cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Missed Opportunities for Influenza Vaccination in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Evaluation of a Multisystem Intervention.

Objective. To assess a multimodal intervention for reducing missed opportunities for outpatient influenza vaccination in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. Patients with RA were enrolled from a single center and each rheumatology outpatient visit was tracked for missed opportunities for influenza vaccination, defined as a visit in which an unvaccinated patient without contraindications remained unvaccinated or lacked documentation of vaccine recommendation in the electronic medical record (EMR). Providers then received a multimodal intervention consisting of an education session, EMR alerts, and weekly provider-specific e-mail reminders. Missed opportunities before and after the intervention were compared, and the determinants of missed opportunities were analyzed. Results. A total of 228 patients with RA were enrolled (904 preintervention visits) and 197 returned for at least 1 postintervention visit (721 postintervention visits). The preintervention frequency of any missed opportunities for influenza vaccination was 47%. This was reduced to 23% postintervention (p Conclusion. Improved uptake of influenza vaccination in patients with RA is possible using a multimodal approach. Certain subgroups may need a more potent intervention for equivalent efficacy.
A new species ofSchwanniomyces: Schwanniomyces alluvius

A description has been given of a new species of yeast,Schwanniomyces alluvius. It was isolated from moist soil of a creek bank in Ohio. The physiological properties of the new species have been compared in detail with those of the two known species of the genus.
5 – Structure-Activity Relationships

Presentation des criteres pour utiliser l'activite structurale comme moyen de prevision de la carcinogenicite de produits chimiques
Infinitesimal analysis of l∞ in its mackey topology

This expository article explains why the Mackey topology should play an important role in the analysis of the space of bounded sequences, l∞. We defend this on pure and applied grounds. We also describe some new results from Robinson's Theory of Infinitesimals that aid in this analysis.
Adaptive Join Algorithms in Dynamic Distributed Databases

This paper addresses the problem of query optimization for dynamic databases in distributed environments where data frequently change their values. An adaptive query optimization algorithm is proposed to evaluate queries. Rather than constructing a full plan for an access path and executing it, the algorithm constructs a partial plan, executes it, updates the statistics, and constructs a new partial plan. Since a partial plan is constructed based on the latest statistics, the algorithm is adaptive to data modifications and errors from the statistics. The algorithm extends the SDD-1 algorithm by considering local processing cost as well as communication cost. Whereas the SDD-1 algorithm only uses semi-joins to reduce communication cost, the algorithm reduces it with joins as well. It is proved that the adaptive algorithm is more efficient than the SDD-1 algorithm.
Coerced Parenthood as Family Policy: Feminism, the Moral Agency of Women, and Men's 'Right to Choose'

Part of what makes human agency moral is the demand that individuals think through their choices and, to the extent that they are choices made freely and unilaterally, that they shoulder most if not all of the consequences that visit upon those choices. It is not uncommon for the state to intervene in this moral field, shifting to choice-bystanders or the entire society the consequences attracted by free and unilateral choices individuals make. However, counter-intuitively, sometimes this burden reallocation operates to discount the moral agency of the individual whose choice was free and unilateral. Indeed, in a world of subtle forms of domination, disrespect for the moral agency of certain groups sometimes takes the form of a privilege that is benign on the surface while profoundly undermining in its long term impact on those groups’ claims to equal moral agency. This article argues that there is an aspect of women’s reproductive privileges that undermine their equal moral agency. Unfortunately, this phenomenon of subjugation-through-rights-guarantees has escaped feminist analysis of reproductive rights.This article focuses on one instance of this phenomenon. The Supreme Court has established and regulated a basic privacy right to reproductive choices. However, men are not currently given similar choices and are compelled to parent as an effect of state policy that gives women unilateral reproductive choices in several instances, women are deprived of full responsibility for the consequences of those choices and surrender a significant dimension of their moral agency to a type of disempowering paternalism. This article argues that, as a principle of equality, men and women should be given similar choices regarding their reproductive destinies and correspondingly face the consequences for their choices.
Food Choice by Juvenile Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus capucinus) in a Tropical Dry Forest

Dietary preferences of white-faced capuchins monkeys (C. capucinus) in northwestern Costa Rica were examined across age classes and between two distinct seasons over the course of 1 year. The findings show that the dietary profiles of small juveniles, large juveniles, and adults are quite similar, suggesting that juveniles are efficient foragers from a young age. The predictions of several ontogenetic models are presented, and the data lend limited support to the juvenile risk aversion and motor ability models.
Rethinking Nature: Phenomenology and a Non-reductionist Cognitive Science

Resistance to the idea that phenomenology can be relevant to cognitive scientific explanation has faced two objections advanced, respectively, from both sides of the issue: from the scientific pers...
Warthin-like Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: Unusual Morphology and Diagnostic Pitfalls.

