cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Examination of the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale Cross-Specialty Linkage Method

The Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) was developed by surveying panels of physicians from single specialties, then merging the specialty-specific results into a common work scale. The merging process involved two steps: 1) specification of links or equivalent services across specialties: and 2) use of links to align work values from each specialty onto a common scale. This study examines the sensitivity of physician relative values of work (RVWs) to changes in both the specification of links and in the method for aligning specialties. Using the same survey data employed in developing the RBRVS, we calculated new RVWs based on an alternative specification of links and an alternative method for aligning specialties. Total RVWs declined by almost 50% for anesthesiology, and increased by more than 20% for allergists, neurologists, and thoracic surgeons. Most of this change was attributable to our specification of links. We conclude that future use of the linkage procedure employed in developing the RBRVS is not warranted without further research. Instead, efforts to update and revise work values could be based on a common scale of work developed by cross-specialty panels, thus eliminating the need for a linkage procedure.
Institutional Resilience Amid Political Change: The Case of Biodiversity Conservation

There is a substantial literature documenting the spatial mismatch between the geographic location of biological resources and the spatial jurisdiction of the institutions responsible for their management. But little attention has been paid to the disjuncture in temporal scales between the long-term requirements of biodiversity conservation and the short time horizons governing public and private decisions affecting the survival of species and ecosystems. How can we create socially agreed-upon rules governing the long-term use and conservation of biodiversity when ongoing change is one of the defining characteristics of modern society? This article describes a new approach to biodiversity conservation—conservation systems—that addresses this question by providing design criteria that can be used to construct resilient social safety nets for biological diversity.
On flow-blocking particle structures in microtubes

Given their small size, microchannels are susceptible to being blocked by small amounts of solid matter. The lifetime of certain microfluidic devices depends on their ability to maintain flow without interruption, and certain microfluidic applications require devices that include the transport of either liquids that may contain impurities or liquids that intentionally contain particles. Under the conditions studied in the present experiments, flow-stopping blockages were observed for the flow of liquids with the surprisingly low volume concentrations of ϕ = 0.005–0.056 of polystyrene particles (dp of the order of tens of microns) through circular microtubes with diameters (D) of the order of 100 μm. The quantity of interest is the occurrence of a flow-stopping blockage in the flow of a suspension of hard spheres, over the range of \(\bar d_{\rm p}/D\) from 0.2 to 0.5 and ϕ < 0.06. The percentage of runs for which a blockage did or did not occur versus nominal dp/D is presented. Given that higher concentrations of particles have been used in many previous studies of suspension flows, the occurrence of blockages at these concentrations was initially unexpected. Based upon the data and the parameters varied in the current study, the blockages are more likely to occur when the nominal particle-to-tube diameter ratios are approximately 0.3–0.4.
The University of Michigan cyclotron facility for research in nuclear structure

Abstract A number of improvements have been made in The University of Michigan 83″ sector focused cyclotron since its original construction. The reasons for the changes and the resulting improvement in the production of stable high-quality beams for nuclear research are described. A brief description of the total facility for research in nuclear structure is given.
The unsteady propagation of premixed flames through nonhomogeneous mixtures and thermal gradients

Abstract Recent advances in the mathematical study of unsteady laminar premixed flames have required the imposition of nearly constant flame temperature. This condition disallows investigations into such fundamentally important problems as flame propagation into thermal gradients and regions of varying equivalence ratio. Here a rational method of analysis is presented to derive asymptotic solutions for one-dimensional unsteady propagation of deflagration waves with O(1) flame temperature variations. The propagations of premixed flames down thermal and concentration gradients are studied as example problems.
Multiple Forms of Prejudice: How Gender and Disability Stereotypes Influence Judgments of Disabled Women and Men

The present study examined how gender and disability stereotypes interact to influence social judgments. We predicted that people would judge a woman with physical disability more negatively than a woman with intellectual disability, but that there would be a less pronounced difference for judgments of men with physical and intellectual disability. Participants (N = 173) read short descriptions of a male or female character who was physically or intellectually disabled. They evaluated the character’s warmth and competence and reported how much social distance they wanted from the character. Contrary to our expectations, participants reported significantly less desire for social distance from physically disabled women than intellectually disabled women. As predicted, evaluations of men were not affected by the type of disability the target character possessed.
Understanding electronegativity effects in core-level electron spectroscopies; application to the high temperature superconductors

