cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of a medical image access system

We have developed and installed a Medical Image Access System in an intensive care unit. Images are acquired and transmitted automatically to this system, thus expanding on the previous results of Shile et. al. It is our goal to determine what effect regular, sustained availability of image data in the clinic has on the Intensive Care Unit and the Department of Radiology. Our system is installed and has been in regular use in the hospital since late August of 1993. Since the time of installation we have been collecting usage information from both the manual and automated systems. From this data we are performing the standard measures established by DeSimone et. al. Our initial results support the original findings that image availability in the clinic leads to earlier patient care decision based on the image data. However, our findings do not seem to indicate that there is a breakdown of communication between the clinician and the radiologist as a result of the use of the clinical display system. In addition to the established measure we are investigating other criteria to measure time saved by both the clinician and radiologist. The results are reported in this paper.
Methods for imaging and detecting modification of proteins by reactive lipid species

Products of lipid peroxidation are generated in a wide range of pathologies associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Many oxidized lipids contain reactive functional groups that can modify proteins, change their structure and function, and affect cell signaling. However, intracellular localization and protein adducts of reactive lipids have been difficult to detect, and the methods of detection rely largely on antibodies raised against specific lipid-protein adducts. As an alternative approach to monitoring oxidized lipids in cultured cells, we have tagged the lipid peroxidation substrate arachidonic acid and an electrophilic lipid, 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin-J2 (15d-PGJ2), with either biotin or the fluorophore BODIPY. Tagged arachidonic acid can be used in combination with conditions of oxidant stress or inflammation to assess the subcellular localization and protein modification by oxidized lipids generated in situ. Furthermore, we show that reactive lipid oxidation products such as 15d-PGJ2 can also be labeled and used in fluorescence and Western blotting applications. This article describes the synthesis, purification, and selected application of these tagged lipids in vitro.
The Joint Effects of Machiavellianism and Ethical Environment on Whistle-Blowing

Given the importance of the Machiavellianism construct on informing a wide range of ethics research, we focus on gaining a better understanding of Machiavellianism within the whistle-blower context. In this regard, we examine the effect of Machiavellianism on whistle-blowing, focusing on the underlying mechanisms through which Machiavellianism affects whistle-blowing. Further, because individuals who are higher in Machiavellianism (high Machs) are expected to be less likely to report wrongdoing, we examine the ability of an organization’s ethical environment to increase whistle-blowing intentions of high Machs. Results from a sample of 116 MBA students support our premise that Machiavellianism is negatively related to whistle-blowing. Further, we find that Machiavellianism has an indirect effect on whistle-blowing through perceived benefits and perceived responsibility. Finally, we find that a strong ethical environment, relative to a weak ethical environment, increases whistle-blowing intentions incrementally more for individuals who are higher in Machiavellianism. Taken together, these findings extend our understanding of how Machiavellianism and an organization’s ethical environment impact whistle-blowing.
A tutorial on art (algebraic reconstruction techniques)

Algebraic reconstruction techniques (ART) were introduced by Gordon et al. (1970) for solving the problem of three dimensional reconstruction from projections in electron microscopy and radiology. An X-ray photograph represents the projection of the three-dimensional distribution of X-ray densities within the body onto a two-dimensional plane. A finite number of such photographs taken at different angles allows one to reconstruct an estimate of the original 3-D densities. The ART algorithms for solving this problem have a simple intuitive basis. Each projected density is thrown back across the higher dimensional region from whence it came, with repeated corrections to bring each projection of the estimate into agreement with the corresponding measured projection.
Approaches/Practices: Eliminating the Shell Game: Using Writing-Assignment Names to Integrate Disciplinary Learning:

This article demonstrates how students in a disciplinary writing study conducted at Miami University's business school failed to understand writing assignments based on the names of the assignments. It proposes effective writing-assignment names as prompts to connect students to previous writing experience and reinforce students' acquisition of disciplinary writing skills and genres. In addition, the article suggests that writing-assignment names offer a pedagogical tool for integrating learning across a discipline; that is, naming writing assignments encourages faculty to identify and define the types of disciplinary writing and critical-thinking skills that students should learn.
AROMATIC RING-FORMING REACTIONS OF METASTABLE DIACETYLENE WITH 1,3-BUTADIENE

The primary reactions of the lowest energy triplet states of diacetylene (C4H2*) with 1,3-butadiene (C4H6) in a helium buffer are characterized with a molecular beam pump−probe technique. Triplet d...
Design and analysis of ultra low power processors using sub/near-threshold 3D stacked ICs

