cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Imaginal, Semantic, and Surface-Level Processing of Concrete and Abstract Words: An Electrophysiological Investigation

Words representing concrete concepts are processed more quickly and efficiently than words representing abstract concepts. Concreteness effects have also been observed in studies using event-related brain potentials (ERPs). The aim of this study was to examine concrete and abstract words using both reaction time (RT) and ERP measurements to determine (1) at what point in the stream of cognitive processing concreteness effects emerge and (2) how different types of cognitive operations influence these concreteness effects. Three groups of subjects performed a sentence verification task in which the final word of each sentence was concrete or abstract. For each group the truthfulness judgment required either (1) image generation, (2) semantic decision, or (3) evaluation of surface characteristics. Concrete and abstract words produced similar RTs and ERPs in the surface task, suggesting that postlexical semantic processing is necessary to elicit concreteness effects. In both the semantic and imagery tasks, RTs were shorter for concrete than for abstract words. This difference was greatest in the imagery task. Also, in both of these tasks concrete words elicited more negative ERPs than abstract words between 300 and 550 msec (N400). This effect was widespread across the scalp and may reflect activation in a linguistic semantic system common to both concrete and abstract words. ERPs were also more negative for concrete than abstract words between 550 and 800 msec. This effect was more frontally distributed and was most evident in the imagery task. We propose that this later anterior effect represents a distinct ERP component (N700) that is sensitive to the use of mental imagery. The N700 may reflect the a access of specific characteristics of the imaged item or activation in a working memory system specific to mental imagery. These results also support the extended dual-coding hypothesis that superior associative connections and the use of mental imagery both contribute to processing advantages for concrete words over abstract words.
The Beginnings of Metallurgy: A New Look: Arguments over diffusion and independent invention ignore the complex metallurgic crafts leading to iron

In the 9 years since my first survey of early metallurgy appeared in this journal (65) metallurgy has become a major battleground between those who argue independent invention and those who argue diffusion in the evolution of urban civilization. In this new article I contend that: 1) The upland belt and debouching river valleys of southwestern Asia have a clear priority in the beginnings of copper metallurgy and extractive metallurgy generally, suggesting that the forces of urbanization contributing to the rise of metallurgy there were more massive, widespread, and better integrated than elsewhere. 2) The trend to polymetallism, against the background of pyrotechnology generally and the other important technologies of urbanism, established a necessary sequence to early metallurgy. This sequence was a prerequisite to the coming of the Iron Age, which was uniquely contained at first within the environment of Anatolia and the eastern Mediterranean and spread outward from there. 3) The course of metallurgy and possibly of the other urbanizing technologies can best be understood through a process of diffusion and multiple innovation interrelating metallurgical evolution over much of Eurasia, but with the area defined by the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea, the Red Sea, and the eastern Mediterranean as its center. Only in this fashion can we place metallurgy in its proper role as an important subsystem in the rise of civilization.
From Yaks to Yogurt: The History, Development, and Current Use of Probiotics

The development of probiotics, which are living bacteria or yeasts used to confer a health benefit on the host, has paralleled our research in food preservation, microbiologic identification techniques, and our understanding of how the complex interactions in microbiota impact the host's health and recovery from disease. This review briefly describes the history of probiotics, where probiotic strains were originally isolated, and the types of probiotic products currently available on the global market. In addition, the uses or indications for these probiotics are described, along with the types of clinical investigations that have been done. Continuing challenges persist for the proper probiotic strain identification, regulatory pathways, and how healthcare providers can choose a specific strain to recommend to their patients.
A simple physical model for X-ray burst sources

In connection with information considered by Illarianov and Sunyaev (1975) and van den Heuvel (1975), a simple physical model for an X-ray burst source in the galactic disk is proposed. The model includes an unevolved OB star with a relatively weak stellar wind and a compact object in a close binary system. For some reason, the stellar wind from the OB star is unable to accrete steadily on to the compact object. When the stellar wind is sufficiently weak, the compact object accretes irregularly, leading to X-ray bursts.
Corrosion of some pure metals in basaltic lava and simulated magmatic gas at 1150/sup 0/C

