cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Assessment of Epistemic Curiosity in Students at Three Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

Objective. To determine the level of epistemic curiosity in a sample of student pharmacists from three Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs as well as any differences in epistemic curiosity levels that exist between programs and with regard to professional year. Methods. Litman's Epistemic Curiosity Scale (ECS) was administered to student pharmacists at three different PharmD programs. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and overall mean ECS scores as well as mean scores on epistemic curiosity motivated by intellectual interest (I-type) and informational deprivation (D-type) were compared among student pharmacists at the three institutions using analysis of variance. Reliability analyses were also performed on the data. Results. A total of 569 out of 1143 eligible students responded to the survey, for an overall response rate of 49.8%. The mean overall ECS score was 27.6 (SD=4.9). Mean I-type epistemic curiosity was 14.9 (SD=2.8) overall, but was statistically different among the schools. Mean D-type epistemic curiosity was 12.7 (SD=3.2) overall, but was statistically similar among the programs. Overall, the data demonstrated good internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha of .81. Conclusion. This study was the first to characterize epistemic curiosity in student pharmacists and included data from multiple years and multiple programs. Future analyses should investigate associations between epistemic curiosity and other factors of interest to help elucidate how better understanding epistemic curiosity or enhancing it in student pharmacists may help facilitate student success.
Positive Balance at the Physiological Level: Positive and Negative Neurotransmitters

This chapter advances the following definition of positive balance at the physiological level. Individuals characterized as as high in mental health tend to experience a preponderance of neurochemicals related to rewards (dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin.) relative to negative neurochemicals related to stress (cortisol). This definition of positive mental health at the physiological level is based on much of the research literature on the neurobiology of hedonic well-being and the stress response system.
Long-Term Outcomes Following Burn Injuries

As a result of the declining length of inpatient hospitalization after major burn injuries, patients are being discharged with multiple, long-term physical and psychological challenges, such as ongoing pain, intensive physical therapy, contractures, amputations, and psychological distress. These challenges can persist for many years, requiring specialty multidisciplinary burn care. Issues associated with long-term adjustment have been recognized as a priority for research and clinical practice. In this chapter, we will begin by using a biopsychosocial model to examine various factors of long-term burn recovery. We will also discuss various aspects of emotional distress, pain, pruritus, sleep, and body image issues, and conclude with recommendations for treatment.
Catalysts that Cause Individuals’ Change: A Taxonomy of Cycles

The evidence revealing just how much individuals’ affect, cognition, and motivation vary over time is astounding. Yet, so much about why this fluctuation occurs remains unclear. This theoretical ma...
A Structural Model for Bax∆2-Mediated Activation of Caspase 8-Dependent Apoptosis

Bax∆2 is a pro-apoptotic anti-tumor protein in the Bax family. While most of the Bax family causes cell death by targeting mitochondria, Bax∆2 forms cytosolic aggregates and activates caspase 8-dependent cell death. We previously showed that the Bax∆2 helix α9 is critical for caspase 8 recruitment. However, the interaction between these two proteins at the structural level is unknown. In this in silico study, we performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and protein-protein docking on Bax∆2 variants. The results suggest that the Bax∆2 variants have different stable states. Mutating the Baxα mitochondria-targeting signal [L26P/L27P] appears to introduce a kink into helix α1. Protein-protein docking suggests that helices α9 of both wild-type Bax∆2 and Bax∆2 caspase 8 binding-deficient mutant [L164P] can fit in the same caspase 8 binding site, but the mutant is unable to fit as well as wild-type Bax∆2. Together, these data point to a structural basis for explaining Bax∆2 function in caspase 8-dependent cell death.
The Reliability of Fitts’s Law as a Movement Model for People with and without Limited Fine Motor Function

