cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oversizing pulmonary homograft conduits does not significantly decrease allograft failure in children

Objective: Placement of oversized pulmonary ventricle‐pulmonary artery conduits is routinely performed to decrease conduit failure in children. However, this practice has recently been challenged as somatic outgrowth may not be the main determinant of allograft failure in children. Our objective was to determine whether placement of oversized homografts for extracardiac pulmonary ventricle (PV) outflow tract reconstruction improves longevity in young children. Methods: We reviewed 102 consecutive PV‐PA conduits inserted in 70 patients less than 18 years between 1984 and 2003. Conduits placed in an anatomic position (nZ23) as part of a Ross operation, were excluded. Conduits were initially stratified into two age groups: Group 1, those placed in patients %10 years, and Group 2, those placed in patients O10 years. Normalization of conduit size to patient’s body surface area at the time of insertion (z-value) was then performed to divide the conduits into oversized (O/S) and non-oversized (NO/S) groups. Determinants of conduit failure and allograft longevity were then compared between groups. Results: Seventy-nine extracardiac conduits were placed, and 57 of these were in patients under 10 years of age. The majority had a diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot (nZ38), truncus arteriosus (nZ19), pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (nZ12), or D-TGA with pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defect (nZ7). Thirty-seven conduits were oversized (O/S) based on z-value, and 42 were non-oversized (NO/S), and the mean age at initial homograft placement was 7.0G7.5 years. Overall, oversizing conferred no significant advantage with respect to actuarial freedom from homograft replacement at 1, 5, or 10 years (96, 79, and 21%, O/S vs 93, 60, and 24%, NO/S), PZ0.44. Oversizing was more frequent in Group 1 than Group 2 (53 vs 32%), and conduit failure was also more frequent with 49% requiring reoperation during the study period vs 38% in Group 2. In the subset of patients %10 years, both homograft explantation rate (50% O/S vs 48% NO/S) and median interval to conduit failure were similar between the O/S and NO/S patients (7.1 vs 4.8 years), PZ0.340. Risk factors for conduit failure identified in multivariable regression analysis included the presence of pulmonary artery branch stenosis, lack of previous definitive repair, a diagnosis of pulmonary atresia, the need for percutaneous intervention. Conclusions: There is no significant benefit to placement of an oversized PV‐PA homograft in this series of patients from a single institution. Even in young patients with rapid somatic growth, normalizing extracardiac allografts to BSA provides excellent conduit longevity and outcomes. q 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Intradiscal injection of simvastatin retards progression of intervertebral disc degeneration induced by stab injury

Introduction Earlier work indicates that the cholesterol-lowering drug, simvastatin, is anabolic to chondrogenic expression of rat intervertebral disc (IVD) cells, which suggests a potential role for simvastatin in IVD regeneration. In this study, we expand on our earlier work to test the effectiveness of simvastatin on disc degeneration utilizing a rat tail disc degeneration model. Methods 30 rats that underwent 21 G needle-puncture at rat tail discs were injected with simvastatin-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-PLGA-PEG) gel (5 mg/ml) or vehicle control at 4 weeks after needle injury. All animals were sacrificed 2 weeks after simvastatin injection. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), aggrecan, collagen type II, and collagen type I messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in the rat nucleus pulposus (NP) were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to monitor changes in disc degeneration. Rat discs were also assessed by histology using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and safranin O staining. In addition, the NP weight, glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) and DNA content were also measured.
Abstract CN4-1: Genome-wide discovery and clinical validation of pharmacogenomic markers for chemotherapy

Pharmacogenomics is emerging as an important component in facilitating both new drug development and in improving the utility of existing chemotherapeutic agents. However, the process of identifying these genetic variants is still evolving and there are a number of different approaches that can be employed. Typically, identification of the genetic contribution to drug response comes from clinical observations; but these clinical studies are limited by our inability to control environmental factors in vivo, the difficulty of manipulating the in vivo system to evaluate biological changes and the lack of single drug regimens in large oncology trials. Therefore, we have developed a whole genome, cell-based model for identifying genetic variation(s) important in chemotherapeutic agent-induced cytotoxicity using lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from samples included in the International HapMap project as well as extended CEPH pedigrees that have been subject to extensive genotyping for linkage mapping studies. We have identified that SNPs associated with chemotherapeutic sensitivity are enriched in expression quantitative trait locus (eQTLs). The presentation will include an overview of current cell-based models used in pharmacogenomic discovery, replication and translation into the clinical arena. As technology advances, a more comprehensive evaluation of the human genome, including the examination of rare SNPs, copy number variations, tandem repeats, epigenetic effects, will further improve our understanding of the relationship between genetics and drug response in cancers. Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(7 Suppl):CN4-1
CiteSeer: an automatic citation indexing system

