cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polarization of near ultraviolet absorption and phosphorescence of aromatic ketones

Polarizations of the phosphorescence (T1 → S0) relative to the lowest π∗ ← n and π∗ ← π absorption have been investigated in acetophenone, benzophenone, and anthrone. The results indicate that the lowest triplet state is an (n, π∗) state, the lowest singlet state is a 1U state, and that the lowest (π, π∗) state can be described analogous to 1Lb state in aromatic hydrocarbons. The 1U ← 1A transition is allowed by the mixing of the 1U state with (π, π∗) states of A1 symmetry. In acetophenone and benzophenone the mixing of 1U with 1W also contributes to the 1U ← 1A transition probability.
Gypsum scaling and cleaning in forward osmosis: measurements and mechanisms.

This study investigates gypsum scaling and cleaning behavior in forward osmosis (FO). The results show that gypsum scaling in FO is almost fully reversible, with more than 96% recovery of permeate water flux following a water rinse without addition of chemical cleaning reagents. Parallel comparisons of fouling and cleaning were made between FO (without hydraulic pressure) and RO (under high hydraulic pressure) modes. The shape of the water flux decline curves during gypsum scaling is similar in the two modes, but the flux recovery in FO mode is higher than that in RO mode by about 10%. This behavior suggests that operating in FO mode may reduce the need for chemical cleaning. The role of membrane materials in controlling gypsum scaling and cleaning was investigated using cellulose acetate (CA) and polyamide (PA) membranes. Gypsum scaling of PA membranes causes more severe flux decline and is harder to clean than that of CA membranes. AFM force measurements were performed between a gypsum particle probe an...
The Prevalence and Risk Factors for Abnormal Liver Enzymes in HIV-Positive Patients without Hepatitis B or C Coinfections

Background Abnormal liver enzymes (LFTs) are frequently seen in HIV patients. Because HCV and HBV overshadow other possible variables, little is known about the prevalence and predictive factors of abnormal LFTs in the absence of viral hepatitis. Aims To determine the prevalence and factors associated with abnormal LFTs defined as >1.25 ULN. Methods A retrospective analysis of HIV clinic patients was performed. Variables were determined at the time of abnormal LFTs or by history and included diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, HCV and HBV status, metabolic syndrome (MS), and HAART use (NRTI, NNRTI, and PI). Results Patients without HCV/HBV (n = 679/1,208) were younger, Caucasian, had a BMI >30 and had dyslipidemia. The prevalences of elevated LFTs in those without HCV/HBV were AST 20%, ALT 15%, and ALP 43% compared to 64%, 46%, and 63% in those with HCV (all P < 0.0001), and 98% were mild-moderate (grade 1–2). While AST was highly correlated with ALT, neither was associated with increased ALP. In those without HCV/HBV, increased AST was associated with HTN, HIV RNA, and absence of PI use; increased ALT was associated with HTN, HIV RNA, CD4 < 200, MS, and absence of PI use, while increased ALP was associated with age, BMI, CD4%, DM, and NRTI use. Conclusions Mild-moderate increased liver enzymes are common in HIV patients without HCV/HBV and absence of PI use is independently associated with elevations in both AST and ALT, while features typical of hepatic steatosis (DM and BMI) are only associated with increased ALP.
The Influence of Competitive Positioning and Rivalry on Emerging Market Risk Assessment

Rating agencies play a pivotal role in international credit transactions. Their sovereign risk-assessments are largely thought to reflect objective evaluations of the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. We test this assumption by examining the role that competitive positioning and dynamics play in the risk-assessments these agencies provide. Our analyses of agency risk-assessments for emerging-market sovereign borrowers indicate that they are significantly related to agency positioning as an incumbent or insurgent (new entrant), to agency specialization in sovereigns from particular geographic regions, and in some instances, to the level of agency rivalry in a specific sovereign market. Our findings suggest both significant general and contingent links between foreign investment risk-assessment and competitive positioning and rivalry among agencies.
Something Old, Something New: Using Family History and Genetic Testing to Diagnose and Manage Athletes with Inherited Cardiovascular Disease

A primary objective of the preparticipation physical examination is to identify athletes at increased risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Review of an athlete's family history may identify those at risk for SCA. Genetic testing for inherited cardiovascular disease has emerged as a valuable addition to the repertoire of cardiologists facing the decision of clearing athletes with concerning clinical signs and/or family histories. Genetic testing may lead to various outcomes for an athlete including: reassurance, diagnosis in those with borderline clinical features, finding disease predisposition prior to the onset of clinical signs (ie, genotype-positive/phenotype-negative), or continued uncertainty.
Some Antecedents of Price Sensitivity

