mean age was 54 years (SD ± 15 years) and 13 (31.0%) were female. The median body mass index was 28.6 kg/m2 (IQR 25.5-32.6 kg/m2 ). Neoadjuvant CRT was performed in all patients. Resection of the primary rectal cancer and concurrent LPLND occurred in 36 (90.0%) patients, whilst the remaining 4 (10.0%) patients had subsequent LPLND after prior rectal resection. The median operating time was 420 min (IQR 313-540 min), estimated blood loss was 150 ml (IQR 55-200 ml) and length of hospital stay was 4 days (IQR 3-6 days). The major morbidity rate was 10.0% (n = 4). The median lymph node harvest from the LPLND was 6 (IQR 3-9) and 13 (32.5%) patients had one or more positive LPLNs. The median follow-up was 16 months (IQR 5-33 months), with 1 (2.5%) local central recurrence and 7 (17.5%) patients developing distant disease, resulting in 3 (7.5%) deaths. Conclusion Robotic LPLND for rectal cancer can be performed in Western patients to completely resect extra-mesorectal LPLNs and is associated with acceptable perioperative morbidity.
Anti-LGBTQ Hate: An Analysis of Situational Variables

The current study aimed to augment the scant body of literature on anti-LGBTQ hate by providing an in-depth examination of anti-LGBTQ hate incident situational characteristics including offender substance use, number of offenders, crime location, and victim-offender relationship. Analysis of situational dynamic variables provided support for the notion that anti-LGBTQ hate is a distinct type of criminal incident. Significantly increased levels of offender substance use, crimes perpetrated by multiple offenders, crimes perpetrated by acquaintances, and crimes taking place in open spaces substantiates the theory that anti-LGBTQ hate is qualitatively unique, typified by different characteristics than other forms of crime. The data in this study also supports that anti-LGBTQ hate is not a homogenous phenomenon. Significant numbers of anti-LGBTQ hate incidents committed by known offenders including friends, family, and intimates, and crimes committed in private locations such as residences suggest that multiple dynamic processes may underlie this type of crime.
Commonality in liquidity

Traditionally and understandably, the microscope of market microstructure has focused on attributes of single assets. Little theoretical attention and virtually no empirical work has been devoted to common determinants of liquidity nor to their empirical manifestation, correlated movements in liquidity. But a wider-angle lens exposes an imposing image of commonality. Quoted spreads, quoted depth, and e!ective spreads co-move with market- and industry-wide liquidity. After controlling for wellknown individual liquidity determinants, such as volatility, volume, and price, common in#uences remain signi"cant and material. Recognizing the existence of commonality is a key to uncovering some suggestive evidence that inventory risks and asymmetric information both a!ect intertemporal changes in liquidity. ( 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.
Preventing lithium plating under extremes: an untold tale of two electrodes

Fast charging of lithium-ion cells is key to alleviate range anxiety and improve the commercial viability of electric vehicles, which is, however, limited by the propensity of lithium plating. The plated lithium can grow dendritically and may cause internal short and increase the risk of thermal runaway. In this study, a novel anode potential control strategy using a battery management system (BMS) has been demonstrated to enable fast charging in commercial pouch cells without lithium plating. Operando anode potential measurement using a 3-electrode configuration allows monitoring the occurrence of lithium plating. A novel 3-electrode cell analytics was developed to delineate the irreversible and irretrievable contributions to the total capacity loss and identify electrode-specific degradation mechanisms. The BMS algorithm dictates the charging current to maintain a positive anode potential and prevents lithium plating on the anode but fails to sufficiently control the cathode operating potential leading to irretrievable capacity loss. Operating the cell in conditions favorable to the anode may contrarily lead to cathode degradation and subsequent cell failure. Morphological and electrochemical characterizations reveal minimal anode degradation and a 2× higher cathode-capacity loss in the BMS-controlled cells. The baseline cell, not enabled with the BMS anode potential control strategy, exhibits extensive lithium deposition in the anode resulting in 7× higher anode-capacity loss. This study discovers the role of cathode-induced cell failure even when the anode-centric lithium plating is prevented and suggests pathways toward future BMS algorithm development enabling Li-ion cell operation under extremes.
Impact of a Severe Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Case on Treatment Practices at an Academic Institution Within a Nonendemic Area

