cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
La relation entre le nioveau deu salaire perçu et les transitions d'emploi á emploi en France: une remise en cause des modéles de recherche d'emploi?

La theorie de la recherche d'emploi a fait l'objet d'un important renouveau sous l'impulsion de Burdett et Mortensen (1998), qui ont mis en evidence que le comportement de recherche sur le tas des employes affecte la concurrence qui s'exerce, via les salaires, entre les firmes. L'equilibre est alors caracterise par une dispersion des salaires, y compris en l'absence d'heterogeneite tant du point de vue des travailleurs que des firmes. Bowlus et Neumann (2004) se sont recemment interroges sur la pertinence empirique de ce cadre au vu de la relation entre le niveau du salaire percu et la mobilite d'emploi a emploi. Theoriquement, la frequence des transitions d'emploi a emploi diminue avec le niveau du salaire du travailleur, la probabilite d'obtenir une offre financierement interessante etant plus faible quand la remuneration est plus elevee. Bowlus et Neumann montrent pourtant que cette relation apparait, a l'observation, ambigue voire croissante aux Etats-Unis. Or, sur des donnees francaises issues de l'enquete Emploi, une relation statistique ambigue entre le niveau du salaire percu par un employe et sa probabilite de transition vers un autre emploi apparait egalement, en lieu de la relation decroissante predite par la theorie. Nous montrons que cette ambiguite pourrait renvoyer a un effet de composition agrege qui disparait quand une desagregation par categorie socioprofessionnelle est effectuee, et aussi a une typologie particuliere de mobilites professionnelles : des promotions au sens de transitions accompagnees d'une montee dans l'echelle des categories socioprofessionnelles. L'estimation par CSP que nous proposons du modele canonique de recherche d'emploi (a partir d'une methode de moments simules) apparait en mesure de rendre compte de la relation observee entre le salaire percu et la probabilite de mobilite professionnelle, des lors que sont exclusivement considerees des mobilites n'entrainant pas de promotion ni de perte de salaire
Animal Models of Depression: Molecular Perspectives

Much of the current understanding about the pathogenesis of altered mood, impaired concentration and neurovegetative symptoms in major depression has come from animal models. However, because of the unique and complex features of human depression, the generation of valid and insightful depression models has been less straightforward than modeling other disabling diseases like cancer or autoimmune conditions. Today’s popular depression models creatively merge ethologically valid behavioral assays with the latest technological advances in molecular biology and automated video-tracking. This chapter reviews depression assays involving acute stress (e.g., forced swim test), models consisting of prolonged physical or social stress (e.g., social defeat), models of secondary depression, genetic models, and experiments designed to elucidate the mechanisms of antidepressant action. These paradigms are critically evaluated in relation to their ease, validity and replicability, the molecular insights that they have provided, and their capacity to offer the next generation of therapeutics for depression.
DNA-protein interaction at the replication origins of plasmid chromosomes.

Novel techniques have been developed to purify replication initiator proteins of the plasmids R6K and pSC101. The techniques consist of tagging the initiator cistrons at the C-terminus with β-galactosidase-encoding DNA of Escherichia coli in the correct translational phase. The hybrid proteins are then rapidly purified by adsorption to and elution from a β-galactosidase-specific affinity column. Two procedures have been devised to isolate the nonfused initiator proteins using the fused protein as a handle. The first procedure, called subunit association chromatography, exploits the association of a monomer of nontagged protein with that of β-galactosidase-tagged protein in isolating both types of proteins by β-galactosidase specific affinity column chromatography. The second procedure involves the fusion of the initiator protein to β-galactosidase via a specific linker DNA. The linker DNA encodes a protein which is readily and specifically hydrolyzed by a sequence specific protease, thus releasing the initiator protein from β-galactosidase. Using purified or partially purified initiator protein, we have demonstrated that the R6K encoded initiator protein (Pi protein) binds to a consensus 22 bp sequence at 2 regions of the plasmid chromosome. The pSC101-encoded initiator protein binds to sequences at or near the plasmid replication origin. At low concentrations the protein binds to a nucleation site and upon raising the concentrations of the protein binding is promoted at 4 adjacent sequences that have partial homologies with the nucleation sequence. Deletion of the binding site leads to a nonfunctional replication origin.
Metabolism: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Spectroscopic Imaging

This chapter addresses the changes that occur in nuclear magnetic resonance-visible metabolites during ischemia. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) has the advantage over conventional analytical biochemical techniques that it is a noninvasive technique, so that repetitive serial measurements can be made in the same animal, allowing the time course of ischemic changes to be mapped. If the duration and severity of ischemia is short enough, then most of the metabolic alterations are reversible and establishment of reperfusion results in complete restoration of normal metabolite levels and function. If ischemia continues, irreversible changes occur and the tissue progresses to neuronal loss and eventual infarction. Proton spectroscopic imaging (SI) may well find a role as an adjunctive diagnostic technique to use when other imaging methodologies are negative, ambiguous, or contradictory. Proton SI may be more sensitive than conventional MRI in detecting infarcts and neuronal loss in the subacute and chronic stages of stroke. Proton SI is useful in evaluating eventual outcome in patients who are enrolled in the increasing number of experimental trials of stroke therapeutics. Clinical application of MRS and SI depends on continued development of spectroscopy techniques, the use of standardized protocols for data collection and analysis, and the widespread distribution of these tools and training of clinicians in terms of interpretation.
Pion decoupling and SU(2){sub L}xSU(2){sub R} restoration in the hadron spectrum

