cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photoproduction of eta mesons from nuclei.

Calculations have been performed for the photoproduction of eta mesons on nuclear targets to selected discrete states. A recent fit to the {sup 1}H({gamma},{eta}){sup 1}H elementary amplitude was employed in an impulse approximation. Transition densities were determined by comparison with inelastic electron scattering data. Stretched state excitations yield cross sections on the order of tenths of microbarns in the region of the {ital S}{sub 11}(1535). Calculations for photoproduction to selected states demonstrate how experiments can provide the isospin structure of the elementary amplitude. The same experiments can also test models of the {eta}{ital N} interaction by comparing measured and calculated distortion effects.
What will be the role of I-123 MIBG in improving the outcome of medically treated heart failure patients?

Heart failure (HF) remains the most common cause for hospital admissions in the Medicare age population. In recent decades, major advances in medical treatment of HF patients have resulted in longer survival and improved quality of life. Randomized clinical trials have documented that beta-adrenergic blockers (b-blockers), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-inhibitors), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and aldosterone inhibitors have provided improved outcomes for HF patients. Although widely used, these medications have frequently not been used in the doses validated in large clinical trials. This likely reflects concerns about using the full doses of b-blockers in patients with baseline bradycardia and/or using increasing doses of b-blockers, ACE-inhibitors, or ARBs in patients with low baseline systolic blood pressure. Maximum benefit of pharmacologic therapy is limited by inadequate data for drug selection for individual HF patients and inadequate data documenting the optimal therapeutic target for blood pressure and heart rate. Excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system is a major contributor to HF progression, by increasing cardiac work, promoting myocardial fibrosis, and causing down-regulation of post-synaptic adrenergic receptors. The impact of the sympathetic nervous system in HF patients can be assessed non-invasively by imaging cardiac neuronal uptake and retention of the norepinephrine congener, I-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (I-123 MIBG). A growing literature addresses the potential role of I-123 MIBG for identifying HF patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death, in whom implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator may be life-saving. Relatively little attention has been focused on the potential role of I-123 MIBG in guiding medical therapy of HF and avoidance of HF progression. Therefore, this review focuses on the question of whether sympathetic cardiac neural imaging with I-123 MIBG has the potential to guide medical therapy of properly selected patients with advanced HF, thereby improving symptoms and outcome.
Thin film GeAu bolometers for particle detection

Abstract Robust GeAu thin film bolometers for nuclear radiation detection have been fabricated on Silicon substrates, using flash evaporation and microfabrication techniques. Electrical (ϱ( T)) and thermal characteristics (heat capacity, conductance to substrate) of the devices were measured over a wide range of composition (10 to 45 wt-% Au) and temperature (0.27–77 K). Variable range hopping explains the temperature dependence of resistivity, with no indication of an abrupt transition to insulating or metallic behavior at the lowest temperatures tested. Heat pulses due to alpha particles incident on either side of the devices have been observed at 1.5 K.
Seamless intertexts: Extrinsic and intrinsic intertextuality and Emily Mann's execution of justice

This essay synthesizes theories of intertextuality in order to offer a method for studying a type of performance text: the seamless intertext. Specifically, those performance texts that combine various perspectives and discourses engender variation in audience response through the interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic intertextuality. It identifies four categories of intrinsic intertexts, evident in Emily Mann's play Execution of Justice, and analyzes how the juxtaposing of the various texts feature their points of plurality and contradiction. The final section demonstrates how this juxtaposition invites the audience to question and challenge the perspectives of the intrinsic intertexts it combines.
Nanodome sensor tubing for monitoring of intravenous drug infusion and metabolites

Continuous monitoring of fluids in medical tubing is desired for point-of-care clinical diagnostics. In this work, we incorporate a nanostructured surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor into flexible tubing commonly used for intravenous drug delivery and urinary catheters. We investigate the detection of promethazine (pain medication) and urea (common metabolite found in urine) as model systems for continuous in-line monitoring.
Varicella zoster infection in HIV-infected children.

A5-year-old boy with perinatally acquired HIV infection presents with chickenpox. The rash, which began 2 days ago on the chest, has spread to his abdomen, back and extremities. His HIV disease status has previously been classified as B2 (moderately symptomatic with a moderate degree of immunosuppression). He was exposed at home 10 days ago to a healthy cousin with primary varicella. He has never had chickenpox before. On physical examination he appears to have well over 400 lesions which are in various stages of development and include macules, papules, vesicles, pustules and a few crusted lesions. He has no fever and does not appear ill. He has no respiratory distress. His lungs are clear on auscultation. There is no hepatic enlargement or tenderness. The remainder of the physical examination is normal. A complete blood count reveals a haemoglobin of 11.4 g/dl, a white blood cell count of 11 700 cells/mm3 with no left shift and a platelet count of 254 000 cells/mm3. Liver function tests reveal an AST of 230 U/L, an ALT of 155 U/L and a total bilirubin of 0.3 mg/dl. His most recent absolute CD4+ count was 530 cells/mm3 with a CD4 percentage of 16%. No viral load data are available at this time.
Predictors of mothers’ use of spanking with their infants

