cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Measurement of the Change in Productivity in Telecommunications

The use of incentive regulation in telecommunications in the United States requires accurate measurement of the change in productivity. An approach to measuring productivity change, the Malmquist index approach, is introduced that not only provides a measure of that change but also allows for a decomposition into two mutually exclusive and exhaustive components --- changes in technical efficiency over time and shifts in technology over time. Using annual data on four output measures and six input measures for the period 1988---1999 for nineteen local exchange carriers, the results indicate that productivity increased by about 5.5% per year. This growth is due primarily to innovation rather than improvements in efficiency. Of the nineteen LECs in the sample, eleven were operating efficiently throughout the entire 1988---1999 period. Of the remaining eight, four showed a slight improvement in efficiency while the efficiency of four declined. In the aggregate, however, there was virtually no change in efficiency. Finally, a comparison is made between two methods of estimating the change in productivity. The conventional growth accounting approach yields a lower estimate of the rate of change in productivity than does the Malmquist index approach.
The impact of distance education programs on community agencies

ObjectiveThis study examined the impact of two distance education programs on clients, field instructors, cooperating agencies, and the broader networks of agencies surrounding the two distance sites.MethodSelf-administered surveys were mailed to one cohort of students as well as to field instructors and agency directors from two successive field placement sites.ResultsA11 groups of respondents reported Impact of increased services to clients, new knowledge of interventions available, and increased networking among students, field instructors, and agencies. There was a limited amount of information about technology transferred to the agencies. No significant differences were found in results between the sites.ConclusionsThe amount and quality of services, and to a lesser extent the choices of interventions and programs, were seen by these key stakeholders as having increased in the two distant communities where the master's of social work program was offered.
Stress-bias dependence of hot-carrier-induced degradation in MOSFETs

Abstract The stress-bias dependence of hot-carrier-induced degradation in short N -channel MOSFETs is examined. A positive stress electric field ( V gs > V ds ) across the gate oxide results in a characteristic g m shift to the positive V gs direction and a large V t degradation with a low rate of shift. In contrast, a negative stress field ( V gs V ds ) causes a reduction in magnitude in g m with a negligible peak shift and a small initial V t degradation with a fast shift rate. The effect of stress-bias on the turn-on characteristics has also been investigated. It is proposed that the degradation observed in the case of positive electric-field stress is essentially due to the localized electron trapping in the oxide near the drain, whereas the case of negative E-field stress is mainly due to interface-trap generation localized near the drain.
Electrophoretic light scattering as a probe of reaction kinetics

A new method is proposed for determining chemical rate contants in dimerization reactions of globular proteins. Light scattering from a solution of charged macromolecules in and applied electric field gives a series of bands whose widths can be used to deduce the reaction rate contants. This method should be applicable to other types of peactions. First order reactions are also considered.
The value of learning analytics to networked learning on a personal learning environment

Some might argue that the analytics tools at our disposal are currently mainly used for boring purposes, such as improving processes and making money. In this paper we will try to define learning analytics and their purpose for learning and education. We will ponder on the best possible fit of particular types of research methods and their analysis. Methodological concerns related to the analysis of Big Data collected on online networks as well as ethical and privacy concerns will also be highlighted and a case study of the use of learning analytics in a Massive Open Online Course explored.
A Computer Program for Flow‐Log Analysis of Single Holes (FLASH)

A new computer program, FLASH (Flow-Log Analysis of Single Holes), is presented for analysis of borehole vertical flow logs. The code is based on an analytical solution for steady-state multi-layer radial flow to a borehole. The code includes options for (1) discrete fractures and (2) multilayer aquifers. Given vertical flow profiles collected under both ambient and stressed (pumping or injection) conditions, the user can estimate fracture (or layer) transmissivities and far-field hydraulic heads. FLASH is coded in Microsoft Excel 5 with Visual Basic for Applications routines. The code
Clinical application of positron emission tomography in designing radiation fields in non-small cell lung cancer patients

There is significant interest in incorporating positron emission tomography (PET) into radiation therapy planning, although limited data exist that separately consider its diagnostic accuracy with respect to the primary tumor, hilum and mediastinum. This study evaluates the accuracy of PET planning by region of interest. Between January 2003 and July 2005, 351 patients with a pre-operative PET study underwent surgical resection. Of this population, 257 (73%) patients with a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer were evaluated. PET study findings regarding the suspected primary tumor site, ipsilateral hilum and mediastinum were correlated with surgical pathology for determination of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). The accuracy of the primary site (95%), ipsilateral hilum (80%) and mediastinum (84%) was relatively high. The NPV of the ipsilateral hilum and mediastinum was also high (92 and 86%, respectively). However, the PPV of the ipsilateral hilum (31%) and mediastinum (75%) was lower. PET accuracy evaluating bronchoalveolar primary tumors was lower vs. other histologies (86 vs. 96%, p=0.02), although there was no difference with regard to the hilum or mediastinum. PET scanning may be an important tool in designing radiation treatment fields for lung cancer when combined with other imaging modalities. However, caution must be exercised when evaluating lymph node regions, as the PPV is not as high for the ipsilateral hilum and mediastinum as for the primary tumor. The NPV is high for nodal regions and may help with the exclusion of large treatment volumes in selected cases.
Value, price, and simple commodity production: The case of the Zapotec stoneworkers∗

