cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) skills test: factors associated with first-attempt scores and pass rate

The Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery (FES) program became required for American Board of Surgery certification as part of the Flexible Endoscopy Curriculum (FEC) for residents graduating in 2018. This study expands prior psychometric investigation of the FES skills test. We analyzed de-identified first-attempt skills test scores and self-reported demographic characteristics of 2023 general surgery residents who were required to pass FES. The overall pass rate was 83%. “Loop Reduction” was the most difficult sub-task. Subtasks related to one another only modestly (Spearman’s ρ ranging from 0.11 to 0.42; coefficient α = .55). Both upper and lower endoscopic procedural experience had modest positive association with scores (ρ = 0.14 and 0.15) and passing. Examinees who tested on the GI Mentor Express simulator had lower total scores and a lower pass rate than those tested on the GI Mentor II (pass rates = 73% vs. 85%). Removing an Express-specific scoring rule that had been applied eliminated these differences. Gender, glove size, and height were closely related. Women scored lower than men (408- vs. 489-point averages) and had a lower first-attempt pass rate (71% vs. 92%). Glove size correlated positively with score (ρ = 0.31) and pass rate. Finally, height correlated positively with score (r = 0.27) and pass rate. Statistically controlling for glove size and height did not eliminate gender differences, with men still having 3.2 times greater odds of passing. FES skills test scores show both consistencies with the assessment’s validity argument and several remarkable findings. Subtasks reflect distinct skills, so passing standards should perhaps be set for each subtask. The Express simulator-specific scoring penalty should be removed. Differences seen by gender are concerning. We argue those differences do not reflect measurement bias, but rather highlight equity concerns in surgical technology, training, and practice.
Significant compaction of H4 histone tail upon charge neutralization by acetylation and its mimics, possible effects on chromatin structure.

Abstract The intrinsically disordered, positively charged H4 histone tail is important for chromatin structure and function. We have explored conformational ensembles of human H4 tail in solution, with varying levels of charge neutralization via acetylation or amino-acid substitutions such as K → Q . We have employed an explicit water model shown recently to be well suited for simulations of intrinsically disordered proteins. Upon progressive neutralization of the H4, its radius of gyration decreases linearly with the tail charge q, the trend is explained using a simple polymer model. While the wild type state ( q = + 8 ) is essentially a random coil, hyper-acetylated H4 ( q = + 3 ) is virtually as compact and stable as a globular protein of the same number of amino-acids. Conformational ensembles of acetylated H4 match the corresponding K → X substitutions only approximately: based on the ensemble similarity, we propose K → M as a possible alternative to the commonly used K → Q . Possible effects of the H4 tail compaction on chromatin structure are discussed within a qualitative model in which the chromatin is highly heterogeneous, easily inter-converting between various structural forms. We predict that upon progressive charge neutralization of the H4 tail, the least compact sub-states of chromatin de-condense first, followed by de-condensation of more compact structures, e.g. those that harbor a high fraction of stacked di-nucleosomes. The predicted hierarchy of DNA accessibility increase upon progressive acetylation of H4 might be utilized by the cell for selective DNA accessibility control.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease Severity in Young Children.

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in hospitalized children. Although prematurity and underlying medical conditions are known risk factors, most of these children are healthy, and factors including RSV load and subgroups may contribute to RSV-ARI severity. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the role of RSV in ARI disease severity and determine factors associated with increased RSV-ARI severity in young children. Method Children less than five years with fever and/or ARI symptoms were recruited from the emergency department (ED) or inpatient settings at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Nasal and/or throat swabs were tested by qRT-PCR for common respiratory viruses, including RSV. A severity score was calculated for RSV-positive children. Results From 11/2015 through 07/2016, 898 participants were enrolled, and 681 (76%) had at least one virus detected, with 191 (28%) testing positive for RSV. RSV-positive children were more likely to be hospitalized, require intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and receive oxygen compared to other-virus-positive children. Higher viral load, White race, younger age, and higher severity score were independently associated with hospitalization in RSV-positive children. No differences in disease severity were noted among children infected with RSV A and B. Conclusion RSV was associated with increased ARI severity in young children enrolled from ED and inpatient settings, but no differences in disease severity were noted between RSV A and B. . These findings emphasize the need for effective antiviral therapy and/or preventive measures such as vaccines against RSV in young children.
Realising the long-term promise of insulin therapy: the DCCT/EDIC study