Background Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a newly recognized rare entity and could be misdiagnosed as a benign Warthin tumor. We report such a case of a 36-year-old male who presented with a left parotid gland mass. Case report Fine-needle aspiration showed features suggestive of Warthin tumor. Following parotidectomy, grossly there was a 1.6 cm well-circumscribed multilobular mass with focal areas of cystic change. Microscopically, at low magnification it had histological features resembling Warthin tumor, while lining with squamoid cells with scattered mucocytes demonstrating mild cytologic atypia was observed at high magnification. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for p40, p63, cytokeratin 5/6, cytokeratin 7, and cancer antigen 125, but negative for discovered on GIST-1 (DOG1). Mucicarmine stain highlighted intracellular mucin within mucocytes. Rearrangement of mastermind like transcriptional coactivator 2 (MAML2) (11q21) gene was shown to be present in tumor cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization, supporting the diagnosis of a low-grade Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient was disease-free 12 months after surgery. Conclusion Warthin-like mucoepidermoid carcinoma has not been widely recognized and can be misdiagnosed as Warthin tumor. Testing for MAML2 rearrangement provides essential support for diagnosis in difficult cases.
Through the Eyes of an Early Adopter

This chapter recounts the personal journey of a professor, who, with no computer background, became an avid and enthusiastic online teacher. She realized that in her teaching areas of law and criminal justice, it was essential that her students be on the cutting edge of computer technology and she knew that she had to be the role model for them. She attributes her success to the mentorship of senior colleagues on the faculty committee on instructional technology and the staff of the college who provided invaluable expertise and support.
Hyperinsulinemia: An Early Indicator of Metabolic Dysfunction

Hyperinsulinemia is strongly associated with type 2 diabetes. Racial and ethnic minority populations are disproportionately affected by diabetes and obesity-related complications. This mini-review provides an overview of the genetic and environmental factors associated with hyperinsulinemia with a focus on racial and ethnic differences and its metabolic consequences. The data used in this narrative review were collected through research in PubMed and reference review of relevant retrieved articles. Insulin secretion and clearance are regulated processes that influence the development and progression of hyperinsulinemia. Environmental, genetic, and dietary factors are associated with hyperinsulinemia. Certain pharmacotherapies for obesity and bariatric surgery are effective at mitigating hyperinsulinemia and are associated with improved metabolic health. Hyperinsulinemia is associated with many environmental and genetic factors that interact with a wide network of hormones. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the factors affecting insulin secretion and clearance. Further basic and translational work on hyperinsulinemia may allow for earlier and more personalized treatments for obesity and metabolic diseases.
Minimizing the gap: A thematic analysis of student peer feedback perceptions in face-to-face and online speech workshops

As many colleges and universities offer increasing numbers of online courses and degree programs, debates regarding teaching public speaking online continue. This research utilizes Kluger and DeNis...
A Rare Cause of Septic Shock in the Emergency Department in an Intellectually-Disabled Child.

Abstract Background Sepsis in older children is often associated with the presence of developmental abnormalities and cerebral palsy. While relatively uncommon, surgical abdomen in these patients is associated with a high rate of mortality. Few reports have been described of sepsis caused by isolated cecal necrosis. Case Report We report a 13-year-old child with cerebral palsy and global developmental delay who presented to the emergency department with acute worsening abdominal distention that the mother attributed to chronic constipation. Clinical evaluation revealed that she was in severe septic shock and needed immediate stabilization after which she underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Operative findings revealed cecal necrosis that necessitated an ileocecectomy. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This? Children with intellectual disabilities presenting with sepsis to the emergency department can be particularly challenging given the communication barriers and the time-sensitive nature of the condition. When evaluating these patients, a thorough history and examination are often the only tools that assist in the early identification of the infectious source, leading to improved clinical outcomes.© 2019 Elsevier Inc.
Factors affecting symptom presentation in an early-phase clinical trials clinic patient population.

Increasing numbers of oncology therapies are being approved based on early-phase single-arm studies. Yet, little is known regarding the use of patient-reported outcomes in single-arm oncology trials testing novel therapies. We examined patient-reported symptom severity and symptom interference with activity- (WAW: work, general activity, walking) and mood-(REM: relations with others, enjoyment of life, mood) related functioning, and their association with factors known to influence symptom severity reporting, in early-phase clinical trials clinic patients. Patients completed the validated MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, containing 13 severity items and six interference items, each rated on a 0–10 scale (higher scores = worse symptom severity/interference). Performance status (ECOG-PS) and age were ascertained. Multiple linear regression was performed. In 248 phase I patients (51% female, 90% ECOG 0–1, and 74% ≤65 years), 67% of patients had ≥seven concurrent symptoms of any severity level, and 51% of patients described ≥three concurrent symptoms as moderate-to-severe (severity rating ≥ 5). Composite symptom severity, WAW and REM were worse in patients with ECOG-PS ≥ 2 vs. 0–1, and worse in patients with ECOG-PS = 1 than in patients with ECOG-PS = 0. Compared with patients over 65y, adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients (18y-39y) and patients aged 40y to 65y had worse composite symptom severity. As expected, being employed full-time/retired was associated with better symptom profiles in phaseI patients. The variation of symptom burden by performance status and age suggest that these factors need to be considered in the design of early-phase trials, particularly if patient-reported symptoms are used as primary/secondary/exploratory endpoints.
Thiol-Affinity Immobilization of Casein-Coated Silver Nanoparticles on Polymeric Membranes for Biofouling Control

