cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced thermal transport across monolayer MoS2

Characterizing the thermal properties of MoS2 is important for the design of electronic devices based on this material. We used frequency domain thermoreflectance to study the cross-plane thermal transport in mechanically exfoliated MoS2 samples supported on SiO2 and muscovite mica substrates. The thickness of MoS2 ranged between one and five layers, and the MoS2 layers were sandwiched between a metal layer and the substrate. In the case of mica, heat transport into the substrate remained the same whether or not a monolayer of MoS2 was present, whereas, for SiO2, heat transport was reduced by surface roughness. We observed a significant improvement in heat transport across monolayer MoS2 as compared to few layer MoS2. For MoS2 on SiO2, the effective thermal interface conductance was improved by more than three times if a monolayer was used. For MoS2 on mica, the thermal interface conductance was approximately two times better for monolayer MoS2. This implies that monolayer MoS2 has superior thermal properties and can be used in electronic devices as an intermediate layer between two materials. Additionally, we also report on the measurement of anisotropic thermal conductivity in bulk MoS2 and mica.
Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure in a prospective sample of young adults: Mental health, substance use, and difficulties with the legal system.

Abstract Introduction Few studies have focused on the transition to adulthood in adults with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). In this study, we examine the occurrence of problem behavior at this transition, including mental health problems, substance use, and difficulties with the legal system. The sample is prospective and provides an opportunity to examine effects of a wide range of prenatal exposure. Adults with PAE were expected to show more problem behavior; the impact of level of exposure was examined as well. Method The sample was drawn from a predominantly low-income, African-American population. Mothers of the alcohol-exposed participants (n = 123) and those in the non-exposed SES-Control group (CONT) (n = 59) were recruited at a prenatal visit when information on alcohol and drug use during pregnancy was collected. A disability contrast group (n = 54) was recruited at adolescence. The adults with PAE were assigned to three groups varying in physical and cognitive effects of exposure. This report is based on the adults' responses to interviews or questionnaires on problem behavior and laboratory tests related to substance use. Results Adults with PAE showed more problem behavior in all three areas than adults from the CONT group. For mental health problems, the exposed group showing cognitive, but not physical effects, had the highest scores; their scores were similar, however, to those of the disability contrast group on several scales. Results for outcomes on substance use and legal difficulties were less consistent, but, when significant effects occurred, the group that was exposed, but neither physically nor cognitively affected, was more likely to show negative outcomes. Males in this group were most involved in these behaviors. Conclusion Effects of PAE continue into early adulthood and affect mental health problems, substance use, and interactions with the legal system. Adults who are exposed, but less physically affected, seem to be the most involved in problem behavior. More research is necessary to examine environmental effects in conjunction with PAE on these outcomes and to provide a basis for developing potential interventions.
Thermal-oxidation-free dielectrics for SiC power devices

Compared with other wide bandgap materials, silicon carbide (SiC) possesses the significant advantage of an SiO 2 native oxide. However, both thermally grown and deposited oxides on SiC suffer from poor interface quality, and thus both require post deposition anneals in nitric oxide (NO) to obtain usable MOS devices [1], [2]. We report an alternate approach where a passivated, disorder free oxide-SiC interface on 4H-SiC is formed without thermal oxidation. The passivated surface contains a fully saturated monolayer of nitrogen incorporated at the oxide-SiC interface. This process leads to fewer interface traps than the NO anneal process, and shows great promise for improving the channel mobility of MOSFETs.
When Cancer Calls…: Longitudinal Analysis and Sustained Cultural Impact

Selected moments are analyzed from a corpus of 61 phone calls over a period of 13 months, the first natural history of family members talking through cancer from diagnosis through death of a loved one. Three alternative forms of interaction are examined: (1) the serial ordering of successive calls to different airline representatives; (2) tellings and retellings, across varying intervals of time and settings, regarding a loved one’s actions and health condition; and (3) cumulative practices employed by family members as resources maintaining a “state of readiness” for managing challenging circumstances (e.g., packing/unpacking bags). These courses of action transcend particular episodes, are situated in ongoing streams of interactional conduct, and have also been translated into a nationally disseminated educational program entitled When Cancer Calls….
Development, activation, and therapeutic potential of thermogenic adipocytes

During the last decade, significant progress has been made in understanding adipocytes with a particular focus on thermogenic fat cells, which effectively convert chemical energy into heat in addition to their other metabolic functions. It has been increasingly recognized that different types and subtypes of adipocytes exist and the developmental origins of various types of fat cells are being intensively investigated. Previous work using immortalized fat cell lines has established an intricate transcriptional network that regulates adipocyte function. Recent work has illustrated how these key transcriptional components mediate thermogenic activation in fat cells. Last but not least, cumulative evidence supports an incontestable role of thermogenic fat in influencing systemic metabolism in humans. Here we summarize the exciting advancements in our understanding of thermogenic fat, discuss the advantages and limitations of the experimental tools currently available, and explore the future directions of this fast-evolving field.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Amorphous Metallic Materials

