cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partially Vaporized Full Range Catalytic Reformed Naphtha: Subchronic and Developmental Toxicity Studies in Rats

AbstractBoth a subchronic study and a developmental toxicity screen were performed with full-range catalytically reformed naphtha (reformate), one of the refinery streams used to blend gasoline. Inhalation exposures of rats were done by partial vaporization of the reformate to produce vapors with a composition similar to the profile of relatively volatile compounds found in personnel samples from operators working around reformer units in refineries. In the subchronic study, groups of Sprague-Dawley rats (15/sex) were exposed for 13 wk to 0, 410, 1970, or 8050 mg/m3 of vapors. Following exposures, samples were taken for hematology, serum chemistry, number of spermatids, number and morphology of sperm, weights of 13 organs, and histopathology of 24 organs. Body weight and weights of liver and kidney were marginally affected in males of the high-concentration group. Developmental toxicity was assessed in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (11-12/group) exposed to 0, 2160, or 7800 mg/m3 of vapors on gestation days...
On linear-quadratic Gaussian continuous-time Nash games

Two classes of linear-quadratic Gaussian continuous-time Nash games are considered. Their main characteristic is that the σ-fields with respect to which the control actions of the players have to be measurable at each instance of time are not affected by the past controls of the players. We show that, if a solution exists, then there exists a solution linear in the information, and also show how to construct all the solutions. Several conditions guaranteeing the existence of a unique solution are also given.
Transfer of methyl-branched hydrocarbons from the parasitoid, Eretmocerus mundus, to silverleaf whitefly nymphs during oviposition

The parasitic wasp Eretmocerus mundus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a natural enemy of the silverleaf whitefly Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), deposits eggs beneath nymphs and not within them. Experiments were designed to establish whether ovipositing E. mundus females leave marking chemicals on nymphs to enable searching females to discriminate parasitized from unparasitized hosts. Cuticular lipids from three experimental treatment groups were characterized: parasitoid-exposed nymphs that had a parasitoid egg between the nymph and leaf; control nymphs not exposed to E. mundus; and a third treatment condition of parasitized nymphs, held for 10 days after wasp exposure. Lipids were solvent-extracted from the nymphal cuticles of the various treatment groups and the lipid components were characterized and quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results indicated the presence of quantities of C31 and C33 dimethylalkanes only from parasitoid-exposed groups of nymphs and not in the extracts from control nymphs or the parasitized nymphs after 10-day exposure. Furthermore, the C31 and C33 dimethylalkanes were shown to be major lipid components of the hexane extracts from E. mundus females. Since the lipids were removed from parasitoid-exposed nymphs before interaction with hatched parasitoid larvae, the findings indicated that the dimethylalkanes were transferred onto nymphal cuticles by ovipositing E. mundus females.
A randomized controlled pilot study of the therapeutic effects of yoga in people with Parkinson's disease

Background: Exercise can be beneficial for cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal or neurological systems, and other factors including mood, and may be beneficial in reducing fall risks, dementia and variables associated with quality of life (QOL). Parkinson's disease (PD) produces progressive motor and cognitive deterioration that may leave those inflicted unable to participate in standard exercise programs. Alternative forms of exercise such as yoga may be successful in improving physical function, QOL and physiological variables for overall well-being. Aim: This randomized controlled pilot study investigated the effectiveness of yoga intervention on physiological and health-related QOL measures in people with PD. Methods and Materials: Thirteen people with stage 1-2 PD were randomized to either a yoga (n = 8) or a control group (n = 5). The yoga group participated in twice-weekly yoga sessions for 12 weeks. Participants were tested at baseline, and at 6 and 12 weeks using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), clinical measures of health-related QOL and physiological measures. Results: Significant improvement in UPDRS scores (P = .006), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.036) and average forced vital capacity (P = 0.03) was noted in the yoga group over time. Changes between groups were also noted in two SF-36 subscales. Positive trends of improvement were noted in depression scores (P = 0.056), body weight (P = 0.056) and forced expiratory volume (P = 0.059). Yoga participants reported more positive symptom changes including immediate tremor reduction. Conclusions: The results suggest that yoga may improve aspects of QOL and physiological functions in stages 1-2 PD. Future larger studies are needed to confirm and extend our findings of the effects of yoga in PD.
Trapped Rays in Cylindrically Symmetric Media and Poles of the Analytically Continued Resolvent

Abstract The acoustic (stratified) propagator is defined as the positive self-adjoint operatorK ≡ −c2(y)ρ(y)∇zρ−1(y)∇zon L 2(Rn, (c2ρ)−1dnz), wherez = (x, y)x ∈ Rk,y ∈ Rm. Bounds on the weighted resolvent ofK, defined as〈z〉−α(K − ζ)−1〈z〉−αfor α > 1/2 and 〈z〉 = (1 + |z|2)1/2, are obtained at high energies (i.e., in the semi-classical limit Re(ζ) ⪢ 0) using the Virial conditionc − y ·∇c ≥ ec > 0. This implies energy decay estimates for trapped waves in fiber optics. With further smoothness assumptions oncand ρ the resolvent can be analytically extended onto the second Riemann sheet. The failure of the Virial condition on some radial interval, form ≥ 2, implies the existence ofresonant-traveling modesfor the wave equation (∂t2 + K)ψ = 0. In particular it is shown that ifn > m ≥ 2 thenKhas resonance states at high energies. No such states exist ifm = 1. This is explained using a shape resonance picture.
An Improved Method for Solving Multiobjective Integer Linear Fractional Programming Problem

