cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Risky Corporate Bonds in 2021: A Bubble, or Rational Underwriting in a Low-Rate Environment?

In response to the pandemic, the Federal Reserve and US Treasury aggressively supported the corporate debt markets in 2020, both through easy monetary policy and direct participation. As the economy recovered, the Fed maintained an easy monetary policy in pursuit of more robust employment, gross domestic product growth, and inflation targets. Many observers have asserted that these policy actions and other factors have driven a bubble in risk assets, such as equities, special purpose acquisition companies, real estate, commodities, cryptocurrencies, nonfungible tokens, and risky bonds. Others believe that the valuations for at least some of these assets reflect investors’ rational incorporation of the current interest rate environment and economic outlook into their underwriting assumptions. Here, the authors analyze this question with regard to one of the riskiest classes of debt securities—the CCC-rated portion of the corporate high-yield debt market—to draw broader conclusions about the leveraged credit markets in the United States. Using historical market metrics, this portion of the market at its recent peak offered almost no excess return to compensate investors for the risk taken relative to low-risk alternatives. From this, the authors conclude that investors are underwriting significantly more optimistic outcomes than those reflected in historical averages. Although the authors believe that this segment of the market falls short of a true bubble, as they define it, they warn that current conditions pose key risks to investors and to the broader economy. Key Findings ▪ The US high-yield bond market, like other asset classes in the wake of the current easy monetary environment, has reached peak levels. ▪ Consistent with past bubbles, investors have moved up the risk curve, disproportionately bidding up the riskiest portion of this market. ▪ Although this reflects excessive risk appetite on the part of investors, it falls short of a true bubble as we define it. ▪ That said, these conditions pose key risks to investors and to the broader economy.
Detection of virulence and extended spectrum β-lactamase genes in Salmonella by multiplex high-resolution melt curve real-time PCR assay.

AIMS Develop and standardize multiplex high-resolution melt curve (HRM) real-time PCR assays for simultaneous detection of Salmonella virulence and extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes in food. METHODS AND RESULTS Two sets of multiplex real-time PCR assays targeting six virulence and three ESBL genes with internal amplification control were standardized. The first assay detected hilA, fimH, sipA, blaTEM and blaSHV, and the second detected invA, fimA, stn and blaCMY . The PCR assays were validated with DNA samples from 77 different Salmonella strains. The assay specificity was tested with DNA from 47 non-Salmonella strains. Melt curve analyses showed distinct, well-separated melting peaks of each target gene detected by their respective melting temperatures (Tm ). Different food samples were spiked with 10, 102 and 103 CFU/ml of Salmonella. The optimized assays were able to detect all target genes in concentrations of as low as 10 CFU/ml in 25 g foods within 10 h of enrichment. CONCLUSIONS Multiplex HRM real-time PCR assays can be used as rapid detection methods for detecting Salmonella in foods. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY The assays developed in this study will allow for accurate detection of virulence and ESBL genes in Salmonella that are present in low concentrations in food samples.
Probiotics and Heart Health: Reduction of Risk Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Disease and Complications Due to Foodborne Illnesses

Publisher Summary Heart health can be impacted directly and indirectly through an individual's diet. Poor diets containing fat and cholesterol can lead to obesity, and obesity is directly linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Eating high-fiber whole grains that lower blood cholesterol can result in an increase in heart health because high levels of cholesterol can result in blockages in the arteries. The link among gut health, probiotics, and the health of specific systems such as the cardiac system is complex. The aim of this chapter is to explore some of these direct and indirect effects that probiotics have on cardiac health. The importance of the gut health of an individual is widely recognized. A more comprehensive understanding of how beneficial microorganisms shape gut health is evolving. The gut provides the essential function of nutrient uptake with microorganisms aiding in the digestion of food. Furthermore, these bacteria play an essential role in nutrient acquisition. The presence of bacteria in the gut is critical and barriers and containments in the gut are crucial for preventing bacterial infection in other areas of the body. Molecular filters in the gut are necessary for the uptake of nutrients and prevention of toxic substances from reaching critical organs. Because of its essential function, the heart is well guarded and the impacts that ingested materials can have on the heart are typically limited. With research, a better understanding of complex interactions and the effects of gut microbiota on the heart will be determined and perhaps manipulation of the gut bacteria might be achieved that can result not only in improved but sustained maintenance of cardiac health.
THE POWER OF MOTHERHOOD: A CONTEXTUAL EVALUATION OF FAMILY RESOURCES