Abstract The nature of the core level reflected in x-ray photoelectron Spectroscopy, Auger electron Spectroscopy, and x-ray absorption near edge structure is considered. An understanding of the effects of anion and cation electronegativity on spectra for the transition metal halides is obtained. This knowledge is applied to understand similar spectra for the high temperature superconductors.
Records of ticks from Jamaica with the description of Ixodes (ixodes) copei n.sp. from the mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos (Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract A new species of tick, Ixodes copei is described from Jamaica. Hosts were the Mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos and White-eyed Thrush, Turdus jamaicensis. Records also are given for Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius), Anocentor nitens (Neumann), Boophilus microplus (Canestrini), and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille).
Disrupted action monitoring in recent-onset psychosis patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Schizophrenia patients experience cognitive control disturbances, manifest in altered neural signatures during action monitoring. It remains unclear whether error- and conflict-monitoring disturbances co-occur, and whether they are observed in recent-onset psychosis patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. We tested electrophysiological measures of action monitoring in these patients. Seventy-three schizophrenia patients (SZ), 26 bipolar disorder type I patients (BP), each within one year of psychosis onset, and 54 healthy control subjects (HC) underwent EEG during Stroop task performance. In the trial-averaged EEG at three midline scalp electrodes, the error-related negativity (ERN), error positivity (Pe) and conflict-related N450 were measured. Compared to HC (1) SZ exhibited an attenuated ERN and N450, and Pe unchanged and (2) BP exhibited an attenuated ERN but normal Pe and N450. Between patient groups, SZ showed an attenuated N450; ERN and Pe were not significantly different. A small (n=10) SZ subgroup that was not receiving antipsychotic medication showed normal ERPs. Altered error- and conflict-monitoring occur together in the first-episode schizophrenia patients, and these measures are comparable in patients with the first-episode bipolar disorder. Antipsychotic medication may be associated with altered measures of error-monitoring in schizophrenia.
GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN CHILDREN

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common esophageal disorder and the most frequently referred condition to a pediatric gastroenterologist. The prevalence of an abnormal quantity of gastroesophageal reflux documented by distal esophageal pH monitoring in a population of unselected infants is estimated to be 8%. 78 There are fundamental differences in the pathophysiology, clinical presentations, diagnostic evaluation, and therapy for GERD in children and adults. An understanding of the fundamental differences between the two groups has improved the efficiency of diagnosis and choice of treatment for pediatric GERD over the past decade. In this article, infants (
Common Traits of Successful U.S. Charter Schools

Contrary to popular thinking, there is no constitutional right to an education in the United States. Our forefathers may have discussed whether or not such a mandate should be included in the Const...
Fluorescence from polystyrene: Photochemical processes in polymeric systems, 7

Results are presented for measurements of the fluorescence spectra of polystyrene in dilute solution and in pure solid films. It is determined that a major potential source of experimental error is the concurrent photooxidative degradation in air which may obscure fluorescence emission from monomeric sites in solid films at 25 C. The fluorescence spectra of oriented films are evaluated in terms of the monomer to excimer fluorescence intensity ratio and the excimer 'red shift'. The monomer to excimer fluorescence intensity ratio is determined to be significantly higher in fluid solution than in solid film.
Strain mapping technique for performance improvement of strained MOSFETs with scanning transmission electron microscopy

A new approach of strain mapping is proposed with scanning transmission electron microscopy and applied to strained MOSFETs for the first time. This technique is extended to quantitative measurement with sub-nano meter spatial resolution combining with nano-beam diffraction. As a result, two-dimensional strain mapping with sub-nano meter spatial resolution is obtained and actual strain at inversion layer was determined using experimental methods without simulation. This technique will become a powerful means of improving the performance and optimizing stress design for strained MOSFETs of 45 nm node and beyond.
Building energy modeling: A systematic approach to zoning and model reduction using Koopman Mode Analysis

Abstract As the scope of building design and construction increases and building systems become more integrated, the use of building energy models has become increasingly widespread in evaluating and predicting building performance. Despite the growing sophistication of building modeling tools, errors can arise from approximations that are made by a practitioner during model creation. This paper examines the process of model zoning, i.e., how the volume of a building is divided into regions where properties are assumed to be uniform. Zoning is performed during model creation to decrease model complexity. However, accuracy reduces when dissimilar regions of a building are defined by a single zone. In this paper, a systematic approach to creating zoning approximations is introduced. Utilizing the Koopman operator, the time-series output produced by a building simulation can be decomposed into spatial modes which capture the thermal behavior of a building at different time-scales. Identification of spatial structures within these modes forms a framework for the creation of simplified models of varying levels of granularity. In this paper, a detailed model is analyzed, and model accuracy is studied as coarser building representations are created using the introduced method.
Four-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Velocity Mapping in a Healthy Volunteer With Pseudocoarctation of the Thoracic Aorta

Four-dimensional (4D) velocity mapping technology is used here to evaluate blood flow patterns associated with an incidentally noted, non-hemodynamically significant pseudocoarctation of the proximal descending thoracic aorta in a healthy volunteer (Figure). The 4D phase-contrast magnetic resonance (MR) velocity mapping using time-resolved, cardiac-gated 3-dimensional (3D) velocity data allows for visualization of complex multidimensional blood flow with complete spatial and temporal registration of the region of interest. Four-dimensional velocity mapping is a reliable technique for the analysis and visualization of normal and pathological blood flow features throughout the thoracic aorta. The 4D nature of …
Surface recombination current in InGaP/GaAs heterostructure-emitter bipolar transistors

