cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FLUID ACCUMULATION AFTER CARDIOPULMONARY BYPASS WITH DEEP HYPOTHERMIA AND TOTAL CIRCULATORY ARREST

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with deep hypothermia and total circulatory arrest (DHTCA) is commonly used for total correction of congenital heart malformations in infants. One of the most striking sequelae of DHTCA is the large extravascular fluid accumulation. It is commonly believed that the youngest infants accumulate the most extravascular fluid, and that this accumulation may affect mortality. We asked whether age is indeed a predictive factor for extravascular fluid accumulation, and whether there were other predictive factors. We retrospectively studied 50 patients, age 1-334 days, 90.6 ± 82.0 (mean ± S.D.), who underwent DHTCA from July 1, 1984 to December 30, 1985. Variables examined were age at operation, preoperative, and immediate postoperative hematocrits, CPB time, DHTCA time, lowest nasopharyngeal and rectal temperatures, arterial blood gas base deficit immediately after bypass, the highest postoperative creatinine, and mortality. These variables were compared to maximum % weight gain (as an index of extravascular fluid accumulation). The maximum % weight gain was 1-38% (16.7 ± 9.0). None of the factors examined correlated with maximum % weight gain, and thus extravascular fluid accumulation. The mortality rate was 10%. We conclude that there are no predictive factors for extravascular fluid accumulation, and that it does not affect mortality.
A Study on Botnets Utilizing DNS

Botnets represent a major and formidable threat in modern computing, and security researchers are engaged in constant and escalating battle with the writers of such malware to detect and mitigate it. Current advanced malware behaviors include encryption of communications between the botmaster and the bot machines as well as various strategies for resilience and obfuscation. These techniques have taken full advantage of the infrastructure in place to support the increased connectivity between computers around the world. This includes updates and upgrades to DNS that have been leveraged to meet its increased utilization. In this paper, we analyze the current uses of DNS by botnet malware writers and operators and examine possible clues that network administrators and savvy computer users can utilize to identify and or mitigate the threat.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 173

Abstract The available experimental results for nuclei in the mass chain A = 173 are summarized. The evaluated data are compared with theory, where possible, and arguments for spin, parity, and Nilsson-state assignments are given. A probable discontinuity in the Nilsson ground-state systematics is noted for tantalum, consistent with strong beta transitions to a 1/2 − [521] configuration in 173 Hf. Similar decay properties were observed for 171 Ta (74HoHa).
Construction of a simple elimination scheme for a chordal comparability graph in linear time

We describe a linear-time algorithm to build a simple elimination scheme for a chordal comparability graph. This leads to a linear-time algorithm for the maximum matching problem on chordal comparability graphs.
Hemodynamic determinants of risk in pulmonary artery banding

Summary A classification of left to right shunts is presented based on pulmonary to systemic flow and resistance ratios as well as right ventricular and left ventricular systolic pressure ratios. The results of banding are poor when the ratio of pulmonary flow to systemic flow (Q P /Q S ) is less than 2.0. Banding may be detrimental when right ventricular systolic pressure is low. Patients at the lowest risk for banding are those with high right ventricular pressures and large shunts.
Reaction kinetics of α-CuInSe2 formation from an In2Se3/CuSe bilayer precursor film

The reaction pathway and kinetics of a-CuInSe2 formation from a glass/In2Se3/CuSe polycrystalline bilayer precursor film were investigated using time-resolved, in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction. Bilayer glass/In2Se3/CuSe precursor films were deposited on thin glass substrates in a migration enhanced molecular beam epitaxial deposition system. These films were then temperature ramp annealed or isothermally soaked while monitoring the phase evolution. The initial In2Se3 and CuSe reactant phases were directly transformed to a-CuInSe2 without any detectable intermediate phase. Kinetic parameters were estimated using the Avrami and parabolic diffusion controlled reaction models. The parabolic reaction model fitted the experimental data better than the Avrami model over the entire temperature range (230‐290 8C) of the set of isothermal experiments, with an estimated activation energy of 162 (G5) kJ/mol. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The regulation of body fat distribution and the modulation of insulin action

Body fat distribution may determine insulin resistance and its metabolic syndrome in humans, independent of obesity. Surgical removal of visceral fat (VF) in obese rats was associated with decreased leptin plasma levels and its gene expression in subcutaneous fat (SC). Chronic leptin treatment to rats decreased VF specifically supporting the role of leptin in determining fat distribution. Surgical removal of selected VF provided direct evidence of improved in vivo insulin action on hepatic glucose production (HGP) by over 2-fold vs sham-operated control. The impact of decreased VF on improved in vivo insulin action was further supported by obtaining similar decreases in VF by treating rats with leptin (Lep), beta3-aderenoreceptor agonist, or by severe caloric restriction (CR). All these three interventions improved insulin action on the modulation of HGP and were mostly attributed to preservation of hepatic glycogen stores. Because free fatty acids (FFA) plasma levels were unchanged, this effect may not be mediated portally by substrates. Improved peripheral insulin sensitivity and glycogen synthesis was demonstrated only in Lep. These data suggest that VF is a major determinant of hepatic insulin action. In obese rats, the ability of leptin to prevent visceral adiposity and its own expression is attenuated. Thus, the failure of leptin to regulate fat distribution and its own secretion suggest that 'leptin resistance' may be a pathologic feature in obesity.
The Promise and Pitfalls of Employer-Linked Job Training for Disadvantaged Workers

