cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monoclonal antibodies to the 140,000 mol wt glycoprotein of B lymphocyte membranes (CR2 receptor) initiates proliferation of B cells in vitro.

Several mouse monoclonal IgG antibodies (AB1, AB2, AB3, and AB5) were developed that reacted with a 140,000 mol wt glycoprotein on the surface of cultured RAJI B lymphoid cells. The antibodies reacted with purified normal human peripheral blood B cells and CLL lg+ B cells and showed specific germinal center and mantle zone staining in tissue sections of secondary lymphoid organs. Immunodepletion studies using 125I surface-labeled Raji cell membrane antigens demonstrated that the antigen identified by AB5 is the same 140,000 mol wt glycoprotein detected by anti-B2 that has recently been shown to react with the C3d fragment or CR2 receptor. (lida et al: J Exp Med 158:1021, 1983). Addition of the AB series and anti-B2 monoclonal antibodies to cultures of purified human peripheral blood B cells resulted in the uptake of 3H-thymidine at two to six times background control levels provided that irradiated autologous T cells were added to the culture. Stimulation was not evoked by other monoclonal antibodies to B cell surface molecules (ie, B1, BA-1, BA-2, and HLA-DR). Pep-sin-generated F(ab')2 fragments of anti-CR2 antibodies were essentially as effective as the intact IgG molecule in stimulating B cells. Induction of B cell proliferation by antibody binding to CR2 suggests that the C3d receptor may have an integral role in regulation of humoral immune response. © 1985 by Grune & Stratton, Inc.
Adding noise to Markov cohort models

Abstract Following its introduction over thirty years ago, the Markov state-transition cohort model has been used extensively to model population trajectories over time in decision modeling and cost-effectiveness studies. We recently showed that a cohort model represents the average of a continuous-time stochastic process on a multidimensional integer lattice governed by a master equation (ME), which represents the time-evolution of the probability function of a integer-valued random vector. From this theoretical connection, this study introduces an alternative modeling method, stochastic differential equation (SDE), which captures not only the mean behavior but also the variance. We first derive the continuous approximation to the master equation by relaxing integrality constraint of the state space in the form of Fokker Planck equation (FPE), which represents the time-evolution of the probability function of a real-valued random vector. Instead of working with the FPE, the SDE method constitutes time-evolution of the random vector of population counts. We derive the SDE from first principles and describe an algorithm to construct an SDE and solve the SDE via simulation for use in practice. We show the applications of SDE in two case studies. The first example demonstrates that the population trajectories, the mean and the variance, from the SDE and other commonly-used methods match. The second examples shows that users can readily apply the SDE method in their existing works without the need for additional inputs. In addition, in both examples, the SDE is superior to microsimulation in terms of computational speed. In summary, the SDE provides an alternative modeling framework which includes information on variance and is computationally less expensive than microsimulation for a typical modeling problem in cost-effectiveness analyses and in decision analyses.
To Pivot or Not To Pivot? How Core Venture Identity Inhibits Early Business Model Revision

Prior work suggests entrepreneurial identity presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, ventures must be flexible to accommodate external demands from stakeholders to enhance the viability of thei...
The evolving role of novel treatment techniques in the management of patients with refractory VF/pVT out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Abstract Study objectives The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of new life-saving interventions and novel techniques that have been proposed as viable treatment options for patients presenting with refractory ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT) out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed recent, Medline and Embase databases via the Ovid interface and Google Scholar from inception to July 2019. Eligible studies were observational in nature reporting outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), esmolol, double sequential defibrillation (DSD), and stellate ganglion block (SGB). Two investigators conducted the literature search, study selection, and data extraction. Any disagreements were resolved by consensus. Results Our database search identified 5331 records. We included in our review 23 articles that met our inclusion criteria. The selected studies included 16 observational studies on ECMO, 2 observational studies on esmolol, and 5 observational studies on DSD. Conclusion We would like to suggest that there is not enough evidence in the existing literature to support at large-scale the effects of these techniques in the treatment of refractory VF/pVT OHCA. Randomized studies are warranted to evaluate the significant effects of these approaches against the best current standard of care.
Minority Student Participation in International Programs

The increasing focus on international education among postsecondary administrators and policymakers in recent decades has resulted in considerable growth of student-participants in study abroad programs (Friedman 2005; Green et al. 2008; Institute of International Education 2017; Lincoln Commission 2005), and of student-enrollments in foreign languages (Brod and Huber 1997; Furman et al. 2010; Huber 1992). The transformational powers and effects of international education are frequently observed to manifest themselves in higher college completion and graduation rates (e.g., O’Rear et al. 2012; Redden 2012; Sutton and Rubin 2010) and in such functional aspects as self-efficacy, personal growth, global awareness, cultural awareness, intercultural adjustment, cross-cultural communication, and foreign language skills (e.g., Black and Duhon 2006; Carlson et al. 1990; Doyle 2009; Hadis 2005; Ingraham and Peterson 2004; Savicki et al. 2004). However, 80% or so of those who participate in study abroad programs are White and upper middle class (Brux and Fry 2010). There is a gross underrepresentation in study abroad programs of Black students and students of other racial/ethnic minorities, as well as those of low socioeconomic status (Penn and Tanner 2009; Simon and Ainsworth 2012).
Improving How State Medical Boards Ask Physicians About Mental Health Diagnoses: A Case Study From New Mexico.

