cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Franchising proportion and network failure

This paper investigates the relationship between franchising proportion of a network and firm failure. Drawing from resource scarcity and agency theories, we show that franchising firms that overfranchise and do not structure their networks in congruence with these two theories have lower survival prospects. We test our arguments with extensive data from nearly 5000 franchising firms listed in Entrepreneur magazine. The findings suggest that franchising proportion has a U-shape relationship with network failure. Additional analysis shows that firm size and geographic scope moderate the relationship between the squared term of franchising proportion and network failure. For franchisors, our results highlight the importance of maintaining an appropriate mix of franchised and firm-owned outlets within a network.
Consequences of Obesity

Obesity has serious consequences both for individuals and for society as a whole. At the individual level, obesity is associated with a host of diseases resulting in reduced life expectancy, lower productivity and wages, and increased health-care expenditure. Obesity also entails significant private expenditures on preventative measures such as gymnasium memberships and weight-loss programs. At the level of the broader society, the individual consequences are reflected in social costs through lost productivity, reduced income tax receipts for the government, greater public health-care expenditure, and expenditure on public policies for reducing obesity. In this chapter, we describe and document the individual consequences and present and interpret measures of the social costs.
Modulators of Endocannabinoid Enzymic Hydrolysis and Membrane Transport

Tissue concentrations of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are regulated by both synthesis and inactivation. The purpose of this review is to compile available data regarding three inactivation processes: fatty acid amide hydrolase, monoacylglycerol lipase, and cellular membrane transport. In particular, we have focused on mechanisms by which these processes are modulated. We describe the in vitro and in vivo effects of inhibitors of these processes as well as available evidence regarding their modulation by other factors.
The Use of Lasers in Nerve Repair

In contrast to current neurosurgical applications of the CO2 laser which utilize high power densities (12,000–50,000 watts/cm2) to achieve coagulation or vaporization of tissue, the use of much lower power densities (300–1,200 watts/cm2) and small focal spot size to achieve tissue welding effects promises to have great potential use in reconstructive microsurgery.
Radiation Protection by MnSOD-Plasmid Liposome Gene Therapy

Understanding the molecular mechanism of ionizing irradiation killing of normal tissues compared to tumor cells has uncovered potential therapeutic strategies for radiotherapeutic dose escalation in the treatment of solid tumors. One strategy exploits the difference in redox balance between normal tissues and solid tumors with organ-specific and systemic (intravenous) administration of plasmid liposomes containing the human manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) transgene. When delivered, this transgene product produced significant protection against single fraction and fractionated radiation in organ-specific radioprotective gene therapy by each of several routes of administration (inhalation, swallowed, intravesicle, intra-intestinal), and this strategy was shown to avoid tumor tissue. Furthermore, systemic administration of MnSOD-PL also provides radioprotection with selective normal tissue reduction of apoptosis compared to tumor. The complex mechanism of selective normal tissue protection involves specific differences in redox balance, constitutive MnSOD expression, and compensatory metabolic changes, many of which can enhance the therapeutic effect.
Clinical factors affecting therapeutic response of conventional chemotherapy with bevacizumab in metastatic colon cancer.

e15001Background: Molecularly targeted agent like Bevacizumab (BZ) combining with conventional chemotherapy (CC) showed good clinical outcomes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). ...
Nod1 imprints inflammatory and carcinogenic responses toward the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is the strongest known risk for gastric cancer. The H. pylori cag type IV secretion system is an oncogenic locus which translocates peptidoglycan into host cells where it is recognized by NOD1, an innate immune receptor. Beyond this, the role of NOD1 in H. pylori-induced cancer remains undefined. To address this knowledge gap, we infected two genetic models of Nod1 deficiency with the H. pylori cag+ strain PMSS1: C57BL/6 mice which rarely develop cancer, and INS-GAS FVB/N mice which commonly develop cancer. Infected C57BL/6Nod1-/- and INS-GASNod1-/- mice acutely developed more severe gastritis, and INS-GASNod1-/- mice developed gastric dysplasia more frequently compared to Nod1+/+ mice. Because Nod1 genotype status did not alter microbial phenotypes of in vivo-adapted H. pylori, we investigated host immunological responses. H. pylori infection of Nod1-/- mice led to significantly increased gastric mucosal levels of Th1, Th17, and Th2 cytokines compared to Nod1 wild-type mice. To define the role of specific innate immune cells, we quantified cytokine secretion from H. pylori-infected primary gastric organoids generated from WT or Nod1-/- mice, that were co-cultured with or without WT or Nod1-/- macrophages. Infection increased cytokine production from gastric epithelial cells and macrophages and elevations were significantly increased with Nod1 deficiency. Further, H. pylori infection altered the polarization status of Nod1-/- macrophages compared to Nod1+/+ macrophages. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that loss of Nod1 augments inflammatory and injury responses to H. pylori. Nod1 may exert its restrictive role by altering macrophage polarization, leading to immune evasion and microbial persistence.
Neurobiology of female homicide perpetrators