We clarify the relationship between $SU(2{)}_{L}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}SU(2{)}_{R}$ restoration in the hadron spectrum, parity doubling, and pion-hadron couplings.
Audio Visual Materials: Teaching Health through Audio-Visual Materials

(1955). Audio Visual Materials. Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation: Vol. 26, No. 5, pp. 56-57.
Determining Redox Potentials of the Iron-Sulfur Clusters of the AdoMet Radical Enzyme Superfamily.

Abstract While protein film electrochemistry (PFE) has proven to be an effective tool in the interrogation of redox cofactors and assessing the electrocatalytic activity of many different enzymes, recently it has been proven to be useful for the study of the redox potentials of the cofactors of AdoMet radical enzymes (AREs). In this chapter, we review the challenges and opportunities of examining the redox cofactors of AREs in a high level of detail, particularly for the deconvolution of redox potentials of multiple cofactors. We comment on how to best assess the electroactive nature of any given ARE, and we see that when applied well, PFE allows for not only determining redox potentials, but also determining proton-coupling and ligand-binding phenomena in the ARE superfamily.
A prospective randomized study of hydroxyethyl starch, albumin, and lactated Ringer's solution as priming fluid for cardiopulmonary bypass.

The ideal priming fluid for cardiopulmonary bypass is not known. We designed a study to determine whether there are important differences in the clinical effects of hydroxyethyl starch versus albumin when used in priming fluid, and in the clinical effects of colloid versus crystalloid priming fluid. We prospectively randomized 83 adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass or valve replacement. All patients were managed by standardized protocol, and they received one of three priming fluids for bypass: hydroxyethyl starch (HES), 26 patients; albumin (ALB), 28 patients, and lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS), 29 patients. The groups were stratified by body weight and type of operation. We measured 41 variables relating to operative time factors, fluid balance, bleeding, and organ function (renal, cardiac, and pulmonary) at several time intervals. The LRS group had a significantly lower colloid osmotic pressure than the other two groups, and the HES group had a substantially higher blood viscosity. Although the prothrombin time was significantly lower in the LRS group (p
Environmental Degradation of High-Temperature Protective Coatings for Ceramic-Matrix Composites in Gas-Turbine Engines

The need for higher efficiencies and performance in gas-turbine engines that propel aircraft in the air, and generate electricity on land, is pushing the operating temperatures of the engines to unprecedented levels. Replacing some of the current hot-section metallic components with ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) is making that possible. A high-temperature ceramic coatings system, that includes environmental-barrier coatings (EBCs), are needed to protect CMCs. However, these coatings undergo degradation in the highly hostile environment of the gas-turbine engine consisting of a combination of high gas temperatures, pressures, and velocities. In addition, there is the ubiquitous presence of steam (a combustion by-product) and occasional ingestion of calcia-magnesia-aluminosilicates (CMASs) in the form of dust, sand, or ash from the environment. Steam can cause corrosion of EBCs, and the molten CMAS deposits can react with the EBCs resulting in their failure. This article provides a perspective on the understanding of these degradation mechanisms, and possible approaches, guided by that understanding, for mitigating the degradation. An outlook on the future challenges and opportunities is presented.
Fermentation and chemical composition of high‐moisture lucerne leaf and stem silages harvested at different stages of development using a leaf stripper

Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) requires four or more cuttings at early bud stage per growing season to optimize the amount of crude protein and digestible fibre for feeding high‐producing dairy cows. However, there is potential to generate a nutrient‐dense feed from lucerne regardless of developmental stage by harvesting its protein‐rich leaves separate from its fibrous stems. In order to determine whether fractionated lucerne can be effectively ensiled under high‐moisture conditions and be nutritionally competitive with wilted whole‐plant silage, leaf and stem fractions, harvested at three developmental stages (early bud, 10%–20% bloom and >50% bloom), were directly ensiled in mini‐silos. At day 0, 1, 3, 21 and 140 of ensiling, silages were analysed for protein and non‐protein nitrogen fractions as well as their fermentation products and carbohydrate composition. Silages from unwilted leaves and stems were more heterofermentative than wilted whole‐plant silages; their fermentation shifted from primarily lactic acid to acetic acid production after 21 days. In leaf silages, the high degree of protein degradation into non‐protein nitrogen (~55%) was most likely due to fermentation quality. Nevertheless, at 140 days of ensiling, leaf silages had 21%–25% higher (p < 0.01) available protein (peptide amino acids, soluble and insoluble protein) content than wilted whole‐plant silages, regardless of developmental stage. Achievement of a more rapid pH decline and improved fractionation may further increase the nutritional value of leaf silages.
The Lived Experience of Homeless Mothers’ Participation in an OT Leisure Craft Group