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been widely studied for the control of biofouling on polymeric membranes due to their antimicrobial properties. However, nanoparticle leaching has posed a significant impediment against their widespread use. In this study, a one-step method of chemically embedding AgNPs on cellulose acetate (CA) membranes via their affinity to thiol group chemistry was investigated. The operational efficiency of the membranes was then determined via filtration and biofouling experiments. During filtration study, the average flux values of pure CA membranes was determined to be 11 ± 2 L/(m2·hr) (LMH), while membranes embedded with AgNPs showed significant increases in flux to 18 ± 2 LMH and 25 ± 9 LMH, with increasing amounts of AgNPs added, which is likely due to the NPs acting as pore formers. Leaching studies, performed both in dead-end and crossflow filtration, showed approximately 0.16 mg/L leaching of AgNPs after the first day of filtration, but afterwards the remaining chemically-attached AgNPs did not leach. Over 97% of AgNPs remained on the membranes after seven days of crossflow leaching filtration studies. Serratia marcescens were then used as target microorganisms in biofouling studies. It was observed that membranes embedded with AgNPs effectively suppressed the growth of Serratia marcescens, and specifically, membranes with AgNPs displayed a decrease in microbial growth by 59% and 99% as the amount of AgNP increased.
Fully Autonomous Buses: A Literature Review and Future Research Directions

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) represent a new, growing segment of transportation research. While there have been prior studies and deployments of AVs worldwide, full autonomy in bus transit has gained interest among researchers and practitioners within the last decade, which presents an opportunity to synthesize early trends. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to provide a review of the latest research on fully autonomous buses to summarize findings and identify gaps needing future research. Forty studies were reviewed in detail, and five main themes were identified, which are (1) technology deployment; (2) user acceptance; (3) safety; (4) social and economic aspects; and (5) regulations, policies, and legal issues. The results reveal that most prior studies have focused on technology development, and the area of regulation and policy would benefit from additional study. Noteworthy differences between research in Europe and the United States were also identified. In Europe, large funded projects involving real-world deployments have focused on user acceptance, security and safety, costs, and related legal issues, whereas in the United States, research has primarily concentrated on simulation modelling with limited real-world deployments. The results of this review are important for policy-makers and researchers as AV technology continues to evolve and become more widely available.
Social support and self-esteem on the association between stressful life events and mental health outcomes among college students.

The purpose of this research is to determine whether social support (informal and formal) and self-esteem can moderate the associations between life stress and mental health among college students....
Novel lecithin-based oleogels and oleogel emulsions delay lipid oxidation and extend probiotic bacteria survival

Abstract Probiotics are associated with many health benefits when ingested. Phospholipids have been shown to bind to probiotics and increase their viability. However, they can be readily prone to oxidation, which may hinder their use as probiotic protectants in foods. The objective of this study was to formulate a semisolid soy lecithin-based oleogel emulsion to entrap probiotics and improve their viability while preventing the progress of lipid oxidation. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis were inoculated into selected oleogel emulsions prepared with 20 wt% oleogelators (5:5 soy lecithin: stearic acid) and 10 wt% water. Samples were stored at 4 °C aerobically, and plate counts were determined for six weeks. The counts were compared to those of four controls: canola oil with water, de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) broth, MRS broth supplemented with soy lecithin, and oleogel emulsions lacking soy lecithin. Soy lecithin increased the survival of L. acidophilus and B. lactis grown in MRS broth for at least 42 days. The physical and microstructural characteristics of the oleogel emulsion delayed oxidative reactions in the systems, and the soy lecithin-based oleogel emulsion enhanced probiotic survival, indicating lecithin-based oleogel emulsion show promise for incorporation into probiotic enriched foods.
Leveraging the Use of Digital Technologies to Activate Public Areas and Foster Creativity

The capability to design spaces that foster social relations, meeting exchanges, as well as the break-down of social segregation between individuals, has received growing interest from both academic researchers and urban planners, architects, designers, and sociologists. Dealing with the context of the design, development, and management of public spaces creates a new goal of investigation on the relationship between human behavior and physical space mediated by digital technologies. This chapter focuses on how the merge of physical and digital layers of space can enhance new forms of interaction (both serendipitous encounters and/or other types of collaboration) between the urban dwellers and the microcosm they are embedded in it. It aims to present an overview of the impact of the environment and digital technology in these cited forms of people’s aggregation and interactions in order to stimulate innovation, creativity, and the creation of new knowledge. To better introduce a dialogue on this field, scenarios of connecting people and spaces through technology will be presented with a selection of the MIT Senseable City Lab’s research projects. If patterns of social interaction can often appear blurred, the proposed strategy is to comprehend how these overlapping layers (physical, digital, human) can be turned into systems to foster new dynamics of innovation, collaboration for urban public spaces’ future growth.
Virtual Inertia-Based Multi-Power Level Controller for Inductive Electric Vehicle Charging Systems