The concepts of ‘commodity’ and of ‘simple commodity production’ in the work of Marx and his interpreters are examined as a necessary departure point for the analysis of value and price in a Mexican peasant‐artisan stoneworking industry. The labour theory of value, which posits a close relationship between market price and average embodied labour cost of commodities in a peasant‐artisan economy, is applied to the stone‐working industry and is shown to have explanatory power in both the qualitative and quantitative sense. This analysis leads to the conclusion that the labour theory is a necessary tool for discerning and approximating the fundamental role of the labour process, as well as the structure of production relations, in determining the nature and conduct of exchange activities in a peasant‐artisan commodity/market economy.
Underutilization of reperfusion therapy in eligible African Americans with acute myocardial infarction: Role of presentation and evaluation characteristics.

Abstract Background Immediate reperfusion therapy to restore coronary blood flow is recommended for all eligible patients with acute myocardial infarction. However, reperfusion therapy is reportedly underutilized among African Americans, even when they are eligible. Reasons for the lack of use have not been fully explored. Methods We examined the demographic, clinical, and treatment data of 10,469 African Americans with acute myocardial infarction who were eligible for reperfusion therapy, enrolled in the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-2 from June 1994 through March 1998. Results The mean age was 62.58 (±14.4) years, and 44.7% were female. Although eligible, 47% of the African Americans in this study did not receive reperfusion therapy. In a multivariate analysis, the absence of chest pain at presentation (odds ratio [OR] 0.31, 95% CI 0.26-0.37) and initial admission diagnoses other than definite myocardial infarction (OR for receipt of reperfusion Conclusion Almost half of eligible African American patients with myocardial infarction did not receive reperfusion therapy. Potential reasons may include atypical presentation, patient and institutional delay, and underappreciation of myocardial infarction by care providers. Strategies to address these factors may improve the rate of use of reperfusion therapy. (Am Heart J 2001;142:604-10.)
The Impact of Electronic Disks on System Architecture

The availability of mass storage devices with access times several orders of magnitude less than rotating-device memories will have varying impacts on computer system architectures. These effects will range from simple changes such as direct substitution for disks, where significant productivity increases can be easily achieved, through more radical changes where both hardware and software are changed in structure to exploit the potential of these new devices. Such changes include architectures for transaction-based computing, real-time computing with nonresident programs, and more flexible structures for time-shared computers.
Tip20p reaches out to Dsl1p to tether membranes

Large, mutisubunit complexes have been implicated in tethering transport vesicles to organelle membranes prior to membrane fusion. New structures add to the growing list of tethering complexes that contain conserved helical bundle structures, and provide a first glimpse of how these complexes are assembled.
Partial Amino Acid Sequence of a Novel Protozoan Parasite Antigen that Inhibits Non‐Specific Cytotoxic Cell Activity

Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 18C2, prepared against a human EBV transformed lymphoblastic cell line (NC-37) is specific for a target cell ligand recognized by fish NCC and by mammalian NK cells. MoAb 18C2 inhibits the lysis of a variety of transformed murine and human cells (e. g. NC-37, YAC-1, K562, etc.). This MoAb also recognizes a determinant on the fish protozoan parasite Tetrahymena pyriformis. In the present study, we used MoAb 18C2 to identify a target antigen in detergent lysates of T. pyriformis. MoAb 18C2 recognized a 46–50 kDa target antigen (NKTag) by Western blot analysis of both crude and ammonium sulphate (AS) fractionated (25–40% saturation) T. pyriformis lysates. AS fractionated or purified soluble NKTag inhibited NCC mediated lysis of IM-9 target cells in a dose dependent fashion. AS fractionated NKTag also inhibited NCC lysis of a variety of human and murine transformed targets (e. g. HL-60, MOLT-4, DAUDI, NC-37, U-937, YAC-1, EL-4). Inhibition was specific for NCC and inhibition could be removed by adsorption of AS fractionated NKTag with MoAb 18C2 hybridoma cells. NKTag was prepared for amino acid sequencing by preparative SDS PAGE of whole cell detergent (CHAPS) lysate followed by Western transfer to nitrocellulose. The MoAb 18C2 recognized NKTag was excised and submitted for microsequencc analysis. Direct N-terminal analysis yielded a 12 residue sequence. Additional sequences, obtained from in situ trypsin digests of the NKTag on nitrocellulose yielded four additional peptides of 10, 13, 16 and 21 residues. None of the sequences examined had significant homology to known sequences (Swiss-Prot protein sequence database). These data indicate that MoAb 18C2 recognized a novel protein on T. pyriformis which may be involved in target cell recognition/lysis by NCC. Further, these data extend our previous observation that a common target determinant exists between higher and lower eukaryotic cells, and its expression may provide an explanation for the susceptibility of both protozoan parasites and transformed tumour cells to NK/NCC lysis.
Generation and detection of plasmonic nanobubbles in zebrafish

