cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Causes of an elevated international normalized ratio in the intensive care unit and the implications for plasma transfusion

Background The presence of an elevated international normalized ratio (INR) is common in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), but the cause rarely determined. These patients are at risk to receive prophylactic plasma prior to invasive procedures. Study design and methods Samples from patients with an INR of 1.5 or greater were frozen and subsequently thawed and assayed for procoagulant and anticoagulant clotting factors and anti-Xa to determine the likely cause of the INR. Samples showing a low FVII, FX, PC, and PS were categorized as a vitamin K deficiency pattern. Samples showing a low FV, low or normal fibrinogen, and high FVIII were categorized as a liver disease pattern. Samples showing an anti-Xa >0.01 IU/ml were assayed for anti-Xa DOACs. Samples which could not be categorized were grouped as equivocal. Results A total of 48 samples were obtained over a 6-month period. Nineteen showed a Vitamin K deficiency pattern, 17 a liver disease pattern, 7 showed an anti-Xa DOAC and 5 were equivocal. High FVIII and D-dimers and reduced levels of the anticoagulant proteins were present in the majority of the samples. FVII levels correlated inversely with the INR (r = -0. 81), as did FX (r = -0.67) but not FV (r = -0.04) nor fibrinogen (r = -0.15). Conclusion Transfusion of plasma to reverse an elevated INR in the ICU should be discouraged since such a practice is either avoidable by the use of vitamin K or inappropriate in the case of liver disease or an anti-Xa DOAC.
Young v. United Parcel Service, Inc.: McDonnell Douglas to the Rescue?

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 can be interpreted in two obvious ways: one interpretation requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, and the other does not require such accommodations. Jn Young v. United Parcel Service, Inc., the Supreme Court held that in some cases employees may be able to prove intentional pregnancy discrimination based on an employer's failure to make accommodations for the pregnant employee when the employer makes accommodations for other disabled employees. Rather than reaching this result by interpreting the statute to require reasonable accommodations, however, the Court held that plaintiffs with "indirect evidence" of discrimination may prove their claim using the pretext analysis developed by the Court in McDonnell Douglas Corp. v. Green. Under this analysis, the Court instructed that, after the first two stages of the analysis, a plaintiff could attempt to prove that the employer's legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason for denying an accommodation for a pregnant employee is pretextual, and this could be proven by demonstrating the significant and unjustified burden the employer's nonaccommodation policy imposes on pregnant employees. Although it seems that the Court resorted to McDonnell Douglas as a compromise to fashion a majority opinion, this essay contends that invocation of the McDonnell Douglas analysis was neither necessary nor prudent. There are two likely ramifications of the Court's use of the McDonnell Douglas analysis. The first is that the Young opinion is likely to resurrect the division of intentional discrimination claims between those based on direct evidence and those based on circumstantial evidence, with the claims in those two categories being analyzed differently. That is a distinction that the Court rejected in 2003 in Desert Palace, Inc. v. Costa. Second, the Court's resort to the McDonnell Douglas analysis refortifies a proof framework which arguably should not have survived the Desert Palace • Visiting Professor, University of Georgia School of Law; Frank L. Maraist and Wex S. Malone Professor of Law, Paul M. Hebert Law Center of Louisiana State University. I thank Professors Michael J. Zimmer and Charles Sullivan for their comments on an earlier draft of this Essay.
SU-E-T-359: Emulation of Yb-169 Gamma-Ray Spectrum Using Metal-Filtered 250 KVp X-Rays for Pre-Clinical Studies of Gold Nanoparticle-Aided Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To develop an external beam surrogate of the Yb-169 brachytherapy source applying a filter-based spectrum modulation technique to 250 kVp x-rays. In-vitro/vivo studies performed with the modulated 250 kVp beam will help gauge the benefits of implementing gold nanoparticle-aided radiotherapy with the Yb-169 source. Methods: A previously validated MCNP5 model of the Phillips RT-250 orthovoltage unit was used to obtain the percentage depth dose (PDD) and filtered photon spectra for a variety of filtration and irradiation conditions. Photon spectra were obtained using the average flux F4 tally in air right after all collimation. A 30 x 30 x 30 cm3 water phantom was used to compute the PDD along the central axis (CAX) under the standards conditions of a 10 x 10 cm2 field size at 50 cm SSD. Cylindrical cells of 4 cm in diameter and the energy deposition F6 tally were used along the CAX to score the doses down to 20 cm depth. The number of particle history was set to 2 x 10⁸ in order to keep the relative uncertainty within each cell < 0.3%. The secondary electron spectrum within a gold-loaded tissue due to each photon spectrum was also calculated using EGSnrc and compared with that due to Yb-169 gamma rays. Results: Under the practical constraints for the spectrum modulation task, 250 kVp x-rays filtered by a 0.25 mm Erbium (Er) foil produced the best match with Yb-169 gamma rays, in terms of PDD and, more importantly, secondary electron spectrum. Conclusion: Modulation of 250kVp x-ray spectrum by an Er-filter was found effective in emulating the gamma ray spectrum of Yb-169. Possible benefits as predicted from the current MC model such as enhanced radiosensitization with the Er-filtered beam (as a surrogate of Yb-169) was confirmed with a separate in-vitro study. Supported by DOD/PCRP grant W81XWH-12-1-0198
FIR prefilter design for MLSE equalization of space-time-coded transmission over multipath fading channels