We present CiteSeer: an autonomous citation indexing system which indexes academic literature in electronic format (e.g. Postscript files on the Web). CiteSeer understands how to parse citations, identify citations to the same paper in different formats, and identify the context of citations in the body of articles. CiteSeer provides most of the advantages of traditional (manually constructed) citation indexes (e.g. the ISI citation indexes), including: literature retrieval by following citation links (e.g. by providing a list of papers that cite a given paper), the evaluation and ranking of papers, authors, journals, etc. based on the number of citations, and the identification of research trends. CiteSeer has many advantages over traditional citation indexes, including the ability to create more up-to-date databases which are not limited to a preselected set of journals or restricted by journal publication delays, completely autonomous operation with a corresponding reduction in cost, and powerful interactive browsing of the literature using the context of citations. Given a particular paper of interest, CiteSeer can display the context of how the paper is cited in subsequent publications. This context may contain a brief summary of the paper, another author’s response to the paper, or subsequent work which builds upon the original article. CiteSeer allows the location of papers by keyword search or by citation links. Papers related to a given paper can be located using common citation information or word vector similarity. CiteSeer will soon be available for public use.
ASSESSING THE READING‐WRITING RELATION IN ADULT LITERACY STUDENTS

Although reading ability does not guarantee proficiency in writing, previous research conducted from an information processing perspective suggests links between children's reading comprehension and various writing skills. However, little is known about reading‐writing relationships in adult students. The current study investigated such relationships in health care workers who were attending an adult literacy program. Participants who read at levels 2, 3 and 4 on a 5‐point standardized adult literacy comprehension measure were compared on productivity, syntactic complexity, single‐word error type (base and function words, verbs, morphological suffixes, spelling), and use of apostrophes. The writing of the poorer readers showed a significantly lower level of syntactic complexity as measured by mean T‐unit length. It is possible that the poorer readers wrote in a less sophisticated manner because they had not had as much reading experience as the better readers. The poorer readers also made more single word...
Epidemiology, outcomes, and predictors of mortality in hospitalized adults with Clostridium difficile infection

Studies have demonstrated an increasing Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) incidence in hospitals and the community, with increasing morbidity and mortality. In this study, we analyzed data from the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) to evaluate CDI epidemiology, outcomes, and predictors of mortality in hospitalized adults. We identified cases of CDI (and associated comorbid conditions) from NHDS data from 2005 through 2009 using ICD-9 codes. Weighted univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to ascertain CDI incidence, associations between CDI and outcomes [length of stay (LOS), colectomy, all-cause in-hospital mortality, and discharge to a care facility], and predictors of all-cause in-hospital mortality. Of an estimated 162 million adult inpatients, 1.26 million (0.8 %) had CDI. The overall CDI incidence is 77.8/10,000 hospitalizations, with no statistically significant change over the study period. On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, gender, and comorbid conditions, CDI is an independent predictor of longer LOS (mean difference, 2.35 days), all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.45], colectomy (OR 1.41), and discharge to a care facility (OR 2.12) (all P < 0.001). Elderly patients have a higher CDI incidence and worse outcomes than younger adults. The strongest predictors of all-cause mortality in patients with CDI include age 65 years or older, colectomy, and coagulation abnormalities. Despite stable CDI incidence and advances in management, CDI is associated with increased LOS, colectomy, all-cause in-hospital mortality, and discharge to a care facility in hospitalized, especially elderly, adults. Age older than 65 years should be added to the severity criteria for CDI.
Group Average Activation Maps of Functional MRI: Methodology of Identifying Group Brain Areas Activated during Painful Thermal Stimuli, Motor and Vibrotactile Tasks in Humans

Pain perception activates a complex network of cortical regions. The functional specializations of the various components comprising this network remain for the most part unknown. Moreover, the cortical networks described for pain perception include cortical regions involved in touch perception, and motor execution. We performed functional MRI (fMRI) studies to compare between cortical networks activated during a thermal painful stimulation with cortical networks activated during vibrotactile, and motor tasks. The fMRI scans for all three tasks were done in every subject, in single scanning sessions. This procedure enables the comparison between activation maps in individual subjects. A group average activation map was necessary to compare our fMRI results with earlier positron emission tomography (PET) studies of thermal pain, most of which have been based on group averages, and in order to examine the task dependent brain activations within a population of normal subjects. Here we describe the methodolo...
Higher degree stop-loss transforms and stochastic orders — (II) Applications

The usefulness of various results presented in the theoretical part (I) of the present work is illustrated. We consider some typical applications within the theory of stochastic orders and statistical distributions. The obtained results may be used in actuarial science and finance, and are of special significance in reinsurance.
Health and Well-Being in Emerging Adults' Same-Sex Relationships: Critical Questions and Directions for Research in Developmental Science.

