cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Test-Wiseness Strategy Research in Task Development

This chapter takes a close look at just what strategic competence means with regard to language assessment. The approach taken here is to break down strategic competence into strategies that might contribute construct-relevant variance to test results, namely language strategies and test-management strategies, and strategies that in contrast are likely to produce construct-irrelevant variance. The chapter begins by briefly defining language strategies and distinguishing them from test-taking strategies. Then findings from the research literature are provided, challenges for researchers are highlighted, and future directions suggested that aim to ensure that respondents' language skills are actually being assessed. The ultimate challenge is to fashion items and tasks that cannot be responded to easily by means of test-wiseness strategies aimed at bypassing reasoned and informed means of producing responses. Keywords: Assessment evaluation; Assessment methods; Research methods
Are Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Developmental Precursors to Conduct Disorder?

An important goal of developmental psychopathology is the description of developmental progressions in the ontogeny of serious emotional and behavioral disorders. If milder psychopathology can be shown regularly to precede the emergence of more serious psychopathology, it may be possible to identify the factors that govern the developmental progression to the more serious problems. If some of these factors prove to be modifiable, serious disorders could be prevented to some extent. This chapter reviews what is currently known about the developmental precursors to conduct disorder (CD). Specifically, it summarizes current findings on the potential developmental relations between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) on the one hand, and CD on the other hand.
4‐Hydroxy‐1‐fluoro‐1,4‐diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane Bis(tetrafluoroborate)

[172090-26-5] C6H13B2F9N2O (MW 321.79) InChI = 1S/C6H13FN2O.2BF4/c7-8-1-4-9(10,5-2-8)6-3-8;2*2-1(3,4)5/h10H,1-6H2;;/q+2;2*-1 InChIKey = DRMMNFGYCLJZKD-UHFFFAOYSA-N (electrophilic fluorinating agent) Alternate Name: NFTh, Accufluor NFTh. Physical Data: mp 120 °C (decomposes). Solubility: soluble in water, sparingly soluble in dimethylformamide and acetonitrile. Form Supplied in: 50:50 mixture with aluminum oxide. Analysis of Reagent Purity: iodometric titration. Preparative Methods: widely available commercially. The title reagent can be prepared by the reaction of 4-hydroxy-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane with fluorine and boron trifluoride. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: exposure to NFTh may cause skin irritation. Wear chemical resistant gloves and impervious clothing necessary to prevent any possibility of skin contact when handling. Do not breathe dust. Should not get into eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Wash thoroughly after handling. Store in a cool, dry, well ventilated area. Keep containers upright and tightly closed. Do not heat this material above 158 °F (70 °C), due to rapid, exothermic decomposition with the evolution of large quantities of gas.
A new subgenus (Chambardicola) and species of Unionicola (Acari: Hydrachnida: Unionicolidae) from freshwater mussels from the central African Republic

Abstract The genus Unionicola Haldeman in the family Unionicolidae is distributed worldwide, with more than half of the known species recorded as parasites of freshwater mussels (Mollusca: Bivalvia). A new subgenus, Chambardicola n. subgen., is described from freshwater mussels, Chambardia wissmanni (Martens 1883), collected in the Ubangi (Oubangui) River, Central African Republic (Congo basin), Africa. The new species is Unionicola (Chambardicola) banguiensis n. sp., a unique mite with distinctive coxal plate anatomy and male genital field. This new mite extends our understanding of the morphology and biogeography of the genus in Africa. It further extends our knowledge of host selection and host-specificity among African Unionicola.
Effects of oral caffeine pretreatment on response to intravenous nicotine and cocaine.

Previous research suggests that under conditions of chronic daily caffeine administration, caffeine increases the effects of nicotine. Little is known about the effects of caffeine pretreatment on response to nicotine under infrequent caffeine administration conditions. The present study examined whether infrequent (not on consecutive days) acute oral caffeine administration alters subject-rated, physiological, and monetary value effects of intravenous nicotine in regular users of caffeine, tobacco, and cocaine. To determine the specificity of effects of caffeine on response to nicotine, the effects of caffeine administration on response to intravenous cocaine (another short-acting stimulant) were also studied. Fourteen (1 woman) volunteers participated in this 3‐4 week, double-blind, inpatient study. Volunteers participated in 10 experimental conditions in pseudorandomized order, in which oral caffeine (250 mg/70 kg) or placebo was administered 1 hr before an intravenous injection, consisting of nicotine (1 or 2 mg/70 kg), cocaine (15 or 30 mg/70 kg), or saline. Infrequent acute caffeine pretreatment attenuated the increase resulting from 2 mg/70 kg nicotine administration on ratings of “rush,” “good effects,” “liking,” “high,” and “drowsy/sleepy.” Caffeine had no significant effect on physiological response to nicotine. Caffeine had no significant effect on subject-rated and physiological response to cocaine, with the exception that caffeine significantly augmented blood pressure response to cocaine. In contrast to the previous research using chronic caffeine maintenance, these data suggest that infrequent acute caffeine administration may attenuate nicotine effects.
A comment on the X-ray diffraction determination of phase separation in solid 3He4He solutions

