cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multioctave supercontinuum generation and frequency conversion based on rotational nonlinearity.

The field of attosecond science was first enabled by nonlinear compression of intense laser pulses to a duration below two optical cycles. Twenty years later, creating such short pulses still requires state-of-the-art few-cycle laser amplifiers to most efficiently exploit “instantaneous” optical nonlinearities in noble gases for spectral broadening and parametric frequency conversion. Here, we show that nonlinear compression can be much more efficient when driven in molecular gases by pulses substantially longer than a few cycles because of enhanced optical nonlinearity associated with rotational alignment. We use 80-cycle pulses from an industrial-grade laser amplifier to simultaneously drive molecular alignment and supercontinuum generation in a gas-filled capillary, producing more than two octaves of coherent bandwidth and achieving >45-fold compression to a duration of 1.6 cycles. As the enhanced nonlinearity is linked to rotational motion, the dynamics can be exploited for long-wavelength frequency conversion and compressing picosecond lasers.
Human Rights Rhetoric and Policy in the Kennedy Administration

With his administration’s shift away from reactionary anti-communism, concern about American support for right-wing dictators, and expressed commitment to welcome nationalist movements rooted in in...
Vascular Function in Continuous-Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipients: Effect of a Single Pulsatility Treatment Session

Vascular function is further attenuated in patients with chronic heart failure implanted with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD), likely due to decreased arterial pulsatility, ...
Evaluation of Pain Management in Patients Undergoing LVAD Therapy via Thoracotomy and Median Sternotomy Approach

Purpose Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become a critical component of heart failure therapy. Many efforts are made to reduce complications and hospital length of stay. Thoracotomy and median sternotomy are both used as surgical approaches. Here, we investigated pain level and opioid use in the peri-operative stage in patients undergoing LVAD implantation via thoracotomy or median sternotomy approach. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients who underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation between 2017-2020. Of these, 41 (75%) LVADs were implanted via median sternotomy approach and 14 (25%) LVADs were implanted via thoracotomy. Maximum pain score at day 3 and 7 post-op, at discharge and first follow-up visit were evaluated for both groups. In addition, amount of oxycodone given in the peri-operative period in both groups was investigated. Results Both groups were similar in age and gender distribution ( Table 1 ). Heartmate III® was the main VAD type implanted in the sternotomy group (76%; n=31) while HVAD Heartware® was in the thoracotomy group (86%; n=12). There was no difference in the mean length of ICU stay or hospital stay between the groups (both p>0.05; Table 1 ). While there was a decrease in median pain score from day 3 post-op to first visit follow-up in both groups, the pain score was comparable between the two groups at day 3 and 7 post-op, at discharge and first-follow-up ( Table 1 ). Also, we did not find a significant difference in oxycodone use between thoracotomy and median sternotomy groups. Conclusion Both thoracotomy and median sternotomy approach resulted in similar peri-operative pain level and opioid use in patients undergoing LVAD implantation.
Development of a support for Black Lives Matter measure among racially–ethnically diverse college students

This paper developed and validated a new measure of support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement among a racially-ethnically diverse sample of college students. The measure focuses on the movement's principles of Black liberation, intersectionality, and alliance building. Participants included 1934 college students (75% female) from a large public Southwestern university. The factor structure was supported by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, resulting in an 18-item measure, Support for Black Lives Matter, with two underlying factors. Black Liberation includes 12 items representing support for BLM because of awareness of and challenging structural inequality and racism experienced by Black individuals. Intersectional Values includes six items representing support for BLM because it embraces and affirms marginalized populations within the Black community, especially disabled Blacks, queer Blacks, Black women, and Black families with children. Evidence of criterion-related validity was demonstrated with racial group differences in support of BLM factors. Evidence of convergent validity was supported by significant positive correlations between support for BLM factors and critical consciousness (including awareness of racism, classism, and heterosexism), and negative correlations between support for BLM factors and subtle racist attitudes toward Blacks. Measurement invariance was evident between White, Black, Asian American, Latinx, and Multiracial participants. Implications and suggestions for use of the new measure are discussed.
Atypical neural processing during the execution of complex sensorimotor behavior in autism

Stereotyped behavior is rhythmic, repetitive movement that is essentially invariant in form. Stereotypy is common in several clinical disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), where it is considered maladaptive. However, it also occurs early in typical development (TD) where it is hypothesized to serve as the foundation on which complex, adaptive motor behavior develops. This transition from stereotyped to complex movement in TD is thought to be supported by sensorimotor integration. Stereotypy in clinical disorders may persist due to deficits in sensorimotor integration. The present study assessed whether differences in sensorimotor processing may limit the expression of complex motor behavior in individuals with ASD and contribute to the clinical stereotypy observed in this population. Adult participants with ASD and TD performed a computer-based stimulus-tracking task in the presence and absence of visual feedback. Electroencephalography was recorded during the task. Groups were compared on motor performance (root mean square error), motor complexity (sample entropy), and neural complexity (multiscale sample entropy of the electroencephalography signal) in the presence and absence of visual feedback. No group differences were found for motor performance or motor complexity. The ASD group demonstrated greater neural complexity and greater differences between feedback conditions than TD individuals, specifically in signals relevant to sensorimotor processing. Motor performance and motor complexity correlated with clinical stereotypy in the ASD group. These findings support the hypothesis that individuals with ASD have differences in sensorimotor processing when executing complex motor behavior and that stereotypy is associated with low motor complexity.
A 48-to-12 V Cascaded Resonant Switched-Capacitor Converter Achieving 4068 W/in 3 Power Density and 99.0% Peak Efficiency

