cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microbiota from the Late Proterozoic Tindir Group, Alaska

Preliminary investigation of carbonaceous sediments from the late Proterozoic Tindir Group, east-central Alaska, reveals the presence of abundant single-celled and spherical colonial nannofossils interpreted to represent blue-green algae. Similar micro-organisms, particularly Sphaerocongregus Moorman, have been reported from the late Proterozoic Hector Formation of southwestern Alberta, Canada. The fossils reported here come from beds tentatively considered to represent the upper Tindir Dolomitic Sandstone and Shale member, stratigraphically above the Basalt and Red Beds member, for which an age of no more than 850 m.y. has been suggested. However, it is possible that the fossiliferous sequence is correlative with the lower Tindir Dolomite and Shale member which immediately underlies the Basalt and Red Beds member, and which contains a stromatolitic structure known in beds 950 m.y. old and older elsewhere.
Food group intake patterns in relation to nutritional adequacy of young adults

Abstract Food group intake patterns of young adults were determined in relation to Food Guide Pyramid food groups, and were related to nutritional adequacy and selected Dietary Guidelines for Americans. One-day food intake records of 2489 subjects were analyzed for average intake of different food groups; % of diets below or above the recommended servings of Food Guide Pyramid; nutritional density and MAR-5 in relation to food group scores (0–5) and food group intake patterns; the number of different foods included in a day; and percentages of kcalories from total fat and added sugar. Although mean intakes of major nutrients and five food groups of the subjects were above the recommended amount, at least 89% of the young adults consumed less than the recommended number of servings from more than one food group (i.e., food group score 0–4). Inadequate servings of grain, vegetable, fruit, dairy and meat groups were consumed by 39%, 31%, 38%, 40% and 55% of the subjects, respectively. Diets which were chosen by the young adults and contained the minimum number of servings of the Pyramid were nutritionally adequate based on MAR-5 scores, but high in fat, sugar and kcal. In using the Food Guide Pyramid for nutrition education with young adults, we suggest emphasizing the importance of Dietary Guidelines for total fat, added sugar, and energy balance.
Incidence of atrial fibrillation in heart transplant patients: long-term follow-up.

Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Transplant Patients. Background: The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart transplant patients has not been well documented. Methods: To determine the incidence of AF in a cohort of patients undergoing cardiac transplantation, clinical data were obtained from a prospectively collected database for all consecutive orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) patients and for all consecutive coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients between January 1984 and March 2004 at our institution. A cohort of 1,714 OHT patients and low-risk CABG (normal ejection fraction [EF] and no left ventricular hypertrophy [LVH]) patients were age- and sex-matched. Results: The average age in the two groups was 56 ± 7 years with 87% male and 81% white race and body mass index (BMI) of 26 ± 4. There were 3 cases of AF (0.3%) in the OHT group and 757 cases of AF (21%) in the low-risk CABG group. The strongest independent predictor of freedom from postoperative AF was having had a transplant (odds ratio [OR] 96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13-720). The incidence of AF, atrial flutter (AFL), and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in OHT was 0.33,2.8%, and 1.3%, respectively. Given that incidence of AF, AFL, and SVT in historical post-CABG population is 25%, 17%, and 4.3%, transplanted patients appear to have lower incidence of AF, AFL, and SVT than the reference population. Consistent with this, transplanted patients underwent few ablation procedures for atrial arrhythmias. Additionally, the three patients with AF had bicaval anastomoses suggesting the possibility of PACs originating in the donor superior vena cava (SVC) or IVC (inferior vena cava) initiating AF in these patients. Conclusions: In a cohort study of transplant and low-risk CABG patients, the strongest independent predictor of freedom from AF is having undergone transplant surgery. One potential explanation for the markedly lower incidence of AF may be effective isolation of thoracic veins with documented cases retaining the native SVC.
Realistic models of supersymmetric particle dark matter

An event reported by CDF has a supersymmetric interpretation consistent with the supersymmetric interpretation of the reported LEP excess of Z → b decays. Together they imply a higgsino LSP of mass about 40 GeV that gives 0.05 ≲ Ω h 2 ≲ 1. Its direct detection is discussed. Cold dark matter candidates from a supersymmetric Lagrangian consistent with phenomenological constraints should be called a WISP (for weakly interacting supersymmetric particle); many WIMPs are not WISPs. I also comment on how it is normal in particle theories to have an LSP, massive neutrinos, and of course baryons, so that one automatically has all those forms of matter.
On the Use of Iconic Elements in Etymological Investigation: Some Case Studies from Greek