The zebrafish embryo has been evaluated as an in vivo model for plasmonic nanobubble (PNB) generation and detection at nanoscale. The embryo is easily observed and manipulated utilizing the same methodology as for application of PNBs in vitro. Injection and irradiation of gold nanoparticles with a short laser pulse resulted in generation of PNBs in zebrafish with similar parameters as for PNBs generated in water and cultured living cells. These PNBs do not result in systemic damage, thus we demonstrated an in vivo model for rapid and precise testing of plasmonic nanotechnologies.
Spatial and temporal stability issues for interfacial flows with surface tension

Many physically interesting problems involve the propagation of free surfaces in fluids with surface tension effects. Surface tensions is an ever-present physical effect that is often neglected due to the difficulties associated with its inclusion in the equations of motion. Accurate simulation of these interfaces presents a problem of considerable difficulty on several levels. First, even for stably stratified flows like water waves, it turns out that straightforward spatial discretizations (of the boundary integral formulation) generate numerical instability. Second, surface tension introduces a large number of derivatives through the Laplace-Young boundary condition. This induces severe time step restrictions for explicit time integration methods. In this paper, we present a class of stable spatial discretizations and we present a reformulation of the equations of motion that make apparent how to remove the high order time step restrictions introduced by the surface tension. This paper is a review of the results given in [1,2].
A Risk-Adjusted, Composite Outcomes Score and Resource Utilization Metrics for Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants

Importance It is difficult for neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to determine the overall efficacy of multiple continuous quality improvement (CQI) projects aimed at reducing very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant morbidities. It is challenging to know whether a NICU is becoming more proficient, and it is not usually apparent whether concurrent resource use is changing. Objective To develop a risk-adjusted composite score of the major morbidities in VLBW infants and a companion metric that accounts for resource use to enhance the ability to measure overall progress in CQI and to identify proficient NICUs. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective investigation used individual patient–level demographic and outcomes data from 8 NICUs who were long term CQI collaborators within the Vermont Oxford Network, a large international quality improvement organization dedicated to improving the care of premature infants. Study participants were infants who weighed 401 to 1500 g born from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2011, at each of the 8 participating NICUs. Main Outcomes and Measures Risk-adjusted, composite VLBW infant morbidity and resource utilization score. Results A total of 15,961 infants (mean [SD] gestational age, 28.2 [3.0] weeks; mean [SD] birth weight, 1020 [306] g) were analyzed. Concurrent with multiple shared CQI projects over 12 years, the group benefit metric improved 38% from 80 in 2000 to 110 in 2011 ( P P P P P P Conclusions and Relevance We have created the first, to our knowledge, web-based tool for NICUs to calculate their own composite morbidity and resource utilization scores that estimate NICU CQI proficiency. In our structured group CQI over 12 years, both metrics revealed significant improvement, but increases in length of stay (resource use) blunted value improvement. Why some NICUs improve their scores more successfully than others remains a crucial challenge. Future CQI efforts should explore strategies that cost-efficiently reduce intertwined VLBW infant morbidities, emphasizing whole cultures of proficient care rather than the traditional emphasis on single-morbidity reduction.
Possible role of the opioid peptides in sleep

Abstract The opioid peptide endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins — found in brain, pituitary, and gut — are neurohormones involved in the regulation of a number of seemingly diverse biologic activities, including respiration, mood, pain perception, blood pressure, body temperature, and certain visceral responses. When viewed in integrated fashion, however, the spectrum of activities induced by the administration of both the exogenous opiates (e.g. morphine) and the endogenous opioids resembles a natural physiologic state: the sleep state. We propose that the opioid peptides in conjunction with the peptide neurohormone vasopressin are involved in the induction and maintenance of the sleep state. We also propose that the function of sleep is to protect an animal during periods when it is at a selective disadvantage, and we provide evidence to support and integrate both concepts.
Elementary Teachers’ Understanding of Students’ Science Misconceptions: Implications for Practice and Teacher Education

This study sought to determine what elementary teachers know about student science misconceptions and how teachers address student misconceptions in instruction. The sample included 30 teachers from California with at least 1-year of experience teaching grades 3, 4, and 5. A semistructured interview was used. The interview transcripts were transcribed and coded under the following categories: definition of misconceptions, sources of misconceptions, development of misconceptions, and teaching strategies for addressing misconceptions. The results suggest that, although most of the teachers are aware of misconceptions, they do not understand how they develop or fully appreciate their impact on their instruction.
Hundred-kiloyear cycle queried

