cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teachers' Attitudes toward Inclusion: Factors Influencing Classroom Practice.

Early childhood teachers may express positive views about inclusive practices but are the practices implemented in their classrooms? This study examined preservice and inservice teachers’ attitudes toward inclusive practices as reflected in the teachers’ behaviors. This qualitative study utilized open-ended initial interviews, observations with follow-up interviews, and observer field notes that were analyzed using content analysis with emergent themes from the different data sources. The results suggest that teachers’ attitudes toward inclusion appear to be influenced by their previous experiences in inclusive classrooms, and that the teachers implemented inclusive practices by involving all children in classroom activities, including those with disabilities. While the teachers did implement inclusive practices, they indicated that appropriate preservice training, support from administrators, and support from resource personnel are important to provide a successful inclusive environment. Implications are...
Identifying the motivations of environmental volunteers

Abstract The natural environment benefits greatly from the work of volunteers. However, little is known as to why people are willing to volunteer their time to such programs. The study participants were 401 volunteers from six natural resource organizations. The study identified and assessed motivations of volunteers within the conservation and natural resources arena. The results suggest that there are many volunteer motivations, although ‘helping the environment’ clearly emerged as most important. Second-tier motivations included ‘improving areas that volunteers use for their own recreation’, ‘expressing their values’, ‘learning about the natural environment’ and ‘socializing with people with similar interests’. Managers need to consider these motivations, developing programs in order to provide volunteers with an experience that meets their motivations. By developing programs with volunteer motivations in mind, managers will better be able to recruit and retain volunteers within their organizations.
Thermodynamic properties of the intermetallic compounds Re2Fe14B (Re La, Ce, Y)

Abstract The intermetallic compounds Re 2 Fe 14 B (Re La, Ce, Y) with tetragonal structure were prepared. The chemical thermodynamic properties of the compounds were studied by using a galvanic cell with a CaF 2 single crystal as a solid electrolyte having an Re/ReF 3 reference electrode in the temperature range 900–1020 K.
p53-Mediated Biliary Defects Caused by Knockdown of cirh1a, the Zebrafish Homolog of the Gene Responsible for North American Indian Childhood Cirrhosis

North American Indian Childhood Cirrhosis (NAIC) is a rare, autosomal recessive, progressive cholestatic disease of infancy affecting the Cree-Ojibway first Nations of Quebec. All NAIC patients are homozygous for a missense mutation (R565W) in CIRH1A, the human homolog of the yeast nucleolar protein Utp4. Utp4 is part of the t-Utp subcomplex of the small subunit (SSU) processome, a ribonucleoprotein complex required for ribosomal RNA processing and small subunit assembly. NAIC has thus been proposed to be a primary ribosomal disorder (ribosomopathy); however, investigation of the pathophysiologic mechanism of this disease has been hindered by lack of an animal model. Here, using a morpholino oligonucleotide (MO)-based loss-of-function strategy, we have generated a model of NAIC in the zebrafish, Danio rerio. Zebrafish Cirhin shows substantial homology to the human homolog, and cirh1a mRNA is expressed in developing hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells. Injection of two independent MOs directed against cirh1a at the one-cell stage causes defects in canalicular and biliary morphology in 5 dpf larvae. In addition, 5 dpf Cirhin-deficient larvae have dose-dependent defects in hepatobiliary function, as assayed by the metabolism of an ingested fluorescent lipid reporter. Previous yeast and in vitro studies have shown that defects in ribosome biogenesis cause stabilization and nuclear accumulation of p53, which in turn causes p53-mediated cell cycle arrest and/or apoptosis. Thus, the nucleolus appears to function as a cellular stress sensor in some cell types. In accordance with this hypothesis, transcriptional targets of p53 are upregulated in Cirhin-deficient zebrafish embryos, and defects in biliary function seen in Cirhin-deficient larvae are completely abrogated by mutation of tp53. Our data provide the first in vivo evidence of a role for Cirhin in biliary development, and support the hypothesis that congenital defects affecting ribosome biogenesis can activate a cellular stress response mediated by p53.
Reducing time to oral diet and hospital discharge in patients undergoing radical cystectomy using a perioperative care plan