Consumer price sensitivity is important to marketing theory and practice because of its impact on profitability. This paper presents a model containing four important antecedents of price sensitivity. Previous studies show that enduring product involvement, consumer innovativeness, perceived brand parity, and attitudinal brand loyalty separately influence price sensitivity. This paper presents a model showing how these four antecedents interact. The model fits data from two separate samples of U.S. consumers (n= 156 and 305) and accounts for a substantial proportion of the variance in price sensitivity. Price sensitivity is positively related to perceived brand parity and negatively related to involvement, innovativeness, and loyalty. Innovativeness, brand parity, and brand loyalty appear to mediate the influence of involvement on price sensitivity, thereby partially explaining the psychological linkages between these distinct concepts.
Adenovirus-mediated FLT1-targeted proapoptotic gene therapy of human prostate cancer

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL/Apo2L) is of particular interest in the development of prostate carcinoma therapeutics as it preferentially induces apoptosis of tumor cells. To employ adenoviral vectors for highly efficient and specific TRAIL gene transfer into cancer cells could overcome some potential problems for recombinant TRAIL. The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor FLT-1 is involved in regulation of angiogenesis and tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis of prostate carcinoma. FLT-1 expression is observed in both tumor endothelial cells and prostate cancer cells. We developed an adenoviral vector encoding the TRAIL gene under control of the FLT1 promoter (AdFlt-TRAIL), which produced endothelial and prostate cancer cell death. The combination of ionizing radiation and adenovirus-driven TRAIL expression overcame human prostate cancer cell resistance to TRAIL. Furthermore, in vivo administration of AdFlt-TRAIL at the site of tumor growth in combination with radiation treatment produced significant suppression of the growth of DU145 human prostate tumor xenografts in athymic nude mice. Our results suggest that specific TRAIL delivery employing the FLT1 promoter can effectively inhibit tumor growth and demonstrate the advantage of combination radiotherapy and gene therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.
China's Hangzhou Public Bicycle: Understanding Early Adoption and Behavioral Response to Bikesharing

Over the past 20 years, China has experienced a steady decline in bicycle use. To address this trend, China's central and local government for urban transportation created Public Transit Priority to encourage public transport initiatives. As part of this effort, the government of the city of Hangzhou launched Hangzhou Public Bicycle in 2008. This service allows members to access a shared fleet of bicycles. As of March 2011, Hangzhou Public Bicycle operated 60,600 bicycles with 2,416 fixed stations in eight core districts. To understand factors leading to bikesharing adoption and barriers to adoption, the authors conducted an intercept survey in Hangzhou between January and March 2010. Two separate questionnaires were issued to bikesharing members and nonmembers to identify key differences and similarities between these groups. In total, 806 surveys were completed by 666 members and 140 nonmembers. The authors found that bikesharing was capturing modal share from bus transit, walking, autos, and taxis. App...
Work and Crime: The Effects of Labor Stratification

This article uses the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to test the hypothesis that young adults employed in what dual labor market theory describes as "secondary sector jobs" are more likely to engage in crime than those in more stable jobs. The results indicate that time out of the labor force is positively related to criminal involvement, and that when workers expect their current employment to be of longer duration, they are less likely to engage in crime. We also find that the interaction between the amount of time that workers spend out of the labor force and the labor market participation rate of the population in their county of residence is significantly related to criminality.
A novel model-gel-tissue assay analysis for comparing tumor elastic properties to collagen content

In previous work, a new assay was realized for determining soft-tissue mechanical properties. The method, named the model-gel-tissue (MGT) assay, couples material testing with a finite element model built from a micro-CT image acquisition of a gel-embedded tissue specimen to determine its mechanical properties. Given recent reports demonstrating that increased stromal collagen promotes mammary tumor initiation and proliferation, in this paper, the MGT assay is used to evaluate the modulus of murine mammary tumors and is subsequently correlated quantitatively to type I collagen content. In addition, preliminary testing of the assay sensitivity with respect to gel-volume to tissue-mass ratio is reported here. The results demonstrate a strong linear correlation between tumor mechanical properties and collagen content (R (2) = 0.9462). This result is important because mechanical stiffness as provided by the MGT assay is very similar to parameters under clinical investigation using elastographic imaging techniques. The sensitivity tests indicated that an approximate gel-volume to tissue-mass ratio threshold of 16.5 ml g(-1) is needed for successful analysis. This is an important result in that it presents guideline constraints for conducting this analysis.
The Journal of Advertising: Historical, Structural, and Brand Equity Considerations

In this article, I provide thoughts pertinent to my time as editor of the Journal of Advertising (JA). In this context, I offer recollections on the practice of editing JA almost 20 years ago, perspectives on the efficacy of replication research and literature reviews as components of what appears in JA, ideas on possible additions to JA's structure, and concluding thoughts on the importance of maintaining JA's brand equity.
Single-port urological surgery: single-center experience with the first 100 cases.