The introduction of insulin in the treatment of juvenile-onset, now type 1, diabetes mellitus transformed a rapidly fatal disease into a chronic degenerative one. During the insulin-treatment era, long-term microvascular and cardiovascular complications proved to be the bane of existence for people with type 1 diabetes, leading to blindness, kidney failure, amputations, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature mortality. The nascent understanding of the link between non-physiologically regulated glucose levels and these complications led to the development of new treatment tools in the 1970s and 1980s that facilitated the delivery of insulin to achieve glucose levels closer to non-diabetic levels. These therapeutic advances set the stage for definitive testing of the glucose hypothesis. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), supported by the National Institute of Diabetes Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), definitively established the benefits and risks of intensive therapy that substantially lowered mean blood glucose levels, measured by HbA1c, over a mean 6.5 years of therapy. Intensive therapy in the DCCT, resulting in a mean HbA1c of ~7% (53 mmol/mol), reduced the development and progression of early microvascular and neurological complications associated with diabetes by 34–76% compared with the conventional-treatment group, which maintained an HbA1c of ~9% (75 mmol/mol). Intensive therapy was also associated with weight gain and a threefold increased risk for hypoglycaemia. At the end of the DCCT, a long-term observational follow-up study, the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study, commenced. Despite the convergence of HbA1c levels between the two groups during EDIC, owing to the adoption of intensive therapy by the original DCCT conventional-treatment group and the return of all participants to their own healthcare providers for diabetes care, the development and progression of complications continued to be substantially less in the original intensive-treatment group vs the conventional-treatment group; this phenomenon was termed ‘metabolic memory’. The DCCT demonstrated a major reduction in early-stage complications with intensive therapy and the metabolic memory phenomenon during EDIC contributed to a substantially lower burden of advanced complications over time. These included a 57% lower risk of CVD events and 33% lower rate of mortality in the original intensive-treatment group compared with the conventional-treatment group. DCCT/EDIC has ushered in the intensive-treatment era, which has been universally adopted and includes the goal of achieving HbA1c levels less than 7% (53 mmol/mol) for most patients. Although the challenge of making intensive therapy (with the aim of achieving normoglycaemia) as widely accessible and safe as possible remains, continuing improvements in insulin therapy 100 years after its introduction promise a brighter future for people with type 1 diabetes.
Effective reduction of PdCoO 2 thin films via hydrogenation and sign tunable anomalous Hall effect

${\mathrm{PdCoO}}_{2}$, belonging to a family of triangular oxides called delafossite, is one of the most conducting oxides. Its in-plane conductivity is comparable to those of the best metals and exhibits hydrodynamic electronic transport with an extremely long mean free path at cryogenic temperatures. Nonetheless, it is nonmagnetic despite the presence of the cobalt ion. Here, we show that a mild hydrogenation process reduces ${\mathrm{PdCoO}}_{2}$ thin films to an atomically mixed alloy of PdCo with strong out-of-plane ferromagnetism and sign-tunable anomalous Hall effect. Considering that many other compounds remain little affected under a similar hydrogenation condition, this discovery may provide a route to creating novel spintronic heterostructures combining strong ferromagnetism, involving oxides and other functional materials.
Personalized sedation goal for agitated delirium in patients with cancer: Balancing comfort and communication.

BACKGROUND Agitated delirium is common and highly distressing. Medications are often needed to reduce agitation, but it is unclear what the desired level of sedation is. This study assessed personalized sedation goals (PSGs) and their predictors for patients in a delirium clinical trial and in clinical vignettes. METHODS This was a preplanned secondary analysis of a double-blind randomized clinical trial examining the sedative effect of chlorpromazine and/or haloperidol in patients with agitated delirium. At the baseline, caregivers and nurses were independently asked to select the PSG for the trial patient from 5 choices corresponding to Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) scores of 0 or higher (no sedation), -1 to -2, -3, -4, and -5 (deep sedation). Respondents also selected a PSG for 6 vignettes that differed by the level of agitation, ability to communicate, and survival. RESULTS Forty-two caregivers and 39 nurses answered questions regarding PSGs. For the trial patient, caregivers preferred RASS scores of -1 to -2 most often (36%), whereas nurses preferred an RASS score of -3 most often (51 %). Caregivers were significantly more likely than nurses to choose lighter sedation (odds ratio [OR], 4.8; P = .01) despite reporting greater delirium-related distress (P = .0006). Patients were undersedated 33% to 53% of the time and oversedated 0% to 15% of the time according to the PSG response criteria. In the case vignettes, deeper sedation was preferred by nurses (P < .0001) and for patients who were unable to communicate (OR, 3.1-4.4; P < .0001) and had a shorter life expectancy (OR, 1.7; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS Caregivers often preferred lighter sedation than nurses. Many patients were undersedated in comparison with caregivers' PSGs, and this highlights room for improvement. LAY SUMMARY In the last days of life, many patients with cancer develop delirium and become restless/agitated; this can be highly distressing. Caregivers and physicians alike are often concerned about the use of sedatives for agitated delirium and try to find a balance between maximizing comfort and maintaining communication. This study examined the concept of a personalized sedation goal for setting an individualized target for the level of sedation. Caregivers often preferred lighter sedation than nurses. Many patients were undersedated in comparison with caregivers' stated goals, and this highlights room for improvement.
Updating the Marketing Research Course to Prepare the Marketing Generalist