Neurobiology of female homicide perpetrators is not well understood. Data from private interviews and examinations of females were re-analyzed comparing those who committed homicide (n = 9); other violent crimes, no known homicide (n = 51); nonviolent crimes, no known violent convictions (n = 49); and noncriminals (n = 12). Homicide perpetrators suffered the most childhood sexual abuse (CSA); most recent abuse; had the most neurological histories, mainly traumatic brain injuries (TBIs); most health care access for abuse-related injuries; lowest AM and PM salivary cortisol; and greatest proportion who committed crime under the influence of alcohol. Only CSA, years since last abuse, TBI, neurological histories, and health care access for abuse-related injuries were significant. Those who committed homicide under the influence of alcohol suffered the most recent abuse and had the lowest AM cortisol and flattest diurnal cortisol slope (DCS) compared with others; though the n precludes determining significance. Amount of time since last abuse, AM cortisol and DCS progressively decreased as crime severity increased; other variables progressively increased as crime severity increased. These preliminary findings suggest that low AM cortisol, flat DCS, greater CSA frequency and severity, recent abuse, TBIs, and health care access for abuse-related injuries could be risk factors for females committing homicide. Further study is needed due to the small n of homicide perpetrators. Abuse victims may be at greater risk for alcohol use and cortisol dysregulation associated with perpetrating violence, especially homicide. Frontal lobe damage from TBIs may decrease ability to control behaviors associated with emotions from the limbic system. Health care providers released these women when their abuse-related injuries were not life-threatening; yet, they were life-threatening for victims of their subsequent homicides. Females accessing health care for abuse-related injuries present a critical opportunity for violent crime prevention interventions.
Temporal Change in PEACE Heart Failure Risk Score and Association with Natriuretic Peptides in the MESA Population

Introduction We assessed temporal evolution of the PEACE score, a validated heart failure (HF) prediction score, in the MESA population and its correlation with NTproBNP Hypothesis PEACE risk score will increase with time and have a positive correlation with NTproBNP Methods PEACE HF risk score was calculated for patients with available left ventricular ejection fraction and NTproBNP examined at the 1stand 5thvisit. Temporal change in PEACE score was analyzed and correlated with available NTproBNP levels Results 1,840 ambulatory patients (60±9 years, 49% males) without a history of HF, coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease were followed for a median of 8 years. Patients were at low risk based on PEACE score and NTproBNP [median 46 (IQR 21-91)pg/mL]. Proportion of patients with PEACE risk score at average (n=227, 12.5%) or high risk (n=10, 0.6%) increased over time, which correlated with the increase in overall NT-proBNP levels over time (Figure, p 60. Conclusions Proportion of patients at average and high risk for HF increase with time which correlated with NTproBNP levels. Mismatch between PEACE HF risk and NTproBNP was seen among low risk patients warranting further investigation.
Multiple Omics Data Integration to Identify Long Noncoding RNA Responsible for Breast Cancer–Related Mortality:

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a large and diverse class of transcribed RNAs, which have been shown to play a significant role in developing cancer. In this study, we apply integrative modeling framework to integrate the DNA copy number variation (CNV), lncRNA expression, and downstream target protein expression to predict patient survival in breast cancer. We develop a 3-stage model combining a mechanical model (lncRNA regressed on CNV and target proteins regressed on lncRNA) and a clinical model (survival regressed on estimated effects from the mechanical models). Using lncRNAs (such as HOTAIR and MALAT1) along with their CNV, target protein expressions, and survival outcomes from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we show that predicted mean square error and integrated Brier score (IBS) are both lower for the proposed 3-step integrated model than that of 2-step model. Therefore, the integrative model has better predictive ability than the 2-step model not considering target protein information.
Agrarian Structure and Underdevelopment in Latin America: Bringing the Latifundio “Back In”