Abstract We analyze the Fraass-Simmons X-ray diffraction determination of phase separation in solid 3 He 4 He solutions in terms of a simple model for the free energy of mixing. The analysis indicates evidence of non-equilibrium behavior in the experiments, including supercooling.
Flow Injection Analysis with Diamond Thin-Film Detectors

The viability of using polycrystalline, boron-doped diamond thin-film electrodes for the amperometric detection of ferrocyanide, ferricyanide, ethylamine, and ethylenediamine has been investigated for the first time. These redox reactions were studied by cyclic voltammetry, hydrodynamic voltammetry, and flow injection analysis with electrochemical detection (FIA-EC) at films without any prior surface pretreatment. The diamond films, 1−5 μm thick, were grown on conducting Si substrates at a dopant level of ∼1019 boron atoms/cm3. The detector performance was evaluated as a function of the linear dynamic range, sensitivity, limit of detection, response variability, and response stability. The results indicate that diamond films produce analytically useful responses for all these analytes in both the scanning and constant potential modes. Noteworthy are the observations that boron-doped diamond (i) can be used as a substrate for the detection of both oxidation and reduction reactions (e.g., ferro- and ferricy...
DIMERIC AMINOGLYCOSIDES: DESIGN, SYNTHESIS AND RNA BINDING

Abstract The design and synthesis of symmetrical and non-symmetrical dimeric aminoglycosides derived from kanamycin A, tobramycin, and neomycin B are described. The covalently-linked dimeric aminoglycosides show enhanced activity as ribozyme inhibitors when compared to their natural counterparts.
Examination of laparoscopic retrieval bag washings for malignant cells after hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and intact specimen removal.

Abstract Objectives Port site metastases after hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy have been described in the literature. There is no uniform agreement among urologists regarding the use of a retrieval bag before intact specimen removal. The aim of this study was to determine whether LapSac renal extraction bag washings contain malignant cells. Methods We prospectively obtained washings from the LapSac retrieval bag after hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and intact specimen removal for renal cell carcinoma. In 30 consecutive cases, after removal of the kidney specimen from the LapSac, the LapSac was irrigated with 50 mL sterile Hank’s balanced salt solution. These washings were sent for cytologic examination. Cytologic evaluation was performed with a Thin Prep and the Papanicolaou method. Results We performed 30 hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomies for suspected renal cell carcinoma with the above protocol. One specimen was benign and one showed transitional cell carcinoma; these were excluded from the study. Six specimens were stage T1a, 17 were T1b, 1 was T2, 2 were T3a, and 2 were T3b. Histopathology revealed 27 specimens with clear cell renal cell carcinomas with Fuhrman grades from 1 to 4; 1 specimen showed chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Margins were negative in all cases, and there were no gross or microscopic tumor violations. The cytologic results from 27 cases were negative and in 1 case with T3b renal cell carcinoma the LapSac washings were positive for malignant cells. Conclusions The preliminary findings from our study show that low-stage, low-grade tumors removed laparoscopically with minimal manipulation do not exfoliate cells into their LapSac retrieval bags.
Orson Scott Card’s Ender and Bean: The Exceptional Child as Hero

Orson Scott Card’s “school stories in outer space,” Ender’s Game and Ender’s Shadow, purportedly occur at the same time and tell the “same” story, but from the perspectives of two different child protagonists. Scenes in Ender’s Shadow even reproduce text from Ender’s Game. Nevertheless, 14 years elapsed between the publications of the two books. This essay brings child studies and exceptionality research to bear on the two novels, analyzing the development of Card’s ideology regarding his view of the exceptional child and his view of the nature of heroism in a post-modern world.
Interpretation of electron micrographs of adenovirus hexon arrays using a crystallographic molecular model.

Abstract Two types of two-dimensional arrays of purified adenovirus type 2 hexon have been obtained and analyzed by Fourier filtration of their electron micrographs. One array contained continuously close-packed hexons, distributed on a hexagonal p3 lattice, with a unit cell dimension of 94 ± 2 A The other array contained close-packed hexons with a regular absence, so that rings of six hexons related by sixfold symmetry formed a p6 unit cell. The cell dimension of the hexagonal array was 153 ± 3 A with neighboring hexons separated by 88 ± 2 A. Smaller p6 arrays were also formed by hexons freed from complete virions on the microscope grid by treatment with distilled water. A molecular model of hexon, known from the X-ray crystallographic structure, was used to interpret Fourier-filtered images of the arrays, and to determine the relative orientations of the hexon molecules. The hexon-hexon interaction in the p3 array is that found in the virion facet, whereas that in thep6 array is a planar form of the interaction between peripentonal hexons around the vertex.
Successful Bilateral Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Fibrosis Associated With the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a genetic disorder characterized by oculocutaneous albinism, a bleeding diathesis, and in a subset of patients, pulmonary fibrosis. Lung transplantation, the only curative therapy for pulmonary fibrosis, has not been previously reported as a successful treatment strategy for patients with HPS because the bleeding diathesis was thought to contraindicate major thoracic surgery. We successfully performed bilateral sequential lung transplantation in a patient with pulmonary fibrosis and HPS after transfusion of 6 units of platelets. Lung transplantation is a viable therapeutic option in patients with pulmonary fibrosis and only a mild bleeding diathesis associated with HPS.
Spiritual Wellbeing Mediates PTSD Change in Veterans with Military-Related PTSD