We describe an improvement of Chergui and Moulai’s method (2008) that generates the whole efficient set of a multiobjective integer linear fractional program based on the branch and cut concept. The general step of this method consists in optimizing (maximizing without loss of generality) one of the fractional objective functions over a subset of the original continuous feasible set; then if necessary, a branching process is carried out until obtaining an integer feasible solution. At this stage, an efficient cut is built from the criteria’s growth directions in order to discard a part of the feasible domain containing only nonefficient solutions. Our contribution concerns firstly the optimization process where a linear program that we define later will be solved at each step rather than a fractional linear program. Secondly, local ideal and nadir points will be used as bounds to prune some branches leading to nonefficient solutions. The computational experiments show that the new method outperforms the old one in all the treated instances.
Temporal discrimination increases in precision over development and parallels the development of numerosity discrimination

Time perception is important for many aspects of human behavior, and a large literature documents that adults represent intervals and that their ability to discriminate temporal intervals is ratio dependent. Here we replicate a recent study by vanMarle and Wynn (2006) that used the visual habituation paradigm and demonstrated that temporal discrimination in 6-month-old infants is also ratio dependent. We further demonstrate that between 6 and 10 months of age temporal discrimination increases in precision such that by 10 months of age infants succeed at discriminating a 2:3 ratio, a ratio that 6-month-old infants were unable to discriminate. We discuss the potential implications of the fact that temporal discrimination follows the same developmental progression that has been previously observed for number discrimination in infancy (Lipton & Spelke, 2003).
Fluorescence-lifetime-based determination of anions using a site-directed mutant enzyme transducer

In comparison to metal ions in aqueous solutions, there are few methods for analysis of small anions such as cyanide, cyanate, carbonate, sulfide, and nitrate. Yet such analytes are important as environmental pollutants and as reagents and byproducts of industrial processes, paper manufacture, and mining. For some time we have been developing fluorescence-based fiber optic biosensors for metal ions such as zinc, cobalt, copper, mercury, nickel and cadmium, using the unparalleled selectivity and avidity of a metalloenzyme, human carbonic anhydrase. In the cases of Cu2+, CO2+, and Ni2+, we made use of the characteristic weak d-d absorbance bands of these metals when bound in the active site of the enzyme to serve as a fluorescence energy transfer acceptor for a suitably positioned fluorescent label attached to the enzyme. For this approach the intensity and lifetime of the fluorophore reflect the degree of energy transfer, and therefore the concentration of the metal. To measure certain anions such as cyanide and cyanate, we made use of the well-known perturbation of the d-d absorbance of Co2+ when an anion inhibitor becomes bound and inhibits the enzyme. These changes in absorbance modify the overlap integral with a suitable fluorescent label, and thereby the degree of energy transfer, resulting in a perturbation of the intensity and lifetime.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
GAMMA-RAY BURST JETS: COMPOSITION AND CONFIGURATION

Long Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are believed to be originated from relativistic jets launched during the core collapses of some massive stars. The two core questions in the contemporary GRB science are the physical composition and the geometric configuration of the jets. Here I review the recent theoretical progress in both directions, and discuss how Swift may address both questions in the near future.
Subjective visual sensations during cataract surgery performed under topical anaesthesia

. Purpose: To examine the patient’s subjective visual sensations during cataract surgery performed under topical anaesthesia. Methods: Prospective, non-randomized, cohort study. One hundred and thirty-two patients were interviewed by standard questionnaire within 1 hr of uncomplicated cataract surgery performed under topical anaesthesia. Results: Everyone saw lights of different and changing intensity. One hundred and twenty-six (95.5%) patients saw different colours; 18 (13.6%) patients saw a rainbow-like scale of colours. Ninety-eight (74.2%) patients could see clear shapes and forms (mainly circle, square, rectangle, ellipse). Forty-nine (37.1%) patients could see instruments, and 35 (26.5%) patients saw the fingers of the surgeon during surgery. Twenty-six patients (19.7%) considered the strong light of the microscope very disturbing and uncomfortable. Forty-seven patients made drawings of the visual sensations that they experienced during surgery. Conclusion: Consistent with our review of the literature, we found no relation between intraoperative visual sensations and patient’s age, sex, preoperative visual acuity, duration of surgery or cataract severity. We found that it is helpful to inform the cataract patients of potential visual sensations before their surgery.
Assumptive Worldviews and Religious Coping with Bereavement and Type 2 Diabetes

This study explored the effects of deferring and self-directed religious coping on the assumptive worldviews of women following the death of a child, the death of another friend or family member, o...
Crystalline titanium dichloride—an active catalyst in ethylene polymerization. I. Catalyst activation