Objectives To present perioperative outcomes in an observational cohort of patients who underwent LaparoEndoscopic Single Site (LESS) surgery at a single academic center. Methods A prospective study was performed to evaluate patient outcomes after LESS urologic surgery. Demographic data including age, body mass index, operative time, estimated blood loss, operative indications, complications, and postoperative Visual Analog Pain Scale scores were accrued. Patients were followed postoperatively for evidence of adverse events. Results Between September 2007 and February 2009, 100 patients underwent LESS urologic surgery. Specifically, 74 patients underwent LESS renal surgery (cryoablation, 8; partial nephrectomy, 15; metastectomy, 1; renal biopsy, 1; simple nephrectomy, 7; radical nephrectomy, 6; cyst decortication, 2; nephroureterectomy, 7; donor nephrectomy, 19; and dismembered pyeloplasty, 8) and 26 patients underwent LESS pelvic surgery (varicocelectomy, 3; radical prostatectomy, 6; radical cystectomy, 3; sacral colpopexy, 13; and ureteral reimplant, 1). Mean patient age was 54 years. Mean body mass index was 26.2 kg/m 2 . Mean operative time was 199 minutes. Mean estimated blood loss was 136 mL. No intraoperative complications occurred. Six patients required conversion to standard laparoscopy. Mean length of hospitalization was 3 days. Mean Visual Analog Pain Scale score at discharge was 1.5/10. At a mean follow-up of 11 months, 9 Clavien Grade II (transfusion, 7; urinary tract infection, 1; deep vein thrombosis, 1) and 2 Clavien Grade IIIb (recto-urethral fistula, 1; angioembolization, 1) surgical complications occurred. Conclusions In our experience, LESS urologic surgery is feasible, offers improved cosmesis, and may offer decreased pain. Complications are consistent with the published data. Whether LESS urologic surgery is superior in comparison with standard laparoscopy is currently speculative.
Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques for patients with hemifacial spasm.

PurposeTo review the underlying causes, diagnostic issues, and treatment of hemifacial spasm, with emphasis on advanced MRI techniques.MethodsBrief technical note.ResultsHigh-resolution T1- and T2-weighted spin-echo and/or gradient echo imaging of the posterior fossa should be performed with the use
Molecular analysis in support of an investigation of a cluster of HIV-1-infected women.

An investigation of a possible single-source sexual transmission case was conducted in upstate New York in 1997–1998 (MMWR 1999;48:413–416). Of 42 primary female contacts with the putative male index case, 13 tested positive for HIV infection. Blood was available for DNA sequencing (C2V3C3 region of the env gene and the p17-coding region of gag) from 10 of the 13 women, 1 HIV-infected secondary contact, and 2 HIV-infected persons from the community, but not from the index case. Phylogenetic and distance analyses were performed with the inclusion of reference HIV subtype strains for both the env and gag gene regions, as well as the two regions combined. A high degree of relatedness was found among DNA sequences of the 10 primary contacts that excluded reference strains, the secondary contact, and the community HIV control subjects. In conclusion, phylogenetic analysis of HIV strains in an epidemiologic investigation is highly useful in support of cluster identification, even without sampling from the putat...
Hobnobbing with the Nonexistent

ABSTRACT Recent discussions of Geach sentences by Braun and Salmon are reprised. It is shown that the intractability of providing semantics for Geach sentences (using standard logical tools) is due to the assumption that quantifiers are ontologically committing. Representing the content of these statements is easy using neutral quantifiers. An important concern is consistent identity conditions for nonreferring terms. It may be thought that Meinongian-object approaches handle this better than Azzouni's no-objects-in-any-sense-at-all approach. This is shown to be false. How our truth-inducing practices determine truth values for empty-term statements is indicated—in particular, it is argued that our identification and distinguishing practices with “fictional entities” are parasitic on our practices with entities we take to be real. Examples from Austin—white dots on the horizon and specks—are among the test cases for the views developed here.
Moving species in ion-induced aluminide formation

The moving species in the thermal and ion-induced reaction between metals (Ni, Pt and V) and AI overlayers was investigated using evaporated markers and Rutherford backscattering. The marker was diluted with Al to minimize the barrier effect and embedded in a coevaporated Al-metal alloy with the composition corresponding to that of the initial phase formed thermally. The results showed that the crystalline phases formed in the reacted layer by thermal annealing and by ion mixing may differ, while Al moved dominantly in both processes.
A physically realistic approximate form for the redistribution function R(II-A)

An approximation is proposed to the redistribution function R(II-A) (coherent, isotropic scattering in the rest frame of the atom) which is fast to compute and attains much higher accuracy than previous approximations for the astrophysically important case of small Voigt parameters. Further, the new approximation permits the diffusion in frequency of wing photons ('Doppler drifting') which is lost in one of the widely-used versions of the R(II-A) approximation schemes: Kneer's normalization of the Jefferies-White formulation.
Effectiveness of the Easy-Up Handle in acute rehabilitation:

Objective: The ability to attain standing without assistance is important to independent functioning. The objectives of this study, therefore, were to: (1) determine the effectiveness of the Easy-Up Handle for enabling otherwise dependent patients to attain standing from an armless chair and (2) establish whether knee extension force played a role in such effectiveness.Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study and explicatory experiment.Setting: Acute rehabilitation unit.Subjects: A subset (n = 26) of 107 primarily elderly patients described in a previous study. The subjects were selected because of their inability to stand from an armless chair, even when using their upper limbs.Main measures: The ability to stand from the same chair when using an Easy-Up Handle. Hand-held dynamometer measures of the combined strength of the lower extremities.Results: Eight of 26 otherwise dependent patients were able to stand up independently with the Easy-Up Handle. Whether or not they were able to attain standing with...
Global software development at siemens: experience from nine projects

We report on the experiences of Siemens Corporation in nine globally-distributed software development projects. These projects represent a range of collaboration models, from co-development to outsourcing of components to outsourcing the software for an entire project. We report experience and lessons in issues of project management, division of labor, ongoing coordination of technical work, and communication. We include lessons learned, and conclude the paper with suggestions about important open research issues in this area.
Failure study of SnO 2 room temperature gas sensors fabricated on nanospike substrates

SnO 2 gas sensors were fabricated on polyurethane (PU) polymer surfaces with nanospike structures. These nanospikes are replicated with a low-cost soft nanolithography method from silicon nanospike surfaces formed by femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation. The hydrophobicity of the sensing surface was enhanced by a monolayer coating of silane (1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane, PFOTS). The resulting self-cleaning behavior enabled sensing in environments with high moisture and heavy particulate content, while performing cleaning-in-place operations to prolong the lifetime of the sensors. Failure studies were performed to quantify the effects on the sensitivity of water washing. Contact angle measurements showed that the hydrophobicity was weakened after many cycles of droplet washing due to wear of the PFOTS film and/or damage of the nanoscale spike structure. It was also found that the baseline signal increased with droplet washing, while the sensitivity changed randomly within about 7.5%, so that the sensitivity of the gas sensor remained at a constant level after several thousand cycles of water washing.
Impact of network and source time scales on feedback-based congestion control

In this study, the problem of multiplexing VBR and ABR traffic is considered. VBR is uncontrollable, while ABR is provided the remaining service capacity in a controllable fashion. While in a given state, the VBR source is supposed to transmit at a fixed rate; the VBR time scale is then defined in terms of the time constant associated with the rate of change of the rate of the VBR source. ABR sources are assumed to be at some distance from the multiplexing network node; the network speed defines the network time scale which determines the distance (in network slots) between the ABR sources and the node. Finally, the minimum tolerable ABR rate (or the speed at which the ABR source can generate data units to be cellized) define the source time scale. While it is known that the increased network transmission speed (decreased network time scale) reduces the effectiveness of feed-back based adaptive rate control mechanisms due to the increased bandwidth propagation delay product, the positive impact of the VBR and ABR time scales has not been considered in the past. In this work a tractable analytical model is considered and the impact of the three time scales is investigated.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Oxidation Behavior of Mo-Si-B Alloys in Wet Air

Multiphase composite alloys based on the Mo-Si-B system are candidate materials for ultra-high temperature applications. In non load-bearing uses such as thermal barrier coatings or heat exchangers in fossil fuel burners, these materials may be ideally suited. The present work investigated the effect of water vapor on the oxidation behavior of Mo-Si-B phase assemblages. Three alloys were studied: Alloy 1 = Mo{sub 5}Si{sub 3}B{sub x} (T1)- MoSi{sub 2}- MoB, Alloy 2 = T1- Mo{sub 5}SiB{sub 2} (T2)- Mo{sub 3}Si, and Alloy 3 = Mo- T2- Mo{sub 3}Si. Tests were conducted at 1000 and 1100C in controlled atmospheres of dry air and wet air nominally containing 18, 55, and 150 Torr H{sub 2}O. The initial mass loss of each alloy was approximately independent of the test temperature and moisture content of the atmosphere. The magnitude of these initial losses varied according to the Mo content of the alloys. All alloys formed a continuous, external silica scale that protected against further mass change after volatilization of the initially formed MoO{sub 3}. All alloys experienced a small steady state mass change, but the calculated rates cannot be quantitatively compared due to statistical uncertainty in the individual mass measurements. Of particular interest is thatmore » Alloy 3, which contains a significant volume fraction of Mo metal, formed a protective scale. All alloys formed varying amounts of subscale Mo and MoO{sub 2}. This implies that oxygen transport through the external silica scale has been significantly reduced. For all alloys, water vapor accelerated the growth of a multiphase interlayer at the silica scale/unoxidized alloy interface. This interlayer is likely composed of fine Mo and MoO{sub 2} that is dispersed within a thin silica matrix. Alloy 3 was particularly sensitive to water accelerated growth of this interlayer. At 1100 C, the scale thickness after 300 hours increased from about 20 mm in dry air to nearly 100 mm in wet air.« less
Effect of Lake Trout Size on Survival after a Single Sea Lamprey Attack