Background A portable practice of repeating a mantram—a sacred word or phrase—has been shown to reduce the severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veterans with military trauma. It is thought that the intervention re-directs attention and initiates relaxation to decrease symptom severity, but there may be other mechanisms that may contribute to this improvement.
Interactions among intergovernmental organizations in the anti-corruption realm

This study focuses on interactions between intergovernmental organizations (IOs) working in the anti-corruption realm. It investigates the factors that enhance IO cooperation. Based on expectations derived primarily from the organization theory literature and, more specifically, from exchange theory, we develop a set of hypotheses regarding the relevance of IO financial resources, expertise, prestige, and bureaucratic culture on the likelihood that IOs will engage in cooperative behavior. The study tests these hypotheses on the formal and informal collaborative networks formed between seventeen IOs engaged in anti-corruption work. The results of the tests offer support for most of the hypotheses and suggest several additional arguments explaining the likelihood of inter-organizational collaboration.
The Imaged Other: Style and Substance in the Rhetoric of Joel Osteen

Aesthetic images increasingly organize social relationships. Theorizing the constitutive potential of the aesthetic is a worthy task for communication and rhetorical scholars. This article integrates rhetorical methods with the critical instruments of Visual Theory to offer a comprehensive account of the relationship between the aesthetic image, social formations, and cultural constraints. I do so by analyzing the rhetoric of Joel Osteen, a popular evangelical minster. Osteen employs aesthetic rationales to construct an Imaged Other capable of separating what he calls God's favored from the unfavored. By deliberately featuring aesthetic dimensions including physical attractiveness, body shape, posture, hygiene, and decor, Osteen's discourse lends insight into an increasingly important way our social relationships are organized.
TDIQ (5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1,3-dioxolo [4,5-g]isoquinoline): discovery, pharmacological effects, and therapeutic potential.

Chemically, TDIQ (5,6,7,8–tetrahydro-1,3-dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinoline) can be viewed as a conformationally restricted phenylalkylamine that is related in structure to amphetamine but does not stimulate (or depress) locomotor activity in rodents. In radioligand binding studies TDIQ displays selective affinity for α2-adrenergic receptor subsites (i.e., α2A-, α2B-, and α2C-adrenergic receptors), and behavioral data suggest that it might exert an agonist (or partial agonist) effect at α2-adrenergic receptors or interact at α2-adrenergic heteroreceptors. Drug discrimination studies in rats indicate that TDIQ: (1) serves as a discriminative stimulus, (2) may be useful in the treatment of symptoms associated with the abuse of cocaine, and (3) exhibits a low potential for abuse. In addition, TDIQ exhibits a dose-dependent and wide dissociation between doses that produce an anxiolytic-like effect or an inhibition of “snack” consumption in mice and doses that produce minimal, if any, effects in tests that measure a potential for disruption of coordinated movement or motor activity. Also, TDIQ displays negligible effects on the heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) of mice. Taken together, the preclinical data suggest that TDIQ exhibits a favorable ratio of therapeutic-like effects (anxiolytic, therapeutic adjunct in the treatment of cocaine abuse, and appetite suppression) to side effect-like activities (behavioral impairment, drug abuse, or adverse cardiovascular effect). As such, TDIQ could: (1) be a forerunner for a new type of chemical entity in the treatment of certain forms of anxiety and/or obesity and (2) serve as a structural template in the discovery and development of additional agents that might be selective for α2-adrenergic receptors.
Sensory evoked potentials in unanesthetized unrestrained cuttlefish: a new preparation for brain physiology in cephalopods.

Up to five microelectrodes inserted through short hypodermic needles in the cranial cartilage of Sepia officinalis recorded potentials while the cuttlefish moved freely in a small enclosure. Compound field potentials and unit spikes were seen during ongoing, spontaneous activity and after sensory stimulation. Ongoing activity resembles that reported for octopus, with maximum power usually below 20 Hz. Amplitude varies greatly but has not been seen to shut off or turn on abruptly and globally as in octopus. Evoked potentials, focally large after flashes of light consist of several waves; the first is largest, positive and peaks at ca. 35 ms (called P35), followed by ca. P75, P95, N110 and smaller waves or oscillations lasting more than 0.5 s. The Upper Following Frequency (highest flashing rate the potentials can follow 1:1), without averaging, is >15 flashes/s (20–22 °C); at 20/s the 1∶1 following lasts for 1 or 2 s. The Lower Fusion Frequency of averaged responses is < 30/s. Gentle tapping of the tank wall evokes local, brief, fast potentials. No responses have been found to loud air-borne clicks and tone bursts with principal energy at 300 Hz or to electric fields in the bath at 50–100 μV/cm. In a few loci relatively large slow Omitted Stimulus Potentials have been seen following the end of a train of flashes at more than 5/s; these are by definition event related potentials and a special, central form of OFF response.
Increasing prevalence of gastroschisis in Utah.

