cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards a theoretical framework linking generational memories to workplace attitudes and behaviors

Abstract This article builds on sociological research on collective memories, psychological perspectives framed by research on psychological contracts, and Affective Events Theory (AET) to develop a framework linking memories of generational events to workplace attitudes and behaviors. We develop our framework in a two-stage process. First, we maintain that memories of generational events are a function of the level and nature of significance that individuals attach to key historical events identified in past collective memory research. Second, we specify the antecedents and outcomes of generational memories in diverse and contemporary organizations. We conclude by discussing implications of generational memories in the workplace for HRM research and practice.
Statistical methods for longitudinal and clustered designs with binary responses

Dependent binary response data arise frequently in practice due to repeated measurements in longitudinal studies or to subsampling primary sampling units as in fields such as teratology and ophthalmology. Several classes of approaches have recently been proposed to analyse such repeated binary outcome data. The different classes of approaches measure different effects of covariates on binary responses and address different statistical questions. This article compares the different classes of approaches in terms of parameter interpretation and magnitude, standard errors of model parameters and Wald tests for covariate effects. The results help to clarify the substantive questions which data analysts can address with each approach, as well as why the covariate effects measured by different approaches may be different. Finally, I will provide guidelines to the advantages and disadvantages of alternative approaches for analysing dependent binary responses. Simulations and example data illustrate these findings.
A comparison of direct thrombin inhibitors in the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: A single institution experience

Background and objective Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT), if left untreated, can lead to thrombocytopenia, thromboembolic complications and even death. Two thrombin inhibitors, lepirudin and argatroban, have been shown to improve clinical outcomes compared to historical controls in the management of HIT. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the effects of lepirudin and argatroban in the management of HIT. Methods Adult subjects with a positive anti-heparin platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibody test and >50% decrease in platelet count during the first 30 days of admission over a period of 2 years were included in the study. Patient demographics, platelet counts, choice of antithrombin therapy, occurrence of thrombosis, length of hospital stay, and date and cause of death, if applicable, were collected for each patient. Results Eighty-two patients met inclusion criteria: 41 patients did not receive any thrombin inhibitors after the diagnosis of HIT, 24 patients received lepirudin and 17 patients received argatroban. Subjects treated with a thrombin inhibitor were more likely to experience platelet count recovery (87.5% for the lepirudin group and 82.4% for the argatroban group) compared to those who did not receive antithrombin therapy (51.2%) after the diagnosis of HIT was made (P < 0.001). The thrombosis rate for subjects who did not receive antithrombin therapy after the diagnosis of HIT was 26.8%, compared to 8.3% for the lepirudin group and 5.9% for the argatroban group (P < 0.01). The incidence of death was also higher in the group of subjects that did not receive antithrombin therapy (48.8%) compared with the lepirudin group (16.7%) or the argatroban group (23.5%), P < 0.01. Conclusion Our findings suggest that thrombin inhibitors can improve the outcomes of patients with HIT by decreasing the incidence of morbidity and mortality relating to HIT. No significant difference could be determined in outcomes between argatroban and lepirudin therapy.
Subcutaneous heparin for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in deep brain stimulation surgery: evidence from a decision analysis.

Objective The addition of subcutaneous heparin (SQH) to mechanical prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) involves a balance between the benefit of greater protection from VTE and the added risk of intracranial hemorrhage. There is evidence that the hemorrhage risk outweighs the benefits for patients undergoing craniotomy. We investigated the safety of SQH in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients with movement disorders (n = 254) undergoing DBS surgery at our institution from 2003 to 2007. Before September 2005, none of the patients undergoing DBS received SQH (non-SQH group) (n = 121). Thereafter, all patients were administered SQH perioperatively (SQH group) (n = 133). All patients wore graduated compression stockings and pneumatic compression boots postoperatively in bed. A postoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging scan was obtained on the day of surgery. Results Five (3.8%) of 133 SQH patients and 1 (0.8%) of 121 non-SQH patients developed asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. None of the SQH patients developed clinically significant VTE, whereas 3 (2.5%) non-SQH patients developed VTE (1 deep venous thrombosis, 2 pulmonary embolisms). Using a decision-analysis model, we have shown that the use of SQH plus mechanical prophylaxis together yielded outcomes at least as good as mechanical prophylaxis alone. Conclusion Our findings suggest that SQH for VTE prophylaxis in patients with movement disorders undergoing DBS surgery is safe. SQH protects against VTE in this patient population and merits further investigation.
Neuroprotective effects of early vs. late administration of dantrolene in experimental status epilepticus.