This exploratory research suggests that undergraduate marketing research textbooks and courses have not kept pace with the changes in the marketing research world over the past two decades. Two stu...
Tolerability of palbociclib in younger and older patients with advanced breast cancer

IntroductionPalbociclib is a small-molecule cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor used to treat hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative advanced breast cancer. ...
Chapter 13 The Role of Lexical Representations in Sentence Processing

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on how information made available during the word recognition process is used in sentence processing. The difference in acceptability reflects the specific knowledge about the verbs, which defines how they can be used and specifically, whether or not they can have a direct object. The body of knowledge forms the word's lexical representation in long-term memory. The chapter is primarily concerned with “combinatory knowledge,” the subset of lexical knowledge that specifies how words are used in sentences. The combinatory knowledge associated with verbs is particularly interesting because it provides information about both structural and conceptual aspects of the sentence. The chapter describes the phrase attachment and clause closure, and the role of argument structure and verb control information in sentence processing.
Sound speed estimation from sparse environmental measurements with application to mode filtering

Acoustic mode filtering requires accurate knowledge of the mode shapes and wavenumbers at the receiver, which are functions of the sound speed profile. During a year-long deployment, environmental measurements, hence measurements of sound speed, often consist of data from a small set of temperature sensors mounted on the vertical receiving array. This paper describes a space-time Kalman filter framework for estimating the sound speed profile from a spatially-sparse set of temperature measurements. The approach assumes that the changes in sound speed associated with slow variations in the environment can be written in terms of the quasi-geostrophic dynamic modes. The paper analyzes the sound speed errors associated with the method and considers how those errors propagate through the mode computations. Examples using environmental measurements made during the North Pacific Acoustic Laboratory experiment are provided
Marijuana Abusers Are at Increased Risk for Stroke

: We have recorded blood flow velocity in the anterior and middle cerebral arteries by transcranial Doppler sonography in abstinent marijuana abusers (n= 16) and control subjects (n= 19) to assess the effects of prolonged marijuana use of the cerebrovascular system. The pulsatility index, a measure of cerebrovascular resistance, and systolic velocity were significantly (p < 0.005) increased in marijuana abusers compared to the control subjects. These findings suggest that cerebral perfusion observed in 18–30 year old marijuana abusers is comparable to that of normal 60 year-olds. Thus, chronic abuse of marijuana might be a risk factor for stroke.
Space Utilization: Criteria for the Selection of Playground Equipment for Children

Abstract Kindergarten boys (N = 12) played in three pieces of nonmoving equipment: wooden pilings, horizontal bars, and a geodesic dome. Movement was measured by use of the spatial dimensions of range, direction, and level and by bases of support as the body factor to determine which piece produced the greatest variety in each dimension and in bases of support. Photographic slides of the 12 subjects, in groups of four, were taken simultaneously by four Nikon motorized F-36 cameras at 5-sec intervals while they moved on the equipment. A flatbed coordinate digitizer plotted the movements of the body parts from raw images into an accurate two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Computer programs transformed data into a three-dimensional system from which measurements were taken. Data was analyzed by using a three-factor repeated measure ANOVA, binomial proportions tests, Scheffes' tests, Kendall correlation, Wilcoxin T, and chi square. Results were significant at the .05 level and above. The bars elicit...
113Cd NMR of Cd2+-substituted carboxypeptidase. Support for a hexa-coordinate metal ion in the presence of inhibitors.

Abstract The liquid-state 113Cd NMR data of carboxypeptidase A in the presence and absence of inhibitors obtained by Gettins (Gettins, P. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 15513-15518) are analyzed in terms of whether the inhibitors displace water from Cd2+ upon binding to the protein. This question is addressed by applying the single crystal data and the methods introduced by Honkonen and Ellis (Honkonen, R. S., and Ellis, P. D. (1984) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 106, 5488-5497). Calculations based upon these data demonstrate that displacement of water by a carboxyl group should lead to significant shielding of a 113Cd resonance by approximately 100 ppm. Since the observed 113Cd chemical shifts for carboxypeptidase A are modest and deshielding (12-17 ppm), it is argued that the chemical shifts imply that water is not displaced from the Cd2+ center upon binding of inhibitors to carboxypeptidase A. Rather, the Cd2+ ion increases its coordination number from five to six upon binding of the inhibitor.
User interface issues in CAD tools for systolic array design