Abstract Background Recent studies provide conflicting information about gastroschisis prevalence trends. The authors proposed that prevalence of gastroschisis in live births has increased in Utah and that characteristics of these infants would provide clinically useful information about treatment and outcomes. Methods Primary Children's Medical Center (PCMC) is the sole pediatric surgical referral hospital for Utah. The authors used both pediatric surgical and neonatal databases to identify gastroschisis cases at PCMC from 1971 through 2002. Only infants whose mothers had a primary residence in Utah were included. Individual charts were reviewed for infant characteristics for cases from 1998 through 2002. Utah Vital Statistics Reports were used to determine live birth rates and general infant and maternal characteristics. Results Gastroschisis prevalence increased from 0.36 to 3.92 cases per 10,000 live births over 31 years ( P P = .03). Conclusions Gastroschisis prevalence has increased 10-fold over the past 3 decades in Utah.
Scene recognition with audio-visual sensor fusion

Several surveillance applications are characterized by the ability to gather information about the scene from more than one sensor modality, and heterogeneous sensor data must then be fused by the decision-maker. In this paper, we discuss the issues relevant to developing a model for fusion of information from audio and visual sensors, and present a framework to enhance decision-making capabilities. In particular, our methodology focuses on the issues of temporal reasoning, uncertainty representations, and coupling between features inferred from data streams coming from different sensors. We propose a conditional probability-based representation for uncertainty, along with fuzzy rules to assist decision-making, and a matrix representation of the coupling between sensor data streams. We also develop a fusion algorithm that utilizes these representations.
Aging and the segmentation of narrative film

The perception of event structure in continuous activity is important for everyday comprehension. Although the segmentation of experience into events is a normal concomitant of perceptual processing, previous research has shown age differences in the ability to perceive structure in naturalistic activity, such as a movie of someone washing a car. However, past research has also shown that older adults have a preserved ability to comprehend events in narrative text, which suggests that narrative may improve the event processing of older adults. This study tested whether there are age differences in event segmentation at the intersection of continuous activity and narrative: narrative film. Younger and older adults watched and segmented a narrative film, The Red Balloon, into coarse and fine events. Changes in situational features, such as changes in characters, goals, and objects predicted segmentation. Analyses revealed little age-difference in segmentation behavior. This suggests the possibility that narrative structure supports event understanding for older adults.
Treatment with carbamazepine may enhance α2-noradrenergic autoreceptor sensitivity

Abstract Chronic, not acute treatment with carbamazepine enhanced the hypothermic response to a dose of clonidine thought to exert its predominant effect on the presynaptic α2-autoreceptor. This response was markedly elevated both during the course of and 10 days after the discontinuation of treatment with carbamazepine. Sensitivity to clonidine returned to baseline 10 to 21 days after the discontinuation of treatment. Carbamazepine is the first treatment for the disorders of mood that has been demonstrated to enhance a physiological response to clonidine. The authors discuss the theoretical relationship between increased sensitivity of the presynaptic α2-autoreceptor and the usefulness of carbamazepine in the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Bridging the gap between employees and customers

Abstract Employing modern definitions of the marketing concept, we develop a unified model to measure the market orientation construct. We then employ a chain-link model linking employee satisfaction and motivation to customer behaviour and firm profitability, demonstrating that market orientation mediates the employee–customer relationship. Hence, while past research has studied market orientation, per se, we demonstrate why it is important – it serves as the bridge to link employees and customers.
Reliability of calcein acetoxy methyl ester and ethidium homodimer or propidium iodide for viability assessment of microbes

Summary An esterase indicator, calcein acetoxy methyl ester, was used in combination with ethidium homodimer or propidium iodide to evaluate its applicability for viability assays of eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms. These fluorescent probes were previously proven useful in determining the viability of mammalian cells in culture but were not evaluated for their "reliability in testing various microorganisms. The fluorescence intensity, lack of bleaching and insensitivity to differences in pH that are characteristic of calcein acetoxy methyl ester enable routine color photomicrographic documentation at magnifications high enough to observe cell morphology for proper identification of the microorganisms. There was good correlation of staining and viability when the method was applied to protozoans. In contrast, the method was not reliable for assessment of the yeast and bacterial cells tested.
Polymer subtrates for dry-coupled ultrasonic transducers