The problem of designing a front-end prefilter to improve the performance and/or reduce the complexity of MLSE equalization of space-time-coded signals is addressed in this paper. The front-end prefilter performs channel shortening without excessive noise enhancement and is constrained to be an FIR filter for practical implementation. Transmission scenarios emphasized assume 2 transmit antennas at the basestation and 1 receive antenna at the mobile. Extensions to more antennas are straightforward. Various design parameters (e.g. no. prefilter taps, no. equalizer states, decision delay, etc.) are optimized using Monte Carlo simulations in a Typical Urban EDGE environment.
Fetal Growth Scans and Amniotic Fluid Assessments in Pregestational and Gestational Diabetes

Fetal growth scans and amniotic fluid assessments are used to evaluate fetal well-being in women with pregestational and gestational diabetes. These measurements reflect placental function and guide clinicians in timing of delivery to decrease morbidity to mother and infant. Ultrasound assessments may be performed by nurses in the perinatal setting. Nurses who perform these examinations have a unique opportunity to provide teaching and support for women with diabetes while helping to improve perinatal outcomes.
Chapter 1 Boussinesq models and applications to nearshore wave propagation, surf zone processes and wave-induced currents

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of Boussinesq models for application to coastal hydrodynamics problems as it reached a level of maturity. The model formulation extended to allow for wave propagation in almost all finite water depths, rendering the notion of the models being only applicable in shallow water obsolete. A wide range of associated physical phenomena incorporated in model formulations, makes it possible to apply Boussinesq model technology to the surf zone. The technology is also beginning to supplant the nonlinear shallow water equations (NLS) in a number of areas where the NLS is a dominant player; in calculation of wave run up and overtopping on coastal structures and in calculation of tsunami propagation and inundation. Boussinesq models are dauntingly complex in form, and it becomes relevant to address the question of whether further development along these lines is warranted relative to direct utilization of the Navier-Stokes equations. It is likely that the typical second-order accurate numerical schemes used in Navier- Stokes solvers to date are a limiting factor in obtaining accurate results, indicating a need for further development in this area.
Theory of competitive solvation of polymers by two solvents and entropy-enthalpy compensation in the solvation free energy upon dilution with the second solvent

We develop a statistical mechanical lattice theory for polymer solvation by a pair of relatively low molar mass solvents that compete for binding to the polymer backbone. A theory for the equilibrium mixture of solvated polymer clusters {AiBCj} and free unassociated molecules A, B, and C is formulated in the spirit of Flory-Huggins mean-field approximation. This theoretical framework enables us to derive expressions for the boundaries for phase stability (spinodals) and other basic properties of these polymer solutions: the internal energy U, entropy S, specific heat CV, extent of solvation Φsolv, average degree of solvation 〈Nsolv〉, and second osmotic virial coefficient B2 as functions of temperature and the composition of the mixture. Our theory predicts many new phenomena, but the current paper applies the theory to describe the entropy-enthalpy compensation in the free energy of polymer solvation, a phenomenon observed for many years without theoretical explanation and with significant relevance to liquid chromatography and other polymer separation methods.
Long-term effects on renal function of dose-reduced calcineurin inhibitor and sirolimus in cardiac transplant patients.

Khandhar SJ, Shah HV, Shullo MA, Zomak R, Navoney M, McNamara DM, Kormos RL, Toyoda Y, Teuteberg JJ. Long-term effects on renal function of dose-reduced calcineurin inhibitor and sirolimus in cardiac transplant patients. Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 42–49. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-associated renal insufficiency is common after cardiac transplantation (CTX); however, the addition of sirolimus allows for CNI dose reduction and this strategy may limit CNI renal toxicity. This study examines the long-term effects of such a strategy. Methods: Patients from a single center who had CTX from 1990 to 2007 and who were converted to sirolimus and a dose-reduced CNI were compared to group-matched controls maintained on CNI and an antiproliferative agent. Results: One hundred and fifty-five patients (79 sirolimus and 76 controls) were included and had similar baseline characteristics. Sirolimus was started a mean of 1429 d post-CTX and maintained for a mean of 823 d. Reason for conversion to sirolimus was renal insufficiency (34%), vasculopathy (29%), recurrent rejection (19%), and other (18%). The eGFR was not different between groups at baseline (44.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 46.0, p = 0.64) or at any point during follow-up: 90 d, 180 d, 1 yr, 2 yr, and 3 yr. Conclusion: Patients converted to a regimen of sirolimus and a dosed-reduced CNI have stable renal function over the following three yr, but do not have an improvement in renal outcomes compared to patients maintained on full dose CNI.
On Toeplitz-Invariant Subspaces of the Bergman Space