Discussion sur l'effet des parametres orbitaux de la Terre sur les periodes paleoclimatiques
Metamnemonic control over the discriminability of memory evidence: A signal detection analysis of warning effects in the associative list paradigm

According to signal detection theory (SDT), retrieval warnings may decrease false memory in the associative list paradigm either by inducing a conservative criterion shift or by decreasing the amount of evidence that critical theme words were studied. Fitting a SDT model to 12 existing datasets revealed suggestive evidence that warnings impact critical theme evidence, and two new experiments confirmed this conclusion. We argue that this pattern of results is consistent with warned participants relying less on relational and more on item-specific forms of information at retrieval as compared to unwarned participants. We conclude that warnings enhance metamnemonic awareness, thus allowing participants to select a retrieval strategy that capitalizes on discriminative forms of evidence.
Long-Term Recovery of PCB-Contaminated Sediments at the Lake Hartwell Superfund Site: PCB Dechlorination. 2. Rates and Extent

This paper reports on extensive polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) dechlorination measured in Lake Hartwell (Pickens County, SC) sediments. Vertical sediment cores were collected from 18 locations in Lake Hartwell (Pickens County, SC) and analyzed in 5-cm increments for PCB congeners. The preferential loss of meta and para chlorines with sediment depth demonstrated that PCBs in the sediments underwent reductive dechlorination after burial. Notably, ortho chlorines were highly conserved for more than 5 decades; since the first appearance of PCBs, ca. 1950−1955. These dechlorination characteristics resulted in the accumulation of lower chlorinated congeners dominated by ortho chlorine substituents. Dechlorination rates were determined by plotting the numbers of meta plus para chlorines per biphenyl molecule (mol of chlorine/mol of PCB) with sediment age. Regression analyses showed linear correlations between meta plus para chlorine concentrations with time. The average dechlorination rate was 0.094 ± 0.063 mol ...
Assessment of urinary metals following exposure to a large vegetative fire, New Mexico, 2000.

Introduction: In May 2000, a vegetative fire burned 47,000 acres in northern New Mexico, including 7500 acres of land administered by the Los Alamos National Laboratory. We evaluated potential human exposures from the fire. Methods: We surveyed two populations (firefighters and the general population) in four cities for urine heavy metal concentrations. Reference concentrations were based on the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Multivariate linear regression assessed the association of urinary metal concentrations with smoke exposure. We also performed isotopic analysis of uranium and cesium on a subset of specimens. Results: A total of 92 firefighters and 135 nonfirefighters participated. In both populations, urinary nickel, cesium, chromium, and uranium concentrations were greater than expected compared with NHANES III reference values. No values required immediate medical follow-up. Regression analysis demonstrated that for National Guard members, arsenic and cadmium levels were significantly related to smoke exposure, and for firefighters, cesium and arsenic levels were significantly related to exposure; however, only for cesium in National Guard members was this association in the positive direction. Isotopic analysis demonstrated that the cesium and uranium were naturally occurring. Conclusions: Some people had spot urine metal concentrations above nationally derived reference values, and values for some metals were associated with smoke exposure. These associations had little public health or clinical importance. Studies of exposures resulting from vegetative fires are difficult, and careful consideration should be given to the technical and communication processes at the outset of a fire exposure investigation. Recommendations for future investigations include testing as soon as possible during or after a fire, and early clinical consultation with a medical toxicologist.
A characterization of principal ideal domains

This paper explores the concept of a gauge function on an integral domain. The ring of all complex polynomials has a gauge function whereas the bigger ring of entire functions does not have one. A characterization of principal ideal domain explains the reason why T does not possess any gauge function.
Dynamics of shear-induced structure formation in high molecular weight aqueous solutions

Shear-induced structure formation in solutions of drag-reducing polymers has been studied using several rheo-optical methods including scattering dichroism, turbidity, and small-angle light scattering. Aqueous solutions of high molecular weight partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, polyacrylamide, and poly(ethylene oxide) have been examined in the concentration range of 100 to 4000 parts per million by weight. Under high shear flow, increasing turbidity is accompanied by growing lozenge- or butterfly-shaped scattering patterns. With increasing shear, dichroism increases and the orientation angle approaches zero, i.e., scattering centers are aligning with the flow. Fits of the turbidity and structure factor independently demonstrate the presence of micron-sized structures forming under shear flow.
The digital origin of human language--a synthesis.