Dry-coupled inspection techniques are very important for applications on components with non-uniform surfaces and for inspections of advanced materials or coatings that are porous or otherwise sensitive to the application of water, gel, or some other ultrasonic couplants. To overcome the problems associated with the liquid coupling medium, a number of polymer films have been developed to transmit the ultrasound through a dry interface. These materials are very flexible so even low pressure loading is sufficient to adapt the films to the irregular inspection surfaces. Several polymer films have been evaluated to develop dry-coupled substrates for transducer modules. The modules will be utilized to detect and characterize fatigue cracks and corrosion spots in the aircraft structures. Ultrasonic properties of the polymer films were measured and compared with the properties of plastic or rubber-like materials commonly used for ultrasonic applications. Experiments have been carried out to analyze propagation of longitudinal and shear waves in the films. Two different types of the ultrasonic modules with the flexible polymer substrates are being developed. The influence of the surface condition on the module performance was evaluated for both types of the modules.
Formic-acid-induced depolymerization of oxidized lignin to aromatics

Lignin is a heterogeneous aromatic biopolymer that accounts for nearly 30% of the organic carbon on Earth and is one of the few renewable sources of aromatic chemicals. As the most recalcitrant of the three components of lignocellulosic biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin), lignin has been treated as a waste product in the pulp and paper industry, where it is burned to supply energy and recover pulping chemicals in the operation of paper mills. Extraction of higher value from lignin is increasingly recognized as being crucial to the economic viability of integrated biorefineries. Depolymerization is an important starting point for many lignin valorization strategies, because it could generate valuable aromatic chemicals and/or provide a source of low-molecular-mass feedstocks suitable for downstream processing. Commercial precedents show that certain types of lignin (lignosulphonates) may be converted into vanillin and other marketable products, but new technologies are needed to enhance the lignin value chain. The complex, irregular structure of lignin complicates chemical conversion efforts, and known depolymerization methods typically afford ill-defined products in low yields (that is, less than 10-20wt%). Here we describe a method for the depolymerization of oxidized lignin under mild conditions in aqueous formic acid that results in more than 60wt% yield of low-molecular-mass aromatics. We present the discovery of this facile C-O cleavage method, its application to aspen lignin depolymerization, and mechanistic insights into the reaction. The broader implications of these results for lignin conversion and biomass refining are also considered.
Ion Precursors, chemi-on formation and electron densities in shock-induced methane combustion

The reflected shock region of a conventional shock tube was used to study chemi-ion formation and related processes during homogeneous methane combustion in the temperature range of 1600°K to 2300°K at reactant pressures of one atmosphere. Absolute concentrations and induction times of positive ions and electrons were measured in addition to time-resolved profiles of ions and ion-precursors. Langmuir probe measurements revealed that positive-ion concentrations in this uniform system were considerably higher than observed in burner flames. Microwave measurements of electron concentrations indicated an excess of positive ions over electrons in the shock tube. Part of the observed electron deficiency is attributed to diffusion of the mobile electrons out of the observation region although negative ions may also play a significant, but as yet not well-defined role. The temperature dependencies of the experimentally determined positive ion and electron induction times were nearly identical. Time-resolved spectrographic measurements of CH, CH * , OH, and OH * taken simultaneously with the probe ion-current indicated that CH and not CH * is the probable ion precursor. In a numerical analysis of the kinetics, generally accepted ionization steps were combined with independently established methane reaction mechanisms and a parametric analysis of the ion precursor reactions was made. The combined reaction scheme matches the experimental data of species profiles and concentrations.
Analyzing the Gyrotonic® arch and curl

Summary This article examines a foundational movement in the Gyrotonic Expansion System ® known as arch and curl. The Gyrotonic Expansion System, created by Juliu Horvath beginning in the 1980s, is a relatively new approach to movement based on three-dimensional spiraling and circular patterns, with applications in exercise, therapy and rehabilitation. Beginning with an overview of the Gyrotonic Expansion System, this article will explore the basic principles of Gyrotonic movement, and define key concepts, before looking at the specific biomechanics of arch and curl. We highlight common problems clients encounter with arch and curl, and consider applications to movement and bodywork.
The impact on relative risk estimates of inconsistencies between ICD-9 and ICD-10

Background: The 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) represents a major change in the ICD system. This paper investigates the impact on relative risk estimates of inconsistencies in outcome classification between ICD-9 and ICD-10, including scenarios in which occupational exposure levels are correlated with year of death (and therefore with the ICD revision in effect at death). The setting of interest is a cohort mortality study in which follow up spans the periods during which ICD-9 and ICD-10 were in effect. The relative risk estimate obtained when death certificates are coded to the ICD revision in effect at time of death is compared to the relative risk estimate that would be obtained if all death certificates were coded to a consistent ICD revision (that is, ICD-10). The ratio of these relative risks is referred to as the coefficient of bias. Methods: Simple equations relate the coefficient of bias to the sensitivity and specificity of the classification of decedents into categories of cause of death via ICD-9 (treating classifications based upon ICD-10 as the standard). Bridge coded mortality data for 2 296 922 decedents (that is, death certificates coded to ICD-9 and ICD-10) are used to derive estimates of sensitivity and specificity by category of cause of death. Numerical examples illustrate the application of these equations. Results: Estimates of the sensitivity of classification of decedents into categories of death defined by ICD-9 ranged from 0.26–1.00. Specificity was above 0.98 for all categories of cause of death. Numerical examples illustrate that inconsistencies in outcome classification between ICD-9 and ICD-10 may have substantial impact on relative risk estimates if there is a strong relation between exposure status and the proportion of deaths coded to a given ICD revision. Conclusions: For analyses of mortality outcomes that exhibit poor comparability between ICD-9 and -10, it may be prudent to recode cause of death information to a standard ICD revision in order to avoid bias that can occur when exposures are correlated with the proportion of deaths coded to a given ICD revision.
Thermoelectric property of PbTe coating on copper and nickel