Date Presented 04/05/19 This phenomenological, qualitative pilot study aimed to gain insight into the lived experience of homeless mothers participating in leisure craft groups. Information was obtained using semistructured interviews that sought to explore the meaning derived from attendance. Informants from the study echoed content from literature regarding benefits of leisure participation. This research supports the application of occupational justice by expanding services to an underserved population. Primary Author and Speaker: Winifred Schultz-Krohn Additional Authors and Speakers: Rachel Bishop, Kacie Conn, Kaylene de Bord, Darla Gary, Samantha Santos
Re-evolution of Durum Wheat by Introducing the Hardness and Glu-D1 Loci

Durum wheat is an important crop worldwide. In many areas, durum wheat appears to have competitive yield and biotic and abiotic advantages over bread wheat. What limits durum production? In one respect, the comparatively more limited processing and food functionality. Two traits directly relate to these limitations: kernel texture (hardness) and gluten strength. We have addressed both using ph1b-mediated translocations from bread wheat. For kernel texture, ca. 28 Mbp of chromosome 5DS replaced about 20 Mbp of 5BS. SKCS hardness was reduced from ca. 80 to 20 as the puroindolines were expressed and softened the endosperm. Break flour yields increased from 17% to >40%. Straight-grade flour had low starch damage (2%), and a mean particle size of 75 µm. Crosses with CIMMYT durum lines all produced soft kernel progeny and a high degree of genetic variance for milling and baking quality. Solvent Retention Capacities (SRC) and cookie diameters were similar to soft white hexaploid wheat, showing that soft durum can be considered a “tetraploid soft white spring wheat”. Regarding gluten strength, CIMMYT durums contributed a high genetic variance, with the “best” progeny exhibiting SDS sedimentation volume, SRC Lactic Acid and Mixograph characteristics that were similar to medium-gluten strength U.S. hard red winter. The best loaf volume among these progeny was 846 cm3 at ca. 12.8% flour protein. To further address the issue of gluten strength, Soft Svevo was crossed with durum lines possessing Dx2+Dy12 and Dx5+Dy10. Bread baking showed that Dx5+Dy10 was overly strong, whereas Dx2+Dy12 significantly improved bread loaf volume. The best progeny produced a loaf volume of 1010 cm3 at 12.1% protein. As a comparison, the long-term in-house regression for loaf volume-flour protein for hard red ‘bread’ wheats is 926 cm3 at 12.1% protein. Obviously, from these results, excellent bread making potential has been achieved.
Cooperative learning for CS1 and beyond: making IT work for you

Cooperative learning is a well-known instructional strategy with many significant benefits for students. This workshop will help you make the most effective use of cooperative learning in your courses. We will focus on course planning, classroom management, and other concerns brought up by participants, combining a theoretical framework with actual experiences from the classroom. The cooperative learning principles and workshop activities will be applicable throughout the curriculum. Workshop participants will also receive a complete set of class-tested cooperative learning activities that have raised test scores in CS1 by 25% at our institution. No prior experience with cooperative learning is necessary.
Motorcycle Riders’ Perception of the Characteristics of Paratransit In Medan, Indonesia

In developing countries, the uncontrolled rise of private vehicle ownership, such as motorcycles, constitutes a great deal of air pollution in the city. While the motorcycle is quite convenient, public transport lacks many qualities, and for some cities, like Medan, they are limited to paratransit. This study aims to reach an understanding of motorcycle riders’ perception of the existing paratransit and its relation to their reasoning to choose the two-wheelers daily. We utilized a structured questionnaire and interviewed 456 daily-commuting riders to assess 13 service aspects of the existing paratransit and their primary reason for using a motorcycle. Our findings suggest that riders collectively agree that affordable fare, easy to find, and short walking distance are the best trait of the existing public transport in Medan. Meanwhile, travel time, time-availability, and hygienic issues are reported to be the most hindering aspects. This perspective is consistent with riders’ reasoning behind their mode choice, which is based primarily on time efficiency. This research highlights the comparison of riders’ need in commuting and their opinion about the existing paratransit. While it is yet interesting to learn how those aspects weigh in with each other, the result of this study still offers prudent recommendations in developing mode-shifting strategic policies to encourage more public transportation use in Medan city.
Early ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis in children: Similar outcome to delayed pouch construction despite higher comorbidity.