SUMMARYIconic elements are generally held to be problematic for the purposes of etymological investigation, for they often show synchronic oddities and behave irregularly from a diachronic standpoint. However, it is possible, under the appropriate circumstances, to use such elements to advantage in etymologizing. Three examples of this nature are presented from Greek. In each of these, it is shown that a recognition of a phonosemantic value for the Modern Greek affricate [t8] (graphic ) enables one to make a principled decision regarding otherwise controversial etymologies. [t8] is argued to hold a special place functionally in the Modern Greek phonological system, participating in an extensive network of sound-symbols, for instance, and from that observation.a case can be built for the etymologies of three morphemes--the diminutive suffix - itsa the verb tsimpoo "I pinch" and the substantive tsiggouves "stingy, miserly"--that participate in the network too.RESUMELes elements iconiques posent souvent des problemes pour letymologie, a cause de leurs irregularites du point de vue syn chronique et diachronique. Ici, cependant, on presente trois cas pris du grecque post-classique ou une valeur phonosemantique pour le son [ts] (en grec) permet a arriver a une decision concernant des choix difficiles pour letymologie du suffix diminutive -itsa du verbe tsimpoo "je pince", et du substantif tsiggouves "avare, chiche". On notera que la participation du [t8] dans un reseau des mots expressifs est tres important pour cette demonstration de l'utilite des elements iconiques dans les investigations etymologiques.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGLautsymbolische und ikonische Elemente sind oft problematisch in der Etymologieforschung, veil sie synchronische und diachronische Unregelma sigkeiten aufweisen. Hier verden drei Fallstudien aus dem postklassischen Griechischen aufgezeigt, vo die Anerkennung eines phonosemantischen Wertes fur den Laut [t8] ( in griechischen Buchstaben) die Entscheidung zvischen einigen moglichen Etymologien fur das Suffix "-itsa lein, -chen", das Verbum tsimpoo "ich kneife", und das Substantiv tsiggouves "Geizhals; geizig", erlaubt. Es erveist sich, das die Teilnahme des [ts] in einem Gefuge affektiver Worter sehr wichtig ist, venn es darum geht. die Etymologien lautsymbolischer Ausdrucke zu erfassen.
Preservation of NADH voltammetry for enzyme-modified electrodes based on dehydrogenase.

Minimizing overpotential and generating high faradaic currents are critical issues for fast-scan voltammetry of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) for the sensitivity of enzyme-modified electrodes based on dehydrogenases. Although NADH voltammetry exhibits high overpotential and poor voltammetric peak shape at solid electrode surfaces, modification of the electrode surface can improve the electrochemical response at carbon fibers. However, these improvements are severely degraded upon the covalent attachment of enzyme. The creation of improved electron-transfer properties and the retention of these properties throughout the enzyme attachment process is the focus of this study. A novel polishing and electrochemical pretreatment method was developed which generated a decreased overpotential and a high faradaic current at carbon-fiber electrodes for NADH. Factors that lead to a degradation of voltammetric response during the enzyme fabrication were investigated, and both the aging and the covalent mo...
Assessment of vulvovaginal complaints: agreement between phone and office management

Abstract Objective: To examine the agreement between nursing phone and provider office management of vulvovaginitis. Methods: Patients who called the Kaiser Permanente Phone Call Center with vulvovaginal complaints were evaluated by a registered nurse, who took a standardized history, and made an assessment and plan; additionally, she made a judgment regarding whether she would have treated the patient over the phone. These patients were seen in the office the same day and examined and treated by a clinician following a protocol that included cultures for typical vaginal and cervical pathogens. Providers also made a judgment about phone treatment. Nurses and providers were blinded to each others’ diagnosis and therapy. Kappa coefficients were used to evaluate the interexaminer agreement between nurses on the phone and providers in the office with respect to diagnosis and treatment. Results: Four hundred eighty-five patients underwent phone evaluation. Of these, 253 (52%) completed the study protocol and were considered in the final analysis. Kappa values for the diagnosis of trichomoniasis (0.05), bacterial vaginosis (0.12), candidiasis (0.22), chlamydia, herpes simplex, and urinary tract infections (0.05), and “other” (0.05) demonstrated poor agreement between nurses and providers. There was also poor agreement between phone nurses and providers regarding the necessity of an office visit (0.14). Conclusion: This prospective study challenges the notion that the telephone is an effective tool for diagnosing and treating vulvovaginal complaints. Patients with these complaints should be evaluated in the office. Alternatively, programs should be developed and analyzed to educate nurses involved in telephone triage of vulvovaginitis.
Efficient Algorithms for Extracting the K Most Critical Paths in Timing Analysis

Path extracting algorithms are a very important part of timing analysis approach. In this paper we designed and developed several algorithms which can generate the K most critical paths in a non-increasing order of their delays. The effectiveness of these algorithms is shown by some experimental results.
A case of Peters' anomaly in a springer spaniel.