Abstract Objectives To outline our current perioperative treatment of patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion, which uses advancements in perioperative care to allow for early institution of an oral diet and early hospital discharge, and thereby overall improvement in patient recovery and outcome after this procedure. Methods Forty consecutive patients underwent radical cystectomy and urinary diversion with curative intent from 2001 to 2002. A care plan was followed for all patients and included improvements in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. The preoperative care included limited outpatient bowel preparation with sodium phosphate solution and patient education. Operative modifications included reduced incision length, initial preperitoneal dissection, and the use of internal surgical stapling devices. The postoperative care included the use of prokinetic agents, early nasogastric tube removal, the use of non-narcotic analgesics, and early institution of an oral diet. The outcomes with regard to time to institution of an oral diet, tolerance of a regular diet, and hospital discharge were assessed. Results The mean surgical time was 3.9 hours, and the mean estimated blood loss was 573 mL. The mean time to the institution of a clear liquid diet was 2.0 days and to a regular diet was 4.2 days. The mean time to hospital discharge was 5.1 days. No statistically significant differences were found in the time to resumption of a regular diet or to discharge between patients undergoing ileal conduits versus orthotopic ileal neobladders. Only 1 patient had any gastrointestinal dysfunction (ileus), and this patient was discharged on postoperative 7. No patient had any delayed complications involving problems with diet intolerance or other gastrointestinal dysfunction. The results of the current series were compared with those of historical controls. Conclusions Advancements in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management have together been successfully used in our patient population to reduce morbidity and improve recovery with regard to the early institution of an oral diet and early hospital discharge.
The Fundamental Approximation Theorem of Portfolio Analysis in terms of Means, Variances and Higher Moments

Publisher Summary The chapter presents an alternative way to relate the expected utility and mean-variance approaches. It presents proofs of the two general theorems involved in an aspect of the mean-variance model—namely, the usefulness of mean and variance in situations involving less and less risk. It describes a defense of mean-variance analysis and highlights its exact limitations along with those for any r-moment model. The mean and variance of wealth are approximately sufficient parameters for the portfolio selection model when the probability distribution of wealth is compact. In the compact case, moments of order 3 and higher are small in magnitude relative to the first two moments of the portfolio return; hence, a limiting approximation indicates that only the first two moments are relevant for optimal portfolio selection.
Prototyping information systems on microcomputers: A design philosophy for engineering management

Abstract In the coming years, engineering managers will have an increasing need for integrated management information in order to make timely decisions and evaluate strategic alternatives. Until recently, the technology was not available to easily satisfy these needs. Current developments in microcomputer and mainframe hardware, software, and methodology make integrated information systems practical, available, and cost effective for the engineering manager. This article presents a framework for the design of management information systems for engineering management using microcomputers which, until recently, were not sophisticated enough in terms of software development to be effective for the design of useful information systems. An old tool, prototyping, used for many years by engineers to design hardware systems but, until recently, not widely used for the design of software systems is presented as a tool for designing information systems efficiently. The prototyping methodology for the design of software systems is compared to the more traditional life cycle approach and a rationale for using prototypes is discussed.
Phosphoethanolamine and ethanolamine are decreased in Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease

Measurements of both phosphoethanolamine (PEA) and ethanolamine (EA) were made in postmortem brain samples from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD) using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. In AD levels of PEA were significantly reduced by 64% in temporal cortex, 48% in frontal cortex and 40% in hippocampus. In HD concentrations of PEA were significantly reduced by 76% in the caudate, 53% in putamen and 48% in the nucleus accumbens. EA concentrations showed similar but smaller reductions in both diseases. Both PEA and EA are involved in phospholipid metabolism and can be released with depolarizing stimuli in some circumstances. Since two diverse neuropathologic processes can result in depleted levels of both amines in their respective regions of pathologic predilection, it is likely that the depletions accompany neuronal death.
Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: Lessons Learned in Surgical Technique

Abstract Objective Describe the rationale for and surgical modifications to the original Montsouris technique for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP). Methods This is a retrospective review of laparoscopic prostatectomy and experience involving 1071 cases performed between January 1998 and March 2006 at two centres: the Departments of Urology of the Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France (first 502 cases) and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (next 569 cases). Results Since the first systematic description of the LRP technique, several modifications have been implemented. Most of the modifications have not yet been subjected to rigorous prospective evaluation, but, in our experience, they reduce complications or shorten operative time, and presumably lead to better oncologic results with improved preservation of quality of life. We describe those modifications to the LRP technique 8 yr after the program started, including urachal-sparing transperitoneal approach, extended lymph node dissection, systematic identification of the posterior longitudinal fascia of the detrusor muscle during dissection of the posterior bladder neck, intra/inter/extrafascial dissection of the neurovascular bundles, anatomic dissection of the apex with ligature of the dorsal vascular complex after its sectioning, anchoring of the anterior urethrovesical anastomotic stitches to the endopelvic fascia and pubovesical ligaments, extraction and evaluation of the specimen before completing the anastomosis, and use of postoperative care pathways. Conclusions LRP technique has been refined, which allowed us to decrease the positive surgical margins rate and improve functional outcomes. It is hoped younger laparoscopic surgeons can take advantage of our experience to build on their expertise.
Aeromechanical stability augmentation of helicopters using enhanced active constrained layer (EACL) treatment on flex beams