Abstract Background Children with ulcerative colitis (UC) may undergo a staged approach for restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). Previous studies in adults suggest a decreased morbidity with delayed pouch creation, but pediatric studies are limited. We compared outcomes for delayed versus early pouch construction in children. Methods Patients with UC undergoing IPAA were selected from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database from 2012 to 2018. Patients were categorized as early (2-stage) or delayed (3-stage) pouch construction based on Current Procedural Terminology codes. Our primary outcome was any adverse event. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the relationship between timing of pouch creation and adverse events. Results We identified 371 children who underwent IPAA: 157 (42.3%) had early pouch creation and 214 (57.6%) had a delayed pouch. Those with an early pouch creation were more likely to have exposure to immunosuppressants (11% vs. 5%, p = 0.017) and steroids (30% vs. 10%, p Conclusions Children undergoing early pouch creation have increased exposure to steroids and immune suppressants; nevertheless, no differences in adverse events were identified. Level of evidence II
Early Trauma Indicators and Rehabilitation Outcomes in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

Objectives To investigate the relationship between early trauma indicators and neurologic recovery after traumatic SCI using standardized outcome measures from the ISNCSCI examination and standardized functional outcome measures for rehabilitation populations. Methods This is a retrospective review of merged, prospectively collected, multicenter data from the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) database and institutional trauma databases from five academic medical centers across the United States. Functional status at inpatient rehabilitation discharge and change in severity and level of injury from initial SCI to inpatient rehabilitation discharge were analyzed to assess neurologic recovery for patients with traumatic SCI. Linear and logistic regression with multiple imputation were used for the analyses. Results A total of 209 patients were identified. Mean age at injury was 47.2 ± 18.9 years, 72.4% were male, 22.4% of patients had complete injuries at presentation to the emergency department (ED), and most patients were admitted with cervical SCI. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 124.1 ± 29.6 mm Hg, mean ED heart rate was 83.7 ± 19.9 bpm, mean O2 saturation was 96.8% ± 4.0%, and mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 13.3 ± 3.9. The average Injury Severity Score (ISS) in this population was 22.4. Linear regression analyses showed that rehabilitation discharge motor FIM was predicted by motor FIM on admission and ISS. Requiring ventilatory support on ED presentation was negatively associated with improvement of ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grade at rehabilitation discharge compared with AIS grade after initial injury. Emergency room physiologic measures (SBP, pulse, oxygen saturation) did not predict discharge motor FIM or improvement in AIS grade or neurological level of injury. Conclusion Our study showed a positive association between discharge FIM and ISS and a negative association between ventilatory support at ED presentation and AIS improvement. The absence of any significant association between other physiologic or clinical variables at ED presentation with rehabilitation outcomes suggests important areas for future clinical research.
Confidence intervals, prediction intervals and tolerance intervals for negative binomial distributions

The problems of constructing confidence intervals (CIs) for a proportion, prediction intervals (PIs) for a future sample size in a negative binomial sampling to observe a specified number of successes and tolerance intervals (TIs) for negative binomial distributions are considered. For interval estimating the success probability, we propose CIs based on the fiducial approach and the score method, evaluate them and compare them with available CIs with respect to coverage probability and precision. We propose PIs based on the fiducial approach and joint sampling approach, and compare them with the exact and other approximate PIs. We also propose TIs on the basis of our new CIs and evaluate them with respect to coverage probability and expected width. All three statistical intervals are illustrated using two examples with real data.
Causes of blindness and vision impairment in 2020 and trends over 30 years, and prevalence of avoidable blindness in relation to VISION 2020: the Right to Sight: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study

Background Many causes of vision impairment can be prevented or treated. With an ageing global population, the demands for eye health services are increasing. We estimated the prevalence and relative contribution of avoidable causes of blindness and vision impairment globally from 1990 to 2020. We aimed to compare the results with the World Health Assembly Global Action Plan (WHA GAP) target of a 25% global reduction from 2010 to 2019 in avoidable vision impairment, defined as cataract and undercorrected refractive error. Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based surveys of eye disease from January, 1980, to October, 2018. We fitted hierarchical models to estimate prevalence (with 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]) of moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI; presenting visual acuity from <6/18 to 3/60) and blindness (<3/60 or less than 10° visual field around central fixation) by cause, age, region, and year. Because of data sparsity at younger ages, our analysis focused on adults aged 50 years and older. Findings Global crude prevalence of avoidable vision impairment and blindness in adults aged 50 years and older did not change between 2010 and 2019 (percentage change –0·2% [95% UI –1·5 to 1·0]; 2019 prevalence 9·58 cases per 1000 people [95% IU 8·51 to 10·8], 2010 prevalence 96·0 cases per 1000 people [86·0 to 107·0]). Age-standardised prevalence of avoidable blindness decreased by –15·4% [–16·8 to –14·3], while avoidable MSVI showed no change (0·5% [–0·8 to 1·6]). However, the number of cases increased for both avoidable blindness (10·8% [8·9 to 12·4]) and MSVI (31·5% [30·0 to 33·1]). The leading global causes of blindness in those aged 50 years and older in 2020 were cataract (15·2 million cases [9% IU 12·7–18·0]), followed by glaucoma (3·6 million cases [2·8–4·4]), undercorrected refractive error (2·3 million cases [1·8–2·8]), age-related macular degeneration (1·8 million cases [1·3–2·4]), and diabetic retinopathy (0·86 million cases [0·59–1·23]). Leading causes of MSVI wer
Evaluation of therapeutic substances employed for the relief of bronchospasm. VII. Combinations of diphenhydramine with ephedrine and aminophylline.