A 4-to-1 cascaded resonant switched-capacitor (ReSC) converter, comprising two cascaded 2-to-1 ReSC converters, has been demonstrated to have high efficiency and high power density in previous literature. This work explores the approaches to further improve the performance of the cascaded ReSC converter, including merging two phases of the first stage into one phase and reducing the intermediate decoupling capacitor. The impact of the intermediate capacitor on the interaction between two stages is studied. With the optimization of circuit structure, active and passive component selection, layout, etc., this converter achieves a power density of 4068 W/in3 under 48 V input and 60 A output. The converter also has high efficiency for the entire load range, achieving 99.0% peak efficiency and 97.9% full-load efficiency with gate drive loss included. Both power density and efficiency are superior to the state-of-the-art.
Global Resilience Strategies: A Comparative Study of the One-Hundred Resilient Cities using Computational Text Analysis

As the world’s cities continue to grow in population and their systems become increasingly interconnected, urban resilience is becoming more of a pressing imperative. Natural and manmade disasters will put more people, places, and capital at risk of catastrophic loss from cascading failures across interconnected sectors of society. However, the existing literature has no consensus on defining resilience, let alone identifying a common policy approach for achieving resilience. This paper uses computational text analysis of the Rockefeller Foundation’s “100 Resilient Cities” strategy publications to reveal global trends in resilience strategies and variations across regions that face different challenges to resilience. Results show the diverse set of threats to future urban centers, how cities are adapting to our turbulent times, and where the participating cities are putting vital limited resources. Of continued importance is the emphasis on hard infrastructure, political leadership, and community leadership. However, throughout the Rockefeller Foundation 100 Resilient Cities corpus, there is a lack of discussion of and preparation for epidemics or pandemics, which is a monumental oversight given the unprecedented effects COVID-19 has had on the world’s population centers. A critical view of our current resilience strategies can inform future planning and inform global cooperation through a better understanding of effective resilience strategy.
“Why don't behavior analysts do something?”1 Behavior analysts' historical, present, and potential future actions on sexual and gender minority issues

For thousands of years, societies actively practiced the oppression, persecution, and dehumanization of sexual and gender minority (SGM) people (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals). Rekers and Lovaas' (1974) study is part of that history within behavior analysis. Following requests for retraction, the Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior and LeBlanc (2020) issued a formal Expression of Concern about the work. Continued conversation and debate have followed. First, we contextualize debate around retraction of Rekers and Lovaas and the history of behavior analysts' work on SGM issues. Second, we propose 5 steps that leaders in behavior analysis can take with relative immediacy, and we describe 5 research areas that individual behavior analysts could pursue. We conclude that behavior analysts can contribute much toward the liberation of SGM individuals if we begin to bring our science to bear on pressing, socially significant issues facing SGM communities.
Speech and hearing for the next billion users

Speech recognition has not withered in the years since John Pierce's 1969 editorial. Far from it, speech recognition is everywhere, and now works very reliably, even when speaking to a speech assistant in another room with music playing in the background. If the current speech technology is widely available to billions of users, then the next frontier is to provide the same technology to the next billion users (NBUs). In addition, all of us have limited capabilities to speak and understand the acoustic world around us, whether it rises to the level to be labeled a real disability, or arises due to fatigue or being distracted. The next frontier for speech and hearing is to accommodate all of our needs, disabled or not as they arise in the real world, for not just the first billion users, but the next billion, and the next billion after that. The available technologies include real-time speech recognition (and translation) for the hard of hearing, real-time speech enhancement, and auditory attention decoding from EEG signals.
Insulin-like growth factor I and insulin regulate δ-crystallin gene expression in developing lens