Researchers have yet to account for the potentially unique experiences of emerging adults who are in or seeking to be in a relationship with a same-sex romantic partner. This article articulates an agenda for research focused on better understanding and addressing the health and well-being of emerging adults in or pursuing same-sex romantic relationships. We provide a general summary of what is known about health and well-being in same-sex relationships, followed by an overview of the current and changing social climate surrounding same-sex relationships. We point out how recent historical changes present sexual minority emerging adults with unique relational benefits and challenges that have not been examined within the social and health sciences. We conclude by proposing a set of research questions to help develop knowledge needed to improve the health and well-being of emerging adults in or pursuing same-sex relationships.
Parametric Optimization and Prediction Software for Excavation and Prospecting Tasks

We developed a software tool for facilitating prospecting and excavation system trades in support of selecting an optimal architecture for the Moon, and demonstrated the calculations for a limited test case. The tool could serve as a starting platform for excavation software for Mars or asteroids. The tool will provide engineers with the ability to quickly examine “What if?” scenarios within a trade space by specifying a surface system architecture (e.g. lander or rover based, digging for ice or building berms) and receiving reliable data and graphs evaluating that architecture’s performance in terms relevant metrics, such as total energy used or total duration. The software tool includes theoretical soil excavation models as well as empirically derived data from quasi static, percussive, and vibratory exaction tests.
Changing interpretation of human health risks from perfluorinated compounds.

©2014 Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have been in use for more than 60 years.1 Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was a primary PFC product at the 3M facility in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, but perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and other PFCs were also produced. The PFCs show high thermal, chemical, and biological inertness—properties that make them useful for certain industrial purposes, but at the same time also resulted in environmental persistence and potential human health risk.2 Little was published in scientific journals on PFC toxicology until the 1980s, perhaps because compounds resistant to breakdown were erroneously considered inert.3 Gradually, evidence for persistent, bioaccumulative effects has emerged, raising warning signs. A chronology of important events in understanding PFC health risks is provided in the Figure.
Constrained triangulation of 2D shapes

Algorithms for triangulating two dimensional shapes have been used as sub-problems in many application areas that include finite element analysis, geographic information systems, and geometric compression. We consider a constrained version of triangulation problem in which the objective is to increase the proportion of even degree vertices. We present an effective approach for generating triangulated polygons with increased number of even degree vertices. The proposed approach is based on the convex decomposition of polygon followed by ‘diagonal flipping’ operation.
Design, Synthesis, and Conformational Studies of Short Peptides Containing Cαα-Dipropylglycine and Dibenzylglycine

Non-proteinogenic Cαα-disubstituted amino acid (ααAA) residues greatly restrict the number of conformations of peptides and thus induce distinct secondary structures, even in short peptides [1]. In this work several pentapeptides containing Cαα-dipropyl-glycine (Dpg) and dibenzylglycine (Dbg) at alternating sequence positions and their L-norvaline (Nva) analogs were prepared. The design of these peptides is based on our models of amyloid β-sheet blocker peptides. Dpg and Dbg could accommodate energetically favored extended conformation [2] and thus induce the formation of β-sheet by self-aggregation.
The Accountability Turn in Third Wave Human Rights Fact-Finding

Whereas the characteristics of human rights fact-finding largely vary depending on the typology and scope of the entity that carries it out, consensus seems to be developing that a common set of challenges to human rights fact-finding exists. This is especially so when carried out under United Nations auspices. For example, it has long been acknowledged that the very nature of the institution, sitting as it does at the crossroads of international politics, as well as the seemingly irresolvable tension between calls for human rights protection on the one hand, and State sovereignty on the other, present some structural challenges to human rights fact-finding. Furthermore, issues of coordination between the United Nations and other institutions (such as international governmental and non-governmental organisations, or international tribunals), as well as what some have called a ‘lack of institutional memory’ arguably often feature as regular traits among fact-finding mechanisms. In recent years, a further set of challenges has been added to the mix by additional requirements, featuring increasingly often in mandates, that instruct fact-finding mechanisms to make further determinations of facts (concerning, e.g. , the identity of those most responsible for the violations being documented, or the existence of an armed conflict) and even consider questions of law ( e.g. the qualification of the violations as crimes under international law). Building on an expanding body of scholarship on the subject, as well as the author’s own experience with fact-finding efforts sitting at the intersection between traditional international human rights law and international criminal justice, this article argues: (i) that human rights fact-finding has evolved in three waves; (ii) that the third wave of human rights fact-finding is characterised by an “accountability turn”; and that (iii) this turn has brought about an additional set of challenges to the already thin-stretched capacity of UN human rights inquiries. By virtue of the arguments advanced in this article, the author posits that updating and solidifying the human rights fact-finding methodology can assist United Nations inquiries and other human rights fact-finders in strengthening the credibility of their findings.
Revisiting “The ‘diaspora’ diaspora”

I am grateful to Claire Alexander for her generous and thoughtful commentary on my 2005 article “The ‘diaspora’ diaspora”. Alexander lucidly summarizes the article; suggestively explores key issues...
Achieving sustainability in health information systems: a field tested measure of country ownership.