For over six decades, Fitts’s law (1954) has been utilized by researchers to quantify human pointing performance in terms of “throughput,” a combined speed-accuracy measure of aimed movement efficiency. Throughput measurements are commonly used to evaluate pointing techniques and devices, helping to inform software and hardware developments. Although Fitts’s law has been used extensively in HCI and beyond, its test-retest reliability, both in terms of throughput and model fit, from one session to the next, is still unexplored. Additionally, despite the fact that prior work has shown that Fitts’s law provides good model fits, with Pearson correlation coefficients commonly at r=.90 or above, the model fitness of Fitts’s law has not been thoroughly investigated for people who exhibit limited fine motor function in their dominant hand. To fill these gaps, we conducted a study with 21 participants with limited fine motor function and 34 participants without such limitations. Each participant performed a classic reciprocal pointing task comprising vertical ribbons in a 1-D layout in two sessions, which were at least four hours and at most 48 hours apart. Our findings indicate that the throughput values between the two sessions were statistically significantly different, both for people with and without limited fine motor function, suggesting that Fitts’s law provides low test-retest reliability. Importantly, the test-retest reliability of Fitts’s throughput metric was 4.7% lower for people with limited fine motor function. Additionally, we found that the model fitness of Fitts’s law as measured by Pearson correlation coefficient, r, was .89 (SD=0.08) for people without limited fine motor function, and .81 (SD=0.09) for people with limited fine motor function. Taken together, these results indicate that Fitts’s law should be used with caution and, if possible, over multiple sessions, especially when used in assistive technology evaluations.
Opioid Use Following Inpatient Versus Outpatient Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Although the risks of continued opioid use following inpatient total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have been well-studied, these risks in the outpatient setting are not well known. The purpose of the present study was to characterize opioid use following outpatient compared with inpatient TJA. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, opioid-naive patients who underwent inpatient or outpatient (no overnight stay) primary, elective TJA from 2007 to 2017 were identified within a large national commercial-claims insurance database. For inclusion in the study, patients had to have been continuously enrolled in the database for ≥12 months prior to and ≥6 months after the TJA procedure. Multivariable analyses controlling for demographics, geography, procedure, year, and comorbidities were utilized to determine the association between surgical setting and risk of persistent opioid use, defined as the patient still filling new opioid prescriptions >90 days postoperatively. RESULTS We identified a total of 92,506 opioid-naive TJA patients, of whom 57,183 (61.8%) underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Overall, 7,342 patients (7.9%) underwent an outpatient TJA procedure, including 4,194 outpatient TKAs. Outpatient TJA was associated with reduced surgical opioid prescribing (78.9% compared with 87.6% for inpatient procedures; p < 0.001). Among the 80,393 patients (86.9%) who received surgical opioids, the total amount of opioids prescribed (in morphine milligram equivalents) was similar between inpatient (median, 750; interquartile range, 450 to 1,200) and outpatient procedures (median, 750; interquartile range, 450 to 1,140; p = 0.47); however, inpatient TJA patients were significantly more likely to still be taking opioids after 90 days postoperatively (11.4% compared with 9.0% for outpatient procedures; p < 0.001). These results persisted in adjusted analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.24; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Outpatient TJA patients who received opioid prescriptions were prescribed a similar amount of opioids as those undergoing inpatient TJA procedures, but were significantly less likely to become persistent opioid users, even when controlling for patient factors. Outpatient TJA, as compared with inpatient TJA, does not appear to be a risk factor for new opioid dependence, and these findings support the continued transition to the outpatient-TJA model for lower-risk patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Deficits, Interest Rates, and the User Cost of Capital: A Reconsideration of the Effects of Tax Policy on Investment

Under traditional formulations, lower capital income tax rates reduce the user cost of capital and stimulate investment. The traditional approach, however, implicitly or explicitly considers a revenue-neutral reduction in capital income taxation. We extend the traditional approach by considering a reduction in taxes that generates an increase in the budget deficit; the expanded budget deficit may raise interest rates and the opportunity cost of investment. This provides a mechanism through which tax cuts can raise the cost of capital. Representative calculations show that making the administration's recent tax cuts permanent would be to raise the user cost of capital.
Experimental Design for Auditor-Client Communication Research: Theory, Best Practices, and Pitfalls

In this paper, we provide theoretical and practical guidance on experimental design choices for auditor-client communication research. We structure our discussion around Social Presence Theory, noting how elements of social presence impact theoretical predictions and the related experimental design. We then compare non-interactive, highly-controlled paper/computer-based studies with studies that involve automated interaction, interaction with an actor, or interaction between participants. Further, we provide a discussion of best practices and pitfalls related to different experimental methods employed in auditor-client communication research, including logistical considerations and recent innovations in this area. While our methodological discussion is nested in auditor-client communication research, these methods and logistical considerations are applicable to most accounting experiments designed to address research questions steeped in social psychology (i.e., contexts of human interaction).
Using community of practice to characterize collaborative essay prompt writing and its role in developing language assessment literacy for pre-service language teachers

Abstract Conceptualizing skills for creating language assessments as an important component of language assessment literacy (LAL), this study investigates the activities of essay prompt writing by pre-service teachers for a post-admissions English placement test (EPT) at a large US university, as an effort to explore the potential of collaborative assessment practices in promoting LAL development. Five pre-service teachers, who are novice prompt writers, participated in a semester-long content development process for the EPT. Adopting a community of practice (CoP) perspective, we qualitatively examined group discussions, individual interviews, and written peer feedback and revisions on essay prompts among the prompt writers. Our findings suggest the important role of collaboration in the development of LAL skills related to creating assessments for individual prompt writers.
Use of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Pediatric Peripheral Nerve Blocks after Traumatic Amputation