The extraction of thermal energy from subterranean magma can be achieved by the use of a suitable heat exchanger extending into the molten rock. Although the engineering feasibility of this scheme has not been proven, engineering data, including materials compatibility information, will be required ultimately. The work summarized in this paper was designed to provide an understanding of the reaction mechanisms and modes of degradation of various metals so that the best generic types of alloys can be selected for structural components and instrumentation. Fifteen pure metals were studied. These included base metals such as iron, nickel, and cobalt; some precious metals: platinum, rhodium, and palladium (possible thermocouple or lead-wire materials); refractory metals: tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, niobium, vanadium, and rhenium; plus other high melting metals such as titanium and zirconium. Samples were exposed to basaltic lava at 1150°C for periods of 24 and 96 hr. A cover gas was used to produce oxygen and sulfur fugacities corresponding to those of the gases dissolved in basaltic melts. The corrosion behavior can be classified into five categories: (A) “no” attack (Pt and Re); (B) slight oxidation (Cr and Mo); (C) heavy oxidation (W, Ta, Nb); (D) sulfidation (Fe, Ni, Co, Pd, Rh); and (E) reaction with lava constituents (V, Ti, Zr). Group (A) metals were inert for all practical purposes. Group (B) metals formed thin adherent oxides initially, under which sulfides eventually formed in the substrate. Attack was minimal. Group (C) metals exhibited extensive oxide formation and virtually no sulfidation. Some reaction between the base-metal oxides and those in the lava took place. Group (D) metals all formed liquid sulfides which penetrated the substrate grain boundaries. All of these metals except cobalt were completely degraded. Cobalt was only partially penetrated by the liquid sulfide formed. Group (E) metals formed silicates, oxides, mixed oxides, and dissolved oxygen in the metal which completely embrittled the metal substrate. A small amount of sulfidation occurred, but sulfidation played virtually no role in the corrosion of these metals. Extensive analyses of the reaction products by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive analysis, electron microprobe analysis, and metallography are presented for each metal. The products formed are discussed with reference to thermodynamic stability diagrams, and the reaction path concept is used to explain some of the corrosion product morphologies.
Biomarker-based paleo-record of environmental change for an eutrophic, tropical freshwater lake, Lake Valencia, Venezuela

The lipids in a sediment core from Lake Valencia, a hypereutrophic freshwater lake in Venezuela, are examined to understand environmental changes over the last ∼13,000 years. From the latest Pleistocene to the earliest Holocene, total organic carbon (TOC) substantially increased from 2.2 to 10%, while total organic carbon over total nitrogen (TOC/TN) decreased from as high as 34 to as low as 10. Correspondingly, the concentration of terrestrially derived triterpenoids markedly decreased, and the dominant n-alkane shifted from C31 to C23 or C25. During the same period, algal biomarkers such as botryococcenes, dinosterol, isoarborinol, C20 HBIs and 1,15C32 keto-ol markedly increased in abundance. These changes suggested a greater contribution of algal organic matter at the onset of the Holocene, which was concurrent with increasing rainfall and the formation of a permanent lake (Lake Valencia) in the Aragua Valley, Venezuela. The age profile of Paq, a n-alkane based proxy, showed large oscillations (0.20–0.81), reflecting historical variations in source strength of submerged/floating vs. terrestrial/emergent OM inputs. An abrupt increase in tetrahymanol abundance at ∼7,260 cal years BP suggests the establishment of an oxic–anoxic boundary in the lake’s water column. After reaching its maximum abundance at ∼2,100 cal year BP, botryococcenes, a biomarker of Botryococcus braunii, gradually decreased to below the detection limit in the uppermost sediments, while different algal/microbial biomarkers such as diploptene, dinosterol and isoarborinol substantially increased. These different historical profiles of algal/microbial biomarkers reflect different responses of source organisms to environmental changes throughout this period. The δ13C determinations presented exceptionally enriched values for botryococcene isomers (−7.7 to −15.1‰), indicating the utilization of bicarbonate as carbon sources in an extremely productive ecosystem.
Manufacturing Green Gold: Capital, Labor, and Technology in the Lettuce Industry

Preface Acknowledgments 1. Agriculture and the comparative analysis of production systems 2. Theory and method 3. The social organization of lettuce production 4. Projected consequences of technological change in the lettuce industry 5. Conclusion Appendix 1. Basis for calculation of displacement numbers and rates Notes Bibliography Index.
Retinal breaks due to intravitreal ocriplasmin.

Ocriplasmin represents a new treatment option for numerous vitreoretinopathies involving an abnormal vitreomacular interface. While the drug may circumvent the traditional risks of surgical treatment, pharmacologic vitreolysis is not devoid of risk itself. This report presents two cases, one of vitreomacular traction syndrome and the other of a full-thickness macular hole, both of which were treated with an intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin. Notably, in both cases, vitreomacular traction of the macula appears to have been alleviated; however, failure to completely relieve vitreoretinal traction from the peripheral retina generated retinal breaks with one patient eventually developing a macula-involving retinal detachment. Thus, even in instances of ‘successful’ pharmacologic treatment of vitreomacular traction, continued follow-up evaluation is essential.
Construction and Purification of the Murine p75-murine IgG1 Fusion Protein

Etanercept (Amgen Inc, Thousand Oaks, CA) is a human soluble p75 tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-human-IgG1 (hup75 TNFR-huIgG1) fusion protein used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases in humans, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis. To be able to study the effects of the soluble receptor fusion protein in mouse models, including those that mimic human granulomatous infections, a murine soluble p75-TNF receptor-murine IgG1 (murine p75-murine IgG1) fusion protein had to be constructed. This article discusses the generation, large-scale production, and purification of this molecule.
Synthetic studies of trichothecenes, an enantioselective synthesis of a C-ring precursor of anguidine