State-based medical license applications often ask about mental health diagnoses and treatment in terms that stigmatize mental illness, which inadvertently discourages physicians from seeking care....
An Examination of the Association Between Teacher’s Instructional Practices and School-Wide Disciplinary and Academic Outcomes

Student academic deficits and problem behaviors have long been demonstrated to be closely related. What is not as clear is the degree to which teacher behaviors are predictive of both academic and behavioral outcomes. Using direct observations of teachers in over 1500 unique elementary and secondary classroom instructional settings, rates of identified evidence-based teacher instructional behaviors were used as independent variables to predict both academic and disciplinary outcomes for students at the school level. Results showed that a school’s mean rate of teacher provided opportunities for student response and positive feedback during instruction were significant predictors for lower school-wide suspensions and higher percentage of students scoring in the proficient and distinguished level on state academic assessments. Implications of these relationships as a means of preventing student failure in school are discussed along with recommendations for future study.
The Distinct Effects of Wealth- and CSR-oriented Shareholder Unrest on CEO Career Outcomes: A New Lens on Settling Up and Executive Job Demands

Conceptualizing shareholder unrest as the aggregate scale and gravity of shareholder dissatisfaction with company practices, we examine the effects of two distinct types of shareholder unrest – wea...
Unsupervised nonlinear dimensionality reduction machine learning methods applied to multiparametric MRI in cerebral ischemia: preliminary results

The evaluation and treatment of acute cerebral ischemia requires a technique that can determine the total area of tissue at risk for infarction using diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Typical MRI data sets consist of T1- and T2-weighted imaging (T1WI, T2WI) along with advanced MRI parameters of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion weighted imaging (PWI) methods. Each of these parameters has distinct radiological-pathological meaning. For example, DWI interrogates the movement of water in the tissue and PWI gives an estimate of the blood flow, both are critical measures during the evolution of stroke. In order to integrate these data and give an estimate of the tissue at risk or damaged; we have developed advanced machine learning methods based on unsupervised non-linear dimensionality reduction (NLDR) techniques. NLDR methods are a class of algorithms that uses mathematically defined manifolds for statistical sampling of multidimensional classes to generate a discrimination rule of guaranteed statistical accuracy and they can generate a two- or three-dimensional map, which represents the prominent structures of the data and provides an embedded image of meaningful low-dimensional structures hidden in their high-dimensional observations. In this manuscript, we develop NLDR methods on high dimensional MRI data sets of preclinical animals and clinical patients with stroke. On analyzing the performance of these methods, we observed that there was a high of similarity between multiparametric embedded images from NLDR methods and the ADC map and perfusion map. It was also observed that embedded scattergram of abnormal (infarcted or at risk) tissue can be visualized and provides a mechanism for automatic methods to delineate potential stroke volumes and early tissue at risk.
Fertility Issues in Polycystic Ovarian Disease: A Systematic Approach.

The triad of hirsutism, amenorrhea, and enlarged polycystic ovaries first was described in 1935 and later become known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Women with PCOS are more likely to have cardiometabolic challenges that also have an indirect relationship to their fertility and fertility outcomes. Despite these challenges, their fertile life span appears to be longer. Ovulation induction is considered first-line management of infertility in women with PCOS, with letrozole superior to clomiphene. Women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization are high risk for ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome but also have a higher live birth rate compared with controls.
Introduction to Pain Management for Third-Year Medical Students Team-Based Learning Module

Introduction A frequently encountered complaint in primary care, pain has a variety of causes and treatments. To reduce mortality, the Centers for Disease Control released guidelines on opioid pres...
Religious Beliefs, Treatment Seeking, and Treatment Completion among Persons with Substance Abuse Problems.