In this paper, we study a 3D IC micro-controller implemented with sub-threshold supply for ultra-low power applications. Our study is based on GDSII layouts of a sub-threshold 8052 micro-controller that consumes 3.6μW power running at 20 KHz clock frequency and 0.4V logic supply. Our study confirms that sub-threshold circuits indeed offer a few orders of magnitude power vs performance tradeoff. In addition, our 3D sub-threshold design reduces the footprint area by 78% and wirelength by 33% compared with the 2D counterpart. Our studies also show that thermal and IR drop issues are negligible in this sub-threshold 3D implementation due to its extreme low power operation. Lastly, we demonstrate the low power and high memory bandwidth advantages of many-core 3D sub-threshold circuits.
Missed opportunities: Patterns of medical care and hospice utilization among ovarian cancer patients

Objectives To assess aggressive medical care, hospice utilization, and advance care documentation among ovarian cancer patients in the final thirty days of life.
A note on word length and memory requirements in digital control

It is shown that some of the parameters that result from identification and estimation algorithms of continuous time linear systems of order n, subjected to sampling and digital control, require about n binary bits to represent their integer parts. The storage space required for the integer parts of all such parameters is about n2/21n2. These estimates are approached in the case of fast sampling. The results are generalized to discrete time systems with poles confined to a circle of arbitrary radius. The need for developing structured algorithms is emphasized, since it is shown that the number of bits for the integer parts of these parameters could be reduced to just one bit and the storage space to about n binary locations, as a result of the structuring.
“Ang Ating Iisang Kuwento” our collective story: Migrant Filipino workers and participatory action research

Studies that utilize participatory action research (PAR) methods in immigrant communities draw on participatory methods to explore immigrant health and incorporation. Many of these studies have use...
Evaluation of abdominal lymph scanning in gynecologic cancer.

Abstract The present study evaluates the correlation between abdominal lymph scan and histopathology of the pelvic and periaortic lymph nodes on 46 patients with established diagnosis of carcinoma of cervix. Ten of 11 negative scans and 15 of 35 positive scans were confirmed by microscopic examination. The accuracy of positive scans would have risen from 43 to 77% if certain errors could have been controlled in a prospective study. Presently, the scan is of value only when it is negative.
Pharmacokinetics of intravenous cefetamet and oral cefetamet pivoxil in children

The pharmacokinetics of cefetamet were determined after intravenous (i.v.) administration of cefetamet and oral administration of cefetamet pivoxil syrup to patients between the ages of 3 and 12 years. The patients were hospitalized for reconstructive urological surgery; to prevent infection, prophylactic i.v. cefetamet was administered on the day of surgery and oral cefetamet pivoxil was administered 2 days later. After i.v. administration, the mean (+/- standard deviation) half-life of cefetamet was 1.97 +/- 0.60 h (n = 18), which was different from the 2.46 +/- 0.33 h reported for nine adults (22 to 68 years old) in a previous study. The average values for the mean residence times were 2.35 +/- 0.94 and 2.83 +/- 0.34 h and the average values for the fraction of the dose eliminated unchanged in the urine were 79.9% +/- 8.99% and 80% +/- 11% in children and adults, respectively. Plots of mean systemic clearance and steady-state volume of distribution versus body weight for the children and comparative adults were linear on log-log coordinates, and the slopes of the plots were 0.661 and 0.880, respectively. These slope values suggested that mean systemic clearance values per unit of body surface area were similar in children and adults and that maintenance doses for children should be the adult maintenance dose multiplied by the child's surface area divided by 1.73 m2. The mean (+/- standard deviation) oral bioavailabilities of cefetamet pivoxil were 49.3% +/- 15.7% in 3- to 7-year-old children who received a 500-mg dose and 37.9% +/- 10.0% in 8- to 12-year-old children who received a 1,000-mg dose. These values were not different from that observed in the adult group after two 500-mg tablets. Likewise, the peak concentration of cefetamet in plasma and its time of occurrence in children were in line with the values which have been observed for adults.
Intracellular Trafficking of Cholesterol Monitored with a Cyclodextrin

The sterol binding agent 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin is shown to be a convenient and useful experimental tool to probe intracellular pathways of cholesterol transport. Biochemical and cytochemical studies reveal that cyclodextrin specifically removes plasma membrane cholesterol. Depletion of plasma membrane sphingomyelin greatly accelerated cyclodextrin-mediated cholesterol removal. Cholesterol arriving at the plasma membrane from lysosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum was also removed by cyclodextrin. Cellular cholesterol esterification linked to the mobilization of cholesterol from lysosomes was strongly attenuated by cyclodextrin, suggesting that the major portion of endocytosed cholesterol is delivered from lysosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum via the plasma membrane. Evidence for translocation of lysosomal cholesterol to the endoplasmic reticulum by a plasma membrane-independent pathway is provided by the finding that cyclodextrin loses its ability to suppress esterification when plasma membrane sphingomyelin is depleted. The Golgi apparatus appears to play an active role in directing the relocation of lysosomal cholesterol to the plasma membrane since brefeldin A also abrogated cyclodextrin-mediated suppression of cholesterol esterification. Using cyclodextrin we further show that attenuated esterification of lysosomal cholesterol in Niemann-Pick C cells reflects defective translocation of cholesterol to the plasma membrane that may be linked to abnormal Golgi trafficking.
Elderly Demographic Profiles of U.S. States: Impacts of “New Elderly Births,” Migration, and Immigration