Abstract An enantioselective synthesis of a cyclopentanoid C-ring precursor 1 9 of anguidine 3 , a representative trichothecene with antitumor activity, from 2-allyl-2-methylcyclopentane-1,3-dione is described.
A Longitudinal Study Comparing Perceptions of U.S. and Japanese Consumer Products in a Third/Neutral Country: Finland 1975 to 1985

While substantial research has been done on the competitive struggle between U.S. and Japanese consumer products, few studies have examined the U.S. Japan rivalry from a neutral-third country perspective. This study, covering a ten-year period (1975–1985) of data collection, examines changes in Finnish perceptions of U.S. and Japanese consumer products and marketing efforts. Results indicate that while Finnish consumer perceptions of U.S. products and marketing efforts have improved over time, the corresponding perceptions of the Japanese alternative have improved substantially more. Similarly, in areas where U.S. competitors had initial advantages, the study results indicate that by 1985 Japanese firms were able to overcome such advantages and were perceived as superior in all categories.
Progress in local preconditioning of the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

A multi-parameter family of optimal Euler preconditioners are explored. This uncovers the link between the various matrices derived by Van Leer et al. and Turkel, and also presents an attempt to derive more effective matrices. The preconditioning technique, which is based on a difference scheme rather than on partial differential equations, is extended from the Euler equations to the Navier-Stokes equations for any cell Reynolds numbers. Some numerical results demonstrate that Navier-Stokes preconditioning speeds up the calculations even for low cell Reynolds numbers.
Role of the charge-charge interactions in defining stability and halophilicity of the CspB proteins.

Abstract Charge–charge interactions on the surface of native proteins are important for protein stability and can be computationally redesigned in a rational way to modulate protein stability. Such computational effort led to an engineered protein, CspB-TB that has the same core as the mesophilic cold shock protein CspB-Bs from Bacillus subtilis , but optimized distribution of charge–charge interactions on the surface. The CspB-TB protein shows an increase in the transition temperature by 20 °C relative to the unfolding temperature of CspB-Bs. The CspB-TB and CspB-Bs protein pair offers a unique opportunity to further explore the energetics of charge–charge interactions as the substitutions at the same sequence positions are done in largely similar structural but different electrostatic environments. In particular we addressed two questions. What is the contribution of charge–charge interactions in the unfolded state to the protein stability and how amino acid substitutions modulate the effect of increase in ionic strength on protein stability (i.e. protein halophilicity). To this end, we experimentally measured the stabilities of over 100 variants of CspB-TB and CspB-Bs proteins with substitutions at charged residues. We also performed computational modeling of these protein variants. Analysis of the experimental and computational data allowed us to conclude that the charge–charge interactions in the unfolded state of two model proteins CspB-Bs and CspB-TB are not very significant and computational models that are based only on the native state structure can adequately, i.e. qualitatively (stabilizing versus destabilizing) and semi-quantitatively (relative rank order), predict the effects of surface charge neutralization or reversal on protein stability. We also show that the effect of ionic strength on protein stability (protein halophilicity) appears to be mainly due to the screening of the long-range charge–charge interactions.
Reliability of electronic versus manual wound measurement techniques.

