cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Race, death of a child, and mortality risk among aging parents in the United States.

Abstract The death of a child is a stressful and traumatic life event that has been linked to increased mortality risk among parents. Tragically, black parents are significantly more likely than white parents to lose a child in the United States; however, prior research has not addressed this racial disadvantage in relation to parents’ mortality risk. In this study, we focus on the racial context of the United States to suggest that black parents already face higher mortality rates compared to white parents, and the unequal burden of child death adds to their mortality risk. Using discrete-time event history models, we consider whether the death of a child by midlife is associated with increased mortality risk for black parents and for white parents in mid- to later-life using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 1996–2016). Descriptive results show that by midlife, black parents, especially black mothers, experience substantially higher child mortality compared with white parents. At the same time, we find that losing a child prior to midlife is associated with heightened mortality risk for aging black mothers and white mothers. Controlling for educational attainment explains the association between child death and parental mortality risk among white mothers, whereas heightened biopsychosocial and behavioral risk factors explain the association for black mothers. Overall, the death of a child is associated with increased mortality risk for black mothers and for white mothers, but the processes linking child death to parental mortality seem to differ for black and white parents. These findings have implications for policies and interventions that address increased mortality risk for parents following the death of a child.
Research Issues in Functional Assessment of the Challenging Behaviors of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

One of the more significant developments in the treatment of challenging behavior has been the development of techniques of functional assessment and intervention. Much research in this area and ma...
Constraining quasar host halo masses with the strength of nearby Lyman-alpha forest absorption

Using cosmological hydrodynamic simulations we measure the mean transmitted flux in the Lyman alpha forest for quasar sightlines that pass near a foreground quasar. We find that the trend of absorption with pixel-quasar separation distance can be fitted using a simple power law form including the usual correlation function parameters r_{0} and \gamma so that ( = \sum exp(-tau_eff*(1+(r/r_{0})^(-\gamma)))). From the simulations we find the relation between r_{0} and quasar mass and formulate this as a way to estimate quasar host dark matter halo masses, quantifying uncertainties due to cosmological and IGM parameters, and redshift errors. With this method, we examine data for ~3000 quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 3, assuming that the effect of ionizing radiation from quasars (the so-called transverse proximity effect) is unimportant (no evidence for it is seen in the data.) We find that the best fit host halo mass for SDSS quasars with mean redshift z=3 and absolute G band magnitude -27.5 is log10(M/M_sun) = 12.48^{+0.53}_{-0.89}. We also use the Lyman-Break Galaxy (LBG) and Lyman alpha forest data of Adelberger et al in a similar fashion to constrain the halo mass of LBGs to be log10(M/M_sun) = 11.13^{+0.39}_{-0.55}, a factor of ~20 lower than the bright quasars. In addition, we study the redshift distortions of the Lyman alpha forest around quasars, using the simulations. We use the quadrupole to monopole ratio of the quasar-Lyman alpha forest correlation function as a measure of the squashing effect. We find that this does not have a measurable dependence on halo mass, but may be useful for constraining cosmic geometry.
Fatigue monitoring techniques using wearable systems

Abstract Completing every task from tapping along to the sound of music to throwing a baseball requires a complex series of precisely coordinated physiological mechanisms. However, after strenuous or repetitive activities attempting to complete a task that was possible a short time ago results in failure, which is often referred to as fatigue. Fatigue can have serious impacts on living, such as increasing risks of falling in older adults to increasing injury risks in athletes. This chapter introduces: (i) the physiological mechanisms of contraction and fatigue, (ii) impacts of fatigue, (iii) available sensor technologies for fatigue monitoring, and (iv) the challenges/opportunities for further research within this space.
Assessment of Motion Loss in the Thrower's Shoulder

The overhead throwing motion is a complex movement which requires soft tissue flexibility and neuromuscular control to generate force from the legs and trunk and propel the ball forward. Repetitive motions and high levels of torque on the shoulder can compromise soft tissue balance and contribute to the high rate of shoulder injuries commonly seen in throwers. A thorough physical examination including inspection of the entire kinetic chain and total arc of shoulder motion is important in making an accurate diagnosis. Nonoperative treatment with a formal progressive rehabilitation program is typically effective in treating the thrower's shoulder. Occasionally, patients may require operative intervention for posterior inferior capsular release for refractory capsular contracture, and selective treatment of superior labrum tears or rotator cuff tears when nonoperative management has been exhausted. A decrease in a thrower's total arc of motion may be more detrimental than a loss of relative internal rotation.
Gas-phase dissociation pathways of Beta-2 agonists