We examined the effects of dantrolene, an inhibitor of intracellular calcium release, on hippocampal neuronal damage associated with 140 min of limbic status epilepticus in the rat. Dantrolene (10 mg/kg i.p.) was administered after either 30 min or 140 min of status epilepticus. Early administration was associated with a significant reduction in the amount of neuronal injury in all hippocampal subregions, while late administration was associated with less neuronal injury in area CA3 only. These findings suggest that a substantial portion of seizure-induced hippocampal injury is associated with release of calcium from intracellular stores, and that early administration of dantrolene may be a useful adjunct to anticonvulsant treatment of status epilepticus.
Finite master programs in regularized stochastic decomposition

Stochastic decomposition is a stochastic analog of Benders' decomposition in which randomly generated observations of random variables are used to construct statistical estimates of supports of the objective function. In contrast to deterministic Benders' decomposition for two stage stochastic programs, the stochastic version requires infinitely many inequalities to ensure convergence. We show that asymptotic optimality can be achieved with a finite master program provided that a quadratic regularizing term is included. Our computational results suggest that the elimination of the cutting planes impacts neither the number of iterations required nor the statistical properties of the terminal solution.
WE‐B‐220‐01: Ultrasound‐Guided Techniques for HIFU Monitoring

HIFU is the only truly noninvasive and non‐ionizing tumor treatment method. Unlike RF ablation, HIFU does not require interstitial tissue incision or needle insertion, but instead induces heat extracorporeally. Several methods have been developed for efficient HIFU monitoring. In ultrasound‐guided methods, the HIFU lesion can be detected when cavitation or boiling occurs due to the high bubble concentration that causes high echo amplitudes. Tissue coagulation also results in the increase of tissue attenuation, which has also been shown to efficiently map the lesion size when attenuation is estimated. Another technique that combines the resulting well known optical opacity of the resulting lesion and ultrasound is the opto‐acoustic technique that has been shown to determine the lesion formation. Finally, tissue coagulation has been associated with significant changes (2–10 times) in tissue stiffness. Elastography uses a small external compression in the detection of HIFU‐induced lesions after formation ex vivo. Harmonic Motion Imaging (HMI) uses a focused ultrasound (FUS) beam to generate an oscillatory acoustic radiation force for an internal, non‐ contact palpation to simultaneously internally estimate relative tissue stiffness and induce thermal damage. HMI has been shown to be successful in monitoring and assessing the formation of a lesion both ex vivo and in vivo.
Predicting Mother/Father-Child Interactions: Parental Personality and Well-Being, Socioeconomic Variables and Child Disability Status.

Background Child and parent characteristics as well as socioeconomic family variables can influence the quality of parent–child interactions. Methods Coders rated parent behaviour from a video-taped 30-min family interaction in 91 families rearing children who were either typically developing or had intellectual/developmental disabilities. In addition, mothers and fathers completed NEO-FFI personality items as well as subjective well-being ratings. Results Coder ratings were factor analysed, resulting in a four-factor parent behaviour inventory. The disability status of the children did not predict ratings on three of the factors, but parents of children with disabilities were perceived as less negative on one factor than parents of typically developing children. Extraversion, occupational status, and subjective well-being related to the child also predicted some parenting behaviours. Conclusions Parenting a child with intellectual/developmental disabilities did not result in identifiably adverse outcomes for either mothers or fathers as determined by both behavioural and self-report measures.
Cross-Institutional Blended Learning in Teacher Education: A Case Study

This paper presents findings from an exploratory case study, with the purpose of illustrating how student teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) in the United States and student teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Germany evaluated a blended learning course that focused on jointly creating Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) units via the Internet. This project enabled participants to share perspectives about teaching contexts and practices in other countries and learn about TBLT through model learning (Willis, 2001). Consequently, student teachers not only became more proficient users of technology, but also grew from the unique opportunity of collaborating with their future colleagues abroad. The author presents the German and American student teachersâ€™ perspectives with regard to what both groups gained by participating in this project. Finally, the author makes suggestions for language teacher training.
AB initio studies of the kinetic isotope effect of the CH4 + OH• atmospheric reaction

High level ab initio calculations have been carried out on the 13C-12C kinetic isotope effect of the CH4 + OH reaction in the atmosphere. The results agree quite well with both the absolute value of the isotope effect and the temperature dependence of the effect based on new experimental data. The calculated kinetic isotope effect supports a bigger effect of biomass burning on the methane global budget.
GABP Mediates Insulin-increased Prolactin Gene Transcription

The insulin-response element from the prolactin gene is identical to the Ets-binding site, and dominant-negative Ets protein inhibits insulin-increased prolactin gene expression. Immunoblotting identified the Ets-related transcription factor GABP in nuclear extracts from GH cells. Expression of GABP alpha and GABP beta 1 squelches insulin-increased prolactin gene expression. GABP alpha and GABP beta 1 bind the insulin-response element of the prolactin promoter, and anti-GABP alpha and anti-GABP beta 1 antibodies supershift a species seen with nuclear extracts from GH cells. GABP alpha immunoprecipitated from insulin-treated, 32P-labeled GH cells was phosphorylated 3-fold more than GABP alpha from control cells. There was no increase in phosphorylation of GABP beta in response to insulin. Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity is increased 10-fold in insulin-treated GH4 cells. MAP kinase immunoprecipitated from control cells does not phosphorylate GABP alpha while MAP kinase immunoprecipitated from insulin-treated cells shows substantial phosphorylation of GABP alpha. These studies suggest that GABP mediates insulin-increased transcription of the prolactin gene. GABP may be regulated by MAP kinase phosphorylation.
HEARING IN MARINE CARNIVORES