Abstract Haghpanah S, Bogie K, Wang X, Banks PG, Ho CH. Reliability of electronic versus manual wound measurement techniques. Objective To compare the accuracy and reliability of 3 wound measurement techniques, including linear and 2 electronic techniques—Visitrak and the VeV MD system. Design Repeated measures involving forty 2-dimensional "wounds" with a range of clinically relevant sizes were created using regular paper. Blinded observers measured the surface areas of wounds in 2 sessions, using 3 techniques. Setting Research department of a tertiary referral center. Participants Four blinded observers. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Mixed linear models were fitted to determine interobserver and intraobserver variability. The average root mean square error (RMSE) for each measurement technique was determined to investigate the accuracy. Results Intraobserver variation was not significant in most measurement techniques. Interobserver variation was significant for all techniques. Linear measurements showed the highest RMSE, whereas VeV and Visitrak were comparable. Conclusions Reliability of repeated wound measurements for all techniques can be achieved only with the same observer. Linear measurement has the least accuracy in evaluating wound size, VeV is slightly better than Visitrak for large wounds, and Visitrak is slightly better than VeV for small wounds. Our study shows that the use of electronic devices is superior to manual techniques to achieve valid measurements of wound area.
Hypodense alveolar macrophages in patients with diabetes mellitus and active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Abstract Setting : Alveolar macrophages (AM), a heterogeneous cell population, play a critical role in eliminating mycobacterial infections in collaboration with lymphocytes. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) show increased susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) infection. It is still uncertain whether there is a defect in T cell or AM activation in patients with DM against TB infection. Objective : To study the difference in activation status of AM and T cells between patients with TB+DM and TB alone. Method : The heterogeneity of AM from 14 patients with TB+DM, 9 with TB alone, 10 normal subjects and 8 DM alone patients, was studied using Percoll density fractionation. The intracellular H 2 O 2 production of AM before and after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or F-Met-Leu-Phen (FMLP) was assayed by loading cells with 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin (DCFH) and analyzed by flow cytometry. Lymphocytes subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8) and their activation status (CD25) in bronchoalveolar lavage were also measured. Results : The proportion of the least dense AM ( 2 O 2 generation in patients with TB+DM and to a similar extent in normal subjects, but not in patients with TB alone. There was no significant difference in CD3 numbers, CD4/CD8 ratio, and CD25+ cells between patients with TB alone and TB+DM. The activation status of AM or T lymphocytes from DM alone patients was not significantly different from those from normal subjects. Conclusion : Hypodense subpopulations of AM increase in active TB patients and are related to the disease severity as well as activation status of AM. AM in TB patients complicated with DM was less activated, and may be contributory to the susceptibility to mycobacterial infection.
A mouse model for adolescent alcohol abuse: stunted growth and effects in brain.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent alcohol abuse remains a serious public health concern, with nearly a third of high school seniors reporting heavy drinking in the previous month. METHODS: Using the high ethanol-consuming C57BL/6J mouse strain, we examined the effects of ethanol (3.75 g/kg, IP, daily for 45 days) on body weight and brain region mass (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, corpus callosum) during peri-adolescence (postnatal day [P]25 to 70) or adulthood (P180 to 225) of both males and females. RESULTS: In control peri-adolescent animals, body weight gain was greater in males compared with females. In the peri-adolescent exposure group, ethanol significantly reduced body weight gain to a similar extent in both male and female mice (82 and 84% of controls, respectively). In adult animals, body weight gain was much less than that of the peri-adolescent mice, with ethanol having a small but significant effect in males but not females. Between the control peri-adolescent and adult cohorts (measurements taken at P70 and 225, respectively), there were no significant differences in the mass of the cerebral cortex or the cerebellum from either male or female mice, although the rostro-caudal length of the corpus callosum increased slightly but significantly (6.1%) between these time points. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanol treatment significantly reduced the mass of the cerebral cortex in peri-adolescent (-3.1%), but not adult, treated mice. By contrast, ethanol significantly reduced the length of the corpus callosum in adult (-5.4%), but not peri-adolescent, treated mice. Future studies at the histological level may yield additional details concerning ethanol and the peri-adolescent brain. Language: en
Unique Obstacle Race Injuries at an Extreme Sports Event: A Case Series

Obstacle course endurance events are becoming more common. Appropriate preparedness for the volume and unique types of injury patterns, as well as the effect on public health these events may cause, has yet to be reported in emergency literature. We describe 5 patients who presented with diverse injuries to illustrate the variety of injuries sustained in this competitive event. In particular, 4 of the patients had a history of contact with electrical discharge, an obstacle distinctive to the Tough Mudder experience.
FUNCTIONAL DIOECISM IN THE MALPIGHIACEAE: THE BREEDING SYSTEM OF SPACHEA MEMBRANACEA CUATR

The breeding system of Spachea membranacea (Malpighiaceae), an understory tropical rain forest tree, was studied on Barro Colorado Island in central Panama. Two types of trees were found, those with hermaphroditic flowers and those with female flowers. Crossing experiments indicated that morphological hermaphrodites normally function as males but may be induced to set fruit if emasculated prior to cross-pollination. Thus, although morphologically gynodioecious, S. membranacea is functionally dioecious. This is the first experimental evidence for functional dioecism in the Malpighiaceae. The proportions of hermaphrodites (functional males) in the three populations examined were 44.7% (N = 47), 60.0% (N = 10), and 87.5% (N = 17). The distribution of hermaphrodites and females in size classes was quite similar, suggesting that sexual expression is not influenced by the age of the individual. Flowers are visited and presumably pollinated primarily by bees of the genera Paratetrapedia (Anthophoridae) and Trigona (Apidae).
On the Edge of Life, II: House Officer Struggles Recorded in an Intensive Care Unit Journal.

Background: In a general hospital, few clinical settings match the intensity of the intensive care unit (ICU) experience. Clinical rotations in ICUs elicit and emphasize the struggles house officers face on a daily basis throughout their training. Method: These struggles were recorded by hundreds of residents in a journal maintained in one Medical ICU for the past 20 years. We systematically reviewed these unsolicited entries to develop categories that define and illustrate common stressors. Results: Stressors for house officers include isolation, insecurity, care for the terminally ill, sleep deprivation, and long work weeks. Conclusion: By placing the struggles of house staff in context, trainees and their residency training programs can be prepared for the intensity of the experience and for work in clinical practice settings that follows completion of training.
Distinct T-cell proliferative responses to 13762A rat mammary adenocarcinoma and derived clones.