The behavior of the surface recombination current was examined in InGaP/GaAs heterostructure-emitter bipolar transistors (HEBT's) with both exposed GaAs surface and InGaP passivated surface based on the emitter-size effect on current gain. The results indicate that the GaAs surface recombination current has a 1 kT-like dependence in the high current regime and a 2 kT-like dependence in the low current regime which is similar to published experimental results in AlGaAs/GaAs and InGaP/GaAs HBT's. The surface recombination current in devices with an InGaP passivation layer has an order of magnitude lower value in low current regime and more than two orders lower in high current regime than that in devices with exposed GaAs surface. >
A comparison of cigarette- and hookah-related videos on YouTube

Objective YouTube is now the second most visited site on the internet. The authors aimed to compare characteristics of and messages conveyed by cigarette- and hookah-related videos on YouTube. Methods Systematic search procedures yielded 66 cigarette-related and 61 hookah-related videos. After three trained qualitative researchers used an iterative approach to develop and refine definitions for the coding of variables, two of them independently coded each video for content including positive and negative associations with smoking and major content type. Results Median view counts were 606 884 for cigarettes-related videos and 102 307 for hookah-related videos (p Conclusions Although internet user-generated videos related to cigarette smoking often acknowledge harmful consequences and provide explicit antismoking messages, hookah-related videos do not. It may be valuable for public health programmes to correct common misconceptions regarding hookah use.
Defective ribosomes in chloramphenicol-treated Escherichia coli.

Abstract Escherichia coli Q13 cells were treated with chloramphenicol for varying periods of time. Upon removal of this drug, the cells exhibited a lag period before the resumption of the normal rate of protein synthesis. This lag period was approximately proportional to the time the cells had been exposed to the drug. Treatment with chloramphenicol not only inhibited protein synthesis but also impaired the protein-synthesizing system of the cells. Ribosomes isolated from the cells exposed to the drug for more than 90 minutes lost 12 to 14% of their protein. When the ribosomes were washed with 1 m -NH 4 Cl, no difference in protein content between the ribosomes from normal and drug-treated cells was detected. The ribosomes from drug-treated cells showed a marked decrease in bacteriophage MS2 RNA-specific binding of N -formyknethionyl-tRNA and MS2 RNA-directed protein synthesis when compared to normal ribosomes. No decrease in polyuridylic acid-directed polyphenylalanine synthesis was observed. Supernatant protein fraction from drug-treated cells did not appear to be defective. Addition of crude initiation protein factors prepared from normal ribosomes restored the ability of ribosomes from drug-treated cells to initiate and translate MS2 RNA normally. Acrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis indicated that initiation factor F2 was substantially decreased in the ribosomes from ehloramphenicol-treated cells. The protein fractions removed from ribosomes of normal and drug-treated cells by washing with 1 m -NH 4 Cl were applied to DEAE-cellulose columns. Initiation factors F2 and F3 were either defective or substantially reduced in ribosomes from drug-treated cells. Addition of F2 and F3 derived from normal ribosomes restored the ability of the ribosomes from drug-treated cells to carry out MS2 RNA-directed protein synthesis.
The great war and the war at home: Gender battles in flags in the dust and the unvanquished

(1993). The great war and the war at home: Gender battles in flags in the dust and the unvanquished. Women's Studies: Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 441-453.
Nuclear localization and DNA binding properties of a protein expressed by human c-myc oncogene

Antisera to the human cellular myc oncogene product were used to identify a human c-myc specific protein with a molecular weight of 65,000. Subcellular fractionation showed that the human c-myc protein is predominantly found in the cell nucleus. The p65Kc-myc protein binds to double- and single-stranded DNA as measured by a DNA affinity chromatography assay.
An Education Program on Office Medical Emergency Preparedness for Primary Care Pediatricians

Background: Pediatric clinics are ill-prepared in handling medical emergencies. Life-support education, though recommended, has not been evaluated in pediatric primary care. Purpose: The objective is to evaluate effectiveness of education in improving knowledge and learner-perceived comfort in managing pediatric office emergencies. Methods: An education program was conducted at 6 pediatric practices. Pre–post program knowledge improvement (15-item questionnaire) and comfort (10-level Likert scale) was assessed using T tests and Cohen's d. Long-term knowledge was assessed. Results: Physicians demonstrated significant improvement in mean knowledge scores: 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.76, 2.91], effect size (d = 0.98), whereas nurses had a smaller, nonsignificant improvement: 0.59, 95% CI [–0.19, 1.37], effect size (d = 0.24). A significant improvement in mean comfort scores was observed among both physicians: 1.3, 95% CI [0.9, 1.7] and nurses, 1.4, 95% CI [0.7, 2.1]. Among physicians, percentage co...
The electricity market place-the Pool