In the wake of welfare reform and the Workforce Investment Act, social workers are increasingly functioning as job brokers for their disadvantaged clients. Underemployment, unstable temporary employment, and limited advancement for less-skilled workers in the United States suggest a need for innovative workforce investment strategies. This article explores ethnographic data from one welfare-to-work program using employer-linked training in the context of emergent job brokering strategies in the broader employment and training industry. Employer-linked job preparation is found to enhance the organizational processes by focusing training activities and raising client morale. However, in the case presented, credentialing and job conditions limit the longevity of placements in the labor market. Policy and practice implications are discussed.
Profound stress-induced alterations in flurazepam's antiseizure efficacy can be attenuated

Abstract A new procedure is described for assessing the sensitivity of the benzodiazepine receptor in intact animals. This procedure measures the ability of benzodiazepines to antagonize electrically-induced seizures precipitated by incremental increases in voltage. This functional measure detected stress-induced alterations in benzodiazepine receptor sensitivity, an alteration shown previously with in vitro and in vivo receptor binding techniques. In contrast, mouse rotorod performance, which has been proposed as a behavioral measure of benzodiazepine receptor sensitivity did not show stress-induced alterations. The mechanism of these stress-induced alterations was explored using this incremental electroconvulsive shock procedure (IECS). A ‘GABA-negative’ benzodiazepine mimicked the effects of swim stress, whereas treatment of animals prior to swim stress with Ro 15–1788, a ‘GABA-neutral’ benzodiazepine, attenuated these stress-induced alterations. These data suggest both that these stress effects may be mediated by an endogenous ligand, and that Ro 15–1788 may have a novel indication as a prophylactic intervention for individuals at risk for exposure to severe and unusual stress.
Model for the metastable system of type (GaAs)1-x(Ge2)x.

A model is presented to explain the observed properties of the metastable alloy system of type (GaAs${)}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{x}}$(${\mathrm{Ge}}_{2}$${)}_{\mathrm{x}}$. It assumes only the observed short-range order and exhibits the critical composition ${x}_{c}$ below which long-range order exists. The value of ${x}_{c}$ in the model depends on the morphology of the kinetic growth. An analytic approximation is used to show the existence of ${x}_{c}$, the critical behavior of the correlation length, and the variation of the long-range order parameter S as a function of x.
Understanding Public Engagement: Conceptualizing and Measuring its Influence on Supportive Behavioral Intentions

The concept of public engagement has suffered from a lack of a clear theoretical definition and sound operationalization. This study conceptualized and operationalized public engagement at the individual level and tested the micro-model of public engagement in relation to key public relations concepts and supportive behavioral intentions. Further, the study tried to bring the affective component into public relations scholarship by introducing engagement as a behavioral motivator that elicits individual publics' supportive behaviors toward an organization. The results showed the proposed 13-item scale of public engagement was sound in reliability and validity and found support for the proposed model as well as the mediation of public engagement.
A new system of computer-aided diagnosis of skin lesions

The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate a new set of color features and their performance on the classification of skin lesions. The proposed system introduces new features based on 2-dimensional color histograms, an automated segmentation method using a fusion of thresholding methods, classification procedures and is designed to be used by dermatologists as a complete integrated dermatological analysis tool to improve the rate of correct diagnosis above 90%. Simulations are implemented to show the measured features as well as classification results. The outcomes showed that the CAD model discussed in this paper has an improved classification performance and is an objective diagnostic tool that can be used in medical practice.
Factors Influencing Brand Launch in a Global Marketplace