A method of modulating the power level of a grid-supplied inductive Electric Vehicle (EV) charger to provide frequency stabilization to the utility grid is presented. The proposed controller can allow inductive EV charging systems to effectively respond to grid frequency fluctuations by online regulating the charging level and adding high virtual inertia. A new IPT multi-power level controller using simplified digital circuits is designed. The virtual inertia control/controller (VIC) is incorporated into the proposed multi-power level controller which gets the grid frequency measurement and online adjust the IPT’s charging level. Using the proposed VIC IPT charger, the switching cycles, as a result, the power transfer from the grid to the EV can be regulated in response to the grid frequency change. The simulation results of the proposed VIC IPT power controller are presented to show its effectiveness in response to power grid fluctuations. The proposed virtual inertia based controller is experimentally implemented and verified on an IPT setup connected to an actual small-scale Labvolt testbed.
The State of Makerspace Research: a Review of the Literature

This literature review identifies the content and scope of empirical academic research on making, makerspaces, and fablabs. Using an overview approach, 150 peer reviewed studies were analyzed using expanded activity theory as a framework to examine how researchers have explored various components in a makerspace (subjects, tools, community, rules, division of labor and objects) as well as the outcomes (cognitive, psychomotor, affective, and behavioral) for their users. This review indicates that despite the wide-spread discussions describing makerspaces and making in school library practitioner publications and conferences, there is a lack of research related to making, makerspaces, and fablabs in PreK-12 school libraries in the United States.
Cerium(iv) complexes with guanidinate ligands: intense colors and anomalous electronic structures.

A series of cerium(iv) mixed-ligand guanidinate-amide complexes, {[(Me3Si)2NC(N i Pr)2] x CeIV[N(SiMe3)2]3-x }+ (x = 0-3), was prepared by chemical oxidation of the corresponding cerium(iii) complexes, where x = 1 and 2 represent novel complexes. The Ce(iv) complexes exhibited a range of intense colors, including red, black, cyan, and green. Notably, increasing the number of the guanidinate ligands from zero to three resulted in significant redshift of the absorption bands from 503 nm (2.48 eV) to 785 nm (1.58 eV) in THF. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra indicated increasing f occupancy (n f) with more guanidinate ligands, and revealed the multiconfigurational ground states for all Ce(iv) complexes. Cyclic voltammetry experiments demonstrated less stabilization of the Ce(iv) oxidation state with more guanidinate ligands. Moreover, the Ce(iv) tris(guanidinate) complex exhibited temperature independent paramagnetism (TIP) arising from the small energy gap between the ground- and excited states with considerable magnetic moments. Computational analysis suggested that the origin of the low energy absorption bands was a charge transfer between guanidinate π orbitals that were close in energy to the unoccupied Ce 4f orbitals. However, the incorporation of sterically hindered guanidinate ligands inhibited optimal overlaps between Ce 5d and ligand N 2p orbitals. As a result, there was an overall decrease of ligand-to-metal donation and a less stabilized Ce(iv) oxidation state, while at the same time, more of the donated electron density ended up in the 4f shell. The results indicate that incorporating guanidinate ligands into Ce(iv) complexes gives rise to intense charge transfer bands and noteworthy electronic structures, providing insights into the stabilization of tetravalent lanthanide oxidation states.
Utilization of Bio-Ontologies for Enhancing Patent Information Retrieval

The ability to access existing patents and patent-related information can have significant impacts on technology development and commercial markets. While such information is now available online, requesting the information about a specific technology remains a nontrivial task. The reason is that the online information often resides in different storage sources, is based on different modeling paradigms, and is managed by different independent entities. Ontology is one modeling paradigm that can capture semantically rich knowledge about a specific domain and its existing patents. That knowledge can be used to facilitate information sharing and information interoperability. This paper focuses on the bio-medical domain, where numerous patents have been filed in recent years. Specifically, this paper describes a computational framework that can facilitate the retrieval of intellectual property (IP-) related information in the biomedical domain.
A Single-Institution Experience in Percutaneous Image-Guided Cryoablation of Lymph Node Metastases.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation for the treatment of lymph node metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this sing...
Uric acid metabolism in man.