A number of issues relating to the development of CAD tools for systolic array design are discussed. Many constructive techniques that permit the systematic design of such arrays from a class of algorithmic specifications exist. It is important that the users are able to view their specifications as programs in a standard programming language, so that they are able to execute and debug the input. It is also important to provide a simulator for the derived target arrays, and to present adequate data representations for displaying the results. >
Growth, Survival, and Death of Microbes in Foods

Food microbiologists must understand microbiology and food systems and be able to integrate them to solve problems in complex food ecosystems. This chapter addresses this in three parts by (i) examining foods as ecosystems and discussing intrinsic and extrinsic environmental factors that control bacterial growth, (ii) explaining first-order or pseudo-first-order kinetics which govern the log phase of microbial growth and many types of lethality, and (iii) focusing on physiology and metabolism of foodborne microbes. Growth of Clostridium botulinum in foods such as potatoes and sauteed onions exposed to air has caused botulism outbreaks. Bacteria are classified as psychrophiles, psychrotrophs, mesophiles, and thermophiles according to the way in which temperature influences their growth. Additional barriers to microbial growth should be incorporated into refrigerated foods containing no other inhibitors. Food microbiology is concerned with all four phases of microbial growth. Growth curves showing the lag, exponential logarithmic or log, stationary, and death phases of a culture are normally plotted as the number of cells on a logarithmic scale or log10 cell number versus time. These plots represent the states of microbial populations rather than individual microbes. Thus, both the lag phase and stationary phase of growth represent periods when the growth rate equals the death rate to produce no net change in cell numbers. Food microbiologists frequently use doubling times (td) to describe growth rates of foodborne microbes. Developments in molecular biology and microbial ecology will change or deepen the perspective about the growth of microbes in foods.
Direct and indirect methods for learning optimal control laws

The primary focus of this paper is to discuss two general approaches for incrementally synthesizing a nonlinear optimal control law, through real-time, closed-loop interactions between the dynamic system, its environment, and a learning control system, when substantial initial model uncertainty exists. Learning systems represent an on-line approach to the incremental synthesis of an optimal control law for situations where initial model uncertainty precludes the use of robust, fixed control laws, and where significant dynamic nonlinearities reduce the level of performance attainable by adaptive control laws. In parallel with the established framework of direct and indirect adaptive control algorithms, a direct/indirect framework is proposed as a means of classifying approaches to learning optimal control laws. Direct learning optimal control implies that the feedback loop which motivates the learning process is closed around system performance. Common properties of direct learning algorithms, including the apparent necessity of approximating two complementary functions, are reviewed. Indirect learning optimal control denotes a class of incremental control law synthesis methods for which the learning loop is closed around the system model. This class is illustrated by developing a simple optimal control law. >
Cauchy Problem for Hyper-Parabolic Partial Differential Equations

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the Cauchy problem for hyper-parabolic partial differential equations. The chapter considers initial-boundary-value problems for partial differential equations of the form u t = u xx – u yy . Such equations arise in a discussion of classification. Specifically, every linear second-order constant-coefficient partial differential equation in n variable can be reduced to a specific form discussed in the chapter. Equations of this type have arisen in diverse nonstandard applications, most of which require a solution subject to classical initial and boundary conditions on a space-time cylinder. However such a problem is not well-posed but is “hyper-sensitive” to variations in the data. The chapter develops some elementary notions of generalized solutions of an abstract model as an evolution equation in Hilbert space. The chapter then presents some well-posed problems for this equation, and these results suggest a more natural method of approximating solutions of the ill-posed Cauchy problem.
The biochemistry of apoptosis

Apoptosis - the regulated destruction of a cell - is a complicated process. The decision to die cannot be taken lightly, and the activity of many genes influence a cell's likelihood of activating its self-destruction programme. Once the decision is taken, proper execution of the apoptotic programme requires the coordinated activation and execution of multiple subprogrammes. Here I review the basic components of the death machinery, describe how they interact to regulate apoptosis in a coordinated manner, and discuss the main pathways that are used to activate cell death.
Cryogenic MOSFET power conversion

Possible applications of low-temperature electronics in the field of cryogenic power conversion are examined. Full-bridge amplifiers were built and tested at liquid-nitrogen temperature. Transistor conduction and switching losses are analyzed and compared for 300 K and 77 K. The effect of low-temperature operation on overall power conversion efficiency is explored. It is concluded that commercially available MOSFETs in plastic or metal packages work very well if immersed in a bath of liquid nitrogen despite the fact that they were not designed for such a cold application. They can be operated at much higher current levels, and high-efficiency switchmode circuits can be designed. Heatsinks other than the liquid nitrogen are not required. This permits the design of extremely small, lightweight, and low-cost power conversion circuits. >
Teaching medical students the art of the 'write-up'.