Abstract Objectives This study describes mothers who report spanking their infants in the first 13 months of life. Methods Two hundred forty-six (246) mothers were interviewed in the Mother-Baby Unit of a large university-affiliated hospital in a large southeastern city of the United States. Ninety-three percent (93%) of those mothers were reinterviewed in their homes when infants were 6–13 months of age. Results Younger mothers, those who endorsed fewer alternatives to corporal punishment, and those who experienced their infants as “difficult” were significantly more likely to spank their infants. Conclusions The findings suggest the importance of more anticipatory guidance from physicians, nurses, social workers, and other professionals about discipline in the first few months of life, particularly given the risks associated with spanking infants and popular support for corporal punishment.
Enzymic microassay of arginase with ornithine aminotransferase.

Abstract An enzymic microassay for arginase was developed which is accurate and rapid and can be followed continuously on a recording spectrophotometer. The reaction of arginase is coupled with l -ornithine aminotransferase and the resulting glutamate determined with glutamic dehydrogenase and simultaneous reduction of NAD. Optimal reaction conditions were developed and the results of the colorimetric method compared with the isonitrosopropiophenone assay.
Predator impacts on stream benthic prey

The impact that predators have on benthic, macroinvertebrate prey density in streams is unclear. While some studies show a strong effect of predators on prey density, others show little or no effect. Two factors appear to influence the detection of predator impact on prey density in streams. First, many field studies have small sample sizes and thus might be unable to detect treatment effects. Second, streams contain two broad classes of predators, invertebrates and vertebrates, which might have different impacts on prey density for a variety of reasons, including availability of refuge for prey and prey emigration responses to the two types of predators. In addition, predatory vertebrates have more complex prey communities than predatory invertebrates; this complexity might reduce the impact that predatory vertebrates have on prey because of indirect effects. I conducted a meta-analysis on the results of field studies that manipulate predator density in enclosures to determine (1) if predators have a significant impact on benthic prey density in streams, (2) if the impacts that predatory invertebrates and vertebrates have differ, and (3) if predatory vertebrates have different impacts on predatory prey versus herbivorous prey. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that on average predators have a significant negative effect on prey density, predatory invertebrates have a significantly stronger impact than predatory vertebrates, and predatory vertebrates do not differ in their impact on predatory versus herbivorous invertebrate prey. Three methodological variables (mesh size of enclosures, size of enclosures, and experimental duration) were examined to determine if cross correlations exist that may explain the differences in impact between predatory invertebrates and vertebrates. No correlation exists between mesh size and predator impact. Over all predators, no correlation exists between experimental duration and predator impact; however, within predatory invertebrates a correlation does exist between these variables. Also, a correlation was found between enclosure size and predator impact. This correlation potentially explains the difference in impact between predatory invertebrates and predatory vertebrates. Results of the meta-analysis suggest two important areas for future research: (1) manipulate both types of predators within the same system, and (2) examine their impacts on the same spatial scale.
EVA: Does Size Matter?

Value-added performance measures, such as economic value added (EVA), are promoted as a means to better align managerial incentives and improve firm performance. This paper empirically examines whether EVA adopters outperform a peer group of non-adopters over a long term horizon. It also explores the determinants associated with differences in relative market performance of these two groups. We find mixed results consistent with previous studies. In examining risk adjusted market returns, we find that the full sample significantly underperforms the market. However, during the period of the study, EVA adopters exhibit less negative performance than non-adopters. Moreover, over the entire study period, adopter performance improves in a positive direction, while non-adopters experience a performance decline. Adopting firms also exhibit higher earnings growth and higher returns. In perspective, these results suggest there is some benefit to EVA adoption, relative to a peer group, as adopters outperform their peer group. In a comparison of peer matched groups, firm size and growth opportunities are found to have a significant impact on performance for three size-based groups.
Investigation of the mechanism of the bioacoustic effect.