Publisher Summary Uric acid produced in man is the product of the action of the enzyme xanthine oxidase on xanthine and hypoxanthine. Uric acid enters body as part of the diet but most of it is due to the action of this enzyme on these two purines. Uric acid is not only found in the urine and the serum, but small amounts of its precursors xanthine and hypoxanthine and a variety of other purines are also found in the serum and in the urine. The chapter discusses various abnormal metabolisms of purine derivatives such as gout, xanthinuria, Lesch-Nyhan disease, and partial hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase deficiency. Role of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate in the rate of synthesis of gout is also summarized. Gout is due to excessive production of uric acid, which leads to the deposition of sodium urate in various parts of the body. Gout is not only extremely painful but can also cause serious kidney damage. An attempt has been made to integrate the known reactions of purine derivatives into a logical sequence of steps that might explain the magnitude of the amount of hypoxanthine and suggest a basis for the consequences of interruption. Only additional research can establish the extent to which this cycle is real, and its ultimate significance in vivo.
Association of Extubation Failure and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Acute Neurologic Illness

Background An association between extubation failure and neurologic and functional outcomes in patients with primary neurologic illness has not been investigated rigorously. We plan to conduct a retrospective chart review to study this association.
Confounders of Vasovagal Syncope: Postural Tachycardia Syndrome

Most patients who present to a cardiologist with syncope have vasovagal (reflex) syncope. A busy syncope practice often also sees patients with postural tachycardia syndrome, often presenting with severe recurrent presyncope. Recognition of this syncope confounder might be difficult without adequate knowledge of their presentation, and this can adversely affect optimal management. Postural tachycardia syndrome can often be differentiated from vasovagal syncope by its hemodynamic pattern during tilt table test and differing clinical characteristics. This article reviews the presentation of postural tachycardia syndrome and its putative pathophysiology and presents an approach to nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic management.
Cracks monitoring and characterization using Ba 0.64 Sr 0.36 TiO 3 flexoelectric strain gradient sensors

This paper presents a new method for monitoring and characterizing cracks using Ba0.64Sr0.36TiO3 flexoelectric strain gradient sensors. Firstly, strain gradient field around the mixed mode asymptotic crack tip was analyzed, followed by the derivation of induced flexoelectric polarization in the strain gradient sensors attached in the vicinity of a crack tip. It was found that the flexoelectric polarization of the sensor can be expressed as a function of the stress intensity factors of crack and relative coordinates between the sensor and crack. Given the information of the crack size, further analysis demonstrates that the location of the crack can be traced through the calculation based on flexoelectric outputs of the distributed sensors. A specimen with Mode-I crack was then prepared with two strain gradient sensors (4.7 mm × 0.9 mm × 0.3 mm) attached close to the crack tip to verify the analytical model for detection of cracks. The experimental results yield accurate location of the crack, confirming that flexoelectric strain gradient sensing can be a good avenue for monitoring cracks.
Epinephrine inhibits insulin-mediated glycogenesis but enhances glycolysis in human skeletal muscle.

The effect of epinephrine (E) infusion on insulin-mediated glucose metabolism in humans has been studied. Eight glucose-tolerant men were studied on two separate occasions: 1) during 120 min of euglycemic hyperinsulinemia (UH, approximately 5 mM; 40 mU.m-2.min-1); and 2) during UH while E was infused (UHE, 0.05 microgram.kg-1.min-1). Biopsies were taken from the quadriceps femoris muscle before and after each clamp. Glucose disposal, correcting for endogenous glucose production, was 36 +/- 3 and 18 +/- 2 (SE) mumol.kg fat-free mass (FFM)-1.min-1 during the last 40 min of UH and UHE, respectively (P less than 0.001). Nonoxidative glucose disposal (presumably glycogenesis) averaged 23.0 +/- 3.0 and 4.0 +/- 1.1 (P less than 0.001), whereas carbohydrate oxidation (which is proportional to glycolysis) averaged 13.1 +/- 1.4 and 15.3 +/- 1.1 mumol.kg FFM-1.min-1 (P less than 0.05) during UH and UHE, respectively. UHE resulted in significantly higher contents of UDP-glucose, hexose monophosphates, postphosphofructokinase intermediates, and glucose 1,6-bisphosphate (G-1,6-P2) in muscle (P less than 0.05-0.001), but there were no significant differences in high-energy phosphates or fructose 2,6-bisphosphate (F-2,6-P2) between treatments. Fractional activities of phosphorylase increased (P less than 0.01), and glycogen synthase decreased (P less than 0.001) during UHE. It is concluded that E inhibits insulin-mediated glycogenesis because of an inactivation of glycogen synthase and an activation of glycogenolysis. E also appears to inhibit insulin-mediated glucose utilization, at least partly, because of an increase in G-6-phosphate (which inhibits hexokinase) and enhances glycolysis by G-1,6-P2-, fructose 6-phosphate-, and F-1,6-P2-mediated activation of PFK.
Effect of long‐term exposure and delayed drying time on moisture and mechanical integrity of flooded homes