An 8-week-old springer spaniel presented with a large central corneal opacity of the left globe, which was accompanied by cords of tissue spanning from the iris collarette to the posterior cornea. A posterior cortical cataract was noted in the right eye. At the owner's request the puppy was humanely destroyed, and a necropsy was performed. Upon sectioning the left globe in the vertical plane, a circle of pigmented strands of tissue was observed spanning the anterior chamber from the iris to the posterior aspect of the cornea. The right globe appeared normal when inspected grossly. Histologically, a membrane of pigmented tissue covered the posterior aspect of the broad central corneal leukoma of the left globe. This membrane and the cords traversing the anterior chamber were composed of vascular uveal tissue. Descemet's membrane and the corneal endothelium were reduced or absent in the zone of corneal opacity. Other than the changes associated with cataract, the right globe was histologically normal. The clinical and histological findings in the left globe were identical with those described for Peters>> anomaly in human beings.
Bacterial Stress Responses: What Doesn't Kill Them Can Make Them Stronger

An organism's survival from moment to moment depends, at least in part, on its ability to sense and respond to changes in its environment. Mechanisms for responding to environmental changes are universally present in living beings. For example, when mammals perceive a sudden environmental change as threatening, a rush of adrenaline precipitates the well-known “fight or flight” response. Such physiological stress responses in complex organisms require appropriately regulated interactions among numerous organ systems. But how do single-celled organisms respond to potentially lethal threats? The hope is that identifying specific mechanisms that contribute to microbial survival under rapidly changing conditions will provide insight into stress response systems across life forms. Bacteria—and especially those capable of persisting in diverse environments, such as Escherichia coli—provide particularly valuable models for exploring how single-celled organisms respond to environmental stresses. For example, most bacteria associated with foodborne infections (e.g., some E. coli serotypes, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes) can survive under diverse conditions, both inside and outside of the host. To ultimately cause human infection, a foodborne pathogen must first survive transit in food or water, a significant achievement since the majority of commercial products destined for consumption in the United States are treated with strategies specifically designed to control or eliminate microbial contaminants. Following ingestion, the bacterium must survive exposure to conditions that have evolved to provide the host with some protection against pathogenic microbes. Human bodily defenses include gastric acid (ranging from [pH 2.5–4.5], largely depending on feeding status), bile salts, and organic acids within the gastrointestinal tract. To survive these extreme and rapidly changing conditions, bacteria must sense the changes and then respond with appropriate alterations in gene expression and protein activity. Therefore, one important scientific challenge is to identify mechanisms that control the switch or switches that allow free-living bacteria to adjust to and invade a host organism.
Strategies Used by Home Health Nurses to Assess the Mental Status of Homebound Elders

Home health nursing practice requires the ability to accurately assess elderly clients and, based on this assessment, arrange for needed home care services. Accurate evaluation of a homebound elder's mental status is particularly important, for it indicates whether the individual will be able to survive in his or her home and thereby avoid institutionalization. However, previous studies suggest that nurses in a variety of settings use assessment criteria that result in inaccurate judgements about their client's cognitive status. This study was undertaken to investigate specific strategies used by home health nurses to determine mental status. A convenience sample of 84 home health nurses was surveyed about the assessment criteria they used in their practice. Findings showed that these nurses, like others, rely primarily on orientation to evaluate cognition.
The isomeric configuration of the bacteriorhodopsin chromophore.

Abstract Oesterhelt and Stoeckenius in 1971 found a pigment in Halobacterium halobium which they called bacteriorhodopsin because it resembles rhodopsin in many aspects. The isomeric configurations of its chromophore were studied by thin layer chromatography of the retinal and of the retinal oxime derivatives. The dark form of bacteriorhodopsin (R 560 ) contains 13- cis retinal, in contrast to the 11- cis retinal of rhodopsin. Both the R 570 and the M 412 forms of bacteriorhodopsin were found to contain all- trans retinal. Implications of the different isomeric forms found in bacteriorhodopsin are discussed.
Novel associations among gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons

GnRH is secreted in bursts into the hypophyseal portal vasculature by a small dispersed population of neurons. The means by which the activity of these intrinsically pulsatile cells is coordinated are unknown. This study was initiated as a continuation of our examination of the synaptic input to these cells and their anatomical relationships. Brain tissue from female rhesus monkeys and male and female rats was prepared for the immunocytochemical demonstration of GnRH. At the light microscopic level, GnRH neurons were occasionally found to be in close apposition. Such pairs (or small groups) were randomly distributed throughout the population of GnRH neurons from the diagonal band of Broca through the anterior hypothalamic area in rats and monkeys and in the medial basal hypothalamus in monkeys. The percentage of neurons found in such associations was small (2-7% in rats and 3-15% in monkeys) and was independent of the hormonal condition of the animal. GnRH neurons, either singly or in pairs, were serially sectioned for electron microscopic examination. The sparsity of synaptic input to the cell body that we had reported earlier on the basis of random sampling was confirmed. No soma had more than a dozen synapses, but none totally lacked innervation. The most significant result of serial reconstruction was the discovery of intercellular bridges or passageways between contiguous pairs of GnRH neurons. These were formed by the fusion of processes extending from the two cells or by fusion and opening of passageways in the membranes along regions of contiguity between the two cells. They were found in four of seven pairs of neurons examined in the rat and in four of eight pairs in the monkey. This syncytial arrangement along with GnRH-GnRH synaptic interactions could contribute to the coordination of dispersed influences on these neurons and the propagation of coordinated pulsatile release of GnRH.
Cellular Vacuolation and Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Release Are Independent Outcomes of Helicobacter pylori Vacuolating Cytotoxin Activity That Are Each Dependent on Membrane Channel Formation

Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin (VacA) is a secreted toxin that is reported to produce multiple effects on mammalian cells. In this study, we explored the relationship between VacA-induced cellular vacuolation and VacA-induced cytochrome c release from mitochondria. Within intoxicated cells, vacuolation precedes cytochrome c release and occurs at lower VacA concentrations, indicating that cellular vacuolation is not a downstream consequence of cytochrome c release. Conversely, bafilomycin A1 blocks VacA-induced vacuolation but not VacA-induced cytochrome c release, which indicates that cytochrome c release is not a downstream consequence of cellular vacuolation. Acid activation of purified VacA is required for entry of VacA into cells, and correspondingly, acid activation of the toxin is required for both vacuolation and cytochrome c release, which suggests that VacA must enter cells to produce these two effects. Single amino acid substitutions (P9A and G14A) that ablate vacuolating activity and membrane channel-forming activity render VacA unable to induce cytochrome c release. Channel blockers known to inhibit cellular vacuolation and VacA membrane channel activity also inhibit cytochrome c release. These data indicate that cellular vacuolation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release are two independent outcomes of VacA intoxication and that both effects are dependent on the formation of anion-selective membrane channels.
Global Controllability of Nonlinear Systems

This article deals with the controllability of nonlinear differential systems which arise when a linear system is perturbed. The sufficiency conditions presented insure that the nonlinear system will be (globally) controllable whenever its linear part is controllable. Moreover, the steering can be accomplished using continuous controls with arbitrarily prescribed initial and final values.The problem of splitting the nonlinear system into controllable and uncontrollable parts is also discussed along with the nature of the null domain of controllability.
The uptake of ferritin by ileal absorptive cells in suckling rats. An electron microscope study.

An electron microscopic study of the small intestine of rats from birth to 15 days of age has demonstrated a gradient of both structure and function along the length of the small intestine. During this period of development, only the ileum was found to absorb intact exogenous ferritin or colostral proteins. In newborn rats ferritin particles or milk proteins are incorporated by ileal absorptive cells into tubular invaginations of the apical plasmalemma which connect with vacuoles or cisternae in the apical cytoplasm. The ferritin particles are then transported by another vacuolar system to the supranuclear region where several such vacuoles coalesce to form a single supranuclear vacucle. After the first feeding the supranuclear vacuole is established in the ileal cells so that additional ingested proteins, whether ferritin or from milk, are transported from the cisternae directly to the supranuclear vacuole. There was no evidence in the present study to indicate that ferritin is transmitted from the ileal cell to the circulation. The subject of protein transport by the intestinal epithelium is reviewed briefly.
Mutilating hand syndrome in an infant with familial carpal tunnel syndrome

A 7-month-old infant, son of consanguinous Indian parents, presented with recurrent chewing of his digits in a median nerve distribution as the primary manifestation of carpal tunnel syndrome, in conjunction with features consistent with congenital insensitivity to pain. Electromyography (EMG) demonstrated severe median nerve entrapment at the wrist bilaterally, but other nerves were normal. In spite of clinical evidence of diffuse pain insensitivity, sural nerve and skin biopsies were normal, and he had no evidence of autonomic dysfunction. Hand findings evolved with scarring and infection of median innervated digits and loss of fine motor skills. Carpal tunnel release resulted in complete clinical resolution and significant EMG improvement. Milder symptoms and EMG evidence of median nerve entrapment were demonstrated in both parents, paternal grandparents, and several of his father's siblings. We hypothesize this child may be homozygous for a mutant allele that in its heterozygous state predisposes to familial autosomal dominant carpal tunnel syndrome. Homozygosity for this or another mutant allele may be responsible for his congenital insensitivity to pain.
Field Evaluation of Endotoxin Air Sampling Assay Methods

This study tested the importance of filter media, extraction and assay protocol, and bioaerosol source on the determination of endotoxin under field conditions in swine and poultry confinement buildings. Multiple simultaneous air samples were collected using glass fiber (GF) and polycarbonate (PC) filters, and these were assayed using two methods in two separate laboratories: an endpoint chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay (QCL) performed in water and a kinetic chromogenic LAL assay (KQCL) performed in buffer with resistant-parallel line estimation analysis (KLARE). In addition, two aqueous filter extraction methods were compared in the QCL assay: 120 min extraction at 22°C with vigorous shaking and 30 min extraction at 68°C with gentle rocking. These extraction methods yielded endotoxin activities that were not significantly different and were very highly correlated. Reproducibility of endotoxin determinations from duplicate air sampling filters was very high (Cronbach α all > 0.94). When an...
Punching ducks for post-stroke neurorehabilitation: System design and initial exploratory feasibility study