A subspace M ⊂ L2a(Δ) = A2, is called an e-subspace if (i) dim M 0 and N ≥ 0 are integers. For k = 1 this implies a sharper form of a theorem of H. Hedenmalm.
The continuous-lumping method for vapor-liquid equilibrium calculations

The continuous-lumping method is a refinement of continuous thermodynamics which does not depend upon the continuous-mixture hypothesis. The method utilizes a generalized Fourier series expansion of a functional formulation of the equilibrium relations obtained by embedding the classical discrete equilibrium equations into generalized function space. The resulting method provides an effective means of reducing the number of parameters needed to describe a many-component, complex mixture; furthermore, the method provides a straightforward means of converting the equilibrium equations to the new parameterized form. The error associated with the reduction in number of parameters can be easily estimated using the ratio convergence test for mathematical series. The theory of the method is first presented and the method is then used in an example calculation to illustrate the advantages of the method over pseudocomponent lumping and continuous thermodynamics. The method is useful particularly for mixtures described by chromatographic data.
Impact of serum estradiol on postprandial lipemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation across a single menstrual cycle.

Background: An abrupt rise in circulating lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers is a common finding after ingestion of a high-fat meal. Estradiol, typically provided via hormone replacement therapy to postmenopausal women, has been reported to possess lipidemic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties, all of which may minimize postprandial oxidative stress. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the postprandial triglyceride (TG), oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses after a lipid meal in menstruating women during the early follicular (days 1–3) and preovulatory (day 14) phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods: Healthy normolipidemic women (fasting blood TG, <200 mg/dL) with regular menstrual cycles reported to the Cardiorespiratory/Metabolic Laboratory at the University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee (October-December 2008) and consumed an identical lipid meal (heavy whipping cream and water) on 2 separate days during the menstrual cycle. Blood samples were collected premeal and 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours postmeal, then assayed for TG, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAL), nitrate/nitrite, and C-reactive protein (CRP). The AUC was calculated for each variable, and a 2 (menstrual cycle phase) × 5 (time) ANOVA with Tukey post hoc testing was also conducted. Estradiol concentration was measured in premeal samples for verification of cycle phase. Results: Ten women (mean [SD] age, 29 [11] years; 8 white, 2 black; body mass index, 22 [3] kg/m2) participated in the study. Despite a higher serum estradiol concentration on day 14 (113 [56] pg/mL) compared with the early follicular phase (61 [34] pg/mL), the TG, oxidative stress, and inflammatory AUC responses to feeding were not significantly different. TG (P = 0.03), MDA (P = 0.02), and hydrogen peroxide (P < 0.001) were significantly increased in response to feeding (time effect), whereas nitrate/nitrite was decreased (P = 0.01). TEAC and CRP were not significantly affected. Conclusions: These data indicate that estradiol, at the concentrations noted in the present study, had no significant effect on postprandial TG or biomarkers of oxidative stress or inflammation in a sample of young, healthy women. It is possible that a greater divergence in circulating estradiol may be needed for significant differences to be detected, as may be the case with chronic hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.
The imperial authority and benefaction of centurions and Acts 10.34-43: a response to C. Kavin Rowe

C. Kavin Rowe has rightly argued that, when encountering the statement oυτoς e στιn παn τωn Kuρ ιoς (Acts 10.36), Luke's auditors throughout the Roman Empire would have associated this slogan with imperial-cult propaganda. The relevance of such a connection within a speech delivered to Cornelius and his household, however, requires further analysis. Evidence from Luke—Acts and other ancient literary texts and inscriptions depicts centurions as imperial authorities who—as benefactors, judges and promoters of the imperial cult— were notorious for abusing their power to the detriment of those under their authority. Alongside Luke's implicit censure of the emperor and his cult, one should understand his seemingly positive characterization of Cornelius as rhetorical irony (i.e., applying to a character traits that are contrary to reality). The more holistic criticism of the imperial cult in the context of Acts 10.34-43 includes not only the emperor, but also his subordinate authorities.
Long-Term Durability of Fiber/Matrix Interfacial Bonding in Hygrothermal Environments

This study investigated the long-term durability of the interfacial bond in carbon fiber /polyetheretherketone (C/PEEK) and carbon fiber/polysulfone (C/PSF) com posites after exposure to hygrothermal environments. A single fiber pull-out test was uti lized to quantitatively determine the ultimate bond strength (UBS) of the samples following exposure. Samples were tested at three temperatures for six time periods and in two en vironments (dry and salt water). A mathematical model based on nth order chemical reac tion kinetics was applied to describe the long-term durability of the interface. The results of this study indicate that interfacial bond strength in C/PSF and C/PEEK (380 grade) composites is significantly influenced by long-term exposure to salt water, especially at high temperatures. The results indicate that salt water saturation reduces interfacial bond strength in C/PSF and C/PEEK (380 grade) composites as a function of both time and temperature, with bond strength apparently reaching a stabl...
Community-based nursing education and nursing accreditation by the commission on collegiate nursing education

