cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaccination to Prevent Herpes Zoster in Older Adults

Abstract Herpes zoster causes substantial morbidity, especially among older adults. Although the acute cutaneous manifestations can be painful and troublesome, the most important consequence of herpes zoster (shingles) is the chronic pain syndrome known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Previous studies have suggested that declining varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses account for the increased frequency of herpes zoster seen in older adults. This led to the idea that immunization designed to boost VZV-specific CMI responses might reduce the risk of herpes zoster. This hypothesis was tested in a large, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial called the Shingles Prevention Study (SPS). Compared with the placebo group, herpes zoster vaccine recipients had a 61.1% reduction in zoster “burden of illness” (an index incorporating incidence and severity of herpes zoster); a 66.5% reduction in the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia; and a 51.3% reduction in the incidence of herpes zoster. The incidence of serious adverse events was not different between the overall vaccine and placebo populations. The most frequently encountered adverse event among vaccine recipients was local reactogenicity, with self-limited and generally mild tenderness, warmth, or erythema occurring at the injection site in about one-half of vaccine recipients. The zoster vaccine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006 and is indicated for prevention of herpes zoster in immunocompetent persons aged 60 years and older. Perspective The herpes zoster vaccine provides physicians with an effective means for reducing a patient’s risk for developing shingles and its attendant complications. No significant safety concerns regarding the vaccine have been identified. Indications for use of the attenuated-virus vaccine in special subpopulations continue to evolve.
CHILD CUSTODY EVALUATION PRACTICES: A 20-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

This study surveyed 213 experienced child custody evaluators utilizing the same questionnaire in the Ackerman & Ackerman 1997 and Keilin & Bloom 1986 studies. Demographic information, evaluation practices, custody decision-making, and recommendations were surveyed. Comparisons were made across all three studies to identify the similarities and differences in child custody evaluation practices over the past 20 years. This study added questions about risk management and ethical issues, and current practices in placement/access schedules. The reader is advised that not engaging in the practices performed by a majority of psychologists could result in a difficult testimony experience.
Towards Situated Collaboration

We outline a set of key challenges for dialog management in physically situated interactive systems, and propose a core shift in perspective that places spoken dialog in the context of the larger collaborative challenge of managing parallel, coordinated actions in the open world.
Automated sensing, interpretation and conversion of facial and mental expressions into text acronyms using brain-computer interface technology

There has always been a need for a more natural way of communicating with electronic devices than the common digital input methods such as buttons and touchscreens which are not only limited in the depth of communication but also limit the people who use them especially individuals with handicaps. In this paper we present a design methodology to input simple text acronyms into a message by using natural facial expressions and mind states; furthermore we discuss how this can be expanded into a new paradigm for digital communication. As a proof of concept we show that commercially-off-the-shelf (COTS) brain-computer interface (BCI) technology along with Emotiv Control Panel Software Suite can be used to convert facial expressions and mind states into actions by pairing it twelve of the most commonly used text acronyms. Emoitv EEG Neuroheadset was utilized to sense and capture user's EEG and EMG data, and Emotiv Control Panel Software was used to interpret the facial expressions and mind states and convert it into its corresponding text acronym.
Rejection of islets versus immediately vascularized pancreatic allografts: A quantitative comparison

It has been suggested that free grafts of islets are rejected more vigorously than immediately vascularized intact organs grafts. However, the physiological manifestations of rejection depend, in part, upon the functional reserve of the transplanted tissue. If the number of islets transplanted is just adequate to maintain normoglycemia, the immune destruction of only a few islets will be manifested by hyperglycemia. Thus, differences in rejection time could be an artifact of the islet mass transplanted. We compared the onset of rejection of immediately vascularized segmental pancreatic grafts and of free grafts of islets under conditions in which the β cell mass transplanted, as determined by tissue insulin content, was equivalent. Lewis rats, made diabetic (plasma glucose > 400 mg/dl) by streptozotocin, received either free islet allografts by portal embolization or vascularized segmental pancreatic allografts derived from Fischer donors. Identical pancreatic segments that were not transplanted had a mean (± SE) total tissue insulin content of 33 ± 3 μg. The mean total insulin content of Fischer islets prepared by collagenase digestion in a quantity identical to that used for transplantation to single recipients was 35 ± 7 μg. Similar measurements were made in Fischer to Fischer and Lewis to Lewis isograft control groups. Recipients of both segmental pancreas and free islet grafts became normoglycemic after transplantation and this state was sustained indefinitely in recipients of syngeneic grafts. In rats receiving allografts, the day of rejection, defined as an elevation of plasma glucose to >200 mg/dl, occurred at a mean of 12.1 ± 0.3 days for recipients of pancreatic grafts (n = 17) and 5.2 ± 0.3 days in recipients of islet grafts (n = 17) (P < 0.001). The functional survival of free grafts of allogeneic islets is less than that of islets contained within immediately vascularized pancreatic grafts, even when the transplanted β cell mass is equivalent. However, this difference could still be due to nonimmunologic, quantitative factors that influenced the rate with which hyperglycemia occurred after initiation of the rejection process. The insulin content in the livers of islet isograft recipients showed that only 53 to 71% of the transplanted islets survived. Further experiments that compensate for this factor are needed to determine whether or not there are differences in susceptibility to rejection of the two types of grafts. Nevertheless, on the basis of the number of donors used per recipient, islet allotransplantation is less efficient than pancreas allotransplantation.
Resistance to ROS1 Inhibition Mediated by EGFR Pathway Activation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