This paper investigates the feasibility of employing Enhanced Active Constrained Layer (EACL) damping treatments on the flex beams of soft in plane bearingless main rotors (BMR) for lag mode damping and aeromechanical stability augmentation. A finite element based mathematical model of the EACL damping treatment of flex beam has been developed. The flex beam is modeled using beam-rod elements and the blade is modeled as a lumped inertia. A simple derivative controller based on the flexbeam tip transverse velocity is used in this investigation. A thorough parametric study is conducted to understand the influence of various design parameters such as viscoelastic layer thickness, PZT actuator thickness, and edge element stiffness, on actuator electrical field levels and axial stress induced in PZT actuator. The results of this study shows that the EACL treatments on the flex beams has good potential for rotor stability augmentation.
Verbal conditioning‐generalization in encoding: A hint at the structure of the lexicon

Insight into the structure of the communicator's lexicon is claimed through a major variation on the classical “semantic generalization” paradigm. Primarily, the variation consists of the investigation of verbal generalization in encoding rather than decoding, and the simultaneous consideration of three generalization types—semantic, phonological, and syntactic. The results provide evidence of a lexicon organized upon a semantic‐phonological‐syntactic hierarchy.
Flow and mixing in Ascension, a steep, narrow canyon

[1] A thin gash in the continental slope northwest of Monterey Bay, Ascension Canyon, is steep, with sides and axis both strongly supercritical to M2 internal tides. A hydrostatic model forced with eight tidal constituents shows no major sources feeding energy into the canyon, but significant energy is exchanged between barotropic and baroclinic flows along the tops of the sides, where slopes are critical. Average turbulent dissipation rates observed near spring tide during April are half as large as a two week average measured during August in Monterey Canyon. Owing to Ascension's weaker stratification, however, its average diapycnal diffusivity, 3.9 × 10−3 m2 s−1, exceeded the 2.5 × 10−3 m2 s−1 found in Monterey. Most of the dissipation occurred near the bottom, apparently associated with an internal bore, and just below the rim, where sustained cross-canyon flow may have been generating lee waves or rotors. The near-bottom mixing decreased sharply around Ascension's one bend, as did vertically integrated baroclinic energy fluxes. Dissipation had a minor effect on energetics, which were controlled by flux divergences and convergences and temporal changes in energy density. In Ascension, the observed dissipation rate near spring tide was 2.1 times that predicted from a simulation using eight tidal constituents averaged over a fortnightly period. The same observation was 1.5 times the average of an M2-only prediction. In Monterey, the previous observed average was 4.9 times the average of an M2-only prediction.
Technical note: variation in muscle mass in wild chimpanzees: application of a modified urinary creatinine method.

Individual body size and composition are important variables for a variety of questions about the behavioral ecology and life histories of non-human primates. Standard methodologies for obtaining body mass involve either capture, which poses risks to the subject, or provisioning, which can disrupt the processes being studied. There are no methods currently available to assess body composition from living animals in the wild. Because of its derivation in muscle, the amount of creatinine that an individual excretes in 24 hours is a reliable and frequently used indicator of relative muscle mass in humans and laboratory animals. Although it is not feasible to collect 24-hour urine samples from wild primates, we apply here a simple method to approximate muscle mass variation from collections of spot urine samples. Specific gravity (SG), an alternative method for assessing urinary water content, is both highly correlated to creatinine and free of mass-dependent effects. Individuals with greater muscle mass should excrete more creatinine for a given SG. We examine this relationship in a dataset of 12,598 urine samples from wild chimpanzees in the Kibale National Park, Uganda. As expected from known differences in body composition, the slope of the relationship between SG and creatinine is significantly greater in adult males than adult females and in adults versus immature individuals. Growth curves generated through this method closely approximate published weight curves for wild chimpanzees. Consistent with the role of testosterone in muscle anabolism, urinary testosterone predicted relative creatinine excretion among adult male chimpanzees. Am J Phys Anthropol 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Practical retention policy for the practical manager

Executive Overview Labor markets have been tightening over the past decade, and replacement costs associated with filling vacancies have been spiraling upward for years. Development of fully integrated retention policy may be one of the most effective responses that workforce managers can make to these kinds of problems. Integrated retention policy uses problem-relevant information to shape focused retention initiatives. Retention research can help in the policy-development process. Retention research can shed light on the value of standard practices (e.g., exit interviews), offer telling insights into patterns and trends in employee behavior (e.g., the relative tendencies of high and low performers), and provide information relating to the efficacy of popular retention strategies (e.g., Expectation Lowering Training). In this article we show how the findings of retention research may be used to inform and enlighten a policy-formulation process.
Testosterone Therapy and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Men