The purpose of this article is to describe the application of accreditation standards of the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in community-based nursing education. In response to changes in the health care delivery system, involving increased implementation of managed care systems, greater use of outpatient services, and increased care provided in community-based settings, baccalaureate nursing education is changing to incorporate student learning experiences in community-based settings. Community-based nursing care is characterized by the development of community-education partnerships, implementation of nursing interventions for prevention and health promotion, and collaboration to ensure continuity of care. Changes in the delivery system to increase community-based care necessitate changes in professional nursing education to ensure that graduates of baccalaureate nursing programs are prepared to practice in community-based settings. Accreditation is a mechanism to evaluate quality in educational programs. Accreditation by CCNE offers a process for assessing the quality of nursing programs while encouraging flexibility and innovation in those programs. The CCNE accreditation standards can be interpreted in the context of community-based education. Descriptions of the CCNE standards and examples of application of the standards in community-based nursing education are included.
Accurate Temperature Control of the Beckman DK-2 Recording Spectrophotometer

The prime requirement for accurate kinetic analysis is that the temperature of the system being studied remain stable over the course of the reaction. As Benson has pointed out, typical reactions around room temperature will have a maximum accuracy in the rate constant of ±0.1% when the temperature is known to ±0.01°C.1
Using surface electrodes for the evaluation of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if surface electrodes are adequate in the determination of the activity patterns of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Ninety patients with a diagnosis of CP underwent electromyography (EMG) testing. Surface electrodes were placed on the rectus femoris (RF), hamstrings, vastus medialis (VM) and vastus lateralis (VL). Muscle isolation tests revealed no cross-talk of the RF muscle on the vastii electrodes in any subject indicating surface EMG is sufficient for testing RF, VM and VL function in children. Muscle activation patterns during gait showed that the RF and not the VM or VL was active in mid-swing in the majority of cases.
Photochemical Processes Influencing Pesticide Degradation in Rice Paddies

Degradation by sunlight is an important route of dissipation for pesticides applied to rice paddies. The clear and shallow water filters very little of the incident light and allows both direct and indirect photochemical processes to occur within the water column and at the sediment-water interface. Of the indirect processes, degradation by hydroxyl and carbonate radical and singlet oxygen have been shown to be important for selective classes of pesticide chemistry. The ability of pesticides to undergo direct photolysis can be easily evaluated by available protocols conducted by pesticide registrants, while the reactivity of pesticides to radical oxidants are best evaluated by competition kinetic methods. Rate constants for pesticides obtained by these methods can be incorporated into the computer exposure model EXAMS2 to compare the importance of the photochemical processes to other dissipation pathways occurring simultaneously in the rice paddy ecosystem.
Accurate point source modeling for extended source stresses

Abstract We show that the calculation of the stress arising from an extended inclusion can be simplified greatly by replacing the mismatch dislocations bordering the source with an equivalent lattice of point sources of expansion. At large distances the expressions for the two stress patterns are asymptotically identical. Numerical comparison shows that this agreement remains quantitative as close to the source as the dislocation spacing, even when the source lies close to a free surface.
Estimating familial aggregation while adjusting for covariates Application to pulmonary function data from black and white sibships

Abstract Although crude correlations are useful in family studies, some adjustment for effects of risk factors that vary both within and among families if often needed. A linear model for estimating sibship correlations while simultaneously considering height, age, race, sex, ascertainment, and smoking status was used on pulmonary function data on 1-second forced expiratory volume (FEV 1 ) and the natural logarithm of the ratio of FEV 1 to forced vital capacity (lnFEV%) from 402 adults in 152 white sibships and 172 adults in 59 black sibships. Crude correlations of .271 ± .048 (FEV 1 ) and .342 ± .047 (lnFEV%) decreased significantly to .206 ±. 048 and .231 ± .048, respectively, after adjustment. For black and white sibs, adjusted intraclass correlations, although not statistically different, were .153 ± .089 and .225 ± .055 (FEV 1 ), respectively, and were .103 ± .088 and .275 ± .054 (lnFEV%), respectively, suggesting that pulmonary function may aggregate more strongly among whites. This analysis illustrates how risk factor adjustment can be readily incorporated into familial correlation studies
Genomics in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: insights and treatment implications

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the commonest childhood cancer and an important cause of morbidity from haematological malignancies in adults. In the past several years, we have witnessed major advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of ALL. Genome-wide profiling studies, including microarray analysis and genome sequencing, have helped identify multiple key cellular pathways that are frequently mutated in ALL such as lymphoid development, tumour suppression, cytokine receptors, kinase and Ras signalling, and chromatin remodeling. These studies have characterized new subtypes of ALL, notably Philadelphia chromosome-like ALL, which is a high-risk subtype characterized by a diverse range of alterations that activate cytokine receptors or tyrosine kinases amenable to inhibition with approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Genomic profiling has also enabled the identification of inherited genetic variants of ALL that influence the risk of leukaemia development, and characterization of the relationship between genetic variants, clonal heterogeneity and the risk of relapse. Many of these findings are of direct clinical relevance and ongoing studies implementing clinical sequencing in leukaemia diagnosis and management have great potential to improve the outcome of patients with high-risk ALL.
Tertiary extension north of the Las Vegas Valley shear zone, Sheep and Desert Ranges, Clark County, Nevada