The targeting of oncogenic ‘driver’ kinases with small molecule inhibitors has proven to be a highly effective therapeutic strategy in selected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, acquired resistance to targeted therapies invariably arises and is a major limitation to patient care. ROS1 fusion proteins are a recently described class of oncogenic driver, and NSCLC patients that express these fusions generally respond well to ROS1-targeted therapy. In this study, we sought to determine mechanisms of acquired resistance to ROS1 inhibition. To accomplish this, we analyzed tumor samples from a patient who initially responded to the ROS1 inhibitor crizotinib but eventually developed acquired resistance. In addition, we generated a ROS1 inhibition-resistant derivative of the initially sensitive NSCLC cell line HCC78. Previously described mechanisms of acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors including target kinase-domain mutation, target copy number gain, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and conversion to small cell lung cancer histology were found to not underlie resistance in the patient sample or resistant cell line. However, we did observe a switch in the control of growth and survival signaling pathways from ROS1 to EGFR in the resistant cell line. As a result of this switch, ROS1 inhibition-resistant HCC78 cells became sensitive to EGFR inhibition, an effect that was enhanced by co-treatment with a ROS1 inhibitor. Our results suggest that co-inhibition of ROS1 and EGFR may be an effective strategy to combat resistance to targeted therapy in some ROS1 fusion-positive NSCLC patients.
Photoelectron imaging and (2+1) resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization spectroscopy study of 2-butanone photoionization dynamics

(2 + 1) Resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) spectra were recorded for 2-butanone to study its photoionization dynamics. Two-photon excitation (53 200-55 000 cm -1 and 57 000-59 500 cm -1 ) was used to prepare the molecule in the 3s and 3p Rydberg states, respectively. Vibrational transitions in the spectrum were assigned with the aid of ab initio calculations as well as photoelectron imaging results. Photoelectron imaging data in the 3s Rydberg region exhibits a vibrational progression in the CCOC deformation mode in the ionic state superimposed on an otherwise diagonal (delta v = 0) ionization. Photoelectron imaging data in the 3p Rydberg region shows 3p-3s Rydberg-Rydberg mixing. The ionization energy obtained directly from the 3p photoelectron imaging is 9.541 eV.
Histochemical Abnormalities of Skeletal Muscle in Acutely Psychotic Patients: Part II

MOST acutely psychotic patients of all types, as well as 25% of their immediate relatives, have increased serum activity of muscle-typetype creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and aldolase. 1-4 This is a most sensitive index of some types of muscle pathological abnormality, although the activities of these enzymes may be increased in many other disease and nondisease conditions. 5-7 The most likely nonmyopathic causes of increased activity of muscle enzymes in serum such as physical activity, effects of orally or intramuscularly administered medication, muscle trauma, and myocardial infarction do not appear to be responsible for the increased enzyme levels in acutely psychotic Patients. 1,2,8-10 No increases in serum CPK levels have been found in a large majority of chronically psychotic patients and severely disturbed nonpsychotic hospitalized Psychiatric patients who have been studied. 1-4 The etiology of the increased serum enzyme activity in acutely psychotic patients and some of their relatives is
A kinetic model for microbial decontamination of water based on a modified Fenton reaction

In a water treatment process, microbial decontamination prevents the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms in natural water bodies. There are numerous processes used for microbial decontamination which are, however, technologically intensive. The need exists for simpler treatment processes that are cost effective and do not generate toxic by-products. We have recently proposed the use of a heterogeneous catalyst based treatment system for microbial decontamination of water. The system is based on the generation of hydroxyl radicals through reaction of resin-bound copper with hydrogen peroxide. This paper proposes and validates a mathematical model for the decontamination of Escherichia coli from wastewater. A reaction mechanism based on elementary steps is proposed and experimental data of E. coli concentration in the wastewater under different operating conditions were used. Rate parameters were estimated through nonlinear optimization techniques and the model was experimentally validated.
SPECTRAL LINE NARROWING IN ELECTROMAGNETICALLY INDUCED TRANSPARENCY