The clinical question about which men should receive testosterone therapy is controversial, with data from short-term clinical trials suggesting benefits for improving sexual function, strength, and well-being. What is missing from the literature are data from randomized trials that include a sufficient number of men for an adequate amount of time to assess the longterm benefits and risks of testosterone therapy. There is no study involving men that is equivalent to the Women’s Health Initiative, nor is it likely that there will be a trial of equal scale. Because testosterone therapy is available and prescribed for an estimated 2.9% of US men aged 40 years or older, 1 observational data from existing cohorts of men can contribute meaningfully to assessment of therapeutic risk. In this issue of JAMA, 2 Vigen and colleagues present retrospective analyses from the Veterans Affairs system of men who had undergone coronary angiography, had subsequent total testosterone assessment, and were found to have a testosterone level of less than 300 ng/dL. Through linkage with pharmacy data, 1223 men, mean age 60.6 years, who initiated testosterone therapy were compared with 7486 men, mean age 63.8 years, who did not. The testosterone users were found to have an increased risk of the composite end points: 67 died, 23 had myocardial infarctions, and 33 had strokes, whereas among those who did not receive testosterone therapy 681 died, 420 had myocardial infarctions, and 482 had strokes, for an absolute 3-year event rate of 25.7% vs 19.9% (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04-1.58). Importantly, this estimate did not differ between the men with and without coronary artery disease, which was ascertained in all men by coronary angiography, and was similar when revascularization was included in the outcome. Any pharmacoepidemiology study is susceptible to confounding by indication. The authors have incorporated a wealth of data on potential confounders and a sophisticated weighted analysis with testosterone use as a timedependent covariate in an attempt to mitigate the effects of confounding. The men who were prescribed testosterone were slightly healthier than those who were not, with the exception of testosterone level and obesity. Ordinarily, this would raise concerns about prescribing bias, as was seen with prescription of estrogen therapy to more health conscious women. However, in the study of Vigen et al, the
Microfluidic devices for fluidic circulation and mixing improve hybridization signal intensity on DNA arrays

Reactions of biomolecules with surface mounted materials on microscope slides are often limited by slow diffusion kinetics, especially in low volumes where diffusion is the only means of mixing. This is a particular problem for reactions where only small amounts of analyte are available and the required reaction volume limits the analyte concentration. A low volume microfluidic device consisting of two interconnected 9 mm × 37.5 mm reaction chambers was developed to allow mixing and closed loop fluidic circulation over most of the surface of a microscope slide. Fluid samples are moved from one reaction chamber to the other by the rotation of a magnetic stirring bar that is driven by a standard magnetic stirrer. We demonstrate that circulation and mixing of different reagents can be efficiently accomplished by this closed loop device with solutions varying in viscosity from 1 to 16.2 centipoise. We also show by example of a microarray hybridization that the reaction efficiency can be enhanced 2–5 fold through fluid mixing under conditions where diffusion is rate limiting. For comparison, similar results were achieved with a disposable commercial device that covers only half of the reaction area of the closed loop device.
Cystic fibrosis in the era of genomic medicine.

Purpose of review The field of cystic fibrosis (CF) is changing dramatically as the scientific knowledge accumulated since the cloning of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is being translated into effective therapies to correct the basic defect and provide better disease models and in-depth understanding of the basic mechanisms of disease. Recent findings This review focuses on three main aspects of the recent advances in the field: understanding the lung disease pathophysiology (in particular, the early events that condition its onset), better definition of the complex microbiology of the CF airway, and therapeutic developments. Although the most recently developed therapies, whether approved or under study, do not constitute a definitive cure, the benefit to patients is already becoming clearly apparent. Summary As the field continues to change rapidly and new therapies are being identified, CF has become a paradigm for the application of concepts such as translational medicine, genomic medicine, and personalized care, with measurable clinical benefit for the patients affected by this disease.
A single-equation solution for conduction in fins

Abstract A single-equation solution is presented for solving temperature and heat flux in many finite onedimensional bodies with fin effect. When the fin effect is set equal to zero, it yields the temperature and heat flux in finite one-dimensional bodies. The bodies can be single layer or multilayer. The single-equation solution is for transient conduction but yields the steady-state solution at large times. A recently developed alternative Green's function solution method is used. The Green's function is calculated using the Galerkinbased integral method. The examples in this paper are for one- and two-layer bodies.
Hough-transform-based circle detection using an array of multimode optical fibers

Abstract The generation of an optical Hough transform (OHT) to detect a circle is proposed. The method is based on the use of a 2D multimode step-index optical fiber array. Both the position and radius of a circle can be detected. Some of the OHT performance parameters are also discussed.
Employing airborne multispectral digital imagery to map Brazilian pepper infestation in South Texas

A study was conducted in south Texas to determine the feasibility of using airborne multispectral digital imagery for differentiating the invasive plant Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) from other cover types. Imagery obtained in the visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared regions of the light spectrum and a supervised classification approach were employed to develop thematic maps of two areas infested with Brazilian pepper. Map accuracies ranged from 84.2 to 100% for the Brazilian pepper class. Findings support using airborne multispectral digital imagery as a tool for separating Brazilian pepper from associated land cover types and further encourage exploration of airborne multispectral digital imagery and image processing techniques for developing maps of Brazilian pepper infestation in Texas and abroad.
Stress-induced hypoalgesia and defensive freezing are attenuated by application of diazepam to the amygdala.