Motherhood is considered a liability to women's socioeconomic status and marital power. However, by examining only married couples in conventional families, child care provider, gender, and low status have been confounded in previous research. Using data from a nationwide survey, we investigate couples for whom socioeconomic status and hierarchical gender relations are muted in order to separate these effects. The results show that being the primary caretaker of children can be a source of relationship power under certain conditions. These findings suggest a transformation in the meaning and value of child care with the structural and ideological advancement of women.
Understanding the Other Ukraine: Identity and Allegiance in Russophone Ukraine

The cultural and political differences besetting Ukraine are the product of very different patterns of regional settlement. Among these, the settlement of eastern and southern Ukraine stands out, for in these traditionally Russophone regions, political conflict has arisen whenever the legitimacy of Russian culture in Ukraine has been challenged.This article looks at the history of Russian settlement east of the Dniepr River, explores the significance of the past for the present conflict, and calls for acknowledging the obvious reality that Ukraine is, at its heart, bilingual and bicultural.
Reciprocal Compensation to Changes in Dietary Intake and Energy Expenditure within the Concept of Energy Balance

An imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure is the primary etiology for excess weight gain. Increased energy expenditure via exercise and energy restriction via diet are commonly used approaches to induce weight loss. Such behavioral interventions, however, have generally resulted in a smaller than expected weight loss, which in part has been attributed to compensatory adaptations in other components contributing to energy balance. Current research points to a loose coupling between energy intake and energy expenditure on a daily basis, and evidence for long-term adaptations has been inconsistent. The lack of conclusive evidence on compensatory adaptations in response to alterations in energy balance can be attributed to differences in intervention type and study population. Physical activity (PA) levels may be reduced in response to aerobic exercise but not in response to resistance exercise. Furthermore, athletic and lean adults have been shown to increase their energy intake in response to exercise, whereas no such response was observed in obese adults. There is also evidence that caloric restriction is associated with a decline in PA. Generally, humans seem to be better equipped to defend against weight loss than avoid weight gain, but results also show a large individual variability. Therefore, individual differences rather than group means should be explored to identify specific characteristics of "compensators" and "noncompensators." This review emphasizes the need for more research with simultaneous measurements of all major components contributing to energy balance to enhance the understanding of the regulation of energy balance, which is crucial to address the current obesity epidemic.
Performance correlates of social behavior and organization: Social rank and complex problem solving in crab-eating macaques ( M. fascicularis )

Seventeen male crab-eating macaques, drawn from two captive troops, were tested on a series of complex problem solving tasks in a Wisconsin General Test Apparatus (wgta). The animals were trained on a series of 6-trial object quality learning set problems followed by a series of 10-trial object quality learning set problems. They were then given problems in which the correct stimulus object was reversed part way through the problem. After the animals reached criterion on this task, the reversal learning set was then extinguished. High ranking animals made more intraproblem errors than low ranking animals on the 6-trial problems, but there was no relationship between social status and the rapidity with which the object quality learning set was established. Animals that received overtraining on the 6-trial problems transferred their learning virtually intact to the 10-trial problems; however, high ranking animals without overtraining made more errors than low ranking animals. On reversal learning and reversal extinction, high ranking animals made more errors on critical trials, indicating that they formed and extinguished the reversal set more slowly than low ranking animals. Object quality sets, as measured by trial-2 performance, were not affected by the reversal conditions.
Nonlinear interaction between the sinuous and varicose instability modes in a plane wake

The nonlinear interaction between sinuous and varicose instability modes in a plane wake is examined in the nonlinear–nonequilibrium critical layer regime. Equations governing the evolution of the instability wave amplitudes and critical layer vorticity distributions are derived. Numerical solutions for these equations are obtained for a number of wake defects and initial amplitude ratios. The results show that the primary effects of the nonlinear interaction are the suppression of the varicose mode and the downstream shift of the peak of the sinuous mode.
ACCF and AHA Presidents' Letter on MEDCAC.

On January 25, 2012, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) convened a meeting of the Medicare Evidence Development and Coverage Advisory Committee (MEDCAC) to review the evidence on the management of patients with carotid atherosclerosis with particular reference to revascularization
Effect of manganese on magnetic property of maple leaves

Abstract Leaves were harvested from 26 cultivare of a single maple species, Acer platanoides, growing at two locations: Madison, WI in the United States and Wageningen in The Netherlands. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were obtained from these leaves and elemental analyses were performed for aluminum, calcium, chlorine, magnesium, manganese, and potassium. These data were analyzed statistically in a search for evidence of environmental or genetic effects. Although a theory predicts that the NMR signal from chloroplast water should shift its position in the spectrum by an amount proportional to Mn content, no such correlation was found. However, a strong correlation was found between NMR peak‐shifts from identical cultivare regardless of location. This result demonstrates that NMR spectra are not affected principally by mineral nutrition, but instead are under genetic control.
A specific intercellular pathway of apoptotic cell death is defective in the mature peripheral T cells of autoimmune lpr and gld mice