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) can make an otherwise opaque medium transparent by utilizing quantum coherence. EIT has attracted great interest since the 1990s for its wide applications in metrology, nonlinear and quantum optics, and quantum information science. We present a review on spectral line narrowing mechanisms in EIT-related systems, accounting for linewidths much narrower than expected from the standard mechanisms of Doppler broadening, transit time broadening, magnetic field inhomogeneity and power broadening. Topics covered include Dicke narrowing, atomic-motion-induced Ramsey narrowing, motional narrowing, density narrowing, laser induced narrowing and power-broadening-free resonance. Intuitive pictures are provided to describe the essential physics of each mechanism.
Obtaining vascular access: Is there a place for the sternal IO?☆

You are called to a small community hospital at 2 AM on a Sunday because a motor vehicle crash has occurred. Your patient has serious head, chest, and abdominal injuries. His Glasgow Coma Scale is 8. His oxygen saturation is 86%, systolic blood pressure 60 mm Hg. The four-bed rural ED is full of other patients from the same crash. The referral staff has not been able to obtain intravenous (IV) access. You look at the patient and know you are going to have the same problem. Sound familiar? Many of you have been there and done that. Air medical personnel routinely encounter patients who require emergent IV lines because of blood loss from internal or external sources, cardiac arrest, dehydration, hypotension, and other medical and traumatic emergencies. The standard of care for these patients includes placing an IV line to administer fluids or medications and replace lost volume. The literature has many reports 1-6 regarding on-scene and en route IV attempt success rates for medical and trauma patients both in and out of shock. The success rates vary from 80% to 95%, with hypotensive medical patients having the lowest success. In one study, Slovis et al. 7 showed a success rate of only 80% in medical hypotensive patients. When one considers the number of prehospital hypotensive patients, that’s a lot of missed IVs. A recent audit of 300 critically ill or injured patients in the east metropolitan area of St. Paul/Minneapolis revealed a 9% IV failure rate in ground ambulance services. In other words, despite one to six attempts, 27 patients did not have the benefit of an IV line for volume replacement or medication administration. The literature also shows a broad range of reported access
Child mania rating scale: development, reliability, and validity.

ABSTRACT Objective To develop a reliable and valid parent-report screening instrument for mania, based on DSM-IV symptoms. Method A 21-item Child Mania Rating Scale-Parent version (CMRS-P) was completed by parents of 150 children (42.3% female) ages 10.3 ± 2.9 years (healthy controls=50; bipolar disorder=50; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] = 50). The Washington University Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia was used to determine DSM-IV diagnosis. The Young Mania Rating Scale, Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Mania Rating Scale, Child Behavior Checklist, and Child Depression Inventory were completed to estimate the construct validity of the measure. Results Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the CMRS-P indicated that the scale was unidimensional. The internal consistency and retest reliability were both 0.96. Convergence of the CMRS-P with the Washington University Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia mania module, the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Mania Rating Scale, and the Young Mania Rating Scale was excellent (.78-.83). The scale did not correlate as strongly with the Conners parent-rated ADHD scale, the Child Behavior Checklist -Attention Problems and Aggressive Behavior subscales, or the child self-report Child Depression Inventory (.29-.51). Criterion validity was demonstrated in analysis of receiver operating characteristics curves, which showed excellent sensitivity and specificity in differentiating children with mania from either healthy controls or children with ADHD (areas under the curve of.91 to.96). Conclusion The CMRS-P is a promising parent-report scale that can be used in screening for pediatric mania.
The Elicitation of Vocal Responses From Preschool Children

This article discusses the construction of tasks used to elicit vocal responses from preschool children. Procedures to elicit valid and reliable responses are proposed, and a sample assessment prot...
Bayesian equivalence testing for binomial random variables

The equivalence testing problem is examined utilizing a Bayesian approach using Bayes factors. In this problem, it is desired to determine whether or not there exists evidence that two treatments exhibit little difference in their effectiveness. Barker et al. [Barker, L., Rolka, H., Rolka, D. and Brown, C., 2001, Equivalence testing for binomial random variables: which test to use? The American Statistician, 55, 279–287.] give a thorough discussion of the various classical two one-sided tests (TOSTs) that have been proposed for this problem along with two of their own. Bayesian alternatives to these tests are considered utilizing two different noninformative priors and an informative conjugate prior for the two population proportions. The noninformative Bayesian approaches appear to be attractive alternatives to these TOST procedures in certain situations with respect to power.
On the Efficiency of Universal Machines

The complexity of the universal programs is compared with the complexity of the programs being simulated. The results suggest that the efficiency of the universal machines depends heavily on the programs being simulated. All the results are machine-independent and they are derived based on the recursion theorem.
A representation theorem involving fractional derivatives for linear homogeneous chiral media