Latin American scholars in the twentieth century often pointed to the agrarian question and the dominance of the large latifundio estates as the key to explaining their countries’ underdevelopment. Yet, in more recent years, the emphasis on agrarian structures has declined and the latifundio is no longer seen as a relevant factor to economic development. In its place have emerged explanations that emphasize international trade relations, institutions, or the capacity of local states. This study makes a case for bringing the latifundio “back in” to explanations of underdevelopment in Latin America, and points to the persistence of particular property relations, low-intensity land use, and low-risk productive strategies throughout the region as barriers to development. Agricultural census data and various other sources on land use suggest that large latifundio estates are still a relevant factor throughout the region, and I argue that they continue to represent a significant barrier for the deepening of industrialization. Resumen Intelectuales latinoamericanos en el siglo veinte frecuentemente senalaban a la cuestion agraria y la dominacion latifundiaria como la clave para explicar el subdesarrollo de sus paises. Sin embargo, en anos recientes el enfasis en estructuras agrarias ha disminuido, y el latifundio ya no es visto como un factor relevante para el desarrollo economico. En su lugar, han surgido explicaciones que enfatizan el comercio internacional, las instituciones nacionales y la capacidad del estado de promover el desarrollo. El presente estudio argumenta que debemos volver a poner enfasis en el latifundio como explicacion para el subdesarrollo en America Latina. Se senala la persistencia de ciertas relaciones de propiedad, el bajo uso de la tierra, y estrategias productivas extensivas a lo largo de la region como barreras al desarrollo economico. Datos estadisticos de censos agrarios y otras fuentes sobre el uso de la tierra sugieren que el problema del latifundio es todavia un factor relevante en la region, y continua representando una barrera importante para la profundizacion de la industrializacion.
An automated assessment system for embodied cognition in children: from motion data to executive functioning

We present our preliminary data analysis towards an automated assessment system for the Activate Test for Embodied Cognition (ATEC), a test which measures cognitive skills through physical activity. More specifically, we present two core ATEC tasks designed to assess attention, working memory, response inhibition, rhythm and coordination in children: the Sailor Step and the Ball-Drop-to-the-Beat task. These tasks are specifically designed to assess lower and upper body accuracy, response inhibition and rhythm. Motion data were collected through the Kinect camera. This paper presents an overview of the assessment tasks, the data collection, and annotation with a preliminary analysis towards an automated scoring system through machine learning and computer vision methods.
COVID-19, Prison Visits, and the Value of a Cup of Coffee.

The simple act of being able to walk downstairs and buy coffee crystalizes a feeling I have had during my days on the COVID-19 ward.
Application of stress echocardiography in children with Kawasaki disease

川崎病是好发于婴幼儿的常见发热性疾病,因特异性累及冠状动脉(冠脉)成为儿童获得性心脏病的首要原因.急性期症状缓解后,冠脉炎的病理损伤依然存在,并可以持续达20年之久,是成年人冠脉粥样硬化的重要因素.恢复期冠脉瘤、冠脉血栓、冠脉狭窄可导致无症状性心肌缺血和心血管意外发生,是川崎病长期随访治疗的主要内容。
The impact of region and urbanicity on the discrimination-cognitive health link among older Blacks

Little research has examined how the link between discrimination and cognitive health varies by where people live. This study investigates how living in non-urban versus urban areas in different regions in the United States moderates the discrimination-cognitive health link among older non-Hispanic Blacks. Data are from the 2012 and 2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; N=2,347). Regression analyses indicate that experiencing more everyday discrimination is significantly associated with lower episodic memory when living in urban areas. Among non-Hispanic Blacks, the discrimination-episodic memory link does not significantly vary across U.S. regional contexts. Findings highlight variation in the association between everyday discrimination and cognitive health by where older non-Hispanic Blacks live. Results suggest the importance of socio-environmental factors in shaping how stressful experiences such as discrimination are linked to cognitive health in later life.
“I Was Raised in Addiction”: Constructions of the Self and the Other in Discourses of Addiction and Recovery:

The aim of this article is to address how conceptualizations of addiction shape the lived experiences of people who use drugs (PWUDs) during the current opioid epidemic. Using a discourse analytic ...
Detecting DIF in Multidimensional Forced Choice Measures Using the Thurstonian Item Response Theory Model

Although modern item response theory (IRT) methods of test construction and scoring have overcome ipsativity problems historically associated with multidimensional forced choice (MFC) formats, ther...
Nanostructure and compositional segregation of soft magnetic FeNi‐based nanocomposites with multiple nanocrystalline phases

Soft magnetic metal amorphous nanocomposite alloys are produced through rapid solidification and thermal annealing yielding nanocrystals embedded within an amorphous precursor. Similar free energies in Co‐rich and FeNi‐based alloy systems result in multiple nanocrystalline phases being formed during devitrification. Studies of multi‐phase crystallization processes have been reported for Co‐rich alloys but relatively few have investigated FeNi‐based systems. A detailed characterization of compositional partitioning and microstructure of an optimally annealed FeNi‐based MANC (Fe70Ni30)80Nb4Si2B14 alloy is presented through complementary high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and atom probe tomography (APT). HRTEM demonstrates orientation relationships between FCC and BCC nanocrystals, suggesting heterogeneous nucleation of nanocrystals in the amorphous matrix or a cooperative mechanism of nucleation between BCC and FCC nanocrystallites. APT results show evidence for (i) the segregation of Fe and Ni between nanocrystals of different phases, (ii) B partitioning to the amorphous phase, and (iii) an Nb‐enriched shell surrounding nanocrystals.
Surge Pricing and Customer Complaints