Abstract When lake trout Salvelinus namaycush were subjected to a single attack by a sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus in laboratory tests in 1986, percentage mortality was significantly higher in small fish (64%; 469–557 mm; N = 67) than in medium (44%; 559–643 mm; N = 45) or large fish (43%; 660–799 mm; N = 47). Additional studies conducted in 1987 with 55 medium (559–650 mm) and 52 large (660–825 mm) lake trout confirmed that there was no difference in mortality between the two larger size-groups. Mortality declined in lake trout over 559 mm, but was still greater than 43%. This level of mortality and the sea lampreys' apparently active selection of larger fish indicated that, contrary to previously published opinions, large size in lake trout (up to ∼800 mm in length) might not allow better survival from single sea lamprey attacks.
Ontology searching and browsing at the Rat Genome Database

The Rat Genome Database (RGD) is the premier repository of rat genomic and genetic data and currently houses over 40 000 rat gene records, as well as human and mouse orthologs, 1857 rat and 1912 human quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and 2347 rat strains. Biological information curated for these data objects includes disease associations, phenotypes, pathways, molecular functions, biological processes and cellular components. RGD uses more than a dozen different ontologies to standardize annotation information for genes, QTLs and strains. That means a lot of time can be spent searching and browsing ontologies for the appropriate terms needed both for curating and mining the data. RGD has upgraded its ontology term search to make it more versatile and more robust. A term search result is connected to a term browser so the user can fine-tune the search by viewing parent and children terms. Most publicly available term browsers display a hierarchical organization of terms in an expandable tree format. RGD has replaced its old tree browser format with a ‘driller’ type of browser that allows quicker drilling up and down through the term branches, which has been confirmed by testing. The RGD ontology report pages have also been upgraded. Expanded functionality allows more choice in how annotations are displayed and what subsets of annotations are displayed. The new ontology search, browser and report features have been designed to enhance both manual data curation and manual data extraction. Database URL: http://rgd.mcw.edu/rgdweb/ontology/search.html
Oil for food: the global food crisis and the Middle East

While much has been written about the impact of both oil wealth and water scarcity on the political economy of states in the Middle East, Oil for Food places food at the center of governments’ poli...
Bladder-sparing approaches to invasive disease

Although immediate radical cystectomy remains the standard of care for invasive bladder cancer, a large body of international experience from single institutions and cooperative groups has accumulated, suggesting favorable results with bladder-sparing approaches in appropriately selected patients. Modern selective bladder preservation with trimodality therapy, consisting of transurethral resection of the bladder tumor, radiation, and chemotherapy, can achieve complete response rates of 60–80%, 5-year survival rates of 50–60%, and survival rates with an intact bladder of 40–45%. Although no randomized comparisons between cystectomy and trimodality therapy exist, long-term data confirm that the 10-year overall and disease-specific survival rates for patients in bladder-sparing protocols are comparable to outcomes reported in contemporary cystectomy series. In addition, quality of life studies have demonstrated that the retained native bladder functions well. Thus, trimodality therapy with careful cystoscopic surveillance and with prompt cystectomy for invasive recurrences has emerged as a legitimate alternative to extirpative surgery. Future work will continue to optimize the bladder-sparing regimen while limiting toxicity.
Removing Noise in On-Line Search using Adaptive Batch Sizes

Stochastic (on-line) learning can be faster than batch learning. However, at late times, the learning rate must be annealed to remove the noise present in the stochastic weight updates. In this annealing phase, the convergence rate (in mean square) is at best proportional to 1/τ where τ is the number of input presentations. An alternative is to increase the batch size to remove the noise. In this paper we explore convergence for LMS using 1) small but fixed batch sizes and 2) an adaptive batch size. We show that the best adaptive batch schedule is exponential and has a rate of convergence which is the same as for annealing, Le., at best proportional to 1/τ.
Coping with variability in the coastal environment

The coastal region shows a high degree of environmental variability as the result of a complex series of interactions between oceanography, meteorology, the shallow ocean floor, the land topography, and man-made influences. A number of these processes are discussed to illustrate the range of spatial and temporal variability and the types of interactions that can occur in the coastal regime. Different measurement and prediction techniques for use in the coastal environment are discussed together with their relative advantages and disadvantages. Recommendations are made for how these different techniques can be more cost-effectively combined for monitoring the coastal environment. >
Fine structural observations of ruthenium red binding in developing and adult rat lung.