Introduction Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease associated with morbidity and mortality when untreated. The primary study objectives are to describe clinician diagnostic and treatment practices in a nonendemic area after the occurrence of an unrecognized severe pediatric presumed RMSF case (index case). We hypothesized that inpatient diagnostic testing frequency and initiation of empiric treatment will increase after the index case. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients aged less than 18 y evaluated for RMSF at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital between 2010 and 2019. We divided the study population into 2 groups (preindex and postindex) and evaluated patient characteristics, RMSF testing completion, and timing of doxycycline administration. Results Fifty-four patients (14 [26%] preindex and 40 [74%] postindex) were included. Age (median [25th percentile, 75th percentile]) decreased from 14.5 y (8.6, 16) preindex to 8.3 y (3.6, 14) postindex. Twelve (86%) preindex and 31 (78%) postindex patients received empiric doxycycline (P=0.70). Four years after the index case, a decrease in empiric and urgent initiation of doxycycline administration was noted. One case of severe RMSF was diagnosed 4 y after the index case. Conclusions Our study found that inpatient RMSF testing increased after the index case, but not all patients received empiric treatment. This may represent an underappreciation of RMSF severity even after a recent devastating case. We suggest that when severe rare but possibly reversible diseases, such as RMSF occur, all clinicians are educated on the diagnostic and treatment approach to reduce the morbidity and mortality risk.
Neutrophil depletion attenuates placental ischemia-induced hypertension in the rat

Preeclampsia is characterized by reduced placental perfusion with placental ischemia and hypertension during pregnancy. Preeclamptic women also exhibit a heightened inflammatory state and greater number of neutrophils in the vasculature compared to normal pregnancy. Since neutrophils are associated with tissue injury and inflammation, we hypothesized that neutrophils are critical to placental ischemia-induced hypertension and fetal demise. Using the reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) model of placental ischemia-induced hypertension in the rat, we determined the effect of neutrophil depletion on blood pressure and fetal resorptions. Neutrophils were depleted with repeated injections of polyclonal rabbit anti-rat polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) antibody (antiPMN). Rats received either antiPMN or normal rabbit serum (Control) on 13.5, 15.5, 17.5, and 18.5 days post conception (dpc). On 14.5 dpc, rats underwent either Sham surgery or clip placement on ovarian arteries and abdominal aorta to reduce uterine perfusion pressure (RUPP). On 18.5 dpc, carotid arterial catheters were placed and mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured on 19.5 dpc. Neutrophil-depleted rats had reduced circulating neutrophils from 14.5 to 19.5 dpc compared to Control, as well as decreased neutrophils in lung and placenta on 19.5 dpc. MAP increased in RUPP Control vs Sham Control rats, and neutrophil depletion attenuated this increase in MAP in RUPP rats without any effect on Sham rats. The RUPP-induced increase in fetal resorptions and complement activation product C3a were not affected by neutrophil depletion. Thus, these data are the first to indicate that neutrophils play an important role in RUPP hypertension and that cells of the innate immune system may significantly contribute to pregnancy-induced hypertension.
In a Secular Spirit: Strategies of Clinical Pastoral Education

The Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) model for the provision of spiritual care represents the emergence of a secularized professional practice from a religiously-based theo- logical practice of chaplaincy. The transformation of hospital chaplaincy into "spiritual care services" is one means by which religious healthcare ministry negotiates modernity, in the particular forms of the secular realm of biomedicine and the pluralism of the contemporary United States healthcare marketplace. "Spiritual" is a label strategically deployed to extend the realm of relevance to any patient's "belief system," regardless of his or her religious affiliation. "Theological" language is recast as a tool for conceptualizing the "spiritual lens." Such moves transform chaplaincy from a peripheral service, applicable only to the few "religious" patients, into an integral element of patient care for all. Such a secularized professional practice is necessary to demonstrate the relevance and utility of spiritual care for all hospital patients in an era of cost-containment priorities and managed care economics.
NMR Quantitative Analysis of Complex Mixtures

The intrinsic quantitative nature of NMR is increasingly exploited in areas ranging from complex mixture analysis (as in metabolomics and reaction monitoring) to quality assurance/control (QA/QC). One of the key advantages of NMR over other methods for quantitative analysis is that molar concentration can be determined directly from signal intensity, regardless of the chemical nature, and can be accomplished without requirement of reference substances. In this short review, we attempt to capture the various aspects of data collection and data analysis for NMR quantitative analysis of complex mixtures. While the requirements for quantitative data collection have been well recognized, the data analysis methodologies are fast growing. With significant increase in the computation speed, time-domain analysis (an alternative to FT) is emerging as potential alternative to frequency-domain analysis and poses a good opportunity for automatable processes for high-throughput NMR quantitation. Keywords: quantitative NMR; CRAFT; metabolites; deconvolution; natural products
Molecular analysis of a Streptococcus mutans strain exhibiting polymorphism in the tandem gtfB and gtfC genes.