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that influence the launch of brands into new markets in a global environment. Although multiple streams of literature exist with respect to the entry of brands into new markets and the diffusion of new brands within and across markets, the process of launching products and brands globally over time has received relatively limited attention. To address this issue, this study incorporates multiple indicators of activities that can contribute to experiential learning relevant for launching brands in a global marketplace. Market uncertainty and experiential learning provide a conceptual foundation for the development of relevant hypotheses, which are tested in the context of the global automotive industry from 1981 to 2004. A discrete time event history analysis with time-varying independent variables is employed to estimate the effects of the independent variables on the probability of a brand being launched in a specific market. The global brand launch observations are extracted from a proprietary dataset containing the global dispersion of automotive brands including 22 countries of origin and 42 countries of brand entry. The sample yields 50,572 spells, derived from 99 companies, 173 brands, and 700 market entries. The results of this study contribute to the literature in a variety of ways. Market attractiveness positively influences the propensity of a brand to be launched into a new market. This supports the idea that potential demand conditions are an important managerial consideration in product introduction decisions. The results reveal significant effects with respect to the role of psychic distance and experiential learning. Brands are reluctant to launch into countries that are culturally and economically less similar to the home market. Yet firms tend to place a lower degree of emphasis on factors of cultural distance when launching brands into larger markets, and global experience enables companies to overcome the uncertainties associated with launching brands into international markets that are economically distant. The results also suggest that companies are more likely to introduce additional brands in markets where they already have a presence. Overall, global dispersion and geographic scope, coupled with local market knowledge facilitate the launch of brands globally. From a managerial perspective, this study suggests companies should focus on acquiring both local and global experience to facilitate the launch of products and brands in the global marketplace.
Natural vibrations of a clamped circular plate with rectilinear orthotropy by least-squares collocation

Abstract The natural frequencies and mode shapes of a clamped circular plate with rectilinear orthotropy are determined by a modified application of the interior collocation method. In this version of the collocation method, the number of collocation stations is greater than the number of approximation functions. A least-squares error fit is then used to generate the governing eigenvalue problem. Overcollocation has the benefit of minimizing the effect of poor choice of collocation stations to allow for better results consistent with the number and quality of approximation functions employed. Parametric studies are presented to illustrate the effect of orthotropy on the natural vibration data of the clamped circular plate.
Disruption of conditioned reward association by typical and atypical antipsychotics.

Abstract Antipsychotic drugs are broadly classified into typical and atypical compounds; they vary in their pharmacological profile however a common component is their antagonist effects at the D2 dopamine receptors (DRD2). Unfortunately, diminished DRD2 activation is generally thought to be associated with the severity of neuroleptic-induced anhedonia. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine and typical antipsychotic haloperidol in a paradigm that reflects the learned transfer of incentive motivational properties to previously neutral stimuli, namely autoshaping. In order to provide a dosing comparison to a therapeutically relevant endpoint, both drugs were tested against amphetamine-induced disruption of prepulse inhibition as well. In the autoshaping task, rats were exposed to repeated pairings of stimuli that were differentially predictive of reward delivery. Conditioned approach to the reward-predictive cue (sign-tracking) and to the reward (goal-tracking) increased during repeated pairings in the vehicle treated rats. Haloperidol and olanzapine completely abolished this behavior at relatively low doses (100 µg/kg). This same dose was the threshold dose for each drug to antagonize the sensorimotor gating deficits produced by amphetamine. At lower doses (3–30 µg/kg) both drugs produced a dose-dependent decrease in conditioned approach to the reward-predictive cue. There was no difference between drugs at this dose range which indicates that olanzapine disrupts autoshaping at a significantly lower proposed DRD2 receptor occupancy. Interestingly, neither drug disrupted conditioned approach to the reward at the same dose range that disrupted conditioned approach to the reward-predictive cue. Thus, haloperidol and olanzapine, at doses well below what is considered therapeutically relevant, disrupts the attribution of incentive motivational value to previously neutral cues. Drug effects on this dimension of reward processing are an important consideration in the development of future pharmacological treatments for schizophrenia.
Temperature dependent frequency spetrum of solid orthorhombic HCI

Abstract A calculation of the temperature dependence of the k = 0 frequency spectrum of solid orthorhombic HCI has been carried out within the context of the self-consistent phonon theory in the temperature range 0 K to the first order phase transition temperature of 98.4 K. A potential model due to Grout and Leech is used for the description of the crystal interactions. Although anharmonic effects are found to be important, no soft mode behavior near the 98.4 K phase transition temperature. Comparison is made with the available experimental data.
Photoelastic studies of ultrasonic waves in a large plate

This paper presents the results of a series of experiments which were conducted to study the feasibility of using the photoelastic method to observe ultrasonic waves in a large plate on quantitative basis. The frequency used was as high as 0.79 MHz. Due to inherent limitations of the power of the ultrasonic driving systems, very low fringe orders were produced. In order to analyze low-order fringes quantitatively, a dynamic compensating system was developed and used. The photoelastic fringes were recorded with the aid of the dynamic compensator by a still camera with a flashlight source synchronized with the oscillator pulses. The analysis of the photographic record was carried out with the aid of a microdensitometer. The photoelastic method is found to be feasible for observing ultrasonic waves in transparent media. The attenuation of stress waves was determined. The dynamic compensating system developed in this investigation was found to be satisfactory.
Interventions for promoting mobility in community-dwelling older adults.