could be widespread among coastal crab species and of considerable ecological importance for influencing settlement processes in coastal crustaceans. The use of the binary choice chamber provides a potentially powerful experimental tool for rigorously examining other key aspects of the response of pelagic crustaceans to underwater sound such as measuring acoustic thresholds for different sound frequencies; teasing apart the specific components of underwater sound that elicit behavioural responses; identifying temporal, tidal, and developmental changes in sensory ability and behaviour; and locating acoustic sensory organs with use of localized ablation techniques
Polymer Brushes Grafted from Clay Nanoparticles Adsorbed on a Planar Substrate by Free Radical Surface-Initiated Polymerization

The investigation of polymer brushes grafted from layered clay nanoparticles adsorbed on flat surfaces is reported. The protocol involves adsorption of clay nanoparticle layers on self-assembled monolayer-modified flat surfaces of Si wafers (SiOx) and Au-coated glass. Organic cation free radical initiators were then adsorbed electrostatically onto the nanoparticle layer providing functionality for free radical surface-initiated polymerization (SIP). In this manner, grafting of the polymer from clay nanoparticle surfaces was observed in situ as compared to SIP procedures using particle dispersion in solution or in bulk. Surface sensitive spectroscopic and microscopic analytical techniques were used to characterize these polymer brushes. A comparison is made on similar free radical SIP protocols where the polymer was grafted directly from flat SiOx and Au surfaces. Important issues on initiator density, substrate effects, and initiator stability are discussed with respect to polymer brush molecular weight, ...
Direct Chemical Synthesis of the β-d-Mannans: The β-(1→2) and β-(1→4) Series

The direct syntheses of a β-(1→2)-mannooctaose and of a β-(1→4)-mannohexaose are reported by means of 4,6-O-benzylidene-protected β-mannosyl donors. The synthesis of the (1→2)-mannan was achieved by means of the sulfoxide coupling protocol, whereas the (1→4)-mannan was prepared using the analogous thioglycoside/sulfinamide methodology. In the synthesis of the (1→4)-mannan, the glycosylation yields and stereoselectivities remain approximately constant with increasing chain length, whereas those for the (1→2)-mannan consist of two groups with the formation of the tetra- and higher saccharides giving yields and selectivities consistently lower than those of the lower homologues. The decrease in yield after the trisaccharide in the (1→2)-mannan synthesis is attributed to steric interference by the n-3 residue and is consistent with the collapsed, disordered structure predicted by early computational work. The consistently high yields and selectivities seen in the synthesis of the (1→4)-mannan are congruent wi...
Corona discharge secondary ionization of laser desorbed neutral molecules from a liquid matrix at atmospheric pressure

Matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) is studied at atmospheric pressure using liquid sampling methods. A time-of-flight mass spectrometer couples to an open sample stage accessed by a UV laser for desorption and ionization. Also coupled to the sampling state is a corona discharge for auxiliary ionization of desorbed neutral molecules. The interaction of the laser desorption and corona ionization is studied for a range of desorption conditions, showing enhanced analyte ionization, but the effect is analytically advantageous only at low desorption rates. The effect of corona discharge voltage was also explored. The decoupling of neutral molecule formation and subsequent ionization provides an opportunity to study each process separately.
13-year experience of carpal tunnel release using the Indiana Tome technique.

Purpose This study evaluated the reliability and morbidity rate of carpal tunnel release with the Indiana Tome technique via a small palmar incision when used by experienced hand surgeons. Methods A retrospective review was performed of 1332 carpal tunnel releases using the Indiana Tome performed by 2 fellowship-trained hand surgeons at university hospitals from July 1993 to August 2006. Chart review focused on complications with this technique. Results All patients returned to preoperative activities, in employment or otherwise. Nonmanual laborers resumed regular job tasks between 2 days and 3 weeks. The 2 surgeons experienced 11 complications in 1332 cases, for an overall complication rate of 0.83%. The most common complication, in 8 cases, was numbness and hypersensitivity in the third common digital nerve distribution; 2 of these 8 patients had normal 2-point discrimination and the other 6 had persistently 2-point discrimination greater than 10 mm despite resolution of preoperative paresthesia symptoms. In the latter group, 3 patients had repeat exploration, with findings of fascicular injury and scarring in 2 patients and normal nerve in the third (who ultimately had normalized 2-point discrimination by 6 weeks after surgery). The 3 patients without re-exploration had their 2-point discrimination returned to normal by 11 months after surgery. Ultimately, only 2 patients (0.15%) had persistently increased 2-point discrimination. The remaining complications (3 cases) were transient neuropraxia of the entire median nerve (1 patient), an incomplete release (1 patient) requiring repeat surgery, and a recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome (1 patient) with perineural scar noted at 8 months after surgery, treated successfully with a hypothenar fat pad flap. Conclusions This is the largest retrospective review of the Indiana Tome technique to date. This technique can be used by experienced hand surgeons and offers early resumption of preoperative activities and a low complication rate. The most common complication was neurapraxia in the third common digital nerve distribution. The overall complication rate was 0.83% (11 in 1332). Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Pesticides in the atmosphere of the Mississippi River Valley, part I--rain.