On 31 March 1990, a new market was established in England and Wales for the trading of electricity between generators and suppliers. The new trading arrangements seek to reflect two principal characteristics associated with the physical generation and supply of electricity in an integrated system. First, with an integrated system it is not possible to trace electricity from a particular generator to a particular supplier. Second, it is not possible to store electricity in large quantities. Clearly, it follows that there is a continual need to match electricity generated with that supplied. For such reasons electricity generated within an integrated system can be considered to be 'pooled' to meet demand. The new electricity market place can be divided into Commercial and Operational markets and operates under the terms of contractual agreements between those participating in it. Sales and purchases of electricity in this market are made between generators and suppliers according to a set of rules which govern the market's operation and calculation of payments due to and from each other. This paper concentrates on the mechanics of operation of the Commercial and Operational Market Places. It also explores the impact of new software and the hardware on the economics of the two Market Places. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of the new software/hardware, e.g., improved auditability and ensuring optimum economic scheduling of generating plant in order to meet customers' expectations and comply with NGC's statutory requirements.
A variant form of ETS1 induces apoptosis in human colon cancer cells

We have previously shown that the human ETS1 protein (p51-ETS1), when ectopically expressed in colon cancer cell lines, is able to reduce its tumorigenicity without affecting its growth properties. To understand the mechanism of tumor reduction, we have expressed two different forms of ETS1 in colon cancer cell lines. Data presented in this paper indicate that the naturally occurring spliced variant protein, p42-ETS1, lacking the region encoded by ETS1 exon VII, represses the tumorigenicity, while p51-ETS1 reduces the tumorigenicity. Repression of tumorigenicity mediated by p42-ETS1 appears to be caused by its ability to induce apoptosis in epithelial cancer cells. This work can have profound medical significance in that it may open up new insights into the potential role of the p42-ETS1 in the induction of apoptosis in epithelial cell cancers and may provide a rationale for its use for potential gene therapy experiments to initiate cell death in cancer cells.
Cyclic AMP modulation of human B cell proliferative responses: Role of cAMP-dependent protein kinases in enhancing B cell responses to phorbol diesters and lonomycin

The ability of cyclic AMP (cAMP) to modulate human B cell proliferative responses and the possible role of cAMP-dependent kinases (PKA) in cAMP modulation of proliferative responses were investigated. The addition of dibutyl cAMP (Bt2 cAMP) or the cAMP-elevating agent forskolin to B cells stimulated by crosslinking surface immunoglobulins (sIg) resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of proliferative responses. By contrast, Bt2 cAMP or forskolin enhanced the proliferative responses of B cells after direct stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and the calcium ionophore ionomycin. The inhibition and enhancement of B cell proliferative responses by Bt2 cAMP were observed at different incubation intervals and were not due to temporal shifts of optimal responses. Also, Bt2 cAMP caused only small changes in B cell RNA synthesis compared to modulation of proliferative responses. Exposure of B cells to Bt2 cAMP rapidly activated PKA. Blocking Bt2 cAMP activation of PKA with the kinase inhibitor HA1004 prevented Bt2 cAMP enhancement of B cell responses after direct stimulation by PMA and ionomycin. In reciprocal experiments, the kinase inhibitor H7 resulted in some inhibition of PKC activation but did not inhibit Bt2 cAMP activation of PKA or Bt2 cAMP enhancement of proliferative responses. Other experiments demonstrated that B cells treated with Bt2 cAMP had selective increases in the de novo phosphorylations of two endogenous substrates which reflected PKA activation. Furthermore, concentrations of HA1004 or H8 which inhibited Bt2 cAMP enhancement of proliferative responses also inhibited PKA phosphorylations of these substrates whereas H7 did not. Thus, elevations of cAMP can enhance or inhibit human B cell proliferative responses to different stimuli and the activation of PKA is important for cAMP enhancement of certain responses.
Abrupt Magnetic Transition in Mn Sn 2

The magnetic susceptibility and the electrical resistivity of the intermetallic compound Mn${\mathrm{Sn}}_{2}$ are found to decrease precipitously as the temperature is lowered through 73\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. Both these abrupt changes exhibit a small temperature hysteresis and are highly suggestive of a first-order transition. From 73\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K down to 4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the susceptibility is essentially constant; above 73\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, the susceptibility rises slowly to a maximum (at 86\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) and then decreases in a manner consistent with the Curie-Weiss relation. It is tentatively concluded that the abrupt transition at 73\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K involves only a partial disordering of an antiferromagnetic state.
Convergence analysis of partitioned adaptive estimators under continuous parameter uncertainty

The asymptotic behavior of a Bayes Optimal adaptive estimation scheme (also called the partitioned adaptive estimation algorithm) for a sampled stochastic process with unknown parameters is investigated. The unknown parameter vector is assumed to be continuous and to belong to a compact subset of a metric space. The results are then used to analyze a scalar linear Gauss-Markov dynamical system. The multivariate linear Gauss-Markov model is also discussed.
Email intervention following traumatic brain injury: two case reports.