Many policy analysts take a narrow view toward assessing demographic change of state elderly populations by focusing only on the migration component. This article examines how 1990 state elderly populations have been affected by "new elderly births" (a state's population ages 55-59 in 1985 which survived to ages 60-64 in 1990) as well as by migration components, over the 1985-90 period. It utilizes 1990 Census migration tabulations of the residence 5-years-ago question, along with demographic decomposition analysis. During this period, elderly births exerted a greater impact than migration on elderly gains and demographic compositions for all states. Migration from abroad is also important for state Latino and Asian elderly populations.
ASBESTOS DISEASE IN MAINTENANCE WORKERS OF THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

In several large groups of workers employed in chemical plants, chest x-ray abnormalities (small irregular opacities and/or pleural changes) of the type known to be induced by asbestos were found in a proportion of those examined. A cross-sectional study of maintenance workers in a large chemical plant was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of asbestosis; 185 workers were examined. Radiologic evidence of parenchymal interstitial fibrosis was found in 24% of those examined; in 10% of workers, parenchymal fibrosis was the only abnormality. Pleural fibrosis and/or calcification was found in the absence of parenchymal fibrosis in 14% of cases; in another 14% of workers, both parenchymal and pleural abnormalities were detected. The prevalence was significantly higher in those employed 20 or more years. Pleural abnormalities were more prevalent than were parenchymal changes. The increased risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma remains to be studied.
Subjective Age Identity during the Transition to Adulthood: Psychological and Sociological Perspectives

This review examines the literature on subjective age identity during the transition to adulthood. After a brief discussion of the concept of adult status, it presents psychological and sociological explanations of feeling like an adult. Psychology interprets this phenomenon to be a function of individualistic qualities, such as believing one self to be financially responsible or being able to make personal decisions without the help of others. Sociology focuses on the impact of taking on new social roles in particular social contexts, such as the workplace and school. Currently, some scholars argue that factors from both disciplines are interrelated. At the end of the review several theoretical and methodological suggestions are offered to improve future research in this area.
Innovation Strategies for Combating Occupational Stress and Fatigue in Medical Imaging

The adverse effect of occupational stress and fatigue on job performance was first documented by Lazarus et al. in 1952 [1]. Later work by Cohen in 1980 [2] reported occupational stress to be a source of cognitive fatigue and diminished energy, leading to information overload. While this earlier work was not directly related to healthcare, many observations are relevant to contemporary medical practice. In addition to cognitive fatigue and information overload, a variety of occupational stressors have been described including bureaucratic frustration and task load, which lead to diminished job performance and perceptual distractions [2]. It is important to note that the incidence and severity of occupational stress and fatigue is highly variable and dependent upon a number of individual worker attributes, including personality, job experience, age, and fear of negative evaluation [3, 4]. The ubiquitous nature of occupational stress and fatigue in medicine has been well described and reported to serve as a major source of medical errors [5–8]. Medical imaging is especially prone to occupational stress and fatigue due to increasing workload volume and complexity, heightened service demands, and dependence upon computerized technologies [9, 10]. In spite of these well-documented concerns regarding occupational stress and fatigue in medical practice, surprisingly little is currently being done to proactively intervene. Most existing stress management interventions are “after the fact” and often triggered by an adverse clinical event. A unique opportunity exists for healthcare professionals and technology providers to study the causes of occupational stress and fatigue, objectively analyze its effects on job performance, and develop interventions at the point of care.
Future Directions in Sport and Juvenile Delinquency Research

Although it has been a subject of discussion for many years, the relationship between sport and juvenile delinquency has been submitted to empirical evaluation only recently. Results of investigations have demonstrated a negative association between delinquency and participation in a variety of sport settings, nost notably interscholarstic athletics and Outward Bound. However, studies have typically adopted the conventional social facts paradigm which has rendered causal inferences problematic and has lead to restricted interpretations regarding the efficacy of sport as a deterrent to delinquency. To gain further insight into the dynamic processes underlying the association between sport and delinquency new theoretical and methodological perspectives are needed. Specifically, the social definition, social behavior, and Marxian paradigms are endorsed as particularly fruitful pathways to more fully delineate the relationship between sport and delinquency. Several specific procedural techniques, including lo...
Electrochemical evaluation of charge-transport rates in electronically conductive polymers