Abstract Normal development of the chicken embryo requires insulin and insulin receptors. Insulin and also insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) can stimulate embryonic growth when applied in vivo at the beginning of organogenesis (Girbau, M., Gomez, J. A., Lesniak, M. A., and De Pablo, F. (1987) Endocrinology 121, 1477-1482). In the present work we chose the developing eye lens, an avascular organ composed of a single cell type, to characterize further the specific effects of insulin and IGF-I upon cell differentiation and gene expression. Epithelial cells (before terminal differentiation) and fiber cells (terminally differentiated) were cultured in the presence of the hormones. delta-Crystallin mRNA steady-state levels as well as nuclear delta-crystallin gene transcription were measured. Either insulin or IGF-I (0.1-10 ng/ml) increased (2-4-fold) delta-crystallin mRNA in epithelial and fiber lens cells from day 6 embryos. The effect of insulin was largely blocked by the Fab fragment of anti-insulin receptor antibody (B-10). By contrast, as it had been shown for metabolic actions in other systems, bivalent B-10 IgG itself mimicked insulin action, i.e. it induced an increase on delta-crystallin mRNA levels. Thus, insulin appears to act through its own receptor in regulating the levels of delta-crystallin mRNA. There was a differential transcriptional component in insulin and IGF-I effects on delta-crystallin gene expression. IGF-I induction of transcription, as measured by nuclear run-on assay, is greater than insulin induction (approximately 2.5-fold versus 1.4-fold) and faster. The delta-crystallin gene will provide the opportunity to analyze the action of insulin and IGF-I on the expression of a structural protein marker of cell differentiation during early embryonic development.
Applications of robots for space

The authors provide a general outline of research being carried out in the field of robotics at various research centers and present the future research issues in this area. Various aspects, such as application of telerobots in space and the design requirements and limitations, are discussed. The role of artificial intelligence in making telerobots smart is emphasized. >
EPR resonator coupling monitor

Abstract A circular display of impedance (Smith Chart) is a convenient monitor of the impedance matching (coupling) of an EPR resonator to the microwave transmission line in the spectrometer. An implementation using inexpensive components is described that could be applied in a wide range of EPR spectrometers.
FORMULATION OF INJECTION MOLDING BINDER SYSTEMS

A polyethylene and three ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers were evaluated to determine the best mix of binder components. The effect of plasticizers and processing aids was investigated. One weight percent of silane coupling agent was added to improve the ceramic and binder mix stability. These mixes were evaluated from the Brabender torque data and capillary viscosity. A limited number of molding experiments were also performed. The results showed that polyethylene and EVA copolymers with a melt index of around 25 are the most suitable binders, that plasticizers improve the flowability of the mix; and that processing aids containing a double bond and amines reduce viscosity and improve moldability. Combining plasticizers, processing aids and a small concentration of an appropriate coupling agent results in a low primary binder concentration. EVA mixes have shown better flow and moldability.
Potentiation by inhibition of drug degradation : 6-substituted purines and xanthine oxidase

Abstract The administration of the xanthine oxidase inhibitor. 4-hydroxypyrazolo (3, 4-d)pyrimidine, concurrently with 6-mercaptopurine, results in a marked decrease in the metabolic oxidation of the latter to 6-thiouric acid in both the mouse and man. The inhibition of metabolic degradation by this means results in several-fold potentiations of 6-mercaptopurine, 6-methylthiopurine, 6-propylthiopurine, and 6-chloropurine in trials against adenocarcinoma 755 and of 6-mercaptopurine and 6-chloropurine as inhibitors of the immune response of mice to sheep erythrocytes.
Flux pattern instrumentation using hall probes

SEARCH COILS are the customary tools for industrial testing of magnetic fields. They have significant drawbacks, since the output is proportional only to changes in magnetic flux, and integration is necessary to obtain flux readings.
Social Welfare, the Neo‐conservative Turn and Educational Opportunity

This essay examines the educational opportunities of people in poverty who receive social welfare assistance. The dominant political theory underlying social policy (including education policy) in the United States has evolved from 1960s and 1970s welfare liberalism into 1980s and 1990s style neo-conservatism—a theory that embraces principles of the market and individual liberty as paramount social values. Against this backdrop, I review two recent books that provide compelling evidence for this turn and I call for increased understanding of the relationship between social welfare policies and higher education opportunities for those in poverty.
Microdialysis of extracellular endogenous opioid peptides from rat brain in vivo.