Homozygosity for either of the unlinked murine autosomal recessive mutations lpr or gld leads to autoimmunity characterized by peripheral accumulation of CD4-/CD8- "double-negative" T cells, autoantibodies and various forms of tissue pathology. Recently, the gene affected by lpr was identified as fas, whose product acts as a trigger for programmed cell death or apoptosis. Data reported here indicate that the Fas receptor and its ligand, the wild-type form of the gld gene product, are essential for antigen-stimulated peripheral T cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the wild-type gld gene product is a non-cell-autonomous protein that is produced by activated T cells. Apoptotic elimination of antigen-receptor-triggered peripheral T cells appears to be abnormal in lpr and gld mice, and this deficiency causes peripheral T cells to accumulate resulting in lymphadenopathy. These findings support the importance of apoptotic regulation of lymphocyte persistence after antigen encounter in vivo.
Mechanism mobility and a local dimension test

Abstract The mobility of a mechanism is the number of degrees of freedom (DOF) with which it may move. This notion is mathematically equivalent to the dimension of the solution set of the kinematic loop equations for the mechanism. It is well known that the classical Grubler–Kutzbach formulas for mobility can be wrong for special classes of mechanisms, and even more refined treatments based on displacement groups fail to correctly predict the mobility of so-called “paradoxical” mechanisms. This article discusses how recent results from numerical algebraic geometry can be applied to the question of mechanism mobility. In particular, given an assembly configuration of a mechanism and its loop equations, a local dimension test places bounds on the mobility of the associated assembly mode. A publicly available software code makes the idea easy to apply in the kinematics domain.
Abnormal lymphocyte function following long-term PUVA therapy for psoriasis

The surface markers and function of peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined in patients on long-term therapy with methoxsalen and UV-A radiation (PUVA). Ten patients with psoriasis were selected because they had received a high exposure to PUVA therapy, i.e., more than 200 treatments over 2-6 years with cumulative exposure doses of 1700-6000 J/cm2 UV-A radiation. Results were compared to those obtained with lymphocytes from untreated patients and UV-B treated patients with psoriasis. The PUVA-treated patients had low levels of E rosette-forming cells in the peripheral blood and markedly impaired lymphocyte responses following stimulation with optimal and suboptimal doses of mitogens. The sensitivity of lymphocytes to in vitro treatment with PUVA was similar in the three groups of patients. The results of this study indicate that long-term PUVA therapy alters the function and cell-surface markers or distribution of lymphocytes.
Departure from normal assumptions : A promise for future psychometrics with substantive mathematical modeling

Normal assumptions have been used in many psychometric methods, to the extent that most researchers do not even question their adequacy. With the rapid advancement of computer technologies in recent years, psychometrics has extended its territory to include intensive cognitive diagnosis, etcetera, and substantive mathematical modeling ha become essential. As a natural consequence, it is time to consider departure from normal assumptions seriously. As examples of models which are not based on normality or its approximation, the logistic positive exponent family of models is discussed. These models include the item task complexity as the third parameter, which determines the single principle of ordering individuals on the ability scale.
Work in progress - an Engineering Bridge Program - the foundation for success for academically at-risk students

As an urban institution, Wayne State University is charged with providing educational opportunities to students from varied backgrounds. Historically, many students entering the College of Engineering have not been calculus-ready. The 4-year retention rate of students who place into advanced algebra or below has been about 25%. In order to provide students who are interested in engineering with the best chance of academic success while maintaining the quality of the engineering degree programs, an Engineering Bridge Program was developed. Students are placed in the Bridge Program based on one or more of the following criteria: 1) science/math gpa from high school below 3.0; 2) Math ACT score below 22; or 3) placement into advanced algebra or below on the University's math placement exam. Students must complete a one-year program of math (through pre-calculus), chemistry, physics, English, and an Introduction to the Engineering Profession with a gpa of 3.0 or higher to progress into the pre-professional program. In addition to the coursework, designed to provide a strong foundation for engineering, students are placed in peer cohort groups that meet weekly with an engineering mentor - an upper division or graduate student in engineering. These peer groups provide Bridge students with a connection to their fellow students and a support group that introduces them to the University environment. The College advising staff also closely monitors Bridge students to provide early intervention if students have academic difficulties. Students who do not succeed in the Bridge Program receive advising to allow them to select a new major that fits their academic goals and talents. This prevents students from floundering in the College of Engineering for several years before being forced to change to another program. The program is evaluated based on both student retention rate and student academic success, as quantified by College gpa
Treatment options for patients with the metabolic syndrome.