The fact that all languages known are digital poses the question of their origin. The answer developed here treats language as the interface of information theory and molecular development by showing previously unrecognized isomorphisms between the analog and digital features of language and life at the molecular level. Human language is a special case of signal transduction and hence is subject to the coding aspects of Shannon's theorems and the analog aspects of pattern recognition, each represented by genotype and phenotype. Digital language acquisition is late in evolution and postnatal development and requires a neural reorganization by a mechanism of somatic network programming in response to the environment. Such a mechanism would solve the Chomsky conundrum of how children can learn any language without knowing rules of grammar too numerous to be encoded genotypically.
Physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of starch from a high β-glucan waxy barley

The physicochemical properties and functional characteristics of starch from a high β-glucan waxy barley were compared with those of starches isolated from normal and high amylose barleys. Amylose content of the starches ranged from 1.9 to 34.8%. There was no relationship between amylose content and water binding capacity and gelatinization temperature of the starches. Amylose content and swelling power as well as enzyme susceptibility were negatively correlated. Waxy barley starches had a lower solubility than amylose-containing starches. High amylose barley starch registered no swelling in the Amylograph. Amylose content in starch proved to be very important for good bread- and cake baking quality. Waxy starches did not produce acceptable breads and cakes. The starch from the high β-glucan barley variety “Shonkin” will be suitable as a thickening agent, but not as an ingredient in bakery products.
Use of skin and oral cancer examinations in the United States, 1998.

Abstract Background Findings from previous surveys suggest low utilization of oral cancer examinations, even though this examination is noninvasive. The purpose of this analysis is to compare the use of an oral cancer examination (OCE) and a skin cancer examination (SCE) in the past 12 months within the United States. Both exams are noninvasive and include a visual component. Methods Weighted data from the Adult Prevention Supplement of the 1998 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) for adults 40 years of age or older were analyzed using SAS and SUDAAN. A ratio compared the percentage reporting an OCE (%OCE) with the percentage reporting a SCE (%SCE). Results The percentage having an OCE in the past year (13.8%) was very similar to the percentage having a SCE (13.5%) during that same period. With increasing age group, the %OCE/%SCE ratio varied inversely from 1.60 (C.I. 1.42–1.78) among persons 40–49 years to 0.62 (C.I. 0.55–0.69) among persons 70+ years. The ratio was similar in whites and blacks, males and females, and Hispanics and non-Hispanics. There was a positive gradient in the ratio by education and family income. Conclusions Overall, less than 15% of the population is receiving either of these examinations, although the American Cancer Society recommends both of them on an annual basis for individuals 40 years of age and older. To increase detection of these cancers at early stages, extensive educational and media campaigns for the public and providers identifying risk factors and the availability of and the need for these examinations are required.
No-Notice Evacuation Management: Ramp Closures Under Varying Budgets and Demand Scenarios

To promote smoother freeway traffic flow during evacuations, ramps may be closed and thus reduce the number of merging and related speed reduction points. Deciding which ramps to close can be treated as an optimization problem in which the decision variables are integers that indicate whether the ramp is open or closed. This paper examines the problem under multiple demand and budget scenarios for no-notice evacuations. Through the optimization formulation and solution method, optimized closure plans are developed for each scenario and compared with the do-nothing case, and an existing plan is developed with professional judgment. The optimized plans outperform the others in the evacuees' total travel time but are sometimes associated with decreases in overall network throughput. Three ramp closures, consistent across the scenarios, are explored as a reduced closure plan, and evacuee benefits are identified for all of the scenarios over the do-nothing option except in the most congested background traffic...
TWO‐DIMENSIONAL NUMERICAL MODELLING OF HEMT USING AN ENERGY TRANSPORT MODEL

A two‐dimensional numerical computer simulation based on the analysis of the first three moments of the Boltzmann equation, known as the energy‐transport model, has been used to study various two‐dimensional effects on the performance of AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure field‐effect transistor. The results are presented for half‐micron gate length. The calculation reveals significant electron current contribution coming from the AlGaAs region between the source and gate, contributing to the reduction of access resistance. As the electrons acquire large energies near the drain side edge of the gate, real‐space transfer to the AlGaAs region from the “two‐dimensional” electron gas channel occurs. However, at the drain end, the electron current is confined at the GaAs side of the heterointerface. The result shows insignificant current contribution from regions of depth greater than 0.048 µm into the undoped GaAs bulk. At room temperature, the results indicate transconductance, current gain cutoff frequency and power density about twice that which are calculated for “equivalent” GaAs MESFET, of identical structure and doping level as the heavily‐doped AlGaAs region. These results suggest that HEMT devices have the potential for providing significant sources of power at millimeter‐wave frequencies.
Endocrine and Autoimmune Aspects of the Health History of John F. Kennedy

At the age of 43 years, John F. Kennedy was the youngest man ever elected president. Throughout both his campaign and his presidency, he was portrayed as the epitome of youth and vigor. In fact, he had the most complex medical history of anyone to occupy the White House. The recent opening of his White House medical records has provided researchers greater insight into the multiple medical conditions that afflicted Kennedy. A recent review of these records, coupled with other available sources, allows new understanding of his health history that can now be explained in the context of a unifying autoimmune endocrine disorder.
Cholesterol ester content of the serum: Alterations due to simple and complex carbohydrate diets in nonhuman primates (Cebus albifrons, Macaca arctoides, and Macaca mulatta)