Abstract In this work, experimental studies on deposition of thermoelectric metallic alloy material, Pb–Te on copper and nanoporous nickel were carried out. Electrification in the interface of the thermoelectric material/electrolyte was studied. The fundamental mechanisms that govern interface electrification in nanoporous materials were also investigated. Based on the preliminary results, it is found that nanoporous nickel can be prepared using electrochemical dealloying method. The concentration of nitric acid can change the electrochemical reaction mechanism of the dealloying process. The higher the nitric concentration is, the higher the passivity of nickel, and the easier copper to be removed from the Ni45Cu55 alloy. Potential at the electrode can also play an important role in the dealloying process. The dealloying process can be accelerated by increasing the set point of the anodic potential scan. PbTe can be deposited on copper and nanoporous nickel through electroplating. The PbTe coating is more uniform on copper than on nanoporous nickel. The thermopower of PbTe is much stronger than either the pure copper or the nickel–copper alloy. PbTe on nanoporous nickel shows higher Seebeck coefficient than on the pure copper. It is about 50% higher on nanoporous support. The possible explanation is that the electron confinement effect of nanoporous materials causes higher thermoelectric potential.
A comparison of fire‐resistant hydraulic fluids for hazardous industrial environments. Part I. Fire resistance and lubrication properties

Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids have been developed since the Second World War. In addition to phosphate esters, there are various other fluids (e.g. oil-in-water emulsions, water glycols) available. This paper provides a technical comparison of the different fluid types, in terms of fire resistance, lubricating properties, and viscosity. The second part of the study examines the corrosion properties, thermal and oxidative stability, shear stability, materials compatibility, and other physical properties.
Data analysis of sales of natural gas to households in the United States

Regression diagnostics and a time series analysis of residuals are used to help define regression equations and to identify, the weaknesses of these equations for explaining monthly deliveries of natural gas to residential customers in the United States for the time period April 1979 through March 1983. More than 99% of the monthly variation in deliveries is explained by a linear regression equation which includes heating degree days, cooling degree days, and the price of natural gas as independent variables. Final estimated relationships yield useful monthly and annual estimates of natural gas deliveries to residential customers in the United States for the time period April 1983 through March 1984. Most importantly, the estimated results when used in conjunction with the diagnostics and the time series analysis of the residuals indicate the possible strengths, weaknesses, and applicability of the estimated relationships.
Bronchoscopic blood patch for treatment of persistent alveolar-pleural fistula.

Airway pleural fistulas remain a significant treatment challenge despite improved antimicrobial therapy and surgical techniques. We present a case of a 56-year-old female who was admitted with severe bilateral cavitary pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation. The patient suffered bilateral pneumo
Differences in L-[3H]glutamate accumulation and endogenous L-glutamate content in synaptic vesicles from mice selectively bred for differences in ethanol sensitivity.

: The ATP-stimulated accumulation of L-[3H]glutamate by whole brain synaptic vesicle preparations from long-sleep and short-sleep mice, lines selectively bred for difference in sleep time response to acute ethanol administration, was examined. L-[3H]Glutamate accumulation in vesicles from short-sleep mice was approximately twice that observed in vesicles from longsleep mice at three glutamate loading concentrations. The vesicular content of endogenous L-glutamate in crude and enriched vesicle preparations from short-sleep mice was approximately 1.5-fold higher than in vesicles from long-sleep mice. The data suggest that L-glutamate associated with synaptic vesicles may serve a role in glutamate neurosecretion.
Coronary microvascular reactivity is only partially predicted by atherosclerosis risk factors or coronary artery disease in women evaluated for suspected ischemia: results from the NHLBI Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE)