Many two-sided matching platforms, such as those for lodging, labor, and ridesharing, use a review system to monitor service providers, where dissatisfied customers can complain about their service experience. Using comprehensive datasets from a large ridesharing platform, this paper explores whether service providers (drivers) systematically receive complaints for reasons that are not their fault. We find that surge pricing, a factor that is not the driver's fault, increases the likelihood of complaints by a factor of 1.12 to 1.33, on average. This effect is amplified for novice drivers and during rush hours. We use two additional approaches to provide causal support for the finding: a regression discontinuity exploiting a policy change that sets caps on surge pricing, and a matching estimator exploiting discontinuity in surge triggering. To extend the endpoint of our analysis to the economic impact, we estimate how the complaints affect a driver's daily income. We calculate that 25% of a driver's immediate income gain from surge fares is offset by the future income loss due to the increased complaint rate. These results suggest platforms should account for non-service-provider-responsible factors when monitoring and evaluating customer reviews to improve service experiences.
Findings from a community education needs assessment to facilitate the integration of genomic medicine into primary care.

Purpose: To assess the lay public's knowledge of, and beliefs about, genetics and genetic testing to create an educational initiative that promotes acceptance and utilization of genomic medicine in primary health care. Methods: A telephone survey of English-speaking adults in Guilford County, North Carolina was conducted in 2006 to identify community members' educational needs regarding genetics and genetic testing. Results: Most respondents recognized the connection between family history and disease risk. A majority did not appear to know about: (1) basic principles of inheritance, (2) laws prohibiting genetic discrimination, and (3) the availability and limitations of genetic tests. About 25% thought that they could not reduce their risk if they have a genetic predisposition for disease. Knowledge level was affected by education, experience, age, and race. Conclusion: If primary care providers use family history as a risk assessment tool, community education programs must address (1) the collection of family health history, (2) legislation regarding genetic nondiscrimination, (3) benefits and limitations of existing genetic tests, and (4) genetic determinism. Programs emphasizing practical, “how to” information can be targeted to individuals likely to collect family history information and address misperceptions about discrimination, testing, and determinism.
Hypertension and proteinuria-the needle in the haystack?: Questions.

A 14-year-old boy with obesity was referred to our center for evaluation of elevated blood pressures. His past medical history was notable for prematurity. Gestational age was 31.5 weeks, and neonatal issues included respiratory distress, hyperbilirubinemia, and grade I intraventricular hemorrhage. He did not have umbilical lines. He also had a history of tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and myringotomy tubes. His family history was relevant for his mother having longstanding hypertension and proteinuria, and his maternal grandmother died in her sixth decade of life secondary to cardiac amyloidosis and multiple myeloma. She presented with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) a few years earlier and did not have a kidney biopsy. Physical examination was unremarkable except for a blood pressure of 154/103 and obesity. On random urinalysis, he had 2+ proteinuria and no microhematuria. His laboratory studies showed normal kidney function with serum creatinine of 0.6 mg/dl, normal electrolytes, mild hypoalbuminemia (albumin 3.5 g/dl) and anemia (hemoglobin 11.3 g/dl), Fig. 1 Kidney biopsy findings. a Light microscopy shows striking glomerulomegaly and lobularity of glomerular tufts, marked mesangial hypercellularity, and markedly increased mesangial matrix [hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain, 200×]. b Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain shows increased amounts of PAS-positive material in the capillary loops with irregular thickening (400×). c, d Scattered tubular atrophy, moderate patchy interstitial fibrosis, mild patchy interstitial inflammation, and globally sclerotic glomeruli seen on H&E and trichrome stains, respectively (200×). e Electron microscopy (EM) shows extensive mesangial and subendothelial lightly electron-dense, granular deposits and partial effacement of foot processes. f Fibrillary appearance of deposits (small randomly oriented fibrils) on higher magnification. Note: Immunofluorescence was negative for IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, and C1q, immunohistochemistry was negative for kappa and lambda light chains, and Congo Red staining was negative The answers to these questions can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/ s00467-015-3128-0.
The human good and the science of man

David Hume and Adam Smith are often regarded as preeminent contributors to the eighteenth-century Scottish ‘science of man.’ For our understanding of Hume’s and Smith’s contributions to this projec...
Targeting Rac1 for the prevention of atherosclerosis among U.S. Veterans with inflammatory bowel disease