Crystalline titanium dichloride, in the absence of organometallic cocatalyst, is a very poor catalyst for the polymerization of ethylene. It is transformed into a very active catalyst through mechanical activation (ball-milling). This catalyst is active in the absence not only of organometallic cocatalysts, but also metals and compounds (such as aluminium and AlCl3) capable of forming organometallic compounds in situ (i.e., with ethylene, before polymerization starts). Ball-milling causes not only the expected increase in surface area but also disproportionation of Ti++ to Ti+++ and metallic titanium, as well as a crystal phase change to a structure not previously identified with those of TiCl2 or TiCl3. Catalyst activity (polymerization rate) is shown to be proportional to surface area and a direct function of Ti++ content of the catalyst; an empirical equation relates catalyst activity to surface area and to Ti++ lost through disproportionation. Titanium trichloride was found to be inactive in the absence of organometallic cocatalyst, even after ball-milling. The difference in structure of the catalytically active species in the conventional Ziegler (organometallic cocatalyst) and in the titanium dichloride catalyst are discussed. The mechanism of polymerization is compared with that of the supported (CrO3 on SiO2/Al2O3 and MoO3 on Al2O3) catalyst systems.
Chemically Induced Degeneration of Chick Mesonephros.

SummaryIn an experiment on the toxicity of various chemicals on developing chick embryos it was demonstrated that the kidneys of 10- and 15-day embryos were severely damaged by injections of various chemicals. The kidneys of older embryos, those of day-old chicks, and those of control embryos of various ages treated with distilled water gave no evidence of kidney degeneration. From the experiment it appears that the chemical substances injected had a toxic effect on the mesonephros but not on the metanephros.
Exercise limitation in chronic heart failure: Central role of the periphery

The symptoms of chronic heart failure (CHF) are predominantly shortness of breath and fatigue during exercise and reduced exercise capacity. Disturbances of central hemodynamic function are no longer considered to be the major determinants of exercise capacity. The two symptoms of fatigue and breathlessness are often considered in isolation. A pulmonary abnormality is usually considered to be the cause of abnormal ventilation, and increased dead space ventilation has come to be accepted as a major cause of the increased ventilation relative to carbon dioxide production seen in CHF. Rather than decreased skeletal muscle perfusion, an intrinsic muscle abnormality is considered to be responsible for fatigue. Another abnormality seen in CHF is persistent sympathetic nervous system activation, which is difficult to explain on the basis of baroreflex activation. There is increasing evidence for the importance of skeletal muscle ergoreceptors or metaboreceptors in CHF. These receptors are sensitive to work performed, and activation results in increased ventilation and sympathetic activation. The ergoreflex appears to be greatly enhanced in CHF. We put forward the “muscle hypothesis” as an explanation for many of the pathophysiologic events in CHF. Impaired skeletal muscle function results in ergoreflex activation. In turn, this causes increased ventilation, thus linking the symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue. Furthermore, ergoreflex stimulation may be responsible for persistent sympathetic activation.
Influence of diurnal and inertial boundary-layer oscillations on long-range dispersion

Abstract Coupled meteorological and Lagrangian particle models are used to examine horizontal dispersion over one to two diurnal cycles. Seven numerical experiments were run in which different portions of the atmospheric energy spectrum were included or excluded in the simulation of releases of a non-buoyant pollutant from an elevated point source. The results of the experiments indicate that vertical shear in the horizontal wind produced by diurnal and/or inertial oscillations in conjunction with or followed by vertical PBL mixing are capable of maintaining plume growth rates which are nearly linear with diffusion times up to 48 h. The model results agree reasonably well with long-range dispersion observations of an isolated smelter plume made in Australia. Periods of accelerating diffusion found in the simulations have also been indicated in observations. These accelerating diffusion periods in the simulations are due to time-dependent shear in the planetary boundary layer at night. Shear due to synoptic-scale horizontal temperature gradients was also found to have a significant impact on the modeled plume growth rates.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Nanometric Machining Under Realistic Cutting Conditions

Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of nanometric machining of single-crystal copper were conducted at a conventional cutting speed (5m/s) and different depths of cut (0.724 – 2.172 nm). The simulations were carried out to predict cutting forces and investigate the mechanism of chip formation at the nano level. The effect of tool rake angles and depths of cut on the mechanism of chip formation were also investigated. Tools with different rake angles, namely 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 30°, and 45°, were used. It was found that the cutting force, thrust force, and the ratio of the thrust force to cutting force decrease with increasing rake angle. However, the ratio of the thrust force to the cutting force is found to be independent of the depth of cut.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Parallel path nebulizer: Critical parameters for use with microseparation techniques combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract Four different, low flow parallel path Mira Mist CE nebulizers were evaluated and compared in support of an ongoing project related to the use of microseparation techniques interfaced to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the quantification of cobalamin species (Vitamin B12). For the characterization of the different Mira Mist CE nebulizers, the nebulizer orientation as well as the effect of methanol on analytical response was the focus of the study. The position of the gas outlet on the nebulizer which consistently provided the maximum signal was when it was rotated to the 11 o'clock position when the nebulizer is viewed end-on. With this orientation the increased signal may be explained by the fact that the cone angle of the aerosol is such that the largest percentage of the aerosol is directed to the center of the spray chamber and consequently into the plasma. To characterize the nebulizer's performance, the signal response of a multielement solution containing elements with a variety of ionization potentials was used. The selection of elements with varying ionization energies and degrees of ionization was essential for a better understanding of observed increases in signal enhancement when methanol was used. Two different phenomena contribute to signal enhancement when using methanol: the first is improved transport efficiency and the second is the “carbon enhancement effect”. The net result was that as much as a 30-fold increase in signal was observed for As and Mg when using a make-up solution of 20% methanol at a 15 μL/min flow rate which is equivalent to a net volume of 3 μL/min of pure methanol.
Treatment of persistent organic compounds by integrated advanced oxidation processes and sequential batch reactor