Abstract Beta-2 agonists are widely used for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory conditions. These same drugs, however, may also be taken with the aim of gaining an unfair advantage in sports competition, thus they are controlled under anti-doping initiatives. While there are several analytical protocols relying on MS/MS to identify various molecules in this class, relatively little work has been done on unraveling the underlying gas-phase dissociation chemistry for this class of molecules. Here, we apply collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry (CID-MS) to a group of beta-2 agonists to explore characteristic dissociation pathways and we perform complementary density functional theory calculations to better understand the underlying chemistry and the associated theoretical thermodynamics. Common dissociation pathways include one or more losses of water, and cleavage at the amine nitrogen is common, sometimes with the observance of complementary charge-retention pairs. In the case of more complex molecules, additional losses are observed, which lend insights into their specific structures. These various pathways are discussed in detail for protonated isoetharine, salbutamol, formoterol, and salmeterol. The goal of this work is to contribute to a foundation of knowledge on the dissociation pathways of pharmaceuticals, especially those regulated as performance enhancing drugs.
Insights From the SmokeFree.gov Initiative Regarding the Use of Smoking Cessation Digital Platforms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Trends Analysis Study.

Background: Smoking is a plausible risk factor for COVID-19 progression and complications. Smoking cessation digital platforms transcend pandemic-driven social distancing and lockdown measures in terms of assisting smokers in their quit attempts. Objective: This study aims to examine trends in the number of visitors, followers, and subscribers on smoking cessation digital platforms from January to April 2020 and to compare these traffic data to those observed during the same 4-month period in 2019. The examination of prepandemic and postpandemic trends in smoking cessation digital platform traffic can reveal whether interest in smoking cessation among smokers is attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We obtained cross-sectional data from daily visitors on the SmokeFree website; the followers of six SmokeFree social media accounts; and subscribers to the SmokeFree SMS text messaging and mobile app interventions of the National Cancer Institute’s SmokeFree.gov initiative platforms, which are publicly available to US smokers. Average daily percentage changes (ADPCs) were used to measure trends for the entire 2020 and 2019 study periods, whereas daily percentage changes (DPCs) were used to measure trends for each time segment of change within each 4-month period. Data analysis was conducted in May and June 2020. Results: The number of new daily visitors on the SmokeFree website (between days 39 and 44: DPC=18.79%; 95% CI 5.16% to 34.19%) and subscribers to the adult-focused interventions QuitGuide (between days 11 and 62: DPC=1.11%; 95% CI 0.80% to 1.43%) and SmokeFreeTXT (between days 11 and 89: DPC=0.23%; 95% CI 0.004% to 0.47%) increased, but this was followed by declines in traffic. No comparable peaks were observed in 2019. The number of new daily subscribers to quitSTART (ie, the teen-focused intervention) trended downward in 2020 (ADPC=−1.02%; 95% CI −1.88% to −0.15%), whereas the overall trend in the number of subscribers in 2019 was insignificant (P=.07). The number of SmokeFree social media account followers steadily increased by <0.1% over the 4-month study periods in 2019 and 2020. Conclusions: Peaks in traffic on the SmokeFree website and adult-focused intervention platforms in 2020 could be attributed to an increased interest in smoking cessation among smokers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coordinated campaigns, especially those for adolescents, should emphasize the importance of smoking cessation as a preventive measure against SARS-CoV-2 infection and raise awareness of digital smoking cessation platforms to capitalize on smokers’ heightened interest during the pandemic.
Two routes to the same place: learning from quick closed-book essays versus open-book essays

Knowing when and how to most effectively use writing as a learning tool requires understanding the cognitive processes driving learning. Writing is a generative activity that often requires student...
Share or not? Effects of Stereotypes on Social Media Engagement Using the Stereotype Content Model

From a reader-experience and reader-engagement perspective, drawing upon stereotype content model and news engagement research, this study examined the impact of the stereotypes that the news chara...
Commodity markets intervention: Consequences of speculation, and informed trading

Abstract The Chinese regulatory authority's interventions into the futures market for steel during 2016 provide a rare opportunity to study the unintended consequences of interventions. Although hot rolled coil (HRC) and rebar are products with nearly identical components, their futures contracts trade separately. The regulatory authority intervened into the futures market for rebar but refrained from doing so for HRC. We document impacts of interventions measured by increased volatility, trading volume, and spreads in rebar markets. There is also evidence of informed trading in both markets, reflected by abnormally high trading volumes and low open interests occurring the day before the announcement of interventions.
Associations of natural variation in the CD163 and other candidate genes on host response of nursery pigs to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection

Pigs with complete resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus (PRRSV) have been produced by genetically knocking out the CD163 gene that encodes a receptor of the PRRSV for entry into macrophages. The objectives of this study were to evaluate associations of naturally occurring single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CD163 gene and in three other candidate genes (CD169, RGS16, and TRAF1) with host response to PRRSV-only infection and to PRRS vaccination and PRRSV/porcine circovirus 2b (PCV2b) coinfection. SNPs in the CD163 gene were not included on SNP genotyping panels that were used for previous genome-wide association analyses of these data. An additional objective was to identify the potential genetic interaction of variants at these four candidate genes with a mutation in the GBP5 gene that was previously identified to be associated with host response to PRRSV infection. Finally, the association of SNPs with expression level of the nearby gene was tested. Several SNPs in the CD163, CD169, and RGS16 genes were significantly associated with host response under PRRSV-only and/or PRRSV/PCV2b coinfection. The effects of all SNPs that were significant in the PRRSV-only infection trials depend on genetic background. The effects of some SNPs in the CD163, CD169, and RGS16 genes depend on genotype at the putative causative mutation in the GBP5 gene, which indicates a potential biological interaction of these genes with GBP5. In addition, genome-wide association results for the PRRSV-only infection trials revealed that SNPs located in the CDK5RAP2 or MEGF9 genes, near the TRAF1 gene, had suggestive effects on PRRS viral load, which indicates that these SNPs might contribute to PRRSV neuropathogenesis. In conclusion, natural genetic variants in the CD163, CD169, and RGS16 genes are associated with resistance to PRRSV and/or PCV2b infection and appear to interact with the resistance quantitative trait locus in the GBP5 gene. The identified SNPs can be used to select for increased natural resistance to PRRSV and/or PRRSV-PCV2b coinfection.
The Three-Dimensional Structure of Magnetic Reconnection in SSX

In plasma physics it is a commonly cited and often valid approximation that magnetic fieldlines are “frozen” to the plasma fluid. However, in certain situations in solar and astrophysics, as well as in fusion engineering, this approximation of “ideal magnetohydrodynamics” leaves out important physical processes. Large gradients in the field can arise, causing effects that were previously negligible to become significant, and allowing the fieldlines to slip through the plasma. Mysteriously, this “magnetic reconnection” effect appears to be much more significant than a back-of-theenvelope calculation would suggest. Reconnection is investigated in the Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment (SSX), a laboratory plasma device. The reconnecting field configuration in SSX is both largely reproducible and also more three-dimensionally complicated than in previous experiments elsewhere. The principle diagnostic discussed herein utilizes an array of small pick-up loops to measure the magnetic field. Use is made of a novel inexpensive highspeed multiplexing data acquisition system, which for the first time permits observations of a plasma’s complicated dynamics in all three dimensions and their variation from shot to shot. Custom visualization software has been developed to explore the complicated four-dimensional datasets. The magnetic probe exhibits an uncertainty of 2%, and it correctly reproduces the theoretical expected fields for simple known current geometries. The probe provides evidence that both a driven and a slower steady-state variety of reconnection do in fact occur in SSX, and several unique three-dimensional properties distinguish the plasma configuration from previous “two-dimensional” experiments. An unfortunate inherent curvature in the geometry prevents conclusive testing of a magnetic quadrupole phenomenon reported in recent computational studies of collisionless reconnection. Various higher-order terms in the generalized plasma Ohm’s law can be computed, suggesting that the J×B Hall force and the pressure gradient force may be the key phenomena in SSX among those neglected in ideal magnetohydrodynamics. Reconnection is correlated with the detection of high-energy ions emanating from the site of spheromak collision. Recent modifications to the SSX device to permit “full-merging” of the plasma have produced images of a more tempestuous and less controlled reconnection geometry, although the physical processes involved seem to be the same as those in the original configuration.
Residents and tourism: what is really at stake?

Abstract Stakeholder theory was utilized in this empirical study of resident attitudes toward tourism. Full time and part time residents differed in terms of their perceptions of what was at stake with regard to living in a popular tourist destination. Four stakeholder groups were identified with members identifying three types of stakes: equity, economic, and influencer.
Ranking function based on higher order statistics (RF-HOS)for two-sample microarray experiments

This paper proposes a novel ranking function, called RFHOS by incorporating higher order cumulants into the ranking function for finding differentially expressed genes. Traditional ranking functions assume a data distribution (e.g., Normal) and use only first two cumulants for statistical significance analysis. Ranking functions based on second order statistics are often inadequate in ranking small sampled data (e.g., Microarray data). Also, relatively small number of samples in the data makes it hard to estimate the parameters accurately causing inaccuracies in ranking of the genes. The proposed ranking function is based on higher order statistics (RFHOS) that account for both the amplitude and the phase information by incorporating the HOS. The incorporation of HOS deviates from implicit symmetry assumed for Gaussian distribution. In this paper the performance of the RFHOS is compared against other well known ranking functions designed for ranking the genes in two sample microarray experiments.
Temperature-Induced Derepression of Tryptophan Biosynthesis in a Tryptophanyl-Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Synthetase Mutant of Bacillus subtilis