Background Religious beliefs can assist with the success of treatment in persons with substance abuse problems by providing social support, confidence, and hope. Methods As such, a secondary analysis using 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), of 20219 participants with self-identified illicit substance use problems was conducted. Survey was weighted bivariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to adjust for potential confounders. Findings Approximately, 15.0% of the study sample were between ages of 18-25 years and 71.5% were Non-Hispanic Black, 11.3% were Non-Hispanic White, and 12.1% were Hispanic. About 10.3% had less than a high school education, 28.0% graduated high school, 30.0% had some college education, and 32.0% were college graduates. Only 1.3% reported receiving substance abuse treatment in the past 12 months and 5.4% perceived a need for substance abuse treatment in the last 12 months. 65.0% reported that religious beliefs were an important part of their life and 62.5% reported that their religious beliefs influenced their decision making. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, both the importance of religious beliefs and the influence of religious beliefs on decision making were associated with increased odds of having treatment [odds ratio (OR) = 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-2.14 and OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.11-2.05, respectively]. However, there was no association between the importance of religious beliefs or the influence of religious beliefs on decision making and perceived need for substance abuse treatment. Conclusion These findings suggest that religious beliefs may be an important determinant in receiving treatment among substance abusers and also have implications for exploration of faith-based and faith-placed interventions.
Centralized colorectal cancer screening outreach and patient navigation for vulnerable populations in North Carolina: study protocol for the SCORE randomized controlled trial.

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is effective in reducing CRC mortality, screening rates in vulnerable populations served by community health centers (CHCs) remain below national targets. CHCs in North Carolina are challenged to reach CRC screening targets as they tend to be under-resourced, have limited capacity to implement and sustain population health interventions, and typically operate independently from one another and from regional colonoscopy providers. The Scaling Colorectal Cancer Screening Through Outreach, Referral, and Engagement (SCORE) project is designed to address barriers to CRC screening in partnership with CHCs by implementing a multilevel intervention that includes centralized support infrastructure for mailed fecal immunochemical test (FIT) outreach and patient navigation to follow-up colonoscopy. This paper describes protocols for the SCORE implementation trial. We will conduct a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial that will assess effectiveness at increasing CRC screening and follow-up rates while also assessing implementation outcomes. The planned trial sample will include 4000 CHC patients who are at average CRC risk and due for screening. Participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive either usual care or a multilevel intervention that includes mailed FIT outreach and patient navigation support to follow-up colonoscopy for those with abnormal FIT. The primary effectiveness outcome is completion of any CRC screening test at six months after randomization. We will also conduct a multilevel assessment of implementation outcomes and determinants. This hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial will evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of an intervention that provides centralized infrastructure for mailed FIT screening and patient navigation for CHCs that operate independently of other healthcare facilities. Findings from this research will enhance understanding of the effectiveness of a centralized approach and factors that determine successful implementation in vulnerable patient populations. The trial was registered on May 28, 2020, at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT04406714).
Information Overload in Organization: Impact on Decision Making and Influencing Strategies

In the last decade, we have experienced rapid advancement in technology that is impacting every area of our lives. The world has grown to a level where people are able to quickly learn and adapt to newly emerging technologies. The technological changes in the organizational sector have changed the way of communication and content management systems. Several modes of communication are available in today’s organizational environment; instant messaging, email communication, data flowing from social networks at increasing velocity and volume. These new technologies together are generating large amounts of data, making its utilization for effective and efficient decision making has become an important challenge for many businesses. Is this rapidly increasing data causing information overload and hindering decision-making processes? This study investigates the problem of information overload via quantitative analysis.
Analysis of coupling noise and it's scalability in dynamic circuits [dynamic logic CMOS ICs]

The usage of noise sensitive dynamic circuits has become commonplace due to speed and area requirements, making the noise issue even more prominent. This paper focuses on the trends of coupling and its effects on dynamic circuits. The paper presents closed form analytical solutions for noise as well as noise tolerance metrics for dynamic circuits. These solutions are within 5% of dynamic simulations. It is shown that not all scaling trends are negative for noise, and that the scaling down of supply voltage and increasing frequency help improve certain aspects of the noise immunity of dynamic circuits. Most of the work treats the noise immunity and the noise content separately. This paper introduces an analysis of noise scalability by looking at the noise immunity and the noise content simultaneously.
Array algorithms for H/sup /spl infin// estimation

We develop array algorithms for H/sup /spl infin// filtering. These algorithms can be regarded as the Krein space generalizations of H/sup 2/ array algorithms, which are currently the preferred method fur implementing H/sup 2/ filters. The array algorithms considered include two main families: square-root array algorithms, which are typically numerically more stable than conventional ones, and fast array algorithms which, when the system is time-invariant, typically offer an order of magnitude reduction in the computational effort. Both have the interesting feature that one does not need to explicitly check for the positivity conditions required for the existence of H/sup /spl infin// filters, as these conditions are built into the algorithms themselves. However, since H/sup /spl infin// square-root algorithms predominantly use J-unitary transformations, rather than the unitary transformations required in the H/sup 2/ case, further investigation is needed to determine the numerical behavior of such algorithms.
A composite model of cosmic-ray diffusion and ejection from galaxy-core explosions