Abstract The theoretical and experimental aspects of a new current-pulse method for electrochemical investigations of charge-transport rates in thin redox active films on electrode surfaces are described. This method yields an apparent diffusion coefficient, D app , which is a quantitative measure of the rate of the charge-transport process in the film. This method is ideally suited for solving the myriad problems associated with electrochemical analyses of electronically conductive polymers (e.g. polypyrrole, polyaniline, etc.). When applied to such polymers, the D app obtained is a quantitative measure of the rate of the insulator-to-conductor switching reaction. We have used this method to obtain what we believe are the first reliable electrochemically-generated values of D app for the polymer polypyrrole.
Role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in pediatric anti-convulsant drug dosing

The role of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in patient care has grown rapidly since its introduction three decades ago. The role of a TDM service in establishing proper pediatric anti-epileptic drug (AED) use is described. A number of studies are reviewed which identified proper pediatric dosage regimens for phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenytoin and clonazepam. Finally, the potential role of TDM in the use of new AEDs is mentioned. These studies are given as examples of how professionals knowledgeable in clinical epilepsy management, clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, can use TDM to design individualized dosage regimens, as well as assess compliance, toxicity and drug interactions.
Results of numerical simulations of growler impact tests

Abstract Numerical simulations of a collision between free-floating growlers (1068 kg glacial ice mass) and a heavy apparatus (i.e. impact plate), similar to a ship bow, have been conducted using LS-Dyna™ software, which incorporates a full Navier–Stokes solver for the fluid component. The results compared favorably with actual data acquired during tests in IOT's Ice Tank using real growlers. The simulations were run on a Beowulf cluster consisting of 15 high-performance CPU's. The modeled volume, including the impactor, water and growler, was meshed using Ansys™ software and contained approximately one million elements. A prior set of non-impact simulations of a model tanker transiting in proximity to model bergy bits showed that at least this number of elements was required. In the results presented here the impactor was traveling at 2 m/s. A hard crushable foam material model was used for the growler in order to model previously observed ice behavior where the ice contact interface consists of a relatively intact hard zone of ice surrounded by softer pulverized ice. The simulation produced reasonable values for the load, pressure and impact duration values obtained in the actual growler experiments. Nominal pressure did not show a dependence on nominal contact area. It was notable that the same relatively simple hard crushable foam model used for the growler material properties was also successful in yielding reasonable results for simulations of full-scale impacts of a ship with bergy bits [Gagnon, R.E. and Derradji-Aouat, A., 2006. First Results of Numerical Simulations of Bergy Bit Collisions with the CCGS Terry Fox Icebreaker. Proceedings of IAHR 2006, Sapporo, Japan.]
Asymmetric dihydroxylation of tertiary allylic alcohols

Abstract The asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) of tertiary allylic alcohols is examined. Good to excellent ee's are obtained with trans-di- and tri-substituted tertiary allylic alcohols of different substitution patterns except for a trisubstituted case where the tertiary carbinol substituent is on the disubstituted olefinic carbon.
Unpredictable Absorption of Oral Opioid Medications in a Quadriplegic Patient With Chronic Enterocutaneous Fistulas

Although there is an abundance of literature on the acute management of enterocutaneous fistulas, there is a paucity of data on the chronic management of enterocutaneous fistulas. Their impact on oral pharmacotherapy, including their effect on the bioavailability of oral medications, is poorly understood. This case describes a 23-year-old quadriplegic male with a complex history of multiple abdominal surgeries presented with three persistent enterocutaneous fistulas. Diazepam and furosemide were among the patient's oral medications and had sufficient bioavailability to show efficacy on anxiety and pedal edema, respectively. Conversely, oral oxycodone and methadone were ineffective in controlling chronic pain despite high doses and aggressive titration. Due to inadequate pain control, the patient supplemented opioid medications with high doses of lorazepam and diazepam to augment psychological comfort. A trial of subcutaneous morphine successfully produced immediate analgesia, causing a marked reduction in benzodiazepine use. Enterocutaneous fistulas may reduce the bioavailability of oral medications to various degrees depending upon the medication. Further research is needed to elucidate the effect chronic enterocutaneous fistulas have on the bioavailability of oral medications. It is therefore important for clinicians to question the bioavailability of medications in the setting of enterocutaneous fistulas and poor clinical response.
Courting the Pink Pound: Men Only and the Queer Consumer, 1935–39

Men Only was among the earliestmen’s lifestyle magazines published in Britain. From its first issue, in December 1935, the magazine cultivated a mainstream audience of middle-class, presumably heterosexual male consumers. But at the same time, I argue, it addressed and courted another audience long associated with urban leisure and fashionable consumption. References to homosexuality in Men Only went beyond mockery and insults directed at effeminate men. Instead, both textual and visual references to subcultural codes, practices, and homoerotically charged situations all reinforced potential readings of the magazine that would be understood by a queer audience. Other readers sometimes decoded the magazine’s references and doublespeak too. Some even expressed concern that particularmagazine elements were ‘a trifle pansy’. But by printing such concerns the magazine producers further highlighted Men Only’s complicated dual address. By 1939, however, as the magazine’s references to homosexuality and urban queer subcultures became increasingly dated and less lucrative, it began to direct its attention to a new military and home front audience. This article argues that through the deft use of humour, imagery,and coded doublespeak, Men Only courted a homosexual market segment a full half century before advertisers and marketers would openly acknowledge and seek the Pink Pound.
Catalytic properties and potential of an extracellular protease from an extreme halophile