Abstract Streptococcus mutans UA101, which was previously demonstrated to be highly cariogenic in gnotobiotic rats, exhibited much lower water-insoluble glucan (IG) synthetic activity compared with that of S. mutans GS5 and was unable to express sucrose-dependent colonization of smooth surfaces in vitro. On the basis of Southern and Western blot (immunoblot) analyses, it was demonstrated that, unlike most S. mutans strains, strain UA101 contained a single copy of a gene coding for IG synthesis. The gene was isolated from a clone bank constructed with the plasmid pTH10 clone bank in Escherichia coli and had apparently evolved after homologous recombination of the gtfB and gtfC genes present on the chromosome of a recent ancestor of strain UA101. The enzyme expressed from the gene, gtfBC, was purified to near homogeneity by utilizing a single-step preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis system and was characterized. A derivative of strain UA101, UA101LBS, containing a chromosomal insertion of the GS5 gtfC gene was constructed after transformation. UA101LBS exhibited high IG synthetic activity and colonized smooth surfaces in vitro. By utilizing a conventional rat model system involving animals fed a high-sucrose diet, strain UA101 exhibited low levels of smooth surface caries activity relative to Streptococcus sobrinus 6715. By contrast, UA101LBS was as cariogenic as strain 6715. However, sulcal caries occurred equally well with all of the strains tested. These results are evaluated relative to the role of gtf gene products in cariogenicity.
Myocardial carnitine palmitoyltransferase of the mitochondrial outer membrane is not altered by fasting.

Abstract The regulation of heart carnitine palmitoyltransferase was studied during the transition to the fasting state. Using decanoyl-CoA or palmitoyl-CoA as substrates, we found no differences in carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity on in its sensitivity to inhibition by malonyl-CoA between fed and fasted states. No cooperativity was seen with either substrate, and the malonyl-CoA-induced shift to sigmoid kinetics normally observed with liver mitochondria was not obvious with heart mitochondria. Analysis of malonyl-CoA inhibition data revealed that mitochondria from rat heart exhibited incomplete maximum inhibition of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (partial inhibition). Homogenization of intact liver mitochondria resulted in a similar pattern of incomplete inhibition and suggested that the malonyl-CoA-insensitive carnitine palmitoyltransferase of the inner membrane was also being assayed. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase in mitochondrial outer membranes, isolated from the heart, proved to be extremely sensitive to malonyl-CoA inhibition and had maximum inhibition values of 90–100% with either decanoyl-CoA or palmitoyl-CoA as substrates, but fasting had no effect. Fasting produced no change in the Ki for malonyl-CoA (0.10 ± 0.04 and 0.14 ± 0.02 μM for the fed and fasted groups, respectively). Acyl-CoA chain length specificity was C10 > C16 > C14 > C12 > C18 = C8 for carnitine palmitoyltransferase in heart mitochondrial outer membranes. It is concluded that the regulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase of heart mitochondrial outer membranes differs from regulation of the liver enzyme in three characteristics — the heart enzyme (a) has greater sensitivity to malonyl-CoA inhibition, (b) is resistant to the effects of fasting and (c) has somewhat different acyl-CoA substrate specificity.
Blameworthiness and Wrongness

It is commonly held that agents can be blameworthy only for acts that are morally wrong. But the claim, when combined with a plausible assumption about wrongness, leads to an implausible view about blameworthiness. The claim should be rejected. Agents can be blameworthy for acts that are not morally wrong. We will take up the claim in terms of three initially appealing, but jointly inconsistent propositions. The significance of noting the inconsistency is motivated by a consideration of a number of theorists who have held, or at least flirted with, all three propositions. The best way to resolve the inconsistency is to reject the claim that blameworthiness requires wrongness. There are good reasons to conclude that a different relation between blameworthiness and wrongness can garner more intuitive support than the alternatives.
The enchanted world of modernity: Paracelsus, Kant, and Deleuze