Purpose: The purposes of this review were to provide an updated report of intervention studies designed to enhance mobility in older adults and discuss the strengths and limitations of existing intervention studies and their implications for practice. Data sources: Medline, CINAHL, and PsychInfo were searched to identify original research articles reporting interventions for promoting mobility in community-dwelling older adults. Conclusion: Effective interventions for enhancing mobility in older adults include walking, aerobic exercise, and resistance training focusing on strength, balance, and flexibility. Group-based interventions show significant beneficial effects in increasing mobility. To obtain significant effects of physical activity interventions, the patient should participate in the exercise programs for at least 12 weeks. Strengths of existing clinical trials for promoting mobility in older adults include testing of various types of physical activity and training interventions and the use of an experimental design with a control group. The major challenges of creating mobility enhancement recommendations for older adults include detailing a mobility enhancement program will delay disability, creating a specific program dose for different populations by gender and ethnicity, and developing culturally appropriate mobility enhancement programs to improve adherence over time. Implications for practice: Prescribing regular physical activity including aerobic exercise and resistance training in a primary care setting can be a beneficial approach to minimize progression of impaired mobility in older adults. The typical dose of the physical activity prescription is 20–60 min of aerobic activity three times weekly. Adherence to mobility enhancement recommendations by older patients can be followed up by in-person interview or use of mobility monitoring tools such as exercise diary or log.
High-pressure rheology of lubricants and limitations of the Reynolds equation

Abstract A review of high pressure rheology leads to the conclusion that the results from rheometers may be used to generate empirical rate equations which are useful in modelling elastohydrodynamic traction. However, an analytical treatment of piezoviscous liquids reveals that the Reynolds equation adequately captures the mechanics of the piezoviscous liquid only when the shear stress is much less than the reciprocal of the pressure viscosity coefficient. Otherwise the cross film pressure gradient may be significant and secondary flows result.
Cutaneous manifestations of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Background Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is a rare, rapidly progressive, and potentially fatal disorder of activated histiocytes. The initial clinical presentation commonly includes fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. Skin eruptions are described in up to 65% of patients. Information regarding the morphological features, configuration, and distribution of these eruptions is lacking and is typically reported as nonspecific and "maculopapular." The aim of this report is to better delineate the cutaneous manifestations of the disorder to assist in differentiating the process from other systemic diseases. Observation A case report of a neonate with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with generalized purpuric macules is described. The clinical features of 5 other patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, are summarized. Clinical images of 1 additional neonatal patient with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis are presented as well. These observations demonstrate the varied cutaneous manifestations of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: erythroderma, generalized purpuric macules and papules, and morbilliform eruptions. Conclusion Awareness of cutaneous involvement can assist in the initial diagnosis of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and potentially signify recurrences.
Bleomycin-induced lung disease in an animal model: correlation between computed tomography-determined abnormalities and lung function.

Rationale and Objectives. The authors evaluated whether specific types of computed tomographic (CT) abnormalities could be correlated with physiologic impairment in animals with bleomycin-induced lung injury. Methods. Lung injury was induced in 20 rabbits by means of intratracheal administration of bleomycin (3 U per kilogram of body weight), followed by 100% oxygen for 2 minutes. The animals underwent high-resolution CT scanning at 14 ( n = 4), 28 ( n = 6), or 56 ( n = 10) days after injury. CT morphometry was used to determine the extent of abnormal lung. Physiologic evaluation was performed before injury and before scanning. Results. The overall extent of abnormal lung and of parenchymal opacification on CT scans did not correlate with any physiologic variable. The extent of interstitial thickening correlated significantly with total lung capacity ( r = −.783, P = .0005), airway pressure at maximal lung volume ( r = .836, P = .0001), and alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient ( r = .613, P = .004). Conclusion. CT findings of interstitial thickening are associated with impaired gas exchange and lung stiffness in rabbits.
Ion acoustic parametric decay instability in a plasma with β > 1

Abstract It is found that in a plasma with β > 1 a finite amplitude ion acoustic wave is unstable and decays into two shear Alfven waves propagating in opposite directions. The threshold and growth rate of the instability are determined.
Crystal structure of allo-IleA2-insulin, an inactive chiral analogue: Implications for the mechanism of receptor binding

The crystal structure of an inactive chiral analogue of insulin containing nonstandard substitution allo-Ile A 2 is described at 2.0 A resolution. In native insulin, the invariant Ile A 2 side chain anchors the N-terminal α-helix of the A-chain to the hydrophobic core. The structure of the variant protein was determined by molecular replacement as a T 3 R 3 zinc hexamer. Whereas respective T- and R-state main-chain structures are similar to those of native insulin (main-chain root-mean-square deviations (RMSD) of 0.45 and 0.54 A, respectively), differences in core packing are observed near the variant side chain. The R-state core resembles that of the native R-state with a local inversion of A2 orientation (core side chain RMSD 0.75 A excluding A2); in the T-state, allo-Ile A 2 exhibits an altered conformation in association with the reorganization of the surrounding side chains (RMSD 0.98 A). Surprisingly, the core of the R-state is similar to that observed in solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of an engineered T-like monomer containing the same chiral substitution (allo-Ile A 2 -DKP-insulin; Xu, B., Hua, Q. X., Nakagawa, S. H., Jia, W., Chu, Y. C., Katsoyannis, P. G., and Weiss, M. A. (2002) J. Mol. Biol. 316, 435-441). Simulation of NOESY spectra based on crystallographic protomers enables the analysis of similarities and differences in solution. The different responses of the T- and R-state cores to chiral perturbation illustrates both their intrinsic plasticity and constraints imposed by hexamer assembly. Although variant T- and R-protomers retain nativelike protein surfaces, the receptor-binding activity of allo-Ile A 2 -insulin is low (2% relative to native insulin). This seeming paradox suggests that insulin undergoes a change in conformation to expose Ile A 2 at the hormone-receptor interface.
Extreme posture elevates corticosterone in a forced ambulation model of chronic stress in rats

The adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), corticosterone, and corticosterone-binding-globulin (CBG) levels in rats stressed chronically by a method designed to induce biomechanical stress were investigated in order to determine the relationship between degree of behavioral stress and evoked change in posture during forced ambulation and pituitary-adrenocortical hormone secretion. The method consists of forcing rats to ambulate and compares rats forced to ambulate in a normal (control group) and extreme (experimental) posture. In this method an extreme posture of relative extension was assumed by rats forced to ambulate inside a rotating cylinder. The numbers of faecal boli produced during forced ambulation were determined as a behavioral measure of stress. Rats forced to ambulate in cylinders produced more faecal boli while they ambulated than rats forced to ambulate on a flat surface. Rats forced to ambulate in cylinders had higher resting levels of corticosterone and lower levels of CBG than rats forced to ambulate on a flat surface. The higher corticosterone levels were not associated with increased ACTH levels. Because adaptation to forced ambulation resulted in higher corticosterone and lower CBG levels when exercise is performed in an extreme posture, it is suggested that extreme posture is stressful.
High‐Optical‐Quality Blends of Anionic Polymethine Salts and Polycarbonate with Enhanced Third‐Order Non‐linearities for Silicon‐Organic Hybrid Devices

A series of anionic polymethine dyes with different aromatic counterions are prepared to improve their compatibility as guests in an amorphous polycarbonate host. When they are used as the cladding material for silicon hybrid slot waveguides, four-wave mixing wavelength conversion and two-photon absorption-based optical-power modulation are observed. Such guest-host materials may be attractive candidates for all-optical signal-processing applications.
Cobalt based hybrid Fischer–Tropsch synthesis catalyst for improved selectivity of hydrocarbons in the JP-8 carbon number range from a synthesis gas obtained from the pyrolysis of the MixAlco process derived sludge

Abstract The synthesis gas produced from the pyrolysis of the MixAlco process [5] (which converts wastes into fuels and chemicals) has the composition of ∼45% H 2 /35% CO together with up to about 20% CH 4 . Recovery of the methane and application of steam reforming allows the adjustment of the H 2 :CO ratio to about 1.9 optimum for cobalt performance in an enhanced Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) process. The performance of a new hybrid catalyst Co-SiO 2 /Mo-Pd-Pt-HZSM-5 (with a metal–metal–acid functionality) was compared with that of a conventional Co-SiO 2 catalyst under the same thermodynamic condition of 10 atm and 250 °C. The specific surface areas of the two catalysts were characterized using the BET technique. The electron probe microanalyzer (with WDS and EDS capabilities) was then used to confirm the presence of the applied metals Co, Mo, Pd and Pt on the respective supports. The effect of pressure was then examined on the hybrid catalyst at the temperature of 250 °C and a higher pressure of 13.6 atm. At 10 atm and 250 °C, the conventional FTS catalyst produced fuels rich in hydrocarbons within the gasoline (C 4 –C 12 ) carbon number range. Hydrocarbons with carbon numbers within the JP-8 (C 8 –C 17 ) and to some extent diesel range (C 15 –C 25 ) were also produced. At the same condition the Co-SiO 2 -Mo-Pd-Pt/HZSM-5 catalyst increased the selectivity of JP-8 carbon number range hydrocarbons. When the hybrid catalyst Co-SiO 2 /Mo-Pd-Pt-HZSM-5 was examined at 13.6 atm and 250 °C, a further increase in the selectivity of JP-8 carbon number range hydrocarbons and to some extent diesel was observed. The relative amounts of olefins and n-paraffins decreased with the distribution shifting towards the production of more isomers. A fixed bed continuous flow catalytic system was used.
On the performance of on-line concurrent reinforcement learners