Each year 795,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke and the majority cannot resume daily activity because of persistent upper extremity (UE) motor impairment. Research in rehabilitation science has demonstrated that movement recovery is facilitated by extended task practice. However, 75% of stroke survivors are unable to successfully practice reaching tasks, due to the severity of the impairment of elbow and wrist movements. We hypothesize that expert action observation-observing normal avatar movement in response to impaired UE movement-may promote greater brain learning and contribute to greater UE movement recovery for patients with severe limitations of elbow and wrist movement. To incorporate extended task practice and expert action observation into current therapy, we have developed and begun initial exploratory testing of Duck Duck Punch, a 3D serious game for stroke neurorehabilitation. A Microsoft Kinect motion tracking sensor allows a stroke survivor to interact with the virtual game by moving their impaired arm. The visual display of a corresponding avatar arm enables a patient with impaired movement in the real world to appear to have normal movement in the virtual game environment. Data from a preliminary study suggests that our system may be effective in aiding in rehabilitation, especially in improving reaching efficiency and reducing abnormal movements.
Development of a magnetoelastic resonant sensor using iron-rich, nonzero magnetostrictive amorphous alloys

A novel type of a magnetoelastic sensor which is based on the concept of the coupled magneto-mechanical resonance is described. Magnetic excitation of the tag results in some energy being stored in an elastic mode, much as in a tuning fork. When the magnetic excitation is turned off, the elastic energy sustains the magnetic oscillation through an exponentially decaying ring-down period that is a unique signature of the tag. This unique signal can be utilized principally as a sensor in electronic article surveillance. The goal of this investigation is to determine the relationships between processing parameters and the magnetic properties of the tag. The emphasis is placed on the operating principles of the sensor and special challenges in magnetic domain engineering and magnetic processing to optimize the sensor. The material requirement here is a magnetically soft material having nonzero magnetostriction.
Effect of casting conditions on the performance of porous cellulose acetate membranes in reverse osmosis

Several sets of porous cellulose acetate membranes were made using the same casting solution composition and gelation conditions but varying the casting solution temperature and solvent evaporation conditions. The films were tested in reverse osmosis experiments at 250 psig using aqueous feed solutions containing 3500 ppm NaCl. The results show that the product rate obtained at a given level of solute separation is independent of evaporation time in the range tested and, for a given casting solution composition, the temperature of the casting solution and conditions of solvent evaporation during film formation together constitute an important interconnected variable governing the porous structure of the resulting membranes. These results offer a new approach to the problem of developing more productive reverse osmosis membranes and have led to a new class of porous cellulose acetate membranes capable of giving product rates 100% to 150% higher than those of the best membranes reported, at any given level of solute separation under the experimental conditions used. These results are of practical importance in low-pressure reverse osmosis applications.
SARCOIDOSIS AND TESTICULAR TUMORS

A thirty-five-year-old white man presented with hilar adenopathy and elevated alpha-fetoprotein after retroperitoneal node dissection and chemotherapy for mixed embryonal seminomatous testicular tumor. A biopsy completed by mediastinoscopy demonstrated sarcoidosis.
Abnormal expression of molecular markers for bladder impermeability and differentiation in the urothelium of patients with interstitial cystitis.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Despite a lack of consensus concerning the etiology of interstitial cystitis (IC) the loss of impermeability and other abnormalities of the urothelium are features of the disease. In this study the distribution of proteins involved with epithelial adhesion, cellular differentiation and bladder impermeability in urothelial biopsies were explored by the immunohistochemical assessment of E-cadherin, ZO-1, uroplakin and chondroitin sulfate.Materials and Methods: Biopsies obtained from 27 patients with IC and 7 controls were immediately fixed in formalin, immunohistochemically labeled for the described proteins and scored for protein expression, morphology and differentiation.Results: Only 3 IC samples appeared completely normal, while 24 of the 27 showed an abnormality in at least 1 marker and in 6 all 4 markers were abnormal. In patients vs controls findings were abnormal for uroplakin in 13 of 27 vs 1 of 7 (p = 0.085), for E-cadherin (over expressed) in 18 of 27 vs 0 of 7 (p = 0.0021), for ...
Superiority of anti-reflux stent compared with conventional stents in the palliative management of patients with cancer of the lower esophagus and esophago-gastric junction: results of a randomized clinical trial.

SUMMARY. Palliation of inoperable esophageal cancer with covered stents aims to relieve progressive dysphagia and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Introducing a stent across the esophagogastric junction in lower third tumors may predispose to unchecked gastro-esophageal reflux (GER). Esophageal stents incorporating an anti-reflux valve have been introduced to address this problem. We prospectively compared an anti-reflux stent with a standard stent in the palliation of inoperable lower third esophageal tumors. Forty-nine consecutive patients with malignant dysphagia were randomized to receive a standard (n = 25, group 1) or an anti-reflux stent (n = 24, group 2). HRQoL was assessed before stenting, at 1 week and at 2 months, utilizing European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires QLQ-C30, QLQ-OES24 and reflux questionnaires. Esophageal pH testing was performed within 1 week of the stent insertion. Detailed statistical analysis was employed to assess general QoL, symptoms and pH scores in both groups. Both groups reported significantly improved QoL, health and dysphagia scores at 1 week and 2 months after stenting. Group 2 patients reported significantly (P < 0.05) better DeMeester symptom, general reflux scores, and normal pH profile at 1 week. At 2 months DeMeester symptom scores were significantly (P < 0.05) better in group 2 compared with group 1. Standard and anti-reflux stents afford comparable relief from dysphagia and improved quality of life in patients with inoperable lower third esophageal cancer. Anti-reflux stents, however, controlled symptomatic and physiologically relevant reflux and should therefore be considered as optimal palliation in this cohort.
Ukraine's ancient matriarch as a topos in constructing a feminine identity