Summary Background The creation of a complete ‘write–up’ continues to be essential to the clinical learning experience for medical students. The ability to document a clinical encounter is a key communication skill and Core Entrustable Professional Activity for entering residency. Methods We developed a guide to the comprehensive write–up, a grading rubric, and a videotaped encounter with a standardised doctor and patient. Second-year medical students created a write–up based upon this encounter, which was then peer-reviewed in a small group writer's workshop session. The students were later required to submit a write–up, based upon a real patient encounter, to the course directors for a grade. All write–ups (n = 185) were graded by the course director. Fifty-one were independently graded by a second course director. These grades were compared with the 175 student write-ups from the previous year. The ability to document a clinical encounter is a key communication skill … for entering residency Results The average grade for student write-ups was 86 with a standard deviation of 9, compared with an average of 75 with a standard deviation of 17 for the year prior to the introduction of this session (p < 0.001). The average score given by a second rater was 83 with a standard deviation of 11, indicating a high level of agreement and internal consistency. Discussion These tools were easy to use and well received by faculty members and students, and the quality of student write-ups significantly improved after the introduction of the session. The grading rubric demonstrated high inter-rater reliability, indicating that this can be adapted and used by others for instruction and assessment.
Electrochemical reduction of cinoxacin. The unexpected formation of an isatin derivative

The electrochemical reduction of cinoxacin (I) has resulted, via a series of chemical and electrochemical steps, in the formation of an indole dione III.
Notes on estimation of the intraclass correlation under the AB/BA crossover trial

Under the AB/BA crossover trial, we focus our attention on estimation of the intraclass correlation in normal data. We develop both point and interval estimators in closed form for the intraclass correlation. We employ Monte Carlo simulation to study the performance of these estimators in a variety of situations. We note that the estimators developed here for the intraclass correlation remain valid even when there are possibly unexpected carry-over effects.
Application of a New Model to Analyze Leakoff Tests

A leak-off test (LOT), commonly known as formation pressure integrity test (PIT), is a verification method to estimate the fracture pressure of exposed formations. After cementing each casing string, a LOT is run to verify that the casing seat can withstand the wellbore pressure required to safely drill to the next casing setting depth. Fracture pressure determined from the test is used as the maximum pressure that may be imposed on that formation. Critical drilling decisions for subsequent casing setting depths are based upon the result of a LOT. Accurate formation fracture gradient determination is critically important. Although a LOT is a simple and inexpensive test, its interpretation is not always easy, particularly in formations that give non-linear relationships between the pumped volume and the observed pump pressure. Ideally, a straight-line relationship of pump pressure to volume pumped is obtained that reflects primarily the total system compressibility, i.e the compressibility of the drilling fluid, casing expansion, and wellbore expansion. Non-linear LOT behavior is thought to be caused by gas in the system, by borehole failure, or by leakage of drilling fluid into the cemented casing/borehole annulus. There is, however, no mathematical model explaining the non-linear LOT behavior. Disagreement on determining or interpreting actual leak-off pressure from the test data among the operators is common, especially for shallow formations. In this study, a mathematical model is derived to assist in the analysis of non-linear LOT behavior. The model has been used to predict the observed non-linear behavior of field examples. In the case of a non-linear LOT, the model has also been used to predict the maximum fracture pressure of the formation without running a test until formation fracture.
Pulmonary edema and fluid mobilization as determinants of the duration of ECMO support

The physiological variables that govern recovery of pulmonary function during neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remain poorly understood. We hypothesized that pulmonary hypertension (PHN) resolves soon after starting ECMO and that neonatal weight gain, pulmonary edema, and fluid mobilization are major determinants of recovery of pulmonary function and the ability to decrease ECMO support. To evaluate this, 17 consecutive neonates requiring ECMO for severe respiratory failure were reviewed. PHN was studied by daily echocardiography to assess the direction of ductal shunting. To evaluate fluid flux, pulmonary function, and edema during ECMO, we measured body weight, urine output, and ECMO flow every 12 hours. To evaluate pulmonary edema, serial chest radiographs obtained every 12 hours were randomly reviewed and scored by two radiologists with a semiquantitative chest radiograph index score (CRIS). By 25% of bypass time, PHN had resolved in all patients. However, at that time, weight had increased to 9.16% +/- 1.78% above birth weight, and the CRIS was 44% worse than the value just prior to ECMO. From 25% time on bypass, as urine output increased, patient weight and CRIS progressively decreased, allowing ECMO support to be weaned. At the time of discontinuation of ECMO support, weight had decreased to 2.0% +/- 1.3% above birth weight, and urine output remained steady at 3.0 +/- 0.3 mL/kg/h. Within 24 hours of stopping ECMO, the CRIS showed a 58% improvement compared to maximal scores during ECMO. We conclude that PHN decreases early in ECMO and that edema and its mobilization are important determinants of the improvement in pulmonary function and duration of ECMO.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Drug-induced depression in the aged. What can be done?