The ruthenium red staining technique of Luft ('71b) was utilized in an electron microscopic investigation of developing and adult rat lung. Electron-dense deposits of ruthenium red-positive material were observed on all exposed surfaces of the tissue block, regardless of the stage of development. In the more central areas of the block, sites of ruthenium red binding changed with age. In early prenatal lung (days 16 to 20) dense accumulations of ruthenium red-positive material were found in association with the basement membranes of endodermal epithelial cells. Ruthenium red binding was also observed between adjacent epithelial cells; however, their luminal surfaces were negative. The main intracellular site of ruthenium red binding in intact cells was the lamellar body of the developing type II pulmonary epithelial cells. By day 21 of development, accumulations of granular product were observed in association with most lamellar bodies, as well as on epithelial cell luminal surfaces. Ruthenium red binding in postnatal tissue decreases with increasing age. By the second postnatal week, the predominant site of binding is the luminal surface of the type I and type II pulmonary epithelial cells. When compared to fetal and early neonatal stages, adult rat lung has a still more limited distribution of ruthenium red-positive material. Changes in the distribution of ruthenium red-positive material correlate with numerous morphologic and biochemical events in rat lung development.
Dysphagia and weight loss in a middle-aged man

CLINICAL PRESENTATION: (Dr. J. Bini) A 48-year-old Hispanic man presented with a 4-year history of dysphagia and a 75-pound weight loss. He had been unable to tolerate solid food and described symptoms of regurgitation and aspiration. His medical history was significant 20 years of reflux symptoms. An upper gastrointestinal (UGI) barium swallow performed in January 2002 was consistent with achalasia, showing a “birdsbeak” filling defect in the distal esophagus (Fig. 1). The proximal esophagus was dilated, and only a minimal amount of barium was emptied into the stomach (Fig. 2). There were tertiary waves present in the esophagus and no mucosal defects; similar findings were seen on an UGI study in May 2003. In the past 2 years, he has undergone 2 unsuccessful endoscopic balloon dilations. He has a 30-pack/year history of tobacco use and occasional alcohol use. Review of systems was otherwise unremarkable. On physical examination, the patient appeared malnourished with a height of 5 10 and a weight of 115 pounds. His heart was regular, lungs were clear to auscultation, and abdominal and rectal examinations were benign. Laboratory studies included an albumin of 4.2 g/dl. The comprehensive metabolic and hematologic profiles were within the normal range. Upper endoscopic examination was consistent with achalasia, showing a diffusely dilated and fluid-filled esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter had a pinhole opening, but the scope was easily passed. A colonoscopy was negative. Manometry studies showed an increased lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure of 40 mm Hg associated with incomplete relaxation. Esophageal body peristalsis was nonexistent.
Surgical management of esophageal diverticulum: a review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database.

Abstract Background Esophageal diverticulum is rare in the United States. The mainstay treatment of symptomatic esophageal diverticulum is surgical correction. Much of the available information regarding esophageal diverticulum and its surgical management has been derived from small studies and institutional reviews. Our study objective was to investigate the demographics, perioperative conditions, and predictors of outcomes after surgical treatment of acquired esophageal diverticulum using a nationally representative database. Methods A retrospective review using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2000–2009 was performed for patients with acquired esophageal diverticulum. The patients were stratified into Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) or non-Zenker’s diverticulum (NZD) subgroups. The covariates retrieved included age, gender, ethnicity, insurance type, and Charlson comorbidity index. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the predictors of postoperative morbidity. Discharge-level weights were applied. Results Overall, a total of 4253 patients met our inclusion criteria, 3197 (75%) with ZD and 1056 (25%) with NZD. In the ZD group, the mean age was 73 ± 12.3 y, and most were men (55%) and white (67%). The mean length of stay was 5.82 ± 8.08 d, and the mortality rate was 1.2%. The most common complication was septicemia or sepsis (2.0%). The black patients had higher odds of postoperative morbidity than the white patients (odds ratio [OR] 2.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–5.17). The risk of overall postoperative morbidity was 52% greater for women (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01–2.29). An increasing Charlson comorbidity index was an independent predictor of morbidity. In the NZD group, the mean age was 69 ± 13.9 y, and most were also men (51%) and white (63%). The mean length of stay was 8.13 ± 10.56 d, and the mortality rate was 1.6%. The most common complication was air leak (3.1%). The black and Hispanic patients had higher odds of postoperative morbidity than the white patients (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.05–3.72 and OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.06–5.30, respectively). An increasing Charlson comorbidity index was an independent predictor of morbidity. Compared with laparoscopy, the risk of developing postoperative morbidity was higher with the thoracotomy procedure (OR 7.45, 95% CI 1.11–50.18). Conclusions Using a nationally representative database, our study found that female gender, black race, and the presence of comorbidities were associated with increased postoperative morbidity among patients with ZD. Among the patients with NZD, black and Hispanic patients had worse postoperative morbidity than the white patients, and the presence of comorbidities was associated with increased postoperative morbidity. Thoracotomy for the correction of NZD was associated with increased postoperative morbidity compared with the laparoscopic approach.
Metal Aerosol Formation in a Laboratory Swirl Flame Incinerator