In 1991, Ukrainian independence opened an important theoretical channel for debating the status of its women. The people's collective memory of an ancient matriarchy generated a neo-matriarchal mythology which has been transformed into a delusional ideology that legitimizes female subordination, in the name of her alleged empowerment. Fieldwork in Ukraine – annual visits, including travel from one end of the country to another in official capacities, and many extended stays in Ukraine, as a scholar, researcher, educator and participant in key events, provided opportunities for exchanging views with countless people from many walks of life throughout the country. Participation in a host of programs – television ‘specials’ on gender, seminars, retreats, workshops and conferences, designed to raise the consciousness of women and men alike – provided an array of opportunities to observe at first hand the way that today's women construct individual identity. Extensive research in the press (many runs of daily newspapers, including Den’, in Kyiv, and Vysoky Zamok in Lviv, and women's journals such as the widely read Zhinka, among others) added further insights. Television viewing, popular publications collected habitually during my numerous visits to Ukraine, copies of documents contributed by my Ukrainian friends and colleagues, outdoor advertising, posters and intimate gatherings at the homes of likeminded women, all played a part in the formation of my impressions of Ukrainian women's inferior status. In this paper I use my findings to explore the conflicting discourses on women's alleged empowerment, and the essentialist constraints on their self-realization, together with measures adopted to date on changing gender stereotypes and promoting equal rights and opportunities.
Co-Rumination in the Workplace: Adjustment Trade-offs for Men and Women Who Engage in Excessive Discussions of Workplace Problems

Developmental psychology research finds that when children and adolescents engage in excessive discussion of problems with friends, a phenomenon termed “co-rumination,” they experience trade-offs between negative adjustment outcomes (e.g., depression), but better friendship quality. This study examines the possibility that adults in the workplace engage in co-rumination about workplace problems, and that co-rumination, gender, and the presence of abusive supervision influence both positive and negative individual outcomes. A sample of 147 adults ranging in age and occupation completed a questionnaire assessing co-rumination, abusive supervision, and workplace outcomes. Results suggested that women engage in more co-rumination than men, and that abusive supervision exacerbates its negative effects for women. In contrast, for men experiencing high abusive supervision, co-rumination was associated with reduced negative effects. However, under low abusive supervision, co-rumination had no significant effect on any outcome variable for women, but was related to negative outcomes for men. This study suggests that co-rumination is useful for understanding different types of social support in workplace contexts, and in particular, how men and women might differ in social support seeking. Co-rumination might prove useful for reconciling the somewhat mixed results regarding social support in helping individuals cope with workplace problems. This study is the first to examine co-rumination in working adults. It provides insight into how the interaction among co-rumination, gender, and exposure to stress (e.g., abusive supervision) influence both positive and negative individual outcomes.
Coramine (nikethamide) as adjuvant to atropine in treatment of poisoning by EPN (ethyl p-nitrophenyl thionobenzenephosphonate).

SummaryThe administration of coramine and atropine together was considerably more effective in the treatment of EPN poisoned rats (both male and female) than was atropine alone.
Surfactant-mediated modulation of hydrophobic interactions in associative polymer solutions containing cyclodextrin.

The ability of nonionic surfactants to modulate the rheological characteristics of comblike hydrophobically modified associative polymer solutions containing cyclodextrin (CD) is examined. Addition of either α- or β-CD to these polymers results in a marked decrease in solution viscosity and viscoelastic properties because of the encapsulation of the polymer hydrophobes by CD. Nonionic surfactants, introduced to such a system, alter the hydrophobic interactions by competing with the polymer hydrophobes for complexation with the CDs. In this regard, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPe) with different ethylene oxide chain lengths, which determine the hydrophilic−lipophilic balance (HLB) of the surfactant, are used. Our results reveal that the extent and rate of recovery of zero shear viscosity as well as dynamic moduli are strongly influenced by the type of CD (α versus β) as well as the HLB of the surfactant. For polymer solutions containing α-CD, recovery is observed solely in the presence of a low-HLB surfactant...
Counterregulation by Epinephrine and Glucagon During Insulin-Induced Hypoglycemia in the Conscious Dog