A housing flood unit (FU) and large wall section samples were constructed from conventional building materials and exposed to simulated flooding. Conditions resembling the flooding after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, LA, were mimicked, specifically long-term flooding (3 weeks) and standing periods (3 weeks). The effect of natural drying of the FU, followed by forced drying, on the moisture and mechanical integrity of building elements and components was studied. The results were compared with a similar study where the flood and standing times before drying were considerably shorter (3 and 5 days, respectively). The long-term flood exposure and delayed re-entry resulted in severe delamination and blistering of the gypsum board below water level on almost all the walls of the FU. Natural ventilation by opening windows was not effective in reducing the moisture content of the gypsum board. A combination of dehumidification and air conditioning dried the FU and test samples in about 1 week. Short-term (3 days) flood exposure and re-entry 5 days later caused significantly less visual damage to the walls of the FU in comparison with the long-term exposure. Mechanical testing of the interior wall samples yielded similar results for both the long-term and short-term studies. For both studies, the mechanical strength above and below the water line was similar after the prescribed drying period. This type of data is important in order to utilise most effectively the components of a structure affected by flooding, as well as for development of protocols for the restoration of building components.
Argentina and the Tequila Effect

The shock imposed on Argentina by Mexico’s financial crisis had four distinct phases (Banco Central, Republic of Argentina, 1995). The first phase lasted from 20 December 1994 through February 1995. External drains form the currency board-like system occurred, with the central bank’s liquid reserves falling from $15.8 bn before the crisis to $13.3 bn at the end of February. (Note that Argentina’s system is not orthodox because only 80% of the system’s reserves must be held in dollar denominated assets issued by foreign governments. These are called “liquid reserves.” The remaining reserves must be dollar denominated, but can be issued by the Republic of Argentina. Both types of reserves must be marked-to-market (valued) at current prices.) There were also internal drains of peso deposits from commercial banks. Wholesale banks and small retail banks were most strongly affected. Two small wholesale banks, with a high proportion of their assets in Argentine government bonds, were suspended.
Plastic encapsulated microcircuits (PEM) qualification testing

Microcircuit package qualification testing is used to establish the reliability of integrated circuit processes and devices as they relate to part packaging. This paper presents the results of package qualification tests conducted on plastic encapsulated microcircuits (PEMs) and plastic discrete devices (diodes, transistors) used in avionics applications. Highly Accelerated Stress Test (HAST) and temperature cycle (TC) test results, including part failure mechanisms and associated failure rates, are provided. A variety of plastic package styles and integrated circuit functions have been tested. Examples of package styles tested include: small outline (SO), plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC), thin small outline package (TSOP), plastic quad flat package (PQFP), and plastic dual-in-line (PDIP). Manufacturers' devices have been evaluated and various plastic compounds have been compared to determine which provide optimum reliability. The testing showed that package qualification performance of PEMs is affected by: type of compound, passivation (including die coat), and die size. HAST failures are caused by moisture penetration of the package while temperature cycle failures result from coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch effects.
Experience-Dependent Coincident Expression of the Effector Immediate-Early Genes Arc and Homer 1a in Hippocampal and Neocortical Neuronal Networks

The transcription of the immediate-early genes Arc and Homer 1a ( H1a ) is dynamically regulated in response to synaptic activity; their protein products function at the postsynaptic sites of excitatory synapses. Previous studies demonstrate a role for Arc in the maintenance of long-term potentiation and in memory consolidation processes and indicate a role for H1a in modifying glutamatergic signaling pathways. Using double-label fluorescence in situ hybridization, we demonstrate that Arc and H1a RNA expression is induced strongly in the same neurons of rat hippocampus and neocortex after exploration of a novel environment. These findings support the view that novel experience activates a cell-specific genomic program and that Arc and H1a may function in concert in the structural and functional modifications of dendrites that lead to long-term changes in synaptic efficacy.
A test for structural instability in the secular growth rate of productivity

Abstract In this paper we challenge the orthodox notion that long-run productivity in the U.S. has suffered two distinct structural breaks. Instead, we find that the slowdown in the secular growth rate can be more appropriately characterized as a continuous, non-linear decline since the early 1950's.
Methyl ester synthesis catalyzed by nanoporous gold: from 10−9 Torr to 1 atm

The oxidative coupling reaction of aldehydes with methanol occurs in the vapor phase over a support-free nanoporous gold (npAu) catalyst over a wide pressure range—from 10−9 Torr to 1 atm. The dependence of the aldehyde-to-ester reaction rate on the oxygen, methanol and aldehyde partial pressures suggests that the rate-limiting step for coupling is the reaction of the aldehyde with surface sites saturated with adsorbed methoxy. Stable catalyst activity is achieved for aldehyde–methanol coupling in flowing reactant mixtures at 70 °C. While the conditioned npAu catalyst exhibits high selectivity for methanol–aldehyde coupling, its activity for the self-coupling reaction of methanol to methyl formate is reduced by the exposure to the alcohol–aldehyde mixture in a manner that is consistent with the buildup of spectator species. The activity for methanol self-coupling can be regenerated by extended exposure to flowing methanol, CO and O2 at 70 °C. Overall, the observed catalytic esterification is consistent with model studies of both the npAu catalyst and single crystal gold in ultrahigh vacuum.
Acute effects of PM10 pollution on pulmonary function of smokers with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