The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent of improvement in the biodegradability of persistent organic compounds by pre-oxidation by using Sequential Batch Reactors (SBRs). Dichlorodiethyl ether (DCDE), a non-biodegradable compound, was used as a test chemical. Ozonation, Fenton reagent and ultra-violet light coupled with hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2) were used for oxidation of DCDE at levels of 50–100%. Pre-oxidized DCDE solutions were then subjected to SBR studies using activated sludge to determine the rate and extent of biodegradation of oxidation by-products. The results indicated that the biodegradability of pre-oxidized DCDE increased drastically, reaching an average of 90% for all three oxidation methods versus zero for non-oxidized DCDE. It was concluded that the results of SBR experiments may be better indicators of biodegradability of chemically-oxidized wastewaters due to significant acclimation of microorganisms in SBRs, which cannot be observed in conventional respirometric laboratory studies.
Uncertainty evaluation of metallographic measurements by image analysis and thermodynamic modeling

Abstract A method for estimating uncertainties and systematic errors in metallographic measurements obtained through image analysis is presented. The influence variables for the digital analysis sequence are identified and inserted into a propagation equation for the measurement uncertainty. Systematic errors are estimated comparing experimental results and theoretical values obtained through thermodynamic modeling for certified composition alloys undergoing a specific heat treatment. The influence of composition and temperature uncertainties in phase amount uncertainty is also estimated.
Influence of hypercholesterolemia and hypertension on ischemia-reperfusion induced P-selectin expression

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease have been shown to exacerbate the inflammatory response and microvascular dysfunction that is normally associated with ischemia-reperfusion. The objective of this study was to determine whether hypercholesterolemia and/or hypertension alter I/R-induced expression of P-selectin in the intestinal vasculature. Male control and hypertensive (HTN) rats were placed on either a normal diet or high cholesterol diet (HCD) for at least 3 weeks resulting in hypercholesterolemia (HC). Ischemia was induced by occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 15 min, followed by either 30 min or 4 h of reperfusion. The dual radiolabeled antibody technique was used to quantify the rapid (30 min) and transcription-dependent (4 h) expression of P-selectin. Tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) was used to quantify neutrophil infiltration. The constitutive (basal) expression of P-selectin did not differ among the experimental groups. Although I/R significantly increased P-selectin expression in control, HC, and HTN+HC, P-selectin expression did not increase in HTN. The HC group exhibited the largest increments in P-selectin expression and tissue MPO after I/R. The increment in P-selectin expression was not significantly attenuated in HC rats that were rendered thrombocytopenic with anti-platelet serum. Treatment with an anti-P-selectin antibody largely prevented the exaggerated MPO increase noted in HC. These findings indicate that hypercholesterolemia in contrast to hypertension enhances the expression of P-selectin in the postischemic intestinal vasculature.
A real-time control system for CAI and prothesis

An integrated hardware and software system was used for the real-time control of text display in a CAI environment. Reliability and cost considerations led to the development of a digital EOG transducer, which was used in conjunction with a KIM-1 microcomputer. This paper traces the development of that system from a complex and expensive PDP-11-based system to a microcomputer firmware approach. Such a system could, in real time, accomplish a similar display task for severely handicapped nonvocal individuals.
Results of aortic arch repair with hypothermic circulatory arrest and retrograde cerebral perfusion.

Background Repair of aortic arch pathology is reliably performed with hypothermic circulatory arrest, but the best method of brain protection is controversial. Methods We reviewed a consecutive series of 67 patients who had aortic arch repair with hypothermic circulatory arrest. Retrograde perfusion of arterial blood into the superior vena cava (SVC) during systemic arrest was used in 87%. Average age was 65 years. Acute dissection was present in 25%. Average circulatory arrest time was 37 minutes, and average temperature 17.7 degrees C. Results Hospital mortality was 1.5%. Strokes occurred in 4.5%. Temporary neurological dysfunction occurred in 16%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that acute dissection was the only independent predictor of the combined risk of stroke and temporary neurological dysfunction (odds ratio 8.5). Duration of circulatory arrest and patient age were not risk factors for adverse neurological outcome. Conclusion Continuous arterial perfusion of the SVC during hypothermic circulatory arrest provides excellent cerebral protection for aortic arch repair. Acute dissection is an independent risk factor for adverse neurological outcome. Arrest time is not a predictor of neurological dysfunction.
First-Principles Theory of Coherent Precipitation in Size-Mismatched Alloys

