cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Is Evidence Able to Persuade Physicians to Discuss Spirituality with Patients

Patients believe that spirituality informs health; frequently, they wish to share their beliefs with physicians. Although a large number of physicians believe it their responsibility to be aware of patient beliefs, many do not address spirituality because they do not believe it their role to do so. These physicians would perhaps feel differently if presented with evidence that associated spirituality with positive health outcomes. This national sample of family medicine residents were asked if, presented with evidence that spirituality was associated with improved outcomes, they would be more likely to initiate discussions of spirituality with patients. To varying degrees, most residents agreed that they would be more willing to initiate spirituality discussions if presented with good evidence. Geographic region of training, religious preference, and Spiritual Well-Being Scale quartile predicted both strength of agreement and whether a resident would be as responsive to spirituality oriented research as to investigations of traditional therapeutic modalities. Although residents indicated that they would be more responsive to publications on traditional medical therapies, familiarity with the spirituality literature as part of a residency educational curriculum may help break down barriers to addressing this issue with patients.
Regulation of cytochrome oxidase activity in the rat forebrain throughout adulthood

Measures of metabolic activity can provide useful indices of the effects of aging on neural function, since sustained changes in neural activity alter metabolic demand and the activity of metabolic enzymes. Previous reports of effects of aging on key enzymes for oxidative metabolism are mixed, however, with some reports that activity declines in the aging brain and others that activity remains stable or increases. We used high-resolution, quantitative histochemistry to test whether cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity changes in the forebrain during adulthood and senescence, measuring activity in each layer of the hippocampus and several cerebral cortical areas. In most forebrain regions, average cytochrome oxidase activity was slightly higher in middle-aged than in young adult rats but did not differ between middle-aged and old rats. Thus, there was no significant change in cytochrome oxidase activity with senescence. Additional analyses indicated that cytochrome oxidase activity is regulated regionally in the brain, as well as focally, and that differences in regional regulation may contribute to variation in CO activity among individuals, which was greater in young and old rats than in middle-aged animals.
Peri-Operative Glucose Control in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery as a Surgical Site Infection Prevention Strategy

Abstract ISSUE: Tight control of blood glucose levels in the peri-operative period appears to lead to fewer surgical site infections (SSI) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at Greenville Memorial Hospital (GMH) were found to have poor glucose control (6.7 percent of baseline had all glucose levels of less than 200 during the 48 hours postoperatively). The actions taken to improve glucose control are described. PROJECT: A multidisciplinary team was formed to improve practices that reduce the risk of SSI including glucose control. The cardiovascular surgery postoperative insulin protocol was modified and an intra-operative insulin drip protocol developed. A method to monitor blood sugars in the operating room was implemented. Due to concerns about the potential development of hypoglycemia, blood glucose targets were gradually reduced from the initial 140-180 down to 110–140 with plans of an eventual target of 80–120. Glucose levels were monitored intra-operatively and for 48 hours postoperatively for all patients undergoing CABG. RESULTS: The percentage of patients undergoing CABG with glucose levels maintained at less than 200 for 2 days postoperatively has improved from 6.7% to as high as 80%. This reflects a 92% improvement. The CABG SSI rate has declined during this period from 4.0 % to 2.0% and reflects a statistically significant downward trend. LESSONS LEARNED: Glucose control procedure change requires multidisciplinary collaboration. A slower approach to improving glucose control was needed to obtain buy-in from clinicians.
The economic burden of carpal tunnel syndrome: long-term earnings of CTS claimants in Washington State.

Background The long-term earnings losses borne by injured workers, beyond those covered by workers' compensation insurance, are rarely estimated. The post-claim earnings of a cohort of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) claimants are tracked over a period of 6 years and compared to the earnings of claimants with either upper extremity fractures or dermatitis. Methods Quarterly earnings records of 4,443 workers in Washington State who filed claims with the State Fund in 1993 or 1994 for CTS are compared to those of 2,544 with upper-extremity fracture claims and 1,773 with medical-only dermatitis claims. Multivariate regression was used to identify the effect of injury type on earnings from that of other potential predictors. Results CTS claimants recover to about half of their pre-injury earnings level relative to that of comparison groups after 6 years; they also endured periods on time-loss three times longer than claimants with upper extremity fractures. CTS surgery claimants had better outcomes than those who did not have surgery. Earnings recovery fractions among CTS claimants were better for workers who: (1) were younger; (2) had stable pre-claim employment; (3) lived in the Puget sound area; (4) worked for large businesses; (5) worked in non-construction/transportation industries; or (6) were in the higher pre-injury earnings categories. Cumulative excess loss of earnings of the 4,443 CTS claimants was $197 million to $382 million over 6 years, a loss of $45,000–$89,000 per claimant. This underscores the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and accommodation for return to work. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50: 155–172, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Measurement issues in the comprehensive assessment of cancer pain