Abstract The combination of microdialysis and a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed in order to monitor the in vivo extracellular levels of endogenous opioid peptides from discrete regions of the rat brain. The radioimmunoassay cross-reacts 100% with peptides with alpha N-acetyl Tyr.Gly.Gly.Phe-Met or -Leu at the N terminus and thus recognizes all known endogenous opioid peptide fragments following acetylation of the sample. The assay was conducted on solid phase with antibody bound via protein A to 96-well plates and provided a limit of detection of approximately 0.2 fmol. A variety of dialysis membranes were evaluated with respect to their efficiency in recovering opioid peptides in vitro. Custom-made probes (4 mm active length) manufactured from polyacrylonitrile membranes and commercially available polycarbonate membrane probes proved most suitable with relative recoveries for [Met]- and [Leu]enkephalin in the range 6–10% at a flow rate of 2.7 μl/min. Probes implanted in the globus pallidus/ventral pallidum of halothane/N2O anaesthetized rats recovered approximately 1.5 fmol of immunoreactive opioid material per 30-min sample in the absence of peptidase inhibitors. The majority of this immunoreactivity co-eluted with [Met]- and [Leu]enkephalin on reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. A 2-min pulse of 100mM K+-containing artificial cerebrospinal fluid in the perfusion medium during a 30-min sampling period increased the recovered immunoreactive material to 43.9fmol± 12.4 S.E.M. A second stimulation 3 h later also resulted in elevated levels with an S2:S1 ratio of 0.64 ± 0.03. The second stimulation was completely blocked by perfusion of a 10 mM EGTA-containing medium, basal release on average remaining unaffected. Repeated K+ stimulations (50 mM) at 1-h intervals resulted in progressively diminishing elevations in opioid peptide release. Incorporation of veratridine (50μM) in the perfusion medium for 2 min of a 30-min collection period increased the release to 16.8fmol± 0.5 with an S2:S1 ratio of 0,62 ± 0.17 after a 3-h interval. The second stimulation was prevented by simultaneous perfusion of a 2 μM tetrodotoxin-containing medium, basal release remaining unaffected. The results demonstrate the potential of this technique for studying the regulation of opioid peptide release and metabolism from discrete regions of the rat brain in vivo.
Framework and methods for the study and analysis of trust in information systems

The goal of this minitrack is to generate research interest in the core concepts of trusted computing: fundamental issues about trust and how trust can be specified designed and programmed into information systems. There is an urgent need for an ability to specify and unambiguously define the characteristics that make computer systems trustworthy.
Effects of quantum-well design on the optical and microwave performance of strained-layer GaInAs/GaAs lasers

By introducing strain into semiconductor lasers using GaAs/Ga (1-x) In (x) As quantum wells, their modulation bandwidth has been increased to beyond 20 GHz. Our approach to high modulation bandwidth strained layer quantum well lasers has been to fabricate short cavity (less than l00-micron) multiple quantum well (MQW) structures. In order to fabricate lasers of this length, the facets must be etched by chemically assisted ion beam etching (CAIBE) rather than cleaving. In such short cavity MQW lasers fabricated by CAIBE using two different layer structures, a 3-dB modulation bandwidth of 28 GHz is obtainable under CW conditions. The current study investigates (1) the growth of different quantum well and barrier materials and their effects on device performance, (2) the dependence of differential gain and damping on quantum well width, depth, and number, and (3) the relationship between threshold current and high speed performance. Design criteria for optimizing high-speed performance are presented.
Toward Understanding the Potential of Games for Learning: Learning Theory, Game Design Characteristics, and Situating Video Games in Classrooms

Researchers have argued that an effort should be made to raise teachers' and parents' awareness of the potentially positive educational benefits of playing video games (e.g., see Baek, 2008). One part of this effort should be to increase understanding of how video games can be situated within teachers' existing goals and knowledge of learning and instruction. However, relatively little research on game-based learning addresses teachers (Ketelhut & Schifter, 2011), and for many a gap remains between the apparent enthusiasm of researchers and policy makers relative to the potential of educational games and the attendant practicalities of selecting and implementing video games in classroom settings. This article begins to bridge this gap by providing research-based areas of awareness and a discussion of factors that can facilitate understanding related to choosing and using video games. To this end, we show how educational games can be conceptualized from different theoretical perspectives on learning and discuss a number of essential design issues that educators should take into account when considering a video game for educational use.
Developments in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the skin: a rising unmet need.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCCS) is a common malignancy with potentially devastating consequences in patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Its rising incidence, primarily ...
Attachment of ferrite material used in an active matching network for LHCD on Alcator C-Mod

In order to increase power coupling efficiency of the Lower Hybrid Current Drive system (LHCD) on Alcator C-Mod an active double stub matching network is being developed. One aspect of this development requires application of ferrite material of certain geometry in a section of WR187 waveguide with expected operation in excess of 200kW of microwave power. This has proven to be a challenge due, in large part, to differences in the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) between materials at the ferrite-waveguide and ferrite-coating interfaces, the inherent brittleness of ferrite material and the level of homogeneity in the samples. This paper will discuss a method to modify and attach ferrite material to the waveguide. As necessary, materials issues and processes will be discussed as will the effort to develop a set of guidelines to insure process integrity and repeatability across the multichannel LHCD matching network required for C-Mod and other machines.
Synthesis, structure solution, and characterization of the aluminosilicate MCM-61: the first aluminosilicate clathrate with 18-membered rings