Detailed mapping reveals the presence of high-angle extensional faults and low-angle gravity slides on the west side of the Sheep Range. Three major high-angle faulting events each account for 20° of eastward rotation and accommodate extension between the Las Vegas Range and the Desert Range. Low-angle faults represent surficial slides in response to topography produced by extension on the high-angle faults. Faulting took place during the Miocene, synchronously with deposition of the Horse Spring Formation and with displacement on the Las Vegas Valley shear zone. The extension in the Sheep Range took place without volcanism, intrusion, or metamorphism of the Paleozoic sedimentary rocks. Offset thrust faults suggest that the area west of the Sheep Range extended almost 100% during the Miocene, while the corresponding area south of the Las Vegas Valley shear zone did not extend significantly. The shear zone bounded the extending terrane on the south, acting as a transform fault. This extension west of the Sheep Range may in part balance that mapped by Anderson (1971) in the Eldorado Mountains. The Las Vegas Valley shear zone and the Lake Mead fault system may have acted together to compensate for areas of localized extension between the Colorado Plateau and the vicinity of the Specter Range.
PYRIDINESELENOLATE COMPLEXES OF TIN AND LEAD : SN(2-SENC5H4)2, SN(2-SENC5H4)4, PB(2-SENC5H4)2, AND PB(3-ME3SI-2-SENC5H3)2. VOLATILE CVD PRECURSORS TO GROUP IV-GROUP VI SEMICONDUCTORS

Pyridineselenolate forms stable homoleptic coordination compounds of Sn(II), Sn(IV), and Pb(II). The complexes can be prepared either by metathesis or by insertion of the metal into the Se−Se bond of dipyridyl diselenide, and they are soluble in coordinating solvents such as pyridine. Isolation of the Pb(II) complex from both Pb(0) and Pb(IV) starting materials indicates that the pyridineselenolate ligand cannot stabilize Pb(IV). The compounds all sublime intact and decompose at elevated temperatures: the divalent complexes give MSe (M = Sn, Pb), while the Sn(IV) compound delivers SnSe2. In order to isolate a crystalline Pb compound, the 3-trimethylsilyl-2-pyridineselenolate ligand was prepared. Attachment of the Me3Si functional group increases compound solubility, and leads to the isolation of crystalline Pb(3-Me3Si-2-SeNC5H4)2. The structure of [Sn(2-SeNC5H4)2]2 (1) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and shown to be a dimer, with one chelating pyridineselenolate per Sn(II) and a pair o...
Amphetamine reversal of sexual impairment following anterior hypothalamic lesions in female rats

Abstract Ovariectomized female rats were sexually receptive after systematic administration of estrogen and progesterone. Anterior hypothalamic lesions abolished their receptivity. Systemic administration of low doses of d -amphetamine restored their receptivity. The reversal may be related to an effect of amphetamine on brain catecholamines involved in female sexual behavior.
Electrolytic lesions of the substantia innominata and lateral preoptic area attenuate the "supersensitive" locomotor response to apomorphine resulting from denervation of the nucleus accumbens

Apomorphine-stimulated locomotion in the rat is greatly enhanced following destruction of dopamine terminals in the nucleus accumbens (NA) with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). While this augmented response is ascribed to the action of the dopamine stimulant apomorphine on supersensitive receptors within the NA, little is known regarding the mechanisms by which increased receptor stimulation within the NA influences lower motor circuitry to produce changes in locomotion. In this study, we examined apomorphine-stimulated locomotion in 6-OHDA-infused rats following electrolytic damage to the terminal region of first-order NA efferent fibers within the substantia innominata and lateral preoptic area. This damage greatly diminished the locomotor response to apomorphine in 6-OHDA-infused animals, but did not diminish locomotion in vehicle-infused animals. Destruction of dopamine terminals within the NA has also been reported to enhance the place-preference response to apomorphine in rats. Damage to the substantia innominata and lateral preoptic area significantly decreased the place-preference for apomorphine-paired environments in 6-OHDA-infused animals, but did not alter place-preference responses in vehicle-infused animals. Our results indicate that the efferent pathway from the NA to the substantia innominata and lateral preoptic area serves as an important output of mesolimbic activity into motor circuitry involved in the expression of apomorphine-stimulated locomotion and place-preference.
Henry George on Chattel and Wage Slavery: The American Social Philosopher Condemned Both Forms as Immoral, Irrational Denials of Equality