Objectives: To examine issues related to the assessment of pain, symptoms, and functional status in patients with cancer, and the timing of assessment and appropriate tools to collect this information. Data sources: Review articles, research studies, book chapters, and government guidelines pertaining to measurement issues in the assessment of cancer pain. Conclusions: Each component of the measurement process (ie, choice of an instrument to measure pain, timing and frequency of measurement, measurement of symptoms accompanying pain or its treatment, and measurement of functional status) is important in developing an accurate and comprehensive assessment of cancer pain. This comprehensive assessment is a prerequisite to effective pain management. Implications for nursing practice: For pain to be evaluated and treated effectively, regular, consistent assessment of pain by the clinician is imperative. This comprehensive assessment allows the clinician to choose modalities most likely to work for the individual patient.
Quality control of an unreliable flexible manufacturing system with scrapping and infinite buffer capacity

Manufacturing multiple part types on a flexible manufacturing system (FMS) is increasingly becoming a rule rather than an exception. In such systems, attention has been drawn to the application of zero-defect technologies. However, in practice, this goal has remained elusive and costly. As a result, even though FMSs may be more reliable, producing fewer defective parts, system complexity and more stringent quality standards are rendering quality control in FMSs potentially useful. The goals of this article are threefold. First, we introduce a procedure for measuring and managing the in-process quality control of an FMS, which is described by an Open Queueing Network (OQN), bridging thereby a gap between queueing theory and quality control. Second, by focusing attention on the potential unreliabilities of FMSs, we provide some managerial insights regarding the role, position, and distribution of the quality control effort in an FMS. Finally, we stress the intricate relations between an FMS's operating characteristics and the manufactured quality and its control. Using numerical analyses, we draw some inferences regarding the design of such FMSs when both quality and quantity issues in the FMSs are considered. These simultaneous considerations of quantity and quality flows in an FMS have not been previously considered in the study of FMSs.
Diagnostic waxing transfer from diagnostic casts to soft tissue definitive casts.

aAssociate Professor, Division of Primary Oral Health Care; Director, University of Southern California Center for Dental Technology. bSenior Dental Technologist, University of Southern California Center for Dental Technology; Division of Primary Oral Health Care. cAssociate Professor, Division of Primary Oral Health Care; Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation Chair of Esthetic Dentistry. (J Prosthet Dent 2008;99:•••-••) Fabricating quality anterior esthetic restorations, such as porcelain veneers and crowns, requires the fabrication of a soft tissue definitive cast with removable dies and a hard stone gingiva.1,2 This cast is essential to the integration of the definitive restoration with the architecture of the gingiva. It is obtained by repositioning a set of dies (trimmed as a root form with antirotation grooves) into the definitive impression, and subsequently pouring a solid base.1,2 This so-called “alveolar cast” (cast base with alveolar sockets) is not a substitute for another important cast, the solid cast, which is obtained from a single pour of the definitive impression, trimmed and mounted in an articulator. The solid cast represents the most accurate reference for intertooth relationships, and is used only during the final stage of laboratory procedures, for evaluation of the occlusion of the restoration. During the initial stage of restoration fabrication, the soft tissue cast (alveolar cast) will be primarily used. The ceramist is guided by the diagnostic waxing from the diagnostic cast. To facilitate this task, a method to accurately transfer the diagnostic waxing onto a set of removable dies for the soft tissue definitive cast is described. Because all sets of dies result from precise duplication of the original single dies, they all feature identical root portions that fit the alveolar stone base. The dies with transferred waxing can therefore be used alternatively or in combination with the original stone dies or refractory dies, using the same alveolar base (Fig. 1).
Sequential bond energies of Fe+ (CO2)n, n = 1-5, determined by threshold collision-induced dissociation and ab initio theory.

Collision-induced dissociation of the Fe+(CO2)n complexes for n = 1−5 is studied using kinetic energy dependent guided ion beam mass spectrometry. In all cases, the primary products are endothermic...
"July effect" and appendicitis.

Background Patients at teaching hospitals often worry about the involvement of inexperienced surgical residents in their care. The most apparent time that physician inexperience would affect surgical outcomes would be in July, which is the start of residency training. The purpose of our study was to determine whether the morbidity related to the management of appendicitis was higher in the beginning of the academic year. Methods A retrospective review of all appendicitis cases between 1998 and 2007 at 2 public teaching hospitals was conducted. An analysis was performed comparing all appendicitis cases in July/August versus all other months of the academic year. The outcome variables were wound infection rate, postoperative abscess drainage rate, and length of hospitalization (LOH). Results A total of 4325 patients were included in the study. Patient demographics and appendiceal perforation rate were similar between July/August and the rest of the year. Wound infection rate, postoperative abscess drainage rate, and LOH were also similar between these 2 time periods. Conclusions Appendicitis outcomes were similar in the beginning of the academic year in comparison with the remaining months. These findings suggest that patients with acute appendicitis can safely undergo emergency surgery early in the training year.
Carbon-supported copper catalysts. II. Crotonaldehyde hydrogenation