Purpose To review clinical and laboratory findings that will enhance nurse practitioner (NP) recognition of the metabolic syndrome and to increase awareness of recent treatment guidelines and treatment options. Data Sources Professional association practice guidelines, government documents, original research articles, and journal articles. Conclusions The metabolic syndrome is a prevalent condition characterized by a cluster of lipid and nonlipid abnormalities, including atherogenic dyslipidemia, elevated fasting blood glucose, hypertension, and abdominal obesity. Many persons with this syndrome are also insulin resistant. Prompt recognition and treatment of the metabolic syndrome can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Clinical guidelines recommend treating the metabolic syndrome as a secondary target of lipid-lowering therapy after addressing the primary target, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Implications for Practice NPs are in an instrumental position to manage treatment for patients with the metabolic syndrome by (a) evaluating risk factors, including abdominal obesity, physical inactivity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension, and elevated fasting blood glucose; (b) assisting in the modification of lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise; (c) implementing pharmacological therapy when needed; and (d) providing psychosocial support to encourage therapeutic adherence.
On the conditions of potentiality in finite elasticity and hypo-elasticity

Abstract Thermodynamic approaches to finite elasticity are almost generally accepted. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of proof for the necessity of potential strain-stress relations in generally defined elasticity and hypo-elasticity. This situation has resulted in ambiguous applications of the general concept of elasticity to the description of irreversible phenomena in viscoelastic solids and liquids. This paper makes a brief review of the general concepts of elasticity and hypo-elasticity, with most of the attention paid to the Eulerian description, employed in viscoelastic theories. Then it is demonstrated that all hypothetical materials with non-potential finite elastic or hypo-elastic constitutive relations can create an energy from nothing, i.e. work as perpetual motion machines. This gives a ‘physical’ proof of necessity of potential conditions in general finite elasticity and hypo-elasticity and their extensions to finite viscoelasticity.
Does Monitoring Event Changes Improve Comprehension

During narrative comprehension, reading times increase for changes in time, space, characters, goals, and causation. This study examined the extent to which instructional manipulations modify dimension monitoring during reading and whether this affects comprehension. Sixty-seven participants read three narratives (pretest). Half of the participants (the experimental group) were then instructed to simultaneously monitor changes in time, space, characters, goals, and causation. All participants then read three more narratives (post-test). After reading all texts, participants retold each story and answered comprehension questions. At post-test, the reading times for participants in the experimental group increased for changes in time, space, goals, and causation. Participants in the experimental group remembered more story information containing dimension changes compared with a control group (no instructional manipulation). However, participants in experimental and control groups did not differ in terms of...
Spatiotemporal Stability of Trace and Minor Elemental Signatures in Early Larval Shell of the Northern Quahog (Hard Clam) Mercenaria mercenaria

ABSTRACT The potential of trace and minor elements within biominerals to track the larval dispersal of bivalves was investigated by examining elemental composition in early larval shell of the northern quahog (hard clam) Mercenaria mercenaria. Larvae were cultured in three shellfish hatcheries using the adjacent estuarine waters of the southern Delmarva Peninsula in Virginia. Spatial distinction (∼1–50 km) and temporal stability (triweekly) of elemental concentrations was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Seventeen minor and trace elements were present at detectable levels in all shell samples: Ca, Mg, Ti, Co, Ni, Zn, Se, Rb, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Sr, Ba, Pb, and U. Discriminant function analyses using metal-to-Ca ratios as independent variables assigned hard clams to their hatchery of origin correctly, with 100% success. The ratio Cr:Ca proved to be the most effective discriminator, explaining 78.1% of among-group variance. Elemental concentrations within early larval shell also d...
Assessment of safety in space power wiring systems

Wiring system failures have resulted from arc propagation in the wiring harnesses of many aircraft and space vehicles. These failures occur when the insulation becomes conductive upon the initiation of an arc. In some cases, the conductive path of the carbon arc track displays a high enough resistance such that the current is limited, and therefore may be difficult to detect using conventional circuit protection. Often, such wiring failures are not simply the result of insulation failure but are due to a combination of wiring system factors. Inadequate circuit protection, unreliable system designs, and careless maintenance procedures can contribute to a wiring system failure. This paper approaches the problem with respect to the overall wiring system, in order to determine what steps can be taken to improve the reliability, maintainability, and safety of space power systems. Power system technologies, system designs, and maintenance procedures which have contributed to past wiring system failures are discussed. New technologies, design processes, and management techniques which may lead to improved wiring system safety are introduced. >
The habitability framework: a conceptual approach towards linking human behaviour and physical environment

Abstract This paper presents the background, rationale and elements of the habitability framework which links human behaviour to aspects of the physical environment. The conceptual framework is accompanied by examples of applications, including behaviour-based facility programming and post-occupancy evaluation.
Superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and singlet oxygen in hematoporphyrin derivative-cysteine, -NADH and -light systems