Weekly composite air samples were collected from early April through to mid-September 1995 at three paired urban and agricultural sites along the Mississippi River region of the Midwestern United States. The paired sampling sites were located in Mississippi, Iowa, and Minnesota. A background site, removed from dense urban and agricultural areas, was located on the shore of Lake Superior in Michigan. Each sample was analyzed for 49 compounds; of these, 21 of 26 herbicides, 13 of 19 insecticides, and 4 of 4 related transformation products were detected during the study, with most pesticides detected in more than one sample. The maximum number of pesticides detected in an air sample was 18. Herbicides were the predominant type of pesticide detected at every site. Detection frequencies of most herbicides were similar at the urban and agricultural sites in Iowa and Minnesota. In Mississippi, herbicides generally were detected more frequently at the agricultural site. The insecticides chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and carbaryl, which are used in agricultural and non-agricultural settings, were detected more frequently in urban sites than agricultural sites in Mississippi and Iowa. Methyl parathion was detected in 70% of the samples from the Mississippi agricultural site and at the highest concentration (62 ng/m3 air) of any insecticide measured in the study. At the background site, dacthal (100%), atrazine (35%), cyanazine (22%), and the (primarily atrazine) triazine transformation products CIAT (35%) and CEAT (17%) were detected most frequently, suggesting their potential for long-range atmospheric transport.
Variability in polyene content and cellular toxicity among deoxycholate amphotericin B formulations.

Study Objective. To evaluate the toxicity of amphotericin B deoxycholate formulations. Design. In vitro experiment. Setting. University research center. Material. Human mononuclear THP-1 cells. Intervention. The human mononuclear cells were exposed in vitro for 2 hours to the following deoxycholate formulations of amphotericin B, in 2.5- and 5-μ/ml concentrations: Apothecon, Pharmacia, Sigma, Gensia, Pharma-Tek, and VHA. Measurements and Main Results. Toxicity of the amphotericin B formulations were assessed by measuring interleukin (IL)-1β expression in an in vitro model. Amphotericin B content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and amphotericin A and B contents were assessed by spectrophotometry. Endotoxin contamination was evaluated in all reagents. Expression of IL-1β from Sigma, Pharmacia, and Pharma-Tek formulations was increased approximately 250%, 50%, and 25%, respectively, compared with amphotericin A. Amphotericin B content of Sigma, Pharmacia, Pharma-Tek, and Gensia formulations, as measured by ELISA, was increased approximately 450%, 200%, 200%, and 100%, respectively, compared with Apothecon. This variation could not be explained by differences in amphotericin A or B content as measured by spectrophotometry. Conclusion. Amphotericin B is obtained from a fermentation plant and manufactured as a pharmaceutical at different facilities. Both previous clinical observations and the current in vitro evaluation revealed significant differences among the formulations. Likely, other polyenes or pyrogenic toxins in differing amounts are in these formulations, thus explaining the variability in toxicity observed among the formulations.
Patterns of failure after treatment of atypical meningioma with gamma knife radiosurgery.

Atypical meningiomas have poor local control with emerging literature indicating the use of radiosurgery in treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes including local control and failure pattern after Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and factors that may affect these outcomes. Between 1999 and 2008, 24 patients were treated with GKRS as either primary or salvage treatment for pathologically proven atypical meningiomas. Treatment failures were determined by serial magnetic resonance imaging. A median marginal dose of 14 Gy was used (range 10.5–18 Gy). Overall local control rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 75, 51, and 44%, respectively. With median follow-up time of 42.5 months, 14 of 24 patients experienced a treatment failure at time of last follow-up. Eight recurrences were in-field, four were marginal failures, and two were distant failures. Wilcoxon analysis revealed that the conformality index (CI) was a significant predictor of local recurrence (P = 0.04). CI did not predict for distant recurrences (P = 0.16). On multivariate analysis evaluating factors predicting progression free survival, dose >14 Gy was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.01). There appears to be a dose response using GKRS beyond 14 Gy but given the suboptimal local control rates in this study, higher doses may still be needed to obtain better local control.
Methodological solipsism considered as a research strategy in cognitive psychology.