Abstract The adsorption and catalytic behavior of Cu supported on different forms of carbons, i.e., activated carbon, graphitized carbon fibers, and diamond powder, were examined during crotonaldehyde hydrogenation. Activities as well as turnover frequencies (TOFs) varied significantly as a function of the support, the pretreatment temperature, and the catalyst preparation technique; for example, activities at 423 K ranged from 0.23 to 18 μmol/s/g cat while TOFs ranged from 0.001 to 0.13 s −1 after reduction at 573 K. A maximum in TOF was exhibited by each catalyst as a function the fraction of Cu 0 at the surface, i.e., Cu 0 /(Cu 0 +Cu +1 ), which is attributed to enhanced reactivity of crotonaldehyde adsorbed on Cu +1 sites. Whereas typical Cu catalysts, including Cu powder, exhibited similar TOF values after a given reduction step, significantly higher TOFs were obtained with Cu dispersed on a nitric acid-treated activated carbon; this is attributed to additional adsorption sites on the carbon surface for crotonaldehyde which allow it to react with hydrogen spilled over from Cu 0 sites. In contrast, unusually low TOFs and a higher selectivity to crotyl alcohol were exhibited by Cu deposited on the graphitized fibers by an ion-exchange technique, which may be due to small Cu particles preferentially stabilized along the edges of the graphitic basal planes. Selectivity to crotyl alcohol was routinely near zero after 3 h on stream. Both diffuse reflectance FTIR spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and kinetic data obtained during crotyl alcohol and butyraldehyde hydrogenation indicated stronger adsorption and higher reactivity of crotyl alcohol on Cu, presumably leading to these low steady-state selectivities. DRIFT spectra taken under reaction conditions revealed adsorbed crotonaldehyde, provided evidence for a monohydrogenated reactive intermediate with detectable surface coverage, and detected no adsorbed butyraldehyde. A Langmuir–Hinshelwood model incorporating this reaction intermediate gave an excellent fit of the kinetic data and provided physically meaningful values for enthalpies and entropies of adsorption.
Data: to share or not to share?

This question (to share or to not share data) was the topic of the "The Changing Face Hof Epidemiology" symposium at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the Society for Epidemiological Research. The 2 presenters, Daniel Levy and Graham Colditz, offered their perspectives based on years of experience as principal investigators for the Framing ham Study and the Nurses' Health Study, respectively. Both studies are unique for the richness of the data collected, for the duration of follow-up, and for the myriad hypotheses still to be tested using their data; both are supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and are costly. The approaches taken for data sharing, as described by Levy and Colditz, differed. For the Framingham study, there has long been data sharing via public use data sets whereas the Nurses' Health Study has required the submission of a proposal for review by the Principal Investigator and subsequently by the study's Advisory Committee. Levy was firm in calling for open access to data collected with public funds, as long as confidentiality and privacy of data are maintained. Colditz spoke to the realities of data sharing-the need for infrastructure, the varied approaches to data sharing issues by Institutional Review Boards, and the competing interests of study investigators and their students with those seeking data access. In this commentary, I broaden the discussion to issues that inevitably come as we enter the era of data sharing: (1) the definition of the data that are to be shared; (2) the need to develop a culture of data sharing in epidemiology; (3) the consequences of data sharing for epidemiology (as fewer new population studies are supported); and (4) the implica tions of data sharing for students and researchers. First, regarding the rhetorical question posed in the title of this commentary-yes, share. Regardless of whether epidemiologists want to share data, the era of data sharing has arrived. One historical landmark was the "Shelby Amendment," a 1-sentence amend ment inserted into the 1998 appropriations bill. The Shelby Amendment led to changes in the Office of Management and Budget's Circular AI 10 governing research such that data collected with federal funds and cited in a regulation have to be made available if requested under the Freedom of Information Act. The Shelby Amendment was prompted by the reliance of the Environmental Protection Agency on data from the Harvard Six Cities Study and the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study II in setting the 1997 National Ambient Air Quality Standard for particulate matter. Industrial stakehold ers argued that the data should be available for analysis by affected parties because of the
Mucosal melanotic macule, reactive type: a simulation of melanoma.

Two patients with spontaneously resolving hyperpigmented patches of the oral mucosa are reported. Histologically, lesions in both cases showed large pigment-laden dendritic cells singly dispersed at all levels of the epidermis, which simulated in situ melanoma. The absence of such cells in the basal layer of the epidermis served to histologically distinguish these lesions from a biologically malignant melanocyte tumor. Spontaneous resolution in both patients suggests that the condition is reactive. We propose the term mucosal melanotic macule , reactive type, for this lesion, which has been described previously under the misnomer oral melanoacanthoma.
Literacy and UNESCO: Conceptual and Historical Perspectives.