A tryptophanyl-transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA) synthetase (l-tryptophan: tRNA ligase adenosine monophosphate, EC 6.1.1.2) mutant ( trpS1 ) of Bacillus subtilis is derepressed for enzymes of the tryptophan biosynthetic pathway at temperatures which reduce the growth rate but still allow exponential growth. Derepression of anthranilate synthase in a tryptophan-supplemented medium (50 μg/ml) is maximal at 36 C, and the differential rate of synthesis is 600- to 2,000-fold greater than that of the wild-type strain or trpS1 revertants. A study of the derepression pattern in the mutant and its revertants indicates that the 5-fluorotryptophan recognition site of the tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase is an integral part of the repression mechanism. Evidence for a second locus, unlinked to the trpS1 locus, which functions in the repression of tryptophan biosynthetic enzymes is presented.
Effect of oxathiapiprolin on asexual life stages of Phytophthora capsici and disease development on vegetables

Phytophthora blight caused by Phytophthora capsici is a serious disease in the production of peppers and other vegetables worldwide. Application of fungicides is an important component in developing effective disease management programmes. However, resistance in P. capsici populations to some commonly used fungicides has been documented. Identification of effective new fungicides with different mode of actions is highly desirable. This study was conducted to determine baseline sensitivity of P. capsici isolates to oxathiapiprolin, the first member of a new class of isoxazoline fungicides, and efficacy of this compound for reduction of Phytophthora blight on bell pepper. A collection of 126 P. capsici isolates were evaluated and all the isolates were sensitive to oxathiapiprolin. EC50 values of oxathiapiprolin in inhibiting mycelial growth, sporangium formation and zoospore germination of 25 selected isolates averaged 0.001, 0.0003 and 0.54 µg mL−1, respectively. It appeared that asexual life stages of P. capsici were more sensitive to oxathiapiprolin than other compounds used for control of oomycete pathogens. In field studies, oxathiapiprolin applied at different rates through drip irrigation tubes, or by soil drench plus foliar sprays, reduced Phytophthora blight and increased pepper yield significantly. This is the first report of the efficacy of oxathiapiprolin in suppression of P. capsici, which indicates that oxathiapiprolin is effective in inhibiting the pathogen and has the promise to be a viable option for managing Phytophthora blight in bell pepper production.
Sequence of human tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2): presence of a glucocorticoid response-like element composed of a GTT repeat and an intronic CCCCT repeat.

Abstract Abnormalities in serotonin levels have been implicated in a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of tryptophan, the precursor of serotonin. As such it is a potential major candidate gene in psychiatric genetics. The regulatory, intron, and exon regions of the human TDO2 gene have been sequenced. Twelve exons were identified. The amino acid sequence of the enzyme was 88% homologous to that of the rat. Compared to the rat, the regulatory region of the human TDO2 gene had an insertion of approximately 1064 bp of random DNA beginning at −293 bp and extending to −1357 bp. This displaced the glucocorticoid response element (GRE) occurring at −1174 bp in the rat to −1500 in the human. The proximal GRE at −419 in the rat was missing in the human. However, within the DNA insert there was a GRE-like microsatellite region containing multiple GTT repeats plus additional GT(n) sequences. This could produce several staggered regions of the sequence TGTTGTnnnTGTTGT similar to a GRE consensus sequence of TGTTCAnnnTGTTCT. The intron regions 5′ and 3′ to each exon were sequenced. This allowed each exon to be screened for mutations. This showed a His → Val mutation polymorphism in exon 7. Three introns, 1, 5, and 6, were completely sequenced and examined for polymorphisms. This identified two polymorphisms consisting of G → T and G → A mutations 2 bp apart in intron 6. The 3′ end of intron 5 showed an extensive CCCCT pentanucleotide repeat that was markedly polymorphic. These polymorphisms allow the TDO2 gene to be examined for a possible role in psychiatric disorders.
Magnetic resonance imaging in patients with recently implanted pacemakers.

Background Recent studies have shown that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with pacemakers can be safely performed under careful monitoring, but they excluded patients with recently implanted devices. Patients with recent implants may be at a greater risk for complications during MRI imaging due to lack of lead and wound maturity. Methods We implemented a clinical protocol for MRI imaging of patients with implanted cardiac devices, and prospectively collected data. For this study, we retrospectively analyzed two groups of patients: those with recently implanted (≤42 days) and nonrecently implanted (>42 days) leads at the time of MRI scanning. All devices were interrogated before and after scanning, and were reprogrammed during the scan as per protocol. Results Of the 219 scans (in 171 patients), eight included patients with recently implanted (range: 7–36 days) and 211 with only nonrecently implanted pacemaker leads. During the scan, there were no complications in the early or late group. In one patient imaged 79 days postimplant, frequent premature ventricular complexes were noted during the scan, requiring no action. No patient reported pain during or immediately after the procedure. No clinically significant changes in function were seen at subsequent follow up (average 104 days post-MRI). Compared to patients with nonrecently implanted leads, there was no difference in any parameter between the two groups. Conclusions With a strong clinical indication and with careful monitoring, MRI imaging is feasible in patients with recently implanted pacemakers, although experience is limited.
VERITAS Distant Laser Calibration and Atmospheric Monitoring