The paper explores the distinction between two doctrines, both of which inform theory construction in much of modern cognitive psychology: the representational theory of mind and the computational theory of mind. According to the former, propositional attitudes are to be construed as relations that organisms bear to mental representations. According to the latter, mental processes have access only to formal (nonsemantic) properties of the mental representations over which they are defined.The following claims are defended: (1) That the traditional dispute between “rational” and “naturalistic” psychology is plausibly viewed as an argument about the status of the computational theory of mind. Rational psychologists accept a formality condition on the specification of mental processes; naturalists do not. (2) That to accept the formality condition is to endorse a version of methodological solipsism. (3) That the acceptance of some such condition is warranted, at least for that part of psychology which concerns itself with theories of the mental causation of behavior. This is because: (4) such theories require nontransparent taxonomies of mental states; and (5) nontransparent taxonomies individuate mental states without reference to their semantic properties. Equivalently, (6) nontransparent taxonomies respect the way that the organism represents the object of its propositional attitudes to itself, and it is this representation which functions in the causation of behavior.The final section of the paper considers the prospect for a naturalistic psychology: one which defines its generalizations over relations between mental representations and their environmental causes, thus seeking to account for the semantic properties of propositional attitudes. Two related arguments are proposed, both leading to the conclusion that no such research strategy is likely to prove fruitful.
Residential HVAC load control strategy in real-time electricity pricing environment

In this paper, a two-stage cost and energy efficient HVAC load control strategy under a dynamic price setting is developed and proposed for residential buildings. In the first stage, the proposed model generates efficient mappings between electricity price ranges and temperature set points for all hours of the day within a predetermined thermal comfort interval. The second stage further improves the cost and energy efficiency by employing pre-cooling and pre-floating procedures between two consecutive time intervals with price changes based on a thermal transition formula. The proposed model incorporates consumer utility for thermal comfort using a tolerance index that basically measures the consumer's preference trade-off between cost savings and thermal comfort. The proposed model is illustrated using a numerical analysis based on real-life data. The results indicate that the proposed strategy can provide a better overall comfort while reducing the electricity cost to consumers and energy usage at peaks.
XPS study of molybdenum sulfide catalyst exposed to CO and H2

Abstract Amorphous MoS3 (air-dried precipitate), crystalline MoS2 (made in the laboratory under nitrogenous atmosphere), and commercial molybdenum disulfide catalysts have been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The chemical species present on the surface and the S/Mo atomic ratios of laboratory catalysts were compared to those present on a commercial molybdenum disulfide catalyst before and after treatment with CO and H2. Pretreatment of MoS2 with CO followed by H2 showed that CO was adsorbed on the surface with no change in the chemical oxidation state of Mo and S. However, the results indicated that CO was not adsorbed when the sequence of gas exposures was reversed.
Tillage effects on some soil physical and corn physiological characteristics

(...) Field experiments were conducted in 1987 and 1988 in New York on a tile-drained silt loam soil (fine-loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic Aeric Haplaquept) to determine to what extent conventional tillage (CT), no-till (NT), and ridge tillage (RT) systems influence soil temperature and soil water conditions, thereby influencing CO 2 exchange rates (CER) and growth of corn (...)
Does the space environment affect the ecosphere

[1] The Sun is now emerging from a deep and protracted solar minimum, when the power, pressure, flux, and magnetic flux of solar wind were at their lowest levels [McComas et al., 2008; Schwadron and McComas, 2008;Connick et al., 2011]. Because of an anomalously weak heliospheric magnetic field and low solar wind pressure, galactic cosmic rays (GCRs)—protons, electrons, and ionized nuclei of elements accelerated to high energies—achieved the highest fluxes observed in the space age (Figure 1) [Mewaldt et al., 2010]. Related observations have shown remarkably rapid changes in the fluxes of energetic neutral atoms (ENAs) used by NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer mission to image the global heliosphere surrounding the solar system [McComas et al., 2010]. These changes in ENAs are caused by decreasing solar wind pressure. Does the recent anomalous deep solar minimum hint at larger changes in store? And how do changing GCR fluxes and conditions on the Sun influence Earth's ecosphere? Given the fact that GCR radiation can damage living tissue, causing cellular mutagenesis, the changing state of the Sun may have serious implications for life on the planet.
Concealing one's meaning from overhearers

Two people talking, as at a crowded party, may try to conceal all or part of what they mean from overhearers. To do this, it is proposed, they need to build what they wish to conceal on a private key, a piece of information, such as an event mentioned in an earlier conversation, that is common ground for the two of them and yet not inferable by the overhearers. What they say must be designed so that it cannot be understood without knowledge of that key. As evidence for the proposal, pairs of friends were required, as part of an arrangement task, to refer to familiar landmarks while concealing these references from overhearers. As predicted, the two of them used private keys, which they often concealed even further by using certain collaborative techniques. Still, the two partners weren't always successul.
Evaluation of Treatment Courses When Vancomycin Is Given Every 8 Hours in Adult Patients.