ABSTRACT Amorphous metallic alloys have been traditionally prepared by techniques based on the rapid solidification of molten alloys. New methods of synthesis have been discovered recently that are based on isothermal solid-state reactions and transformations. It has further been shown that the products of these reactions are predicted by free-energy diagrams that treat the amorphous alloy as an undercooled liquid. These discoveries have enhanced our understanding of metastable alloys, both crystalline and amorphous, and has opened new windows for the synthesis of novel materials.
The Reverend Billy Graham: The Preacher in American Politics

Au cours du dernier demi-siecle, aucune personnalite n’a ete admiree avec autant de constance par ses concitoyens Americains que le Reverend Billy Graham. Democrate, on l’associe pourtant plus volontiers a deux presidents republicains : Richard M. Nixon et George W. Bush. La presidence de Nixon fut sanctifiee par les conseils spirituels que Graham prodiguait ouvertement (mais aussi par ses conseils politiques plus confidentiels). Quant a George W. Bush, il incarne le fils prodigue : c’est l’ivrogne, le vaurien que Graham a reussi a rediriger vers le Christ, rendant ainsi possible son etonnante ascension politique. Le fort impact de cet evangeliste sur la politique des Etats-Unis et le fait que Graham soit si intimement associe aux deux presidents les plus controverses des cinquante dernieres annees seront au centre de notre reflexion.
Photosensitized formation of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine by a cationic meso-substituted porphyrin.

The meso-substituted N-methylpyridyl class of cationic porphyrins are known to have a high affinity for DNA (1). As such, they have been useful tools with which to probe nucleic acid structure and to study a broad range of interactions of cationic ligands with DNA. Activation of this class of porphyrins by visible light produces strand scission in the phosphodiester backbone of DNA at relatively low doses and some metallo-analogs are capable of producing strand scission in the dark. Other substituted porphyrins, hematoporphyrins and methylene blue were found to be less effective under similar conditions. The strand scission activity of cationic porphyrins is not clearly understood, although singlet oxygen has been implicated as a reactive species (1). In this report we have examined the mechanism of photo-induced base damage; specifically, the formation of 8-OHdG. Understanding their role in DNA damage may be useful in screening these compounds as potentially useful agents in photodynamic therapy.
Two-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty Is a Favorable Treatment Option Upon Diagnosis of a Fungal Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Abstract Background This study investigated the prevalence of medical comorbidities, risk factors, and treatment outcomes in patients with fungal periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Methods All patients with fungal PJI treated from 1999 to 2014 were retrospectively identified at a single institution. Demographic data, comorbidity, and surgical variables were obtained from medical records. Patients were followed up for at least 2 years. PJI was diagnosed using the Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. Treatment success was defined using the Delphi consensus criteria. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves with 95% confidence interval were used for analysis. Results Overall, fungal PJIs accounted for 2.4% of the PJI treated at our institution. Twenty-seven patients (93.1%) had 2 or more underlying systemic illnesses. Age and revision surgery were significant risk factors for development of fungal PJI after adjusting for confounding variables. Overall treatment success was 55.2% at 1 year and 40.5% at 5 years. When stratified by initial surgical management, treatment success was 57.1% at 1 year and 28.6% at 5 years following irrigation and debridement; 33.3% at 1 year and 5 years following 1-stage revision; and 57.9% at 1 year and 46.3% at 5 years for 2-stage exchange arthroplasty. Conclusion Patients with fungal PJI have a high prevalence of systemic illness and poor outcome after surgical management. Irrigation and debridement and single-stage revision demonstrate poor longterm outcomes and may have no place as treatment choices for fungal PJI. Moving forward, our efforts should concentrate on optimizing the systemic status of these patients prior to 2-stage exchange arthroplasty.
Towards Improving Intelligibility of Black-Box Speech Synthesizers in Noise

This paper explores how different synthetic speech systems can be understood in a noisy environment that resembles radio noise. This work is motivated by a need for intelligible speech in noisy environments such as emergency response and disaster notification. We discuss prior work done on listening tasks as well as speech in noise. We analyze three different speech synthesizers in three different noise settings. We measure quantitatively the intelligibility of each synthesizer in each noise setting based on human performance on a listening task. Finally, treating the synthesizer and its generated audio as a black box, we present how word level and sentence level input choices can lead to increased or decreased listener error rates for synthesized speech.
Design Experiences, Engineering Identity, and Belongingness in Early Career Electrical and Computer Engineering Students