As a calibrated laser pulse propagates through the atmosphere, the intensity of the Rayleigh scattered light arriving at the VERITAS telescopes can be calculated precisely. This allows for absolute calibration of imaging atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes (IACT) to be simple and straightforward. In these proceedings, we present the comparison between laser data and simulation to estimate the light collection efficiencies of the VERITAS telescopes, and the analysis of multiple laser data sets taken in different months for atmospheric monitoring purpose.
Clientelismo político en Argentina:doble vida y negación colectiva

Based on ethnographical researches, this paper explores one of the least known aspects of political patronage: the points of view of those receiving the favors, i.e. the “clients”. The work emphasizes a particular aspect of patronage exchange, the distribution of goods in exchange for attending public acts of the Justicialista party in Buenos Aires. Special attention is given to the double life of patronage (in the objective exchange and the participants´ experiences) and to the collective denial of the exchange in which political leaders and clients take part.
Attention stabilizes the shared gain of V4 populations

Responses of sensory neurons represent stimulus information, but are also influenced by internal state. For example, when monkeys direct their attention to a visual stimulus, the response gain of specific subsets of neurons in visual cortex changes. Here, we develop a functional model of population activity to investigate the structure of this effect. We fit the model to the spiking activity of bilateral neural populations in area V4, recorded while the animal performed a stimulus discrimination task under spatial attention. The model reveals four separate time-varying shared modulatory signals, the dominant two of which each target task-relevant neurons in one hemisphere. In attention-directed conditions, the associated shared modulatory signal decreases in variance. This finding provides an interpretable and parsimonious explanation for previous observations that attention reduces variability and noise correlations of sensory neurons. Finally, the recovered modulatory signals reflect previous reward, and are predictive of subsequent choice behavior. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.08998.001
Pretransplant depression, antidepressant use, and outcomes of orthotopic liver transplantation

Depression is a common problem among patients awaiting organ transplantation, but little is known about the impact of depression and its treatment on the outcomes of liver transplantation. In this retrospective cohort analysis, we studied all patients over 18 years of age who underwent liver transplantation during a 5-year period (2004-2008) at a single center. Among 179 recipients, 65 patients had depression, as defined by a health care provider assessment, before transplantation. Depression was defined as past or active depression or an adjustment disorder. The associations between pretransplant depression and various outcomes (time to death, graft failure, first acute cellular rejection episode, first infection, and first rehospitalization) were assessed. In the entire sample, more patients with depression required posttransplant psychiatric care (37% versus 18%); the adjusted hazard ratio was 2.28 (1.27-4.11). The rates of other outcomes, including hospital readmission, acute cellular rejection, graft failure, mortality, and infection, were similar for patients with depression and patients without depression. Among those with depression, patients on antidepressants at the time of transplantation had acute cellular rejection less frequently than those not taking antidepressants (13% versus 40%); the adjusted hazard ratio was 0.14 (0.03-0.62). The rates of other outcomes were similar between these 2 groups. These data indicate that depression affects posttransplant psychiatric morbidity but not other medical outcomes of liver transplantation. Pharmacological treatment of depression may significantly reduce the incidence of acute cellular rejection in patients undergoing liver transplantation. However, future prospective studies of mental health and liver transplantation are required to definitively assess the effects of antidepressant medications on medical outcomes.
Effects of second-codon mutations on expression of the insulin-like growth factor-II-encoding gene in Escherichia coli.

Abstract Expression plasmids encoding random sequence mutant proteins of insulin-like growth factor II (IGFII) were constructed by cassette mutagenesis, to improve the efficiency of IGFII synthesis in Escherichia coli . A pool of oligodeoxyribonucleotide linkers containing random trinucleotide sequences were used to introduce second-codon substitutions into the gene encoding Met-Xaa-Trp-IGFII in expression vectors. E. coli RV308 cells transformed with these vectors synthesized IGFII at levels varying from 0–22% of total cell protein. This variable synthesis is a function of the random second-codon sequence and its corresponding amino acid, Xaa. Our data showed that mRNA stability, protein stability and translational efficiency all contributed to variable expression levels of Met-Xaa-Trp- IGFII in E. coli . Furthermore, an efficiently synthesized IGFII mutant protein, Met-His-Trp-IGFII, was converted to natural sequence IGFII by a simple oxidative cleavage reaction.
Evaluation of preoperative ibuprofen for postoperative pain after removal of third molars

An evaluation of the analgesic effects of preoperatively administered ibuprofen on prospective pain after the surgical removal of impacted third molar was undertaken in 100 patients in a double-blind parallel treatment trial. The pretreatment with ibuprofen delayed the mean time of onset of postoperative pain more than 100 minutes, as compared to pretreatment with placebo. The severity of pain initially experienced postoperatively was less in the pretreated group. There was no detectable interaction between the pretreatment and the analgesics administered postoperatively. The results of this study suggest that it is possible to delay the onset and lessen the severity of postoperative pain by preoperative administration of a nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory analgesic, such as ibuprofen.
The future of computers in financial institutions