. In the writings of Henry George two types of slavery are mentioned: chattel (human) and industrial (economic), or wage slavery. Greater attention is paid to the latter than to the former. In fact, chattel slavery was typically referred to only as an example or analogy in the analysis of issues that were of more fundamental concern to George: wealth, property, land, etc. Nonetheless it is possible to construct from these references a remarkably comprehensive critique of human servitude on three levels: practical, economic, and philosphicotheological. Practically, chattel slavery is inefficient and a hindrance to technological discovery and production. Economically, it does not increase the wealth of the political economy, the “Greater Leviathan.” Philosophico-theologically, it denies the natural equality of human beings, and is based on erroneous assumptions concerning the rightful basis and nature of property. Economic (industrial) or wage slavery is worse, however. Chattel slavery is a dead or dying institution as George writes, whereas the more cruel and relentless industrial servitude is alive and growing.
Organization of the rostral thalamus in the rat: Evidence for connections to layer I of visual cortex

The present study demonstrates the organization of a thalamocortical projecting system which terminates within layer I of the visual cortex in the hooded rat. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) injections restricted to layer I resulted in retrograde labeling of large and medium-sized multipolar and fusiform neurons that are located within the ventromedial (VM) nucleus and a dorsomedial subunit of the ventral anterolateral nucleus (VAL). Retrograde cellular labeling also occurs within the anteromedial nucleus (AM) following these injections. After restriction of HRP injections to layer I, peroxidase labeling was not found within neurons of the classically defined intralaminar system, i.e., central medial, paracentral, and central lateral nuclei, or within the rostral continuations of the intralaminar system. Since the VM, dorsomedial VAL, and AM nuclei are directly adjacent to portions of the internal medullary lamina, we refer to this amalgam of rostral thalamic nuclei that project to layer I as the "paralaminar" system. We also provide cytoarchitectonic criteria that can be used to distinguish three separate subdivisions within the VAL complex, including that portion of the VAL which is part of the "paralaminar" system. In contrast, when control injections of WGA-HRP are placed within either the cellular supragranular or infragranular layers of the visual cortex, no appreciable number of neurons are labeled within the VM, VAL, or AM.
Wigner distribution method equivalent to dechirp method for detecting a chirp signal

It is shown that the Wigner distribution (WD) method of optimally detecting a chirp signal in white Gaussian noise [1] is equivalent mathematically to a dechirp method.
The Dual Role of Property Rights in Protecting Broadcast Speech

The connection between property rights and free-speech rights has most often surfaced in conflicts between the two. In his classic formulation of the problem, journalist A. J. Liebling mocked the First Amendment's free-press clause by noting that ownership of a printing press was required in order to actually enjoy the constitutional protection. In an important case decided in 1980, Pruneyard Shopping Center v. Robins, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a group wishing to circulate political petitions at a shopping center had a constitutional right to do so. There the Court found that such governmentally enforced access to private property did “not amount to an unconstitutional infringement of [the shopping center owners'] property rights under the Taking Clause of the Fifth Amendment….”
Determination of methylmercury in fish and aqueous samples using solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectrometry

An analytical method is described for methylmercury determination in fish and aqueous samples using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography–atomic fluorescence spectrometry (GC–AFS). The procedure involves aqueous-phase derivatization of methylmercury species with sodium tetraethylborate in a sample vial and subsequent extraction with a silica fiber coated with poly-­(dimethylsiloxane). The mercury derivatives are desorbed in the splitless injection port of a gas chromatograph and subsequently analyzed by GC–AFS. The headspace SPME procedure is used and parameters affecting the extraction, adsorption and desorption are evaluated. Results for methylmercury analysis in standard reference material (DORM-2) and fish samples are presented. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accurate determination of surface normal stress in viscous flow from a consistent boundary flux method

Accurate determination of surface normal stresses from numerical modeling of mantle convection is crucial in determining surface topography, geoid and gravity anomalies. With the finite element method, we have developed a consistent boundary flux (CBF) method for computing the surface stress by solving the momentum equation directly. The method has a much higher accuracy for determining surface stresses than the standard pressure smoothing method, and for typical convection problems, the CBF is about one order of magnitude more accurate than pressure smoothing. The CBF can be easily applied to a variety of types of elements and to compute a range of physical quantities including heat flow on boundaries. CBF, moreover, is a post-processing operation and is computationally inexpensive.
Hydrogen sensors based on Sc2O3/AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors

Pt contacted AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with Sc2O3 gate dielectrics show reversible changes in drain-source current upon exposure to H2-containing ambients, even at room temperature. The changes in current (as high as 3 mA for relatively low gate voltage and drain-source voltage at 25 °C for the HEMTs and a change in forward current of ∼40 µA at a bias of 2.5 V was obtained for the MOS-diodes in response to a change in ambient from pure N2 to 10% H2/90% N2. The current changes in the latter case are almost linearly proportional to the testing temperature and reach around 400 µA at 400 °C. These signals are approximately an order of magnitude larger than for Pt /GaN Schottky diodes and a factor of 5 larger than Sc2O3/AlGaN/GaN metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) diodes exposed under the same conditions. This shows the advantage of using a transistor structure in which the gain produces larger current changes upon exposure to hydrogen-containing ambients. The increase in current is the result of a decrease in effective barrier height of the MOS gate of 30-50 mV at 25 °C for 10%H2/90%N2 ambients relative to pure N2 and is due to catalytic dissociation of the H2 on the Pt contact, followed by diffusion to the Sc2O3/AlGaN interface. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
First-trimester screening and its impact on uptake of diagnostic testing