Abstract The antihistaminic and anticholinergic protective capacity in man of various combinations of diphenhydramine, ephedrine, and aminophylline is presented. Combinations of these agents retain the antihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of the most potent ingredient. Aminophylline appears to increase the antihistaminic effect of diphenhydramine, but nothing approaching arithmetic summation has been seen.
β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase, and peroxidase activities in tobacco tissues resistant and susceptible to blue mould as related to flowering, age and sucker development

Tobacco becomes naturally resistant to blue mould caused by Peronospora tabacina as it ages. This age-related resistance is correlated to the time of normal floral development and the senescence of lower leaves: however, it is dependent on neither. β-1,3-Glucanase, chitinase and peroxidase activities increase in tobacco with age. These increases correlate with the development of age-related resistance to blue mould and were independent of floral development. Additionally. β-1,3-glucanase, chitinase, and peroxidase activities were higher in leaf tissue from the main stalk resistant to blue mould) as compared to leaf tissue from suckering stems (susceptible to blue mould) on the same plant. Isozyme patterns of β-1,3-glucanase and chitinase in all resistant tissues are typical of those of tissues systemically protected by either stem injection with Peronospora tabacina or foliar inoculation with TMV.
Optimization of Proteins for Molecular and Biomolecular Electronic Devices

Protein-based bioelectronic devices have emerged as practical alternatives to semiconductor-based technology. While nature does not optimize biological molecules for performance in device applications, present-day genetic engineering has enabled investigators to manipulate the speed, durability, and architecture of candidate molecules. The biophysical, chemical, electronic, and thermal parameters of certain genetically amenable molecules have been optimized via a technique known as directed evolution. Combining genetic modification with differential selection makes it possible to tailor biological macromolecules with a high degree of accuracy and speed. Genetically modified forms of bacteriorhodopsin have improved the performance of the protein in three-dimensional volumetric memories, real-time holographic media, protein-based semiconductor devices, and artificial retinas. Keywords: Bacteriorhodopsin; Biomolecular Devices; Biophotonics; Directed Evolution; Mutagenesis; Protein Optimization; Thermostability
Robber Barons Rising: The Potential for Resource Conflict in Ghazni, Afghanistan

†Security and governance in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan are threatened by resource conflict dynamics: groups focus on exploiting lootable resources in the short term while weak institutions and conflict persist. Elements within the Afghan government and insurgent organizations alike expand their power and influence in this manner. Understanding how criminal organizations operate within the regional political economy is essential to reducing the leverage these networks, associated criminal syndicates, and corrupt government officials have on the community. We proffer three hypotheses for development and stability practitioners to monitor as transition approaches in 2014, as well as recommendations for mitigating the onset of resource conflict in Ghazni as the province experiences a downgrade in foreign security forces. Adopting effective, anti-insurgency policies will be fundamental to mitigating the malicious effects on the population and providing incentives for peace, rather than continuing conflict.
Defining the undefinedness of C

We present a ``negative'' semantics of the C11 language---a semantics that does not just give meaning to correct programs, but also rejects undefined programs. We investigate undefined behavior in C and discuss the techniques and special considerations needed for formally specifying it. We have used these techniques to modify and extend a semantics of C into one that captures undefined behavior. The amount of semantic infrastructure and effort required to achieve this was unexpectedly high, in the end nearly doubling the size of the original semantics. From our semantics, we have automatically extracted an undefinedness checker, which we evaluate against other popular analysis tools, using our own test suite in addition to a third-party test suite. Our checker is capable of detecting examples of all 77 categories of core language undefinedness appearing in the C11 standard, more than any other tool we considered. Based on this evaluation, we argue that our work is the most comprehensive and complete semantic treatment of undefined behavior in C, and thus of the C language itself.
Interactive Effects of Age and Hypertension on Volumes of Brain Structures