Abstract An examination of the development of computer usage in financial institutions reveals two reasons for this use. First, the pressure of growth e.g. cheque clearing, where irrespective of cost justification, business volumes were growing at such a rate that it would have been impossible to exist without automation. Secondly, those uses which were cost justified, usually in saving labour but which were constrained in their implementation by the answers to the justification equation e.g. centralized accounting systems in banks and building societies. Only so much was implemented because the technology was relatively expensive. More recently, however, technology has advanced in power, complexity and price-performance terms to the point where the user is no longer constrained either by the capability of the system to carry out the task, or by the expense of the system in relation to the cost of the job as currently performed.
A trade execution model under a composite dynamic coherent risk measure

We investigate the trade execution problem where a risky asset must be sold before a deadline with a control on the transaction cost. The asset price is modeled as a discrete random walk perturbed by price impacts. We show that the optimal trading strategy minimizing a dynamic coherent risk of the transaction cost is time-consistent and deterministic. We obtain a closed-form expression for the optimal strategy and evaluate its numerical performance over real data.
Dermal suspension and parenchymal reshaping mastopexy after massive weight loss: statistical analysis with concomitant procedures from a prospective registry.

Background:An increasing number of women are presenting for mastopexy after massive weight loss. The authors analyzed data from a prospective registry of massive weight loss patients who underwent the dermal suspension and parenchymal reshaping mastopexy alone or with concomitant operations to asses
Characterization of the discriminative stimulus effects of centrally administered morphine in the rat.

The discriminative stimulus effects of centrally administered morphine were characterized in rats trained to discriminate 3.0 mg/kg SC morphine from saline in a two-choice discrete-trial avoidance paradigm. The intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of 0.3–10 μg morphine engendered morphine-appropriate responding, morphine administered ICV being nearly 1000 times as potent as morphine administered SC. Cannula implantation itself did not affect the sensitivity of the rats to the discriminative effects of morphine. The onset of the discriminative stimulus effects of ICV morphine was not immediate; stimulus generalization comparable to that produced by 3.0 mg/kg morphine occurred 30–60 min after the injection of 1.0 or 10 μg ICV morphine and persisted for 90 and 150 min, respectively. Naltrexone blocked the discriminative stimulus effects of 10 μg ICV morphine in a dose-related manner. Complete antagonism of the stimulus effects of this dose of morphine was obtained with 0.01–0.03 mg/kg SC naltrexone. When administered centrally, the relatively lipid insoluble naltrexone methobromide completely antagonized the discriminative effects of 3.0 mg/kg morphine at a median effective dose of 0.3 μg. In contrast, when injected systemically at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg (approximately 500 μg), naltrexone methobromide failed to block the discriminative stimulus effects of either 10 μg ICV morphine or the SC training dose. Thus, periventricular brain sites appear to be involved in mediating the discriminative stimulus effects of morphine in the rat.
Identification of Desirable Precursor Properties for Solution Precursor Plasma Spray

In solution precursor plasma spray chemical precursor solutions are injected into a standard plasma torch and the final material is formed and deposited in a single step. This process has several attractive features, including the ability to rapidly explore new compositions and to form amorphous and metastable phases from molecularly mixed precursors. Challenges include: (a) moderate deposition rates due to the need to evaporate the precursor solvent, (b) dealing on a case by case basis with precursor characteristics that influence the spray process (viscosity, endothermic and exothermic reactions, the sequence of physical states through which the precursor passes before attaining the final state, etc.). Desirable precursor properties were identified by comparing an effective precursor for yttria-stabilized zirconia with four less effective candidate precursors for MgO:Y2O3. The critical parameters identified were a lack of major endothermic events during precursor decomposition and highly dense resultant particles.
Myocardial perfusion and wall motion in infarction border zone: assessment by myocardial contrast echocardiography.

Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the decreased wall motion (WM) at the borders of myocardial infarction (MI). We used myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) to investigate the relation of perfusion to WM in infarcted border zones (BZs) 6 weeks after MI in 5 sheep. After quantifying the extent of WM abnormality and the perfusion defect, normal (NL), infarcted, and BZs were defined. Peak intensity after contrast was measured in acoustic units (AU). Radiolabeled microspheres were injected to measure regional blood flow. The heart was stained with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). The perfusion defect on MCE was 33% ± 7% of the total myocardial area and correlated well with TTC (r = 0.92, P < .03). The BZ was 8% ± 5% of the total myocardial area. Peak intensity after contrast was decreased in MI compared with BZ and NL (MI: 2.5 ± 1.9 AU, BZ: 8.0 ± 3.8 AU, P < .005; NL: 10.2 ± 6.9 AU, P < .02) and comparable in NL and BZ. The blood flow measured by microspheres was not different in NL and BZ but was decreased in MI (NL: 1.6 mL/g/min, BZ: 1.5 ± 0.5 mL/g/min, MI: 0.7 ± 0.5 mL/g/min; P < .0001). In this model of chronic ovine MI, the BZ was small and its perfusion was preserved. These findings support the hypothesis that tethering of normal myocardial segments explains the abnormal wall motion noted at the borders of MI. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2000;13:353-7.)
Transient pH changes during D-lactate oxidation by membrane vesicles