Bacterial biofilms growing on implanted medical devices are difficult to eradicate, even with aggressive antibiotic therapy. However, application of ultrasound enhances the effectiveness of the antibiotic. The possible mechanisms of this phenomenon were explored in light of the observed influence of various ultrasonic parameters on the enhanced action of gentamicin against biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is postulated that ultrasound increases the transport of gentamicin through the cell membranes, which is the proposed rate determining step in killing by gentamicin. It is possible that the ultrasound perturbs the cell membrane and stimulates active uptake or permits passive uptake by temporarily disrupting the membrane or other structural cell components. The cell membrane disruption could be caused by high pressure, high shear stress, or cavitation. The dependence upon peak power density suggests that acoustic pressure plays a significant role. There is also a strong frequency component that causes the killing effect to decrease as frequency increases. A mathematical analysis of oscillatory shear stress on the cell shows that the magnitude of stress increases with frequency; thus, the hypothesis of oscillatory shear inducing antibiotic uptake is discounted. In addition, the shear displacement caused by shear forces is very small, so the shear disruption caused by oscillatory flow in an acoustic field has minimal impact. The experimental data also rule out the existence of transient cavitation in the bioacoustic effect. It is possible that stable cavitation and the accompanying microstreaming contribute to the bioacoustic effect.
COUNTING PEAKS OF SOLUTIONS TO SOME QUASILINEAR ELLIPTIC EQUATIONS WITH LARGE EXPONENTS

Abstract We consider the asymptotic behavior of certain solutions to a quasilinear problem with large exponent in the nonlinearity. Starting with the investigation of a Sobolev embedding, we get a sharp estimate for the embedding constant. Then we obtain a crucial L 1 -estimate for the N -Laplacian operators in R N . Using these estimates we prove that the solutions obtained by the standard variational method will develop a spiky pattern of peaks as the nonlinear exponent gets large, and we also have an upper bound depending on N only of the number of peaks. Stronger results for some special convex domains acid some special solutions are also achieved.
Multiscale coupling in planetary magnetospheres

Abstract Processes in planetary magnetospheres occur on a variety of scales. On the largest scales are the plasma circulations induced in the magnetospheric plasma externally by the solar wind interaction or internally by processes such as massloading of the jovian magnetosphere by the moon Io. These large-scale processes are influenced by small-scale processes such as particle scattering by waves, gyro motion, and charge exchange. It is not always clear which of two coupled processes are in control. For example, many believe that the onset of reconnection requires a microscale instability but it is possible that external forcing leads to the magnetic configuration at which reconnection eventually occurs, and it is only the existence of the appropriate magnetic configuration over a sufficiently large region that is required to cause the macroscopic flows. This paper reviews such coupling in the magnetospheres of the Earth and Jupiter.
Health care providers' opinions on intimate partner violence resources and screening in a pediatric emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: The American Academy of Pediatrics has called upon pediatricians to routinely screen for intimate partner violence (IPV) as an active means by which to prevent child abuse. The pediatric emergency department (ED) is one potentially important site to screen and to provide women with IPV resources. This cross-sectional questionnaire investigated pediatric health care providers' (HCPs') opinions about displaying IPV posters and performing IPV screening in a pediatric ED. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the ED of an urban, academic, tertiary care children's hospital that serves approximately 70,000 children each year. A convenience sample of 151 HCPs, defined as any person who provided medical care, including physicians, nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists, in the pediatric ED was surveyed using a 4-item questionnaire, designed by investigators, about their views regarding newly displayed IPV posters and resource cards, their opinions about universal IPV screening, and their personal use of the IPV materials. Between June and August 2004, surveys were distributed, along with return envelopes to be placed in a sealed box, to HCPs during their shifts in the ED. RESULTS: Of the 158 distributed surveys, 151 (96%) were returned. Of the sample, 30% were physicians, 53% were RNs, 10% were paramedics/emergency medical technicians, and 7% were other HCPs. Pediatric ED providers supported both IPV resource information and routine screening. Female providers were more likely than men to support the IPV posters. Five percent of the sample took IPV resource information for themselves or for later use with patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our pediatric ED's providers' endorsement of IPV screening and of the presence of IPV posters demonstrates support for and recognition of the problem of IPV in their patients' families. Language: en
Establishing Adaptive Sports Programs for Youth with Moderate to Severe Disabilities

Children with disabilities are at increased risk of health risk factors including obesity, often because of low levels of physical activity and limited participation in sports. However, organized adaptive sports programs are increasingly available for individuals with disabilities. This article provides recommendations for establishing successful adaptive baseball and soccer leagues for children and youth with disabilities in schools and other community-based recreational facilities. In addition, the authors describe lessons learned from 8 years of experience with a university-community partnership in baseball and soccer for individuals with disabilities.
What makes a great city great? An American perspective

Abstract This article takes up the question of what makes a great city great? It begins by using historical examples to extrapolate and define city greatness. The concept is synthesized in a simple formulation of the “4Cs”; with each “C” respectively standing for currency, cosmopolitanism, concentration and charisma. Currency conveys the unique attributes of a city’s fundamental values and its ability to form, lead or dictate the temper of the times. Cosmopolitanism entails an ability to embrace international, multicultural or polyethnic features. Concentration is defined by demographic density and productive mass. Charisma is based on a magical appeal that generates mass enthusiasm, admiration or reverence. Four American cities (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco) are examined through a sequence of thumbnail sketches. These sketches are complemented by data that measure the standing of each city relative to each of the 4Cs The article concludes with a discussion of how a city (Chicago) can find a niche for asserting greatness, whether a “post modern city” (Los Angeles) can be a model for future greatness and the limitations of reaching for greatness.
DVD sales and the R-rating puzzle