Background and Purpose Advanced age and hypertension have each been associated with changes in brain morphology and cognitive function. To investigate the interaction of age and hypertension with structural brain changes and neuropsychological performance in otherwise healthy patients with essential hypertension, we compared young-old (ages 56 to 69 years) and old-old (ages 70 to 84 years) hypertensive patients (n=27) with 20 age-matched normotensive healthy control subjects, using quantitative volumetric MRI and a battery of neuropsychological tests. Methods Quantitative regions of interest and segmentation analyses were applied to MRI scans of brain to measure volumes of different brain structures and of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) was qualitatively rated in the MRI scans. A battery of neuropsychological tests was administered to each subject. Results The combined hypertensive group (young-old and old-old) had smaller volumes of thalamic nuclei and larger volumes of CSF in the cerebellum and temporal lobes and showed poorer performance in memory and language tests than did the control subjects. Main effects for age were significant in multiple brain regions of interest. The old-old hypertensive patients and age-matched control subjects demonstrated volume reductions in brain structures and increases in ventricular and peripheral CSF volumes compared with the younger subjects. There was a significant group×age-group interaction in temporal and occipital CSF, not related to WMH, with the old-old hypertensive patients having significantly larger CSF volumes in these regions than the young-old hypertensives and both healthy control groups. Conclusions Hypertension exacerbates the morphological changes accompanying advanced age. Temporal and occipital regions appear most vulnerable to brain atrophy due to the interactive effects of age and hypertension.
Impact of Preoperative Location on Outcomes in Congenital Heart Surgery

Background Little is known about the impact of preoperative location on outcomes in infants undergoing cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. This study was designed to evaluate the morbidity and mortality among infants who were cared for in a neonatal ICU (NICU) versus dedicated cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) prior to cardiac surgery in a multi-institutional population. Methods Data were obtained from a multicenter, administrative, national dataset, Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). Patients 0 to 45 days undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease (with or without cardiopulmonary bypass) at a PHIS-participating hospital (2004 to 2013) were included. Propensity score matching was performed to match the NICU and the CVICU patients with similar demographic and preoperative clinical characteristics. Results A total of 5,376 patients from 20 hospitals met inclusion criteria. By propensity score matching, 2,456 patients matched 1 to 1 between the NICU and the CVICU groups. Outcomes including mortality (NICU vs CVICU, 11.9% vs 8.8%, p p = 0.22), and patients undergoing treatment at high volume hospitals (NICU vs CVICU, 9.6% vs 9.5%, p = 0.95). Conclusions This study demonstrates that preoperative location might impact outcomes in children undergoing operation for congenital heart disease. It is possible that preoperative location may be surrogate for other factors that may bias the results. Further study is warranted.
Mode-of-action of self-extinguishing polymer blends containing organoclays

Abstract We have shown that the addition of nanoclays is an effective means for enhancing the flame retardant properties of polymer blends. Polymer blends are difficult to render flame retardant even with the addition of flame retardant agents due to dispersion and phase segregation during the heating process. We show that the addition of 5% functionalized Cloisite 20A clays in combination with 15% decabromodiphenyl ether and 4% antimony trioxide to a polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) blend can render the compound flame resistant within the UL-94-V0 standard. Using a variety of micro-characterization methods, we show that the clays are concentrated at the interfaces between the polymers in this blend and completely suppress phase segregation. The flame retardant (FR) is absorbed onto the clay surfaces, and the exfoliation of the clays also distributes the FR agent uniformly within the matrix. TGA of the nanocomposite indicates that prior to the addition of clay, the dissociation times of the individual components varied by more than 20 °C, which complicated the gas-phase kinetics. Addition of the clays causes all the components to have a single dissociation temperature, which enhanced the efficacy of the FR formula in the gas phase. Cone calorimetry also indicated that the clays decreased the heat release rate (HRR) and the mass loss rate (MLR), due to the formation of a robust char. In contrast, minimal charring occurred in blends containing just the FR. SEM examination of the chars showed that the clay platelets were curved and in some cases tightly folded into nanotube-like structures. These features were only apparent in blends, indicating that they might be associated with thermal gradients across the polymer phase interface. SEM and SAXS examinations of the nanocomposites after partial exposure to the flame indicated that the clays aggregated into ribbon-like structures, approximately microns in length, after the surfactant thermally decomposed. Thermal modeling indicated that these ribbons might partially explain the synergy due to better distribution of the heat and improve the mechanical properties of the melt at high temperatures, in a manner similar to the one reported for carbon nanotubes.
Clinical pharmacokinetics of clarithromycin.