Abstract We examined the in vitro responses of immune lymphocytes to the tumor antigens of the syngeneic rat mammary adenocarcinoma 13762A. This tumor readily metastasizes to lymph node and lungs and is poorly immunogenic. Rats were immunized with a highly immunogenic clone (18A) which was isolated as a spontaneous variant from the parental 13762A tumor. Clone 18A grew progressively in irradiated rats but regressed completely in normal rats. Animals immune to 18A tumor were also immune to parental 13762A. Lymphocytes obtained from the spleen and peritoneum of immune rats were tested for specific proliferation to parental 13762A tumor and clone 18A to determine whether similar cross-reactivity to these tumors occurred in vitro . We found an anatomical difference in localization of immune lymphocytes which reacted to the two tumor cell lines. Immune peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) responded strongly to clone 18A but poorly to 13762A, while immune spleen cells from the same animals responded predominantly to 13762A tumor. After 7 days culture, PEC proliferating in response to clone 18A contained 84–95% W3/25 + T-helper cells, and only 5–8% OX8 + cytotoxic/suppressor cells, while analogous cultures of spleen cells responding to parental 13762A tumor consisted of 60–80% W3/25 + cells and 20–23% OX8 + cells. Immune spleen cell cultures stimulated with 13762A tumor generated cytotoxic lymphocytes which specifically lysed both parental 13762A and clone 18A cells. We conclude that despite cross-reactivity in vivo and in vitro , antigens present on 13762A and 18A tumor cells stimulated different subsets of immune T cells.
Sound pressure levels and radiation patterns of the vocalizations of some North American frogs and toads

Sound pressure levels of the vocalizations of 21 species of North American anurans were measured in the field. In most species the peak levels at 50 cm in front of the male exceeded 100 dBre 2×10−4 μbar (Table 2). The sound pressure levels of the calls of most individuals varied by less than 2.5 dB, but intraspecific variation was significantly higher, averaging about 8.5 dB (Tables 1, 2). Sound pressure levels of mating calls were positively correlated with body size in the toad,Bufo americanus (Fig. 2); however, interspecific differences in sound pressure levels were not clearly related to interspecific differences in body size. Measurements of directivity patterns indicated that sound fields around three males ofHyla crucifer were uniform, whereas two males ofH. chrysoscelis represented directional sound sources (Table 3).
Sexual size dimorphism, diet, and reproductive biology of the Afro-Asian Sand Snake, Psammophis schokari (Psammophiidae)

We measured and dissected 226 museum specimens of Psammophis schokari (Schokari Sand Snake), a widespread, common “whipsnake” occurring in North Africa and southwest Asia. Three aspects of its ecology were investigated: sexual size dimorphism (SSD), diet, and reproductive biology. There was no significant SSD in mean body size or shape for the traits measured. The species is an opportunistic feeder, but preys predominately on lizards. Males and females exhibit their highest levels of sexual activity in synchrony and exhibit prenuptial spermiogenesis and a Type 1 vitellogenic cycle, respectively. Mating occurs at the end of the rainy season and clutch sizes are small. These findings from a Northern Hemisphere temperate sand snake are consistent with previous results for both tropical and south temperate Psammophis . These traits thus appear to be highly conserved within the genus and also exhibit convergence with respect to unrelated colubroid “whipsnakes”.
Reversal of L phase by slow inactivation of penicillin with polyamines.

Abstract Spermine reversal of penicillin-induced L phase of Haemophilus was found to be due to slow inactivation of penicillin by spermine. This inactivation was inhibited by sodium chloride. Cycloserine and cephalothin were also inactivated by spermine as demonstrated by reversal of L phase induced by these antibiotics. Spermine was inhibitory for growth of L phase induced by glycine. Spermidine and the diamines, putrescine and cadaverine, also interacted with penicillin, but very slowly and only at high molar ratios of polyamine to penicillin.
The Delaware Death Penalty: An Empirical Study

This article is part of a symposium that honors David Baldus, a great scholar and great man, a quiet man with a strong passion for justice. We study the operation of Delaware’s death penalty in the modern era of capital punishment. Our conclusions consist of three main observations. First, Delaware’s reversal rate in capital cases, 44%, while substantial, is also substantially less than that of other jurisdictions. This may not be surprising, given Delaware’s emphasis for much of the time period on judge sentencing and that jury verdicts offer more opportunities for reversal. Indeed, reversal rates during the jury sentencing period approximate the national average. Second, judge sentencing in Delaware results in more death sentences, a result consistent with greater harshness being the motivation behind the statutory change to judge sentencing. This effect, is more pronounced in Delaware than in other states. Third, we find a dramatic disparity of death sentencing rates by race, one substantially more pronounced than in other jurisdictions. Race matters in capital sentencing, as David Baldus told us more than a quarter of century ago, and we need to continue to pursue knowledge about where, when, and how it matters.
Revisiting the Safety of Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medications in the Pediatric Population