A country will trust, value, and use, its health information system (HIS) to the extent it has had a role in its creation and maintenance. A sense of ownership contributes in turn to the long-term sustainability of the HIS, and thus the country’s ability to monitor and evaluate population health and health services. To facilitate progress toward greater ownership, we developed and tested a tool to measure the country’s ownership of its monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system. Through a systematic review of the literature, we identified four dimensions of country ownership of an M&E system: partnership, commitment and responsibility, capacity, and accountability. We identified relevant indicators of the dimensions already in use in other tools used to assess M&E systems. We tested the data collection tool with 95 stakeholders of the Tanzanian HIS for HIV/AIDS control. We identified 56 items that addressed elements of the four dimensions. The respondents found our tool for assessing country ownership of an HIS to be clear and relevant, leading to the identification of important issues to be discussed. For example, all stakeholder groups affirmed that the Tanzanian Commission for AIDS is “playing a leadership role in addressing HIV through collaborative partnerships and work across borders to achieve greater impact.” While many respondents disagreed with the statement, “There is an adequate number of government monitoring and evaluation posts at the sub-national level.” Stakeholders found the M&E country ownership tool to address relevant questions clearly. It enabled them to identify successes and challenges within four dimensions of country ownership. It thus holds the potential to lead to an agenda for strengthening country ownership. If implemented every few years, the tool can provide a means of monitoring progress through a set of standardized indicators. As country ownership of M&E increases, so will the long-term sustainability of the HIS.
Differential Risk of Increasing Psychotropic Polypharmacy Use in Children Diagnosed With ADHD as Preschoolers

Objective: To characterize treatment trajectories in children newly diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: We utilized billing records of children aged 3 to 18 years in 28 US states' Medicaid programs between 1999 and 2006. Children entered the cohort at the first ADHD diagnosis (ICD-9-CM: 314.00) preceded by ≥ 6 months with no psychotropic medication use and no psychiatric diagnoses. We followed children for 5 years to assess use of (1) psychotropic polypharmacy (the use of ≥ 3 psychotropic medication classes), (2) antipsychotics, and (3) anticonvulsants. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to model the probability of each utilization outcome as a function of age at ADHD diagnosis and follow-up year, adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Results: Our cohort included 16,626 children of whom 79.2% received stimulants, 33.2% antidepressants, and 23.1% α-agonists, and 25.3% received psychotropic polypharmacy treatment at least once in a subsequent year. Antipsychotics (7.1%-14.7%), anticonvulsants (4.0%-7.9%), and psychotropic polypharmacy (8.5%-13.4%) use increased from year 1 to 5, but this increase was confined to children between ages 3 and 9 at ADHD diagnosis. Children diagnosed at age 3 had the most substantial increase in each outcome (OR = 1.80 [95% CI, 1.36-2.38]; 1.85 [1.38-2.47]; 2.14 [1.45-3.16]), respectively. Also, 39.1% of 9,680 children-years with psychotropic polypharmacy therapy had no psychiatric diagnoses other than ADHD. Conclusions: Psychotropic polypharmacy, antipsychotic, and anticonvulsant use increased with each year of follow-up. This effect was strongly mediated by the age of ADHD diagnosis with substantial increases in preschoolers but no corresponding effect in older children. It was only partially explained by physician diagnoses of concomitant mental disorders.
Republication of "Toward an Acceptable Definition of Emotional Disturbance".