Abstract The synthesis, structure solution, and characterization of the aluminosilicate MCM-61 are described. MCM-61 is synthesized hydrothermally using 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane (18-Crown-6) in the presence of potassium cations. The structure solution of MCM-61 shows that the material is a clathrate with a novel structure formed from [610412] polyhedral cages. The Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data of the as-synthesized material gives a space group assignment of R3m (No. 166) with unit cell parameters a=11.841 A and α=93.29°, and agreement values of Rp=5.33%, Rwp=7.04%, and χ2=0.43. The [610412] cages connect together to form large [62046] cages which host the potassium-18-Crown-6 complex. These [62046] cages contain 18-membered rings, making MCM-61 the first aluminosilicate clathrate to possess cages bounded by 18-membered rings. The structure of MCM-61 suggests that crown ethers may be useful molecules for the synthesis of extra-large pore zeolites.
Teaching Abnormal Psychology to Improve Attitudes Toward Mental Illness and Help-seeking

Abnormal psychology instructors often use traditional and personal methods to educate students about and improve student attitudes toward mental illness and professional help-seeking. Data from abnormal psychology students (N = 190) were used to determine if and how students’ attitudes toward mental illness and professional help-seeking attitudes change over time. The study also examined whether stigma-related variables were influenced by student presentations about personal experiences with mental illness. With few exceptions, stigma-related variables did not change over time or in relation to student presentations. Implications for research and teaching to improve attitudes toward mental illness and professional help-seeking are discussed.
The Young Parenthood Program: Preventing Intimate Partner Violence Between Adolescent Mothers and Young Fathers

This pilot study tested the Young Parenthood Program (YPP), which is a new coparenting counseling program designed to support positive communications and prevent the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant adolescents and their biological partners. One hundred five coparenting couples were recruited, assessed, and randomized into a treatment or a control group and then reassessed at 3 and 18 months post birth. The assessment process included an interview-based screening for the occurrence of IPV that was administered to both mothers and fathers in individual meetings. Initial results indicated that couples who were randomly assigned to the YPP were significantly less likely to have engaged in IPV at the first follow-up, compared to couples in the “treatment as usual” control group, but the strength of this finding diminished over time. Because the YPP is new and our sample is relatively small, findings should be regarded as preliminary. Additional testing of YPP is necessary, but init...
Floating Bands in Nuclear Spectroscopy.

The methods of heavy ion nuclear reaction spectroscopy are discussed. When combined with large γ ray arrays and charged particle selection methods, vast amounts of nuclear data are collected and co...
Clinical and laboratory variables in Type 2 diabetic men with renal failure before and after initiation of hemodialysis

Control of certain clinical and laboratory parameters affects morbidity and mortality of type 2 diabetic patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) both before and after initiation of hemodialysis (HD). To identify areas and stage of renal failure where control of these critical variables needs improvement, we compared important clinical and laboratory parameters 6 months before (PRE) and 6 months after starting HD (POST) in 43 type 2 diabetic men with CRF, who were 69.3 ± 10.7 years old at HD initiation. Differences, all at p ≤ 0.05, were found in blood pressure, in mm Hg, at the physician's office, both systolic (PRE 154 ± 16, POST 138 ± 18) and diastolic (PRE 77 ± 13, POST 69 ± 11), serum cholesterol in mg/dL (PRE 206 ± 61, POST 159 ± 40), and serum creatinine in mg/dL (PRE 4.1 ± 1.3, POST 7.0 ± 1.8), while no differences were noted in blood hematocrit (PRE 36 ± 7%, POST 34 ± 9%), blood glycosylated hemoglobin (PRE 7.4 ± 1.7%, POST 6.9 ± 2.3%), serum glucose in mg/dL (PRE 151 ± 67, POST 184 ± 94), serum phosphorus in mg/dL (PRE 4.5 ± 0.8, POST 4.6 ± 1.5), serum calcium in mg/dL (PRE 8.7 ± 0.5, POST 8.5 ± 1.4), and serum albumin in g/dL (PRE 3.2 ± 0.5, POST 3.4 ± 0.6). Compared to the POST category, significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher percentages were found in the PRE category for systolic blood pressure >150 mm Hg (PRE 58.8%, POST 26.5%), blood glycosylated hemoglobin >8%(PRE 33.3%, POST 13.3%), serum cholesterol >200 mg/dL (PRE 48.4%, POST 19.4%). A lower percentage was found in the PRE category for serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dL (PRE 13.2%, POST 31.6%), while the corresponding percentages for serum albumin <3.0 g/dL (PRE 21.6%, POST 18.9%) and serum calcium <8 mg/dL (PRE 7.9%, POST 13.2%) did not differ. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and renal failure, control of blood pressure, glycemia, and serum lipids appears to be better; whereas, control of serum phosphorus is worse in the first year after starting chronic hemodialysis than in the preceding year. There is room for improvement, both before and after hemodialysis initiation, in the control of these variables, which affect the clinical outcomes of hemodialysis.
Cancer patients' satisfaction with physicians: Princess Margaret Hospital Satisfaction with Doctor questionnaire results