A dyadic differential operator that commutes with the curl dyadic can be used to obtain new solutions of the Faraday and the Ampere–Maxwell equations in linear, homogeneous chiral media. Conditional extension of this representation theorem to bianisotropic media is also possible. An admissible operator may involve fractional derivatives. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 28: 385–386, 2001.
Links between patterns of racial socialization and discrimination experiences and psychological adjustment: A cluster analysis

This study used a person-oriented analytic approach to identify meaningful patterns of barriers-focused racial socialization and perceived racial discrimination experiences in a sample of 295 late adolescents. Using cluster analysis, three distinct groups were identified: Low Barrier Socialization-Low Discrimination, High Barrier Socialization-Low Discrimination, and High Barrier Socialization-High Discrimination clusters. These groups were substantively unique in terms of the frequency of racial socialization messages about bias preparation and out-group mistrust its members received and their actual perceived discrimination experiences. Further, individuals in the High Barrier Socialization-High Discrimination cluster reported significantly higher depressive symptoms than those in the Low Barrier Socialization-Low Discrimination and High Barrier Socialization-Low Discrimination clusters. However, no differences in adjustment were observed between the Low Barrier Socialization-Low Discrimination and High Barrier Socialization-Low Discrimination clusters. Overall, the findings highlight important individual differences in how young people of color experience their race and how these differences have significant implications on psychological adjustment.
Modeling and Motor Performance: A Developmental Perspective

Abstract The present study was designed to examine the effects of age, modeling and verbal self-instruction on children's performance of a sequential motor task. Eighty-four children between the ages of 4–0 and 5–11 years and 84 children between the ages of 7–0 and 8–11 years were randomly assigned to one of six instructional conditions in a 2 × 3 × 2 (age × model type × verbal self-instruction) factorial design. Results revealed that older children performed better than younger children on motor, verbal-cognitive, and attentional measures. More importantly, an age by model type interaction revealed that model effectiveness depended on the age of the observer as well as the type of model observed. Specifically, 7- and 8-year-old children performed equally well after observing either a silent or verbal model, while the 4- and 5-year-olds performed best under a verbal model only. The absence of verbal self-instructional effects was attributed to task difficulty, information processing capabilities and metho...
Lecithin Biosynthetic Enzymes of Onion Stem and the Distribution of Phosphorylcholine-Cytidyl Transferase among Cell Fractions.

Enzymatic activities of the cytidine 5'-diphosphate choline pathway for lecithin biosynthesis were demonstrated in homogenates of onion stem (Allium cepa). Choline kinase activity was present in the postmicrosomal supernatant, with less than 3% sedimenting with the particulate fractions. Phosphorylcholine-cytidyl transferase was distributed among all fractions, and phosphorylcholine-glyceride transferase was predominantly found in the particulate fraction.The phosphorylcholine-cytidyl transferase activity of onion stem required a divalent ion (Mg(2+) or Mn(2+)) for activity, was inhibited by Ca(2+), and was specific for cytidine triphosphate, with optimal activity in the range pH 6 to 7. To evaluate the distribution among cell fractions, conditions of pH, cofactors, substrate, and assay were optimized for each fraction. One-third of the transferase activity sedimented with the mitochondria-proplastids fraction, and one-third was in the microsomal supernatant. The dictyosome fraction contained about 10% of the total activity but showed a greater specific activity than the other fractions. Similar results were obtained with homogenates from rat liver, in that purified Golgi apparatus fractions contained the highest phosphorylcholine-cytidyl transferase activity on a protein basis when compared with other cell fractions at pH 7.2.
Preliminary Study of a Self-Administered Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Comparison to a Wait List Control Group

Despite the accumulation of efficacy data for cognitive-behavioral treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), efforts to investigate methods for increasing access to psychological treatments are in their infancy. The current study examined the efficacy of self-administered treatment in comparison to a wait list control. Twenty-eight participants monitored gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and completed measures of quality of life (QOL) and psychological distress prior to randomized assignment to self-help treatment or wait list. Wait listed participants later received treatment. A 3 month post-treatment follow-up was included. Seven participants completed immediate treatment; nine the wait list. The self-help treatment significantly decreased composite GI symptom scores in comparison to the wait list, but did not lead to significant improvements in QOL or distress. In the entire treated sample, including wait list crossovers, analyses showed significant improvement in abdominal pain, average GI symptoms, and perceived health and well-being. Interpretation of these results should be considered in the context of several limitations, including small sample size, brief baseline symptom monitoring, and high drop out rate. Despite these limitations, this study is an important first step in empirically validating low-cost, self-administered treatments as a first line psychological intervention for IBS.
Damage Mechanics and Metal Fatigue: A Discriminating Perspective:

The effects of microstructure on the development and growth of small fatigue cracks in structural components play a strong role in dictating the class of mechanics approaches which are most viable in their treatment. The development of multiple small crack embryos associated with distributed cyclic plastic strain processes motivates a Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) description rather than a fracture mechanics treatment. The influence of material heterogeneity and the proximity to the free surface on the fatigue process in wrought alloys is significant and must be addressed in CDM. Sequential processes of early crack growth past heterogeneously distributed microstructural barriers, small crack coalescence and propagation of a dominant flow must be addressed through a consistent scheme which identifies damage driving forces as well as accessible propagation paths through the microstructure. Size effects in fatigue are related to the accessibility of low resistance microstructure paths to formation and pro...
Enhanced emittance compensation in a high-frequency RF photoinjector using RF radial focusing

Abstract Emittance compensation using the static axial magnetic field from a solenoid surrounding an RF photoinjector has been used to reduce the r.m.s. emittance of the electron beam by up to an order of magnitude, for photoinjectors ranging from 433 MHz to 3 GHz. The residual emittance after standard solenoidal compensation is typically a strong function of both solenoid position and focusing strength. It has been observed in both simulations and experiments that the residual emittance is larger than one would expect for higher-frequency photoinjectors, which use higher gradients. In this paper, we investigate why this happens, and show that enhanced compensation for higher-frequency photoinjectors can be achieved with the addition of radial RF focusing near the cathode. We numerically demonstrate that (1) lower residual emittances are possible if RF focusing is introduced, (2) the residual emittance is less sensitive to solenoid position, (3) the residual emittance is less sensitive to solenoid strength, and (4) the optimal solenoid position is further from the photoinjector cathode, leading to less stringent design requirements, especially at high frequencies.
Comparing criteria for attachment disorders: establishing reliability and validity in high-risk samples.

ABSTRACT Objective To determine whether published subtypes of attachment disorder can be reliably identified by trained clinicians reviewing data from high-risk populations and to investigate the relationship between disorder classification and standardized measures of attachment behavior. Method Twenty or more children aged 18 to 48 months and their primary caregivers were recruited from three sites: a treatment team for maltreated young children ( n = 20), a homeless shelter ( n = 25), and Head Start centers ( n = 24). All dyads completed a semistructured clinical assessment and laboratory and home-based attachment measures. Results All but one type of attachment disorder could be identified reliably by clinician raters (κ range=0.62–0.74, depending on subtype). Children from the maltreatment sample were significantly more likely to meet criteria for one or more attachment disorders than children from the other groups ( p p = .03); however, children classified as having disorganized attachment were not more likely to receive an attachment disorder diagnosis. Conclusions Attachment disorders can be reliably diagnosed in young children, though research on refining disorder criteria should precede intervention trials.
Characterization of MyD118, Gadd45, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) interacting domains. PCNA impedes MyD118 AND Gadd45-mediated negative growth control.

MyD118 and Gadd45 are related genes encoding for proteins that play important roles in negative growth control, including growth suppression and apoptosis. MyD118 and Gadd45 are related proteins that previously were shown to interact with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), implicated in DNA replication, DNA repair, and cell cycle progression. To establish the role of MyD118 and Gadd45 interactions with PCNA, in this work we sought to identify the interacting domains and analyze the significance of this interaction in negative growth control. Using complementaryin vivo and in vitro interaction assays the N-terminal (1–46) and middle (100–127) regions of PCNA were identified as harboring MyD118- and Gadd45 interacting domains, whereas PCNA interacting domains within MyD118 and Gadd45 were localized to the C termini of these proteins (amino acids 114–156 and 137–165, respectively). These findings provide first evidence that similar domains within MyD118 and Gadd45 mediate interactions with PCNA. Importantly, ectopic expression of MyD118 or Gadd45 N-terminal peptides, lacking the PCNA interacting domain, was found to suppress colony formation or induce apoptosis more efficiently than the full-length proteins. These findings suggest that interaction of MyD118 or Gadd45 with PCNA, in essence, serves to impede negative growth control.
Oxygen consumption rates of grunion (Leuresthes tenuis) embryos exposed to the petroleum hydrocarbon, benzo[a]pyrene

Abstract Bioconcentration of [ 14 C]benzo[ a ]pyrene and effects of unlabeled benzo[ a ]pyrene (BaP) accumulation on the routine oxygen consumption of embryonic grunion ( Leuresthes tenuis ) were studied. At Day 15, bioconcentration factors over dissolved BaP levels ranged from 249 to 466. Weight-specific respiration rates at Days 14–15 were significantly increased ( P ≦ 0.05) at a mean BaP body burden of 0.51 ppm wet wt. Oxygen consumption rates of embryos containing 0.70 to 12.80 ppm BaP were not significantly different from control rates. Because in a previous study embryos containing 0.51 ppm BaP exhibited hatching and developmental rates similar to those of controls, their metabolic response to low-level hydrocarbon exposure may be an example of hormesis, an overcompensating metabolic regulation to inhibitory challenges.
Discovery of X-ray bursts from several sources near the galactic centre.