This study assessed the association between respirable particulate air pollution (PM10) and changes in the pulmonary function (FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FVC) of smokers with mild to moderate airflow limitation. Spirometric data of Salt Lake City participants in The Lung Health Study were used from two screening visits 10 to 90 days apart after an initial screening visit, which included spirometry. We analyzed differences in pulmonary function (ΔFEV1, ΔFEV1/FVC, and ΔFVC) for participants between the two spirometry visits. Significant associations between changes in pulmonary function and PM10 were observed. ΔFEV1 and ΔFEV1/FVC were inversely associated with changes in PM10. Although these associations were small, explaining only about 2 to 3% of the variance in ΔFEV1, they were consistently negative and statistically significant (p ⩽ 0.01). On average, an increase in PM10 equal to 100 µg/m3 was associated with a marginal decline in FEV1 equal to approximately 2%. Associations between AFVC and PM10 were consiste...
Regulation of striatal dopamine release by presynaptic auto- and heteroreceptors.

Striatal dopamine neurotransmission is critical for normal voluntary movement, affect and cognition. Dysfunctions of its regulation are implicated in a broad range of behaviors and disorders including Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and drug abuse. Extracellular dopamine levels result from a dynamic equilibrium between release and reuptake by dopaminergic terminals. Both processes are regulated by multiple mechanisms. Here we review data characterizing how dopamine levels are regulated by presynaptic autoreceptors and heteroreceptors, an area intensively investigated due to advances in real time electrochemical detection of extracellular dopamine, i.e., fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and amperometry, and the development of mutant mouse lines with deletions for specific receptors.
A new species of Armodoris (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Nudibranchia, Akiodorididae) from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

Recently collected specimens of Armodoris from McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, were morphologically examined and sequenced. Comparison between this new material and literature sources revealed that it belongs to an undescribed species, Armodoris anudeorum. Although this new species is externally very similar to Armodoris antarctica (the only previously known species of Armodoris), these two species differ in several details of their external morphology, and particularly in their reproductive anatomy and radular morphology. This is the second known species of Armodoris; thus, this paper doubles the known diversity of this exclusively Antarctic group.
Workforce quality goals and the implications for education: The Oregon experience.

We review a plan that attracted the attention of public sector planners everywhere, Oregon's 1989 Oregon Shines: An Economic Strategy for the Pacific Century. In particular, we focus on Oregon's aspirations for world-class workforce quality; a status that the state's planners argued would contribute to a host of other outcomes that foster citizen well-being. The broader purpose of the paper is to emphasize the importance of timing. Planners must remain mindful of the long timeframe required for educational improvements to directly benefit the economy. We begin by reviewing the arguments that planners offered for the centrality of workforce quality. Second, we briefly review a few indicators of the state's commitment to achieving a world-class workforce and the consequences of this commitment to date. Third, we show that failure to dynamically model the linkages between actions and outcomes led to adoption of a workforce goal that was unattainable even if commitment had been Herculean. Finally, we consider other planning targets that might be improved by understanding why Oregon's workforce quality goals were unachievable.
The force exerted by a single kinesin molecule against a viscous load

Kinesin is a motor protein that uses the energy derived from the hydrolysis of ATP to power the transport of organelles along microtubules. To probe the mechanism of this chemical-to-mechanical energy transduction reaction, the movement of microtubules across glass surfaces coated with kinesin was perturbed by raising the viscosity of the buffer solution. When the viscosity of the solution used in the low density motility assay was increased approximately 100-fold through addition of polysaccharides and polypeptides, the longer microtubules, which experienced a larger drag force from the fluid, moved more slowly than the shorter ones. The speed of movement of a microtubule depended linearly on the drag force loading the motor. At the lowest kinesin density, where dilution experiments indicated that the movement was caused by a single kinesin molecule, extrapolation of the linear relationship yielded a maximum time-averaged drag force of 4.2 +/- 0.5 pN per motor (mean +/- experimental SE). The magnitude of the force argues against one type of "ratchet" model in which the motor is hypothesized to rectify the diffusion of the microtubule; at high viscosity, diffusion is too slow to account for the observed speeds. On the other hand, our data are consistent with models in which force is a consequence of strain developed in an elastic element within the motor; these models include a different "ratchet" model (of the type proposed by A. F. Huxley in 1957) as well as "power-stroke" models.
Mechanistic Studies of the Pyrolysis of 1,3-Butadiene, 1,3-Butadiene-1,1,4,4-d4, 1,2-Butadiene, and 2-Butyne by Supersonic Jet/Photoionization Mass Spectrometry