Abstract Three species of nonhuman primates ( Cebus albifrons, Macaca arctoides , and Macaca mulatta ) were fed diets containing high levels of cither sucrose or dextrin. After 1 year of feeding, a quantitative serum cholesterol ester determination was done by TLC, densitometric, and GLC techniques. When the sucrose- and dextrin-fed Macaca mulatta were compared to those on a normal laboratory diet, monoenoic cholesterol esters (Band II) were found to be elevated and dicnoic cholesterol esters (Band III), to be decreased.
Not All Reading Disabilities Are Dyslexia: Distinct Neurobiology of Specific Comprehension Deficits

Although an extensive literature exists on the neurobiological correlates of dyslexia (DYS), to date, no studies have examined the neurobiological profile of those who exhibit poor reading comprehension despite intact word-level abilities (specific reading comprehension deficits [S-RCD]). Here we investigated the word-level abilities of S-RCD as compared to typically developing readers (TD) and those with DYS by examining the blood oxygenation-level dependent response to words varying on frequency. Understanding whether S-RCD process words in the same manner as TD, or show alternate pathways to achieve normal word-reading abilities, may provide insights into the origin of this disorder. Results showed that as compared to TD, DYS showed abnormal covariance during word processing with right-hemisphere homologs of the left-hemisphere reading network in conjunction with left occipitotemporal underactivation. In contrast, S-RCD showed an intact neurobiological response to word stimuli in occipitotemporal regions (associated with fast and efficient word processing); however, inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) abnormalities were observed. Specifically, TD showed a higher-percent signal change within right IFG for low-versus-high frequency words as compared to both S-RCD and DYS. Using psychophysiological interaction analyses, a coupling-by-reading group interaction was found in right IFG for DYS, as indicated by a widespread greater covariance between right IFG and right occipitotemporal cortex/visual word-form areas, as well as bilateral medial frontal gyrus, as compared to TD. For S-RCD, the context-dependent functional interaction anomaly was most prominently seen in left IFG, which covaried to a greater extent with hippocampal, parahippocampal, and prefrontal areas than for TD for low- as compared to high-frequency words. Given the greater lexical access demands of low frequency as compared to high-frequency words, these results may suggest specific weaknesses in accessing lexical-semantic representations during word recognition. These novel findings provide foundational insights into the nature of S-RCD, and set the stage for future investigations of this common, but understudied, reading disorder.
Removal of Opioid/Acetaminophen Combination Prescription Pain Medications: Assessing the Evidence for Hepatotoxicity and Consequences of Removal of These Medications

Opioid/acetaminophen combination products are widely prescribed for the management of moderate to moderately severe pain. Acetaminophen, when improperly used, can lead to liver damage and even acute liver failure. In June 2009, an FDA advisory committee recommended elimination of prescription acetaminophen combination products because of the risk of hepatotoxicity associated with use of these medications. The FDA advisory committee reviewed numerous observational studies and adverse event reporting data. The aims of this article are to: 1) provide a summary and epidemiologic critique of the studies and evidence the FDA advisory committee reviewed; 2) examine the potential consequences, such as poorly managed pain or a shift to treatment with other medications with greater potential toxicity and/or restricted availability, if the FDA follows the advisory committee vote; and 3) outline alternate strategies the FDA should consider for reducing hepatotoxicity associated with opioid/acetaminophen combination products.
Altered ventricular torsion and transmural patterns of myocyte relaxation precede heart failure in aging F344 rats

The purpose of this study was to identify and explain changes in ventricular and cellular function that contribute to aging-associated cardiovascular disease in aging F344 rats. Three groups of fem...
Viscoelastic behavior of elastomers undergoing scission reactions

Abstract A phenomenological prediction of the creep behavior of cross-linked polymers undergoing simultaneous physical relaxation and chemical network scission is presented. The fundamental assumption underlying this calculation is defined and its physical significance is discussed. The predicted response is related to the behavior of nonreacting polymers through a time-adjustment parameter. The magnitude and time dependence of this parameter depend on both the physical relaxation characteristics and the kinetics of the scission reaction. In the limit of totally elastic systems, a description of the well-known chemorheological behavior ensues.
Performance analysis of a rare earth magnet based NEMA frame Permanent Magnet assisted Synchronous Reluctance Machine with different magnet type and quantity

Permanent Magnet assisted Synchronous Reluctance Machines (PMa-SynRM) have several advantages such as rigid structure, low cost, and high speed capacity in comparison with the other PM machines. Although the reluctance torque is the major component of the developed torque in this machine, the permanent magnets inside the rotor can create additional magnet torque and improve the power factor of the machine. A low cost permanent magnet machine such as PMa-SynRM can be a proper replacement for variable speed applications such as fan and constant speed-variable torque loads especially when an induction machine with variable frequency drive (VFD) is considered. In this paper a NdFeB based PMa-SynRM originally optimized for the stator of a specific NEMA frame induction machine is evaluated experimentally under these type of loads. Also, the effect of using different types and quantities of magnet on this PMa-SynRM is studied to determine the energy savings while driving fan or constant speed-variable torque type of loads.
Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in hypertensive outpatients: reply to Kawada.