Three X-ray burst sources have been discovered within approximately 0.5 deg of the Galactic center. All bursts from this region show a low-energy cutoff near 3 keV. The bursts from MXB 1743-29 show distinct double and triple peaks; the time interval between bursts from this source was about 1.46 day. The intervals between bursts from MXB 1742-29 and MXB 1743-28 were approximately 0.55 day and 10 min respectively. Steady emission from this collection of burst sources could account for most of the flux from the apparently extended X-ray source GCX (3U 1743-29).
A graphics-based programming-support system

A programming support system using extended Nassi-Shneiderman diagrams (NSD) is described. The aim of the work is to develop techniques for improving the quality and cost of specifying, documenting and producing computer programs. NSD's can be executed interpretively or compiled to produce running code. The system implementation has begun and charts can be drawn on a variety of display devices. The system is being developed using the Picture Building System developed earlier.
The 150‐Hour Requirement and the Number of CPA Exam Candidates, Pass Rates, and the Number Passing

This study examines the association of the 150‐hour education requirement with the number of CPA exam candidates, pass rates, and the number passing. Proponents of the 150‐hour requirement argue that additional education produces higher quality students who are better prepared for the CPA exam and accounting careers. Opponents argue it imposes opportunity costs on students and costly barriers to entry into public accounting. On average we find a large drop (36 percent) in the number of candidates in each state taking each exam, a small increase in pass rates for first‐time candidates only (3 percent), and a large drop (31.5 percent) in the number passing the CPA exam after the 150‐hour requirement. Our results may be useful to accounting educators evaluating the success of their 150‐hour programs, state boards considering revisions of their 150‐hour requirements, and public accounting firms setting strategies to achieve audit quality.
Use of Modeling to Enhance Children's Interrogative Strategies.

This study investigated the use of modeling procedures to teach constraint-seeking interrogative strategies to children 6 1/2–7 1/2 and 10 1/2 – 11 1/2 years old. The subjects were 114 randomly selected nonhandicapped elementary school children. The game of Twenty Questions was used to model and to test the subjects' question-asking behaviors. The results indicated that modeling procedures were effective in helping children in both age groups learn how to use constraint-seeking interrogative strategies, although better results were produced by cognitive than by exemplary modeling procedures. Regardless of the type of modeling that was provided, the older children learned this complex cognitive behavior more thoroughly than their younger counterparts.
A decision model for reducing active power losses during electric power dispatching

This paper focuses on the issue of power dispatching. In order to reduce fuel loss and fuel expenditure during power dispatching, a nonlinear mathematical model is proposed in this research. Slightly different versions of this model are used to calculate a steady-state regime, to minimize active power losses during the power despatch process, and to calculate some contingency regimes for emergency cases. An expert system that integrates the optimization methods and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques has been developed and implemented in a subsystem of the Romanian Power System.
Does Inequality Increase Productivity?: Evidence From U.S. Manufacturing Industries, 1979 to 1996

Wage inequality was investigated using the Current Population Survey combined with data on industrial productivity from the Center for Economic Studies of the U.S. Census Bureau. The research objective was to estimate the net effect of wage inequality on productivity in U.S. manufacturing industries from 1979 to 1996. Using fixed-effects panel models that control for unobserved differences in productivity across these industries, the results do not support the skill-biased technological-change argument, which assumes that increasing wage inequality has enhanced productivity in recent decades. In contrast, results from the regression analyses in this study clearly indicate that wage inequality has not had a positive net effect on productivity. Interpretation of these results suggests that organizational restructuring associated with the New Economy has increased labor market inequality but is less associated with increasing efficiency than is commonly assumed.
The Fly Whisk

Throughout history various hand-held objects have become identified with authority. Thus, while in state some pharaohs held a symbolic shepherd's crook and a grain flail, and today high clergymen still use a ceremonial shepherd's crook. The kings of Europe had their scepters, orbs, state swords, maces, and staves. Military officers have carried batons, swords, and swagger sticks.
Summation of imprecise numbers

Abstract An algorithm is presented for computer summation of imprecise numbers that may have quite disparate magnitudes and variances. Each number is represented by its expected value and variance. Exact numbers form a subset and are treated in a consistent manner. Cancellation effects are minimized.
Reverse remodeling and enhanced adrenergic reserve from passive external support in experimental dilated heart failure.