Background:Several nomograms include recommendations to give intravenous (IV) vancomycin at 8-hour dosing intervals (Q8H). However, there is a lack of detailed data regarding this dosing recommendation.Methods:A retrospective chart review of 100 patients who received 107 treatment courses of vancomycin Q8H for at least 5 days was performed. Distribution of vancomycin trough levels and rate of nephrotoxicity were evaluated.Results:Median patient age was 38 years (interquartile range [IQR] 27-50 years), median weight was 67 kg (IQR 55-79 kg), and median creatinine clearance was 124 mL/min (IQR 101-147 mL/min). Median duration of Q8H dosing was 9 days (IQR 7-12 days). Within the initial 96 hours, only 7% (7 of 104) of maximum trough concentrations were >20 mg/L (median dose 15 mg/kg [IQR 15-18 mg/kg]). After 96 hours of Q8H dosing, 34% (30 of 89) of maximum troughs were >20 mg/L (median dose 17 mg/kg [IQR 15-20 mg/kg]), P = .0005. The rate of nephrotoxicity was 4%.Conclusion:We observed an increase in the pe...
High-temperature pyrolysis of acetaldehyde

High-temperature (>1000°K) pyrolysis of acetaldehyde (∼1% in an atmosphere of pure nitrogen) was examined in a turbulent flow reactor which permits accurate determination of the spatial distribution of the stable species. Results show that the products in order of decreasing importance are CO, CH4, H2, C2H6, and C2H4. Rates of formation were consistent with the Rice–Herzfeld mechanism by including reactions to explain C2H4 formation and the possible presence of ketene. A steady-state treatment of the complete mechanism indicates that the overall reaction order decreases from to 1, which is supported by the new experimental data. Using earlier low-temperature results, the rate constant for the reaction CH3CHO → CH3 + CHO (1) was found as k1=1015.85±0.21 exp (−81,775±1000/RT) sec−1. Also, data for the ratio of rate constants for reactions CH3CHO + CH3 → CH4 + CH3CO (4) and 2CH3 → C2H6(6) were fitted to the empirical expression k4/k61/2=10−13.89±0.03T6.1 exp(−1720±70/RT) (cm3/mole·sec)1/2 and causes for the curvature are discussed. The noncatalytic effect of oxygen on acetaldehyde pyrolysis at high temperature is explained.
A NEW RISK FACTOR FOR REHOSPITALIZATION OF TERM NEWBORNS IN THE FIRST WORLD: EARLY HOSPITAL DISCHARGE. † 665

A NEW RISK FACTOR FOR REHOSPITALIZATION OF TERM NEWBORNS IN THE FIRST WORLD: EARLY HOSPITAL DISCHARGE. † 665
Fluorescence in situ hybridization detectable mosaicism for Angelman syndrome with biparental methylation.

We present a child with mild to moderate global developmental delay including severe speech impairment, inappropriate happy demeanor, wide-based gait, frequent ear infections with mild hearing loss, deep-set eyes, a wide mouth, widely-spaced teeth, normal head circumference, and no seizures. Results of peripheral blood lymphocyte chromosomal analysis with GTG banding were normal. However, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies showed mosaicism for a deletion of probes (D15S10 and SNRPN) from the Angelman syndrome (AS) critical region with approximately 40% of peripheral lymphocytes having the deletion. The deleted chromosome 15 also showed centromeric duplication, which was detected with a D15Z1 probe [46,XX, dic(15)(pter-->q11.1::p11.2-->q11. 1::q13-->qter)]. The same duplication pattern was observed in 30% of the nuclei obtained from a buccal smear. Methylation studies using polymerase chain reaction with sodium bisulfite-treated DNA demonstrated a normal biparental methylation pattern. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with AS and a FISH detectable deletion in a mosaic pattern. We recommend FISH studies for the detection of mosaicism in the patients with AS clinical findings even if results of the methylation studies are normal.
Neural networks and artificial intelligence

L'article presente les sept papiers de ce numero. Il met, en particulier, l'emphase sur l'avance considerable du connexionnisme et des reseaux neuronaux. Il montre comment la methode connexionniste de resolution de probleme de diagnostic peut etre mieux appropriee que les methodes de recherche sequentielle. L'article presente egalement le modele connexionniste en relation avec la logique propositionnelle, le parallelisme, avec la representation des connaissances et l'utilisation de reseau d'automates pour la reconnaissance des formes
Response to Francis Murphey's theory on lumbar disc disease: upon reflection

Dear Editor, The reviewer is asking whether it is, in fact, independent of Murphey's theory, wise to continue to follow the practice that emerged from Murphey's theory, and if so, why [2]. In my view, medical ethics and cost containment are of concern to the practice of medicine in industrial countries. Intradisc procedures for the treatment of low back pain, including discography and discectomy, are, based on our assessment, experimental and should not be performed [1]. Research should be based on thorough knowledge of the scientific background and a careful assessment of risks and benefits, should have a reasonable likelihood of benefit for the population studied, and should be conducted by suitably trained investigators using approved protocols, subject to independent ethical review and oversight by a properly convened committee [4]. Furthermore, the annual cost of lower back pain in industrial countries is astronomical [3]. The elimination of unnecessary procedures, such as discography and the intradiscal procedures that ultimately have been a burden on taxpayers, is the objective of governments and healthcare providers in industrial countries.
Haptoglobin Binding Capacity of Certain Abnormal Hemoglobins