Increased reports of serious adverse events in young children have led to numerous investigations of its therapeutic role in the pediatric population. A review of the literature has shown limited support of its use in young children, with the majority of randomized controlled trials showing no difference in endpoints when compared to placebo. Because of the recent recommended changes to pediatric cough and cold medication use, studies have suggested a decline in ingestion misuses, health care referrals, and reports of adverse events. While these patterns of use are reassuring, clinicians should continue to educate and provide caregivers guidance in managing cough and cold symptoms. Although a tremendous improvement in frequency of therapeutic error ingestions in children younger than 2 years was shown in these studies, the same magnitude of improvement was not seen in children 2 to 12 years. Therefore, future research is necessary to investigate its role in children younger than 12 years.
Measuring US Pharmaceutical Industry R&D Spending

Government policy debates on pharmaceutical pricing often turn on whether higher drug prices fund greater company-financed R&D spending. In the US, debate breaks down because each side uses a different measure of R&D spending, and the measures are far apart. Government agencies, Congress and consumer groups use government-generated survey data from the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the pharmaceutical industry uses survey data from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). This issue is also relevant to academic work because some studies use NSF data, and others use PhRMA data. This article illustrates the pros and cons of these survey data series, and offers a more reliable, comprehensive and replicable alternative series, based on Compustat data.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Polyomavirus Simian Virus 40 from Monkeys and Humans Reveals Genetic Variation

A phylogenetic analysis of 14 complete simian virus 40 (SV40) genomes was conducted in order to determine strain relatedness and the extent of genetic variation. This analysis included infectious isolates recovered between 1960 and 1999 from primary cultures of monkey kidney cells, from contaminated poliovaccines and an adenovirus seed stock, from human malignancies, and from transformed human cells. Maximum-parsimony and distance methods revealed distinct SV40 clades. However, no clear patterns of association between genotype and viral source were apparent. One clade (clade A) is derived from strain 776, the reference strain of SV40. Clade B contains isolates from poliovaccines (strains 777 and Baylor), from monkeys (strains N128, Rh911, and K661), and from human tumors (strains SVCPC and SVMEN). Thus, adaptation is not essential for SV40 survival in humans. The C terminus of the T-antigen (T-ag-C) gene contains the highest proportion of variable sites in the SV40 genome. An analysis based on just the T-ag-C region was highly congruent with the whole-genome analysis; hence, sequencing of just this one region is useful in strain identification. Analysis of an additional 16 strains for which only the T-ag-C gene was sequenced indicated that further SV40 genetic diversity is likely, resulting in a provisional clade (clade C) that currently contains strains associated with human tumors and human strain PML-1. Four other polymorphic regions in the genome were also identified. If these regions were analyzed in conjunction with the T-ag-C region, most of the phylogenetic signal could be captured without complete genome sequencing. This report represents the first whole-genome approach to establishing phylogenetic relatedness among different strains of SV40. It will be important in the future to develop a more complete catalog of SV40 variation in its natural monkey host, to determine if SV40 strains from different clades vary in biological or pathogenic properties, and to identify which SV40 strains are transmissible among humans.
Stress Distribution in Metal-Ceramic Crowns with a Facial Porcelain Margin

The use of metal-ceramic restorations with porcelain butt-joint facial margins has increased in the past several years. Although these crowns exhibit improved esthetics compared with metal-ceramic crowns which display a metal gingival collar or metal knife-edge margin, the effectiveness of this design in resisting intra-oral forces is not known. The objective of this study was to analyze the stress distribution induced by simulated intra-oral loads on crowns with variable coping configurations. The copings, with a thickness of either 0.1 or 0.3 mm, were modeled with a facial termination of metal at three locations: at the gingival floor, 0.9 mm above the gingival floor, and 4.2 mm above the gingival floor. The coping and crown dimensions were based on a prepared maxillary central incisor with a facial shoulder and a lingual chamfer. Both Ni-Cr and Au-Pd alloy copings were employed in the crown models. Finite element stress and analyses were performed on crowns which were subjected to several loading conditions. A cement film thickness of 0.030 mm was assumed. For all cases, the stresses which developed in porcelain and cement near the facial and lingual margins due to a vertical load of 200 N were predominantly compressive in nature. For the crowns with Ni-Cr copings, the tensile stress in porcelain ranged from 11.0 MPa (for crowns with a facial metal thickness of 0.3 mm) to 12.5 MPa (for a metal thickness of 0.1 mm). The corresponding stresses for crowns with Au-Pd alloy copings were 8.3 MPa and 8.6 MPa, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
How to Describe and Propagate Uncertainty When Processing Time Series: Metrological and Computational Challenges, with Potential Applications to Environmental Studies