Contribution: This paper found that design experiences can foster engineering identity and belongingness for early career electrical and computer engineering students. Students had different interpretations of what it meant to be an engineer (identity) and their belongingness in engineering. This paper provides novel insights into how students may be developing identities and belongingness in engineering, both critical for student retention and success. Background: Design experiences are crucial for engineering students, both for developing academic competencies and allowing students to see how they can become engineers. Existing literature has mixed results with respect to the influence of team-based design experiences on engineering identity and belongingness. Research Questions: 1) How do design experiences influence early career electrical and computer engineering students’ identification and belongingness in engineering? and 2) How do these students describe what it means to identify as an engineer and belong in engineering? Methodology: The beliefs of electrical and computer engineering students were examined using mixed methods to understand the intersection of design experiences, engineering identity, and belongingness. Findings: Students interpreted their engineering identity and belongingness differently, particularly, with respect to how design experiences can shape these attitudes. Whereas students interpreted engineering identity through their performance and interest in authentic engineering tasks, they interpreted belongingness as a means of comparing themselves to their peers. The findings have implications for engineering education researchers, and design instructors, to foster ways of being and belonging in engineering.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of graphene reinforced metal-matrix nanocomposites

Abstract Although significant effort has been made on using graphene as a reinforcement in metal matrix nanocomposites due to its extraordinary high strength and high modulus, metal-matrix graphene nanocomposites still exhibit large scatters in experimentally measured physical and mechanical properties. In this paper, recent progress in research on the synthesis of metal-matrix graphene nanocomposites using powder metallurgy technique involving milling, compaction, and extrusion or rolling with special emphasis on the agglomeration of graphene, interfacial bonding, and reaction between metal-matrix and graphene has been critically reviewed. Strengthening mechanisms such as grain refinement, oxide dispersions, strengthening, impeding of dislocations by reinforcement, load transfer between the matrix and graphene, and CTE mismatch in the metal-matrix graphene nanocomposites has been discussed. Existing theoretical models on the effects of graphene on mechanical properties including tribological behavior will also be discussed and compared with experimental observations. Potential future research directions in the area of graphene-reinforced MMNC will be outlined.
Simulation-based mastery learning compared to standard education for discussing diagnostic uncertainty with patients in the emergency department: a randomized controlled trial

Diagnostic uncertainty occurs frequently in emergency medical care, with more than one-third of patients leaving the emergency department (ED) without a clear diagnosis. Despite this frequency, ED providers are not adequately trained on how to discuss diagnostic uncertainty with these patients, who often leave the ED confused and concerned. To address this training need, we developed the Uncertainty Communication Education Module (UCEM) to teach physicians how to discuss diagnostic uncertainty. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the UCEM in improving physician communications. The trial is a multicenter, two-arm randomized controlled trial designed to teach communication skills using simulation-based mastery learning (SBML). Resident emergency physicians from two training programs will be randomly assigned to immediate or delayed receipt of the two-part UCEM intervention after completing a baseline standardized patient encounter. The two UCEM components are: 1) a web-based interactive module, and 2) a smart-phone-based game. Both formats teach and reinforce communication skills for patient cases involving diagnostic uncertainty. Following baseline testing, participants in the immediate intervention arm will complete a remote deliberate practice session via a video platform and subsequently return for a second study visit to assess if they have achieved mastery. Participants in the delayed intervention arm will receive access to UCEM and remote deliberate practice after the second study visit. The primary outcome of interest is the proportion of residents in the immediate intervention arm who achieve mastery at the second study visit. Patients’ understanding of the care they received has implications for care quality, safety, and patient satisfaction, especially when they are discharged without a definitive diagnosis. Developing a patient-centered diagnostic uncertainty communication strategy will improve safety of acute care discharges. Although use of SBML is a resource intensive educational approach, this trial has been deliberately designed to have a low-resource, scalable intervention that would allow for widespread dissemination and uptake. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04021771). Registration date: July 16, 2019.
Culture Moderates the Relationship between Family Obligation Values and the Outcomes of Korean and European American College Students

Family obligation values have been described as an important element of collectivistic cultures that are related to the development of positive emotional well-being and motivation in high school and college students. The present study tested the hypothesis that culture moderates the relationship between family obligation values and the outcomes of Korean (n = 249) and European American (n = 251) college students. The results provided support for this hypothesis. Specifically, for Koreans, family obligation values were significantly and positively correlated with descriptions of parents as being more supportive of the self-determination of their children, which was found to mediate the relationship between family obligation values and student outcomes. Furthermore, family obligation values were more strongly associated with the motivation, self-esteem, and depression of Koreans than European Americans. European American students expressed lower family obligation values and the intensity of these values were unrelated to their emotional well-being. Family obligation values were positively correlated with reports of self-determined motivation for Korean students, and negatively correlated with reports of self-determined motivation for European American students. The results are discussed in terms of cultural moderation and self-determination theory.
Measurement Reliability for Keratitis Morphology