A two-geometry, two-energy picture of cosmic-ray generation by outbursts of a galaxy nucleus is developed. The very-high-energy (>∼1018 eV) cosmic particles ejected are assumed to behave as if a point instantaneous source was embedded in an infinite homogeneous medium. This aspect of the model represents the free departure of cosmic rays from the galaxy. The low-energy portion (∼(109÷1017) eV) of the primary beam ejected by a point instantaneous source, diffuses in a spherical region concentric with the source, and subsequently departs from the spherical boundary into an infinite diffusive medium. The model is consistent with isotropy and the absence of long-term time variations, which imply an age of (107÷109) years for a central galactic outburst. The model is consistent with, but not sensitive to other cosmic-ray observations. Detailed study of high-energy gamma-rays from the galaxy core, and continued examination of the high-energy cosmic-ray anisotropy are suggested. These observations would reveal structure and processes in the nucleus of our galaxy.
A Black Hole Life Preserver

Since no one lives forever, all a life preserver can really do is prolong life for longer than would have otherwise been the case. With this rather limited definition in mind we explore in this paper whether in principle you can take a life preserver with you to protect you (for a while at least) against the tidal forces encountered on a trip inside a black hole.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with osteogenesis imperfecta

AbstractObjective: To assess the relationship between osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) type, mode of delivery and outcomes as self-reported by women in the International Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) Registry.Methods: A cross-sectional study using data from 274 women with OI who reported their experience with pregnancy practices, including mode of delivery, number of children, genetic counseling, assisted conception techniques, mean ages at menarche and at menopause, and pregnancy complications. Chi-square analyses were performed to compare pregnancy outcomes, number of children and OI type. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained to quantify exposure–outcome relationships.Results: The most common mode of delivery was the sole use of cesarean section (C-section) reported by 55% of the participants. Approximately two-thirds had at least two children. Twenty-nine percent (n = 80) reported pregnancy complications. There was a significant relationship between the mode of delivery and OI type (...
Minimally Invasive Adenocarcinoma of the Lung as Second Malignant Neoplasm Following Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Primary pulmonary tumors are extremely rare in the pediatric population; however, sporadic cases of invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma as a second malignant neoplasm (SMN) have been described in survivors of pediatric cancers. Pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have a particularly increased risk of developing a SMN when compared to the general population, though pulmonary adenocarcinoma has not been previously described in a RMS patient. A 12-year-old female previously treated for stage IV pelvic RMS was found to have a left pulmonary nodule on surveillance computed tomography. The nodule was detected 4.25 years after the completion of treatment, which included resection, chemotherapy, and radiation to the abdomen and pelvis. Wedge resection of the pulmonary lesion was performed with negative margins. Histopathological examination revealed minimally invasive adenocarcinoma. Pulmonary adenocarcinoma may rarely present as a SMN in pediatric cancer survivors. The pathogenesis of this association is not yet entirely clear, but may include chemotherapy-induced mutagenesis and/or genetic predisposition. As pulmonary adenocarcinoma may present as a lung lesion radiographically indistinguishable from metastatic RMS, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any pediatric RMS survivor presenting with a new pulmonary nodule, especially in cases with late recurrence. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A coping and communication support intervention tailored to older patients diagnosed with late-stage cancer.

As our society ages, increasing numbers of older Americans will be diagnosed and eventually will die of cancer. To date, psycho-oncology interventions for advanced cancer patients have been more successful in reaching younger adult age groups and generally have not been designed to respond to the unique needs and preferences of older patients. Theories and research on successful aging (Baltes and Baltes 1990; Baltes 1997), health information processing style (Miller 1995; Miller et al 2001) and non-directive client-centered therapy (Rogers 1951, 1967), have guided the development of a coping and communication support (CCS) intervention. Key components of this age-sensitive and tailored intervention are described, including problem domains addressed, intervention strategies used and the role of the CCS practitioner. Age group comparisons in frequency of contact, problems raised and intervention strategies used during the first six weeks of follow up indicate that older patients were similar to middle-aged patients in their level of engagement, problems faced and intervention strategies used. Middle-aged patients were more likely to have problems communicating with family members at intervention start up and practical problems as well in follow up contacts. This is the first intervention study specifically designed to be age sensitive and to examine age differences in engagement from the early treatment phase for late-stage cancer through end of life. This tailored intervention is expected to positively affect patients’ quality of care and quality of life over time.
Risk of Cross-Infection Through Shared Diabetic Devices