Evidence suggests that Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) might be a target in atherosclerotic disease (AD). We hypothesize that due to their ability to inhibit Rac1, thiopurines are associated with a lower risk of AD. We fit a time-dependent cox proportional hazards model estimating the hazard of AD among a national cohort of US veterans with inflammatory bowel disease. Patients exposed to thiopurines had a 7.5% lower risk of AD (HR = 0.925; 95% CI = (0.87-0.984)) compared to controls. The propensity score weighted analysis reveals thiopurine exposure reduces the risk of AD by 6.6% (HR = 0.934; 95% CI = (0.896-0.975)), compared to controls. Further exploration and evaluation of Rac1 inhibition as a target for AD is warranted.
Monolithic 60 GHz GaAs IMPATT oscillators

A monolithic circuit design developed for GaAs IMPATT diodes to enable them to operate under CW conditions at V-band frequencies is discussed. All active and passive circuit components were fabricated on the top surface of the GaAs substrate. Good heat dissipation was achieved by distributing the device active area over a large surface area while maintaining a lumped mode of operation. More than 100-mW CW output power was obtained in the 58-65-GHz frequency range, with up to 14.5% conversion efficiency. In an alternative design, varactor diodes were integrated with the IMPATT circuits to produce the first monolithic voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) operating under CW conditions. A tuning bandwidth greater than 3.5 GHz was obtained at a center frequency of 70 GHz, with maximum CW output power of 40 mW. >
The Neural Network Approach to Problem Solving

In the language of computing, a neural network model is a dynamical system which serves as a fully parallel analog computer to mimic some aspect of cognition. As such, a neural network model simulates image recognition, learning, limb control, or some other function of a central nervous system.
Acoustic vector-sensor array processing

Existing theory yields useful performance criteria and processing techniques for acoustic pressure-sensor arrays. Acoustic vector-sensor arrays, which measure particle velocity and pressure, offer significant potential but require fundamental changes to algorithms and performance assessment. This thesis develops new analysis and processing techniques for acoustic vector-sensor arrays. First, the thesis establishes performance metrics suitable for vector-sensor processing. Two novel performance bounds define optimality and explore the limits of vector-sensor capabilities. Second, the thesis designs non-adaptive array weights that perform well when interference is weak. Obtained using convex optimization, these weights substantially improve conventional processing and remain robust to modeling errors. Third, the thesis develops subspace techniques that enable near-optimal adaptive processing. Subspace processing reduces the problem dimension, improving convergence or shortening training time. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)
Absent posterior tibial artery associated with idiopathic clubfoot. A report of two cases.

The presence of vascular anomalies in the lower extremities of patients with idiopathic clubfoot has been well documented1-6. Absence or a substantial reduction of the anterior tibial artery occurs in approximately 90% of limbs with clubfoot1,2,4,5,7,8. However, an absent or anomalous posterior tibial artery is a very uncommon finding in patients with clubfoot3,6. In patients in whom the posterior tibial artery is absent and the anterior tibial artery is deficient, the peroneal artery becomes the dominant artery to the foot and therefore must be carefully protected during surgical correction of the clubfoot. We report the cases of two patients in whom the posterior tibial artery was found to be absent at the time of an operative release procedure for clubfoot. We also report the arteriographic appearance of an absent posterior tibial artery associated with clubfoot, which has not been reported previously in the orthopaedic literature, to our knowledge. The families of both of our patients were informed that data concerning the cases would be submitted for publication. Case 1. A newborn infant with bilateral idiopathic clubfoot was initially treated with serial manipulations and corrective casts. The application of the casts started when the patient was two weeks of age and continued on a weekly basis until the patient was ten weeks of age. Incomplete correction was obtained, and the patient was scheduled for a bilateral complete soft-tissue release at nine months of age. Preoperative clinical evaluation revealed the absence of a palpable dorsalis pedis pulse bilaterally and the absence of a palpable posterior tibial pulse on the right side. The operation was begun on the right foot with use of the Cincinnati incision9 under a tourniquet pressure of …
The Impact of African American Fathers on Adolescent Sexual Behavior

A common finding in past research on adolescent sexual behavior is that initiation of sexual intercourse is more frequent in households where the teen does not live with both biological parents. The present study examined this result in greater depth by examining the impact that father attitudes toward premarital sexual intercourse have on the sexual behavior of the father's adolescent. Approximately 750 inner-city African American youth between the ages of 14 and 17 were interviewed in a survey on parent–teen communication. Results showed that adolescent perceptions of paternal attitudes were predictive of teen sexual behavior independent of adolescent perceptions of maternal attitudes and that the effects of live-in status on sexual behavior were mediated by adolescent perceptions of paternal attitudes. This result was robust across gender and age of the adolescent.
Alternative Futures at the Manoa School