Time series comes from measurements, and often, measurement inaccuracy needs to be taken into account, especially in such volatile application areas as meteorology and economics. Traditionally, when we deal with an individual measurement or with a sample of measurement results, we subdivide a measurement error into random and systematic components: systematic error does not change from measurement to measurement while random errors corresponding to different measurements are independent. In time series, when we measure the same quantity at different times, we can also have correlation between measurement errors corresponding to nearby moments of time. To capture this correlation, environmental science researchers proposed to consider the third type of measurement errors: periodic. This extended classification of measurement error may seem ad hoc at first glance, but it leads to a good description of the actual errors. In this paper, we provide a theoretical explanation for this semi-empirical classification, and we show how to efficiently propagate all types of uncertainty via computations.
Levetiracetam monotherapy in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

Summary Purpose To describe our experience with levetiracetam (LEV) as initial or conversion monotherapy treatment for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). Valproate, the usual first line agent for JME, has chronic adverse effects, particularly for women of childbearing potential. Since JME requires lifetime treatment, chronic adverse effects of therapy are important consideration. Methods We reviewed the medical records of patients with JME treated with LEV in the first 4 years after marketing. We recorded demographic data, results of EEG and imaging studies, antiepileptic drug (AED) history, LEV initial dose and final dose, side effects related to LEV, and therapeutic response to treatment. We classified JME into definite and probable based on clinical and EEG criteria. The minimum duration of follow up was 1 year. Results LEV was the first therapy in 12 patients and the initial appropriate agent in 16. Fourteen patients had been treated with another appropriate AED. Eighty percent (24/30) of patients became seizure free with LEV monotherapy and two additional patients showed improved seizure control. Final therapeutic doses of LEV ranged from 12 to 50mg/(kgday). Complete seizure control using LEV was not predicted by previous AED use. Treatment failure with valproate also did not predict failure of LEV. Patients with definite JME responded best within the study group (11 of 11 seizure free, p Conclusions This study supports consideration of LEV for first line treatment of JME and suggests the need for a large prospective trial.
X-ray tube-based diffraction enhanced imaging prototype images of full-thickness breast specimens: reader study evaluation

Conventional mammographic image contrast is derived from x-ray absorption, resulting in breast structure visualization due to density gradients that attenuate radiation without distinction between transmitted and scattered or refracted x-rays. This leads to image blurring and contrast reduction, hindering the early detection of small or otherwise occult cancers. Diffraction enhanced imaging (DEI) allows for dramatically increased contrast with decreased radiation dose compared to conventional mammographic imaging due to monochromatic x-rays, its unique refraction-based contrast mechanism and excellent scatter rejection. However, a lingering drawback to the clinical translation of DEI has been the requirement for synchrotron radiation. Our laboratory developed a DEI prototype (DEI-PR) utilizing a readily available Tungsten xray tube source and traditional DEI crystal optics, providing soft tissue images at 60keV. To demonstrate the clinical utility of our DEI-PR, we acquired images of full-thickness human breast tissue specimens on synchrotron-based DEI, DEI-PR and digital mammography systems. A reader study was designed to allow unbiased assessment of system performance when analyzing three systems with dissimilar imaging parameters and requiring analysis of images unfamiliar to radiologists. A panel of expert radiologists evaluated lesion feature visibility and histopathology correlation after receiving training on the interpretation of refraction contrast mammographic images. Preliminary data analysis suggests that our DEI system performed roughly equivalently with the traditional DEI system, demonstrating a significant step toward clinical translation of this modality for breast cancer applications.
Product-Service Integration for the Sustainable Publishing Process

Publishing is the process of developing and producing content for distribution to the public. In the past, the publishing process heavily relies on printing as the method of content production. This causes voracious consumption and waste of natural resources. In today’s sweeping trend of digitization that is featured by the increasing popularity of various smart devices, the publishing process is undergoing a profound transition from the traditional printing-reliant publishing model to the new digital publishing model. Such a transition brings great opportunities for the publishing process to achieve better sustainability by evolving towards a product service system. This paper intends to advance the publishing process from the product service integration perspective. Above all, a general product-service integration framework is developed to describe the interdependent relationships among key stakeholders and elements in the publishing value chain. Furthermore, several specific publishing PSS are discussed. Finally, these publishing PSS are evaluated and compared from the value creation perspective.© 2013 ASME
Factor Structure of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale:

This study evaluated the factor structure of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) with a diverse sample of 1,248 European American, Latino, Armenian, and Iranian adolescents. Adolescents completed the 10-item RSES during school as part of a larger study on parental influences and academic outcomes. Findings suggested that method effects in the RSES are more strongly associated with negatively worded items across three diverse groups but also more pronounced among ethnic minority adolescents. Findings also suggested that accounting for method effects is necessary to avoid biased conclusions regarding cultural differences in self-esteem and how predictors are related to the RSES. Moreover, the two RSES factors (positive self-esteem and negative self-esteem) were differentially predicted by parenting behaviors and academic motivation. Substantive and methodological implications of these findings for cross-cultural research on adolescent self-esteem are discussed.
Human Insulin: Basic Sciences to Therapeutic Uses