Clarithromycin is a macrolide antibacterial that differs in chemical structure from erythromycin by the methylation of the hydroxyl group at position 6 on the lactone ring. The pharmacokinetic advantages that clarithromycin has over erythromycin include increased oral bioavailability (52 to 55%), increased plasma concentrations (mean maximum concentrations ranged from 1.01 to 1.52 mg/L and 2.41 to 2.85 mg/L after multiple 250 and 500mg doses, respectively), and a longer elimination half-life (3.3 to 4.9 hours) to allow twice daily administration. In addition, clarithromycin has extensive diffusion into saliva, sputum, lung tissue, epithelial lining fluid, alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, tonsils, nasal mucosa and middle ear fluid. Clarithromycin is primarily metabolised by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A isozymes and has an active metabolite, 14-hydroxyclarithromycin. The reported mean values of total body clearance and renal clearance in adults have ranged from 29.2 to 58.1 L/h and 6.7 to 12.8 L/h, respectively. In patients with severe renal impairment, increased plasma concentrations and a prolonged elimination half-life for clarithromycin and its metabolite have been reported. A dosage adjustment for clarithromycin should be considered in patients with a creatinine clearance <1.8 L/h. The recommended goal for dosage regimens of clarithromycin is to ensure that the time that unbound drug concentrations in the blood remains above the minimum inhibitory concentration is at least 40 to 60% of the dosage interval. However, the concentrations and in vitro activity of 14-hydroxyclarithromycin must be considered for pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae. In addition, clarithromycin achieves significantly higher drug concentrations in the epithelial lining fluid and alveolar macrophages, the potential sites of extracellular and intracellular respiratory tract pathogens, respectively. Further studies are needed to determine the importance of these concentrations of clarithromycin at the site of infection. Clarithromycin can increase the steady-state concentrations of drugs that are primarily depend upon CYP3A metabolism (e.g., astemidole, cisapride, pimozide, midazolam and triazolam). This can be clinically important for drugs that have a narrow therapeutic index, such as carbamazepine, cyclosporin, digoxin, theophylline and warfarin. Potent inhibitors of CYP3A (e.g., omeprazole and ritonavir) may also alter the metabolism of clarithromycin and its metabolites. Rifampicin (rifampin) and rifabutin are potent enzyme inducers and several small studies have suggested that these agents may significantly decrease serum clarithromycin concentrations. Overall, the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies suggest that fewer serious drug interactions occur with clarithromycin compared with older macrolides such as erythromycin and troleandomycin.
Studies on the Biology of Culiseta Inornata (Diptera: Culicidae) in Three Regions of Central California, USA

Indigenous adult and larval populations of Culiseta inornata (Diptera: Culicidae) were sampled in 3 regions, Suisun Marsh, Sacramento Valley, and the Sierra Nevada foothills, in central California, USA. Collection data demonstrated that Cs. inornata is predominately a rural species in those regions sampled. Adult and larval abundance and productivity were significantly higher in coastal salt marsh (Suisun Marsh) habitats and lowest in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Flight activity was optimal between 9 and 18 °C and decreased sharply below 6 °C and above 18 °C. Increasing seasonal rates of autogeny were correlated with reduced activity and indicated a possible homeostatic response to assure egg production during periods of minimal activity. Female populations gonotrophically aged by the Polovodova method were significantly older in rural areas and in the Suisun Marsh. The follicular resting stages of nulliparous females collected in CO2 light traps and reared from field pupae showed that more than 90% of the females examined exhibited primary follicles in stage II. The resting stages of parous females collected in CO2 light traps included a significant portion (35%) with primary follicles not developed beyond stages I or I–II.
Regulation of glomerulotubular balance. II. Impact of angiotensin II on flow-dependent transport

Underlying glomerulotubular balance (GTB) is the impact of axial flow to regulate Na+ and HCO3− transport by modulating Na+-H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) and H-ATPase activity. It is not known whether the ...
Cable system aging management for Nuclear Power Plants

Implementation of cable system aging management is progressing rapidly in the nuclear industry. This paper describes the scope of the aging management system, the tactics, assessments, and tests being applied to in-plant and underground cable systems. Progress to date on medium-voltage cable testing and assessments of low-voltage power and instrument and control cable is discussed as are failure mechanisms and test methodology for the types of medium voltage cable used in nuclear plants.
The So-called Doppler shift in Bragg cells

The Doppler frequency shift is predicted for two models of acoustooptic Bragg scattering. The predictions do not agree with experiment, and therefore the observed frequency shift is not properly called a "Doppler" shift.
Exposure of the lysine in the gamma chain dodecapeptide of human fibrinogen is not enhanced by adsorption to poly(ethylene terephthalate) as measured by biotinylation and mass spectrometry

Conformational changes in adsorbed fibrinogen may enhance the exposure of platelet adhesive sites that are inaccessible in solution. To test this hypothesis, mass spectrometric methods were developed to quantify chemical modification of lysine residues following adsorption of fibrinogen to biomaterials. The quantitative method used an internal standard consisting of isotope-labeled fibrinogen secreted by human HepG2 cells in culture. Lysine residues in the internal standard were partially reacted with NHS-biotin. For the experimental samples, normal human fibrinogen was adsorbed to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles. The adsorbed fibrinogen was reacted with NHS-biotin and then eluted from the particles. Constant amounts of internal standard were added to sample fibrinogen and analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Biotinylation of the lysine residue in the platelet-adhesive gamma chain dodecapeptide (GCDP) was quantified by comparison to the internal standard. Approximately 80% of the GCDP peptides were biotinylated when fibrinogen was reacted with NHS-biotin in solution, or adsorbed onto PET. These results are generally consistent with previous antibody binding studies and suggest that other regions of fibrinogen may be crucial in promoting platelet adhesion to materials. The results do not directly address but are consistent with the hypothesis that only activated platelets adhere to adsorbed fibrinogen.
Le classicisme et le progressisme dans la pensée juridique aux États-Unis selon l'analyse historique de Morton J. Horwitz