Purpose To evaluate the reliability of manual annotation when quantifying cornea anatomical and microbial keratitis (MK) morphological features on slit-lamp photography (SLP) images. Methods Prospectively enrolled patients with MK underwent SLP at initial encounter at 2 academic eye hospitals. Patients who presented with an epithelial defect (ED) were eligible for analysis. Features, which included ED, corneal limbus (L), pupil (P), stromal infiltrate (SI), white blood cell (WBC) infiltration at the SI edge, and hypopyon (H), were annotated independently by 2 physicians on SLP images. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were applied for reliability assessment; dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) were used to investigate the area overlap between readers. Results Seventy-five MK patients with an ED received SLP. DSCs indicate good to fair annotation overlap between graders (L = 0.97, P = 0.80, ED = 0.94, SI = 0.82, H = 0.82, WBC = 0.83) and between repeat annotations by the same grader (L = 0.97, P = 0.81, ED = 0.94, SI = 0.85, H = 0.84, WBC = 0.82). ICC scores showed good intergrader (L = 0.98, P = 0.78, ED = 1.00, SI = 0.67, H = 0.97, WBC = 0.86) and intragrader (L = 0.99, P = 0.92, ED = 0.99, SI = 0.94, H = 0.99, WBC = 0.92) reliabilities. When reliability statistics were recalculated for annotated SI area in the subset of cases where both graders agreed WBC infiltration was present/absent, intergrader ICC improved to 0.91 and DSC improved to 0.86 and intragrader ICC remained the same, whereas DSC improved to 0.87. Conclusions Manual annotation indicates usefulness of area quantification in the evaluation of MK. However, variability is intrinsic to the task. Thus, there is a need for optimization of annotation protocols. Future directions may include using multiple annotators per image or automated annotation software.
Purification of beryllium by solvent extraction from carbonate solutions with quaternary alkylammonium carbonate

A process was developed for upgrading impure beryllium hydroxide to high- purity beryllium compounds. Crude beryllium hydroxide is dissolved in ammonium bicarbonate solution and extracted with a quaternary ammonium compound in a hydrocarbon diluent. Beryllium is recovered from the solvent extract with concentrated ammonium bicarbonate solution and precipitated as pure Be(OH)/sub 2/ by heating the solution to volatilize annmonia and carbon dioxide, which are recovered for recycle. Small concentratlons of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid are added to the process solutions to increase separations from contaminants. In a smallscale demonstration of the process starting with a beryllium sulfate solution containing 20 metal contaminants, including Th, U, Zr, Eu, and Mo, (total of 1.3 x 10/sup 5/-ppM parts of BeO) the BeO product had no detectable metal impurities but metalloid impurities (silicon and boron) of 60-ppM parts of BeO. Later tests showed that the boron content of the product can be reduced by adding a small amount of a boron complexing agent to the process solution. (auth)
Transgender Youths' Perspectives on Telehealth for Delivery of Gender-Affirming Care.

Abstract Purpose We aimed to examine transgender youths' interest in receiving gender-affirming care via telemedicine or through primary care with telehealth support. Methods We surveyed 12- to 26-year-old transgender youth receiving care in a multidisciplinary gender clinic. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess relationships between demographic and gender-related characteristics and interest in receiving care via telemedicine. Results Almost half (47%) of the 204 youth surveyed expressed interest in receiving gender care via telemedicine. Additionally, youth with lower levels of perceived parental support were more likely to express an interest in utilizing telemedicine (p = .001). Approximately half (45%) of youth were interested in receiving gender care in the primary care setting, with a majority expressing willingness to do so if their primary care provider had telehealth support. Conclusions Many transgender youth expressed interest in receiving gender care via telehealth, particularly for ongoing care and monitoring. Increased interest in telemedicine was seen among youth with lower perceived parental support.
Firearm purchases without background checks in California

Background checks are designed to prevent firearm acquisition by people prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms. There is limited information about background checks, particularly on a state by state basis. We conducted a state-representative, probability-based, Internet survey of California adults in 2018 (n=2558; completion rate 49%) to describe where, when, and how firearms are acquired and to estimate the proportion of current firearm owners who purchased their most recent firearm without a background check. An estimated 17.2% (95% CI: 9.6-28.8) of firearm owners who purchased their most recent firearm within California in 1991 or later, following implementation of the state's comprehensive background check law, reported doing so without a background check. This percentage was 44.6% (95% CI: 27.1-63.5) among owners who purchased their most recent firearm before 1991 and 27.1% (95% CI: 13.1-47.7) among those who purchased their most recent firearm outside California. Firearm purchases without background checks occurred more often for firearms purchased from private sellers (72.3%; 95% CI: 35.5-92.5) than retailers (8.5%; 95% CI: 3.4-19.7). Overall, firearm purchases without background checks are considerably less common in California than in states without regulations on private sales. However, gaps in implementation and proper enforcement remain. Future research could investigate reasons for such lapses, as well as complementary state policy approaches that require background checks prior to point of purchase.
On the matter of essence.