Objective To determine the influence of first-trimester screening (FTS) on a patient's decision regarding prenatal diagnostic testing (PDT) and if the uptake rate of PDT has changed among women with advanced maternal age (AMA) following the January 2007 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists statement regarding FTS. Methods A database review was performed for the 2 years before and the 2 years after the January statement. A total of 7424 patient records were evaluated to determine the number of AMA women who obtained PDT, the number of positive and negative FTS results, and how many of those women had PDT. We then surveyed 53 patients and 23 referring physicians to determine what the patient understands about FTS, how patients utilize their FTS results, and how physicians educate their patients about FTS. Results We determined that there was a 19.6% decrease in the uptake of PDT since that statement. Prior to their counseling session (2009–2010), 43% of those surveyed were against having PDT. After counseling, only 9% were against PDT. Overall, 91% were either open to or wanted PDT after counseling. Conclusions In addition to FTS results, we found that genetic counseling may be an influential factor in the patient's decision regarding PDT. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the structures of carbon monoxidevinylchloride copolymers

Abstract Carbon monoxide-vinylchloride copolymers have been obtained by various methods. Recently, Ratti et al have reported that the copolymer obtained in bulk at 50° using bis-(4-tertbutylcyclohexyl)-peroxydicarbonate has an acid chloride structure, there being a rearrangement involving 1–2-shift of chlorine atoms. In the present paper, it is reported that the copolymer obtained by procedures of the present author probably contains the a-ketonic group, in view of the infra-red spectral changes produced by treatments in solvents and by reduction with sodium borohydride.
Serotonin action on short-circuit current and ion transport across isolated rabbit ileal mucosa

Abstract Serotonin has previously been implicated as the cause of the diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome and the amine has been shown by others to be an intestinal secretagogue in preparations of intestinal loops in vivo . In the present paper the action of serotonin on isolated segments of rabbit ileal mucosa stripped of muscle layers was studied in vitro . Serotonin (10−4M) caused an abrupt significant rise in short-circuit current (Isc) across the mucosal epithelial cell layer but this effect was transient. No change was observed in tissue conductance. In this preparation, serotonin did not alter 22Na, 36Cl or residual ion fluxes across the mucosa. High blood serotonin levels for a period of several days also did not alter ion fluxes or Isc in isolated rabbit ileum. Therefore, it is concluded that serotonin must cause its secretory activity observed in vivo by some mechanism other than a direct action on epithelial cell transport mechanisms.
Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery has taken many strides to become the effective intervention it is today. Although it has been the gold standard for cardiac revascularization for a number of years, the future of health care and technology will cause this standard to be morphed into a kinder, gentler approach that leads to even better quality outcomes and quality of life than is now expected. Research has been and will continue to be a focus in cardiovascular medicine and will only help further validate or dispute what is best for patients while challenging surgeons to become even more knowledgeable and skilled in the various treatment modalities. In addition, the emergence of super ORs will continue to blossom and create a highly technologically advanced environment that will limit the need for guesswork and gut feelings that many have practiced on for decades. The face of cardiac surgery will continue to change and we, as nurses, will be there to meet the challenge along the way.
EFFECTS OF APPLICANT RACE, SEX, SUITABILITY, AND ANSWERS ON INTERVIEWER'S QUESTIONING STRATEGY AND RATINGS

Impression formation research (Snyder & Swann, 1978) suggests that people engage in information seeking strategies designed to confirm their impressions of others. In an extension of this work to the selection interview, Sackett (1982) found, however, that subjects did not consistently adopt a confirmatory information seeking strategy. This study is a further examination of Snyder and Swann's theory. In simulated interviews 170 subjects (1) read resumes of hypothetical applicants, (2) selected ten questions to ask each applicant, (3) received written responses to each question immediately on its selection, and (4) rated each applicant's suitability. An interaction accounting for 73% of variance indicated that applicant ratings were based primarily on the content of applicants' responses, but initial impressions also played a part. No clear-cut, confirmatory information seeking strategy was observed.
Group psychotherapy with grandparents rearing their emotionally disturbed grandchildren

This paper discusses the increasing incidence of grandchildren being raised by grandparents, and describes a clinical service developed to assist grandparents in rearing their emotionally disturbed grand-children. The development of a cohesive working group and the active involvement of grandparents for support as well as self-understanding is demonstrated.
Inferring context-free grammars for domain-specific languages

We propose a new application area for grammar inference which intends to make domain-specific language development easier and finds a second application in renovation tools for legacy systems. We use the genetic programming approach for grammatical inference and propose the use of frequent sequences, syntax graphs and incremental construction of grammars in order to be able to infer a more comprehensive set of context-free grammars.
Indicators of locomotor habits in xenarthrans: Evidence for locomotor heterogeneity among fossil sloths