To the Editor.— A recent incident has made us aware of inadequate patient instructions accompanying diabetic devices. A 43-year-old woman positive (by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot testing) for human immunodeficiency virus indicated to us that since 1981 she has screened several friends and relatives for diabetes by performing finger-stick blood glucose determinations on them. She routinely uses a single disposable lancet to draw blood from several individuals, including herself, in rapid succession without disinfecting the lancet. Four such individuals have been tested and are negative for human immunodeficiency virus. After finding that the labeling of the lancets and holder used by our patient had no warning against sharing used instruments, we surveyed the major local pharmacy chains to evaluate labeling of diabetic devices. Of five brands of lancets, six lancet holders, and three brands of insulin syringes, only one brand of lancet and two holders warned against use
Microtiter Plate-Based Microfluidic Platforms: Sealing, Leakage Testing, and Performance of a 96-Well SPRI Device

Highly parallelized biochemical analysis is a significant step toward achieving high throughput processing of patient samples for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The standard microtiter plate is used to carry out multiple reactions for high throughput screening. By incorporating polymer microfluidic devices at each well in the microtiter plate format, the capability of the format could be significantly enhanced for high throughput processing of large numbers of biochemical samples in a cost-effective manner. Low cost replication of the microtiter plates is done using micro molding techniques, so microfabrication technology for making large area mold inserts (LAMIs) containing microfluidic devices at each well of a microtiter plate format is needed. A large area mold insert (LAMI) in the footprint of the standard microtiter plate was fabricated using an SU-8 based UV-LIGA technique. Excellent lithography results, with vertical sidewalls, were obtained by utilizing flycutting to minimize SU-8 film thickness variation and a UV filter for attenuating high absorbance UV wavelengths. Overplating of nickel in the SU-8 polymeric molds was used to make high quality metallic mold inserts with vertical sidewalls. Micro molding of polycarbonate (PC) was done using hot embossing, resulting in good replication fidelity over the large surface area. Thermal fusion bonding of the molded PC chips yielded good sealing results and the developed polymer microfluidic platforms showed good fluidic uniformity.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
EFFECT OF GROUPING ARRANGEMENT ON BEHAVIOR AND PERFORMANCE OF FINISHING PIGS

Two experiments were conducted to study effects of split- or mixed-sex penning on performance and behavior in barrows (B) and gilts (G). Experiment 1 was conducted in a commercial finishing facility for 85 days (164 pigs, 44.7 kg). Experiment 2 was conducted at the university farm for 77 days (54 pigs, 41.2 kg). In both experiments, barrows and gilts were penned separately (SB or SG, respectively) or together (MB or MG, respectively). Activity of pigs in each pen in experiment 2 was time-lapse video-recorded for 48 h when pigs weighed around 54 kg, and again at about 102 kg. In experiment 1, growth rate was higher in SB than in MB the last 24 days (P<.05). In experiment 2, SB grew faster than did MB over the 77-day trial. Penning arrangement did not affect feeding behavior. Pigs at lighter weights, however, spent more time eating, more time standing, and less time sitting than at heavier weights. Also, pigs tended to displace other pigs at the feeder more often at lighter weights (P<.10). Penning barrows separately appears to have improved their growth performance.
Cellular Actions and Signaling by Endostatin

The malignant transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell requires no vasculature. Growth of solid tumors, however, requires angiogenesis to provide oxygen and nutrients to support cell proliferation. The switch from an avascular to a vascular phenotype is typically associated with acceleration of tumor growth. Antiangiogenic therapy, starving a tumor of its blood supply, is an attractive addition to the anticancer armamentarium. Animal tests of antiangiogenic therapy have shown remarkable potential. Initial human trials have proven antiangiogenic therapy to be remarkably nontoxic. Numerous antiangiogenic agents have been isolated as proteolytic fragments of endogenous polypeptides of the extracellular matrix. Endostatin was the first such antiangiogenic protein described and its potent antitumor effects in mice have generated wide interest. This review summarizes recent advances in endostatin biology and highlights new results on the cellular and subcellular mechanisms of endostatin action.
A new method of determining finite strain in models of geological structures

Abstract A new method of constructing models of cylindrical geological structures has been developed which allows the finite strain to be determined for each of a large number of small, initially square, elements. Each material layer is made up of uniformly thick, alternately colored laminations which are oriented vertically in one half of the model and horizontally in the other half. After the model has been deformed it is cut into slices perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical structure, and the lamination patterns from the two model halves are superimposed graphically to reveal the strained shapes of the initially square elements. The three-dimensional finite-strain tensor of each element can be easily determined algebraically from measurements of its deformed shape, provided that the deformation involved rotation about no more than one principal direction. As an example the method is applied to a silicone putty model of a diapiric ridge which was formed by spinning the model in a centrifuge.
Characterization of a novel PTEN mutation in MDA-MB-453 breast carcinoma cell line