Hematoporphyrin derivative and light in the presence of cysteine or glutathione were found to convert oxygen to superoxide and hydrogen peroxide at pH less than approx. 6.5, while at pH greater than 6.5 no superoxide or hydrogen peroxide production was observed. However, at pH values greater than 6.5 the rate of oxygen consumption increased. This rate paralleled the acid dissociation curve of the cysteine thiol group and is consistent with the chemical quenching of 1O2 by cysteine. The superoxide and hydrogen peroxide formation observed below pH 6.5 appeared not to be related to the singlet oxygen production of hematoporphyrin derivative. In addition, superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production was observed with hematoporphyrin derivative and light in the presence of NADH, both above and below pH 6.5. Direct detection of singlet oxygen luminescence at 1268 nm in the hematoporphyrin derivative-light system (2H2O as solvent) revealed an apparent linear increase in the singlet oxygen emission intensity as the p2H was raised from 7.0 to 10.0. Azide efficiently quenched this observed emission. In addition, at p2H 7.4, 1 mM cysteine resulted in a 40% reduction of the singlet oxygen luminescence, while at p2H 9.4 the signal was quenched by over 95% (under the experimental conditions employed). In total, we interpret these results as consistent with the chemical quenching of 1O2 by the ionized thiol group of cysteine.
Pharmacokinetics of Infused Antithrombin Concentrate in Children with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Secondary to Sepsis † 794

Pharmacokinetics of Infused Antithrombin Concentrate in Children with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Secondary to Sepsis † 794
Reading Assessment and Instructional Practices in Special Education.

This study analyzed the instructional reading methods and reading assessment practices employed by K-12 special education teachers. Eight hundred special education teachers from four Midwestern sta...
Output feedback control of saturated discrete-time linear systems using parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions

In this paper, we present a new output feedback control approach for discrete-time linear systems subject to actuator saturations using parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions. The saturation level indicator serves as a scheduling parameter. The resulting nonlinear controller is expressed in a quasi-LPV (linear parameter-varying) form, and the stabilization and disturbance attenuation problems are formulated and solved as finite-dimensional linear matrix inequality (LMI) optimization problems. Our approach is less conservative than a single quadratic Lyapunov function method. Specifically, the proposed output feedback control law asymptotically stabilizes the open loop system with a larger domain of attraction and achieves better disturbance attenuation under energy and magnitude bounded disturbances.
An analytical formula for throughput of a production line with identical stations and random failures.

We derive a simple formula for the throughput (jobs produced per unit time) of a serial production line with workstations that are subject to random failures. The derivation is based on equations developed for a line flow model that takes into account the impact of finite buffers between workstations. The formula applies in the special case of a line with identical workstations and buffers of equal size. It is a closed-form expression that shows the mathematical relationships between the system parameters, and that can be used to gain basic insight into system behavior at the initial design stage.
Founding Editorial: Cognition.

The field of Cognition involves the scientific study of mental functions including their emotional, social, and cultural context. Under this definition, many academic disciplines such as Anthropology, Computer Science, Linguistics, Philosophy, and Psychology are appropriate. We will coordinate our work closely with the Higher Level Brain Function Domain when dealing with papers with a cognitive neuroscience focus. TheScientificWorldJOURNAL should be a vehicle for publishing promptly, carefully reviewed papers in this vast and in some areas swiftly moving field. In submitting our first paper to TheScientificWorldJOURNAL (Attentional Phenotypes for the Analysis of Higher Mental Function, TheScientificWorldJOURNAL (2002) 2, 217223) I found the two months from initial submission to publication very refreshing and the two thoughtful reviews among the most helpful I have received. We hope to provide the same service to others. While not all papers can be published, we would like to be prompt, clear, and helpful in dealing with each submission. As an electronic Journal, we hope to attract submissions from all parts of the world and help serve to develop a worldwide community of researchers dedicated to the study of cognition.
Real-time assessment of perioperative behaviors in children and parents: development and validation of the perioperative adult child behavioral interaction scale.