In the last decade, attendance at movie theaters has been relatively stagnant, while sales of digital versatile discs (DVDs) have grown dramatically. In this paper, we look at the factors determining sales of individual DVDs in the United States. Using data on new motion pictures released on DVD between 2006 and 2008, we find the demand for new DVDs is price-inelastic and that DVD sales are counter-cyclical. We find that previous box office success has strong positive effects on DVD sales. Production budget also has a positive effect on DVD sales, albeit indirectly through its effect on box office revenues. Critical acclaim has significant positive effects on both box office revenue and DVD sales, but the effect is smaller in regard to DVDs. There is some evidence to suggest that DVD sales are higher for movies with more sexual content and more violent content and lower for movies with more profanity, but these effects are indirect through the changes in the box office of these movies. We find that sales of R-rated DVDs are not as dependent upon critical acclaim as movies of other ratings, and are thus less risky for movie studios to produce. Our findings provide another explanation for the R-rating puzzle.
Situational and individual determinants of feedback seeking: a closer look at the process

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of situational (the feedback seeking context) and individual (public self-consciousness and self-esteem) determinants on the feedback seeking process (cf. Ashford & Northcraft, 1992; Northcraft & Ashford, 1990). A model was developed based on past research and theory (Ashford & Cummings, 1983; Larson, 1989; Morrison & Bies, 1991) which attempts to explicate how both situational and individual variables fit into this complicated process. Multiple measures of the seeking process were used to further our understanding in this area. Individuals′ intent to seek feedback, feedback seeking frequency, and the tendency to reconsider and modify their initial intentions were measured behaviorally over time. The importance of each of these variables was empirically demonstrated through the use of a computerized scheduling task on which individuals had the opportunity to request feedback. The results provide new insight into the feedback seeking process and have widespread organizational implications. Some new directions for feedback seeking research are also suggested.
Influence of strain-rate on the uniaxial compressive behavior of 2-D braided textile composites

Abstract The uniaxial compressive stress–strain response and the associated observed micro-structural deformation mechanisms of three braided textile composite sheets were experimentally investigated at quasi-static and high-strain-rates. The compressive loads were applied in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the textile composites. For quasi-static loading, the three composites exhibited a non-linear elastic response followed by a load-drop at the on-set of matrix failure. With further increase in load, the axial and bias braids were stretched in the matrix damaged zones resulting in inelastic deformation at a constant stress level. Under high-strain-rate loading conditions, the yield strength increased upto 60%, and the overall stress did not unload as a function of strain. Composites with a greater number of lay-ups exhibited nonuniform deformation along the thickness direction in the form of shear fracture through several lay-ups.
Thin film preparation and characterization of wide band gap Cu3TaQ4 (Q = S or Se) p-type semiconductors

Abstract The structural, optical, and electronic properties of thin films of a family of wide band gap (Eg > 2.3 eV) p-type semiconductors Cu3TaQ4 (Q = S or Se) are presented. Thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition of ceramic Cu3TaQ4 targets and ex-situ annealing of the as-deposited films in chalcogenide vapor exhibit mixed polycrystalline/[100]-directed growth on amorphous SiO2 substrates and strong (100) preferential orientation on single-crystal yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates. Cu3TaS4 (Eg = 2.70 eV) thin films are transparent over the entire visible spectrum while Cu3TaSe4 (Eg = 2.35 eV) thin films show some absorption in the blue. Thin film solid solutions of Cu3TaSe4 − xSx and Cu3TaSe4 − xTex can be prepared by annealing Cu3TaSe4 films in a mixed chalcogenide vapor. Powders and thin films of Cu3TaS4 exhibit visible photoluminescence when illuminated by UV light.
P300 responses to novel auditory stimuli in hospitalized schizophrenic patients

The authors studied the scalp topography of P300 responses to novel auditory stimuli and its relationship to negative symptoms in medication-free hospitalized schizophrenic patients. Schizophrenics (n = 12), patients with major mood disorders (n = 13), and 17 non-ill controls (all men) responded to rare target tones while ignoring background tones and rare novel stimuli. P300 responses were identified from plots of global field power (GFP), a measure of potential variability over the entire electrode set. Multivariate analysis revealed that P300 responses to novel stimuli were faster (p < 0.003), larger (p < 0.001), and distributed more centrally than parietally (p < 0.001) than those to targets, but this central augmentation was significantly (p < 0.04) less in schizophrenics. Compared to controls, P300 amplitude (p < 0.05) and GFP (p < 0.02) after novel stimuli were reduced relative to target responses in schizophrenics. Negative symptoms were inversely correlated with P300 amplitude (P = 0.013) and GFP (p < 0.04) across conditions and with P300 GFP in the novel condition (p = 0.01), but did not predict topography of responses to novel stimuli. The findings were consistent with but not conclusive evidence of prefrontal impairment in the schizophrenics subjects. Methodological issues and conflicts with other reports are discussed.
An inventory model with emergency orders under explicit energy cost considerations