Abstract An extracellular protease has been isolated and partially purified from the extreme halophile Halobacterium halobium (ATCC 43214). The major enzyme component has a Mr of 66,000 and is highly dependent upon salt concentrations near saturation for catalytic activity and stability. In aqueous solutions, a decrease in the NaCl concentration from 4 to 1 m results in an increase of nearly three orders of magnitude in the first-order rate constant of inactivation at 30°C. Salt effects the stability of the enzyme in a cooperative manner, with a Hill coefficient of 4.1, which is similar to that of other enzymes from extreme halophiles. The enzyme activity is dramatically affected by the salt concentration, with a loss of 2.5 orders of magnitude in k cat K m in going from 4 to 0 m NaCl. This loss in catalytic efficiency is primarily due to a dramatic increase in the Km for the substrate in low-salt media. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that this Km increase was mainly the result of increased solubility of the synthetic peptide substrate in low-salt media, which dramatically increases the ground-state stability of the substrate. This results in an effectively reduced substrate partitioning from the bulk solution into the enzyme's active site and an increased value of Km. The halophilic protease is also active in DMF/water mixtures, albeit with novel catalytic properties. In 33% (v/v) DMF in aqueous buffer, the esterase activity of the enzyme is ca. 80-fold higher than the corresponding amidase activity. This contrasts to the situation in pure aqueous buffer, in which the esterase activity is only fourfold higher than the amidase activity. The increased esterase activity relative to amidase activity prompted us to investigate the use of the protease in kinetically controlled peptide synthesis. The enzyme has a broad acyl donor substrate specificity and can effectively use amino acid esters of Phe, Tyr, Trp, Ser, Gly, and Ala. The enzyme is significantly more selective for the amino acid amide, preferring Gly in the P′1 site. A series of glycine-containing oligopeptides have been prepared in yields up to 76% without degradation due to secondary hydrolysis.
The School Psychologist's Role in the Early Childhood Special Education Program:

As part of a study to determine what role school psychologists might best fill in infant and preschool programs, a survey was conducted of school psychologists currently working with elementary- and high school-age children and of early childhood special educators employed in preschool and infant programs. The survey endeavored to ascertain how each of these groups viewed the school psychologist's role, and what each group thought the school psychologist could best contribute to early childhood and infant programs. Two sets of questionnaires were analyzed representing 50 early childhood special educators and 82 school psychologists. The first examined the possible situations in which early childhood special educators might request assistance from a school psychologist. The second questionnaire asked participants to rank order their preference of consultation models. Results indicated that the two groups hold very different perceptions concerning the role of the school psychologist in early intervention pr...
The Rho-Specific GEF Lfc Interacts with Neurabin and Spinophilin to Regulate Dendritic Spine Morphology

Neurabin and spinophilin are homologous protein phosphatase 1 and actin binding proteins that regulate dendritic spine function. A yeast two-hybrid analysis using the coiled-coil domain of neurabin revealed an interaction with Lfc, a Rho GEF. Lfc was highly expressed in brain, where it interacted with either neurabin or spinophilin. In neurons, Lfc was largely found in the shaft of dendrites in association with microtubules but translocated to spines upon neuronal stimulation. Moreover, expression of Lfc resulted in reduction in spine length and size. Both the translocation and the effect on spine morphology depended on the coiled-coil domain of Lfc. Coexpression of neurabin or spinophilin with Lfc resulted in their clustering together with F-actin, a process that depended on Rho activity. Thus, interaction between Lfc and neurabin/spinophilin selectively regulates Rho-dependent organization of F-actin in spines and is a link between the microtubule and F-actin cytoskeletons in dendrites.
Patterns of hominid evolution and dispersal in the Middle Pleistocene