Over 10% of medically ill elderly persons have concurrent major depression, and medical illness is the most influential stressor contributing to depression in old age. The contribution of prescribed medications to depression in the medically ill is poorly understood. Most information on drug-induced depression is derived from case reports; 43 classes of medications have been implicated, including reserpine, β-blockers, levodopa, corticosteroids, and antipsychotics. However, large rigorously performed studies of some drugs, particularly antihypertensives, suggest that drug-induced depression is uncommon and idiosyncratic. There is no evidence that age is an independent risk factor for drug-induced depression. However, elderly persons are the largest consumers of prescribed drugs, and the burden of drug-induced depression is carried by the old. Because of the frequency of atypical presentations of mental disorders in the elderly, drug-induced depression is often misdiagnosed. Nevertheless, basic principles of geriatric medicine offer useful guidance to clinicians in evaluating the complex interrelationships between prescribed medications and depression. We recommend an approach that includes regular inquiry into the common symptoms of mood disorders, vigilance in assessing the contribution of drugs in their development, but scepticism in assessing a depressive episode as caused only by medication.
Use of holography for imaging through inhomogeneous media

Electronic holography for imaging through biological tissue is described. A number of processes are given, including the holographic implementation of the first arriving light method, the broad source method, as well as variations on these methods. The equipment is discussed in some detail, including the camera-computer interactions.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Hydrodesulfurization Properties of Silica-Supported Molybdenum Phosphide Catalysts

Abstract Silica-supported molybdenum phosphide (MoP/SiO2) catalysts have been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), pulsed chemisorption (CO and O2), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM, respectively), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD and TEM analysis of MoP/SiO2 catalysts confirmed the presence of MoP crystallites dispersed on the surface of the silica support, while SEM energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis indicated the bulk composition of the supported MoP particles to be 12.7 atom% Mo and 14.1 atom% P. XPS analysis of a passivated 25 wt% MoP/SiO2 catalyst indicated the presence of two kinds of Mo species as well as phosphide and phosphate species at the catalyst surface. Thiophene hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activities were measured for 15 and 25 wt% MoP/SiO2 catalysts, and for a sulfided Mo/SiO2 catalyst with a Mo loading similar to that of the lower loading MoP catalyst. The 15 wt% MoP/SiO2 catalyst, when pretreated only by degassing in flowing He, was nearly four times more active than the sulfided Mo/SiO2 catalyst after 150 h on-stream. Following an initial decline in HDS activity during the first 3 h of measurement, the MoP/SiO2 catalyst displayed an unusual trend of HDS activity that increased monotonically as a function of time on-stream.
Authoring Amity: Sophie von La Roche’s Fanny und Julia and the Question of Female Friendship in Eighteenth-Century Germany

This article focuses on the conceptualization and literary representation of female friendship in eighteenth-century Germany. It identiﬁes obstacles women faced when trying to deﬁne the genuine character of their amicable relationships, discusses the important role female friendship played in women’s emancipation at the time, including encouraging female authorship, and considers the function of female friendship in relation to heterosexual marital relationships. Sophie von La Roche’s 1801 novel Fanny und Julia shows, I argue, that homo-emotional bonds between women, rather than being positioned in opposition to marriage, were understood as its complement, serving as a propaedeutic and providing emotional stability.
Models of Moisture Transport and Moisture-Induced Stresses in Epoxy Composites

Mathematical models are presented to describe moisture transport in epoxy composites using concentration and stress dependent diffusion coefficients. These models take into consideration the stresses induced due to moisture and their influence on the transport mechanism. All governing differential equations are solved with appropriate boundary conditions to obtain concentration and stress profiles. It is concluded that non- Fickian and anomalous transport of moisture in epoxy composites can occur under certain conditions, leading to stress accumulation close to the fibers of the composite.
Thunderstorm Cloud Top Observations Using Satellite Stereoscopy

The present investigation has as objective to take a detailed look at the intense squall line over Oklahoma on May 2-3, 1979, using GOES stereoscopy combined with GOES infrared data. The synoptic situation and data sources are considered along with the stereoscopically observed cloud top ascent rates. Cloud top observations of intense thunderstorms are discussed, taking into account a contouring technique, the interpretation of infrared cloud top temperature patterns, and small-scale structure and its variability. It is found that GOES IR cloud top temperatures grossly underestimate the actual cloud top height observed stereoscopically, especially for immature storms. It is difficult to define growing storms below about 10 km in the GOES infrared data.
A fission collision separation method for efficient incident flux response expansion coefficient generation