Abstract Recent studies have shown that lesions of the amygdala, as well as systemic administration of benzodiazepine receptor agonists, block the hypoalgesia and defensive behavior normally observed when rats are exposed to stimuli associated with shock. The present study was conducted to determine if the direct application of a small quantity of the benzodiazepine diazepam (DZP) to the amygdala would affect defensive freezing and hypoalgesia as measured by the formalin test. Independent groups of rats were prepared with chronic cannulae aimed at the basolateral or central regions of the amygdala. Bilateral injection of DZP (30 μg) into the basolateral amygdala attenuated both the defensive freezing behavior and the hypoalgesia seen during an 8-min period following a series of three brief foot-shocks. The same dose of DZP applied to the central amygdala attenuated the freezing response, although this effect may have been due to limited diffusion of the drug into the basolateral region. Baseline levels of formalin-induced behavior were not affected by DZP in either group. These results support the idea that hypoalgesia is one component of an integrated defensive response shown by rats in anxiety- or fear-related situations and that the amygdala represents an important forebrain component of a neural circuit that subserves the expression of this response.
5 mm resolution Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry using coded phase reversal modulator

Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) methods [1] which make use of swept frequency optical modulation intensity sources are resolution limited by the available bandwidths of the microwave to optical intensity transducers. The recently introduced coded phase reversal modulators [2] make use of coded electrode patterns to achieve extended bandwidths while maintaining low drive power. These devices make feasible the extension of OFDR measurements to previously unattainable resolutions, as demonstrated in this paper.
Galanin transgenic mice display cognitive and neurochemical deficits characteristic of Alzheimer's disease

Galanin is a neuropeptide with multiple inhibitory actions on neurotransmission and memory. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), increased galanin-containing fibers hyperinnervate cholinergic neurons within the basal forebrain in association with a decline in cognition. We generated transgenic mice (GAL-tg) that overexpress galanin under the control of the dopamine β-hydroxylase promoter to study the neurochemical and behavioral sequelae of a mouse model of galanin overexpression in AD. Overexpression of galanin was associated with a reduction in the number of identifiable neurons producing acetylcholine in the horizontal limb of the diagonal band. Behavioral phenotyping indicated that GAL-tgs displayed normal general health and sensory and motor abilities; however, GAL-tg mice showed selective performance deficits on the Morris spatial navigational task and the social transmission of food preference olfactory memory test. These results suggest that elevated expression of galanin contributes to the neurochemical and cognitive impairments characteristic of AD.
Emergency department epidemiology of pneumococcal bacteremia in children since the institution of widespread PCV7 vaccination.

Abstract Background The heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) has produced a shift in the epidemiology of invasive infections from Streptoccoccus pneumoniae . Objective Our aim was to determine the temporal changes in pneumococcal bacteremia ( Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia [SPB]) in the emergency department (ED) since the introduction of PCV7. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of children 0−18 years with SPB evaluated from 1998−2009 in a tertiary-care pediatric ED. The primary outcome was annual proportion of children with SPB from PCV7 serotypes (ie, 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F) and nonvaccine serotypes (NVT). Rates of SPB (per 10,000 ED visits) were calculated. SPB was analyzed by time period: before October 2000 was considered “pre-PCV7,” November 2000 to October 2003 was considered “peri-PCV7,” and after November 2003 was “post-PCV7.” Febrile young children (FYC) were defined as children age Results A total of 201 episodes of SPB occurred during the study, with a median age of 20.3 months (interquartile range 10.7−49.5 months; range 1.6−215.4 months); 56.7% were male and 69.7% were African American. SPB from PCV7 serotypes decreased more than fourfold, from 82.2% pre-PCV7 to 19.5% peri- and post-PCV7. Most SPB was from NVT serotype 19A (31.3%) peri- and post-PCV7. Annual rates of SPB were 4.01/10,000 ED visits pre-PCV7, decreasing to 2.10 peri-PCV7, and 1.75 post-PCV7. Among the 56 (27.8%) FYC with SPB, NVT were responsible for 11.5% of SPB pre-PCV7, and increased to 80.0% peri- and post-PCV7 ( p Conclusions Rates of SPB have decreased since the introduction of PCV7, yet SPB still occurs among children in the ED. NVT are increasing in prevalence, and SPB from PCV7-serotypes have decreased.
Morphine enhances hedonic taste palatability in rats