Multiagent Learning (MAL) is significantly complicated relative to Machine Learning (ML) by the fact that multiple learners render each other's environments non-stationary. While ML focuses on learning a fixed target function, MAL deals with learning a "moving target function". In contrast to classical Reinforcement Learning, MAL deals with an extra level of uncertainty in the form of the behaviors of the other learners in the domain. Existing learning methods provide guarantees about the performance of the learners only in the limit since a learner approaches its desired behavior asymptotically. There is little insight into how well or how poorly an on-line learner can perform while it is learning. This is the core problem studied in this thesis, resulting in the following contributions.
Racial Differences in Residential and Job Mobility: Evidence Concerning the Spatial Mismatch Hypothesis

Abstract The spatial mismatch hypothesis asserts that job decentralization adversely impacts the labor market outcomes of African Americans. This paper tests whether race and job access have an independent effect on the probability of a joint residential move and job change. No evidence is found to indicate that race directly influences the joint probability. The paper finds, however, that poor job access has an independent negative effect on the probability of a joint residential move and job change. Because African-American residences are heavily concentrated in American central cities, these results suggest that African-American workers may not be able to fully adjust as new jobs are created in the suburbs.
Relationship of gastric myoelectrical and cardiac parasympathetic activity to chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Objectives: We evaluated (a) whether pretreatment levels of gastric tachyarrhythmia, a dysrhythmic pattern of gastric myoelectrical activity, or cardiac parasympathetic activity are associated with the development of chemotherapy-induced nausea and (b) whether chemotherapy-induced nausea is preceded by an increase in gastric tachyarrhythmia and a decrease in cardiac parasympathetic activity, as has been observed during motion sickness. Methods: Electrogastrograms and estimates of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were obtained from cancer chemotherapy patients before treatment and for approximately 24 hours after treatment. Results: Higher levels of pretreatment gastric tachyarrhythmia were observed on chemotherapy sessions that were followed by posttreatment reports of nausea. Pretreatment levels of RSA, however, did not differ between chemotherapy treatments that were and were not followed by nausea. No statistically significant changes in gastric tachyarrhythmia or RSA were observed prior to first reports of nausea following chemotherapy. Conclusions: In contrast to motion sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea may not be related to an increase in dysrhythmic gastric myoelectrical activity; however, higher levels of pretreatment gastric tachyarrhythmia may be related to posttreatment reports of chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Mass transfer from spheres submerged in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids

Abstract Mass transfer from spheres immersed in Newtonian and power-law fluid flows in the high Reynolds number region is discussed using a modified penetration model. By defining appropriate characteristic velocity and length, the proposed model in which a velocity gradient at the transfer surface is taken account of can be used to evaluate the rate of mass transfer from a sphere in complicated practical flow situations. The proposed model compares reasonably well with previously reported experimental data and correlations for mass transfer from a sphere in a fluid flowing at uniform approach velocity, in a fixed or fluidised bed, and in a stirred tank. Futhermore, good agreement is found between the model and the available experimental data and correlation for mass transfer from a rotating sphere.
Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for determination of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel/NMDA receptor antagonist NGP1-01 in mouse serum

Abstract NGP1-01 (8-benzylamino-8,11-oxapentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane) is a heterocyclic cage compound with multifunctional calcium channel blocking activity that has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in several neurodegenerative models. A sensitive internal standard LC–MS/MS method was developed and validated to quantify NGP1-01 in mouse serum. The internal standard (IS) was 8-(2-phenylethylamino)-8,11-oxapentacyclo[5.4.0.02,6.03,10.05,9]undecane. Sample preparation involved a protein precipitation procedure by addition of acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was carried out on a Phenomenex Kinetex phenyl-hexyl column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 2.6 μm) employing a gradient (45% isocratic 3 min, 45–95% linear gradient 6 min, 95% isocratic 3 min) of an elution mobile phase of 5 mM ammonium acetate in 100% acetonitrile mixing with an application mobile phase of 5 mM ammonium acetate in 2% acetonitrile. Detection was achieved by a QTrap 5500 mass spectrometer (AB Sciex) employing electrospray ionization in the positive mode with multiple-reaction-monitoring (MRM) for NGP1-01 (m/z 266→91) and IS (m/z 280→105). The method validation was carried out in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. The method had a linear range of at least 0.5–50 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient 0.999. The intra-assay and inter-assay precisions (%CV) were equal to or within the range of 1.0–4.3% and the accuracies (% relative error) equal to or within −2.5% to 3.4%. The analyte was stable for at least 2 months at −20 °C, for at least 8 h at room temperature and for at least three freeze–thaw cycles. The extraction recovery was 94.9 to 105.0%, with a %CV ≤ 9.5%. The technique was found to be free of any matrix effects as determined by experiments involving five different lots of mouse serum. Cross-talk interferences were not present. Two different gradient slope chromatography runs were done on dosed mouse serum samples to assess a possible positive error in peak area determination from in-source fragmentation of metabolites generating the same MRM transitions as the parent drug or IS. No such interference was found in the NGP1-01 peak, while a minor interference was identified in the IS peak. The optimized method was applied to the measurement of NGP1-01 in serum of dosed mice.
Native insect herbivory limits population growth rate of a non-native thistle