An email intervention for two individuals with TBI was conducted to investigate if this electronic medium shows potential as a therapeutic delivery method. Specifically, this study measured participants’ compliance with a plan that incorporated email and a reading assignment. Prior to the email intervention, the clinician and participants designed an intervention plan which included specific guidelines for scheduled email correspondence regarding a daily reading task. After reviewing the daily emails, the clinician provided therapeutic feedback. The participants’ compliance with the plan was measured by the punctuality of email correspondence and completion of tasks as detailed in the plan. Over a 4-week intervention period, both participants demonstrated improvement in task completion and time adherence. Email proved to be a feasible option as a therapeutic delivery method for these individuals.
PRESSURE EXCURSIONS IN TRANSIENT FILM BOILING FROM A SPHERE

Abstract The pressure excursions accompanying the transient film boiling which occurs when a large pool of saturated and stagnant liquid is suddenly exposed to a very hot solid sphere are analytically evaluated. Following simplifying assumptions, it is shown that quite large pressure excursions can result. Predictive equations for their amplitudes and frequencies of oscillation are presented.
Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy: From Biology to Therapy

Trauma is a leading cause of death and disability. Hemorrhage is the major mechanism responsible for death during the first 24 hours following trauma. One quarter of severely injured patients present in the emergency room with acute coagulopathy of trauma and shock (ACOT). The drivers of ACOT are tissue hypoperfusion, inflammation, and activation of the neurohumoral system. ACOT is a result of protein C activation with cleavage of activated factor VIII and V and inhibition of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). The resuscitation-associated coagulopathy (RAC) is secondary to a combination of acidosis, hypothermia and dilution from intravenous blood and fluid therapy. RAC may further aggravate acidosis and hypoxia resulting in a vicious cycle. This review focuses on the biology of the trauma-associated coagulopathy, and reviews current therapeutic strategies.
Attempts to Validate Melancholic Depression: Some Observations on Modern Research Methodology

The use of the word "melancholia" or its variants is quite old in the English language, originally referring to a variety of dysphoric states of everyday life. With the development of psychiatry as a branch of medicine in the late 18th century, melancholia was used in a medical context to describe morbid states of depressed mood and associated features. The concept of melancholia as a specific subtype of a broader illness known as "depressive disorder" is fairly recent in modern psychiatry, arising predominantly in Great Britain and becoming a formal part of mood disorder nosology in 1980 with the DSM-III. Despite attempts to validate the concept of melancholia as an illness separate from nonmelancholic depression, no consensus has been reached. In this article, the author outlines what he believes are methodological problems that have been common in research studies to validate melancholia.
A new mapping technique for collagen chains.

Abstract A new, highly sensitive method for peptide mapping of collagen chains has been developed which utilizes a modification of the radioiodination technique in polyacrylamide gels described by Elder et al. (1977b). Optimal conditions include the use of the Bolton-Hunter reagent to produce 125I-labeled collagen of high specific activity and digestion of the radioiodinated collagen with the enzyme proteinase K, prior to resolution of the cleavage products by two-dimensional electrophoresis and chromatography. Unambiguous results were obtained by restricting comparison among collagens to a given set which was radioiodinated using the same procedure, i.e., in solution, or in a dried or hydrated gel. Iodination of collagens in solution, followed by proteinase K digestion, resulted in highly reproducible maps which were free of background contamination and which permitted characterization of chains with a defined mobility on SDS-PAGE after the iodination procedure. This technique has provided additional evidence that the α1, α2, and α3 chains of type V collagen are structurally unique. In addition, relationships among several fragments from pepsin-treated type IV collagen, which consists of two distinct chains, could be further elucidated.
Preparation of Sulphuric Acid free from Nitric Acid

FOR the analysis of the nitrate content of sea water, and for certain tests on alkaloids, it is necessary to have sulphuric acid free from all but the most minute amounts of nitric acid. After testing a number of British and foreign samples of pure sulphuric acid, Harvey1 reported that he had found the ‘nitrogen free’ sulphuric acid specially supplied by the British Drug Houses, Ltd., to be satisfactory, though the ‘analytical reagent’ acid was not so. Even in the purest acid the reduced strychnine reagent of Deniges demonstrated the presence of nitric acid, which was estimated by extrapolation after adding known amounts of nitrate, reckoned as milligrams of nitrate nitrogen per cubic metre of sea water.
Interpreting functional analysis results using the real‐time recording of independent and dependent variables