Abstract The question of whether opiates stimulate feeding by enhancing taste pleasure was investigated by examining the effect of morphine upon hedonic and aversive reactions to taste (tongue protrusions, gapes, etc.). Rats (n = 12) were given SC injections of morphine (4 mg/kg) or equal volumes of isotonic saline 2 h after start of their daily light cycle. Food intake was measured in a 2-h test. On days when they were given morphine, rats ate significantly more food than when given saline. Hedonic and aversive taste reactions were elicited by an infusion of sucrose-quinine solution into the mouth and were measured subsequently in a slow-motion video analysis. The same rats that showed an increase in food intake after treatment with morphine showed a significant increase in their positive hedonic responses. Aversive reactions were unchanged by morphine. The results support the hypothesis that morphine enhances feeding by increasing the hedonic palatability of food.
Effect of body mass index on chemoradiation outcomes in head and neck cancer.

Objective: To investigate the association between initial body mass index (BMI) and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) outcomes in head and neck cancer patients. Methods: Retrospective study of 72 patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx treated with primary concurrent CRT with curative intent over a 5 year period. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to determine the association between initial BMI and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube dependence, tumor recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival while controlling for the independent variables of age, sex, race, site, stage, and smoking and alcohol use. Results: Patients with normal or low BMI (BMI ≤25 kg/m2) were significantly more likely to be percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy dependent at last follow-up (odds ratio 4.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–12.9; P = .014). This group also had significantly earlier recurrence (hazard ratio 4.4; 95% CI 1.2–15.9; P = .026) and shorter overall survival (hazard ratio 3.6; 95% CI 1.04–12.6, P = .043). Conclusions: The present study suggests that CRT patients with BMI greater than 25 have improved swallowing outcomes, longer time to disease recurrence, and improved survival when compared with similar patients with lower BMI. BMI at presentation may be an important clinical factor to consider when determining the optimal treatment modality for a head and neck cancer patient. Further investigation is required to determine whether primary surgery should be the preferred treatment in normal or low BMI patients.
Avoiding Malpractice in HRD...Five Imperatives for HRD Professionals in Organizations.

Human resource development (HRD) practitioners are increasingly being called upon to become more evidence-based in their approaches. This article urges HRD professionals to practice five imperatives in order to ensure ongoing competence. These imperatives include practicing conscious competence, asking for the evidence and research base for solutions, researching strategic HRD issues, partnering with researchers, and staying current in the field.
Fear and Happiness in “Re-Mission”: Teasing Out Emotional Gaming Events Responsible for Cancer Risk Perception

Improving cancer risk perception among adolescents and young adults is a crucial public health goal that allows the prevention of cancer-initiating behaviors. Digital games can be implemented in health interventions to drive cancer risk perceptions.
Discrepancy Between Carbenicillin and Ampicillin Activities Against Enterococci and Listeria

For infections of the newborn, carbenicillin has theoretical advantages over ampicillin, when given with an aminoglycoside, because of its activity against Pseudomonas and many indole-positive Proteus strains. Agar and broth dilution susceptibility studies demonstrated comparable activities of carbenicillin and ampicillin against coliform organisms but greater resistance of enterococci and Listeria to carbenicillin. However, the significance of the higher inhibitory concentrations is questionable because many serum specimens containing concentrations of carbenicillin lower than the minimal bactericidal values for Listeria and enterococcus strains had demonstrable in vitro bactericidal activity. Carbenicillin and gentamicin combinations had greater antibacterial activities than either drug alone against all enterococci tested and against 50% of Listeria strains. The questions of efficacy raised by contradictory in vitro data may be answered by clinical studies of carbenicillin and gentamicin in infections of the newborn.
On Two Commodity Network Flows

The paper considers the problem of two-commodity network flows and generalizes a result of Hu on integral flows in networks with integral capacities. The main result of the paper is a max-flow min-cut theorem for two commodity networks. The method of proof involves a particular type of separation process. This leads to an algorithm for finding the maximal flows. Several counterexamples to certain possible generalizations are given at the end of the paper.
Electron spin resonance spectra of negative ions of 1,2-benzpyrene; 1,2:3,4-dibenzanthracene; and 3,4-benzphenanthrene

Abstract Electrolytic methods are used to produce negative radical ions of 1,2-benzpyrene, 1,2:3,4-dibenzanthracene and 3,4-benzphenanthrene in solution for electron spin resonance studies. Results of data analysis were compared by computer methods to the actual spectrum. Hyperfine coupling constants of 4.55, 2.25, 4.23, 0.72, and 0.90 G were found for 1,2-benzpyrene. Although spectra for the other two samples were not as good as that for 1,2-benzpyrene, sets of coupling constants are suggested. The tentative proposed coupling constants for 1,2:3,4-dibenzanthracene are 1.50, 1.04, 0.17, 2.73, 2.54 and 1.66 G and for 3,4-benzphenanthrene they are 4.05, 0.54, 1.36, 1.95, 2.46, and 0.22 G.
The Centromere: Epigenetic Control of Chromosome Segregation during Mitosis