The influence of native fauna on non-native plant population growth, size, and distribution is not well documented. Previous studies have shown that native insects associated with tall thistle (Cirsium altissimum) also feed on the leaves, stems, and flower heads of the Eurasian congener C. vulgare, thus limiting individual plant performance. In this study, we tested the effects of insect herbivores on the population growth rate of C. vulgare. We experimentally initiated invasions by adding seeds at four unoccupied grassland sites in eastern Nebraska, USA, and recorded plant establishment, survival, and reproduction. Cumulative foliage and floral herbivory reduced C. vulgare seedling density, and prevented almost any reproduction by C. vulgare in half the sites. The matrix model we constructed showed that this herbivory resulted in a reduction of the asymptotic population growth rate (λ), from an 88% annual increase to a 54% annual decline. These results provide strong support for the hypothesis that indigenous herbivores limit population invasion of this non-native plant species into otherwise suitable grassland habitat.
Muscle-derived stem/progenitor cell dysfunction in Zmpste24-deficient progeroid mice limits muscle regeneration.

Introduction Loss of adult stem cell function during aging contributes to impaired tissue regeneration. Here, we tested the aging-related decline in regeneration potential of adult stem cells residing in the skeletal muscle.
Psychological assessment as a therapeutic intervention in patients hospitalized with eating disorders.

As most psychologists are aware, there are many difficulties associated with the assessment and treatment of hospitalized individuals with eating disorders and their family members. Problems such as denial or minimizationof the eating disorder, lack of motivation for change, treatment resistance, and lack of insight are common, and techniques that can diminish or eliminate these challenges are sorely needed. This article describes the clinical utility of therapeutic assessment, which is a nontraditional, collaborative approach to psychological evaluation, as an early step in overcoming assessment and treatment difficulties encountered in this population. Case examples are provided to illustrate the assessment method as a brief intervention. Possible mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects are also discussed.
Isolation and characterization of new exon 11-associated N-terminal splice variants of the human mu opioid receptor gene.

Alternative splicing of the mu opioid receptor genes to create multiple mu receptor subtypes has been demonstrated in animals and humans. Previously, we identified a number of C-terminal variants in mice, rats and human, followed by several N-terminal variants associated with a new upstream exon in mice (exon 11). Behavioral studies in exon 11 knockout mice suggest an important role for the exon 11 variants in the analgesic actions of heroin and morphine-6β-glucuronide, but not morphine or methadone. We now have identified a homologous human exon 11 and three similar human exon 11-associated variants, suggesting conservation of exon 11 and its associated variants across species. hMOR-1i has an additional 93 amino acids at the tip of the N-terminus but is otherwise identical to hMOR-1. When expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the additional 93 amino acids in hMOR-1i had little effect on opioid binding, but significantly altered agonist-induced G-protein activation. hMOR-1G1 and hMOR-1G2 predicted six transmembrane domain variants, similar to those seen in mice. The regional expression of these exon 11-associated variants, as determined by RT-PCR, varied markedly, implying region-specific alternative splicing. The presence of exon 11-associated variants in humans raises questions regarding their potential role in heroin and morphine-6β-glucuronide actions in people as they do in mice.
Up-regulation of beta 2-adrenergic receptors in previously transplanted, denervated nonfailing human hearts.

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this study was to examine beta-adrenergic receptor signal transduction in denervated, previously transplanted human ventricular myocardium. Background . In model systems, surgical denervation typically results in both presynaptic and postsynaptic supersensitivity in beta-adrenergic receptor pathways and alteration in G protein-mediated signal transduction. Methods . We examined beta-adrenergic receptor signal transduction in the left and right ventricles removed from nine subjects with a previous transplant and surgical denervation 25 ± 4 months after their first transplantation. Twenty-six hearts removed from organ donors served as control hearts. Results . Total beta-adrenergic receptor density and stimulation of muscle contraction in isolated right ventricular trabeculae by the nonselective agonist isoproterenol were similar in the transplant and donor groups. Beta 1 -receptor density was not in the left ventricles of the two group but tended to be reduced (by 29%, p = 0.09) in transplant right ventricles. By contrast, beta h2 -receptor density was higher in transplant left and right ventricles relative to the respective values in donor ventricles by 33% in left ventricles and 97% in right ventricles (both p 2 -receptors, produced a greater increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate generation in membranes prepared from transplant left ventricles and right ventricles compared with donors. In contrast, guanosine 5′-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate, sodium fluoride and forskolin, which stimulate adenylyl cyclase through nonreceptor/G protein-sensitive mechanisms, yielded similar degress of adenylyl cyclase stimulation in the two group, and both pertussis toxin- and cholera toxin-catalyzed adenosine diphosphate ribosylation were not altered in transplanted left ventricles. Conclusions . These data indicate that the transplanted human heart exhibits an up-regulation of functional beta 2 adrenergic receptors.
Effectiveness of Advanced Illness Care Teams for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia

This study evaluated the effectiveness of advanced illness care teams (AICTs) for nursing home residents with advanced dementia. The AICTs used a holistic approach that focused on four domains: (1) medical, (2) meaningful activities, (3) psychological, and (4) behavioral. The authors recruited 118 residents in two nursing homes for this study and randomly assigned them to AICT or to usual care (UC). They assessed the participants before and after the completion of AICT or UC and found that as compared with UC, the AICTs were effective in reducing agitated behavior and pain but not depression. This is one of a few pioneering studies to examine the effectiveness of team care on the health and well-being of nursing home residents with advanced dementia. More research is needed about how to intervene effectively with this population and to overcome the methodological challenges associated with doing research on real-world clinical practice issues in busy and often understaffed nursing home settings.
Robust adaptive control using a universal approximator for SISO nonlinear systems

This paper deals with the robust adaptive control of a class of nonlinear systems in the presence of parametric uncertainties and dominant uncertain nonlinearities. The proposed controller utilizes the robust adaptive control to guarantee uniform boundedness and convergence of tracking errors. In addition, an adaptive fuzzy logic system is used as a universal approximator to reduce the model uncertainties coming from uncertain nonlinearities and to improve tracking performance. The approach does not require the matching condition imposed on control systems by using the backstepping design procedure, and provides boundedness of tracking errors under poor parameter adaptation. The method can be applied to a class of single-input single-output (SISO) nonlinear systems, transformable to a parametric-strict-feedback form.
Phase Transitions in a Uniaxial Ferromagnet

The phase transitions occurring in a uniaxial ferromagnet are studied for all temperatures up to the Curie temperature. The stability limits are obtained in the molecular-field approximation, and the critical dynamic behavior is discussed for a simple model taking spin-lattice relaxation effects into account. For fields applied in the easy direction and temperatures below some characteristic temperature ${T}_{1}l{T}_{C}$, and for fields applied in the hard direction and all temperatures $Tl{T}_{C}$, the instability occurs with respect to angular deviations of the magnetization from its equilibrium direction, the associated soft mode is a ferromagnetic resonance (or perpendicular relaxation) mode, and one obtains critical fluctuations of magnetization direction. The same holds approximately true for fields applied at an arbitrary angle and temperatures $Tl{T}_{1}$. For fields applied in the easy direction and temperatures in the interval ${T}_{1}lTl{T}_{C}$, the instability occurs with respect to deviations of magnetization magnitude, the associated soft mode is a parallel relaxation mode, and one obtains critical fluctuations of magnetization magnitude. The type of singularity of the static susceptibility and the behavior of the soft-mode frequencies at the stability limits are given for the different cases.
Quality of life in paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis: what is important to patients?

Background and aims Current research outcomes in paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) are directed towards histological improvement with no attention to health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The primary objective of this study was to identify key patient-reported and parent proxy outcome elements of EoE disease-specific HRQOL. Methods The research team comprised clinical allergists and gastroenterologists with expertise in paediatric EoE as well as two PhD psychologists with extensive experience in qualitative research. Focused interview techniques were adapted from the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0™ methodology and the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research. A semi-structured interview guide of open-ended questions was developed, and extensive review of audio-taped transcripts was performed. Results A total of 42 focus interviews were conducted. Child self-reports were obtained for patients in the 5–7, 8–12 and 13–18 years of age groups, and parent proxy reports were obtained in the 2–4, 5–7, 8–12 and 13–18 years of age groups. We discovered that patients and parents often had different concerns, illustrating unique aspects of EoE-specific HRQOL that were not captured in generic HRQOL instruments. Specific themes that emerged from these interviews included, but are not limited to: feelings of being different than family and peers, diet and medication adherence, difficulties with eating food and worry about symptoms and illness. Conclusion Paediatric EoE patient and parent proxy interviews revealed many EoE-specific aspects of HRQOL that are not captured in generic HRQOL instruments. Outcome measures that reflect patient- and parent proxy-reported HRQOL are a critical need in paediatric EoE.
InterRing: a visual interface for navigating and manipulating hierarchies

Radial, space-filling (RSF) techniques for hierarchy visualization have several advantages over traditional node-link diagrams, including the ability to use the display space efficiently while effectively conveying the hierarchy structure. Several RSF systems and tools have been developed to date, each with varying degrees of support for interactive operations such as selection and navigation. In this paper, we describe what we believe to be a complete set of desirable operations on hierarchical structures. We then present InterRing, an RSF hierarchy visualization system that supports a significantly more extensive set of these operations than prior systems. In particular, InterRing supports multifocus distortions, interactive hierarchy reconfiguration, and both semiautomated and manual selection. We show the power and utility of these and other operations, and describe our ongoing efforts to evaluate their effectiveness and usability.