Background Cowden Syndrome (CS) patients with germ line point mutations in the PTEN gene are at high risk for developing breast cancer. It is believed that cells harboring these mutant PTEN alleles are predisposed to malignant conversion. This article will characterize the biochemical and biological properties of a mutant PTEN protein found in a commonly used metastatic breast cancer cell line.
Occupational Trajectories and Immigrant Worker Health

During their initial years in the receiving country, many immigrants experience occupational downgrading. Downgrading is a loss of occupational status between one's last job in the home country and first job in the receiving country, often resulting in overeducation or overqualification. Although the extent and determinants of such occupational trajectories have been characterized, the connection to immigrant worker health has not been widely examined. However, an emerging body of knowledge indicates that negative health outcomes are associated with overeducation and overqualification in general worker populations, suggesting similar experiences by immigrant workers. This article provides an overview of the magnitude and conceptualization of occupational downgrading, overeducation, and overqualification and discusses implications for immigrant worker health. Occupational health professionals should spearhead research efforts on occupational downgrading, raise public awareness about the issue, and serve as advocates for immigrant workers' rights.
Syncope in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I. Association with atrioventricular block

follow-up, she remains in a very good clinical condition. There are no universally accepted diagnostic criteria of postpartum cardiomyopathy. Walsh et al.3 state that the disease can only be diagnosed in the presence of the following conditions: (1) absence of previous symptomatic cardiac history prior to puerperium; (2) appearance of signs and symptoms of heart disease between first and twentieth puerperal week; and (3) inability to demonstrate an etiologic relationship with any other known pathology. It must be noted that the first postpartum week is intentionally excluded, in order to rule out patients who develop mild heart failure after delivery. In our case, the patient’s history, physical examination, chest x-ray film, and ECG prior to admission had detected nocardiovascular abnormality. At the time of admission, the patient’s condition fulfilled Walsh’s diagnostic criteria. Physical examination, ECG, and lung scan were concordant with pulmonary thromboembolism, frequently encountered in this disease.3 Natural evolution of postpartum cardiomyopathy appears to follow two different forms,” and in a great majority of patients it is benign.6 The etiology of the disease remains unknown. It is not clear whether postpartum cardiomyopathy is due to myocarditis or to autoimmune reaction taking place in a susceptible mother during pregnancy, or to a combination of both. Recently, Melvin et al.,? basing their conclusions upon endomyocardial biopsy, suggested that myocarditis was the cause of symptoms in their three patients in whom inmunosuppressive treatment with prednisone and azathioprine led to dramatic clinical improvement. There is no direct evidence of viruses acting as myocarditis agents, although they may well be triggering factors, promoting an autoimmune myocardial reaction. The concept that the pregnant and postpartal states may be more conducive to the development of viral heart disease is supported by the observation that pregnant mice are more susceptible to the encephalomyocarditis virus than nonpregnant mice.’ In our case, histologic findings were compatible with acute myocarditis, as reported by Melvin et al.* Our patient was treated with prednisone, and after a 3-year follow-up period there are no cardiac symptoms and the patient maintains an excellent clinical condition.
Exact stability analysis of discrete-time linear systems with stochastic delays

This paper provides analytical results regarding the stability of linear discrete-time systems with stochastic delays. Necessary and sufficient stability conditions are derived by using the second moment dynamics which can be used to draw stability charts. The results are applied to a simple connected vehicle system where the stability regions are compared to those given by the mean dynamics. Our results reveal some fundamental limitations of connected cruise control which becomes more significant as the packet drop ratio increases.
Economical tight examples for the biased Erdős-Selfridgetheorem

A positional game is essentially a generalization of tic-tac-toeplayed on a hypergraph (V,F). A pivotal result in the study of positional games is the Erdos-Selfridgetheorem, which gives simple criteria for the existence of a Breaker's winning strategy on a hypergraph F. It has been shown that the Erdos-Selfridgetheorem can be tight and that numerous extremal systems exist for that theorem. We focus on a generalization of the Erdos-Selfridgetheorem proven by Beck for biased (p:q)games, which we call the (p:q)-Erdos-Selfridgetheorem. We show that for pn-uniform hypergraphs there is a unique extremal system for the (p:q)-Erdos-Selfridgetheorem (q>=2) when Makermust win in exactly n turns (i.e., as quickly as possible).
Reactions of stoichiometric higher order, mixed lithio magnesio organocuprates

Abstract Novel higher order cuprates, R(2-thienyl)Cu(CN)LiMgBr (2), are prepared from the 1:1:1 combination of CuCN, 2-lithiothiophene and RMgX. Reactions of various members of this new class of reagents are described, including substitution and conjugate addition processes, where the ligand derived from the Grignard reagent is selectively transferred. The effects of added BF3.Et2O are discussed. Some comparison reactions with the corresponding lower order reagents, RCu(CN)MgBr, have also been carried out. Evidence is presented suggesting that species 2, unlike their dilithio analogs, are not discrete.
How Would Minimum Experience Standards Affect the Distribution of Out-of-Hospital Endotracheal Intubations?