Abstract A new fission collision (generation) separation method has been developed for generating incident flux response expansion coefficients and implemented into the hybrid stochastic/deterministic coarse mesh transport (COMET) method for whole core criticality (eigenvalue) calculations. During the stochastic pre-computation of the response library, all coefficients associated with each fission neutron generation are tallied separately. This enables COMET to directly calculate the eigenvalue ( k ) dependent response coefficients on-the-fly as a superposition of contributions from the n th fission neutron generation scaled by the factor 1 k n . The new method is as accurate as or more accurate and significantly more efficient than the existing response methods, regardless of whether the fission source is treated explicitly or implicitly as in COMET. The method also removes the eigenvalue range restriction on the response library. The 3D C5G7 benchmark problem was used to test the accuracy and efficiency of the new response coefficient generation method at both lattice (local) and core (global) levels. For lattice calculations, the response coefficients computed by the new method were compared with those computed by the direct Monte Carlo method. It was found that the truncation errors of the fission neutron separation method at expansion order 3 are much lower than the stochastic uncertainties of the response coefficients and consequently can be ignored. The average truncation errors of the new method ranged from 0% to 0.004% and 0% to 0.08% for the surface-to-surface and fission density response coefficients, respectively. For core level calculations, the COMET whole-core solutions based on the response coefficient libraries generated by the new method and the interpolation method were compared with direct (reference) Monte Carlo calculations using the MCNP code. It was found that the error in the eigenvalues predicted by COMET based on the new method is within 11–26 pcm for three core configurations with and without control rods. These eigenvalue results are about 15 pcm more accurate than those based on the interpolation method, although still within the overall uncertainty. The corresponding assembly and pin fission densities are almost identical for the two methods. These comparisons indicate that the new method is as accurate as or slightly more accurate than the interpolation method, depending on the comparison parameter. The new method was found to be about 5 times faster than the interpolation method for the generation of the response function library.
Strongly correlated ion plasmas in Penning traps

Penning traps use static magnetic and electric fields to confine charged atomic particles. Static confinement fields enable large numbers of ions to be routinely laser-cooled to low temperatures. We have laser-cooled up to ~106 ions in spherically shaped plasmas to temperatures less than ~10 mK. These cold plasmas provide a rigorous realization of a strongly coupled one-component plasma (OCP). After reviewing the ion crystal structures that have been observed in Penning traps and comparing them with theoretical predictions, we summarize two recent experiments. First, we describe careful measurements of the stability of the plasma rotation, which is controlled by a rotating electric field. The application of a shearing force is observed to produce sudden angular jumps or 'slips' of the crystal orientation spaced by intervals where the crystal was 'stuck' relative to the rotating field. We observed power-law distributions of the slip frequency versus slip amplitude. Similar stick–slip dynamics and power-law distributions are also seen with earthquakes, avalanches, and many other stressed systems in nature. We then discuss plasma wakes produced by the radiation pressure of a laser beam directed along the magnetic field but offset from the plasma rotation axis. This pressure excites localized plasma waves which interfere to form a stationary wake that is directly imaged through the dependence of the ion fluorescence on Doppler shifts. Theoretical calculations accurately reproduce these images. The above work has recently been discussed in detail and is not repeated below. For a detailed discussion, see Bollinger et al (2002 Trapped Charged Particles and Fundamental Interactions I. Invited papers from the conference (Wildbad Kreuth, Germany, 25–30 Aug. 2002)), to be published in J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 36 499–510
The Evaluation of the IIC Project

The authors provide their evaluation of the success of the project. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Collagenous fibroma (desmoplastic fibroblastoma) with a new translocation involving 11q12: a case report

Collagenous fibroma (or desmoplastic fibroblastoma) is a rare, benign tumor usually centered in the subcutaneous tissue composed of spindle-shaped to stellate fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in a densely collagenous background. Three previous case reports have described a t(2;11)(q31;q12) in this entity. Herein, we report a case of collagenous fibroma of deep soft tissue with t(11;17)(q12;p11.2). The breakpoint at chromosome 11q12 appears to be pathogenetic in this rare neoplasm.
The Transmission of Financial Stress from Advanced to Emerging Economies

This paper studies how financial stress is transmitted from advanced to emerging economies, using a new financial stress index for emerging economies. An episode of financial stress is defined as a period when the financial system's ability to intermediate may be impaired. Previous financial crises in advanced economies passed through strongly and rapidly to emerging economies. In line with this pattern, the unprecedented spike in financial stress in advanced economies elevated financial stress across emerging economies above levels seen during the Asian crisis, but with significant cross-country variation. The extent of pass-through of financial stress is related to the depth of financial linkages between advanced and emerging economies. The paper finds that higher current account and fiscal balances do little to insulate emerging economies from the transmission of financial stress in advanced economies. However, they may help dampen the impact on the real sector of emerging economies and help reestablish financial stability and foreign capital inflows once financial stress subsides.
The Future of the Population-Focused, Public Health Clinical Nurse Specialist