Abstract A large literature suggests that people attribute the inborn properties of living things to their essence. Here, I explore the possibility that the essence of living things must be further embodied, and that this presumption guides intuitive reasoning about all of an organism's inherited properties, physical and psychological. Accordingly, when people reason about agentive living things (animals and humans), they presume that (a) Their essence must exhibit the properties of bodily matter— it must occupy a certain location in space, and it must be comprised of some appropriate organic substance that is anchored in the body; (b) Inborn (essentialized) traits must be embodied, and conversely, embodied traits are likely innate; and (c) The identity of biological kinds and by extension, one's psychological core, are defined by the material properties of their essence. I show that the embodiment hypothesis can capture numerous phenomena, ranging from laypeople's intuitions about which psychological traits are plausibly innate to their perception of the self and its capacity to migrate to humanoids and reemerge after death.
A population-based case control study of suicide among youth reported for abuse and neglect.

Abstract Background Research has indicated an association between child abuse and adolescent suicide. Little population-based information exists, however, about the nature of maltreatment experiences or interactions with the child protection system (CPS). Objective To examine child maltreatment characteristics and system-level responses associated with risk of adolescent suicide. Participants and setting Linked vital death records and CPS records were used to identify the population of adolescents who died by suicide in California between 2010 and 2017 and who had a history of at least one report to CPS prior to death. Method A case control design was used, with cases defined as a suicide of an adolescent with a history of CPS involvement. Using CPS records, living controls were then matched to cases based on year of birth, sex, race and ethnicity, and age of first child maltreatment allegation. A conditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the adjusted odds of adolescent suicide across various CPS and maltreatment characteristics. Results Recent CPS involvement, allegations of physical abuse, and allegations of sexual abuse emerged as significant risk factors for death by suicide. No differences in suicide risk were observed between youth with unsubstantiated or substantiated allegations. Conclusions Suicide risk appears to be more closely tied to specific maltreatment experiences than to substantiation or placement into foster care. As adolescent suicide rates rise, better a understanding of risk factors among already vulnerable populations of youth is critical.
Design Flow and Implementation of an IoT Smart Power Socket

This paper presents the design and implementation of an IoT smart power socket. Its main function is to provide services such as remote control, electrical protection, task automations and monitoring through mobile applications using cloud services. In addition, this IoT smart power socket is supported by advanced software tools for time scheduling, grouping power sockets and their operation managements, and analyzing power usage for electric cost optimization. Our system can be used in different domains including smart and remote accessible home automation systems, factory automation systems, security systems and power usage management systems. Prototype of our power sockets are designed with locally controlled sensors and actuators, exchanging information with a common central hub using the Bluetooth protocol to receive commands and send information to the user via the Internet connection.
Investigating the acoustic directionality of mouse ultrasonic vocalizations

Across the animal kingdom, ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are used as a means of communication, navigation, and predation, and in some species (e.g., echolocating bats and whales), the directionality of the signal facilitates these processes. The utility and characteristics of mouse USVs, however, are less clear. Using an 8-channel microphone array, we recorded, localized, and assigned USVs to individual mice that were in isolation (n = 28) or socially interacting (male-female dyads, n = 13; 4-mouse, mixed-sex groups, n = 11). Males emitted a total of 3675 (100%), 22 268 (84.48%), and 73 488 (82.05%) of the assigned vocalizations when in isolation, interacting with a female, or socializing in a group. By examining the relationship between the USV sound intensity on the eight microphones and the head directions of the mice, we observed that male mice consistently produced directional USVs across each of the three behavioral contexts. Specifically, USV intensity was strongest in the direction that the mouse was facing and weakest in the opposite direction. Overall, these findings directly demonstrate that male mouse USVs are directional and may provide insight into the communicative function of mouse vocalizations.
Intermolecular Cross-linking of Monomeric Proteins and Cross-linking of Oligomeric Proteins as a Probe of Quaternary Structure APPLICATION TO LEUCINE AMINOPEPTIDASE (BOVINE LENS)