Background Behavior in response to distressful events during outpatient pediatric surgery can contribute to postoperative maladaptive behaviors, such as temper tantrums, nightmares, bed-wetting, and attention seeking. Currently available perioperative behavioral assessment tools have limited utility in guiding interventions to ameliorate maladaptive behaviors because they cannot be used in real time, are only intended to be used during 1 phase of the experience (e.g., perioperative), or provide only a static assessment of the child (e.g., level of anxiety). A simple, reliable, real-time tool is needed to appropriately identify children and parents whose behaviors in response to distressful events at any point in the perioperative continuum could benefit from timely behavioral intervention. Our specific aims were to (1) refine the Perioperative Adult Child Behavioral Interaction Scale (PACBIS) to improve its reliability in identifying perioperative behaviors and (2) validate the refined PACBIS against several established instruments. Methods The PACBIS was used to assess the perioperative behaviors of 89 children aged 3 to 12 years presenting for adenotonsillectomy and their parents. Assessments using the PACBIS were made during perioperative events likely to prove distressing to children and/or parents (perioperative measurement of blood pressure, induction of anesthesia, and removal of the IV catheter before discharge). Static measurements of perioperative anxiety and behavioral compliance during anesthetic induction were made using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale and the Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC). Each event was videotaped for later scoring using the Child-Adult Medical Procedure Interaction Scale-Short Form (CAMPIS-SF) and Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress (OSBD). Interrater reliability using linear weighted kappa (kappa(w)) and multiple validations using Spearman correlation coefficients were analyzed. Results The PACBIS demonstrated good to excellent interrater reliability, with kappa(w) ranging from 0.62 to 0.94. The Child Coping and Child Distress subscores of the PACBIS demonstrated strong concurrent correlations with the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, ICC, CAMPIS-SF, and OSBD. The Parent Positive subscore of the PACBIS correlated strongly with the CAMPIS-SF and OSBD, whereas the Parent Negative subscore showed significant correlation with the ICC. The PACBIS has strong construct and predictive validities. Conclusions The PACBIS is a simple, easy to use, real-time instrument to evaluate perioperative behaviors of both children and parents. It has good to excellent interrater reliability and strong concurrent validity against currently accepted scales. The PACBIS offers a means to identify maladaptive child or parental behaviors in real time, making it possible to intervene to modify such behaviors in a timely fashion.
Ionomycin‐induced acetylcholine release and its inhibition by adenosine at frog motor nerve endings

Abstract 1. Acetylcholine (ACh) evoked secretion by the calcium ionophore, ionomycin, was studied at frog motor nerve endings. 2. Bath application of ionomycin stimulated an irreversible increase in the rate of spontaneous, quantal ACh release in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. In contrast, local application of ionomycin stimulated a rapid, reversible acceleration of spontaneous ACh release. 3. The magnitude of the secretory response to ionomycin was dependent both upon the concentration of ionophore and the concentration of extracellular Ca2+. 4. Adenosine or 2-chloroadenosine inhibited ionomycin-stimulated ACh release with the same potency and efficacy observed previously for these adenosine analogues as inhibitors of ACh secretion evoked by nerve impulses. 5. These results support the conclusion that adenosine receptor activation inhibits quantal ACh secretion at a site distal to that of Ca2+ entry at frog motor nerve endings.
Bayesian estimation of system reliability in Brownian stress-strength models

A stress-strength system fails as soon as the applied stress,X, is at least as much as the strength,Y, of the system. Stress and strength are time-varying in many real-life systems but typical statistical models for stress-strength systems are static. In this article, the stress and strength processes are dynamically modeled as Brownian motions. The resulting stress-strength system is then governed by a time-homogeneous Markov process with an absorption barrier at O. Conjugate as well as non-informative priors are developed for the model parameters and Markov chain sampling methods are used for posterior inference of the reliability of the stress-strength system. A generalization of this model is described next where the different stress-strength systems are assumed to be exchangeable. The proposed Bayesian analyses are illustrated in two examples where we obtain posterior estimates as well as perform model checking by cross-validation.
Digital clubbing. A case study

In this case, it is difficult to assess whether the severity of the clubbed digits is a result of a purely hereditary nature, liver pathology, chronic respiratory ailments, or a combination of the above. The abnormal liver function test may not be related to the digital clubbing. Instead, they may be the result of the alcohol abuse. The case does appear to be hereditary because his siblings and mother all have clubbed digits and there is a higher frequency in blacks. The authors believe that this case affords an opportunity to make the podiatrist aware of the possibilities that should be considered the differential diagnosis when examining a patient with clubbed digits. It is important to fully work up a patient with clubbed digits even if the presentation is that of hereditary clubbing. Severe clubbing may be the result of a mild hereditary form that was worsened by an underlying systemic condition, such as malignancy, toxicosis, endocrinopathy, and neuropathy.
Restricted proliferation and migration of postnatally generated neurons derived from the forebrain subventricular zone