Most definitions of emotionally disturbed youngsters suggest that disturbances in the child’s behavior patterns cause academic and social problems which affect the child and his peers. While the pr...
Light Scattering from Polymer Gels

Polymer molecules in a solution undergo random thermal motions. The motions give rise to space and time fluctuations of the polymer concentration. In the previous chapters we have seen that such concentration fluctuations (and thus the random thermal motions) can be observed using the technique of laser light scattering spectroscopy.
A Roles of Dopamine

INTRODUCTION Dopamine (DA) is a neuromodulator (see: NEUROMODULATION IN INVERTEBRATE NERVOUS SYSTEMS and SYNAPTIC CURRENTS, NEUROMODULATION AND KINETIC MODELS) that originates from small groups of neurons in the mesencephalon (the ventral tegmental area (A10), the substantia nigra (A9) and A8) and in the diencephalon (area A13, A14 and A15). Dopaminergic projections are in general very diffuse and reach large portions of the brain. The time scales of dopamine actions are diverse from few hundreds of milliseconds to several hours. We will focus here on the mesencephalic dopamine centers because they are the most studied, and because they are thought to be involved in diseases such as Tourette’s syndrome, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, drug addiction or depression (see DISEASE: NEURAL NETWORK MODELS and (Tzschentke, 2001)). These centers are also involved in normal brain functions such as working memory, reinforcement learning, and attention. This article briefly summarizes the main roles of dopamine in particular with respect to recent modeling approaches.
Evaluation of energy efficient radio-over-fiber for high-speed train testbed

In this paper, we provide an experimental evaluation of a commercial grade energy efficient radio-over-fiber (RoF) network for high-speed trains. While the fifth generation (5G) aims to improve network capacity by a thousand-fold through network densification, energy consumption management has become very challenging. Towards this vision, we develop and evaluate an RoF-based software defined energy management and monitoring application (EMMA) for high-speed train networks. Our experimental results show that the proposed solution can not only minimize the network energy footprint, but also provide a monitoring platform for network administers and maintains the quality of service
Determination of Fungicide Resistance in Botrytis cinerea from Strawberry in the Central Coast Region of California

ABSTRACT Grey mold, caused by Botryis cinerea, is one of the most important diseases of strawberry in California. Management of grey mold typically relies on repeated fungicide applications. The oc...
Critical race theory: An effective framework for social work research

Critical race theory (CRT) is a relevant theoretical framework for the field of social work, especially when investigating historically disenfranchised populations. CRT is unique in that it aspires...
Visualization and Prediction of Aircraft trajectory using ADS-B

The purpose of this research is to develop a method of tracking manned aircraft operating in the vicinity of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ flight paths. Using ADS-B and other sources, identified aircraft are classified and characterized as potential threats or a non-threats based on their altitudes, locations, and projected trajectories. The flight history and projected trajectory of each ADS-B equipped aircraft being tracked is visualized in real time. Flight trajectories are calculated using a deterministic algorithm.
DOMESTIC RELATIONS Comprehensive Child Abuse Legislation

This package of bills revised and added a number of code sections to Georgia's child protection legislation. The package includes requirement for reporting abuse and provides a civil penalty for failure to do report. The package also includes provisions for a state-wide registry to improve information sharing between state agencies and tracing statistical information presently collected at the county level; a state medical examiner system; automatic autopsies following the deaths of children under age seven; or in situations in which circumstances warrant; more open access to child abuse records; and a requirement that child care services submit reunification plans when children are taken from their parents. The package also provides that children are competent to testify at deprivation and criminal child molestation trials.
Genetically targeted chemical assembly of functional materials in living cells, tissues, and animals

The structural and functional complexity of multicellular biological systems, such as the brain, are beyond the reach of human design or assembly capabilities. Cells in living organisms may be recruited to construct synthetic materials or structures if treated as anatomically defined compartments for specific chemistry, harnessing biology for the assembly of complex functional structures. By integrating engineered-enzyme targeting and polymer chemistry, we genetically instructed specific living neurons to guide chemical synthesis of electrically functional (conductive or insulating) polymers at the plasma membrane. Electrophysiological and behavioral analyses confirmed that rationally designed, genetically targeted assembly of functional polymers not only preserved neuronal viability but also achieved remodeling of membrane properties and modulated cell type–specific behaviors in freely moving animals. This approach may enable the creation of diverse, complex, and functional structures and materials within living systems.
Entrepreneurial News Sites as Worthy Causes? Exploring Readers’ Motivations Behind Donating to Latin American Journalism

This study uses surveys with readers of entrepreneurial news startups in seven Latin American countries to examine their motivations for donating to journalism. Using the donor–organization relatio...
The Effects of Integrating a Cereal Rye Cover Crop with Herbicides on Glyphosate-Resistant Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) in No-Till Soybean