Abstract Reaction of leucine aminopeptidase with dimethyl suberimidate at pH 8.5 and room temperature, followed by incubation with sodium dodecyl sulfate and mercaptoethanol and then electrophoresis in 3.5% acrylamide gels resulted in six protein bands with molecular weights as integer values of 56,000. Under reaction conditions where appreciable cross-linking took place, the species corresponding to dimers, tetramers, and hexamers were much more prevalent than those corresponding to trimers and pentamers, the latter being barely detectable. Providing that the ability of the protomers to form cross-links reflects their spatial arrangement in the oligomer, the results suggest that leucine aminopeptidase is composed of six identical protomers arranged as a trimer of dimers. Of the possible arrangements for a hexamer, the planar hexamer with all heterologous interactions is incompatible with these data. Thus, cross-linking reactions may yield information on the spatial arrangement of protomers in oligomers as well as on the number and kinds of protomers in the oligomer. Individual treatment of a number of monomeric proteins with dimethyl suberimidate in the frozen state at -10° in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and mercaptoethanol yielded intermolecular cross-linked species which could be separated into a large number of components on gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate. For any one cross-linked protein the plot of logarithm of molecular weight against Rf fell on a straight line for Rf values between 0.2 and 0.8. The lines described by different proteins, although generally having similar slopes, were not always superimposable. This procedure for cross-linking monomeric proteins has potential use in determining molecular weights by gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Neurological Evidence for the Relationship between Suppression and Aggressive Behavior: Implications for Workplace Aggression

Scientific research on the relationship between suppression and aggression is rather scarce. Consequently, practitioners searching for means to reduce workplace aggression do not have adequate data on which factors are related to aggressive behavior in the workplace. To shed light on this relationship, this study investigated emotional suppression in a sample of 17 participants by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and examined their aggressive behavior by using an inventory assessing five types of aggressive behavior. Results of fMRI analysis suggest that the insula, cingulate cortex, and calcarine sulcus are involved in suppression. When the blood-oxygen-level–dependent signals of all the significant regions were tested for correlation with the ratings of the five types of aggression given by the participants’ significant others (e.g. family members and/or close friends), a significant correlation was found between activation in the calcarine sulcus during suppression and property aggression. The findings not only indicate the potential neural correlates of observed aggressive behaviors but also emphasise the detrimental effect of unsuccessful, superficial emotion regulation on organisations.
Transforming growth factor beta stimulates the expression of fibronectin and of both subunits of the human fibronectin receptor by cultured human lung fibroblasts.

Transforming growth factors of the beta-class (TGFs-beta) stimulate extracellular matrix synthesis and have been implicated in embryogenesis, wound healing, and fibroproliferative responses to tissue injury. Because cells communicate with several extracellular matrix components via specific cell membrane receptors, we hypothesized that TGFs-beta may also regulate the expression of such receptors. We confirmed that TGF-beta 1 increases the expression of fibronectin, an adhesive glycoprotein expressed during embryogenesis and tissue remodeling. Based upon the 48-72-h period required for a maximal fibroproliferative response to dermal injections of TGF-beta 1, we exposed human fetal lung fibroblasts (IMR-90) to TGF-beta 1 for periods up to 48 h in vitro. We observed as much as 6-fold increases in fibronectin synthesis by 24 h as previously reported for fibroblastic cells (Ignotz, R. A., and Massague, J. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 4337-4345; Ignotz, R. A., Endo, T., and Massague, J. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 6443-6446; Raghow, R., Postlethwaithe, A. E., Keski-Oja, J., Moses, H. L., and Kang, A. H. (1987) J. Clin. Invest. 79, 1285-1288), but up to 30-fold increases by 48 h. These increases are accompanied by similar increases in fibronectin mRNA levels which are prevented by actinomycin D treatment. Using a monospecific antibody raised to the human placental fibronectin receptor complex, we found that TGF-beta 1 stimulated fibronectin receptor synthesis up to 20-40-fold and increases mRNA levels encoding both the alpha- and beta-subunits up to 3-fold, compared to control IMR-90 in serum-free medium. Actinomycin D blocks TGF-beta 1-mediated increases in receptor mRNA levels. The earliest detectable TGF-beta 1-mediated increases in fibronectin receptor complex protein synthesis and mRNA levels occur at 8 h, whereas the earliest increases in fibronectin protein synthesis and mRNA levels occur at 12 h. These results demonstrate that TGF-beta 1 stimulates fibronectin receptor synthesis, extending the diverse stimulatory activities of this polypeptide to matrix receptors. In addition, because fibronectin matrix assembly may involve the fibronectin cell adhesive receptor complex, increased receptor expression may help drive fibronectin deposition into matrix.
Behavioral Management of Recurrent Headache: Three Decades of Experience and Empiricism