Study objective Out-of-hospital endotracheal intubation is a complex intervention. One strategy for improving the quality of a complex intervention is to limit the procedure to practitioners or agencies that meet minimum procedure experience standards. The system-level influence of such limits is unknown. We seek to determine how minimum endotracheal intubation experience standards influence the number and distribution of out-of-hospital endotracheal intubations. Methods We used 2003 Pennsylvania statewide emergency medical services (EMS) data. We included endotracheal intubations that could be attributed to a valid rescuer, EMS agency, and minor civil division. We calculated the total number of endotracheal intubations performed across the state. We calculated the absolute and relative changes in total, cardiac arrest, nonarrest, pediatric, and trauma endotracheal intubation when the procedure was limited to on-scene rescuers meeting minimum endotracheal intubation experience standards, ranging from zero to 20 annual endotracheal intubations. We evaluated the same relationships when the procedure was limited to EMS agencies meeting minimum endotracheal intubation experience standards, ranging from zero to 200 annual endotracheal intubations. We evaluated these relationships with line plots and geographic information system maps. Results During the study period there were 11,771 endotracheal intubations (7,854 cardiac arrest, 3,917 non-arrest, 1,325 trauma and 561 pediatric endotracheal intubations). Limiting endotracheal intubations to rescuers with at least 3, 5, 10, and 15 endotracheal intubations per year would result in relative endotracheal intubation reductions of 12%, 32%, 79%, and 93%, respectively. Limiting endotracheal intubations to EMS agencies with at least 20, 30, 50, 100, and 150 endotracheal intubations per year would result in relative endotracheal intubation reductions of 15%, 27%, 41%, 65%, and 73%, respectively. Cardiac arrest endotracheal intubations would exhibit the largest absolute reduction. Conclusion Minimum endotracheal intubation experience standards would result in absolute and relative reductions in total and subgroup endotracheal intubations. These findings provide vital perspectives about the system-wide organization of out-of-hospital airway management.
Memorabeatlia: a naturalistic study of long-term memory.

Seventy-six undergraduates were given the titles and first lines of Beatles’ songs and asked to recall the songs. Seven hundred and four different undergraduates were cued with one line from each of 25 Beatles’ songs and asked to recall the title. The probability of recalling a line was best predicted by the number of times a line was repeated in the song and how early the line first appeared in the song. The probability of cuing to the title was best predicted by whether the line shared words with the title. Although the subjects recalled only 21% of the lines, there were very few errors in recall, and the errors rarely violated the rhythmic, poetic, or thematic constraints of the songs. Acting together, these constraints can account for the near verbatim recall observed. Fourteen subjects, who transcribed one song, made fewer and different errors than the subjects who had recalled the song, indicating that the errors in recall were not primarily the result of errors in encoding.
On the photoisomerization of the benzisothiazole portion of ziprasidone

Abstract Photostability challenge of ziprasidone in solution shows that the benzisothiazole moiety undergoes isomerization to the corresponding benzthiazole. A model compound, 3-piperazinyl-1,2-benzisothiazole, also undergoes this photoisomerization. Identification of the products has been confirmed by synthesis of the proposed molecules.
Initial effects of word processing on writing quality and writing anxiety of freshman writers

Eight English instructors at Marist College, Poughkeepsie, New York, conducted a one-semester controlled experiment with freshman in eight randomly selected classes of “College Writing” to learn about the initial effects of word processing on essay-writing performance and on writing apprehension. Four classes wrote essays using terminals linked to a mainframe computer (Experimental Group), and four classes wrote essays in the traditional mode using pens, pencils or typewriters (Control Group). The eight instructors agreed upon a common syllabus and common teaching approaches for the freshman writing course. To measure writing performance, they devised an analytic scale. To measure writing apprehension, they used a writing apprehension test developed by Daly and Miller. The Experimental Group showed greater progress than the Control Group from the pre to post Essay Test but could not demonstrate superior performance on the six required essays of the course. For writing apprehension, there was no significant difference between the two groups. Marilyn Poris (Ph.D., Research Methodology, Hofstra University) is currently serving as Director of Institutional Research a Marist College, where she also teaches courses in statistics.
Fashion involvement and experiential value: Gen Y retail apparel patronage