Background Altered coronary reactivity is frequent in women with findings of myocardial ischemia without significant obstructive disease. This suggests a defect in coronary microvascular function. The adenosine-related component of this altered reactivity has been described in male and mixed gender populations, while the factors influencing this component of coronary reactivity in symptomatic women have received limited attention. Accordingly, the relationship between adenosine-related microvascular coronary reactivity and risk factors in symptomatic women evaluated for suspected ischemia remains uncertain. Hypothesis Abnormal coronary microvascular reactivity to adenosine is predicted by atherosclerosis risk factors in women. Methods As part of the NHLBI-sponsored Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE), we investigated the relationship between risk factors and coronary microvascular reactivity as flow velocity reserve to intracoronary adenosine (CFVRAdo) in 210 women referred for angiography to evaluate suspected ischemia. Results Univariate analyses identified associations between CFVRAdo and multiple risk conditions; however, after adjusting for age, none remained significant. The best multivariable model using combinations of risk conditions to predict CFVRAdo yielded an R2 of only 0.18. Conclusions Among women with suspected ischemia, risk factors account for <20% of observed variability in CFVRAdo. Therefore, other as yet unidentified factors must primarily account for coronary microvascular reactivity to adenosine. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Factors Interacting with HIF-1α mRNA: Novel Therapeutic Targets

The heterodimeric transcription factor HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor-1) induces angiogenesis, a process that is aberrantly elevated in cancer. The HIF-1β subunit is constitutively expressed, but the levels of the HIF-1α subunit are robustly regulated, increasing under hypoxic conditions and decreasing in normoxia. These changes result from rapid alterations in the rates of HIF-1α production and degradation. While the regulation of HIF-1α degradation is understood in significant detail, much less is known about the regulation of HIF-1α biosynthesis. Here, we review recent evidence that HIF-1α production is effectively controlled by post-transcriptional mechanisms. We focus on the RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and the non-coding RNAs that interact with the HIF-1α mRNA and influence its half-life and translation rate. HIF-1α mRNA-binding factors are emerging as promising pharmacological targets to control HIF-1α production selectively and efficiently.
Remission rate after transsphenoidal surgery in patients with pathologically confirmed Cushing's disease, the role of cortisol, ACTH assessment and immediate reoperation: a large single center experience.

Postoperative serum cortisol is used as an indicator of Cushing’s disease (CD) remission following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) and guides (controversially) the need for immediate adjuvant treatment for CD. We investigated postoperative cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels as predictors of remission/recurrence in CD in a large retrospective cohort of patients with pathologically confirmed CD, over 6 years at a single institution. Midnight and morning cortisol, and ACTH at 24–48 h postoperatively (>24 h after last hydrocortisone dose) were measured. Remission was defined as normal 24-h urine free cortisol, normal midnight salivary cortisol, a normal dexamethasone-corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) test or continued need for hydrocortisone, assessed periodically. Statistical analysis was performed using PASW 18. Follow up data was available for 52 patients (38 females and 14 males), median follow up was 16.5 month (range 2–143 months), median age was 45 years (range 21–72 years), 28 tumors were microadenomas and 16 were macroadenomas, and in eight cases no tumor was observed on magnetic resonance imaging. No patient with postoperative cortisol levels >10 mcg/dl were found to be in remission. Ten of the 52 patients with cortisol >10 mcg/dl by postoperative day 1–2 underwent a second TSS within 7 days. Forty-three patients (82.7 %) achieved CD remission (36 after one TSS and 7 after a second early TSS) and six patients suffered disease recurrence (mean 39.2 ± 52.4 months). An immediate second TSS induced additional hormonal deficiencies (diabetes insipidus) in three patients with no surgical complications. Persistent disease was noted in nine patients despite three patients having an immediate second TSS. Positive predictive value for remission of cortisol 10 mcg/dl were observed to have delayed remission; all required additional treatment. There was no significant difference in age, body mass index, tumor size and length of follow-up between postoperative cortisol groups: cortisol ≤2 mcg/dl, cortisol >5 mcg/dl and cortisol >10 mcg/dl. Immediate postoperative cortisol levels should routinely be obtained in CD patients post TSS, until better tools to identify early remission are available. Immediate repeat TSS could be beneficial in patients with cortisol >10 mcg/dl and positive CD pathology: our combined (micro- and macroadenomas) remission rate with this approach was 82.7 %. ACTH measurements correlate well with cortisol. However, because no single cortisol or ACTH cutoff value excludes all recurrences, patients require long-term clinical and biochemical follow-up. Further research is needed in this area.
Localized and itinerant electrons in oxides

Recent work concerning the electrical properties of ReO3, PrOx(1.5 ≤ x ≤ 2.0), TiO2, SrTiO3, perovskites, CrO2, NiO, LixZn1-xV2O4, V2O3 and Ti2O3 has been selectively reviewed in attempts to elucidate the conduction properties of the charge carriers. A number of controversial issues are pointed out: Frequently it is not known whether mobilities are are activated or not,nor whether a given material should be classified as a polaronic or mixed-carrier material; neither is there agreement on the nature of electrical transitions. Discrepancies in electrical properties can genarally be traced to insuffcient control over preparation and characterization of samples.
Association between level of emotional intelligence and severity of anxiety in generalized social phobia.