In the past three decades, behavioral interventions (chiefly relaxation, biofeedback, and stress-management) have become standard components of the armamentarium for management of migraine and tension-type headaches. Meta-analytic literature reviews of these behavioral interventions have consistently identified clinically significant reductions in recurrent headache. Across studies, behavioral interventions have yielded approximately 35-50% reduction in migraine and tension-type headache activity. Although we have only recently begun to directly compare standard drug and nondrug treatments for headache, the available evidence suggests that the level of headache improvement with behavioral interventions may rival those obtained with widely used pharmacologic therapies in representative patient samples. In recent years, some attempts have been made to increase the availability and cost effectiveness of behavioral interventions through alternative delivery formats and mass communications. Recent developments within diagnosis and classification are summarized, pointing out implications for behavioral researchers. Select future directions are discussed, which include impact of the triptans, cost and cost effectiveness, and integration of behavioral treatments into primary care settings, the place where the great majority of headache sufferers receive treatment.
Social support and psychoeducational interventions with middle class dropout youth

There are substantial numbers of high school dropouts among middle class, high achieving and majority youth. Yet, little research has been undertaken to identify the psychosocial and family characteristics, educational needs, and program requirements of middle class dropout youth. This paper reports the educational history, individual psychosocial characteristics and family backgrounds of 102 middle class dropout youth who participated in an educational treatment program within a university. Data from a questionnaire and a family assessment instrument indicate that middle class dropout youth have a variety of family, social, emotional and learning disorders. Implications for clinical interventions are presented along with a case history and treatment plan of one of the youth in the study.
An analysis of sectoral exchange rate pass-through effects on a small open economy using the Leontief Input–Output technique

The volatility displayed by floating exchange rates has revived interest in the relationship between exchange rates and traded goods prices. This study examines sectoral exchange rate pass-through in the Nigerian economy. Findings revealed that sectoral dependence on imports varies across sectors. We find evidence of incomplete pass-through at varying degrees across sectors. Therefore, when adjustment in relative prices is dampened, the incentive for consumers to switch expenditure from foreign to domestic goods will be greatly reduced. This implies that exchange rate policy may be a blunt instrument when used to restore external balance since relative price adjustments will be limited.
Personality inventory correlates of outcome in a follow-up study of psychiatric hospitalization.

The study involved a comparison of two diagnostic groups, schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic, randomly assigned to short-term hospitalization (defined as 3 to 4 wk.) versus long-term hospitalization (defined as 3 to 4 mo.). Outcome indices were derived separately from the Health-Sickness Rating Scale and the Psychiatric Evaluation Form, based on ratings at admission, at discharge, and 1 and 2 yr. post-admission. Scores from the intake administration of the MMPI were predictive of outcome for the 26 long-term nonschizophrenics but not for the other groups. To understand the variability in predictive efficacy, all of the self-report data were analyzed for dependability by application of the Wald-Wolfowitz Runs test to the MMPI answer sequences. No response inter-dependency among the total group of 47 nonschizophrenics was noted, but a significant amount was among the combined group of 86 schizophrenics. For the schizophrenics apparently unreliability of response had reduced the potential for prediction from...
A computer algebra system based on order-sorted algebra

This paper presents the prototype design of an algebraic computation system that manipulates algebraic quantities as generic objects using order-sorted algebra as the underlying model. The resulting programs have a form that is closely related to the algorithmic description of a problem, but with the security of full type checking in a compact, natural style.
Temporary perineal urethrostomy for external sphincter dilation in a male patient with high risk myelomeningocele.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We describe our use of perineal urethrostomy to facilitate serial external sphincter dilations in a male child with high risk myelomeningocele.Materials and Methods: A 5-month-old boy with lumbar myelomeningocele presented with poor bladder compliance, increased detrusor leak point pressure and high grade vesicoureteral reflux. Urodynamic parameters failed to improve with clean intermittent catheterization and anticholinergic therapy. Given the persistent risk to the upper urinary tract, perineal urethrostomy was performed to facilitate external sphincter dilation in a serial fashion.Results: The patient underwent 2 aggressive external sphincter dilations (30Fr) under direct vision. The second dilation was performed in the outpatient clinic without anesthesia. Subsequent cystometrographic evaluation revealed dramatic improvement in bladder storage properties with improved compliance and a safe detrusor leak point pressure. Moreover, followup imaging demonstrated complete resolution of ves...
Urinary ascites in the newborn.

Summary— Seven cases of neonatal urinary ascites secondary to obstructive uropathy are reported. In 2 the bladder had perforated; in 4 there was perirenal extravasation; in 1 the site of leakage was not determined. A localised parenchymal perforation was found in 3 kidneys. Treatment was by temporary urinary diversion followed by operative relief of the obstruction. Six patients survive in good health; 1 infant died from causes unrelated to the ascites or the urinary tract. It is suggested that spontaneous urinary tract perforation with the development of ascites is often beneficial in the long term since it decompresses the obstructed system and lessens renal parenchymal damage.
Probabilistic Assessment of Ground‐Water Contamination: 1. Geostatistical Framework