An extended series of functional analysis conditions were conducted to assess the operant function of aggressive behaviors emitted by a 33-year-old female with diagnoses of severe mental retardation and organic psychosis. Results from the primary test conditions were fairly undiAerentiated, but response rates were elevated in the control condition. Independent-variable integrity data from the control condition indicated that aggressive behaviors were nearly always contiguous with the fixed-time delivery of experimenter attention. These results are discussed in the context of the current control condition functioning as a possible test for escape from social interaction. #1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Behav. Intervent., Vol. 13, 61‐66 (1998) Standard functional analysis test conditions usually include sessions designed to assess the reinforcing qualities of attention, task escape, sensory stimulation (via a no-interaction condition) and occasionally tangible items (Iwata, Pace, Dorsey, Zarcone, Vollmer, & Smith, 1994). Additionally a control or ‘play’ condition can be implemented as a control with which other conditions are compared. Theoretically, the control condition is a ‘noncontingent’ reinforcement treatment package, designed to provide noncontingent attention (usually delivered on a fixed-time basis), noncontingent breaks (a total absence of demands), noncontingent tangible items (continuous access to toys or leisure materials), and to some degree noncontingent sensory stimulation. The aforementioned stimulus conditions typically result in low response rates. Elevated responding in the control condition generally occurs when the behavior is maintained by sensory stimuli or some unknown factor (e.g., physiological
Maternal steroid enhancement of fetal rabbit gastrointestinal motility.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to determine the potential maturational effects of maternal dexamethasone administration on fetal upper gastrointestinal motility. Methods: Nineteen pregnant rabbits were randomized into two groups (DEX and CONT) and studied on either day 24, 27 or 30 of pregnancy (term 31 days). The DEX group received intramuscular dexamethasone (DEX) 2 days before study and the controls received saline. Under ultrasound guidance, a needle was percutaneously inserted into each fetal stomach and fluorescein, labeled with color-coded microspheres, was injected. Two hours later, the length of fluorescein travel throughout the small intestine was measured. The percent motility was calculated by dividing the length of fluorescein travel by the total fetal small intestinal length × 100%. Results: All maternal and fetal rabbits survived. On day 24 the length of fluorescein travel and the percent motility of the DEX group were significantly longer than controls. There were no differences on either day 27 or 30. Fetal growth was significantly suppressed by a single course of DEX at all gestational ages. Conclusions: Fetal rabbit gastrointestinal motility is significantly increased after prenatal steroids are given early in the last trimester (day 24 of a 31-day gestation). Although beneficial in end-organ maturation, the timing of prenatal steroid administration is crucial to minimize its potential detrimental effects on fetal somatic growth.
Psychological characteristics associated with subsyndromal affective disorder.

Abstract Using a large sample of college students, correlates of chronic affective symptoms were examined. Affective symptomatology was assessed using the General Behavior Inventory, which yields both depressive and hypomanic scores. Although the two scores were highly correlated, they were differently related to measures of affect, behavior and cognition. Partial correlations indicated that negative affect was associated with depression whereas positive affect and anxiety were associated with both hypomanic and depressive symptoms. Unusual cognitions (e.g. magical thinking) and nonconformity were associated with hypomanic symptoms.
Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery Aneurysm: A Rare Cause of a Superior Mediastinal Tumor*

Two cases of aneurysm formation developing in an aberrant right subclavian artery are presented. The aberrant right subclavian artery represents an incomplete vascular ring which is generally asymptomatic and is usually noted as an accidental finding at necropsy. The development of an aneurysm in the aberrant vessel lying posterior to the esophagus and trachea can produce dysphagia and dyspnea from anterior displacement and narrowing. Radiographically, the aneurysm presents as a superior mediastinal tumor. Barium esophagography, tomography, and fluoroscopy are indicated to demonstrate the vascular nature of the lesion. Thoracic aortography is necessary for diagnosis. Because of the anatomic location of the aneurysm, surgery should be entertained only if rupture appears imminent or symptoms develop.
Local Algorithms for Approximate Inference in Minor-Excluded Graphs

We present a new local approximation algorithm for computing MAP and log-partition function for arbitrary exponential family distribution represented by a finite-valued pair-wise Markov random field (MRF), say G. Our algorithm is based on decomposing G into appropriately chosen small components; computing estimates locally in each of these components and then producing a good global solution. We prove that the algorithm can provide approximate solution within arbitrary accuracy when G excludes some finite sized graph as its minor and G has bounded degree: all Planar graphs with bounded degree are examples of such graphs. The running time of the algorithm is Θ(n) (n is the number of nodes in G), with constant dependent on accuracy, degree of graph and size of the graph that is excluded as a minor (constant for Planar graphs). Our algorithm for minor-excluded graphs uses the decomposition scheme of Klein, Plotkin and Rao (1993). In general, our algorithm works with any decomposition scheme and provides quantifiable approximation guarantee that depends on the decomposition scheme.
Thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) engineered mesenchymal stem cell therapy increased pro-angiogenic factors, reduced fibrosis and improved heart function in the infarcted rat myocardium