At the onset of the Quaternary, hominids identi"ed as Homo erectus spread widely across the Old World. These populations persisted in the Far East until late in the Middle Pleistocene, while in the West, the species disappeared at a relatively early date. Humans that are di!erent from Homo erectus evolved"rst in Africa or western Eurasia. One of the most important fossils now thought to document a distinct species was discovered at Broken Hill (Kabwe) in Zambia in 1921. This well-preserved cranium reveals many aspects of the morphology of the face, braincase, and skull base. Broken Hill is similar to other less complete fossils from Elandsfontein and Bodo in Africa and also to hominids including Arago and Petralona from Europe. These crania exhibit some archaic (erectus-like) characters, but there is an increase in brain size. Also, the morphology of the nose and palate, the temporal bone and the occipital region is advanced relative to the condition in Homo erectus. This evidence is in keeping with an episode of speciation occurring in the mid-Quaternary and giving rise to populations that are more modern anatomically. Although there is disagreement about taxonomy, it can be argued that the new species is appropriately called Homo heidelbergensis. Key questions awaiting resolution concern the geographic region where this taxon originated, its subsequent dispersal, and the role played by these populations in the spread of Acheulean stone technologies. Other issues are phylogenetic, and it is important to clarify the relationship of Homo heidelbergensis to Neanderthals and recent humans. ( 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.
Distinguishing the Effect of Overconfidence from Rational Best-Response on Information Aggregation

This article studies the causal effect of individuals' overconfidence and bounded rationality on information aggregation by using a new multiperiod game in which agents are rewarded for submitting accurate estimates of an unknown asset's value based on (i) their private information and (ii) others' past estimates. By carrying out laboratory sessions of this game in which subjects' overconfidence is a treatment variable, I find that overconfidence affects the information aggregation process by increasing the dispersion of estimates and decreasing the rate of estimates' convergence. However, even when subjects are not overconfident, qualitatively similar deviations from the fully rational model predictions are observed. I show that this can be explained by subjects' strategic response to errors. The Author 2008. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Society for Financial Studies. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org, Oxford University Press.
Cones of cooperation, Perron–Fröbenius Theory and the indefinitely repeated Prisoners' Dilemma

Abstract The continuation probability and discount parameter of indefinitely repeated games define an infinite matrix with nonnegative entries. The solutions of a matrix inequality are subgame perfect equilibria for the repeated Prisoners' Dilemma game and form a `cone of cooperation'. The cone's geometry quantifies the intuition that more cooperation is possible as the probability of continuation increases. The spectral radius acts as a bifurcation point; comparing a parameter of the stage game to the spectral radius indicates whether a cooperative equilibrium (eigenvector) exists. The structure of the matrix yields the spectral radius and eigenvectors; surprisingly, Perron–Frobenius theory is fruitless.
The relationship between phospholipid content and Ca2+-ATPase activity in the sarcoplasmic reticulum

Abstract The relationship between the phospholipid composition of sarcoplasmic reticulum and the activity of the Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ -stimulated ATPase was analyzed by digestion of membrane phospholipids with phospholipase C and A 2 enzymes of diverse specificity and by detergent extraction. Phospholipase C of Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium welchii , that hydrolyze preferentially phosphatidylcholine (PC), inhibited the Ca 2+ -ATPase activity parallel with the depletion of phosphatidylcholine from the membrane. Phospholipase C of Bacillus cereus hydrolyzed in addition to PC, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS), causing complete inhibition of Ca 2+ -stimulated ATPase activity. Digestion of sarcoplasmic reticulum with the phospholipase A 2 of snake or bee venom produced similar effects. The phosphatidylinositol (PI)-specific phospholipases of B. cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis caused less than 10% inhibition of the Ca 2+ -ATPase, accompanied by the hydrolysis of more than 70% of the phosphatidylinositol content of the membrane, without significant change in PC, PE and PS content. The inhibition of ATPase activity by the C type phospholipases was nearly completely reversed by octaethyleneglycol dodecyl ether (C 12 E 8 ). These experiments suggest that the full phospholipid content of native sarcoplasmic reticulum (⋍ 100 mol phospholipid per mol Ca 2+ -ATPase), is required for ATPase activity and there is no indication that PE, PS, and PI play a specific role in ATP hydrolysis. Extraction of sarcoplasmic reticulum phospholipids by detergents such as deoxycholate, cholate and C 12 E 8 also caused proportional inhibition of ATPase activity with the decrease in phospholipid content; the parallel extraction of PC, PE and PI left the phospholipid composition largely unchanged during delipidation. These observations do not support the requirement for a ‘lipid annulus’ of ⋍ 30 phospholipid molecules/Ca 2+ -ATPase as proposed by Hesketh et al. ((1976) Biochemistry 15, 4145–4151) or the specific interaction of phosphatidylethanolamine with the ATPase molecule proposed by Bick et al. ((1991) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 286, 346–352).
Predicting resectability of periampullary cancer with three-dimensional computed tomography