Abstract This essay challenges the (Weberian) thesis that the modern world is a ‘disenchanted’ one. I contend that enchantment has outlasted the Enlightenment; that it endures despite the demise of the ontology that allowed it paradigmatic expression in the sixteenth century writings of Paracelsus. I present two post‐medieval pictures of an enchanted world: the first appears, of all places, in Kant's Critique of Judgment, where a peculiar magic is required of nature if humans are to gain access to the ‘supersensible’ realm of freedom and rational ideas; the second focuses upon the strange beauty of late modernity's admixtures of animal and human, organism and machine, the given and made. Here I use a little Kafka and lot of Deleuze to explore these hybrids as ‘technoenchantments’ operative in a world that fascinates without being expressive of a design or a will. I spotlight contemporary sites of enchantment in order to intensify the experience of them, and thus perhaps to erode the conviction that an und...
Internal conversion of gamma-ray transitions in As75

Abstract The internal K-conversion coefficient of the 136-, 265-, 280-, 305-, and 402-keV transitions in As75 were measured using a lens spectrometer and scintillation counters. The El character of the 136- and 402-keV transitions was confirmed, and the E3 assignment to the 305-keV gamma ray was cleary established. For the 265- and 280-keV E2+M1 transitions, mixing parameters δ265 = −0.06±0.04 and δ280 = −0.42±0.05 were obtained on the basis of all the presently available information. The M1 transition probability of the 265-keV transition is at least one order of magnitude larger than that of the 280-keV transition while the E2 transition probabilities appear to be comparable. The spin and parity assignments made by Schardt 1) were confirmed.
Limits on New Superweakly Interacting Particles from Primordial Nucleosynthesis

The existence of massless (or low mass) weakly (or superweakly) interacting particles is predicted by various models of unified theories. Such particles (neutrinos, gravitinos, gravitons) would contribute to the early expansion rate of the universe and affect the outcome of primordial nucleosynthesis. We extend previous work on the limits to the number of “ordinary” neutrinos to more weakly interacting particles which decouple earlier in the evolution of the universe. We have evaluated the limits on the number of “new” particles permitted as a function of their interaction strength. Having been forced to consider the universe at earlier times and higher temperatures than was necessary in previous discussions we have dealt, qualitatively, with the transition from free quarks to confined hadrons. We find that the maximum number of superweakly interacting, light (< 1 MeV) particles is between ∼1 and ∼20, depending on the strength of their interaction. These constraints may serve as a useful guide for new unification theories.
August 1961: Christa Wolf and the Politics of Disavowal

Throughout her career Christa Wolf has circumvented any explicit reference to the Berlin Wall. Although Der geteilte Himmel reaches its climax in the summer of 1961, the Wall does not figure in this novel. None the less it provides a framework for the narrative through its absence. Wolf’s latest novel, Medea, also organises itself around the tropes of walls and borders. Today, forty years after Berlin’s division, one could easily dismiss Wolf’s writing because of her ‘blind spot’vis-a-vis the Wall. But to do so would forfeit Wolf’s subtle handling of literary representation, prohibition, and disavowal. This essay argues that Wolf’s elaborations of disavowal play a critical (but as yet unexamined) role in the continuing debate over the politics of memory that has come to define German studies. Freudian theories of repression and fetishism are engaged to discern the structures of disavowal that give form not only to Der geteilte Himmel and Medea, but also to Wolf’s most important writings on ethics, ‘Selbstanzeige’ and ‘Nagelprobe’. The essay concludes that authentic memory does not reconstitute a homogeneous image of the past. Rather, as Wolf demonstrates, it reawakens the antagonisms that forever thwart the resolution of and in any narrative.
Temporalis muscle morphomics: the psoas of the craniofacial skeleton

Abstract Background The psoas muscle has been shown to predict patient outcomes based on the quantification of muscle area using computed tomography (CT) scans. The accuracy of morphomic analysis on other muscles has not been clearly delineated. In this study, we determine the correlation between temporalis muscle mass, psoas muscle area, age, body mass index (BMI), and gender. Methods Temporalis and psoas muscle dimensions were determined on all trauma patients who had both abdominal and maxillofacial CT scans at the University of Michigan between 2004 and 2011. Age, BMI, and gender were obtained through chart review. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relative relationship between morphomic data of the temporalis and psoas muscles and the ability of such information to correspond with clinical variables, such as BMI, age, and gender. Results A total of 646 patients were included in the present study. Among the 249 (38.5%) women and 397 (61.5%) men, the average age was 49.2 y. Average BMI was 27.9 kg/m². Total psoas muscle area directly correlated with mean temporalis muscle thickness ( r = 0.57, P r = −0.52, P r = −0.36, P r = 0.18, P r = 0.14, P = 0.002), although stronger correlations were found in a more “frail,” subgroup as defined by a BMI of r = 0.59, P = 0.002). Conclusions We demonstrate that dimensions of the temporalis muscle can be quantified and may serve as a proxy for age. Going forward, we aim to assess the utility of temporalis and psoas morphomics in predicting complication rates among trauma patients admitted to the hospital to predict outcomes in the future.
SODIUM BENZOATE (BZ) ARRESTS PROGRESSION OF RENAL FAILURE IN INFANTILE PRIMARY OXALURIA (OXU)