Abstract Objectives We sought to test the efficacy of a passive elastic containment device to reverse chronic chamber remodeling and adrenergic down-regulation in the failing heart, yet still maintaining preload reserve. Background Progressive cardiac remodeling due to heart failure is thought to exacerbate underlying myocardial dysfunction. In a pressure–volume analysis, we tested the impact of limiting progressive cardiac dilation by an externally applied passive containment device on both basal and adrenergic-stimulated function in failing canine hearts. Methods Ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy was induced by repeated intracoronary microembolizations in six dogs. The animals were studied before and three to six months after surgical implantation of a thin polyester mesh (cardiac support device [CSD]) that surrounded both cardiac ventricles. Pressure–volume relations were measured by a conductance micromanometer catheter. Results Long-term use of the CSD lowered end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes by −19 ± 4% and −22 ± 8%, respectively (both p Conclusions Reverse remodeling with reduced systolic wall stress and improved adrenergic signaling can be achieved by passive external support that does not generate diastolic constriction. This approach may prove useful in the treatment of chronic heart failure.
Electrochemically induced isomerization of 1,1,4,4-tetra-phenyl-1,2-butadiene to 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene: An indirect self-protonation mechanism

Abstract At a hanging mercury drop electrode in dimethylformamide containing tetra- n -butylammonium perchlorate, a cyclic voltammogram for 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,2-butadiene shows two irreversible waves on the first negative scan; we attribute the first wave to reduction of 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,2-butadiene, whereas the second wave is due to reduction of a product (1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1-butene). At a sufficiently slow scan rate (200 mV s −1 ), the current trace on the positive scan crosses that for the negative scan, and an oxidation wave appears at more positive potentials. If a second negative scan is initiated without any interruption, one sees a pair of new cathodic waves corresponding to stepwise reduction of 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene, along with the waves recorded on the first scan. At a scan rate of 1 V s −1 , no cyclic voltammetric evidence is observed for production of 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene. Analysis of the cyclic voltammetric data indicates that transformation of 1,1,4,4-tetra-phenyl-1,2-butadiene to 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,3-butadiene occurs via an indirect self-protonation mechanism; hydroxide ion derived from residual water in the system acts as a base toward unreduced starting material to initiate the isomerization, and the rate-determining step in the process is heterogeneous electron transfer to 1,1,4,4-tetraphenyl-1,2-butadiene.
Forward-focusing and shadowing effects in solids

We show that the phase difference between the direct and scattered waves in electron or positron diffraction determines whether forward-focusing or shadowing occurs in solids. Also, in order for defocusing to occur, the scattered wave must be considerably phase-shifted from the direct wave. The phase boundaries between forward-focusing and shadowing are determined for low-energy electron and positron diffraction.
A cross-national study of cultural values and contextual norms of mobile phone activity

The mobile phone is no longer just a medium of talk. Utilized more for text messaging than calling, mobile devices – with the ascendance of smart phones – are now used for a multiplicity of digital purposes in myriad social contexts. Limited research has been conducted cross-nationally on contextual norms that guide the social uses of mobiles and sociocultural factors that drive these norms. This exploratory study examines the impact of cultural values on mobile phone activity, defined as calling, text messaging or use of other smart phone functions when conversing face-to-face with others. It was found that vertical and horizontal individualism are strong predictors of mobile phone activity in Denmark and the USA. Horizontal individualists, represented by Danes, are significantly more likely than Americans, vertical individualists, to engage in mobile activity when conversing with authority figures and while at work. A cultural values explanation of mobile phone activity is offered along with the salienc...
Age-related changes in temporal gap detection

The purpose of this study was to clarify and extend the results of earlier studies of age-related effects on temporal resolution by precisely matching young and old subjects with normal hearing and measuring gap thresholds in a variety of listening conditions. Younger subjects were between 17 and 40 years of age, older subjects between 64 and 77 years. Signals were noisebursts which varied in upper-cutoff frequency, overall level, and sinusoidal-amplitude-modulation depth. Signals were presented in quiet, in a noise floor, and with a gated-high-frequency masker in a noise floor. Significant main effects were found for signal frequency, intensity, modulation, age, and background condition. Mean gap thresholds ranged between 2.1 and 10.1 ms and were larger for the older subjects in all 24 conditions. In some conditions, introduction of a noise floor increased the gap thresholds of the older subjects relative to those of the younger. Analyses of individual data support the conclusion that the mean differences between groups reflect shifts in the distributions of gap thresholds of the older subjects towards poorer temporal resolution.
Efficiency measurement of production operations under uncertainty

This paper focuses on the non-parametric efficiency measurement of production operations under uncertainties. The authors extend the existing data envelopment analysis method to deal with inputs and outputs subject to random disturbances. They propose a new approach to performance evaluation using certainty equivalence of utility functions, which can accommodate decision maker's risk attitude. They also formulate appropriate models to implement these approaches.
MEG Phase Follows Conscious Perception during Binocular Rivalry Induced by Visual Stream Segregation