The radiographic assessment of extent of tumor burden and local vascular invasion appears to be enhanced with three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative 3D-CT in determining the resectability of patients with periampullary tumors. Intraoperative findings from exploratory laparotomy were gathered prospectively from 140 patients who were thought to have periampullary tumors and were deemed resectable after undergoing preoperative 3D-CT imaging. CT findings were compared to intraoperative findings, and the accuracy of 3D-CT in predicting tumor resectability and, ultimately, the likelihood of obtaining a margin-negative resection were assessed. Of the 140 patients who were thought to have resectable periampullary tumors after preoperative 3D-CT, 115 (82%) were subsequently determined to have periampullary cancer. The remaining 25 patients had benign disease. Among the patients with periampullary cancer, the extent of local tumor burden involving the pancreas and peripancreatic tissues was accurately depicted by 3D-CT in 93% of the patients. 3D-CT was 95% accurate in determining cancer invasion of the superior mesenteric vessels. Preoperative 3D-CT accurately predicted periampullary cancer resectability and a margin-negative resection in 98% and 86% of patients, respectively. For patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=85), preoperative 3D-CT resulted in a resectability rate and a margin-negative resection rate of 79% and 73%, respectively. The ability of 3D-CT to predict a margin-negative resection for periampullary cancer, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma, relies on its enhanced assessment of the extent of local tumor burden and involvement of the mesenteric vascular anatomy.
Graphene coatings for enhanced hemo-compatibility of nitinol stents

In this study, we used graphene, a one-atom thick sheet of carbon atoms, to modify the surfaces of existing implant materials to enhance both bio- and hemo-compatibility. This novel effort meets all functional criteria for a biomedical implant coating as it is chemically inert, atomically smooth and highly durable, with the potential for greatly enhancing the effectiveness of such implants. Specifically, graphene coatings on nitinol, a widely used implant and stent material, showed that graphene coated nitinol (Gr–NiTi) supports excellent smooth muscle and endothelial cell growth leading to better cell proliferation. The authors further determined that the serum albumin adsorption on Gr–NiTi is greater than that of fibrinogen, which is an important and well understood criterion for promoting a lower thrombosis rate. These hemo- and biocompatible properties, along with high strength, chemical inertness and durability provide graphene with an edge over most antithrombogenic coatings for biomedical implants and devices.
Death and NF-κB in T Cell Activation: Life at the Edge

Nuclear Factor κ-B appears to be required to prevent p73-induced apoptosis triggered by primary T cell activation. Here we explore what this state of affairs might do for the regulation of the immune system.
MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL INFERENCE UNDER MARGINAL STRUCTURE

Suppose that we are utilizing k different psychological tests, each having one subtest in common. Of particular concern is the hypothesis that these tests are parallel with respect to their means and/or covariances. A complete hierarchy of hypotheses for this situation has been developed. For example, Hm've is the hypothesis that the tests are parallel only with respect to the means of the common test, but with respect to the covariances of both tests. (The prime indicates equality for the common test only.) This hypothesis might be tested against Hvc, the hypothesis of parallelism with respect to the covariances. Other hypotheses considered are Hmvc, Hm'vc, Hm'vc and Hvc. Maximum-likelihood estimators under the various models (and under the assumption of normally distributed test scores) have been obtained, as well as the related likelihood-ratio statistics. Approximate distributions of the likelihood-ratio statistics are worked out, so that the tests can be applied, and an example of their use is provided.
Irradiation Effects in the Storage and Disposal of Radioactive Ion-Exchange Resins*

Research is under way to characterize the effects of self-irradiation on radwastes which may be generated when organic ion-exchange media are used in water demineralization or decontamination operations at nuclear facilities. External factors affecting the relation between laboratory evaluations and field performance are emphasized. Initial experiments do not yet indicate substantial radiation dose-rate effects on radiolytic gas yields or acid product formation, when (fully swollen) sulfonic acid resins are irradiated in a sealed air environment. At the same time, oxygen gas is removed from the environment of irradiated resins. Interaction between mild steel coupons and acidic species produced in the irradiation induced decomposition of sulfonic acid resin results in irradiation enhanced corrosion. Corrosion rates depend on radiation dose rate, moisture content and resin chemical loading. In some cases, corrosion rates decrease with time, suggesting depletion of acidic species within the resin bed, or a synergistic interaction between resin and corrosion coupon. Implications of these and other results on evaluating field behavior of radwaste containing ion-exchange media are discussed.
Peer relationships of mildly retarded young adults living in the community

Socializing with peers and opposite-sex relationships were examined in two subsets of a mildly mentally retarded (MMR) young adult population living in the community: those who were no longer receiving MR services and those who were attending day centres for MR adults. The MMR young people not receiving services had fewer best friends and socialized significantly less often than a nonretarded comparison population. The MMR males not receiving services also had fewer opposite-sex relationships than comparisons but this difference was not significant for the females. At age 22, these MMR young people continued to see friends from school significantly less often than comparisons, indicating a possible detrimental effect of special schooling on later socializing with peers. The MMR young people at the day centres socialized more often but this was done almost wholly with others who were MR. Within the MMR study population, the young women not receiving services socialized with peers the least, less than the young women at the day centres and less than the young men not receiving services, but they were married most often.
A conversation between Noel Timms and a US social work practitioner, nascent sociologist