Characterizing the extent and severity of ground-water contamination at waste sites is expensive and time-consuming. A probabilistic approach, based on the acceptance of uncertainty and a finite probability of making classification errors (contaminated relative to a regulatory threshold vs. uncontaminated), is presented as an alternative to traditional site characterization methodology. The approach utilizes geostatistical techniques to identify and model the spatial continuity of contamination at a site (variography) and to develop alternate plausible simulations of contamination fields (conditional simulation). Probabilistic summaries of many simulations provide tools for (a) estimating the range of plausible contaminant concentrations at unsampled locations, (b) identifying the locations of boundaries between contaminated and uncontaminated portions of the site and the degree of certainty in those locations, and (c) estimating the range of plausible values for total contaminant mass. The first paper in the series presents the geostatistical framework and illustrates the approach using synthetic data for a hypothetical site. The second paper presents an application of the proposed methodology to the probabilistic assessment of ground-water contamination at a site involving ground-water contamination by nitrate and herbicide in a shallow, unconfined alluvial aquifer in an agricultural area in eastern Oregon.
Virtual Tutoring: The Case of TutorVista

This case presents the story of TutorVista, an e-business organization based in India that provides online tutoring services to students in different parts of the world. TutorVista had been able to meet growth expectations and gain recognition in the lucrative private tutoring market because of its innovative technology platform and business model. As a fledgling organization charting new territory, TutorVista faced the dual challenges of creating and capturing the demand for online tutoring and managing resources to satisfy the shifting demand. Note: this case was constructed based on interviews with individuals at TutorVista.
Oral administration of midazolam as a premedicant for paediatric day-case anaesthesia.

Fifty-four children aged 1-10 years, scheduled for day-case anaesthesia were prescribed either oral midazolam 0.5 mg.kg-1 or a placebo preparation 30-60 min pre-operatively on a double-blind basis. On arrival at the induction room, anxiolysis was satisfactory in 23 out of 24 (96%) children who received midazolam compared with 12 out of 27 (44%) of those who received placebo (p < 0.001); at induction of anaesthesia these proportions were 21 out of 24 (88%) and nine out of 27 (33%) respectively (p < 0.001). The time to early recovery from anaesthesia was somewhat longer in children premedicated with midazolam compared with controls (28.2 vs 21.9 min) (p < 0.05). Similarly, the time to hospital discharge was longer in the midazolam group (244 vs 185 min) (p < 0.01). Analysis of behavioural questionnaires completed by parents 2 weeks after hospitalisation indicated that there were fewer postoperative behavioural disturbances in children premedicated with midazolam compared with controls (p < 0.05).
Actions of isotretinoin and etretinate on the pilosebaceous unit

Isotretinoin administered subcutaneously to male hamsters results in marked involution of the sebaceous glands of the flank organ without discernible effort on the other androgen-dependent structures, pigmented hair follicles, and dermal melanocytes. Treatment of androgen-stimulated female hamsters with isotretinoin prevented the androgen-induced growth of the sebaceous glands but not the formation of large pigmented hairs and dermal pigment cells. Etretinate, in comparable dosage, did not show the inhibitor effect on sebaceous gland growth. The hamster flank organ seems a promising system for assessment of the sebaceous gland inhibitory activity of retinoids and may be predictive for therapeutic activity in acne.
The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on recognition memory decision processes and discrimination in postmenopausal women.

In this article, the theoretical distinction between recognition memory decision and discrimination processes is used to explore the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in postmenopausal women. DHEA is an adrenal steroid that diminishes with aging. It has enhanced memory in laboratory animals. An 8-week placebo-controlled, double-blind experiment in which 30 women (ages 39–70) received a 50-mg/day oral dose of DHEA for 4 weeks demonstrated that DHEA made subjects more conservative (i.e., less likely to call test items “old”) in their recognition memory decisions and enhanced recognition memory discrimination for items presented briefly. The former result may reflect an empirical regularity (Hirshman, 1995) in whichrecent strong memory experiences make participants more conservative. The latter result may reflect the effect of DHEA on visual perception, with consequent effects on memory. These results suggest the methodological importance of focusing on decision processes when examining the effects of hormones on memory.
Assessment of product debundling trends in the US airline industry: Customer service and public policy implications

Abstract This paper reviews product debundling trends that have occurred in the US airline industry. Multiple sources of ancillary fees related to ticketing refunds and exchanges, checked baggage, on-board pets, preferred and/or advanced seating assignments, frequent flyer ticket redemptions, and day of departure standby policies are reviewed. Despite the fact that both low cost and network carriers stress the importance of future ancillary fees in their investor reports, our assessment suggests that these fees will be more broadly adopted by low cost carriers. We anticipate that many network carriers will eliminate ancillary fees, particularly as they begin to recognize how these fees can impact other system performance objectives such as minimizing the number of misconnecting passengers. We estimate that the debundling phenomenon has diluted revenues to the US Airport and Airways Trust Fund by at least 5%.