Abstract We assessed the combined role of epinephrine and glucagon in regulating gluconeogenic precursor metabolism during insulin-induced hypoglycemia in the overnight-fasted, adrenalectomized, conscious dog. In paired studies ( n = 5), insulin was infused intraportally at 5 mU · kg −1 · min −1 for 3 h. Epinephrine was infused at a basal rate (B-EPI) or variable rate to simulate the normal epinephrine response to hypoglycemia (H-EPI), whereas in both groups the hypoglycemia-induced rise in cortisol was simulated by cortisol infusion. Plasma glucose fell to ~ 42 mg/dl in both groups. Glucagon failed to rise in B-EPI, but increased normally in H-EPI. Hepatic glucose release fell in B-EPI but increased in H-EPI. In B-EPI, the normal rise in lactate levels and net hepatic lactate uptake was prevented. Alanine and glycerol metabolism were similar in both groups. Since glucagon plays little role in regulating gluconeogenic precursor metabolism during 3 h of insulin-induced hypoglycemia, epinephrine must be responsible for increasing lactate release from muscle, but is minimally involved in the lipolytic response. In conclusion, a normal rise in epinephrine appears to be required to elicit an increase in glucagon during insulin-induced hypoglycemia in the dog. During insulin-induced hypoglycemia, epinephrine plays a major role in maintaining an elevated rate of glucose production, probably via muscle lactate release and hepatic lactate uptake.
Two Decades of Economics in Mexico

This essay reviews Mexican economic policy and scholarship over the last twenty years. Momentous changes in the Mexican economic environment and national policy have precipitated corresponding changes in the economic literature, to which the maturation of the scholarly profession on the basis of improvements in Mexican academic institutions, the large number of economists trained abroad, and the employment of economists as technocrats in business and government have also contributed. Technical proficiency and new interests, in turn, have altered the profile of the economics literature produced by Mexicans, at home and abroad. A few “old” themes like inter-regional differences in development have taken on new cogency with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but new topics of concern have been added as well, especially a literature on technical, quantitative economics. Este ensayo revisa las poliiticas econoomicas de Meexico y la investigacioon acadeemica de los ultimos veinte annos. Los cambios profundos que Meexico ha experimentado han tenido igual impacto en la produccioon acadeemica sobre la economiia—un cambio nutrido tambieen por el crecimiento y mejoramiento de nuevos y modernos programas de especializacioon, un incremento de los economistas que han tenido su formacioon profesional en el extranjero, y el empleo creciente de economistas como tecnoocratas en el gobierno y la industria. La habilidad teecnica y los nuevos intereses han alterado, como consecuencia, los trabajos acadeemicos producidos por los mexicanos tanto dentro como fuera del paiis. Algunos “viejos”temas como las desigualdades regionales, ahora en el contexto del Tratado de Libre Comercio (TLC), siguen siendo analizados, pero ademaas se agregan nuevos toopicos de interees, especialmente trabajos sobre la economiia teecnica y cuantitativa.
Preparation of doublet, triangular, and tetrahedral colloidal clusters by controlled emulsification.

We describe a six-step method for making colloidal clusters of 2, 3, or 4 silica particles with a radius of 1.2 μm. This method, originally described by Manoharan et al. (Manoharan, V. N.; Elsesser, M. T.; Pine, D. J. Science 2003, 301, 483), is based on the encapsulation of silica spheres in emulsion droplets. The originality of our work lies in the preparation of monodisperse emulsions, which allows us to obtain some high yields of small aggregates over a wide range of conditions. Using optical microscopy and disk centrifugation, we show that the relative fractions of 2, 3, and 4 particle aggregates are controlled by the emulsification conditions, particularly the concentration of silica in the dispersed phase. Our best yields are obtained using low to moderate shear rates, a highly viscous continuous phase, and intermediate amounts of silica. The sedimentation of the colloidal solution into a gradient of concentration leads to aqueous suspensions of identical clusters. Since the overall process can eas...
Cataloging and Comparing Institutional Efforts to Increase Student Retention Rates

College student retention has been and continues to be one of the most important issues facing the higher education community. Despite this importance, little is known about the type and methodolog...
Thermal behaviour and kinetic study for woody biomass torrefaction and torrefied biomass pyrolysis by TGA

The thermal decomposition behaviour and kinetics of Douglas fir sawdust torrefaction and torrefied sawdust pyrolysis were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyser (TGA). The mass loss of samples in torrefaction was highly related to the torrefaction temperature. The two-step reaction model fitted well for Douglas fir sawdust torrefaction. The activation energies of the first and second reaction stages were 112 kJ mol−1 and 150 kJ mol−1, respectively. Torrefied biomass exhibited different thermo decomposition behaviours compared to untreated biomass. The start point of torrefied biomass decomposition was shifted and the degree of shift increased with the severity of torrefaction. The final biochar yield of torrefied biomass was also increased with the increase of torrefaction temperature. Derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) curves showed that the shoulder of hemicelluloses decomposition in torrefied biomass pyrolysis was eliminated. The decomposition rate of torrefied biomass has a decreasing trend due to the mass depletion in torrefaction. A first-order one-step global model with the average activation energies in the range of 195–204 kJ mol−1 can describe the raw and torrefied biomass pyrolysis. The kinetic analysis also showed that the torrefied biomass pyrolysis from high torrefaction temperature might be multiple-step reactions.
Light-Induced Metastable Defects in a-Si:H: Towards an Understanding