The inventory model in this paper is targeted to production systems with constant production rates but underlying possibilities for undesirable circumstances to threaten the production schedule. The inventory policy proposed explicitly considers energy cost when determining optimal size for order quantity, safety stock and inventory cycle length such that the total expected cost per unit time is minimised. The results are compared to a traditional inventory policy that does not consider the direct impact of energy cost. An analysis of the model reveals three production environment characteristics in which inventory policies are most significantly affected by changes in energy cost: heavy product weight, high regular product demand or high emergency product demand. If any one of the three key factors increases, then changes of the inventory decisions or related logistics costs become more significant. The cost effectiveness of implementing the proposed inventory policy also becomes more significant as any ...
Free secretory component as a standardization protein for nasopharyngeal specimens from children with upper respiratory tract infection.

Free secretory component (FSC) has been recommended as a reliable protein for correction of the unknown dilution in tracheal aspirate samples from preterm infants. To investigate whether FSC would also provide a valid standardization protein for samples of nasopharyngeal secretions, this study determined the intersubject variation and the alteration over time in the concentrations of FSC in nasal secretions from 35 children (median age 14 months) who participated in an antibiotic efficacy trial. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained at enrolment and after 2-3 d. FSC in the specimens was quantified by a direct enzyme immunoassay. The concentrations of FSC in the nasal secretions ranged from 0.08 to 189.6 microg ml(-1) (median 12.3 microg ml(-1); the ratio of the highest to the lowest concentrations was 2370, the difference between the 90th and 10th percentile concentrations was 189-fold and the difference between the 75th and 25th percentile values was 26. FSC concentrations were significantly lower in children aged or =2-fold difference in the levels of FSC in the secretions. Because an optimal standardization protein should show minimal variation between individuals and over time, FSC may not be a suitable protein for correction of the unknown dilution of nasopharyngeal specimens from children with upper respiratory tract infection.
Rodrigo en las Mocedades : ¿vasallo leal o joven rebelde?

Most critics agree that in the Mocedades , Rodrigo is portrayed as a rebellious and arrogant young man, almost the opposite of the loyal and mature hero of the Poema de mio Cid . In this study, the author presents a new interpretation of the role of Rodrigo as a hero and a symbol of the young kingdom of Castile that from its very beginning as an independent monarchy was able to defeat all its enemies. Christians and Moors alike. Furthermore, the comic and fantastic episodes found in the poem are signs of the esthetic transformation that the epic genre had undergone in Spain; these changes have remarkable parallels in French epic poems.
The development of education indicators for measuring quality in the English-speaking Caribbean: How far have we come?

Abstract Education evaluation has become increasingly important in the English-speaking Caribbean. This has been in response to assessing the progress of four regional initiatives aimed at improving the equity, efficiency, and quality of education. Both special interest groups and local evaluators have been responsible for assessing the progress of education and providing an overall synthesis and summary of what is taking place in the English-speaking Caribbean. This study employed content analysis to examine the indicators used in these education evaluation studies since the declaration of the Caribbean Plan of Action 2000–2015 to determine these indicators’ appropriateness to the Caribbean context in measuring education progress. Findings demonstrate that the English-speaking Caribbean has made strides in operationalizing quality input, process, and output indicators; however quality outcome indicators beyond test scores are yet to be realized in a systematic manner. This study also compared the types of collaborative partnerships in conducting evaluation studies used by special interest groups and local evaluators and pinpointed the one that appears most suitable for special interest groups in this region.
A REVIEW OF THE THEORIES OF AND EVIDENCE ON RETURNS RELATED TO MERGERS AND TAKEOVERS.

The market for mergers and takeovers, often referred to as the market for corporate control [Manne (1965)], has always attracted the attention of investors and researchers because takeovers represent corporate investment decisions on a scale several times larger than the normal, ongoing, growth‐maintaining capital outlays by the typical value‐maximising firm. Although the theoretical justifications for such corporate actions are reasonably well understood, the true motives for the mergers and the strategies adopted by acquiring firms to consummate them can be complex and diverse in scope. Corporate acquisitions can therefore have widespread effects on the wealth of various groups of agents involved in the market for corporate control.
Characterization and population analysis of the mating-type genes in Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus.