We have investigated an unusual form of binocular rivalry between two images that are flickered one to each eye, but are never presented simultaneously to the observer. The images are presented in alternation, with a brief dark period between the images. When the flicker frequency was below 5 Hz, the subjects primarily experienced a unitary flicker that alternated between the two images. When the flicker frequency was above 5 Hz, the subjects primarily experienced two single-image flickers that rival. We investigated MEG responses at the flicker frequency of the rival stimuli. We found that at some recording locations responses are phase-locked to the flicker that is consciously being perceived. At each flicker rate that induced rivalry, phase shifts following the conscious percept were found consistently at MEG sensors over midline frontal lobe. Most of these sensors show higher magnitude responses when two rivaling flickers are perceived than when a unitary alternating color flicker is perceived. At sensors over occipital lobe, the sensor locations that phase-locked to the perceived flicker depended on the color, orientation, and frequency of flicker. Apparently, a large-scale network of cell assemblies in occipital and frontal cortex, responds preferentially to the perceived stimulus during rivalry, and is sensitive to the timing of the flicker driving the conscious percept.
Assessment of PDMS-Water Partition Coefficients: Implications for Passive Environmental Sampling of Hydrophobic Organic Compounds

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) has shown potential as an in situ passive-sampling technique in aquatic environments. The reliability of this method depends upon accurate determination of the partition coefficient between the fiber coating and water (Kf). For some hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs), Kf values spanning 4 orders of magnitude have been reported for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and water. However, 24% of the published data examined in this review did not pass the criterion for negligible depletion, resulting in questionable Kf values. The range in reported Kf is reduced to just over 2 orders of magnitude for some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) when these questionable values are removed. Other factors that could account for the range in reported Kf, such as fiber-coating thickness and fiber manufacturer, were evaluated and found to be insignificant. In addition to accurate measurement of Kf, an understanding of the impact of environmental variables, such as temperature and ionic strength...
p53 induces NF-κB activation by an IκB kinase-independent mechanism involving phosphorylation of p65 by ribosomal S6 kinase 1

Apoptosis induced by p53 has been proposed to involve activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB. Here we describe the novel molecular mechanism through which p53 and DNA-damaging agents activate NF-kappaB. NF-kappaB induction by p53 does not occur through classical activation of the IkappaB kinases and degradation of IkappaBalpha. Rather, p53 expression stimulates the serine/threonine kinase ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (RSK1), which in turn phosphorylates the p65 subunit of NF-kappaB. The lower affinity of RSK1-phosphorylated p65 for its negative regulator, IkappaBalpha, decreases IkappaBalpha-mediated nuclear export of shuttling forms of NF-kappaB, thereby promoting the binding and action of NF-kappaB on cognate kappaB enhancers. These findings highlight a rather unusual pathway of NF-kappaB activation, which is utilized by the p53 tumor suppressor.
Intentional and Incidental Visual Memory as a Function of Cognitive Level and Color of the Stimulus

Performance of two groups of youngsters, educable mentally retarded (CA 15-5; MA 11-4; IQ 74.3) and those of average ability (CA 10-5; MA 11-3; IQ 109.1) was compared for intentional and incidental visual memory as a function of cognitive level and color of the stimulus. Nonretarded subjects performed significantly better than the retarded ones of equal MA. Both groups performed better with a color than black-white card, and both groups did better on the tasks involving intentional rather than incidental memory.
Outcomes associated with a university outdoor adventures women’s canoe trip

Historically, outdoor activities have been viewed as a male domain. Yet, research indicates that women benefit from these activities, and they may provide a unique context for resisting gender roles. Little research, however, has examined the processes contributing to these benefits. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes associated with a women's wilderness canoe trip, as well as the processes that contributed to the outcomes. Eight women participated in a three-day, beginners' women-only canoe trip offered by a university outdoor program. Daily debriefings and field observations during the trip, as well as in-depth post-trip interviews, were conducted to capture the women's experiences. Results illuminated four major themes including autonomy through disengagement from traditional gender roles, relatedness through connection with other women, competence through overcoming challenges, and enjoyment. These results suggested an all-women, wilderness trip can enhance the self-determination of women through the satisfaction of their basic psychological needs.
Electrostatic tuning of ion conductance in potassium channels.

Members of the K+ channel family display remarkable conservation of sequence and structure of the ion selectivity filter, whereas the rates of K+ turnover vary widely within the family. Here we show that channel conductance is strongly influenced by charge at the channel's intracellular mouth. Introduction of a ring of negative charges at this position in KcsA, a bacterial K+ channel, augments the conductance in a pH-dependent manner. These results are explained by a simple electrostatic effect based on known channel structures, where the negative charges serve to alter the electrical potential at the inner mouth and, thus, to increase the local K+ concentration. In addition, removal of the conserved negative charges at equivalent positions in a high-conductance eukaryotic K+ channel leads to a decrease in conductance.