This chapter addresses Themes 2 & 3 of the Hamburg Declaration: Improving the conditions and quality of adult learning and Ensuring the universal right to literacy and basic education.
Greenhouse gas emissions, waste and recycling policy

Abstract This paper examines least-cost policies for waste reduction, incorporating upstream greenhouse gas externalities associated with the production of consumption goods from various materials. In particular, we decompose the effect of deposit/refund, advance disposal fees, and recycling subsidies on upstream greenhouse gas emissions. We find that the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions are of the same order as or larger than the benefits of reducing solid waste disposal, implying larger optimal total waste reduction than previous studies. Furthermore, the least-cost intervention levels will be material-specific and vary substantially across materials. Finally, despite the reductions in emissions implied by increased recycling rates, direct recycling subsidies are more costly and generate less emissions reductions than a deposit/refund or advance disposal fee.
Multiscale modeling of particle–solidification front dynamics, Part I: Methodology

Abstract The interaction between an advancing solidification front and a micron-size particle is an inherently multiscale heat and mass transport problem. Transport at the micro-scale (i.e. the scale of the particle dimension) couples with intermolecular interactions and lubrication forces in a thin layer of melt between the particle and the front to determine the overall dynamics of the interaction. A multiscale model is developed to simulate such front–particle interactions. The solution to the lubrication equations in the melt layer is coupled to the solution of the Navier–Stokes equations for the overall particle–front system. Techniques are developed for coupling the dynamics at the two disparate scales at a common “matching plane”. All interfaces are represented and tracked using the level-set approach. A sharp-interface technique is employed for solution of the governing equations in the resulting moving boundary problem. Validation of the coupling strategy and results for the particle–front interaction phenomenon with the multiscale approach are presented.
Injectable benzimidazole anthelmintics effective against liver flukes, tapeworms, lungworms and gastrointestinal roundworms

A series of orally active benzimidazole anthelmintics has been discovered to be active by injection against nematode, cestode and trematode species.
The history of Cu, Pb, and Zn inputs to Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island as recorded by salt-marsh sediments

The distribution of metals with depth in sediment cores sampled from industrialized estuaries can reveal long-term trends in loadings to the waterbody. Salt marsh cores were sampled from five locations from the head to the mouth of Narragansett Bay and from one location from a marsh inside a lagoon on the coast of Block Island Sound with the intent of reconstructing historical loadings of Pb, Cu, and Zn to this estuary. Concentrations of Fe and Mn were measured as indicators of redox conditions of the sediment column. Chronologies were developed using accretion rates determined previsly from210Pb analyses of the same cores. Excess metal inventories and enrichment over pre-industrial concentrations were greater in upper bay cores reflecting the location of sources at the head of the estuary. The bay cores were similar with respect to the distributions of Cu, Pb, and Zn. Concentrations of all metals began to increase over background levels at depths corredponding approximately to the year 1900. Most of the cores showed peak concentrations of Cu and Pb in the early 1950s and 1970s. Distributions of Zn were more variable among cores, showing peaks in the early 1920s in some cores and in the 1950s and 1970s in others. In general, the observed distributions in the bay cores are consistent with estimated long-term trends in loadings from atmospheric and sewage sources. The metal distributions in the lagoon core appear to reflect atmospheric loadings. However, there are features in some cores that are not explainable using the estimated trends in source inputs. There also is not a 1∶1 correspondence between changes in sediment metal concentrations and changes in loadings. It is likely that this method of reconstruction would benefit from a more detailed characterization of sources, but comparison of sediment and historical records do show that attempts to reduce loadings to the bay have been successful.
Effects of ring fluorination on the adrenergic properties of phenylephrine.