(1996). Human Insulin: Basic Sciences to Therapeutic Uses. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy: Vol. 22, No. 8, pp. 753-789.
Overview of the general atomics urban Maglev technology development program

General atomics is developing urban Maglev technology sponsored by the Federal Transit Administration and funded under the Transportation Equity Act for the 21/sup st/ Century (TEA- 21). The system is levitated, propelled, and guided by electromagnetic forces. Levitation is achieved by using simple, passive permanent magnets arranged in a "Halbach" array configuration. Propulsion, and guidance are achieved by a linear synchronous motor mounted on the track. The uniqueness of the approach is its simplicity, ruggedness, and performance, including 10% grade, 18.3 m (60 ft.) turn radius, one-inch levitation gap, and quiet operation. Use of elevated guideways, coupled with the quiet operation of the system, eliminates the need to tunnel underground for noise-abatement, and can result in significantly lower system costs. We have built full-scale hardware to demonstrate the levitation, propulsion, guidance, and location detection systems. We are currently building a 120 m (400 ft.) test track with a full-scale chassis and power system at general atomics in San Diego. CA. The chassis and power systems have already been built and are under-going initial testing. The track is completed for dynamic testing in 2004. This paper reports on the overall program progress to date and description of the planned testing.
The role and practices of the curandeiro and saludador in early modern Portuguese society

This paper will explore the role and practices of magic-using folk healers - curandeiros and saludadores - in early modern Portuguese society. The article will examine the ambivalent place of the folk healer as a figure both central to and marginal in Portuguese popular culture. In considering some of the services offered by unlicensed popular healers and their recourse to the unorthodox magical means inherent in popular curing, the paper will investigate curandeiros and saludadores illicit sources of power. Further, this work will examine the prominence of men as folk healers in southern Portugal during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Finally, by looking at the notoriety of Luso-African folk healers, the paper will assess the importance of race as a factor in the culture of Portuguese magical curing.
Dissociable Neural Systems Resolve Conflict from Emotional versus Nonemotional Distracters

The human brain protects the processing of task-relevant stimuli from interference ("conflict") by task-irrelevant stimuli via attentional biasing mechanisms. The lateral prefrontal cortex has been implicated in resolving conflict between competing stimuli by selectively enhancing task-relevant stimulus representations in sensory cortices. Conversely, recent data suggest that conflict from emotional distracters may be resolved by an alternative route, wherein the rostral anterior cingulate cortex inhibits amygdalar responsiveness to task-irrelevant emotional stimuli. Here we tested the proposal of 2 dissociable, distracter-specific conflict resolution mechanisms, by acquiring functional magnetic resonance imaging data during resolution of conflict from either nonemotional or emotional distracters. The results revealed 2 distinct circuits: a lateral prefrontal "cognitive control" system that resolved nonemotional conflict and was associated with enhanced processing of task-relevant stimuli in sensory cortices, and a rostral anterior cingulate "emotional control" system that resolved emotional conflict and was associated with decreased amygdalar responses to emotional distracters. By contrast, activations related to both emotional and nonemotional conflict monitoring were observed in a common region of the dorsal anterior cingulate. These data suggest that the neuroanatomical networks recruited to overcome conflict vary systematically with the nature of the conflict, but that they may share a common conflict-detection mechanism.
Electronic health record use and preventive counseling for US children and adolescents.

The objective was to assess whether rates of preventive counseling delivered at well child visits (WCVs) differ for practices with basic, fully functional, or no electronic health record (EHR). Cross-sectional analyses of WCVs included in the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Electronic Medical Records Supplement, 2007–2010 were performed. Practices with fully functional EHRs documented delivery of 34% more counseling topics than those without an EHR. WCVs with a fully functional EHR lasted 3.5 more minutes than those with a basic EHR. Overall, for each additional 10 min, 12% more topics were covered, regardless of EHR functionality. Further studies should assess the impact of such systems on the quality of patient care during preventive care visits and on health outcomes.
The influence of temperature on nest site choice and reproductive strategy in a temperate zone Polistes wasp

. 1. Field experiments with Polistes fuscutus showed that more nests were initiated, co-foundress groups were larger, broods developed faster, and workers eclosed earlier in sun-warmed sites than in cool ones. 2. These results suggest that colonies nesting in sun-warmed shelters gained a fitness advantage over those in cooler shelters. More rapid brood development means that such colonies reach the ergonomic stage more quickly, which in turn means a higher expectancy of survival and greater productivity at the end of the season. 3. We argue that thermal properties constitute an important component of Polistes nest site quality in temperate regions and that these properties influence joining and usurping strategies as well as nest site choice in spring Polistes females. Other factors being equal, a joining or usurping female should opt for a colony in a warm site over one in a cool site, leading to the larger foundress groups we found in warm shelters. 4. We hypothesize that the selective advantage of philopatry in temperate zone Polistes populations is that it brings spring females to nest sites of proven quality.