Dans son dernier ouvrage, The Transformation of American Law, 1870-1960 : The Crisis of Legal Orthodoxy, Morton J. Horwitz, professeur a la Harvard Law School et membre fondateur de l'analyse critique du droit, propose une analyse originale et provocante de l'histoire de la pensee juridique aux Etats-Unis. Le classicisme juridique de la fin du XIXe siecle reposait sur une vision apolitique et neutre d'un systeme juridique concu comme une science autonome des valeurs morales et politiques de la societe. Deux vagues de critique progressiste, la theorie sociologique du droit et le realisme juridique, denoncerent les procedes de dissimulation et de legitimation de la construction juridique classiciste. Ces deux ecoles de pensee exerceront une influence determinante sur la theorie du droit aux Etats-Unis dont deux mouvements contemporains, l'analyse economique du droit et l'analyse critique du droit, disent en etre les heritiers legitimes. L'auteure trace le portrait de la these de Horwitz a partir de themes d'interet pour les juristes du Quebec.
The illumination of molecular behavior by electron waves

Abstract Aspects of vapor-phase electron diffraction are discussed, singling out the seminal contributions of Yonezo Morino in collaboration with San-ichiro Mizushima and others. Recent developments leading to a precision approaching 0.0002A are sketched, explaining why accuracy tends to fall short of this by one or two orders of magnitude, even if experimental intensities are error-free. The role of electron diffraction in studies of rotational isomerism is then outlined, with emphasis on hydrocarbon systems, to illustrate how experimental results have led to improved understanding, useful predictive procedures, and a new approach to probe the dynamics of internal rotation.
Reduction of the antiapoptotic protein cFLIP enhances the susceptibility of human renal cancer cells to TRAIL apoptosis

Human renal carcinoma cells (RCCs) were sensitized to the apoptotic effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), by treatment with cycloheximide (CHX). In contrast to a previous study, a rapid and dramatic decrease in levels of cellular FLICE (Fas-associated death domain–like IL-1β–converting enzyme) inhibitory protein (cFLIP) following cycloheximide treatment was observed in all RCCs studied. The unambiguous detection of this decrease in cFLIP was dependent on the quality of the particular antibody preparation used to detect cFLIP. Cycloheximide treatment caused no major change in levels of pro-caspase-8 or cell surface expression of TRAIL receptors. Therefore, cycloheximide treatment resulted in an increase in the pro-caspase-8 to cFLIP ratio, which correlated with sensitization to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment of human RCCs with small interfering oligoribonucleotides (siRNA) for cFLIP caused a reduction of cFLIP protein and sensitized cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. We concluded that in the presence of an intact TRAIL signaling pathway, a significant reduction of cFLIP alone is sufficient to sensitize human RCCs to TRAIL apoptosis.
Surface scaling in SiC-whisker-alumina under flowing hydrogen at 1300–1500°C

Abstract In this work the high-temperature degradation of a 30 vol.% SiC-whisker-reinforced Al 2 O 3 in H 2 at 1300–1500°C was investigated. Morphological changes associated with scale evolution indicated that a highly porous scale consisting of mullite and glassy phases is formed during H 2 exposure. In particular, it was found that the inner interface of the scale/unreacted matrix was not planar but exhibited some degree of roughness. Furthermore, scale thickening measurements with time followed a nearly parabolic trend. At 1500°C, the Si/Al ratio in the scale surface consistently increased with time up to a maximum. Also, at a given time, a concentration profile in the Si/Al ratios was found to develop between the inner and outer scale interfaces. This suggested that a Si-rich glassy phase was continually forced to flow from the reaction front to the scale surface.
Measurement of the Nonlinear Coefficient of Carbon Disulfide using Holographic Self-Focusing

We report a measurement of the nonlinear refractive index coefficient, γ, of Carbon Disulfide (CS2), taken at a wavelength of 1.053 μm. The measurement uses a new technique based on the generation of high fluence holographic images of obscurations by self-focusing in the CS2. Near-field beam distortion measurements are used in conjunction with detailed wave propagation analysis. The approach is attractive because it utilizes a sensitive near-field fluence measurement, it is tolerant of intensity modulation in the measurement beam, and it is straightforward to model with the computer. A value of γ = (3.1 ± 0.3)×10-14cm2/W is obtained.
Jet and Leading Hadron Production in High-energy Heavy-ion Collisions

Jet tomography has become a powerful tool for the study of properties of dense matter in high-energy heavy-ion collisions. I will discuss recent progresses in the phenomenological study of jet quenching, including momentum, colliding energy and nuclear size dependence of single hadron suppression, modification of dihadron correlations and the soft hadron distribution associated with a quenched jet.