Abstract The adrenergic properties of 2-, 4- and 6-fluorophenylephrine (2-FPE, 4-FPE, 6-FPE) were compared to those of phenylephrine (PE). The order of affinities of these compounds for α 1 -adrenoceptors as determined by displacement of [ 3 H]prazosin and [ 3 H]WB-4101 binding to brain membranes was the same as the order of potencies for eliciting two α 1 -adrenergic metabolic responses in guinea-pig cerebral cortical synaptoneurosomes, namely the stimulation of phosphatidylinositol turnover and the potentiation of 2-chloroadenosine-induced accumulation of cyclic AMP. In all cases the order was 6-FPE> PE> 4-FPE> 2-FPE. The order of affinities for α 2 -adrenoceptors as determined by displacement of binding of [ 3 H]clonidine to brain membrane was 6-FPE> PE ⩾4-FPE = 2-FPE. In contrast, the order of potencies for inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in human platelet membranes via an α 2 -adrenoceptor was 6-FPE ≈ PE > 4-FPE ⪢ 2-FPE. The FPEs and PE were partial agonists compared to epinephrine in human platelets. The affinities of these compounds for β-adrenoceptors as determined by displacement of binding of [ 3 H]dihydroalprenolol to brain membranes are 2-FPE > PE ⩾ 4-FPE ⪢ 6-FPE. The FPEs and PE had positive chronotropic and inotropic effects in isolated guinea-pig atria apparently through the activation of a β-adrenoceptor, since pindolol blocked the response while prazosin did not. 6-FPE appeared less active than the other PEs in atria. In fat cell membranes, 2-FPE was more potent than PE in stimulating adenylate cyclase via a β-adrenoceptor, while 4-FPE and 6-FPE were inactive. Both, 2-FPE and PE were partial agonists in fat cells compared to isoproterenol. Of the three FPEs, 6-FPE represents a more potent and more selective agonist for α-adrenoceptors compared to s-adrenoceptors than PE, while 4-FPE and, in particular, 2-FPE are less potent and selective as α-agonists.
Voltage sensitivity response of ultrasonic hydrophones in the frequency range 0.25–2.5 MHz

Abstract Frequency responses of different PVDF polymer hydrophones, including membrane and needle designs, were measured and are presented in terms of end-of–cable voltage sensitivity vs. frequency over a wide, 4.5-octave bandwidth ranging from 0.25–2.5 MHz. The experimental data indicate that the membrane PVDF hydrophones can exhibit uniform, to within ± 0.75 dB, responses. However, a widely used bilaminar membrane hydrophone-preamplifier combination may display sensitivity variations of ± 2 dB. Also, even well-designed needle-type hydrophones show a more distinct sensitivity variation below 1 MHz that is on the order of 3–4 dB. The overall uncertainty of the calibration technique was estimated to be better than ± 2 dB in the frequency range considered. The technique, which uses a combination of swept frequency chirp and reciprocity so that both the relative and absolute plots of sensitivity vs. frequency can be obtained, is also briefly described. The results of this work are important to implement procedures for adequate determination of the mechanical index of ultrasound (US) imaging devices. Mechanical index is widely accepted as a predictor of potential bioeffects associated with cavitation phenomena. Also, absolute calibration data are essential in development of therapeutic procedures based on the use of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and in characterization of conventional therapeutic US applicators operating at frequencies below 1 MHz.
A comparison of selected parametric and imputation methods for estimating snag density and snag quality attributes

Abstract Snags (standing dead trees) are an essential structural component of forests. Because wildlife use of snags depends on size and decay stage, snag density estimation without any information about snag quality attributes is of little value for wildlife management decision makers. Little work has been done to develop models that allow multivariate estimation of snag density by snag quality class. Using climate, topography, Landsat TM data, stand age and forest type collected for 2356 forested Forest Inventory and Analysis plots in western Washington and western Oregon, we evaluated two multivariate techniques for their abilities to estimate density of snags by three decay classes. The density of live trees and snags in three decay classes (D1: recently dead, little decay; D2: decay, without top, some branches and bark missing; D3: extensive decay, missing bark and most branches) with diameter at breast height (DBH) ⩾ 12.7 cm was estimated using a nonparametric random forest nearest neighbor imputation technique (RF) and a parametric two-stage model (QPORD), for which the number of trees per hectare was estimated with a Quasipoisson model in the first stage and the probability of belonging to a tree status class (live, D1, D2, D3) was estimated with an ordinal regression model in the second stage. The presence of large snags with DBH ⩾ 50 cm was predicted using a logistic regression and RF imputation. Because of the more homogenous conditions on private forest lands, snag density by decay class was predicted with higher accuracies on private forest lands than on public lands, while presence of large snags was more accurately predicted on public lands, owing to the higher prevalence of large snags on public lands. RF outperformed the QPORD model in terms of percent accurate predictions, while QPORD provided smaller root mean square errors in predicting snag density by decay class. The logistic regression model achieved more accurate presence/absence classification of large snags than the RF imputation approach. Adjusting the decision threshold to account for unequal size for presence and absence classes is more straightforward for the logistic regression than for the RF imputation approach. Overall, model accuracies were poor in this study, which can be attributed to the poor predictive quality of the explanatory variables and the large range of forest types and geographic conditions observed in the data.
Numerical scaling techniques for evaluating generative models of orthographies