Hemoglobins H and Bart's failed to bind human haptoglobin. The binding of hemoglobins A1, F, I, and Lepore was comparable to that of hemoglobin A. These findings suggest that configurational differences or the absence of alpha chain dimers was responsible for the lack of binding of hemoglobins H and Bart's.
A V -Decay Event with a Heavy Negative Secondary, and Identification of the Secondary V -Decay Event in a Cascade

Two cosmic-ray decay events have been photographed in a cloud chamber under conditions that yield mass values from combined magnetic-field momentum measurements and ionization measurements from droplet counting. A method has been developed for assigning meaningful probable errors to the ionization measurements. The first event is interpreted as the decay of a neutral $V$ particle into a positive $\ensuremath{\pi}$ meson and a negative particle of mass $1850\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}250{m}_{e}$. On the assumption of a two-body decay, the $Q$ value for the decay is 11.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4 Mev. The second event is a cascade decay that can be summarized by the following reaction: ${{Y}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}67\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}12 \mathrm{Mev}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{0}}{\ensuremath{\searrow}}{40\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}13 \mathrm{Mev}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}+p.}$ The proton of the ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{0}$ decay is identified by a measured mass of $2050\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}350{m}_{e}$. On the assumption of a twobody decay, the mass of the primary $V$ particle is $2600\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}34{m}_{e}$.
Biodegradation of a model azo disperse dye by the white rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus

Disperse Orange 3, 4-(4-nitrophenylazo)aniline, was chosen as a model to study biodegradation of azo dyes by the white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus (strain Florida) which was grown in submerged culture under controlled conditions. Degradation was investigated using a commercial preparation of Disperse Orange 3 that contained 20% dye plus dispersing agents, and an high-performance liquid chromatography purified preparation of the dye. The metabolites generated by Pleurotus ostreatus were identified as 4-nitroaniline, 4-nitrobenzene, 4-nitrophenol, and 4-nitroanisole. Veratryl alcohol, a redox mediator for lignin peroxidase of white-rot fungi, and its oxidant veratraldehyde were also detected in cultures grown in the presence of Disperse Orange 3. 4-Nitroanisole was the major metabolite when 4-nitrophenol was incubated with Pleurotus ostreatus. Kinetic profiles of these degradation products were determined and a partial degradation pathway is proposed.
Accurate Current Integration for Heavy Ion Rutherford Backscattering at University of North Texas

An experimental set up has been designed to suppress electron currents generated during energetic ion irradiation to obtain accurate current integration for Heavy Ion Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (HIRBS) measurements of heavy element concentrations and target depth profiles. A combination of an electron trap to suppress any electrons ejected from beam collimators and slits, and a biased aluminum mesh to suppress any secondary electrons ejected from the target was used. Two samples that produce cleanly interpreted spectra have been used as targets to check the accuracy of the system for 3.0 and 4.5 MeV O+2 projectile ions. Details of the experimental set up and data are presented.
An iterative method for determining the internal rate of return

This paper presents an alternative to the usual iterative method for determining the approximate internal rate of return in capital budgeting. The method developed is based on the standard numerical analysis technique of successive approximations or iterations. The iterations converge to the true internal rate of return provided only that the initial cash outflow is greater than the salvage value. A comparison is made of the rates of convergence of the iteration method, Newton's method and the bisection method. Under certain restrictive conditions, the payback reciprocal is seen to play an important role in all three methods.
Reflections of a reluctant clinical ethicist: ethics consultation and the collapse of critical distance.

The obvious appeal and growing momentum of clinical ethics in academic medical centers should not blind us to a potential danger: the collapse of critical distance. The very integration into the clinical milieu and the processes of clinical decision making, that clinical ethics claims as its greatest success, carries the seeds of a dilution of ethics' critical stance toward medicine and medical education. The purpose of this paper is to suggest how this might occur, and what potential contributions of ethics to medicine might be sacrificed as a result. Medical sociology will be used for comparison. Sociologists have found that they may function either as students and critics of established medical practices and educational philosophies, or as collaborative participants in them — but rarely both. It may be that professional ethics is most effective when it plays the role of ‘stranger’ rather than insider, and is continually able to question the most basic assumptions and values of the enterprise with which it is associated. As with medical sociology, ethics and humanities must ask to what extent their desire for acceptance in the clinic requires their acceptance of the clinic: specifically, acceptance of basic assumptions about optimal ways of organizing medical education, socializing physicians-in-training, providing care, and even of defining medical ethics itself. The paper concludes by recommending that ethics reassert its ‘strangeness’ in the medical milieu even as it assumes a more prominent role within the medical center.
On a Generalization of Tinbergen's Condition in the Theory of Policy to Dynamic Models