To the Editor:We thank Dr Kawada for his thoughtful comments, andagree that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an importantmodiﬁable risk factor for hypertension. Indeed, obesityand renin-angiotensin-aldosterone activation may becommon in both conditions. As Dr Kawada suggests,more detailed characterization of hypertension mayindeed identify subgroups in whom risk for sleep apneaand potential treatment response are greatest, helping tofurther delineate target populations for screening andtreatment of occult sleep apnea.Such characterization needs to be simple and cost-effective in order to be applied across large populations.As Dr Kawada suggests, use of biomarkers such asrenin-angiotensin assays for risk assessment deservesfurther investigation and cost analysis. A secondpotential method is to use 24-hour ambulatory bloodpressure monitoring to identify patients whose bloodpressure fails to dip during sleep (“nondippers”).Ohkubo and colleagues
Phase II study of carboplatin and liposomal doxorubicin in patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

BACKGROUND The activity of the combination of carboplatin and liposomal doxorubicin was tested in a Phase II study of patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma. METHODS The combination of carboplatin (area under the concentration curve [AUC], 5) and liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil®; starting dose, 40 mg/m2) was administered intravenously every 28 days to 37 patients with recurrent squamous cell cervical carcinoma to determine antitumor activity and toxicity profile. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients were assessable for response, and 35 patients were assessable for toxicity. The overall response rate was 38%, the median time to response was10 weeks, the median duration of response was 26 weeks, and the median survival was 37 weeks. The main toxic effect was myelosuppression, with Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia in 16 patients, anemia in 12 patients, thrombocytopenia in 11 patients, and neutropenic fever in 3 patients. Four patients had five infusion-related reactions during the infusion of liposomal doxorubicin, leading to treatment discontinuation in three patients. Grade ≥ 2 nonhematologic toxicity included nausea in 17 patients, emesis in 14 patients, fatigue in 9 patients, mucositis and/or stomatitis in 8 patients, constipation in 6 patients, weight loss in 5 patients, hand-foot syndrome in 2 patients, and skin reactions in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS The combination of carboplatin and liposomal doxorubicin has modest activity in patients with recurrent cervical carcinoma. Cancer 2001;92:2327–33. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Corporate Decision Making and Part Differentiation: A Strategy for Customer-Driven Product Development Planning

A model of strategic planning for product development is introduced which captures corporate decision making from the earliest planning stages to final product success, measured by cost-control and revenue generation stemming from a strong emotional response in customers. The model was created based on observation and interviews ranging from top executives to design team members from all major disciplines at a large automobile company. By mapping an approach to part differentiation based on part complexity and lifestyle (i.e., value) impact onto the decision making model, those decisions most critical to different aspects of the product are identified and more heavily emphasized. Many companies tend to drive the entire process based on cost and technology objectives as a means to maximize profit, rather than by understanding the true impact of customer response to the product as well. In bringing Design strategy decisions into the earliest phases, companies set a strategy that fulfills customer expectations while reducing conflict, delays, added costs, and improving quality. The model helps companies recognize how to structure decisions and allocate resources to appropriately balance costs and customer’s emotional response.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Quaternary deposits in southwestern Afghanistan

Abstract Geologic evidence in the closed Seistan Basin of southwestern Afghanistan and adjacent parts of Iran and Pakistan indicates that a lake as much as 65,000 sq km in size occupied this closed depression during Pleistocene time. The deposits consist mostly of lacustrine silt and clay and have a maximum observed thickness of about 250 m. A layer of alluvial gravels overlies the sequence. The deposits are probably early or middle Pleistocene in age; they are old enough to have sustained nearly 300 m of erosion over large areas but are not faulted or detectably folded in the central part of the basin although they are upwarped along the west edge of the basin. Sand dunes cover extensive areas of the basin. Dune orientation shows that the strong surface winds enter the basin blowing toward the south-southeast and then are deflected to the east, apparently as a response to mountains bordering the basin on its south side. The Gawdezereh, a large deflation depression, may be a result of an augmented excavation ability of winds that oc urs where turbulence is created along a zone of deflection.
Antitrypanosomal Activity of 5‘-Deoxy-5‘-(iodomethylene)adenosine and Related 6-N-Cyclopropyladenosine Analogues