Current recommendations for the control of glyphosate-resistant horseweed [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist var. canadensis] in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] consist of comprehensive herbicide programs, which often include herbicide applications outside the soybean growing season. Integration of cover crops with herbicides could potentially improve C. canadensis control and allow for a reduction in herbicide inputs. Two separate field studies were conducted from 2016 through 2018 with the objectives of: (1) determining the effect of planting date and seeding rate of a cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop on C. canadensis population density and control in the subsequent soybean crop; and (2) determining whether the cover crop could replace a fall herbicide treatment or allow for a reduction in the use of spring-applied residual herbicides. There was no effect of rye planting date, late September versus late October, on C. canadensis density in either study. In 2016 to 2017, C. canadensis density was greater in the absence of a rye cover crop in both studies, but otherwise not affected by seeding rates of 50 versus 100 kg ha−1. In the 2017 to 2018 season, the presence of rye resulted in an increased C. canadensis density in the spring residual herbicide study (Study I), and had no effect in the fall herbicide study (Study II). Conyza canadensis densities were lowest in the treatments where a comprehensive spring residual or fall herbicide treatment had been applied, averaged over rye planting date and seeding rate. Earlier-planted rye at a higher seeding rate produced the most biomass but did not result in lower C. canadensis densities. These results suggest that cereal rye planted at a density of 50 kg ha−1 as a cover crop before no-till soybeans may be sufficient to reduce glyphosate-resistant C. canadensis plant density, but cannot be relied upon to reduce the need for fall herbicide treatments and spring residual programs.
The dynamics between the food environment and residential segregation: An analysis of metropolitan areas

Abstract The benefits of a “healthy diet” are firmly established, but the ability to follow established dietary-guidelines varies significantly across the American population. While personal choices do matter, the local food environment plays a role in the ability to access the right foods. This study examines the underlying pathways by which residential segregation affects the food environment in all large metropolitan areas in the United States by specifically relating the different dimensions of residential segregation with the food environment in terms of both access and quality, variety of food available. Using variance function regression, we simultaneously model the means and variances, and therefore the net effects of residential segregation on the food environment. Results show that residential segregation impacts the relative availability of healthy food options compared to unhealthy food options. More segregated metros have relatively fewer healthy food outlets and also have larger travel distances to healthy food outlets. Increased residential segregation is also associated with less variation in the food environment, especially for segregation by income. By shedding light on the particular aspects of residential segregation that impact the food environment, this study fits into both the debate over the consequences of segregation, and the debate over effective food retail zoning and accessibility.
Public university students’ preferences for restrictionist or lenient immigration policies

Abstract Few attempts have been made to examine the effects of perceived threats that immigrants pose to host society on young people’s preferences for restrictionist or lenient immigration policies. Moreover, the existing literature is scarce on whether such perceived threats mediate the relationship between previously identified demographic antecedents such as gender, race or age and preferences for certain immigration policies. To address these gaps, this study examines direct and mediating effects of perceived economic, cultural and security threats on preferences for lenient or restrictionist immigration policies. Using a sample college students' survey data (N = 604) on their attitudes towards immigration, our findings of logistic regression analysis show that the three dimensions of perceived threat were all positively associated with preference for hardline immigration policies. In addition, regardless of inclusion of perceived threats in the logistic model, being Republican was a consistent positive predictor of the hardline immigration agenda, while female was a consistent negative one. Finally, the results of path analysis of Structural Equation Modeling indicate mediating effects of cultural threat on the relationships between political affiliation (Republican and Independent) and race (Latino) and support for hardline immigration policies.
High-uniformity dielectric U-shaped surface relief grating coupler for AR headsets

In this work we propose a new type of symmetrical surface relief diffractive grating for waveguide -based Augmented Reality near-eye display system with a wide Field of View (FoV). We demonstrate that by using a dual-mode symmetrical in-coupling system and angular pupil tiling, we can extend the overall horizontal FoV. Our grating coupler is optimized for the second diffraction orders. The proposed concept is validated numerically via full-wave electromagnetic analysis of a 1D diffraction grating. Measurements of the diffraction efficiency of the micro-fabricated prototype are compared with the results of the numerical simulation.
PR, clientelism and economics: a comparison of southern Europe and Latin America

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between clientelist relationships and economics in public relations practice in European Mediterranean countries and Latin America. It considers the cases of Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses a critical-conceptual method through a re-conceptualization of themes from secondary qualitative analyses of existing qualitative data sets and reviews of published qualitative papers. Findings – The public relations practice in these two regions is similar. The characteristics of the public relations landscape in these countries must be understood in relation to a broader history of clientelism and economics emphasizing government relationships at the expense of other publics, as well as the lack of scale economies. Persuasive models are prevalent, although a number of forces – including integration in supranational organizations, democratization, and globalization – have strength...
Stable atomic structure of NiTi austenite

Nitinol (NiTi), the most widely used shape-memory alloy, exhibits an austenite phase that has yet to be identified. The usually assumed austenitic structure is cubic B2, which has imaginary phonon modes, hence it is unstable. We suggest a stable austenitic structure that ``on average'' has B2 symmetry (observed by x-ray and neutron diffraction), but it exhibits finite atomic displacements from the ideal B2 sites. The proposed structure has a phonon spectrum that agrees with that from neutron scattering, has diffraction spectra in agreement with x-ray diffraction, and has an energy relative to the ground state that agrees with calorimetry data.
Some Additional Evidence on the Performance of Commingled Real Estate Investment Funds: 1972-1991