Abstract Objective: The study was performed to examine the satisfaction of a specific population of oncology patients with their physicians and to quantify its association with characteristics of their disease. Study Design: A descriptive design was used in which patients attending a weekend cancer support retreat completed the Princess Margaret Hospital Satisfaction with Doctor Questionnaire (PMH-PSQ-MD). Demographic information was requested separately. Results: Of 48 patients, 96% completed the PMH-PSQ-MD, and 67% mailed in the additional demographics. Average overall score was 3.08 (SD = 0.56, 4 being most satisfied). Patients reported a desire for more time with physicians and that their pain be better understood. Patients were most satisfied with the physician's honesty, thoroughness, and communication. Satisfaction scores did not correlate with intensity of treatment or time since diagnosis. Scores declined as financial burden of therapy increased, but the trend was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Patients attending this retreat were generally satisfied with their physicians, regardless of treatment intensity. Increasing financial burden may be associated with physician dissatisfaction. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;188:1177-9.)
Functional magnetic resonance imaging of temporally distinct responses to emotional facial expressions

Understanding the temporal dynamics of brain function contributes to models of learning and memory as well as the processing of emotions and habituation. In this article, we present a novel analysis technique to investigate spatiotemporal patterns of activation in response to blocked presentations of emotional stimuli. We modeled three temporal response functions (TRFs), which were maximally sensitive to the onset, early or sustained temporal component of a given block type. This analysis technique was applied to a data set of 29 subjects who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while responding to fearful, happy, and sad facial expressions. We identified brain regions that uniquely fit each of the three TRFs for each emotional condition and compared the results to the standard approach, which was based on the canonical hemodynamic response function. We found that voxels within the precuneus fit the onset TRF but did not fit the early or the sustained TRF in all the emotional conditions. On the other hand, voxels within the amygdala fit the sustained TRF, but not the onset or early TRF, during presentation of fearful stimuli, suggesting a spatiotemporal dissociation between these structures. This technique provides researchers with an additional tool in order to investigate the temporal dynamics of neural circuits.
Examination Performance as a Function of Group and Individual Administration.

Bloom ( 1968), in considering student input to instruction, has suggested that group-study procedures effectively increase students' performance. As an extension of Bloom's suggestion, effects of two methods of test-taking behavior on performance were compared. While the "two heads are better than one" maxim has logical merit since more alternatives or information could be considered in a group, no data are available on this point. Consequently, it was hypothesized that students who take exams in small groups working for a common grade will perform better than when taking exams individually. During the quarter, 72 college students (25 males, 47 females) enrolled in a course in educational measurement took eight examinations of objective questions taken from the course instructor's manual (Noll, 1972). Four tests (75 questions) were administered in small groups of three students, each of whom completed the test for one score to be received by each member. Ss completed the other four examinations (also 75 questions) individually. The order of method of administration was randomly determined and rhe instrucrional conditions and format did not vary with administration. Following each examination, test papers were scored according to the key in the instructor's manual. Mean number of correct test responses in the small groups was 70.35 (SD of 4.45). The mean for the individual condition was 63.61 (SD of 14.03). A t test of 14.28 (9 < .001; df = 142) indicated a significant difference between the mean scores of the two test-taking conditions, i.e., Ss working in small groups and allowed to reach consensus scored significantly higher on such exams than when administered tests individually. The srudy lacked control for such relevant variables as intelligence, locus of control, and persuasiveness of group members. Findings do suggest that the groups of three improved test scores in this course. Further investigation of participation by learners seems in order. REFERENCES
Quantification and distribution of β-secretase alternative splice variants in the rat and human brain

Beta-amyloid (Abeta) is formed by sequential cleaving of the amyloid precursor protein by two proteolytic enzymes, beta- and gamma-secretases. Beta-secretase (BACE) is a type I transmembrane aspartic proteinase that is highly expressed in the mammalian brain. Four alternative splice variants of BACE are currently known and each encodes for a protein isoform with a different enzymatic activity. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, the enzymatic activity and protein levels of BACE are increased in the neocortex, suggesting their differential expression may have a role in Abeta plaque formation. We have determined the differential expression of BACE mRNA and its splice variants in eight regions of the rat and two of the human brain. In humans, the frontal cortex which shows Abeta deposition in AD, expressed three-fold more BACE than the cerebellum and four fold more than the rats' frontal cortex both of which do not form Abeta plaques. The highest BACE levels of rats were found in the frontal cortex and less in other areas. Although most human and rat brain regions expressed all four BACE variants, the human cerebellum did not express the I-457 BACE variant. Human and rat frontal cortex expressed high levels of the I-501 and I-457 variants, but I-432 was highly expressed only in the rat. Species-specific differences were evident between human and rat brain areas, suggesting that BACE transcript variants may have different evolutionary conservation. Differential expression of BACE variants may explain the broad spectrum of phenotypic abnormalities and possible pathogenetic mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease.
Association of the X chromosomal region q11→22 and Klinefelter syndrome