In 1970, the state of Hawaii organized a landmark project to garner public input on possibilities for the futures, called Hawaii 2000—a year-long, cross-island endeavor that utilized then-cutting edge communication technologies and a range of tools for engaging various stakeholders. As Chaplin explains, “A Commission on the Year 2000 for Hawaii, involving not only academics and professionals, but also the young for whom the twenty-first century will exist, could help us focus on where we want to go and how to get there” [5, pp. 3–4]. As Dator et al. recount:
Acute Cholangitis following Biliary Obstruction after Duodenal OTSC Placement in a Case of Large Chronic Duodenocutaneous Fistula

Over-the-Scope Clip system, also called “Bear Claw,” is a novel endoscopic modality used for closure of gastrointestinal defect with high efficacy and safety. We present a patient with history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis and multiple abdominal surgeries including Billroth II gastrectomy complicated by a large chronic duodenocutaneous fistula from a Billroth II afferent limb to the abdominal wall. Bear Claw clip was used for closure of this fistula. The patient developed acute cholangitis one day after placement of the Bear Claw clip. Acute cholangitis due to papillary obstruction is a potential complication of Bear Claw placement at the dome of the duodenal stump (afferent limb) in patient with Billroth II surgery due to its close proximity to the major papilla.
Monetary reinforcement of abstinence from cocaine among mentally ill patients with cocaine dependence

Objective The study investigated whether contingency management could reduce cocaine use by patients with schizophrenia. Methods An A-B-A research design, with two-month baseline, intervention, and follow-up phases, was used to study two homeless, treatment-resistant male outpatients with DSM-III-R diagnoses of schizophrenia and cocaine dependence. During the intervention phase, subjects provided daily urine specimens for testing for the cocaine metabolite benzoylecgonine (BE) and received $25 for each negative test. Concentrations of BE and metabolites of other illicit drugs were assayed twice a week to determine the amount of drug use in addition to frequency. Analysis of variance was used to compare drug use during the three study phases. Results During the intervention, the proportion of tests positive for cocaine was lower for both subjects. Mean urinary concentrations of BE were significantly lower during the intervention than during the baseline. Conclusions These results suggest that modest monetary reinforcement of abstinence may decrease cocaine use among cocaine-dependent patients with schizophrenia.
Use of Subject-specific FE Exam Results in Outcomes Assessment

Engineering programs seeking accreditation are required by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) to document their continuous program improvement efforts and their outcomes. In this paper, we propose the subject-specific results of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination as one of the metrics suitable for assessing the outcomes of such efforts in individual courses. Statistical approaches appropriate for analyzing the FE Exam results and some caveats about their use are discussed. The application of this approach in the hydraulic engineering area of our program is illustrated.
Study of drug release and tablet characteristics of silicone adhesive matrix tablets.

Abstract Matrix tablets of a model drug acetaminophen (APAP) were prepared using a highly compressible low glass transition temperature (Tg) polymer silicone pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) at various binary mixtures of silicone PSA/APAP ratios. Matrix tablets of a rigid high Tg matrix forming polymer ethyl cellulose (EC) were the reference for comparison. Drug release study was carried out using USP Apparatus 1 (basket), and the relationship between the release kinetic parameters of APAP and polymer/APAP ratio was determined to estimate the excipient percolation threshold. The critical points attributed to both silicone PSA and EC tablet percolation thresholds were found to be between 2.5% and 5% w/w. For silicone PSA tablets, satisfactory mechanical properties were obtained above the polymer percolation threshold; no cracking or chipping of the tablet was observed above this threshold. Rigid EC APAP tablets showed low tensile strength and high friability. These results suggest that silicone PSA could eliminate issues related to drug compressibility in the formulation of directly compressed oral controlled release tablets of poorly compressible drug powder such as APAP. No routinely used excipients such as binders, granulating agents, glidants, or lubricants were required for making an acceptable tablet matrix of APAP using silicone PSA.
Capillary-channeled polymer fibers as stationary phases in liquid chromatography separations

A method utilizing capillary-channeled polymer (C-CP) fibers as stationary phases in high-performance liquid chromatographic separations has been investigated. Polymeric fibers of differing backbones (polypropylene and polyester) having nominal diameters of approximately 50 and approximately 35 microm and a channeled structure on their periphery were packed into stainless steel tubing (305 x 4.6 mm I.D.) for use in reversed-phase separations of various mixtures. The fibers have eight channels running continuously along the axis which exhibit very high surface activity. As such, solvent transport is affected through the channels through wicking action. Bundles of 1000-3000 fibers are loaded co-linearly into the tubing, providing flow channels extending the entire length of the columns. As a result, backing pressures are significantly lowered (approximately 50% reduction) in comparison to packed-sphere columns. In addition, the capital costs of the fiber material (< US$0.25 per column) are very attractive. Flow-rates of up to 5 ml/min can be used to achieve near baseline separation of related compounds in reasonable run times, indicating very fast mobile phase mass transfer (C-terms). The polymer stationary phases demonstrate high selectivity for a wide variety of analytes with gradient elution employed successfully in many instances. Specifically, separations of three polyaromatic hydrocarbons (benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, pyrene), mixtures of both organic and inorganic lead compounds [chlorotriethyllead, chlorotriphenyllead, lead nitrate, lead(II) phthalocyanine], and a lipid standard of triglycerides were accomplished on the polymeric stationary phases. Other species of biological interest, including groups of aliphatic and aromatic amino acids have also been effectively separated. The reversed-phase nature of the fiber surfaces is supported through atomic force microscopy measurements using hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionalized polystyrene beads as the probe tips. Separations of the various analytes demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing C-CP fibers as stationary phases in reversed-phase LC. It is envisioned that columns of this nature would be particularly useful in prep-scale separations as well as for immobilization matrices for organic constituents in aqueous environments.
Characterization of Pt/L-zeolite catalysts by chemisorption, EXAFS and reaction of neopentane with H2