ABSTRACT A striking diversity in limb morphology among fossil sloths suggests that the traditional distinction between extant “tree” sloths and fossil “ground” sloths merits closer scrutiny. Morphologically, xenarthrans (sloths, anteaters, and armadillos) are divergent from other mammalian orders. However, morphological shape indices of aspects of the elbow, hip, and knee joints that clearly discriminate locomotor modes in primates, carnivores, and bovids also succeed in differentiating the fully arboreal, semiarboreal, and terrestrial genera of anteaters. When compared to this extant data base, fossil sloths from both the Pleistocene radiation of the Antilles and the Santacrucian radiation of Argentina exhibit a range of values for these indices comparable to those of primates and anteaters. These results indicate that the diversity of limb structure in fossil sloths is associated with variation in posture and locomotor habits including arboreality, semiarboreality, and terrestriality.
Contrasting baseline-dependent effects of amphetamine, chlorpromazine and scopolamine on response switching in the pigeon.

Both amphetamine and scopolamine increase low rates and reduce high rates of responding. It has been suggested that the dependence of the effects of these drugs on control rate may be due to their non-specific disruptive cue properties rather than to specific pharmacological actions. To examine whether this possible non-specific disruption also applied to response-choice, pigeons were trained under a schedule in which 30 key-peck responses were required. This fixed-ratio could be completed by responding in any order on either or both of two keys, and then the first switch between the two keys was reinforced by the presentation of food. Under control conditions, the probability of the birds switching between the keys increased as the ratio progressed, resulting in performance which could be analysed in a manner analogous to rate-dependent analyses of responding under fixed-interval (FI) schedules. The birds were then treated with amphetamine (0.4–3.2 mg/kg), chlorpromazine (1.0–30 mg/kg) and scopolamine (0.01–0.10 mg/kg). Amphetamine increased switching at all baselines, to probabilities greater than chance (i.e.P. switch >0.5). Scopolamine resulted in response choice converging towards chance, whereas chlorpromazine reduced switching when the baseline probabilities were high. Thus: i) amphetamine increases switching in pigeons as it has previously been shown to do in rats, and this effect is not due to regression towards random choice, ii) the opposite effect of a reduction in switching can occur after chlorpromazine treatment, and iii) whereas the effects of amphetamine and scopolamine on response rate may be similar, the effects of the two drugs on response choice are dissociable, with only scopolamine resulting in a randomisation of performance.
Design and evaluation of oral bioadhesive controlled release formulations of miglitol, intended for prolonged inhibition of intestinal α-glucosidases and enhancement of plasma glucagon like peptide-1 levels

Alpha-glucosidase enzyme is present ubiquitously throughout the lumen of the small intestine. It is responsible for the breakdown of complex into simple carbohydrates. alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors such as miglitol, are drugs that have greater affinity towards this enzyme in comparison to carbohydrates. Miglitol regulates the postprandial glucose levels directly by inhibiting the enzyme reversibly and also indirectly by including the secretion of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The aims of this study were (i) to design a controlled release (CR) mucoadhesive (in the intestine) formulation of miglitol which would inhibit the alpha-glucosidase enzyme for a longer duration of time (in comparison to the non-controlled release (IR) formulation) thus reducing the dosing frequency, and also controlling the postprandial glucose levels more effectively over a longer period of time; (ii) to assess the effect of different formulation parameters on the release of miglitol in vitro from the CR pellets; (iii) to evaluate the mucoadhesion of pellets in the intestine ex vivo; (iv) to study the effect of formulation parameters on plasma GLP-1 levels; and (v) to find out the effect of formulations on postprandial glucose levels. The data obtained was analysed to find out whether there was a correlation between these different parameters. Four controlled release formulations (CR1, CR2, CR3 and CR4) of miglitol comprising of multilayered pellets were designed successfully. The CR4 formulation containing 30% of 20 cps of ethyl cellulose (the retarding layer of the formulation) displayed slowest release of miglitol in vitro in comparison to other formulations. We designed an ex vivo experimental setup for studying the mucoadhesion of the pellets in the lumen of the intestine. Results indicated that amongst all of the adherent pellets, 5% were found to be adhering in the duodenal region, 61% in the jejunum, 32% in the ileum and 2% in the colon. Two of the controlled release formulations CR1 and CR4 were evaluated in vivo in dogs. Both the formulations displayed significantly higher and more prolonged (greater AUC) levels of GLP-1 in comparison to either the placebo or the immediate release (IR) formulations. They even displayed a significantly better control of postprandial glucose in comparison to either placebo or IR formulations. However, a comparison between the two controlled release formulations (CR1 and CR4) revealed that the plasma GLP-1 (AUC by CR1=63.1+/-1.32 and CR4=66.2+/-0.82) and postprandial glucose values due to both the formulations were rather similar despite their differences in in vitro release as well as pharmacokinetic profiles (plasma miglitol AUC of CR1=16.17+/-4.11 and CR4=27.17+/-4.33).