Infantile OXU is characterized by oxalate (OX) nephrocalcinosis and rapid progression to end stage renal disease. BZ (which may reduce OX production by diverting its precursors, glycine and glyoxylate, to hippurate synthesis) has not been considered to be useful because short term clinical trials revealed no permanent decrease in OX excretion (BMJ 1:175, '58, AJM 29:820, '60). However, we hypothesize that because of the accumulated body OX burden, high excretion rates may persists even if OX production decreases. The value of BZ may better be judged by longterm outcome. An 8 week old female infant with OXU presented with severe OX nephrocalcinosis, and a serum creatinine (Cr) of 2.5 mg/dl. At 3 m of age her Cr rose to 4.8 and BZ (300 mg/kg/d) was started and continued to the present (25 m) at which time her Cr is 4.8. No OX bone deposition occurred after 8 m of age. Plasma hippurate levels of 4-14 mM produced no adverse affects. Mean plasma BZ level was <0.1 mM. We suggest that BZ reduces OX production, tissue deposition and destruction. Thus BZ may be useful in OXU including such patients who are transplant recipients.
Contractile responses of guinea pig trachea to oxybarbiturates and thiobarbiturates.

To determine what mechanisms are involved in barbiturate-induced tracheal constriction and whether a relationship exists between barbiturate structure and the ability of the barbiturate to induce constriction, we compared the effects of thiamylal, thiopental, methohexital, pentobarbital, and phenoba
Look (closely) at all the lonely people: age and the social psychology of social support.

Objective: This article explores the relationship between age and social support. Previous research on the relationship has reached inconsistent conclusions. Methods: Three theories are tested usin...
The field ionization characteristics of individual atomic planes

Abstract A detailed study of the field ionization characteristics of nine different planes of tungsten in the (001)-(011)-(111) standard triangle has been performed as function of tip temperature ( T T ) between 11°K and 86°K, and local radius of curvature ( rT ). The measured helium ion current-voltage characteristic curve for each plane was found to consist of two distinct regimes. The first regime was linear on a log-log plot, and the slope varied from 27 to 41. A modified version of Gomer's model for the very low field ion current fitted the regime I data reasonably well. The second regime of each characteristic curve was quite complicated and exhibited several maxima and minima whose positions were functions of both T T and crystallographic plane. A qualitative explanation for the behavior of the ion current in regime II was given in terms of a patch field model consisting of three dominant spatial regions on the surface of the field ion microscope specimen. In addition, the explanation also considered the role played by a lateral supply of gas atoms on the specimen's surface, and a slowly increasing field dependent radial supply function of gas atoms. It was also found that the probability of ionization was a strong function of both T T , and crystallographic plane. An expression was derived for the temperature dependence of this effect which fitted the data for atomically smooth planes [e.g., the (011) plane]. Finally, the ion current from individual planes was proportional to a power of rT (at constant electric field) which varied between 2.3 and 2.9. This result was at variance with the existing theories of the supply function, and indicated that the shank of the specimen was a significant source of imaging gas atoms.
Change in depressive symptoms during pregnancy: Relationship to birth outcome

Abstract Objective: To test the hypothesis that adolescents who experience a decrease in depressive symptomatology during gestation give birth to larger, gestationally older infants than do adolescents who do not experience a decrease in depressive symptomatology during gestation. Method: We studied 122 poor, black 12- through 19-year-olds enrolled in an adolescent-oriented prenatal program. The subjects completed two psychological evaluations during gestation. Infant birth weight and gestational age were analyzed in relation to change in depressive symptomatology. Results : We found no relationship between change in depressive symptomatology and maternal age, socioeconomic status, adequacy of prenatal care, living arrangements, gestational weight gain, or substance abuse. At enrollment, subjects who experienced a decrease in depressive symptoms during gestation had significantly higher depression and worry scores and significantly lower social support scores. During gestation these young women reported a more significant decrease in worries and increase in family support than did young women who did not experience a decrease in depressive symptoms during gestation. Change in depressive symptomatology was also significantly related to the duration of gestation ( r = 0.26; p = 0.004). Conclusions: This study suggests that changes in the intensity of maternal psychological distress during gestation may be associated with changes in maternal social support and measurable biologic effects on the fetus.
Total elastic electron scattering cross section for N 2 between 0 and 1000 eV