Abstract We have prepared four series of Pt/L-zeolite Catalysts that were calcined at six different temperatures and subsequently reduced at the same temperature (773K). Two series were prepared by ion exchange and two by impregnation. In all cases the dispersion (H/Pt or CO/Pt) was a maximum after calcination at 543–643 K. The Catalysts were further characterized by EXAFS and reaction of neopentane with H2. There is a good correlation between the particle size determined by chemisorption and the Pt first shell coordination number determined by EXAFS. The neopentane isomerization selectivity ratio was observed to be a linear function of particle size measured by chemisorption or EXAFS coordination number. In addition, enhanced isomerization and hydrogenolysis activities are found to correlate with an increase in the support acidity.
When do domestic dogs, Canis familiaris, start to understand human pointing? The role of ontogeny in the development of interspecies communication

A decade of research indicates that domestic dogs are sensitive to a variety of human social cues, including pointing with the hand and arm. Previous studies conducted with puppies as young as 6 weeks old have reported that puppies are able to follow a human pointing gesture, even when they have had little human contact. These results have led some experimenters to conclude that ontogeny does not contribute to dogs' ability to understand human cues. To determine the age at which domestic dogs first show the ability to understand human pointing cues, we tested puppies in their human caregivers' homes when the puppies were 9–24 weeks old. We found little evidence that puppies younger than 21 weeks had the ability to follow human pointing gestures.
Computer Simulation Of Pulsed Laser And Electron Beam Annealing And Doping Of Semiconductors

A brief comparison of heating with pulsed electron bemas and lasers for the annealing of ion implanted semiconductors based on a computer simulation is given. The advantage of monoenergetic electrons is pointed out, and the use of such beam for distribution of impurities is suggested.
Thermodynamic Continuity and Quantum Principles

A condensed survey is given of the results of a previous investigation on quantum concepts and principles developed from the anti-Gibbs postulate of thermodynamic continuity. The same postulate now also yields major parts of quantum statistics, such as the equality of various occupation number sets without permutation of individual particles, not however the alternative “either Bose or Fermi statistics.” A distinction must be made between a coherent redistribution of particles without entropy change, and an incoherent redistribution leading to a new thermodynamic equilibrium. The latter is obtained from the former by a process of diffusion from separate level groups to a totality of levels.
Gluino Decays to $W$ and $Z$ Bosons at the {SSC}

It is shown that, for a wide range of parameters, the dominant decays of gluinos with mass ≳500 GeV contain gauge bosons, W± and Z, among their decay products. The pair production of heavy gluinos at the SSC is thus characterized by events with 3–4 hard jets and pairs of gauge bosons. The cleanest signature comes from the case where both gluinos decay into Z followed by which leads to ~50–100 4-lepton + multijet events annually at the SSC. In addition, 1600 trilepton + multijet and about 6000 dilepton + multijet events may be expected from WZ and WW sources. The backgrounds to these signals are estimated to be small.
FROM STRUCTURAL SUBORDINATION TO EMPOWERMENT:: Women and Development in Third World Contexts

This article argues that the condition of women in Third World societies cannot be separated from the colonial experience since the power relationships that were established during the colonial era between Europe and its territories, and between women and men, have not varied significantly and are still recreated through contemporary mechanisms. For example, development projects promoted by Western countries to modernize the Third World have, in the long run, better served their own interests than those of their intended beneficiaries. As a result and contrary to expectations, growth and prosperity still elude the Third World. We also show that during the current international economic crisis, women's unpaid or underpaid labor has become the basis of new development programs and policies and is crucial to the recent phase of capitalist development. We discuss how the structural position and status of women and colonies closely resemble each other and have served as the foundations of the capital accumulat...
Streptococcus mutans Dextransucrase: Purification, Properties, and Requirement for Primer Dextran:

We attempted to purify dextransucrase from S mutans strain 6715 to investigate its properties and determine if multiple species of the enzyme existed. It was concluded that the properties of this enzyme such as the pH (5.5), temperature (37 C) optimum, and Km for sucrose (3 mM) are very similar to those reported for S sanguis, S bovis, S mutans strain OMZ-176 isozymes, S mutans strain GS-5, and the single dextransucrase purified from S mutans strain HS-6. The IEF enzyme preparation consisted of two enzyme species, possibly differing in their ability to synthesize different dextran linkages. The minor enzyme activity demonstrated a strict primer dependency. Similarly, primer dependency has been reported for dextransucrases from S mutans, S sanguis, and L mesenteroides. S mutans strain 6715 dextransucrase also showed both the insertion and stepwise mechanisms for dextran synthesis. Sucrose was the sole glucose donor, whereas dextran was a specific, highly efficient glucose acceptor. The complex primer kinetics are not fully understood at this time and require further investigation. Without linkage analysis of the products of our enzymes, we can only postulate that each enzyme has a different function in the synthesis of interresidue and interchain alpha1-3 and alpha1-6 bonds. Insoluble dextran synthesis may involve a special enzyme mechanism characteristic of S mutans. This synthesis would require both enzymes, possibly in some aggregated form, with one enzyme synthesizing endogenous primer dextran. This endogeneous primer or some cell wall polysaccharide could stimulate both enzymes to rapidly synthesize heterogeneously linked insoluble dextran.
OH-radical imaging and velocity field measurements in a gaseous hydrogen/oxygen rocket

Detailed measurements of the OH-radical and velocity fields for a shear coaxial unielement rocket chamber burning gaseous hydrogen and gaseous oxygen propellants are reported. The velocity measurements indicate that a highly unsteady flowfield results from the turbulent combustion of the coaxial jets. The core of the oxygen stream is observed to remain intact well downstream of the injector face while the maximum turbulent intensities in the shear layer region between the hydrogen and oxygen flows were measured to be about 25 percent. Both 1D and 2D laser-induced fluorescence studies of the OH-radical are reported and provide information on the evolving flame structure under rocketlike conditions. Both single and multiple laser pulse images indicate that the structure of the unsteady flowfield is directly reflected in the combustion zone flame structure. Preliminary results regarding analysis approaches and interpretation of the data are also presented.
Describing family interaction patterns in early childhood: A social events perspective

Abstract A new, narrative observation methodology was developed to assess complex family interaction patterns. The methodology is time consuming, but yields measures of different levels of specificity. Initial explorations of the psychometric properties and validity of the assessment approach suggest that it may have further applications. Subjects (29 four-year-old children and their families) were observed at home on three separate days, 5.5 hours total. Measures derived to date include comparatively molar child-mother interaction events, more differentiated descriptors of qualitative aspects of the events, and global ratings of family functioning. Social events with controlling themes were found to be most common, and events with teaching themes least common. Most events were initiated by the mothers rather than the children. In longitudinal analyses, families high on a predicted adaptation index, based on multiple measures from the child's first three years, had more events overall, more teaching events, and less noncompliance that other families at age 4. They were also especially likely to score high on molar measures of proactive parental involvement. These findings generally are consistent with those from past studies of family functioning that relied upon molecular methods. At the same time, the study's findings suggest that more molar aspects of family interaction may be diagnostic of family relationship difficulty. Since the narrative-based system yields both kinds of measures, it may prove to be an especially valuable tool in family interaction research.
The association between the meaning of working and musculoskeletal discomfort

Abstract This exploratory study was conducted to see if there was an association between the meaning of working and musculoskeletal discomfort and if that association was predictive of the severity of discomfort. Each of 170 telecommunication personnel at two sites completed a Meaning of Working Survey form and a Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. Seven component composites of the meaning of working (work centrality, obligation, entitlement, comfort, promotion/power, expressive, and social support) were entered into a linear multiple regression model. The results suggested that there was a moderate, significant association ( R 2 =0.19, p =0.0002) between overall musculoskeletal discomfort and promotion/power as well as the control variables age, gender, job satisfaction, average hours worked, and site. A logistic linear regression found that these composites, along with social support, could accurately identify who was in a none/mild discomfort category or a moderate/severe discomfort category 72% of the time. The overall pattern suggested that females who worked longer hours, valued promotion and power and disliked social support were most likely to develop moderate to severe musculoskeletal discomfort. This study provides a preliminary exploration of the association between meaning and MSD in the workplace and provides one hypothesis why meaning may be associated with MSD. Relevance to industry The causes of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the workplace are diverse and poorly understood. The meaning that working has to an individual may help to explain why certain psychosocial factors are associated with musculoskeletal discomfort and may eventually provide one way to intervene to reduce MSD.