This article addresses the need for continued certification of community and public health nurses at the advanced practice registered nurse level, and explores curricular avenues and policy recommendations with regard to certification and education of these nurses. The transformation of health care and burgeoning access to information has changed what the public expects and needs from health professionals. Nursing roles have expanded and transformed, in turn requiring that the education, licensure, certification, and accreditation of the professional likewise change.
Formulation and manufacture of pharmaceuticals by fluidized‐bed impregnation of active pharmaceutical ingredients onto porous carriers

A manufacturing method is presented for solid dosage forms using fluidized-bed impregnation, which could eliminate many of the challenges during solid dosage manufacturing. The main difference between impregnation and dry blending is the placement of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) inside a porous carrier. This makes the final material flow properties independent of the physical properties of the API. The method consists of spraying an API solution in appropriate solvent onto a carefully chosen porous excipient in a fluidized state. The solution penetrates the porous carrier due to capillary forces and the solvent is evaporated soon after that. Impregnation and drying occur simultaneously, which makes this impregnation method suitable for continuous implementation. Carefully choosing the operating conditions allows impregnation to occur without introducing spray drying or spray coating of the API. The method is shown to generate an impregnated excipient with very high degree of homogeneity independent of the API loading. It is also shown that mild milling further improves blend uniformity to RSD levels below 1%, which are challenging to achieve using conventional techniques. On impregnation, the final physical properties of the material are seen to be mainly unchanged from the initial excipient properties. A study of this one-step manufacturing method is described, using acetaminophen as the model drug and anhydrous calcium phosphate dibasic as the porous excipient. The experimental work presented establishes a proof of concept and investigates in detail blend uniformity, physical state of impregnated API, final physical properties of impregnated material, compressibility during tableting, capsule filling, and release profile of the final capsule formulation. It also discusses potential ways for drug release control and improvements using impregnation. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4538–4552, 2013
An energy-dependent model t-matrix for (p, 2p) reactions

Abstract An energy-dependent t -matrix is proposed for (p, 2p) reactions. The present model fits (p, p) elastic scattering at 90° and is used to calculated the angular distribution of the 12 C(p, 2p) 11 B reaction at 155 MeV. The energy-dependent t -matrix raises the distribution at higher angles.
Three-dimensional US volume analysis of gastric pseudotumors in a porcine model.

Background Tumor burden is difficult to estimate by endoscopy and conventional EUS. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and the reliability of a new 3-dimensional (3D) EUS system in a pseudotumor model (Olympus EUS EXERA EU-M60). Design A pseudotumor model was developed in a porcine stomach. Pseudotumors were created by injecting various volumes of US gel (0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1 mL) into porcine stomach specimens, and then the volume was measured in vitro. Two investigators made volume measurements by outlining the cross-sectional area of the pseudotumor at different radial planes. The instrument then automatically calculated the volume based on the outlined cross-sectional areas. The measured volume was compared with the actual volume of the pseudotumor by using a Bland-Altman analysis. Every second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and tenth image was measured to calculate the tumor volume and to determine the optimum number of images required for accurate volume determination. Inter- and intraobserver variability, percentage error, Bland-Altman analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and kappa statistic were performed. Setting This study was performed in an in vitro animal model. Patients There were no patients involved in this study. Main Outcome Measurements Accuracy and reliability of pseudotumor volume measurement. Results When averaging across all measurements, the overall average mean error was 3.25%. The overall inter-rater reliability as measured by intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.78. The overall intra-rater reliability as measured by intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.99. Bland-Altman analysis and ANOVA showed similar low variability for measured volumes based on image frequencies for volume calculations between every other and every sixth image but greater variability for measured volumes based on every tenth image. Larger pseudotumors were measured with a slight decrease in mean percentage error. The kappa statistic for interobserver variability was .61, which demonstrated substantial agreement among observers. Limitations The major limitation of this technology is the penetration of the US beam to evaluate large tumors, because the US transducer is high frequency (20 MHz) and, therefore, has a limited penetration. Conclusions In conclusion, the new Olympus EUS EXERA EU-M60 3D US probe allowed for accurate volume measurements of small pseudotumors in porcine stomach model in vitro. There was substantial evaluator agreement, with a low interobserver variability. Larger pseudotumors were measured with a slightly lower percentage error than smaller pseudotumors. Volumes measured with a greater number of radial images were measured slightly more accurately. We plan to test this device in patients with GI tumors in the near future.