This paper examines the investment performance of two commingled real estate investment funds (CREFs) over the past twenty years. Results indicate that these funds: (1) offered very good portfolio ...
Indirect Reciprocity in Online Social Networks - A Longitudinal Analysis of Individual Contributions and Peer Enforcement in a Peer-to-Peer Music Sharing Network

Indirect reciprocity is an important factor that motivates individual contributions in social networks. However, prior studies of indirect reciprocity are often limited to a snapshot view of individual interactions in social environments. This paper analyzes indirect reciprocity from a dynamic perspective in the context of a peer-to-peer music sharing network. We have two main findings. First, we reveal that indirect reciprocity is a dynamic social force. An individual's likelihood of contribution changes with the social environment, particularly with others' contribution levels in the network. The individual increases her contribution probability when she observes an increase in the number of contributors while decreases her contribution probability when she observes an increase in the number of free riders. Second, we find that indirect reciprocity is a social norm that is voluntarily enforced by contributors in the network. They do so through the setting of servers to discriminate downloaders. When the number of free riders increases, a contributor is more likely to change the server settings to provide preferential services to other contributors and lesser services to free riders. Our results indicate that indirect reciprocity plays a key role in sustaining private contributions to social networks.
Symplectic fibrations and multiplicity diagrams

1. Symplectic fibrations 2. Examples of symplectic fibrations: the coadjoint orbit hierarchy 3. Duistermaat-Heckman polynomials 4. Symplectic fibrations and multiplicity diagrams 5. Computations with orbits Appendices Bibliography Index.
Regional Blood Flow in the Normal and Ischemic Brain Is Controlled by Arteriolar Smooth Muscle Cell Contractility and Not by Capillary Pericytes

The precise regulation of cerebral blood flow is critical for normal brain function, and its disruption underlies many neuropathologies. The extent to which smooth muscle-covered arterioles or pericyte-covered capillaries control vasomotion during neurovascular coupling remains controversial. We found that capillary pericytes in mice and humans do not express smooth muscle actin and are morphologically and functionally distinct from adjacent precapillary smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Using optical imaging we investigated blood flow regulation at various sites on the vascular tree in living mice. Optogenetic, whisker stimulation, or cortical spreading depolarization caused microvascular diameter or flow changes in SMC but not pericyte-covered microvessels. During early stages of brain ischemia, transient SMC but not pericyte constrictions were a major cause of hypoperfusion leading to thrombosis and distal microvascular occlusions. Thus, capillary pericytes are not contractile, and regulation of cerebral blood flow in physiological and pathological conditions is mediated by arteriolar SMCs.
Rapid magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing cancer-related low back pain

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the relative efficiency of lumbar x-ray and rapid magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for diagnosing cancer-related low back pain (LBP) in primary care patients.
Eve's daughter, Mary's child: Women's representation in Hawthorne's 'The Birthmark'

The following analysis examines the intimate, intricate relationships among human subjectivity, knowledge, and representation in terms of gendered identities. In Hawthorne's "The Birthmark," Georgiana not only embodies but internalizes traditional patriarchal representations of women, thus negating selfhood.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ti3SiC2 Particulate-Reinforced Novel Zn Matrix Composites

In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterization of novel Ti3SiC2-reinforced Zn matrix composites. All the composites were hot pressed at 500 °C for 5 min at a uniaxial pressure of ~150 MPa. Microstructure analysis by scanning electron microscopy and phase analysis by x-ray diffraction confirmed that there was minimal interfacial reaction between Ti3SiC2 particles and Zn matrix. The addition of Ti3SiC2 improved the tribological performance of these composites against alumina substrates but did not have any beneficial effect on the mechanical performance.
A Framework For An Automated Problem Solving And Program Development Environment

A computer-based problem solving and program development environment that is consistent with the needed knowledge and skills to carry out the tasks of programming is defined. This system takes into consideration the difficulties involved in learning programming and the existing environments and their shortcomings with respect to how well they meet students' needs. This framework for an automated problem solving and program development environment for beginning learners is based on a synthesized process of problem solving, adapted to the particular requirements of programming tasks, and the cognitive activities required at each stage of the process.
Essential Oils. X. Elsholtziaketone and Naginataketone, the Main Constituents of a New Perilla Oil

Perilla naginataketoniferum afforded, on steam distillation, 0.4% essential oil, of which the constituents were 2.4% (-)-limonene, 48.9% elsholtziaketone, 36.7% naginataketone, 8.6% α-caryopyllene, small amount of dipentene and acids. The structure of naginataketone was elucidated as 1-(β-methyl-α-furoyl)-2-methyl-1-propene. The taxonomical relationships between various species of perilla grass were discussed in the light of the possible routes by which the biosyntheses of the particular main constituents in the oil might be brought about in the plant of the Perilla Genus.
Total Synthesis of Everninomicin 13,384-1. Part 1. Synthesis of the A 1 B(A)C Fragment.