We present the total cross section for elastic electron-nitrogen scattering for incident energies 0-1000 eV. The calculations were based on the multiple-scattering model utilizing fixed-nuclei and Slater-exchange approximations, and represent a prototype for application of this method to larger molecular targets for which it is primarily intended. We are able to reproduce the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}_{g}$ shape resonance at 2.4 eV and achieve quantitative agreement with absolute measurements at high incident energies by adopting, respectively, two potentials whose difference is based on reduced exchange and polarization interactions for high incident energy. New insight into the dynamics of electron-molecule scattering is gained by inspecting the decomposition of the cross section into component symmetries over the entire energy range covered.
Some effects of melt-induced orientation on drawing of polypropylene monofilaments†

Morphological changes accompanying the deformation of polypropylene filaments with varying degrees of melt-induced orientation are examined using wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS), small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), and electron microscopy, and their behavior is compared both to completely unoriented film samples and to very highly oriented, hard elastic filaments. Melt-oriented filaments are shown to deform predominantly by a voiding mechanism at low temperatures ( 100°C) drawing produces a fibrillar structure containing elongated voids.
The effect of platinum on defect formation energies in β-NiAl

First-principles density functional theory is used to examine the effect of Pt on point defects and defect clusters in NiAl. It is found that Pt promotes the formation of Ni and Al vacancies and Ni and Al antisite atoms. Defect clusters that are minima in postulated Ni diffusion mechanisms in NiAl are also found to be stabilized by the presence of Pt. By decreasing defect formation energies, Pt may decrease the overall activation barrier to the diffusion of Ni and Al in NiAl. The results provide clues as to how Pt enhances thermal barrier coating lifetime.
Cytophotometric assessment of T-2 toxin induced alterations in azure B-RNA and Coomassie-protein in supraoptic-magnocellular neurons of rat hypothalami.

Abstract Quantitative cytophotometry was used to monitor T-2 toxin-induced alterations in azure B-RNA and Coomassie-total cell protein in supraoptic-magnocellular neurons of rat hypothalami. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–220g) were given a single i.p. injection of T-2 toxin (0.5, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.50 × LD 50 ), a trichothecene mycotoxin; rats were decapitated 8 hours post-dosing. After stoichiometric azure B-RNA and Coomassie-protein staining of brain sections, scanning-integrating microdensitometry was used to quantify toxin-induced alterations in these well established indices of neuronal toxicity. Within the magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nuclei, significant reductions in azure B-RNA reactivity were observed in the 0.75, 1.00 and 1.50 × LD 50 groups (i.e. 11%, 13% and 8%, respectively); no differences in RNA levels were observed between controls and the 0.50 × LD 50 group. In addition, a decrease in Coomassie-total cell protein was seen in animals receiving 0.50, 0.75 and 1.50 × LD 50 T-2 toxin (i.e. 33%, 21% and 12%, respectively); however, toxin administration did not alter protein levels in the 1.00 × LD 50 group. Furthermore, a dose-dependent decrease in systolic blood pressure was observed at 8 hr. post-injections (i.e., approximately −39%, −52%, −66% and −64% for the 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.50 × LD 50 groups, respectively). Additional observations include pronounced polydipsia, ascites, abdominal and subdural hemorrhage, and horripilation (piloerection) in experimental groups. It is postulated that the T-2 toxin-induced reductions in azure B-RNA and Coomassie-protein represent an early indication of impaired metabolic activity. Since these neurons are important sites of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) synthesis, these data suggest an impaired osmoregulatory ability. The pronounced polydipsia which occurred shortly after intoxication is further evidence of this impairment. Although these findings do not provide insight relating to the mechanism of osmoregulatory disruption, it is advanced that the supraoptic-magnocellular compartment represents an important site in T-2 toxin mycotoxicosis. Moreover, these findings support previous claims that T-2 toxin intoxication may critically impair the vasopressinergic response to toxin-induced cardiovascular collapse.