Abstract The subventricular zone of the postnatal forebrain produces mainly glia, although it supports limited neurogenesis. To determine whether the subventricular zone is positionally specified, the phenotype and destination of the progeny of subventricular zone cells along the anterior-posterior axis of the lateral ventricles were analyzed. A retroviral lineage tracer containing the E. coli reporter gene lacZ was injected into different parts of the subventricular zone of neonatal rat pups, and at various times thereafter, the expression of β-galacto-osidase was detected histochemically or immunohistochemically in the descendants of infected cells. A discrete region of the anterior part of the subventricular zone (SVZa) generated an immense number of neurons that differentiated into granule cells and periglomerular cells of the olfactory bulb—the two major types of interneurons. Thus, the SVZa appears to constitute a specialized source of neuronal progenitor cells. To reach the olfactory bulb, neurons arising in the SVZa migrate several millimeters along a highly restricted route. Guidance cues must be involved to prohibit widespread dispersion of these migrating neurons.
Making Scents out of Changing Spatial Geographies: A Closer Look at the Animal–Human–Faecal Relationship

The paper begins by examining changing animal geographies, specifically, in regard to animals within Western nations that have been regulated over the years as their smells, sounds and bodily prese...
Emphasis Terms for Warning Directives on Compliance Intent

Instructions on how to avoid hazards are an important aspect of warnings. Because message brevity is beneficial for effectiveness, the wording ought to be useful in motivating compliance. Participants (N=132) evaluated 37 single and two-word emphasis phrases (e.g., "critical" or "absolutely crucial") that could be added to a directive (or instructions) statement to indicate the degree of compliance necessity. Manipulated were one or two-word (phrase) emphasis terms (e.g., "critical," "must," and "absolutely critical"). Participants rated the compliance intent for each of these. Results showed a wide range of ratings across word/phrase conditions (from "extremely critical" and "urgent" as the highest to "optional" as the lowest). Linear (additive) and non linear effects were yielded by the pattern of means for word/phrase combinations. "Federal Law" was one of the highest rated items confirming similar previous findings. Implications are discussed including the potential for matching terms with hazard levels. Language: en
CUSUM Hypothesis Tests and Alternative Response Probabilities for Finite Poisson Trials

This article develops a new cumulative sum statistic to identify aberrant behavior in a sequentially administered multiple-choice standardized examination. The examination responses can be described as finite Poisson trials, and the statistic can be used for other applications which fit this framework. The standardized examination setting uses a maximum likelihood estimate of examinee ability and an item response theory model. Aberrant and non aberrant probabilities are computed by an odds ratio analogous to risk adjusted CUSUM schemes. The significance level of a hypothesis test, where the null hypothesis is non-aberrant examinee behavior, is computed with Markov chains. A smoothing process is used to spread probabilities across the Markov states. The practicality of the approach to detect aberrant examinee behavior is demonstrated with results from both simulated and empirical data.
PA6/clay nanocomposites by continuous sonication process

Polyamide 6 (PA6)/clay nanocomposites were prepared using a single screw extruder with an ultrasonic die attachment. The die pressure and ultrasonic power consumption were measured at various clay concentrations. The structure and morphology of nanocomposites studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the clay (Cloisite® 30B) was exfoliated within PA6 matrix at all clay concentrations, while clays (Cloisite® 15A and 93A) only intercalated. The complex viscosities of the nanocomposites were increased with clay loading and after ultrasonic treatment at lower amplitudes. The Young's modulus, stress and elongation at break, toughness and yield stress and strain of ultrasonically treated nanocomposites were significantly affected by the level of intensity of ultrasound. In addition to XRD, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and 15N NMR techniques were used to investigate the structural changes in PA6/clay nanocomposites. The results indicated that the intercalated organoclay nanocomposites can induce generation of the γ-form crystal of PA6 and substantially affect the arrangement of molecules in the α-form crystal. It was found that the addition of clay in the PA6 matrix leads to a decrease of crystallinity. However, ultrasonic treatment of nanocomposites increased crystallinity. A substantial reduction in oxygen permeability was observed by increasing concentration of clay. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Narrowband UV-B Phototherapy for Steroid-Refractory Sclerotic Chronic Cutaneous Graft-vs-Host Disease

Importance Chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) affects 50% to 70% of patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplants (HCTs), and the skin is the most common site of involvement. Chronic cutaneous GVHD can present with sclerotic or nonsclerotic changes of the skin and often requires treatment with systemic immunosuppressants, extracorporeal photopheresis, or phototherapy. We describe the first reported case, to our knowledge, of the effective treatment of sclerotic chronic cutaneous GVHD with narrowband UV-B (NB UV-B) phototherapy. Observations A woman in her 40s presented with sclerotic chronic GVHD of the skin 6 years after HCT for treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia. The patient’s cutaneous disease progressed despite treatment with prednisone and oral tacrolimus. The patient was initiated on NB UV-B phototherapy 3 times per week, resulting in clinically significant improvement of cutaneous lesions over the first 2 months. The NB UV-B regimen allowed for a reduction of prednisone dose and continued control of cutaneous GVHD over 6 months of therapy. Conclusions and Relevance Our case report describes the successful use of NB UV-B phototherapy for the treatment of sclerotic chronic cutaneous GVHD. Further study should be performed to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapeutic modality for patients with sclerotic chronic cutaneous GVHD.
Growth, yield and quality of forage maize under different nitrogen management practices