A fundamental challenge for the survival of all organisms is maintaining the integrity of the genome in all cells. Cells must therefore segregate their replicated genome equally during each cell division. Eukaryotic organisms package their genome into a number of physically distinct chromosomes, which replicate during S phase and condense during prophase of mitosis to form paired sister chromatids. During mitosis, cells form a physical connection between each sister chromatid and microtubules of the mitotic spindle, which segregate one copy of each chromatid to each new daughter cell. The centromere is the DNA locus on each chromosome that creates the site of this connection. In this review, we present a brief history of centromere research and discuss our current knowledge of centromere establishment, maintenance, composition, structure, and function in mitosis.
The association between myopic shift and visual acuity outcome in pediatric aphakia.

Abstract Purpose The advent of intraocular lens implantation after pediatric cataract surgery necessitates an increased understanding of refractive development. The significant variation in rate and amount of refractive change among eyes, both aphakic and pseudophakic, is well recognized, although the causes of such variation remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine if a correlation exists between the rate of refractive growth (RRG) and visual acuity outcome in pediatric aphakia. Methods Multicenter, retrospective observational case series. One hundred and twenty-five eyes of 85 patients with cataract surgery before 1 year of age and a minimum of 3 years of follow-up were analyzed. RRG was calculated for each eye using the logarithmic model of ocular growth and compared with final logMAR acuity using linear regression. Results The correlation of RRG with final logMAR acuity was statistically significant ( r 2 = 0.10; P r 2 = 0.19; P r 2 = 0.08; P v 5.4 diopters (D); P Conclusions RRG in aphakia is correlated with visual acuity outcome. Eyes with poorer acuity have a greater RRG.
Investigation of wave propagation in coupled nonlinear slab waveguide using finite element method

In this paper, guided waves in nonlinear slab waveguides have been accurately studied using finite element method. It is obvious from the results that the design of nonlinear waveguides strongly depends on the power. Power decides the ability of supporting soliton wave through this structure. Our numerical results show that it will support soliton wave at 35 W. The wave propagation properties illustrated here are potentially applicable to investigate signal processing and communication devices composed of nonlinear slab waveguide structures.
Dual Targeting of GyrB and ParE by a Novel Aminobenzimidazole Class of Antibacterial Compounds

A structure-guided drug design approach was used to optimize a novel series of aminobenzimidazoles that inhibit the essential ATPase activities of bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV and that show potent activities against a variety of bacterial pathogens. Two such compounds, VRT-125853 and VRT-752586, were characterized for their target specificities and preferences in bacteria. In metabolite incorporation assays, VRT-125853 inhibited both DNA and RNA synthesis but had little effect on protein synthesis. Both compounds inhibited the maintenance of negative supercoils in plasmid DNA in Escherichia coli at the MIC. Sequencing of DNA corresponding to the GyrB and ParE ATP-binding regions in VRT-125853- and VRT-752586-resistant mutants revealed that their primary target in Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae was GyrB, whereas in Streptococcus pneumoniae it was ParE. In Enterococcus faecalis, the primary target of VRT-125853 was ParE, whereas for VRT-752586 it was GyrB. DNA transformation experiments with H. influenzae and S. aureus proved that the mutations observed in gyrB resulted in decreased susceptibilities to both compounds. Novobiocin resistance-conferring mutations in S. aureus, H. influenzae, and S. pneumoniae were found in gyrB, and these mutants showed little or no cross-resistance to VRT-125853 or VRT-752586 and vice versa. Furthermore, gyrB and parE double mutations increased the MICs of VRT-125853 and VRT-752586 significantly, providing evidence of dual targeting. Spontaneous frequencies of resistance to VRT-752586 were below detectable levels (<5.2x10(-10)) for wild-type E. faecalis but were significantly elevated for strains containing single and double target-based mutations, demonstrating that dual targeting confers low levels of resistance emergence and the maintenance of susceptibility in vitro.
CNE Article: Pain After Lung Transplant: High-Frequency Chest Wall Oscillation vs Chest Physiotherapy