A first-principles thermodynamic approach for studying coherent precipitation in size-mismatched alloys is presented. The approach takes into account both strain and interfacial energies, incorporates the effects of finite temperature, and can treat systems with length scales of ∼200A, all with first-principles accuracy. The method is applied to coherent precipitation in Al-Cu and Al-Mg alloys, where the coherent precipitation sequence is experimentally well-studied, but still controversial. This theoretical approach should aid in understanding the strengthening mechanism underlying precipitation hardening in these materials.
Transfemoral transarterial onyx embolization of carotid body paragangliomas: technical considerations, results, and strategies for complication avoidance.

BACKGROUND The association of carotid body paragangliomas with neurovascular structures can cause cranial nerve injury and significant intraoperative blood loss. Preoperative embolization may be performed either percutaneously or transarterially. OBJECTIVE We reviewed our experience with transfemoral transarterial Onyx embolization. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of head and neck tumors embolized between November 2007 and February 2012. Patients were assessed for number of sessions of embolization, number of pedicles embolized, fluoroscopic time, extent of tumor devascularization as assessed by postembolization angiography, and operative blood loss. RESULTS Eleven patients (5 men, 6 women; mean age, 48.1 years) with 13 paragangliomas (5 right-sided, 9 left-sided, 2 bilateral) underwent preoperative embolization for 12 tumors. Onyx alone was used in 9 cases. In a mean of 1.2 embolization sessions (range, 1-2), an average of 2.8 pedicles (range, 1-7) was embolized. The average fluoroscopic time was 54.3 minutes. In 5 cases, the tumors were completely devascularized by using this strategy. In 5 cases, more than 90% tumor devascularization was achieved. In the remaining 2 cases, tumor devascularization was more than 50%. A partial cranial nerve XII palsy was the only postprocedural complication. The mean surgical blood loss was 191.7 mL (range, 25-600 mL). CONCLUSION The arterial supply to carotid body tumors can be catheterized effectively through a transfemoral approach, permitting embolization of feeding pedicles. Transarterial Onyx embolization of these lesions is safe and effective, and it decreases blood loss during surgical resection.
A history of research in service operations: What's the big idea?

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to trace the history of research in service operations. After discussing the role of services in national economies and the importance of research in service operations, we discuss major trends in service operations research. For simplicity of exposition, this discussion is organized in terms of big ideas that have proved to be influential in setting the research agenda in service operations. In the final section, we identify high-potential research areas where research needs are particularly urgent in the near future.
Identification of novel histone post-translational modifications by peptide mass fingerprinting

The extent and pattern of histone post-translational modifications is a key determinant dictating the structure of chromatin. We employed mass spectrometry to map the post-translational modifications present on mammalian core histones. Using accurate peptide mass fingerprinting on proteolytic digests of purified histones, we identified more than 20 novel sites of histone modification. One newly identified site of methylation, histone H4 lysine 59, maps to the surface of the nucleosome in close proximity to the site of the only identified histone core modification, histone H3 lysine 79. Consistent with the role of histone H3 lysine 79 methylation in the formation of silent chromatin structure, histone H4 lysine 59 is essential for transcriptional silencing at the yeast silent mating loci and telomeres.
Setting of care modifies risk of nursing home placement for older adults with dementia.

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine risk of nursing home (NH) placement among older adults receiving publicly funded home and community-based services (HCBS) or assisted living (AL) and to explore whether these settings of care modify the relationship between dementia and risk of NH placement. Methods The sample consisted of dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries age 65 and older who received HCBS (n = 1630) or resided in AL (n = 836) in Florida between July 1999 and June 2000. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate risk of NH placement over a 5-year study period and to test the interaction of setting of care by dementia status. Results In all, 15% of HCBS participants were placed in a NH compared to 26% of AL participants. As indicated by a significant interaction term in the regression model, setting of care modified the relationship between dementia and NH placement (HR = 0.45, CI = 0.31–0.66). In post hoc analyses stratified by setting of care, dementia was associated with a 50% increased risk of NH placement from HCBS (HR = 1.50, CI = 1.12–2.02) but was not associated with placement from AL (HR = 0.86, CI = 0.63–1.16). Conclusion The findings suggest that differences in care provided in HCBS and AL may influence subsequent NH placement for older adults with dementia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wlds mice are resistant to paclitaxel (taxol) neuropathy