Research presented introduces a new approach for empirically investigating generative or inductive-like systems. Two versions of a generative model of the uppercase English alphabet are examined. The approach is both formal and interdisciplinary, applying techniques developed by psychophysics to a problem that is typically linguistic. Experimental results presented illustrate empirical methods and analytic tools used, and demonstrate how the techniques advance the psychological study of the English alphabet. Two different theoretical models of the alphabetic system are evaluated strictly on the basis of empirically observed two-alternative forced-choice data. Scaling methods described produce a numerical scale for generated alphabetic items which permits informative comparisons between scale values and across independently derived scales. The scaling theory used is a variant of Thurstone's Case V model. The methods can also be utilized to further model construction. Implications of the findings for the existing body of writing-system research, and the generalizability of the approach to other domains of investigation are also discussed.
Voriconazole Is Cytotoxic at Locally Delivered Concentrations: A Pilot Study

Background Fungal infections are rare but major problems when they involve orthopaedic implants. Preferred treatment in North America is two-staged: resection and then delayed reconstruction, with local delivery of an antifungal between stages. The effect of voriconazole, a hydrophobic antifungal, on local tissues and wound healing is unclear.
Adrenal sterol metabolism in the hamster following ACTH and cortisol administration.

Acetate-14C was given ip to hamsters which had received cortisol for 3 days or ACTH only 10 min previously. One hr later, the adrenal glands were removed and the concentration and specific activity (SA) of free sterol, ester sterol and total lipid determined. Cortisol administration produced a decline in ester sterol SA but no other change. ACTH administration reduced both free and ester sterol SA but did not measurably affect total lipid or sterol concentrations. The results are interpreted in view of the known actions of both hormones in regulating steroidogenesis from sterol precursors. (Endocrinology 85: 347, 1969)
Vibrational analysis of the Raman spectra of polycrystalline cis-2-butene

Abstract The vibrational assignments and potential energy distributions for cis -2-butene were examined by transferring appropriate force constants from trans -2-butene and the model systems, cis -1,2- and trans -1,2-difluoroethylene. The model fluoroethylene systems provided both the crucial interaction force constants, which account for effects across the double bond in cis -2-butene, and the skeletal out-of-plane force constants. The zero-order frequencies calculated for cis -2-butene from the transferred potential function agreed quite well with the low temperature Raman spectra of the polycrystalline material.
Transient disruption of attentional performance following escalating amphetamine administration in rats.

Attentional deficits are thought to be critically involved in the development of positive symptoms in schizophrenia. The present experiment tests the general hypothesis that sensitization of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system contributes to the attentional deficits in schizophrenia. The present study assessed attentional performance following administration of an escalating amphetamine regimen and subsequent “challenge” amphetamine administration in rats. Rats were trained to perform a two-lever sustained attention task that involved discrimination of visual signals and no signal presentation. After reaching criterion, subjects were assigned to receive escalating amphetamine or saline. Attentional performance was assessed immediately following escalating amphetamine, following “challenge” amphetamine administration (1.0 mg/kg) to amphetamine-pretreated rats, and for 3 days after the challenge session. At the end of this experiment, a dose-response study was conducted with saline-pretreated rats to confirm the appropriateness of the challenge dose. Amphetamine-pretreated animals demonstrated a transient increase in errors on non-signal trials following escalating amphetamine administration. The latency to press a lever was decreased during and after challenge amphetamine administration. Administration of 1.0 mg/kg amphetamine did not alter accuracy of amphetamine-pretreated animals or of saline-pretreated animals in the dose-response experiment. Prior escalating amphetamine administration transiently disrupted attention, increasing incorrect “claims” for a signal on trials when no signal was presented. The present data support the existing literature that escalating amphetamine regimens may be useful to model the attentional deficits that contribute to the psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia.
Cognitive representations, control, and understanding of complex systems: a field study focusing on components of users' mental models and expert/novice differences

Users' mental models of systems are frequently asserted to be important in their interactions with those systems. Although there are few explicit definitions of mental models in the literature, mental models are assumed to be important and researchers have seemed to accept and understand the concept intuitively. In our research, we have extracted three themes from the definitions of mental models including: (1) the relations among features or components of a system; (2) the capability of the mental model to aid in the control of the system; and (3) the capability of the mental model to enhance the user's understanding of the system. The relationships among the components of users' mental models, including procedural and declarative knowledge, perceptions of the use of system features, and the relations among the similarity of use of system features, were investigated in a field study. Trained and untrained novice users of a new business phone system rated the similarity of use of nine standard features on the phone. These ratings were used to derive cognitive representations of the relations among the system features. Users' ratings of features on univariate scales about the use of the features and scores obtained on a test of procedural knowledge were related to these representations. The two novice groups' mental models were similar except for the perception of one feature; it was more accurately depicted in the trained users' representation than those who did not attend a training programme. Two types of experts' similarity of use ratings were evaluated to determine an 'appropriate' representation of the use of the system features; this was then compared to the novices'. This comparison suggested that there were deficiencies in the mental models of novices. Designing training programmes and instructional aids for systems using the discrepancies between novices' and experts' mental models are discussed.
Facial paralysis in children. A review of 150 cases.