Abstract Introduction Engraftment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has emerged as a powerful candidate for mediating myocardial repair. In this study, we genetically modified MSCs with an adenovector encoding thioredoxin-1 (Ad.Trx1). Trx1 has been described as a growth regulator, a transcription factor regulator, a cofactor, and a powerful antioxidant. We explored whether engineered MSCs, when transplanted, are capable of improving cardiac function and angiogenesis in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). Methods Rat MSCs were cultured and divided into MSC, MSC+Ad.LacZ, and MSC+Ad.Trx1 groups. The cells were assayed for proliferation, and differentiation potential. In addition, rats were divided into control-sham (CS), control-MI (CMI), MSC+Ad.LacZ-MI (MLZMI), and MSC+Ad.Trx1-MI (MTrxMI) groups. MI was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) ligation, and MSCs preconditioned with either Ad.LacZ or Ad.Trx1 were immediately administered to four sites in the peri-infarct zone. Results The MSC+Ad.Trx1 cells increased the proliferation capacity and maintained pluripotency, allowing them to divide into cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells. Western blot analysis, 4days after treatment showed increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4). Also capillary density along with myocardial function as examined by echocardiography was found to be increased. Fibrosis was reduced in the MTrxMI group compared to MLZMI and CMI. Visualization of Connexin-43 by immunohistochemistry confirmed increased intercellular connections in the MTrxMI rats compared to MLZMI. Conclusion Engineering MSCs to express Trx1 may prove to be a strategic therapeutic modality in the treatment of cardiac failure.
Maintenance of Lower Tropospheric Temperature Inversion in the Saharan Air Layer by Dust and Dry Anomaly

The role of Saharan dust and dry anomalyin maintaining the temperature inversion in the Saharan air layer (SAL) is investigated. The dust aerosol optical thickness (AOT) in the SAL is inferred from the measurements taken by Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), and the corresponding temperature and specific humidity anomalies are identified using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) data in August‐September over the North Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) main developmentregion(MDR;108‐208N,408‐608W).TheauthorsalsostudytheSALsimulatedintheNationalCenter of Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model, version 3 (CAM3), coupled with dust radiative effect. It is found that higher AOT is associated with warmer and dryer anomalies below 700 hPa, which increases the atmospheric stability. The calculated instantaneous radiative heating anomalies from a radiative transfer model indicate that both the dust and low humidity are essential to maintaining the temperaturestructureintheSALagainstthermalrelaxation.At850hPa,heatinganomaliescausedbyboththedust and dry anomalies (for AOT . 0.8) are 0.2‐0.4 K day 21 . The dust heats the atmosphere below 600 hPa, while the dry anomaly cools the atmosphere below 925 hPa, resulting in a peak of heating rate anomaly located at 700‐850 hPa. In the eastern Atlantic, dust contributes about 50% of the heating rate anomaly. Westward of 408W, when the dust content becomes small (AOT , 0.6), the heating rates are more sensitive to the water vapor profile used in the radiative transfer calculation. Retrieving or simulating correct water vapor profiles is essential to the assessment of the SAL heating budgets in regions where the dust content in the SAL is small.
Temporomandibular Joint Fibrocartilage Degeneration from Unilateral Dental Splints

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which altered loading in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), as might be associated with a malocclusion, drives degeneration of articulating surfaces in the TMJ. We therefore sought to quantify the effects of altered joint loading on the mechanical properties and biochemical content and distribution of TMJ fibrocartilage in the rabbit. Design Altered TMJ loading was induced with a 1 mm splint placed unilaterally over the maxillary and mandibular molars for 6 weeks. At that time, TMJ fibrocartilage was assessed by compression testing, biochemical content (collagen, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), DNA) and distribution (histology), for both the TMJ disc and the condylar fibrocartilage. Results There were no changes in the TMJ disc for any of the parameters tested. The condylar fibrocartilage from the splinted animals was significantly stiffer and the DNA content was significantly lower than that in control animals. There was significant remodeling in the condylar fibrocartilage layers as manifested by a change in GAG and collagen II distribution and a loss of defined cell layers. Conclusions A connection between the compressive properties of TMJ condylar fibrocartilage after 6 weeks of splinting and the changes in histology was observed. These results suggest a change in joint loading leads to condylar damage, which may contribute to pain associated with at least some forms of TMJ disease.
Taxation and the Evolution of Aggregate Corporate Ownership Concentration