The thermal decomposition of 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-butadiene-1,1,4,4-d4, 1,2-butadiene, and 2-butyne at temperatures up to 1520 K was carried out by flash pyrolysis on a ∼20 μs time scale. The reaction products were isolated by supersonic expansion and detected by single-photon (λ = 118 nm) vacuum-ultraviolet time-of-flight mass spectrometry (VUV-TOFMS). Direct detection of CH3 and C3H3, as well as C3H4, C4H4, and C4H5 products, provides insight into the initial steps involved in the complex pyrolysis of these C4H6 species below T = 1500 K. The similar pyrolysis product distributions for the C4H6 isomers on such a short time scale support the previously proposed mechanism of facile isomerization of these species. Isomerization of 1,3-butadiene to 1,2-butadiene and subsequent C−C bond fission of 1,2-butadiene to produce CH3 and C3H3 (propargyl) are most likely the primary initial radical production channel in the 1,3-butadiene pyrolysis.
Early Detection of Final Performance in an Introductory Course in General Psychology

Final grades in an introductory psychology course were found to correlate significantly with a test representative of course content and ACT scores. Contrary to traditional predictions, the content specific test was not superior to the general abilities test in the prediction of final grades. Course content tests taken during the first three weeks of the academic quarter correlated .85 with course content tests taken during the last 3 wk. of the academic quarter. Both general ability tests and specific content tests given early in the academic year could be used to assign students to course programs that might provide the special assistance some students require to cope with traditional large lecture college courses.
Modeling and simulation of liquid diffusion through a porous finitely elastic solid

A new theory is proposed for the continuum modeling of liquid flow through a porous elastic solid. The solid and the voids are assumed to jointly constitute the macroscopic solid phase, while the liquid volume fraction is included as a separate state variable. A finite element implementation is employed to assess the predictive capacity of the proposed theory, with particular emphasis on the mechanical response of $$\text{ Nafion}^{\textregistered }$$ membranes to the flow of water.
Laminectomy for cervical myelopathy.

Study design: Cervical laminectomy with or without fusion, or laminoplasty, successfully address congenital or acquired stenosis, multilevel spondylosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), and ossification of the yellow ligament (OYL). To optimize surgical results, however, these procedures should be applied to carefully selected patients. Objectives: To determine the clinical, neurodiagnostic, appropriate posterior cervical approaches to be employed in patients presenting with MR- and CT-documented multilevel cervical disease. To limit perioperative morbidity, dorsal decompressions with or without fusions should be performed utilizing awake intubation and positioning and continuous intraoperative somatosensory-evoked potential monitoring. Setting: United States of America. Methods: The clinical, neurodiagnostic, and varied dorsal decompressive techniques employed to address pathology are reviewed. Techniques, including laminectomy, laminoforaminotomy, and laminoplasty are described. Where preoperative dynamic X-rays document instability, simultaneous fusions employing wiring or lateral mass plate/screw or rod/screw techniques may be employed. Nevertheless, careful patient selection remains one of the most critical factors to operative success as older individuals with prohibitive comorbidities or fixed long-term neurological deficits should not undergo these procedures. Results: Short- and long-term outcomes following dorsal decompressions with or without fusions vary. Those with myelopathy over 65 years of age often do well in the short-term, but demonstrate greater long-term deterioration. Factors that correlated with greater susceptibility to deterioration include advanced age (>70 years at the time of the first surgery), severe original myelopathy, and recent trauma. Conclusions: Success rates of laminectomy with or without fusion, or laminoplasty may be successfully employed to address multilevel cervical pathology in a carefully selected population of patients.
Psychiatric symptoms in white and black inpatients. I: Record study

Abstract The frequency of symptoms of 256 patients who were discharged from an inpatient service as undiagnosed were compared by race, sex, and age. The symptoms that were significantly more frequent in the black patients were dull affect, delusions of grandeur, delusions of body change (females only), delusions of passivity, fighting, auditory and visual hallucinations, concrete proverb interpretation (males only), psychomotor retardation (females only), decreased need for sleep (males only), increased speech (males only), and vague history (males only). Other variables more frequent in the black patients were age of first psychiatric and first Renard admissions less than 30, and treatment with major tranquilizers during first hospitalization. The only symptom recorded more frequently in the white patients was depressed affect. Sixty-eight percent of the patients met the rigorous criteria for a diagnosis and no significant difference in frequency of diagnosis (includes patients who remained undiagnosed) was found between white and black patients. Greater association was found between symptoms and diagnosis in the white population than in the black population. Because the differences in symptoms between black and white patients could not be explained by a difference in frequency of psychiatric disorders, because selection factors prompting hospitalization and quality of symptoms were not different for the groups, and because the association of symptoms with specific psychiatric diagnoses was greater in the white population than in the black, further support for the possibility that psychiatric symptoms are associated with a certain group of patients is required.