The WldS mouse is a unique mutant strain that demonstrates the remarkable phenotype of prolonged survival of transected axons ("slow Wallerian degeneration"). In these studies, we tested whether this neuroprotective phenotype extends to axonal degeneration seen in a progressive peripheral neuropathy. WldS and wild-type mice were intoxicated with the cancer chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (Taxol). The severity of the resultant sensory neuropathy was compared with behavioral, physiological, and pathological measures. WldS mice were resistant to paclitaxel neuropathy by all measures, and the resistance was because of protection against axonal degeneration. These studies demonstrate for the first time that the WldS mouse is more than a slow Wallerian degeneration phenotype, emphasizing the mechanistic link between Wallerian degeneration and peripheral neuropathy. Understanding how this mutant gene confers protection against axonal degeneration will provide important clues toward prevention of axonal degeneration in several human neurological disorders.
Inhibitory effects of scorpion venom on the uptake of amino acids by synaptosomes and synaptosomal membrane vesicles

Abstract Scorpion ( Tityus serrulatus ) venom strongly inhibited the Na + -dependent uptake of [ 14 C]proline by rat brain synaptosomal preparations. In addition, the efflux of proline was enhanced markedly by scorpion venom. The inhibitory effects of the venom were also demonstrated in synaptosomal vesicle preparations where proline uptake was energized by an artificially imposed Na + gradient. In both preparations, the effect of scorpion venom was additive with the inhibitory effect of veratridine on Na + -dependent amino acid uptake. The inhibitory effects of both compounds were abolished by tetrodotoxin. The Na + -dependent uptakes of amino acids (e.g. proline, glutamic acid, and γ-aminobutyric acid) were much more sensitive to inhibition by the toxin than the Na +6 -independent uptakes (e.g. leucine and phenylalanine). The results of the present study indicate that the scorpion venom mav exert its inhibitory effect on Na + -dependent transport by decreasing the transmembrane Na + gradient. Efflux of accumulated proline, which is presumably controlled by maintenance of this Na + gradient, was stimulated 3- to 4-fold by the scorpion venom.
The rewarding and locomotor-sensitizing effects of repeated cocaine administration are distinct and separable in mice

Repeated psychostimulant exposure progressively increases their potency to stimulate motor activity in rodents. This behavioral or locomotor sensitization is considered a model for some aspects of drug addiction in humans, particularly drug craving during abstinence. However, the role of increased motor behavior in drug reward remains incompletely understood. Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) was measured concurrently with locomotor activity to determine if acute intermittent cocaine administration had distinguishable effects on motor behavior and perception of brain stimulation-reward (BSR) in the same mice. Sensitization is associated with changes in neuronal activity and glutamatergic neurotransmission in brain reward circuitry. Expression of AMPA receptor subunits (GluR1 and GluR2) and CRE binding protein (CREB) was measured in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), dorsolateral striatum (STR) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) before and after a sensitizing regimen of cocaine, with and without ICSS. Repeated cocaine administration sensitized mice to its locomotor-stimulating effects but not its ability to potentiate BSR. ICSS increased GluR1 in the VTA but not NAc or STR, demonstrating selective changes in protein expression with electrical stimulation of discrete brain structures. Repeated cocaine reduced GluR1, GluR2 and CREB expression in the NAc, and reductions of GluR1 and GluR2 but not CREB were further enhanced by ICSS. These data suggest that the effects of repeated cocaine exposure on reward and motor processes are dissociable in mice, and that reduction of excitatory neurotransmission in the NAc may predict altered motor function independently from changes in reward perception.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY, DISCRIMINATION, AND ECONOMIC OUTCOMES: AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS

Does cultural diversity affect economic outcomes? We develop an experimental framework that complements ongoing research on this question. We vary the ethnic mix of bargaining sessions to study intercultural interactions among members of U.S. Hispanic and Navajo cultures. We control for demographic differences in our subject pools and elicit beliefs directly in order to differentiate between statistical discrimination and preference-based discrimination. Hispanic and Navajo subjects behave differently, and their behavior is affected by the ethnic composition of the experimental session. Our experimental framework can shed light on economic behavior and outcomes in societies of mixed ethnicity, race, and religion. (JEL C78, C90, Z10)
Hypoxia Attenuates Purinergic P2X Receptor-Induced Inflammatory Gene Expression in Brainstem Microglia.

Hypoxia and increased extracellular nucleotides are frequently coincident in the brainstem. Extracellular nucleotides are potent modulators of microglial inflammatory gene expression via P2X purinergic receptor activation. Although hypoxia is also known to modulate inflammatory gene expression, little is known about how hypoxia or P2X receptor activation alone affects inflammatory molecule production in brainstem microglia, nor how hypoxia and P2X receptor signaling interact when they occur together. In the study reported here, we investigated the ability of a brief episode of hypoxia (2 hours) in the presence and absence of the nonselective P2X receptor agonist 2′(3′)-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5′-triphosphate (BzATP) to promote inflammatory gene expression in brainstem microglia in adult rats. We evaluated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interleukin (IL)-6 messenger RNA levels in immunomagnetically isolated brainstem microglia. While iNOS and IL-6 gene expression increased with hypoxia and BzATP alone, TNFα expression was unaffected. Surprisingly, BzATP-induced inflammatory effects were lost after hypoxia, suggesting that hypoxia impairs proinflammatory P2X-receptor signaling. We also evaluated the expression of key P2X receptors activated by BzATP, namely P2X1, P2X4, and P2X7. While hypoxia did not alter their expression, BzATP upregulated P2X4 and P2X7 mRNAs; these effects were ablated in hypoxia. Although both P2X4 and P2X7 receptor expression correlated with increased microglial iNOS and IL-6 levels in microglia from normoxic rats, in hypoxia, P2X7 only correlated with IL-6, and P2X4 correlated only with iNOS. In addition, correlations between P2X7 and P2X4 were lost following hypoxia, suggesting that P2X4 and P2X7 receptor signaling differs in normoxia and hypoxia. Together, these data suggest that hypoxia suppresses P2X receptor-induced inflammatory gene expression, indicating a potentially immunosuppressive role of extracellular nucleotides in brainstem microglia following exposure to hypoxia.
Body stature as a risk factor for diabetic sensory neuropathy