Despite Generation Y (Gen Y) consumers' significant role as a decision maker in the market, it is increasingly challenging for retailers to understand these consumers’ behavior and psychology. To enhance an in-depth understanding of Gen Y consumers, this study examined the effect of fashion involvement (FI) and perceived experiential value (EV) on Gen Y consumers’ retail apparel patronage behavior. Based on a survey method, data were collected from USA and Taiwan Gen Y samples. The structural equation modelling technique was used to analyze 413 useable surveys. Results indicate EV directly influences retail patronage, while FI indirectly affects retail patronage through EV. Analysis further reveals two dimensions of FI; cognitive involvement and affective involvement. Cognitive involvement has a moderate direct, negative effect on escapism value, and weak, negative effect on utilitarian value, while affective involvement has a moderate direct, positive effect on aesthetic value and weak, positive effect o...
An extension of the method of symmetrical components using ladder networks

IN his now classical paper on symmetrical components Fortescue analyzed the behavior of synchronous and induction machinesoperating under unbalanced conditions. In this analysis Fortescue assumed that the stator and rotor windings themselves were symmetrical, that the rotor windings were either short-circuited or connected to balanced static circuits, and that the stator windings were connected to unbalanced circuits. Under these conditions there are unbalanced currents of a single frequency in the stator, and balanced currents of two different frequencies in the rotor. It has since been shown how the method of symmetrical components is applied when the rotor windings are connected to unbalanced circuits and the stator windings are connected to balanced circuits. Under these conditions there are unbalanced currents of a single frequency in the rotor, and balanced currents of two different frequencies in the stator.
A review of immobilized antimicrobial agents and methods for testing

Antimicrobial surfaces for food and medical applications have historically involved antimicrobial coatings that elute biocides for effective kill in solution or at surfaces. However, recent efforts have focused on immobilized antimicrobial agents (iAMA) to avoid toxicity, compatibility and reservoir limitations common to elutable agents. This review critically examines the assorted AMAs reported to have been immobilized with an emphasis around interpretation of antimicrobial testing as it pertains to discriminating between eluting and immobilized agents. Immobilization techniques and modes of antimicrobial action are also discussed.
Multiphoton excitation fluorescence imaging applied to the study of embryo development

The use of fluorescent probes is a powerful technique for the study of living specimens. Unfortunately, living tissues are vulnerable to photodamage from the excitation illumination and they make poor optical specimens due to their light-scattering nature. Multiphoton (two or more photon) excitation imaging offers significant advantages compared to laser-scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy for fluorescence microscopy of live specimens: considerable reduction in total sample fluorophore excitation and hence less photodamage, increased depth penetration due to increased tolerance for scattering, and increased detection sensitivity as more signal photons can be used for imaging. These advantages become more significant if 3D or 4D (multifocal plane, time-lapse) imaging is undertaken. In addition, multiphoton excitation imaging allows UV excited probes such as DAPI or INDO I or endogenous fluorophores such as NAD(P)H and serotonin to be imaged without UV excitation. We, and others, have been evaluating the potential of multi-photon excitation imaging for biological microscopy and have found all of the aforementioned advantages particularly significant for laser-scanning fluorescence imaging of developing embryos; a summary of currently pursued developmental biology applications will be presented. The current status of all-solid-state ultrafast lasers as excitation sources will also be reviewed since these lasers offer tremendous potential for affordable, reliable, 'turnkey' multiphoton imaging systems. The combination of demonstrated applications, simple ultrafast laser sources, and affordable commercial systems may promote a revolution in the study of embryogenesis with the light microscope.
Abnormal activation of sterol synthesis in lymphocytes of atherosclerotic-susceptible pigeons and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemic patients

Delipidated human sera enhances the incorporation of [2-14C]acetate, but not mevalonate, into digitonin-precipitable sterols of pigeon lymphocytes. Show Racer and White Carneau pigeons exhibit inherited differences in induction of sterol synthesis dissociated from inheritance of hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, lymphocytes of three familial hypercholesterolemic individuals, having serum cholesterol level in the normal range by drug therapy, exhibited a higher activation of sterol synthesis by delipidated sera when compared to cells of normal individuals. It is suggested that genetic abnormality in lymphocytes of familial hypercholesterolemic can be dissociated from hypercholesterolemia.
Laser ablation of nonlinear-optical polymers to define low- loss optical channel waveguides.

Laser photoablation of polymeric channel waveguides with embedded contact masks is described. The ablation technique is capable of forming low-optical-loss waveguides with an end-face quality suitable for pigtailed devices at rapid rates. The optical-mode profiles and the optical-loss measurements are reported, and scanning electron microscopy characterization and laser ablation rate measurements are described. The end-face quality processed by laser ablation is sufficiently good for end-fire coupling and thus can permit the elimination of polishing steps.