The dependence of the creation and the annealing of metastable dangling bonds in hydrogenated amorphous silicon on various material parameters will be discussed in the context of a recently proposed model. After a brief review of the kinetic behaviour governing defect creation and annealing in undoped a-Si:H, a number of special cases will be analyzed: the influence of alloying with O, N, C, and Ge, changes introduced by doping and compensation, and the role of mechanical stress. Finally, possibilities to increase the stability of a-Si:H based devices will be examined.
Evaluation codes and weierstrass semigroups

We report on a construction of modified evaluation codes by Dias and Neves [1]. Evaluation codes are a type of Reed-Muller code, where the code is the image of a space of polynomial functions under the evaluation map on a given set of points in affine space, cf. [2]. In their work, Dias and Neves assign weights to the coordinates, namely a finite sequence of natural numbers. The goal is to compute the parameters of the code, especially aiming at the Minimum-DistanceSeparable property. Even with the simplest choice of points on which to evaluate, however, the problem is difficult, as it is related to the Frobenius problem [3]. In collaboration with Neves, we propose to establish a connection between the spaces of functions and sections of line bundles on algebraic curves when the chosen sequence generates the Weierstrass semigroup of a point on the curve. The prospective application is to compute the parameters of the code in some cases by using Riemann-Roch arguments.
Automatically extracting structure and data from business reports

A considerable amount of clean semistructured data is internally available to companies in the form of business reports. However, business reports are untapped for data mining, data warehousing, and querying because they are not in relational form. Business reports have a regular structure that can be reconstructed. We present algorithms that automatically infer the regular structure underlying business reports and automatically generate wrappers to extract relational data.
A prolactin-inducible gene product which is a member of the calpactin/lipocortin family.

The major PRL-inducible gene product from pigeon cropsac was cloned from λgt11 and sequenced by chain termination. The sequence of pGcp35 includes an open reading frame which yields a polypeptide which highly similar to mammalian calpactin II (lipocortin I). Like the other calpactins, the deduced protein (cp35) consists of a 4-fold repeating structure which has a conserved core characteristic of a large group of calcium-dependent membrane-binding proteins. PRL-stimulated cropsac expresses a calcium-dependent membrane-binding protein which is the proper size for endogenous cp35. Detailed comparison of the sequences of cp35 and human calpactin II shows that the only substantial sequence dissimilarity is a domain encoding amino acids between residues 20 and 40 which includes a tyrosine phosphorylation site in the human molecule, along with other residues of possible physiological significance. These results raise the possibility that calpactins are regulated by PRL in other tissues; and, that the sequences o...
Properties of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor binding in rat brain synaptic membrane fractions

Abstract The binding of GABA to crude synaptic membrane fractions of the rat central nervous system in the absence of sodium appears to involve synaptic receptor sites for GABA. The sodium-independent GABA receptor binding differs in a number of features from sodium-dependent GABA binding. In fresh tissue sodium-dependent GABA binding is about 10 times greater than sodium-independent binding, while freezing and thawing the brain membranes virtually abolishes sodium-dependent binding but increases sodium-independent GABA receptor binding about 2-fold. Both sodium-dependent and -independent GABA binding are saturable processes with dissociation constants of1.2 μM and0.37 μM respectively. Sodium-dependent GABA binding is much more sensitive to extremes of temperature and pH than is sodium-independent GABA binding. In addition, regional variations in synaptosomal uptake of GABA, sodium-dependent and sodium-independent GABA binding are markedly different. Also, amino acids and drugs differ in their potencies as inhibitors of sodium-dependent and sodium-independent GABA binding, with the relative affinity of several agents for sodium-independent GABA receptor sites closely paralleling their abilities to mimic neurophysiologic effects of GABA at postsynaptic receptors. Though there are some similarities between the influence of drugs and amino acid analogues on sodium-dependent binding and synaptosomal accumulation of GABA there are also marked differences such as a much greater affinity of β-alanine for the sodium-dependent GABA binding sites than for synaptosomal GABA uptake. This suggests that the sodium-dependent GABA binding may involve uptake sites for the GABA accumulating system of glia rather than for neuronal GABA transport.
The ‘paradoxes’ of the successful state

Abstract Three issues are discussed in this paper. First, I argue that it is impossible to understand the East Asian growth miracle without appreciating the importtant role that government policy played in stimulating private investment. Second, I will summarize some of my work on the determinants of policy effectiveness, based on a cross-country comparison of export subsidy regimes, and show that the usual rules of thumb on what makes for good policy (uniformity, transparency, non-selectivity, etc.) are quite useless in predicting which policy regimes perform better in practice. Third, I will provide some evidence that the government's social insurance role creates a complementarity between states and markets. These three sets of ideas yield a more balanced and nuanced view of the role of the state in economic development than has recently become commonplace.