Abstract Risk factors for vibratory perception threshold abnormalities were studied in 200 diabetic patients between the ages of 21 and 70 years and 62 control subjects of similar age. Vibratory perception (measured with the Biothesiometer) was absent over one or both halluces in 18 percent of the patients. In a stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, height was the variable most strongly associated with absent vibratory perception (coefficient ± SE, 0.501 ± 0.097/inch; p
Synthesis of highly mismatched alloys using ion implantation and pulsed laser melting

Abstract Highly mismatched alloys (HMAs) are dilute alloys whose fundamental properties are dramatically modified through the substitution of a relatively small fraction (up to ∼5%) of host atoms with a very different element. Specific examples are dilute III–V nitrides (e.g. GaN x As 1− x ) and II–VI oxides (e.g. ZnO x Te 1− x ) in which the conduction bands are strongly modified by the anticrossing interaction between localized states of O or N and the extended states of the semiconductor matrix. Using a highly non-equilibrium method: the combination of ion implantation and pulsed laser melting (II-PLM) we have synthesized a wide variety of III-N x -V 1− x and II-O x -VI 1− x alloys with N or O content up to 2%. The structural and optical properties of these HMAs have been systematically investigated. In particular, we demonstrated that the Zn 1− y Mn y O x Te 1− y dilute oxide is a multiband alloy that can be used for the realization of the single junction, high efficiency intermediate band solar cells.
50 Years and the Future of Agency-Based Clinical Social Work Practice: Introduction to the Special Issue

This special issue is a celebration of the Silver School of Social Work’s 50th Anniversary in 2010–2011. The articles in this issue celebrate the School’s distinct reputation for excellence in clinical social work. They also celebrate the school’s current mission, which includes knowledge development for social work practice, with an emphasis on urban problems, poverty and social justice, and agency-based practice. The majority of the submissions focus on contemporary and future social work practice. This paper concludes with a discussion of several issues that confront the future of clinical social work practice including workforce trends, technology, and the scientific basis for practice, wealth disparity and race as contemporary American issues that affect clinical social work, the globalization of social work and mental health services, and education for tomorrow’s clinical practice.
Trigger locks and firearm safety: One trauma center's prevention campaign

A t our a cademic urban, level I t r auma center, we are r e m i n d e d daily of the tragic af termath of f irearm-related injuries. Almost 67% of our pa t ien ts who are v ic t ims of intent ional , pene t r a t ing t r auma are injured by firearms. In early 1994, our staff b e g a n to concen t ra t e on fostering a c o m m u n i t y c o m m i t m e n t to firearm safety and responsible firearm ownership. It is e s t ima ted that 200 million firearms are owned by private ci t izens in this country. 1 Funct ional firearms are p resen t in nearly half of American households, and reports ind ica te tha t more t han 50% of g u n owners keep their firearms loaded. 2 Despite our legi t imate concern regard ing street violence, firearm dea ths are more likely to occur in a private res idence; the perpetrator is often a friend, relative, acqua in t ance , or the victim. 3 These facts p rompted our concern and val idated the need for a firearm preven t ion program geared to all age and soc ioeconomic groups. During the spr ing of 1994, our t r auma service init ia ted a program ent i t led "The Key to Firearm Safety," wh ich encouraged the use of tr igger locks as part of an overall focus on firearm safety. The two primary c o m p o n e n t s of the program were g u n safety educat ion and the supp lemen ta l use of tr igger locks. To create an incen t ive for g u n owners to incorporate firearm safety into their daily routine, we bel ieved that the promot ion of tr igger locks was a key e lement of the campaign . We b e g a n our search for an in teres ted retailer, wi th regional presence , tha t could assis t in the acquis i t ion, cost, and d is t r ibut ion of the tr igger locks. On the bas is of geographic distr ibution, h igh visibility in the market , and adver t ised c o m m i t m e n t to family values, we elected to approach Wal-Mart representa t ives (Wal-Mart, Bentonville, Ark.) and de te rmine their interest in cosponsoring the program. Fortunately, local Wal-Mart representatives (i.e., district management) were receptive and agreed to participate.
Parathyroid Hormone Enhances Mechanically Induced Bone Formation, Possibly Involving L-Type Voltage-Sensitive Calcium Channels