The powerful antibiotic everninomicin 13,384-1 (1, Ziracin) has been prepared for the first time through a total synthesis. The 1-->1'-disaccharide and the two orthoesters of this target molecule were introduced by new methodologies using a tin acetal and 1,2-phenylseleno migrations. The reaction sequence also relies on stereoselective glycosidations and subtle manipulations of protecting groups. In addition to the introduction of new synthetic methodologies, this total synthesis should allow the preparation of combinatorial libraries of semisynthetic analogues of this highly promising antibiotic for biological screening purposes.
Device physics and state-of-the-art of quantum well infrared photodetectors and arrays

Abstract Quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIPs) have been developed very quickly and large format focal plane arrays with low noise equivalent temperature difference, and high uniformity and operability have been demonstrated. Using high quality GaAs material systems, QWIPs have the potential for high production yield, low cost and low power consumption. QWIP’s multicolor detection capability makes it especially attractive for advanced infrared sensor systems. The basic device physics and detector design of QWIP structures will be given in this paper. A brief comparison of QWIPs with HgCdTe detectors will be discussed, and the state-of-the-art of the QWIP focal plane array technology will be presented.
The effect of histone fractions on liver catalase and tryptophan pyrrolase activities

Abstract The effect of histone fractions from Walker 256 carcinosarcoma and from calf thymus upon catalase (H 2 O 2 :H 2 O 2 oxidoreductase EC 1.11.1.6) and tryptophan pyrrolase ( l -tryptophan:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC 1.13.1.12) activities in the livers of normal mice and rats was investigated. The finding of high activities of several histone fractions from normal and cancer cells in lowering liver catalase and tryptophan pyrrolase activites creates considerable doubt as to the existence of specific cancer toxins.
Calculation of Dingle temperatures in dilute magnesium alloys

The multiple-plane-wave phase-shift model of Sorbello is used to predict Dingle temperatures for several orbits on the Fermi surface of Mg. The pseudo-wave-functions for this calculation are obtained from a ten-plane-wave nonlocal pseudopotential model for pure Mg. The experimental results are well fitted by a two-parameter phase-shift model while phase shifts obtained from a model potential yield a greater anisotropy than is observed experimentally.
Postoperative intensive care in the cardiac surgical patient

Abstract The effectiveness and excellence of postoperative care following cardiac surgery is of as great importance to the successful outcome as the surgical procedure itself. To achieve effective postoperative care following cardiac surgery, a comprehensive knowledge of normal and abnormal physiology is essential along with the physical environment, facilities, resident, nursing and ancillary staff requisite for intensive care. Constant monitoring of physiological parameters critical to the moment to moment care of the postoperative cardiac surgical patient has greatly facilitated the effectiveness of postoperative intensive care. We feel strongly, however, that sophisticated electronic monitoring of physiologic data and careful computer control of postoperative care cannot take the place of the knowledgeable, discerning and sympathetic care of the surgeons and physicians in attendance. The postoperative care of cardiac surgical patients provides the student of surgery and medicine a constant learning experience. The ability to perceive and then to investigate the mechanisms of the many difficult problems of the postoperative cardiac surgical patient has stimulated the rather extaordinary growth of knowledge in this field and allowed the success of cardiac surgery as we know it today. Even with the tremendous growth of knowledge in this area in recent years much is to be learned and the challenges are great.
The depth and width of local minima in discrete solution spaces

Abstract Heuristic search techniques such as simulated annealing and tabu search require “tuning” of parameters (i.e., the cooling schedule in simulated annealing, and the tabu list length in tabu search), to achieve optimum performance. In order for a user to anticipate the best choice of parameters, thus avoiding extensive experimentation, a better understanding of the solution space of the problem to be solved is needed. Two functions of the solution space, the maximum depth and the maximum width of local minima are discussed here, and sharp bounds on the value of these functions are given for the 0–1 knapsack problem and the cardinality set covering problem.
Genetic linkage studies of human neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract Recombinant DNA technology has the ability to delineate the causes of seveveral neurodegenerative disorders. Genetic linkage studies have been used successfully to localize gene defects and it is likely that in the near future the exact loci will be determined.