We characterize the mating-type genes in Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and Petromyces alliaceus. A single MAT1-1 or MAT1-2 gene was detected in the genomes of A. flavus and A. parasiticus, which is consistent with a potential heterothallic organization of MAT genes in these species. In contrast, the only known, functionally homothallic species in Aspergillus section Flavi, P. alliaceus, has tightly linked (<2 kb) MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 genes, typical of other self-fertile homothallic euascomycetes. This is the first example of linked MAT genes within a homothallic species of Aspergillus. We tested the null hypothesis of no significant difference in the frequency of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 in A. flavus and A. parasiticus sampled from a single peanut field in Georgia. For each species, mating-type frequencies were determined for the total population samples and for samples that were clone-corrected based on vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) and aflatoxin gene cluster haplotypes. There was no significant difference in the frequency of the two mating types for A. flavus and A. parasiticus in either VCG or haplotype clone-corrected samples. The existence of both mating-type genes in equal proportions in A. flavus and A. parasiticus populations, coupled with their expression at the mRNA level and the high amino acid sequence identity of MAT1-1 (77%) and MAT1-2 (83%) with corresponding homologs in P. alliaceus, indicates the potential functionality of these genes and the possible existence of a sexual state in these agriculturally important species.
Exporting medical education: Professionalism, modernization and imperialism

Abstract Exported professionalism and medical modernization have applied to underdeveloped countries the standards of medical education prevailing in advanced industrial countries. The Rockefeller Foundation first developed this model of foreign assistance with its medical education program in China, specifically the Peking Union Medical College, beginning in 1914. Its China program, like its other programs in medical education, were designed to shape the recipient country's cultural, political and economic development to meet the needs of Western nations. Using documents from the Foundation's archives, the author finds that the Rockefeller philanthropies replaced their previous support for missionaries with medical education aid because medicine was more effective in pursuing their broad objectives. Although strong arguments were made for training large numbers of health workers to meet underdeveloped countries' pressing health needs, the Foundation supported only those medical education programs that trained elite medical professionals whom it believed were essential to “Westernizing” China and other nations. The medical education programs' goals thus differed from the Foundation's public health programs which were intended primarily to improve the health of the recipient nation's labor force. The specific policy decisions, ideological rationales, historical conditions and the consequences of the policies and programs are discussed.
Monoclonal antibody successes in the clinic

Most monoclonal antibodies in clinical trials are owned by small biotech companies. But with blockbuster-sized revenues and approval rates higher than those for small-molecule drugs, that all may be set to change.
Developmental Differences in Decoding the Meanings of the Appraisal Actions of Teachers

Teachers convey evaluations through such "appraisal actions" as ability versus effort attributions for children's performance, spontaneous displays of warmth versus matter-of-fact acceptance, and attention versus inattention. Some appraisal actions (e.g., ability-effort) require an understanding of multiplicative relations to arrive at an "adult" interpretation. Others (e.g., attention-inattention) do not. First through sixth graders watched videotaped scenes in which teachers attributed one child's performance to ability but chided another for lack of effort even though he had given an equivalent performance, hugged one child but not another for equivalent performance, and paid attention to one child's oral report but not another's. Younger students (ages 5-9 to 7-10) rated the ability-attributed and hugged children as smarter; older students (ages 9-9 to 11-10) rated the effort-attributed and unhugged children as smarter. In contrast, no age differences were found in decoding attention versus inattention. The results suggest that younger children use a different strategy in decoding the meanings of complex appraisal actions.
Serum enzyme changes following external direct current shock therapy for cardiac arrhythmia

Abstract Serum levels of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase and aldolase were determined in 27 patients who received external D.C. shock for the treatment of various acute and chronic arrhythmias. In 16 of the patients a significant rise in one or more of the enzymes was noted. Analysis of the data suggests that skeletal muscle or myocardium may have been the source of the increased levels. None of the patients showed evidence of infarction or myocardial injury during the post-treatment observation period.
Teaching Effective Writing Skills at an Academic CancerCenter: Reflections of an Erstwhile Journal Editor and Writer

In the July 2010 edition of JCE, Cameron et al. described a program that addresses the linguistic barriers of international research trainees at MD Anderson Cancer Center, suggesting that “linguistic barriers in science affect not only affect researchers’ career paths but institutional productivity and efficiency as well.” Nobody would dispute the value of teaching effective writing and communication skills to foreign investigators; however, I daresay that many USborn and -educated investigators also need to learn to write and communicate more effectively. In my career working with PhD and MD students, postdoctoral fellows and clinical researchers, and faculty at all levels at several medical schools, it continually amazes me how many investigators struggle with basic writing, many aspects of which can easily be taught. I have frequently pondered why scientists write poorly. One reason is that scientists often equate long, complex sentences and paragraphs with deep thinking. But the simple fact is that “academic” puffery— stilted, complex, and confused writing—is misunderstood by the reader and does not serve the author. For example, consider this sentence from an abstract, sent to me by a researcher (their final version):
Growth and characteristics of TaN/TiN superlattice structures