Abstract Generalized social phobia (GSP) is characterized by a marked fear of most social situations. It is associated with an anomalous neural response to emotional stimuli, and individuals with the disorder frequently show interpretation bias in social situations. From this it might be suggested that GSP involves difficulty in accurately perceiving, using, understanding and managing emotions. Here we applied the Mayer–Salovey–Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) to medication-free GSP ( n = 28) and no pathology ( n = 21) individuals. Patients with GSP performed within the normal range on the measure however severity of social anxiety significantly correlated with emotional intelligence (EI). Specifically, there was a negative correlation between social anxiety severity and Experiential (basic-level emotional processing) EI. In contrast, there was no significant correlation between social anxiety severity and Strategic (higher-level conscious emotional processing) EI. These results suggest that EI may index emotional processing systems that mitigate the impact of systems causally implicated in GSP.
The sources of dissolved manganese to Calico Creek, North Carolina

Abstract A small tidal creek in North Carolina has, during the spring and summer months, dissolved Mn concentrations in excess of concentrations predicted by simple mixing with the nearby Newport River. The majority—approximately 80%—of the Mn excess is derived from pore waters upon resuspension of the sediments by storms, and perhaps by tidal scouring and bioturbation. Sewage effluent is the only source other than the sediments that releases a significant amount (15%) of the Mn excess to the creek. Molecular diffusion of Mn across the sediment-water interface is not an important process. Rainfall, runoff from the watershed, atmospheric fallout, and the biota are all unimportant sources.
Collaborative emergency management and national emergency management network

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze scholarly discussions and findings regarding collaborative emergency management (CEM). Several aspects such as leadership, decision making, intergovernmental and interorganizational relations, technology applications in CEM have been investigated.Design/methodology/approach – Literature review was conducted using three popular search data bases, Academic Search Premier, Academic OneFile, and Info Track OneFile using the following keywords: CEM, collaborative and emergency and management, collaborative networks, emergency networks, emergency network, interorganizational networks, Interorganizational and networks, intergovernmental and networks, and National Emergency Management Network (NEMN).Findings – The paper emphasizes that high expectations of public and stakeholders in emergency and disaster management require effective use of resources by collaborative networks.Practical implications – Emergency and disaster managers should be able to adopt their or...
RNA Editing Induces Variation in Desensitization and Trafficking of 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2c Receptor Isoforms

The 5-hydroxytryptamine2c receptor (5-HT2cR) is subjected to RNA editing, in the second intracellular loop, generating 14 different isoforms in human brain. This post-transcriptional event markedly alters the signaling properties of the receptor by reducing its ability to couple to G-proteins. Although the non-edited form of the receptor is essentially fully constitutively active, edited forms show lesser degrees of constitutive activity. We have used two extensively edited receptor isoforms, VGV and VSV, and the non-edited INI isoform to investigate how variations in constitutive receptor activity affect the trafficking and the interaction of these isoforms with components of the desensitization machinery in HEK 293 cells. We found that cell surface expression of the 5-HT2cR decreased in parallel with increased constitutive activity of the isoforms. The subcellular distribution of the various isoforms was dependent of their ability to interact with βarrestin2, which correlated with the constitutive activity level of each isoform. We observed that the agonist-independent interaction of βarrestin2 with constitutively active 5-HT2cR isoforms was reversed by inverse agonist treatments promoting receptor redistribution to the cell surface. Overexpression of a G-protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK2) was able to stabilize the interaction of βarrestin2 with constitutively active 5-HT2cR isoforms even in the presence of inverse agonists. Taken together, our observations indicate that the constitutively active 5-HT2cR isoforms are spontaneously internalized in an agonist-independent manner. This endocytosis process is mediated by a GRK/βarrestin-dependent mechanism and is directly correlated with the constitutive activity status of the RNA edited receptor variants. Thus the ultimate physiological output of constitutively active receptors may be determined not only by their agonist-independent activity but also by their interactions with GRKs and βarrestin.
Numerical data acquisition, dissemination and retrieval systems

Abstract Scientific data acquisition, dissemination and retrieval methods are continuing to develop. As both information specialists and working scientists realize the need for, and value of, good scientific data, there is more activity in this area. Some problems in this field are described. The creation of a knowledge base for spectroscopy is proposed as a means of helping to solve the problem of chemical structure elucidation.
A theory of competitive industry dynamics with innovation and imitation

Abstract Empirical evidence on industry life-cycle reveals a pattern in which innovation rates remain fairly stable or are perhaps even higher at early stages, while patenting increases sharply as the industry matures. This increase in patenting in later stages is accompanied by net exit and lower rates of output growth and price decline. In this paper, we develop a dynamic model of a competitive industry with innovation and imitation that is consistent with these stylized facts. We derive an equilibrium growth path, along which leading firms invest in increasing the stock of technological knowledge and choose not to prevent imitation by other firms as long as the industry remains relatively small. As the industry expands including new entry, the leaders' optimal amount of investment gradually declines. We show that under some rather general conditions, there would exist a scale of the industry where innovating firms would choose to start preventing free imitation, bringing further expansion of the industry through new entry to a halt and causing net exit.