The in-patient records at the Hospital for Sick Children were reviewed for the 10-year period 1960 to 1970. All charts in which were coded a primary diagnosis of Bell's palsy, facial paralysis or paresis, or a secondary diagnosis of facial nerve functional disturbance were pulled and reviewed. As there was no out-patient diagnostic index in that period, it proved impossible to identify the numbers or diagnosis of patients with the physical sign of those who were not admitted to the hospital. There were 150 patients in whom a facial nerve disorder was recorded. The distribution and a broad etiological classification is shown in Table I. It will be seen that there were significantly more lower motor neurone than upper motor neurone lesions, although it is likely that many upper motor neurone facial pareses were not recorded because they formed but a small part of a more serious generalized neurological disorder. The upper motor neurone pareses which were recorded had a variety of causes. The infections included meningitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Three of the four infective cases made a complete recovery, as did all of the traumatic cases. In one of the hydrocephalic children the facial paresis diminished as the primary lesion responded to treatment. The presence of an upper motor neurone facial paresis is therefore not necessarily a sign of irreversible disease. Trauma due to birth injury, accident or motor vehicle injury was the most common cause of lower motor neurone paresis. The birth injuries usually cleared spontaneously. Bell's palsy was the next most common cause of facial palsy. The sexes were equally affected and the age distributions even throughout childhood. Bell's palsy in children, as in adults, may not clear spontaneously, and should be treated with respect. Facial palsy caused by acute inflammatory disease responds in most instances to antibiotic treatment, although simple mastoidectomy may be necessary. The outcome in this group is excellent. The remarkably few cases of facial palsy complicating chronic middle ear disease are a reflection of the changing pattern of disease. Operative causes were surprisingly mainly due to parotid surgery, and the indication for surgery was always excision of parotid hemangioma. In a 10-year period there were only two facial palsies attributable to temporal bone surgery. There is a need for a detailed prospective study of all children with a facial paralysis and particularly the Bell's palsy group. Only in this way will accurate figures be obtained about the prognosis and thus allow appropriate regimens to be established.
The effects of perceived conflict, resource scarcity, and information bias on emotions and environmental decisions

The failure to anticipate the public's response to environmental problems can lead to expensive delays, bad public relations, and litigation, as well as environmental decisions that do not represent public values and preferences. This study examines the influence of conflict between management goals, perceived resource scarcity, and information bias on evaluations of the importance of management goals; the perception of conflicts among the goals; and the emotions evoked in an urban forest management problem. Environmental problem scenarios were systematically manipulated as to the level of conflict between development and natural preservation goals, the scarcity of urban nature, and the bias of the presented information. Evaluations of the importance of urban nature and economic development were susceptible to manipulations of scarcity. The importance of urban nature was also higher when information was biased toward pro-preservation issues. Negative emotions were associated with high conflict and scarcity and with the propreservation information bias. Both evaluations of goal importance and conflict among goals appeared to be based on an underlying economics-versus-amenity dimension. These results are similar to previous studies of environmental decision making with regard to nonurban environmental problems. This research offers a beginning in understanding and anticipating the way members of the public may respond to information about environmental problems.
α-Trialkylsilyl Amino Acid Stability

α-Trialkylsilyl amino acids have been evaluated for their stability toward methanolysis as a model for physiological conditions. The juxtaposition of amine and carbonyl groups significantly destabilizes the silicon−carbon bond, but changing a single methyl on silicon to an ethyl led to a dramatic stability enhancement. Converting the ester to an amide gave an additional jump in stability, suggesting broad potential for these novel amino acids in bioactive peptides and pharmaceuticals.
Categorization and Stereotypes about Men and Women

This experiment examined the relationship between categorization by gender and stereotyping of men and women. After listening to a recorded discussion, college students tried to match up the male and female discussants with their statements. They then evaluated on stereotype measures either these speakers or men and women they had not seen before. Results showed that categorization, that is, the difference between intra -and intersex recognition errors, was correlated with sex-stereotyping of discussion participants on one of two stereotype measures. Categorization was unrelated to stereotyping of individuals whose behavior was not observed. These results suggest that categorization may produce different impressions of individuals from different categories by biasing the specific information associated with them, but that these impressions may not generalize to stereotypes about category members in general.
70-mph speed limit and motor vehicular fatalities on interstate highways