Treatment of the 6-N-cyclopropyl-2‘,3‘-di-O-isopropylideneadenosine 5‘-aldehyde with sulfone-stabilized phosphonate or fluorophosphonate reagents followed by stannyldesulfonylations and subsequent iodo- or protiodestannylation gave 6-N-cyclopropyl-5‘-deoxy-5‘-(iodomethylene)adenosine 8b or its 5‘-fluoromethylene analogue 11. Treatment of the 5‘-aldehyde with hydroxylamine or dibromomethylene- or cyanomethylene-stabilized Wittig reagents and deprotections gave the oxime 4b, 5‘-cyanomethylene 5b, and 5‘-dibromomethylene 13b analogues. Dehydrobromination of 13b gave acetylenic compound 14b. From the tested 6-N-cyclopropyladenosine analogues modified at the 5‘ carbon, the 5‘-iodomethylene 8b had the most potent activity against Trypanosoma brucei in vitro with an IC50 of 12 μg/mL. The IC50 value was 19 μg/mL for both the 5‘-fluoromethylene 11 and the 5‘-cyanomethylene 5b compounds. The (E)-5‘-deoxy-5‘-(iodomethylene)adenosine 2a, a known inhibitor of AdoHcy hydrolase not modified with a cyclopropyl ring at 6-...
Pediophobia: A New Challenge Facing Nursing Faculty in Clinical Teaching by Simulation

Abstract Nurse educators always encounter challenges when embracing new teaching methods or technology. This article describes a student's experience dealing with pediophobia, the fear of dolls, when working with VitalSim manikins in the simulation lab. This unexpected student reaction to a simulation manikin presents an opportunity to educate faculty about anxiety and panic disorders, and specifically phobias, that may arise in students working in the simulation lab.
Overexpression of human α-synuclein causes dopamine neuron death in primary human mesencephalic culture

Abstract Mutations in the α-synuclein gene have been linked to rare cases of familial Parkinson’s disease (PD). α-Synuclein is a major component of Lewy bodies (LB), a pathological hallmark of PD. Transgenic mice and Drosophila expressing either wild-type or mutant human α-synuclein develop motor deficits, LB-like inclusions in some neurons, and neuronal degeneration. However, the relationship between abnormal aggregates of α-synuclein and human dopamine (DA) neuron degeneration remains unclear. In this report, we have investigated the influence of α-synuclein expression on DA neurons in primary culture of embryonic human mesencephalon. Two days after culture, human DA cells were transduced with wild-type or mutant human (Ala53Thr) α-synuclein adenoviruses and maintained for 5 days. Overexpression of mutant and wild-type human α-synuclein resulted in 49% (P
Light scattering from bound roton pairs in He II

The cross section for light scattering from superfluid helium in which bound roton pairs are created is calculated in a simple model, taking into account both the excitations themselves and their coupling to the light. It is shown that the depolarization ratios from bound and from noninteracting roton pairs are the same, in agreement with experimental values. Since the continuum (scattering) states for the interacting pairs are neglected here, the bound roton pairs give only a δ-function line shape, in contrast to the noninteracting roton pairs.
Measurement and Application of Operative and Standard Operative Temperatures in Ecology

Synopsis. Operative and standard operative temperatures (Te and Tes, respectively) are thermal indices that allow single-number representations of the complex thermal environ? ment. They can be measured directly using various physical models ofthe animal of interest. These models explore the thermal environment at the same spatial scale that the animal experiences, and can be replicated relatively easily to measure conditions at multiple sites. Thus, they offer a complementary approach to elaborate computer models, and have proven valuable in integrating biophysical and population ecology. This workshop paper is primarily a summary and critical review of the uses and mea? surement of Te and Tes. I first review the principles behind Te and Tes. I then describe the various methods used to construct Te and Tes "thermometers," and discuss their relative merits for various classes of animals and types of studies. Finally, I review typical applications. The most important is in mapping the nanoclimate experienced by small animals and in defining indices of thermal quality of home ranges based on such maps. Others include use as null models in physiological studies, and use as single-number descriptors of complex thermal environments in behavioral, physiological, and energetics studies.
Inclusion of bovine serum albumin in semen extenders to enhance maintenance of stallion sperm viability.

Abstract Semen from seven mature stallions was used to test the motility response of sperm cells when 3% bovine serum albumin (BSA) was added to seminal plasma and skim milk diluents. A total of 45 ejaculates was collected by artificial vagina and immediately evaluated for percent motile spermatozoa (PMS), rate of forward movement (RFM) and sperm cell concentration. Aliquots (four from each ejaculate) of raw semen containing 500×106 sperm cells were exposed to each of the following treatments: (1) seminal plasma (SP), (2) SP+BSA, (3) skim milk (SKM), (4) SKM+BSA; and incubated in 50-ml tubes at 37 C. The sperm cell characteristics, PMS and RFM, of each treatment suspension were reevaluated at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hr post-treatment. Inclusion of BSA and the type of extender, either seminal plasma or skim milk, significantly (P
On Darlington-type realization of two-variable driving-point functions

Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for realizing a two-variable driving-point function in the form of a lossless two-port in one variable terminated by a p.r. load impedance in the other variable.