Maize (Zea mays L.) forage producers need more information on how N management affects dry matter (DM) yield, forage quality, and residual soil NO 3 − -N concentrations. Studies were conducted in New York to evaluate three hybrids under different sidedress N rates (0, 56, 140, and 255 kg N ha −1 at the V4 stage) and timing (70 + 70 kg N ha −1 at V4 and V8 and 75 + 75 + 75 kg N ha −1 at V4, V8, and R1 stages). The DM yields, which averaged 25% lower in 1991 (12.3 Mg ha −1 ) compared to 1990 (16.9 Mg ha −1 ), responded curvilinearly to N rates with maximum economic yields of 140 and 160 kg N ha −1 , respectively [...]
VEGFR3: A New Target for Antiangiogenesis Therapy?

VEGFR-3 signaling plays an important role in developmental, physiological, and pathological angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Tammela et al. in Nature show that VEGFR-3, via Notch regulation, is present on endothelial tip cells and is critical to sprouting angiogenesis.
Ecology and life history of the clown goby inhabiting the upper Banana River, Cape Canaveral, Florida

Monthly collections of clown goby,Microgobius gulosus, were made from March 1984 through February 1985 at two stations located at the head of the Banana River, Brevard County, Florida, as part of the long-term environmental monitoring program at the John F. Kennedy Space Center. A total of 18921 fishes comprising eight families and 12 genera was collected.M. gulosus represented 6.4% of the total catch. Populations ofM. gulosus exhibited aggregation behavior, which varied in intensity depending on densities of individuals m−2 and habitat characteristics. Capture data were best described by the negative binomial distribution. Mean estimates of individuals m−2 ranged from 0.0 to a high of 22.1 during periods of peak recruitment. The total length-weight regression for all individuals measured was log10 weight = −4.65 + 2.72 log10 length.M. gulosus obtained a size of 35–40 mm TL the first year and 50–60 mm TL the second year. Total lengths of all specimens ranged from 11 to 71 mm. Young of the year first appeared in May with smallest individuals collected in June and July. A protracted spawning period was observed. Stomach and gut analyses revealed that crustaceans and annelids combined represented 65% and 66% of the total diet forM. gulosus from stations 1 (open) and 2 (impounded), respectively. However, differences in proportions of the two groups were present between the two stations. Crustaceans represented 47.1% of the diet for gobies collected at station 1 and annelids 40.8% for specimens collected from station 2. Fecundity was low with the mean number of ova being 305 ± 77.5 for females between 35 and 49 mm TL. Estimated mortality rate was approximately 95% annually.
An expert system for the laboratory

An expert system and a database to assist an instructor in a laboratory session are described. They were developed using Turbo Prolog version 2.0 on an IBM-AT compatible. The expert system and database can provide a vehicle for each student to query a computer for troubleshooting advice and for information on how the circuit is to function. The top-level shell of this 'laboratory assistant' allows the user to select the experiment to be queried and then a graphical representation of the circuit is shown on one side of the screen, while the user asks questions of the database or of the expert system in an adjacent window. The process is sequential, with the program asking questions of and prompting the user. >
Temperature spans for growth: Hypothesis and discussion

In recent years the upper and lower temperature limits for growth of pure cultures of microorganisms have been extended at least to 110°C and −14°C, respectively. There are no organisms which grow at both 0°C and 100°C and, therefore, organisms are grouped according to their ranges of growth temperatures. Thus, the questions of importance are:: (1) What is the widest temperature range (temperature span) over which a single organism can grow? and (2) How much can one alter the temperature spans of an organism? The concept of ‘cryptic thermophiles’ is used to explain some of the published data on the latter question. A wider temperature range can be very important for organisms in various ways, since it makes an organism more versatile with regard to changes in the environment. Also, it enables the organism to utilize a wider range of ecological niches. Some aerobic and anaerobic extreme thermophiles will grow within a span of more than 40°C. Furthermore, such organisms are regarded suitable for biotechnological applications as well. The following hypothesis is presented and discussed: these organisms have two sets of key enzymes, and their synthesis is regulated by temperature. Such organisms are capable of growing in two different ranges, such as the mesophilic and thermophilic ranges. The hypothesis is based on the fact that these bacteria exhibit broken Arrhenius plots (growth temperature versus) doubling time as parameters), and is illustrated with ‘temperature tolerant extreme thermophiles’ as the major example. However, the hypothesis is not restricted to this group, but is also applicable to the ‘temperature tolerant thermophiles and mesophiles’.