PTH and mechanical loading might act synergistically on bone formation. We tested the in vivo effect of the L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channel (VSCC) blocker, verapamil, on bone formation induced by human PTH-(1-34) (PTH) injection with or without mechanical loading. Adult rats were divided into eight groups: vehicle, verapamil, PTH, or verapamil plus PTH with or without mechanical loading. Verapamil (100 mg/kg) was given orally 90 min before loading. PTH (80 micro g/kg) was injected sc 30 min before loading. Loading applied to tibia and ulna for 3 min significantly increased the bone formation rate on both the endocortical surface of tibia and the periosteal surface of ulna (P < 0.0001). Treatment with PTH enhanced load-induced bone formation by 53% and 76% (P < 0.001) on the endocortical and periosteal surfaces, respectively. Treatment with verapamil suppressed load-induced bone formation rate by 77% and 59% (P < 0.01). Furthermore, verapamil suppressed bone formation in rats subjected to PTH plus loading by 74% and 68% (P < 0.0001) at the tibia and ulna, respectively. In the groups without loading, neither verapamil nor PTH treatment significantly changed any bone formation parameter. This study indicates that L-type VSCCs mediate load-induced bone formation in vivo. Furthermore, PTH enhances load-induced bone adaptation through involvement of L-type VSCCs.
Intraseasonal Forcing of Convection and Lightning Activity in the Southern Amazon as a Function of Cross-Equatorial Flow

Abstract This study focuses on modulation of lightning and convective vertical structure in the southern Amazon as a function of the South American monsoon V index (VI). Four wet seasons (December–March 1998–2001) of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) and Precipitation Radar (PR) data are examined together with two wet seasons (2000–01) of ground-based Brazilian Lightning Detection Network (BLDN) data. These observations are composited by VI phase (northerly or southerly) for a region of the southern Amazon and discussed relative to VI-regime environmental characteristics such as thermodynamic instability and wind shear. Relative comparisons of VI-regime convective properties reveal 1) slightly larger (20%–25%) PR pixel-mean rainfall during periods of northerly VI due to increased stratiform precipitation, 2) a factor of 2 or more increase in lightning flash density and the lightning diurnal cycle amplitude during periods of southerly VI, 3) a factor of 1.5–2 increas...
Kruppel is a gap gene in the intermediate germband insect Oncopeltus fasciatus and is required for development of both blastoderm and germband-derived segments.

Segmentation in long germband insects such as Drosophila occurs essentially simultaneously across the entire body. A cascade of segmentation genes patterns the embryo along its anterior-posterior axis via subdivision of the blastoderm. This is in contrast to short and intermediate germband modes of segmentation where the anterior segments are formed during the blastoderm stage and the remaining posterior segments arise at later stages from a posterior growth zone. The biphasic character of segment generation in short and intermediate germ insects implies that different formative mechanisms may be operating in blastoderm-derived and germband-derived segments. In Drosophila, the gap gene Kruppel is required for proper formation of the central portion of the embryo. This domain of Kruppel activity in Drosophila corresponds to a region that in short and intermediate germband insects spans both blastoderm and germband-derived segments. We have cloned the Kruppel homolog from the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus (Hemiptera, Lygaeidae), an intermediate germband insect. We find that Oncopeltus Kruppel is expressed in a gap-like domain in the thorax during the blastoderm and germband stages of embryogenesis. In order to investigate the function of Kruppel in Oncopeltus segmentation, we generated knockdown phenotypes using RNAi. Loss of Kruppel activity in Oncopeltus results in a large gap phenotype, with loss of the mesothoracic through fourth abdominal segments. Additionally, we find that Kruppel is required to suppress both anterior and posterior Hox gene expression in the central portion of the germband. Our results show that Kruppel is required for both blastoderm-derived and germband-derived segments and indicate that Kruppel function is largely conserved in Oncopeltus and Drosophila despite their divergent embryogenesis.
Children's identification of actors and patients in prototypical and nonprototypical sentence types

Abstract This research examined if children organize language categories around a prototype. Based on previous research with adults, the hypothesis held that the prototypical transitive sentence contains an animate actor and patient and a highly prototypical verb. The question of interest was if factors that contribute to adult judgments of sentence prototypicality (such as actor-patient animacy and verb prototypicality) affect young childrens' accuracy in correctly identifying sentence actors and patients. That is, are children more likely to make correct identifications in prototypical sentences? Sixty-four 2- and 4-year-old children were trained to to ntify sentence actors and patients in prototypical or nonprototypical sentences and then tested for generalization to sentences of other types. Two factors, verb prototypicality and animacy of sentence participants, combined to influence children's accuracy in actor/patient identification. Regardless of training condition, children produced more correct responses to sentences with animate actors than to sentences with inanimate actors. There was an interaction with verb prototypicality such that it was more typical for inanimate actors to act upon animate patients with what are otherwise low prototype verbs (e.g., low in action, low in intentionality). The results of the study are consistent with the view that similar cognitive mechanisms operate in language and in other nonlinguistic cognitive domains.