A male patient with typical Klinefelter syndrome features was found to have a 47, XXq-Y chromosome complement. The X chromosome with the deletion was late-replicating. We suggest that the region q1122 of the extra X chromosome is important for expression of the Klinefelter phenotype.
Facilitation of courtship behavior in the male red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) following lesions of the septum or nucleus sphericus

Courtship behavior in male red-sided garter snakes is limited to the period immediately following spring emergence. Lesions of the septum or nucleus sphericus prior to hibernation facilitate courtship behavior upon emergence the following spring. These lesions also had a significant effect on the reproductive physiology of the male snake. Snakes with lesions in the nucleus sphericus had a significantly higher concentration of circulating androgens compared to the control group. While animals with lesions in the septum exhibited elevated levels of circulating androgens, they were not statistically elevated when compared to the control group. The quantity of sexual granules in the epithelium of the renal sexual segment, a secondary sexual characteristic of male squamate reptiles, was significantly greater in lesioned animals. These results are the first to demonstrate a central inhibitory control of sexual behavior in a snake.
The preconcentration, separation and spectrophotometric determination of traces of silicate☆

Abstract A method for the determination of traces of silicate based on the use of a strong base anion exchange in a preconcentration step and a batch-reactive stripping agent technique prior to spectrophotometric determination has been proposed. The reaction of molybdate and silicate in acidic solution to form 12-molybdosilicic acid permits recoveries exceeding 90% in analyzing solutions containing 0.02 to 0.1 μg of silicon/ml.
Effects of thalidomide on fetal development in rabbits and on establishment of pregnancy in monkeys

Abstract Medication with thalidomide (150.0 mg/kg) in pregnant New Zealand white rabbits resulted in a wide range of teratogenic changes in the kits. The most predominant effects were seen in the limbs (arthrogryposis, micromelia, absence of digits). When rhesus monkeys ( Macaca mulatta ) were fed thalidomide in the diet (150.0 mg/kg), interference with establishment of pregnancy occurred. No pregnancies were observed in the five medicated females while two unmedicated controls delivered normal young.
Time-averaging, taphonomy, and their impact on paleocommunity reconstruction: Death assemblages in Texas bays

The death assemblages in upper Copano Bay and upper Laguna Madre, Texas, were compared with the living communities as sampled over a two-year period in order to determine how taphonomy and time-averaging affect paleocommunity reconstruction. The living and death assemblages were compared using taxonomic composition, numerical abundance, diversity, biomass, and trophic and habitat proportions. Taxonomic composition, particularly adult taxonomic composition, and the biomass of the death assemblage more accurately reflect the characteristics of the living community than do numerical abundance and other community attributes based upon numerical abundance such as diversity. Taxonomic composition and biomass are less modified by taphonomy and time-averaging, because they are temporally more persistent characteristics of the community. Community and paleocommunity attributes are not equivalent, because the paleocommunity is described using time-averaged data. Ecological theory must be supplanted by paleoecological theory that takes into account this temporal component.
Hammett Studies on Alkene Extrusion from Rhenium(V) Diolates and an MO Description of Metal Alkoxide−Alkyl Metal Oxo Interconversion

Rates of cycloreversion of phenyl-substituted diolates of the type Cp*Re(O)(diolate), where diolate = phenylethane-1,2-diolate, exhibited a linear relationship with Hammett σ- constants, with ρ = 0...
Using Open Ended Undergraduate Robotics Projects to Teach Innovation to Today’s Engineering Students

Engineering and Engineering Technology students need to learn to innovate and embrace new technologies as they develop and progress through their careers. The undergraduate degree program needs to provide this first opportunity at innovation allowing the student to gain experience and confidence at solving technological problems. This paper describes the learning experiences in innovation using an undergraduate course in robotics and automation. The course is composed of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology students. The paper relates the successful attempt the students had in developing and using innovation through the creation opened-ended industrial robot system projects. The undergraduate student project teams in the course are self-directed and have to use innovation to develop a robotic project of their own design. This breaks the cycle of students just doing the same preset experiments that others have done before them. Although doing preset experiments can reinforce theory given in classroom, it does little to develop skills in innovation, which will be the key to success in the global economy. The course provides an excellent framework for the student teams to demonstrate their ability to innovate using new technology to solve a complex problem while having the mentorship from instructors as they take their first steps in actually doing innovation. The confidence and process used to solve these problems will provide a basis upon which they can formulate new strategies to incorporate new technologies throughout their career.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Intraluminal peptide YY induces colonic absorption in vivo.