Abstract Membrane vesicles from Escherichia coli B/r were incubated anaerobically in the presence of 10 mM D-lactate. Addition of a small quantity of an air-saturated KC1 solution resulted in a rapid drop in pH followed by a gradual return to the original value. No pH changes were seen when anaerobic KC1 was added, or when air-saturated KC1 was added in the absence of D-lactate. Electron transport inhibitors and uncouplers attenuated the pH changes. The pH changes may result from the formation of a transmembrane hydrogen ion gradient during D-lactate oxidation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Thiophene-Containing Naphthalene Diimide n-Type Copolymers for OFET Applications

Naphthalene diimide (NDI) copolymers are attractive n-type materials for use in organic electronic devices. Four highly soluble NDI polymers are presented—each differing only in the thiophene content comprising the material. Electron mobilities as high as 0.076 cm2 V−1 s−1 for the novel material PNDI-3Th are reported. Polymer crystallinity and general macromolecular order are shown to effectively improve by increasing the number of thiophene units within the polymer backbone. The structure−property relationship of NDI−thiophene copolymers is presented and discussed as it pertains to organic field effect transistor (OFET) performance.
The effects of serotonergic and adrenergic receptor antagonists on prolactin release in the monkey

Abstract The influence of serotonergic and adrenergic antagonists on serum prolactin levels was studied in ketamine anesthetized monkeys. Methysergide, a serotonergic receptor blocker, at 0.035, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg body weight induced a rapid and transient increase in serum prolactin. Cyproheptadine, another serotonergic receptor blocker, at 0.05, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg induced a rapid and sustained increase in serum prolactin. SQ 10631, a third serotonergic receptor blocker, had a minimal effect on increasing basal prolactin levels even at doses as high as 10 mg/kg. Propranolol, a β adrenergic blocker, at a dose of 5 mg/kg induced a small sustained increase in serum prolactin, while a lower dose (1 mg/kg) had a slight but significant effect. Phentolamine, an α adrenergic receptor blocker, at a dose of 5 mg/kg induced a rapid and transient increase in plasma prolactin while a lower dose (1 mg/kg) had no effect. Phenoxybenzamine, a potent α adrenergic receptor blocker, had only a minimal effect on prolactin release even at doses of 3 and 5 mg/kg. It appears that the time course and extent of prolactin release differs among neural antagonists even within the same biogenic amine system.
Heat index and adjusted temperature as surrogates for wet bulb globe temperature to screen for occupational heat stress.

Ambient temperature and relative humidity are readily ava-ilable and thus tempting metrics for heat stress assessment. Two methods of using air temperature and relative humidity to create an index are Heat Index and Adjusted Temperature. The purposes of this article are: (1) to examine how well Heat Index and Adjusted Temperature estimated the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index, and (2) to suggest how Heat Index and Adjusted Temperature can be used to screen for heat stress level. Psychrometric relationships were used to estimate values of actual WBGT for conditions of air temperature, relative humidity, and radiant heat at an air speed of 0.5 m/s. A relationship between Heat Index [°F] and WBGT [°C] was described by WBGT = −0.0034 HI2 + 0.96 HI – 34. At lower Heat Index values, the equation estimated WBGTs that were ±2°C-WBGT around the actual value, and to about ±0.5°C-WBGT for Heat Index values > 100°F. A relationship between Adjusted Temperature [°F] and WBGT [°C] was described by WBGT = 0.45 Tad...
Sustainable housing applications and policies for low-income self-build and housing rehab

Abstract Recent years have seen an increased focus on the role of house construction and retrofitting within the broader agenda of sustainable development and climate change. To date this focus has largely targeted middle- and upper-income residential neighborhoods in urban areas. However, in the United States, and in middle developing countries such as Brazil and Mexico, there is growing recognition that urban sustainability will only gain traction if widespread applications are also incorporated into self-help and do-it-yourself housing construction and home improvements, especially those that address lower-income housing markets. Here we explore some of the potential ways in which contemporary sustainable housing applications may be integrated into the existing housing stock in low-income and informal settlements in the United States and in Latin America. We document the range of sustainable housing applications that are increasingly available in the U.S. as a baseline for discussion and evaluation of the potential application to lower-income segments of the housing market in both developed and developing countries. A heuristic model is presented to assess the extent to which policy makers, NGOs and low-income owner households may realistically participate in sustainable home building. Beyond physical development applications we close by emphasizing that sustainable housing agendas must adopt a holistic approach: one that embraces community and social organizational development, as well as fiscal and juridical policy dimensions.
Peptide-directed self-assembly of hydrogels.