Abstract Experiments were performed on an 82 kW (280,000 Btu/hr) refractory-lined horizontal tunnel combustor to examine the aerosol particle size distribution (PSD) produced by simulated nickel, cadmium, and lead wastes injected into an incineration environment. Metal constituents in the form of aqueous solutions of nickel, cadmium, and lead nitrates were introduced as secondary sprays within a swirl stabilized natural gas diffusion flame. Aerosol size distributions were measured at stack locations using a differential mobility particle sizer and a cascade impactor as functions of combustor temperature and waste chlorine content. Cadmium and lead produced emissions of submicron metal aerosols with mass mean diameters of approximately 0.2 μm. These submicron aerosol PSDs are consistent with a mechanism of metal vaporization followed by nucleation, condensation, and coagulation prior to sampling. Nickel also formed submicron particles, but the PSD was not generally consistent with a vaporization mechanism....
Improving treatment engagement and outcomes for cocaine-using methadone patients

A task-based behavioral contingency—the “treatment reinforcement plan” (TRP)—was implemented with cocaine-using methadone patients to increase treatment engagement and retention. Subjects (N=57) we...
Identification of N-Glycosylated Proteins from the Central Nervous System of Drosophila Melanogaster

Although the function of many glycoproteins in the nervous system of fruit flies is well understood, information about the glycosylation profile and glycan attachment sites for such proteins is scarce. In order to fill this gap and to facilitate the analysis of N-linked glycosylation in the nervous system, we have performed an extensive survey of membraneassociated glycoproteins and their N-glycosylation sites isolated from the adultDrosophila brain. Following subcellular fractionation and trypsin digestion, we used different lectin affinity chromatography steps to isolate N-glycosylated glycopeptides. We identified a total of 205 glycoproteins carrying N-linked glycans and revealed their 307 N-glycan attachment sites. The size of the resulting dataset furthermore allowed the statistical characterization of amino acid distribution around the N-linked glycosylation sites. Glycan profiles were analyzed separately for glycopeptides that were strongly and weakly bound to Concanavalin A (Con A), or that failed to bind Concanavalin A, but did bind to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA). High- or paucimannosidic glycans dominated each of the profiles, although the wheat germ agglutinin-bound glycan population was enriched in more extensively processed structures. A sialylated glycan structure was unambiguously detected in the wheat germ agglutinin-bound fraction. Despite the large amount of starting material, insufficient amount of glycopeptides was retained by the Wisteria floribunda (WFA) and Sambucus nigra columns to allow glycan or glycoprotein identification, providing further evidence that the vast majority of glycoproteins in the adult Drosophila brain carry primarily high-mannose, paucimannose, and hybrid glycans. The obtained results should facilitate future genetic and molecular approaches addressing the role of N-glycosylation in the central nervous system (CNS) of Drosophila.
Desensitization Contributes to the Synaptic Response of Gain-of-Function Mutants of the Muscle Nicotinic Receptor

Although the muscle nicotinic receptor (AChR) desensitizes almost completely in the steady presence of high concentrations of acetylcholine (ACh), it is well established that AChRs do not accumulate in desensitized states under normal physiological conditions of neurotransmitter release and clearance. Quantitative considerations in the framework of plausible kinetic schemes, however, lead us to predict that mutations that speed up channel opening, slow down channel closure, and/or slow down the dissociation of neurotransmitter (i.e., gain-of-function mutations) increase the extent to which AChRs desensitize upon ACh removal. In this paper, we confirm this prediction by applying high-frequency trains of brief (∼1 ms) ACh pulses to outside-out membrane patches expressing either lab-engineered or naturally occurring (disease-causing) gain-of-function mutants. Entry into desensitization was evident in our experiments as a frequency-dependent depression in the peak value of succesive macroscopic current responses, in a manner that is remarkably consistent with the theoretical expectation. We conclude that the comparatively small depression of the macroscopic currents observed upon repetitive stimulation of the wild-type AChR is due, not to desensitization being exceedingly slow but, rather, to the particular balance between gating, entry into desensitization, and ACh dissociation rate constants. Disruption of this fine balance by, for example, mutations can lead to enhanced desensitization even if the kinetics of entry into, and recovery from, desensitization themselves are not affected. It follows that accounting for the (usually overlooked) desensitization phenomenon is essential for the correct interpretation of mutagenesis-driven structure–function relationships and for the understanding of pathological synaptic transmission at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction.
SEISMIC ANALYSIS OF INTEGRAL ABUTMENT BRIDGES INCLUDING SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION

Integral abutment bridges are jointless bridges in which the deck is continuous and connected monolithically with the abutment walls supported typically by a single row of piles. Part of the research results from an ongoing project is presented in this paper, which focuses on the effects of two major parameters on the seismic behavior of an integral abutment bridge in Tennessee by considering soil-structure interaction around the piles and in back of the abutments: (1) clay stiffness (medium vs. hard) around the piles, and (2) level of compaction (loose vs. dense) of the abutment wall backfilling. Modal and nonlinear time history analyses were performed on a three dimensional detailed bridge model using the commercial software SAP2000, which clearly showed that (1) compacting the backfilling of the abutment wall will increase the bridge dominant longitudinal natural frequency considerably more than increasing the clay stiffness around the piles; (2) the maximum deflection and bending moment in the piles under seismic loading will happen at the pile-abutment interface; (3) under seismic loading, densely-compacted backfilling of the abutment wall is generally recommended since it will reduce the pile deflection, the abutment displacement, the moments in the steel girder, and particularly the pile moments; (4) under seismic loading, when the piles are located in firmer clay, although the pile deflection, the abutment displacement, and the maximum girder moment at the pier and the mid-span will decrease, the maximum pile moment and the maximum girder moment at the abutment will increase.
Body image, weight, and food choices of Latina women and their young children.