INTRODUCTION: Peptide YY (PYY) is a 36 amino acid hormone released into the circulation and lumen of the intestine after a meal. Previous studies have shown that exogenous administration of intravenous PYY stimulates water and electrolyte absorption in both the small and large intestines. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of intraluminal administration of PYY on colonic absorption of electrolytes and water. METHODS: Six conditioned 25-kg dogs had 20 cm of colonic Thiry-Vella fistulae surgically constructed under general anesthesia. After a two-week recovery period, the animals received intraluminal PYY at 600 pmol/kg/hour after a 90-minute steady-state basal period. The Thiry-Vella fistulae were perfused with an isotonic buffer solution containing [14C]polyethylene glycol as a volume marker. Ion and water transport were measured every 15 minutes. RESULTS: On intraluminal infusion of PYY, increased absorption of water, sodium, and chloride was observed in the colon. A twofold increase in absorption rates occurred compared with basal rates lasting more than one hour after cessation of intraluminal PYY (N = 6;P <0.05vs. basal by analysis of variance). CONCLUSION: PYYsecreting cells of the colon may contribute to the regulation of absorption after a meal. Exogenous administration of intraluminal PYY may also be a therapeutic treatment modality for malabsorption.
A Dynamic Economic Analysis of Nitrate Leaching in Corn Production under Nonuniform Irrigation Conditions

We develop a dynamic economic model that includes control variables for both nitrogen fertilizer and irrigation water to analyze interseasonal corn production and nitrate leaching in the presence of irrigation system nonuniformity. The economic model is used to estimate profit-maximizing nutrient management plans under varying levels of system uniformity. The model is also used to appraise several policy options that have been proposed in the nitrate leaching literature as a means of regulating water quality. Investments in technology are considered, as well as limits on nitrate leaching, nitrogen fertilizer, and irrigation water.
High-temperature-stable Si 3 N 4 dummy T-gate and lift-off mask

Abstract A new technique is described that allows fabrication of high-temperature-stable and chemically inert Si 3 N 4 single-material T-structures. Different layers of Si 3 N 4 films are deposited with PECVD technique using different growing conditions. A high etch-rate selectively in BHF was observed between PECVD-grown films using high (RF) and low (LF) plasma excitation frequency. LF-PECVD films can be grown direct from nitrogen and silane, incorporate much less hydrogen, and etch up to 20 times slower in BHF than RF-PECVD films grown using ammonia and silane gas sources. T- or lift-off-type shapes can be achieved by depositing an LF-grown film on top of an RF film with subsequent patterning by lithography and RIE followed by a BHF step for selectively etching the RF layer for undercutting. Application of this new technique is described for fabrication of fully self-aligned submicron MESFET's in a dummy-gate process.
Neither α-blocker therapy nor cystography is required before early catheter removal after radical prostatectomy

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the success of early catheter removal from men after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) without using either cystography or giving an α-blocker. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analysed 156 consecutive patients who had RRPs between June 2003 and May 2004 to determine the incidence of urinary retention after early catheter removal, with no cystogram or using an α-blocker. RESULTS The mean age of the men was 60 years and 99% were clinical stage T1 or T2; 74% had their catheters removed 8 days after RRP. The incidence of urinary retention was 1.3%, and of haematuria requiring catheter replacement 2.6%. Two patients (1.3%) developed a bladder neck contracture. CONCLUSIONS In the present study removing an indwelling catheter 1 week after RRP was safe, with a minimal risk of urinary retention or bladder neck contracture. The addition of an α-blocker is unlikely to reduce the already low incidence of urinary retention.
Guidelines for immunosuppression management and monitoring after transplantation in children

There is substantial evidence for a heightened immune response in pediatric transplant recipients compared with adults. This is most important in very young children, who have a larger number of functional T cells, stronger mixed lymphocyte reactivity, and increases in some cytokine expression. Whereas corticosteroids have been the mainstay of immunosuppressive protocols for decades, many pediatric transplant programs are attempting steroid withdrawal to minimize side effects and maximize growth. Induction with polyclonal or monoclonal antibody (OKT3) therapy has been associated with improved survival and decreased rejection in many pediatric studies, particularly in renal transplant recipients. Individualized antilymphocyte dosing for children is required in many instances to overcome increased numbers of lymphocytes. In addition, particular attention to xenosensitization, infection, and malignancy is required in pediatric transplant recipients receiving antilymphocyte therapy. The introduction of cyclosporine has improved patient and graft survival in children receiving transplants. However, because of pharmacokinetic differences, increased doses and more frequent dosing intervals have been advocated, especially in the youngest children. Neoral, a new microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine, has more consistent oral absorption and pharmacokinetic predictability associated with its use. This may be particularly beneficial in pediatric transplant recipients. Tacrolimus, although similar to cyclosporine in its mechanism of action, is very appealing for use in children because of its potential steroid-sparing effects. Considerations for tacrolimus dosing parallel cyclosporine in that children frequently require increased doses compared with their adult counterparts. The recent addition of mycophenolate mofetil has not yet been extensively studied in pediatric transplant recipients; however, preliminary results are promising. Mycophenolate mofetil, an alternative to azathioprine, is associated with a lower incidence of rejection and has allowed decreased corticosteroid doses and the possibility of steroid withdrawal. These newer agents must be studied in greater detail to ascertain appropriate dosing strategies and to identify unique side effects.