[5]. Recently, a problem of achieving designated target values in dynamic context has been analysed by Preston as a dynamic generalization of Tinbergen's conditions. He pointed out among other things, using the controllability condition of dynamic systems, that the number of instruments could be less than the number of target variables in achieving target variables at a point in time [4]. In practice, policy makers would be interested in not only achieving desired target values but also keeping them on some desired time trajectories once achieved.3 For example, they would be interested not only in achieving a certain inflation rate or level of foreign reserves but also in keeping them at some designated levels or changing them with time in some prescribed manner. This type of target variable manipulation requires more than the condition that dynamic systems are controllable. Since it is important that instruments have this added capability and since this aspect has not been covered in [4], it is the purpose of this note to describe the conditions for policy makers to be able to make the target variables follow desired time trajectories (including stationary values). This turns out to contain the original Tinbergen condition. Thus it may be considered to be a more proper dynamic generalization of Tinbergen's theory of policy. We consider economic models described by differential equations and give conditions for constant (time-invariant) linear economic models in Section 2.4 Under suitable conditions the local behaviour of non-linear economic models can be deduced from the corresponding linear ones. This is described in Section 3.
LINE-1 preTa elements in the human genome.

Abstract The preTa subfamily of long interspersed elements (LINEs) is characterized by a three base-pair “ACG” sequence in the 3′ untranslated region, contains approximately 400 members in the human genome, and has low level of nucleotide divergence with an estimated average age of 2.34 million years old suggesting that expansion of the L1 preTa subfamily occurred just after the divergence of humans and African apes. We have identified 362 preTa L1 elements from the draft human genomic sequence, investigated the genomic characteristics of preTa L1 insertions, and screened individual elements across diverse human populations and various non-human primate species using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to determine the phylogenetic origin and levels of human genomic diversity associated with the L1 elements. All of the preTa L1 elements analyzed by PCR were absent from the orthologous positions in non-human primate genomes with 33 (14%) of the L1 elements being polymorphic with respect to insertion presence or absence in the human genome. The newly identified L1 insertion polymorphisms will prove useful as identical by descent genetic markers for the study of human population genetics. We provide evidence that preTa L1 elements show an integration site preference for genomic regions with low GC content. Computational analysis of the preTa L1 elements revealed that 29% of the elements amenable to complete sequence analysis have apparently escaped 5′ truncation and are essentially full-length (approximately 6 kb). In all, 29 have two intact open reading frames and may be capable of retrotransposition.
Numerical evaluation of spherical Bessel transforms via fast Fourier transforms

The purpose of this article is to describe a new fast Fourier transform (FFT) method for calculating spherical Bessel transforms. The method is based on an expansion representation of the spherical Bessel functions in terms of sine and cosine trigonometric functions, multiplied by polynomials in inverse powers of the argument of the Bessel function [ 11. The method should be of value in algorithms in which frequent calculations of spherical Bessel transforms are required at many values of the transform variables, which is frequently the situation in time-dependent scattering calculations. The method makes use of FFTs for which the computing time for each transform scales as Nlog,(N), where N is the number of quadrature points, rather than the N2 scaling of ordinary numerical quadratures. Also, the explicit evaluation of the spherical Bessel functions is not required in the method. The method differs from that given in the work of J. D. Talman [2, 33 and A. E. Siegmon [4]. In the work of Talman [2, 33 and Siegman [4], a change to logarithmic variables is required to recast the integral transform as a convolution integral, which is then evaluated by FFT procedures. However, as pointed out by Talman, this makes the step size Ar increase proportionally with r and renders the method unsuitable for functions of an oscillatory nature. In particular, the oscillatory nature of the function is lost in the increasing mesh intervals. In essence, the Talman-Siegman method is excellent for bound state wave functions, but it is not
MR Imaging Evaluation of the Adnexa

MR imaging has become an important tool in the evaluation of patients with adnexal disease, and its role continues to evolve. Some benign entities can be diagnosed by MR imaging with a high grade of confidence, such as teratomas, endometriomas, simple and hemorrhagic cysts, fibromas, and hydrosalpinx. In cases of malignant lesions, MR imaging may be more accurate than other modalities for lesion characterization, staging, and follow-up.
Oscillations of algal biomass, nutrients and dissolved oxygen as a measure of ecosystem stability

Graphic presentation of weekly rates of change of algal biomass (expressed as chlorophyll a) and nutrient and dissolved oxygen concentrations can be regarded as harmonic oscillation motion. Maximum amplitudes of these oscillations provide a useful tool to assess the degree of stability of aquatic ecosystems in relation to their trophic state. Data sets from seven different lakes ranging from hypereutrophic to oligo-mesotrophic were processed using a computerized method. The high values of oscillation amplitudes of approximately 150 μg l−1 wk−1 chlorophyll a, 500 μg l−1 wk−1 ammonia nitrogen, 50 μg l−1 wk−1 soluble reactive phosphorus and 10 mg l−1 wk−1 dissolved oxygen, indicated strong ecosystem instability, while low values of less than 10 μg l−1 wk−1 of chlorophyll a, 20 μg l−1 wk−1 ammonia nitrogen, 2 μg l−1 wk−1 soluble reactive phosphorus, and 3 mg l−1 wk−1 dissolved oxygen represented a stable system. Oscillation amplitudes of the chlorophyll a values were found to be the most representative indicator of ecosystem stability.