Epitaxial B1 NaCl-structured TaN(3 nm)/TiN(2 nm) superlattice structures were grown on Si(100) substrates with a TiN buffer layer, using pulsed-laser deposition. A special target assembly was used to manipulate the thickness of each layer. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning transmission electron microscopy (Z contrast) studies confirmed the single-crystalline nature of the superlattice with a uniform layer structure. Nanoindentation results suggest the high hardness of these superlattice structures. Four-point-probe resistivity measurements show low resistivity of the heterostructures and a Cu diffusion characteristic study proved this superlattice system can be a promising diffusion barrier and can withstand 700 °C annealing for 30 min.
Effect of specimen planar area on electromagnetic flanging

Abstract The specimen parameter that is often mentioned with respect to the ability to achieve electromagnetic forming (EMF) is the specimen thickness. If the skin depth is small compared to this parameter, efficient forming will be achieved. However, another parameter that may affect the ability to achieve efficient forming is the specimen's planar area, i.e., the length and width of the specimen. This would particularly become an important factor if EMF is used to fabricate meso/microscale components. In this research, a flat spiral coil was used to flange 0.508 mm thickness, CuZn30 specimens of varying widths (i.e., 10, 14, 18, 22, 35, and 47 mm). These widths were varied in order to modify the projected area of the coil over the specimen. Results showed that a decrease in the specimen width was generally associated with a decrease in forming (i.e., lower flanging angle) due to edge effects in induced eddy currents. Since the magnetic field distribution from the flat spiral coil is asymmetric, material was overhung on both sides of the die. This yielded an extra half turn on the left side of the specimen, and increased forming. The die was also translated to assess differences in flanging generated. In order to achieve meso/microforming with EMF, attention to the interaction between coil design and specimen dimensions is required.
Selective cross-tolerance to 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptor-mediated temperature and corticosterone responses

Abstract The repeated administration of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeODMT, 3 mg/kg, twice daily for 14 days) significantly diminished hypothermia and corticosterone secretion induced by an acute challenge with the 5-HT 1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.1 mg/kg) when compared to the responses in animals treated chronically with the solvent vehicle. In contrast, the chronic administration of 5-MeODMT did not alter the magnitude of hyperthermia or corticosterone secretion induced by the acute administration of MK-212 (1.0 mg/kg). The repeated administration of the 5-HT 2 agonist DOI (1.0 mg/kg, daily for 7 days) significantly reduced the increase in corticosterone, but not body temperature, produced by MK-212. Chronic treatment with DOI did not alter the hypothermia or increase in corticosterone secretion elicited by 8-OH-DPAT. These data are consistent with other evidence that these physiological effects of 8-OH-DPAT and MK-212 are mediated by 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2 receptors, respectively. Thus, data presented in these studies are suggestive that the chronic administration of 5-MeODMT diminishes the responsiveness of 5-HT 1A receptor-mediated changes in body temperature and cortiscosterone secretion without altering the responses mediated by 5-HT 2 receptors. In contrast, the chronic administration of DOI selectively diminishes the magnitude of 5-HT 2 receptor-mediated changes in corticosterone secretion without affecting the responsiveness of those receptors involved in thermoregulatory responses. These selective changes in receptor responsiveness following the chronic administration of these 5-HT agonists further establishes the independence of 5-HT 1A and 5-HT 2 receptor-mediated pharmacological effects.
Estimation of wall shear stress dynamic fluctuations in intracranial atherosclerotic lesions using computational fluid dynamics.

Objective Intracranial stenosis (IS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality from hypoperfusion and thromboembolism. We used computational fluid dynamic methods to analyze luminal patterns of wall shear stress (WSS), a known critical modulator of endothelial function, within patient-based IS lesions undergoing percutaneous angioplasty and stenting. Methods High-resolution three-dimensional rotational angiographic data sets were reconstructed to yield a fine-resolution computational mesh allowing application of pulsatile computational fluid dynamic analysis with a non-Newtonian realistic model of blood. WSS and its gradient were analyzed spatiotemporally in five IS lesions before and after percutaneous angioplasty and stenting. Results WSS within the stenosis reached average shear magnitudes of 1870 +/- 783 dyn/cm with rapidly reversing direction to oscillating low values in the recirculation zone. WSS vectors revealed complex dynamic directional and amplitude oscillations not seen in healthy segments with time-dependent convergence and divergence strips sweeping back and forth across the lesion during the cardiac cycle. These areas also underwent extreme temporal WSS oscillation of 2052 +/- 909 dyn/cm over a short time interval. The endothelial mechanotransductive response to such extreme WSS magnitudes and gradients, which were normalized by percutaneous angioplasty and stenting in the current study, remains undefined. Conclusion Computational fluid dynamic analysis of IS has uncovered a complex and hostile microhemodynamic environment characterized by wide and rapid shear variations in time and space. Characterization of the mechanical forces acting on the wall can help in determining the molecular transduction response of the luminal endothelium to these extreme stresses and may lead to better understanding of the hemodynamic contribution to stenosis pathophysiology.
THEORY AND OBSERVATIONS OF COMETARY IONOSPHERES