Legal rules, politics and behavioral factors have all been emphasized as explanatory factors in analyses of the determinants of the concentration of corporate ownership and stock market participation. An extension of standard tax clientele arguments demonstrates that changes in the progressivity of taxes can also significantly influence patterns of equity ownership. A novel index of the concentration of corporate ownership over the twentieth century in the U.S. provides the opportunity to quantitatively test for the role of taxes in shaping ownership concentration. The index of ownership concentration is characterized by considerable time series variation, with significant diffusion of ownership in the post WWII era and reconcentration in the late 1990s. Analysis of this index indicates that the progressivity of taxation significantly influences corporate ownership concentration and equity market participation as predicted by the model. This evidence supports the intuition of Berle and Means (1932) that taxation can significantly influence patterns of equity ownership.
Generation of Identical Noncircular Pitch Curves

In this paper the theory and algorithm for generating pairs of identical noncircular conjugate pitch curves are presented. A set of criteria for two identical rigid bodies engaging in conjugate rolling motion is established. Based on these criteria, an algorithm is developed, which can be used to design this type of rolling pairs with almost unlimited profile varieties and any number of lobes. Geometrical conditions for having C' (or slope) continuity at the intersections of tips and roots of lobe profiles are also established. A family of similar profiles can be designed at the same time by using a single parameter, the pitch noncircularity, via a dimensionless analysis. Results from this investigation should have applications to the design ofnoncircular gears and lobe pumps.
Long-Lived Antitumor CD8+ Lymphocytes for Adoptive Therapy Generated Using an Artificial Antigen-Presenting Cell

Purpose: Antitumor lymphocytes can be generated ex vivo unencumbered by immunoregulation found in vivo . Adoptive transfer of these cells is a promising therapeutic modality that could establish long-term antitumor immunity. However, the widespread use of adoptive therapy has been hampered by the difficulty of consistently generating potent antitumor lymphocytes in a timely manner for every patient. To overcome this, we sought to establish a clinical grade culture system that can reproducibly generate antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Experimental Design: We created an off-the-shelf, standardized, and renewable artificial antigen-presenting cell (aAPC) line that coexpresses HLA class I, CD54, CD58, CD80, and the dendritic cell maturation marker CD83. We tested the ability of aAPC to generate tumor antigen-specific CTL under optimal culture conditions. The number, phenotype, effector function, and in vitro longevity of generated CTL were determined. Results: Stimulation of CD8 + T cells with peptide-pulsed aAPC generated large numbers of functional CTL that recognized a variety of tumor antigens. These CTLs, which possess a phenotype consistent with in vivo persistence, survived ex vivo for prolonged periods of time. Clinical grade aAPC 33 , produced under current Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines, generated sufficient numbers of CTL within a short period of time. These CTL specifically lysed a variety of melanoma tumor lines naturally expressing a target melanoma antigen. Furthermore, antitumor CTL were easily generated in all melanoma patients examined. Conclusions: With clinical grade aAPC 33 in hand, we are now poised for clinical translation of ex vivo generated antitumor CTL for adoptive cell transfer.
Education for childbirth: a time for change.

In earlier times, people were well‐acquainted with childbearing and childrearing through their contacts within the extended family. However, during this century, several factors have affected changes in traditional birthing attitudes and practices and have precipitated the need for formal education in childbirth. This position article reviews the history and literature of the development of contemporary education for childbirth classes as well as the research on the effects of formal childbirth education instruction. Suggestions for further research and future directions of change are provided.
Contribution of Clinically Derived Mutations in ERG11 to Azole Resistance in Candida albicans

In Candida albicans, the ERG11 gene encodes lanosterol demethylase, the target of the azole antifungals. Mutations in ERG11 that result in an amino acid substitution alter the abilities of the azoles to bind to and inhibit Erg11, resulting in resistance. Although ERG11 mutations have been observed in clinical isolates, the specific contributions of individual ERG11 mutations to azole resistance in C. albicans have not been widely explored. We sequenced ERG11 in 63 fluconazole (FLC)-resistant clinical isolates. Fifty-five isolates carried at least one mutation in ERG11, and we observed 26 distinct positions in which amino acid substitutions occurred. We mapped the 26 distinct variant positions in these alleles to four regions in the predicted structure for Erg11, including its predicted catalytic site, extended fungus-specific external loop, proximal surface, and proximal surface-to-heme region. In total, 31 distinct ERG11 alleles were recovered, with 10 ERG11 alleles containing a single amino acid substitution. We then characterized 19 distinct ERG11 alleles by introducing them into the wild-type azole-susceptible C. albicans SC5314 strain and testing them for susceptibilities to FLC, itraconazole (ITC), and voriconazole (VRC). The strains that were homozygous for the single amino acid substitutions Y132F, K143R, F145L, S405F, D446E, G448E, F449V, G450E, and G464S had a ≥ 4-fold increase in FLC MIC. The strains that were homozygous for several double amino acid substitutions had decreased azole susceptibilities beyond those conferred by any single amino acid substitution. These findings indicate that mutations in ERG11 are prevalent among azole-resistant clinical isolates and that most mutations result in appreciable changes in FLC and VRC susceptibilities.