Background Chest physiotherapy and high-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO) are routinely used after lung transplant to facilitate removal of secretions. To date, no studies have been done to investigate which therapy is more comfortable and preferred by lung transplant recipients. Patients who have less pain may mobilize secretions, heal, and recover faster. Objectives To compare effects of HFCWO versus chest physiotherapy on pain and preference in lung transplant recipients. Methods In a 2-group experimental, repeated-measures design, 45 lung transplant recipients (27 single lung, 18 bilateral) were randomized to chest physiotherapy (10 AM, 2 PM) followed by HFCWO (6 PM, 10 PM; group 1, n=22) or vice versa (group 2, n=23) on postoperative day 3. A verbal numeric rating scale was used to measure pain before and after treatment. At the end of the treatment sequence, a 4-item patient survey was administered to assess treatment preference, pain, and effectiveness. Data were analyzed with χ(2) and t tests and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results A significant interaction was found between mean difference in pain scores from before to after treatment and treatment method; pain scores decreased more when HFCWO was done at 10 AM and 6 PM (P =.04). Bilateral transplant recipients showed a significant preference for HFCWO over chest physiotherapy (11 [85%] vs 2 [15%], P=.01). However, single lung recipients showed no significant difference in preference between the 2 treatments (11 [42%] vs 14 [54%]). Conclusions HFCWO seems to provide greater decreases in pain scores than does chest physiotherapy. Bilateral lung transplant recipients preferred HFCWO to chest physiotherapy. HFCWO may be an effective, feasible alternative to chest physiotherapy. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2013;22:115-125).
Comparison of Artificial Neural Network Architectures and Training Algorithms for Solving the Knight's Tours

This paper compares known architectures and training algorithms of multi-layered artificial neural networks (ANNs) and their ability to solve one specific type of chess problem (the Hamiltonian Cycles known as the Knight's Tours). The networks used here are trained to solve tours starting from the center of a five-by- five chessboard. The ANN architectures focused on are the function approximation feedforward architecture; the classification feedforward architecture; and two customized variations of the function approximation feedforward architecture. The training algorithms compared include Levenberg-Marquardt; variable learning (adaptive) gradient descent; resilient backpropagation; the Fletcher-Reeves conjugate gradient; and the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno Quasi-Newton algorithm. These five training algorithms are used for each of the four architectures. The real world application of this research is limited only by the functions given and the parameters used to define the environment. This can be expanded to include a variety of chess pieces (functions) in a variety of environments (any m-by-n sized board or even multidimensional problem solving). The practical limitation on the application is the software necessary to run extremely large neural networks.
AACSB College Of Business Deans Perception Of Selected Communication Competencies

The purpose of this study was to determine AACSB college of business deans perception of selected communication competencies. The business communication competencies studied were 1. writing and speaking, 2. Interpersonal/collaborative competencies and 3. global communication competences. A questionnaire was developed and mailed to AACSB college of business deans. The study analyzed deans views on selected communication competencies. The questionnaire identified 44 competencies. The deans were asked to evaluate each of the listed 44 competencies. The two competencies that ranked the highest were uses personal integrity in communication and spells correctly.
Genetic enhancement of calcitonin gene-related Peptide-induced central sensitization to mechanical stimuli in mice.

Abstract Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a key player in migraine. To address the role of CGRP in mechanical allodynia, which is a common feature of migraine, we used CGRP-sensitized transgenic mice. These mice have elevated nervous-system expression of the human receptor activity-modifying protein-1 (hRAMP1) subunit of the CGRP receptor. Under baseline conditions, the nestin/hRAMP1 mice and control littermates had similar hindpaw withdrawal thresholds to von Frey filaments. The effect of CGRP was tested using a filament that elicited a withdrawal response on 20% of its presentations. Following intrathecal injection of 1 nmol CGRP in the nestin/hRAMP1 mice, the response frequency was 80% within 30 minutes. The antagonist CGRP(8-37) blocked the increased response. In control littermates, a 5-fold higher dose of CGRP was required to elicit a similar response. In contrast to intrathecal injection, peripheral CGRP did not increase the mechanical responses. Intraplantar injection of capsaicin was used to test the efficacy of endogenous CGRP. Capsaicin increased mechanical responses in the nestin/hRAMP1 and control mice, although a higher dose was required in controls. In contrast to control mice, there was also a contralateral paw response in nestin/hRAMP1 mice, which is consistent with central sensitization. Perspective In this study we show central CGRP-induced mechanical allodynia that is enhanced by overexpression of RAMP1 in nervous system. These data suggest that hypersensitivity to CGRP could be a potential mechanism underlying central sensitization in migraine and point to CGRP-receptor antagonists as a possible therapy for other pain disorders.
The use and evaluation of study guides with middle school students.

Two experiments were conducted with 24 fifth-grade students participating. In the first experiment, quiz performance with study guides was compared to quiz performance without study guides. The group whose students received study guides always scored higher than the group who did not receive study guides. Experiment II assessed the feasibility of students scoring their own study guides. The reliability of student scoring was found to be 93% over all study guides and there were no significant differences between “self-scored” and “teacher-scored” groups on the weekly quizzes.