In this section essay, I engage in a conversation with Timms’ (1967) A Sociological Approach to Social Problems, 50 years after its initial publication, from the perspective of an experienced social work practitioner and nascent sociologist. I use, and build on, Timms’ work in three areas, considering: the usefulness of a sociological approach to social problems for social work, the integration of critical-reflexivity in social science scholarship, and how a sociological approach to social problems can inform analysis of social work practice experience, particularly in terms of being an agent of social change or social control.
Ultrasound evaluation of acute abdominal emergencies in infants and children

Ultrasound is extremely beneficial in the evaluation of acute pediatric abdominal disease, such as HPS, intussusception, and acute appendicitis. As techniques and equipment improve, its role in the evaluation of infants and children continues to increase.
Thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of the dissociation and assembly of quadruplex nucleic acids.

The dissociation and assembly of quadruplex DNA structures (and a few quadruplex RNAs) have been characterized at several levels of rigor, ranging from gross descriptions of factors that govern each process, to semiquantitative comparisons of the relative abilities of these factors to induce stabilization or destabilization, to quantitative studies of binding energies (thermodynamics), transformational rates (kinetics), and analysis of their transition-state energies and mechanisms. This survey classifies these factors, describes the trends and focuses on their interdependencies. Quadruplex assembly is induced most efficiently by added K(+) and elevating the strand concentration; however, Na(+), NH(4)(+), Sr(2+), and Pb(2+) are also very effective stabilizers. Quadruplex dissociation is typically accomplished by thermal denaturation, "melting"; however, when the quadruplex and monovalent cation concentrations are low enough, or the temperature is sufficiently high, several divalent cations, e.g., Ca(2+), Co(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+), Ni(2+) and Mg(2+) can induce dissociation. Stabilization also depends on the type of structure adopted by the strand (or strands) in question. Variants include intramolecular, two- and four-stranded quadruplexes. Other important variables include strand sequence, the size of intervening loops and pH, especially when cytosines are present, base methylation, and the replacement of backbone phosphates with phosphorothioates. Competitive equilibria can also modulate the formation of quadruplex DNAs. For example, reactions leading to Watson-Crick (WC) duplex and hairpin DNAs, triplex DNAs, and even other types of quadruplexes can compete with quadruplex association reactions for strands. Others include nonprotein catalysts, small molecules such as aromatic dyes, metalloporphyrins, and carbohydrates (osmolytes). Other nucleic acid strands have been found to drive quadruplex formation. To help reinforce the implications of each piece of information, each functional conclusion drawn from each cited piece of thermodynamic or kinetic data has been summarized briefly in a standardized table entry.
Participation and exclusion in auctions

We provide extensions of the Bulow and Klemperer (1996) result when the seller has value for the object above the minimum value of the buyers. The result may fail. We show that the seller does better with more participation and some exclusion than the optimal exclusion of buyers of low value types. Some amount of exclusion, which is independent of the number of buyers, in the form of the minimum bid is needed to make participation the dominant method for improving the seller payoff from the auctions. There exists N0, which depends on the seller valuation, such that more participation with no exclusion is dominant if and only if the number of participants exceeds N0.
Expansion of the Range of the Introduced Greenhouse Frog, Eleutherodactylus planirostris, in Coastal Alabama

Abstract Eleutherodactylus planirostris (Greenhouse Frog), originally from Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Florida Keys, has been introduced to mainland Florida and has spread across the southeastern US. We used automated recording devices to determine the distribution and activity patterns of Greenhouse Frogs at 15 headwater-slope wetlands in Baldwin County, AL, during 2011 and 2012. We detected this species at 5 widely distributed wetlands confirming that the Greenhouse Frog has spread since its initial introduction to Alabama.
Auditory naming and temporal lobe epilepsy.

Patients with left (i.e. language-dominant) temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) typically report word finding difficulties. However, these deficits are not reliably detected with traditional visual object naming tests. We administered both visual and auditory naming tests to left and right TLE patients and normal controls. We hypothesized that an auditory naming test might be more sensitive since it better simulates the conditions under which word finding problems occur in daily living. The left TLE group obtained significantly lower scores than other groups on auditory naming, whereas their performance on visual naming was indistinguishable from that of right TLE patients and normals. Furthermore, whereas cut-off scores on the auditory naming task predicted seizure focus laterality in 85% of patients, performance on the visual naming task predicted laterality in only 60% of patients. These findings suggest that compared with visual naming, as assessed in the present study, auditory naming may more accurately characterize and lateralize TLE-associated language dysfunction. These results also propose a more complex understanding of word retrieval that incorporates modality and contextual information.
On 3-class groups of cyclic cubic extensions of certain number fields☆

Abstract Let F be a (finite) algebraic number field, and let K be a cyclic cubic extension of F. Assuming that the 3-class group of F is trivial, we determine the rank of the 3-class group SK of K, and we obtain some additional information about the structure of SK.