In May 1996, Alabama increased the rural interstate highways speed limit to 70 mph. This study was conducted to determine if the faster speed limit had any influence on the number of motor vehicular crash (MVC) deaths. The null hypothesis was that no significant change occurred in the number of deaths since the faster speed was introduced. Using MVC fatality data collected by the Alabama Department of Public Safety and published by the state of Alabama from 1984 to 1999, a time-series study designed was used to examine the number of MVC deaths before and after the speed limit change. The trend of MVC deaths was examined for both rural and urban interstate highways and those occurring on Federal and state highways. There were 174 interstate MVC deaths in 1997 and 165 in 1999; both figures represent a significant increase (P <.05) from the trend of previous years' results. State and Federal highways demonstrated no significant change. By 1998 the number of interstate highway MVC deaths dropped to 114, falling back within the expected trend established by the results of the previous years. The number of rural interstate MVC deaths was found to be significant in 1997 and 1999. The faster speed limit was associated with an increase in MVC deaths for the first year after the speed limit increase. The decline in the number of MVC deaths for 1998 was unanticipated. There are many other factors that need to be evaluated before determining the cause and effect that higher speed limits have on MVC fatalities.
Treatment of severe hyponatremia in patients with kidney failure: role of continuous venovenous hemofiltration with low-sodium replacement fluid.

Patients with hypervolemic hyponatremia and kidney failure pose a special therapeutic challenge. Hemodialysis to correct volume overload, azotemia, and abnormal electrolyte levels will result in rapid correction of serum sodium concentration and place the patient at risk for osmotic demyelination syndrome. We present a patient with acute kidney injury and severe hypervolemic hypotonic hyponatremia (serum sodium
Scoping the family history: assessment of Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) in primary care settings--a primer for nurse practitioners.

Purpose: To describe and discuss the characteristic features and red flags of Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, that warrants referral for genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA). A focus on the nurse practitioner’s (NP) role in familial risk assessment, physical examination, initiationofgeneticreferrals,andissuesrelatedtothegeneticcounselingprocess are also discussed. Data sources: A review and synopsis of professional guidelines, clinical articles, and research studies on Lynch syndrome and the genetics of inherited cancer syndromes associated with colorectal cancer. Online resources from the American Gastroenterological Association, American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, the NationalCancerInstitute,theNationalCancerInstitute—PhysicianDataQuery, theNationalCoalitionofHealthProfessionalEducationinGenetics,theNational HumanGenomeResearchInstitute,theNationalSocietyofGeneticCounselors, International Society of Nurses in Genetics, and the Oncology Nursing Society. Conclusions: Approximately 5% of all colon cancers are because of a germ line mutation predisposing individuals and their family members to colorectal and other cancers. Although the efficacy of screening modalities is established, healthcare providers often fail to identify those at greatest risk for disease. The extended family history is the first step in recognition of individuals ‘‘suspect’’ for hereditarycolon cancers such asLynch syndrome. Early-age onset of Lynch syndrome‐associated cancers, an autosomal-dominant pattern, multiple primary tumors in an individual or multiple family members with Lynch syndrome‐associated cancers, characteristic pathological features of colon cancer, or a known germ line Lynch syndrome mutation in a family member are ‘‘red flags’’ that will aid NPs in identifying individuals who may benefit from GCRA. Implications for nurse practitioner practice: The importance of enhanced surveillance for early diagnosis and prevention of disease is a critical part of primary care. Thus, it is imperative that NPs obtain a minimum of a threegeneration pedigree, recognize hereditary cancer patterns, and provide referral counseling for consideration of genetic testing of individuals suspect for Lynch syndrome.
On flow of a heat conducting fluid through a porous medium

Summary. A two-space singular perturbation technique is employed to derive approximate governing equations for flow of a viscous heat-conducting fluid through a rigid porous solid. It is assumed that buoyancy forces are significant, and it is shown that standard approximations used in the study of flow through a porous medium are valid provided that Gr ≫ 1, where Gr is a Grashof number calculated using a typical pore radius as the length scale. Results previously derived in the literature for flow through an isotropic random array of spherical particles are used to show how the permeability and conductivity tensors can be calculated for a problem of interest in planetary science.
Living things as hierarchically organized structures

Hierarchical organization is an essential characteristic of living things. Although most biologists affirm the concept of living things as hierarchically organized structures, there are widespread differences of interpretation in the meaning of hierarchy and of how the concept of hierarchy applies to living things. One such basic difference involves the distinction between the concept of control hierarchy and classification hierarchy. It is suggested that control hierarchies are distinguished from classification hierarchies in that while the former involve authority relationships between levels, the latter do not. This is illustrated in an analysis of proposed hierarchies of replicators and interactors. The analysis of levels of hierarchies and their relationships also brings up the part-whole problem. An authority relationship between levels implies that the whole has a determining influence on the parts that make up the whole, and that parts have no independent, meaningful existence apart from the whole. The concept of an authority relationship in a part-whole relationship introduces the question of the independence or sovereignty of the components of the subordinate levels in a hierarchically organized living thing. This problem is discussed along with an analysis of the rather novel theory of enkapsis proposed by H. Dooyeweerd, in which he distinguishes part-whole relationships from enkaptic relationships.