Abstract Objective To investigate body image perceptions of women about themselves and their young children and their relationship to their food choices and those of their children. Design Descriptive and correlational study. Participants and Setting 187 low-income, Latina women and their children, ages 5 to 7 years and 52% female, in New York City. Variables Measured Body image, food frequency, body mass index (BMI) of mothers and children, and food choice criteria of mothers for their children. Analysis Descriptive statistics and correlations. Results All of the women selected a relatively thin body image as the most desirable, attractive, fit, and healthy (about 2.5 on a scale of 1–7). Body size dissatisfaction or wish to be thinner was significantly associated with more healthful diets. Tertiles (thirds) of children at the 50th and 75th mean BMI-for-age percentiles were thought to be too thin to be attractive or healthy and the third of children with a mean above the 97th percentile only barely too large. Mothers with the highest body mass indices may make the least healthful choices for their children. Conclusion and Implications These Latina women preferred a thin figure for themselves but a plumper figure for their children. Culturally competent nutrition education incorporating body image issues needs to assist mothers in understanding the health consequences of childhood obesity, recognizing when their children are overweight, and understanding the importance of healthful food choices for their children.
An efficient approach to handling functional dependence loops

The traditional approach to handling functional dependence loops is based on Markov models, which are inefficient due to the well-known state space explosion problem. This paper proposes a new and efficient approach to handling functional dependence loops in the system reliability analysis. Based on the divide-and-conquer strategy, the approach transforms a system with functional dependence loops into subsystems without dependence or loops, which can then be solved using efficient combinatorial approaches. The proposed approach is applicable to analyzing complex systems with general component time-to-failure distributions. The basics and advantages of the proposed approach are illustrated through a detailed analysis of an example.
Field-Induced Quantum Interference in Semiconductor Quantum Wells for Lasing Without Population Inversion and Electromagnetically Induced Transparency

This paper presents the current results of field-induced quantum interference in semiconductor quantum wells. Three-level systems with two conduction subbands in single and double quantum wells coupled by a resonant field are studied. We investigate effects of the Coulomb and field-induced electronic renormalizations of the energy subbands and steady eigenstates of electrons. The random-phase and ladder approximations have been used to calculate the linear interband and intersubband optical absorptions and refractive indices. The effect of collective dipole moment on the nonlinear susceptibility has been incorporated into the study by using a local-field approach. Lasing without population inversion, electromagnetically induced transparency, and enhanced nonlinearity with reduced absorption inside the intersubband-coupled single quantum well and dc-field coupled double quantum wells are found.
J. M. Coetzee and the Idea of the Public Intellectual

J. M. Coetzee and the Idea of the Public Intellectual. ed. Jane Poyner. Athens, Ohio & Scotsville Ohio University Press and University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, ISBN: 978-0-8214-1687-7 and 978-1-86914-128-8 2006. 246pp.
The Positivist Study of Gender and International Relations

Up until about 2000, most of the work on gender and international relations (IR) was nonpositivist in nature. Since 2000, there has been a burst of positivist gender/IR scholarship, much of it quantitative. This work has addressed several important areas in IR, including terrorism, interstate war, human rights, civil war, violence against civilians, public opinion, international norms, globalization, and others. Much of this work has developed new data, advanced theory, and employed rigorous empirical methods. This article surveys this positivist scholarship. It discusses how positivist and nonpositivist gender/IR work complement each other. This article makes recommendations about directions for future scholarship on gender and IR.
THE INFLUENCE OF ACTIVITY CHOICE ON PROBLEM BEHAVIORS MAINTAINED BY ESCAPE VERSUS ATTENTION

This study assessed whether the function of an individual's problem behavior was related to the effectiveness of an intervention involving choice among tasks. Analogue functional analyses were conducted with 7 students with various diagnoses to determine whether problem behaviors were maintained by escape or attention. Following identification of the function of each student's problem behavior, reversal designs were used to assess the effectiveness of an intervention that allowed the students to choose their own instructional tasks. Results showed that students who displayed escape-maintained problem behavior showed substantial reductions in such behavior when they were provided with opportunities to choose among tasks. On the other hand, students who displayed attention-maintained problem behavior did not show any effects as a result of the choice intervention. These findings are discussed in terms of the effective use of behavior management programs involving choice and the reduction of problem behavior.