This review focuses on the self-assembly of macromolecules mediated by the biorecognition of peptide/protein domains. Structures forming α-helices and β-sheets have been used to mediate self-assembly into hydrogels of peptides, reactive copolymers and peptide motifs, block copolymers, and graft copolymers. Structural factors governing the self-assembly of these molecules into precisely defined three-dimensional structures (hydrogels) are reviewed. The incorporation of peptide motifs into hybrid systems, composed of synthetic and natural macromolecules, enhances design opportunities for new biomaterials when compared to individual components.
Chemical Factors Associated with Environmental Assisted Cracking of Generic Gun Systems

Abstract : In the last five years, environmentally-assisted cracking (EAC) has resurfaced as a service life-limiting factor for some gun system designs. In these EAC-affected system designs. mechanical loading factors alone do not appear to explain this loss of service life; chemical factors are also implicated. Using standard interior ballistic and nonideal gas-wall thermochemical analyses, the effect of EAC chemical factors is evaluated for three diverse generic gun systems encompassing the spectrum of gun system types. This study indicates that hydrogen-assisted cracking is the type of EAC responsible for such service life limitation. Results show that these hydrogen-producing and embrittling chemical factors include a major effect due to the addition of lubricants, a minor effect due to pressure oscillations, a subtle effect due to gaseous water-wall reactions. another subtle effect due to wall material choice, and nearly no effect due to gaseous acid-wall reactions.
Therapy for infections due to anaerobic bacteria: an overview.

Several classes of antimicrobial agents (e.g., penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, chloramphenicol, and clindamycin) are useful in treatment of infections due to anaerobic bacteria. However, certain anaerobic bacteria have shown a striking resistance to antimicrobial agents. In vitro susceptibility tests are useful for selection of optimal therapy. The choice of agent depends, to some extent, on the organisms responsible for the infection. Bacteroides fragilis is the most commonly encountered anaerobe, and it is also the most resistant to antimicrobial agents. Other factors influencing the selection of therapy include pharmacologic characteristics, degree of bactericidal activity, and toxicity. Proper therapy for anaerobic infections often requires intensive antimicrobial therapy for a prolonged period. Surgical intervention, including drainage of abscesses and excision of necrotic tissue, is important.
ASGW Best Practice Guidelines: An Evaluation of the Duluth Model

Group work is often a preferred method of intervention when treating perpetrators of domestic violence. The Domestic Abuse Intervention Project Duluth Model is one of the most common treatment programs for men who have perpetrated domestic violence (Pence & Paymar, 2003), yet the intervention remains highly debated within the literature. This article reviews the status of the debate and offers an analysis of the Duluth Model through the lens of the Association for Specialists in Group Work Best Practice Guidelines (2008). In addition, this article provides suggestions for the use of group work methodology to enhance understanding related to the benefits and limitations of the Duluth Model.
Application of genetic technologies to rainbow trout

Abstract The genetic technolgies of chromosome set manipulation, analysis of DNA markers and gene transfer are being applied to rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) with current and potential benefits to breeding programs and genetic analysis. Triploid and tetraploid fish can be induced with simple heat or pressure treatments of fertilized eggs. Triploids have good viability and sterile triploid females can be useful in aquaculture and fish management programs. Tetraploids are less viable but can be used to generate triploids through crosses to diploids. Induced gynogencsis is useful for generating all-female populations, for gene-centromere mapping and for producing clonal lines and chromosomal mosaics. Induced androgenesis can be used to generate clonal lines and to recover strains from cryopreserved sperm, but often yields very poor survival. Numerous rainbow trout genes have been cloned for comparative evolutionary studies and will be useful DNA probes for analysis of polymorphisms. Mitochrondrial DNA and DNA fingerprint polymorphisms have been detected in populations. A detailed map of DNA markers will be valuable fur evolutionary studies and breeding programs; the tetraploid ancestry of salmonids is likely to lead to interesting patterns in the map. Gene transfer is being applied to rainbow trout and appears likely to be successful for transferring useful traits into the genome. Sets of recombinant clonal lines would facilitate mapping of fish genomes. Sterile triploids may be used to ease concerns about possible escapes of transgenic fish into the wild.
Effect of a specific dopaminergic blocking agent, pimozide, on hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing-factor activity in rats: clinical correlates.

L'administration du pimozide, un bloqueur specifiquement dopaminergique, a des rats intacts et hypophysectomises, a pour resultats une augmentation du CRF hypothalamique, une diminution concomitante du poids pituitaire ainsi qu'une reaction reduite a l'≪ether stress≫. Ces donnees indiquent l'existence d'une mecanisme dopaminergique dans le controle de liberation du MECRF.