Thephysicalandchemicalprocessesresponsibleforcometaryionospheresarenowbeginningto beunderstood,due to comparisons betweentheoreticalresultsandrecentlyobtainedin situ observations of theionospheric plasmaand magneticfield of cometHalley. The contactsurfacewhichseparatesoutfiowing cometaryplasmafromsolarwind controlledcometaryplasmacan beexplainedin termsof a balancebetweenthemagneticpressuregradientforceand ion-neutraldrag. An analyticexpressionforthe magneticfield in thevicinityof thecontactsurfaceis givenin this paper.
Combination of systemic acetazolamide and topical dorzolamide in reducing intraocular pressure and aqueous humor formation

Objective: The study aimed to determine whether topical dorzolamide and systemic acetazolamide have an additive effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) and aqueous humor formation (AHF). Design: This was a prospective, open-label, two-protocol clinical study. Participants: Sixteen patients with ocular hypertension or with primary open-angle glaucoma were studied. Intervention: Baseline AHF was measured by computerized fluorophotometry and IOP by pneumatonometry without antiglaucoma therapy. In the first protocol, dorzolamide was randomized to one eye (N = 10) and IOP and AHP measurements were repeated. One week later, having used dorzolamide in one eye three times daily, patients had measurements performed before and after the single administration of oral acetazolamide 250 mg. In the second protocol, having used acetazolamide 250 mg four times daily for 4 to 7 days (N = 6), patients had measurements performed before and after a single drop of dorzolamide was instilled randomly into one eye. The patient continued acetazolamide and unilateral dorzolamide for 4 to 7 more days and returned for IOP and AHF measurements. Main Outcome Measures: Intraocular pressure and AHF were measured in treated and contralateral control eyes. Results: In the first protocol, IOP (mmHg ± standard deviation) was significantly ( P = 0.02) lower in the dorzolamide (16.3 ± 2.6) than in the contralateral control (19.9 ± 2.9) eyes. Aqueous humor formation (microliter/minute ± standard deviation) also was lower ( P = 0.02) in dorzolamide eyes (1.79 ± 0.4 vs. 2.33 ± 0.5). After oral acetazolamide 250 mg, IOP was unchanged in dorzolamide eyes (17.6 ± 2.0 preacetazolamide vs. 17.9 ± 2.0 postacetazolamide), whereas it was reduced ( P = 0.003) in control eyes (20.5 ± 2.2 preacetazolamide vs. 16.9 ± 2.3 postacetazolamide). Aqueous humor formation was reduced in control eyes (2.31 ± 0.8 preacetazolamide vs. 1.73 ± 0.6 postacetazolamide; P = 0.005) but not in dorzolamide-treated eyes (1.56 ± 0.45 preacetazolamide vs. 1.77 ± 0.39 postacetazolamide). In the second protocol, acetazolamide 250 mg four times daily symmetrically reduced IOP and AHF in both eyes. After single-drop dorzolamide in one eye, IOP and AHF did not change significantly. After 4 to 7 days of acetazolamide and unilateral dorzolamide, IOP and AHF remained reduced to a similar level in dorzolamide and control eyes not receiving topical therapy. Conclusion: Topical dorzolamide and oral acetazolamide, in the concentrations and doses used in this study, are not additive. Either drug alone results in maximum reduction in IOP and AHF. Concomitant glaucoma therapy of a topical and systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitor is not warranted.
Similar neighborhood criterion for edge detection in noisy and noise-free images

A novel approach for edge detection in noise-free and noisy images is presented in this paper. The proposed method is based on the number of similar pixels that each pixel in the image may have amongst its neighboring in the filtering window and within a pre-defined intensity range. Simulation results show that the new detector performs well in noise-free images but superior in corrupted images by salt and pepper impulse noise. Moreover, it is time efficient.
Discriminative Value of Anorectal Manometry in Clinical Practice

Guidelines recommend anorectal manometry in patients with fecal incontinence and chronic constipation. However, limited evidence supports the utility of manometric testing. We retrospectively reviewed tracings obtained between November 2005 and May 2008. A total of 298 patients (86% women; average age 52 years) were included. The main indications were incontinence (51%) and constipation (42%). Patients suffering from incontinence were older and had lower resting and squeeze pressure compared to continent patients. However, the discriminative power of manometric pressure data was poor, with low sensitivity and specificity. An abnormal straining pattern suggesting dyssynergic defecation was seen in 43% of constipated patients compared to 13% of patients with fecal incontinence. A concordance between manometric patterns and the balloon expulsion test was seen in 72%. The low sensitivity and specificity of manometric parameters does not support the routine use of anorectal manometry in patients with defecation disorders.