Liposomal bupivacaine has been explored for indications in regional anesthesia, but little has been reported about its use in pediatric patients. In March 2021, the FDA approved an indication for liposomal bupivacaine as an infiltrated local anesthetic in children older than the age of six. Despite this recently expanded indication, the literature lacks reports of use for peripheral nerve blockade in children. We describe a case where liposomal bupivacaine was used for femoral and sciatic nerve blocks in a 5-year-old child with traumatic amputation of his lower leg. Pain control was excellent, with no pain or opioid use reported during the first 62 hours. After the regional anesthesia subsided, the patient required in total 4 oral doses of oxycodone 0.1 mg/kg prior to discharge. The patient did not develop chronic pain or phantom limb syndrome. While liposomal bupivacaine is not currently FDA-approved for peripheral nerve blockade in children, this case highlights a potentially effective use of this drug and possible area for further investigation.
Release from US immigration detention may improve physical and psychological stress and health: Results from a two-wave panel study in California

Abstract Imprisonment in the U.S. criminal legal system is associated with adverse health outcomes, but we know far less about the health consequences of immigration detention. Also understudied is whether and how the health of formerly incarcerated people, including individuals detained by immigration authorities, may change following release from imprisonment. This study is the first to assess changes to psychological and physical stress and general health following release from immigration detention. We use two waves of panel data collected from 79 individuals while they were imprisoned by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in California, and then following their release on bond as they await adjudication on their immigration legal proceedings. Multivariable analyses reveal that study participants reported fewer physical, psychological, and overall symptoms of stress, as well greater likelihood of excellent overall general health after release from immigration detention, compared to while they were detained. In qualitative analysis of open-ended responses, released immigrants cited reunification with family, physical freedom, and autonomy to make their own choices as key mechanisms for reduced stress and improved health. Understanding processes that mitigate stress is critical to meeting the physical and mental health needs of detained and released immigrants. While imprisonment is associated with poor health, release from immigration detention may reverse some of the stress and adverse health consequences. Alternatives to detention would likely mitigate some of the harmful health consequences of immigration detention.
Immigrant Children’s Schooling and Family Processes in Japan: Trends, Challenges, and Implications

Japan has faced educational challenges associated with diversifying immigrant students for the last few decades since the government opened up the door to unskilled migrant workers. Despite the country’s strong emphasis on egalitarian education, a large academic gap between Japanese and immigrant students suggests unequal distribution of educational opportunities. The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of immigrant children’s educational experiences and family processes in Japan. After presenting demographic and descriptive information about immigrants and immigrant students in Japan, I present trends and issues related to immigrant children’s academic and school experiences. Based on literature review, I point out structural elements that bring challenges to immigrant students’ academic processes and immigrant family efforts in supporting their children’s education in Japan. The chapter concludes with discussion, suggestions for future studies, and recommendations for educational practices.
A self-delimiting Turing machine considered as a set of (program, output) pairs

U is just one of many possible self-delimiting binary computers C Each such C can be simulated by U by adding a LISP prefix σ C $$ U(\sigma _C p) = C(p). $$
Political Free Riding

There are two basic reasons why a citizen may choose to engage in political activity: She may wish to achieve particular results (“extrinsic motivations”) or she may simply enjoy engaging in the political activity itself (“intrinsic motivations”). However, most citizens’ ability to affect political outcomes is extremely limited, and attempts to do so impose real costs. Thus, citizens are strongly discouraged from acting on their extrinsic motivations, in the hope that others with similar policy preferences will act for them. This article explores how this dynamic, known as the “free-rider problem,” pervades the democratic process and makes government less responsive, less efficient, and less accountable. It also illustrates how the free-rider problem tilts the political playing field in favor of those actors, particularly large corporations and unions, who are least subject to it. This article contends that the best solution is to provide citizens with resources (“Political Dollars”) that can only be used for political purposes. This approach directly addresses the free-rider problem because it makes engaging in political activity much less costly. This article argues that a Political Dollars program should reduce the cost of a broad range of political activities, give citizens the flexibility to allocate their Political Dollars as they see fit, and should not prevent citizens from contributing non-Political Dollars. This article considers alternative proposed reforms and concludes that they fall short because they do not squarely address the free-rider dynamic.
Rapid activation of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase III in mitogen-stimulated human fibroblasts. Correlation with intracellular Ca2+ transients.

Growth-arrested human fibroblasts respond to mitogenic stimulation with a rapid, transient increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+. This event may be crucial to the activation of Na/H exchange and subsequent DNA synthesis. Previous studies have implicated calmodulin (CaM) as a possible mediator of the effects of Ca2+ on these processes. here, we demonstrate that a specific CaM-dependent protein kinase (CaM-PK) system is rapidly activated in quiescent fibroblasts stimulated by a variety of mitogens. Cytoplasmic extracts of two human fibroblast cell types contained a major Ca2+-stimulated phosphoprotein of Mr 100,000 and pI 6.8 (Mr 100,000). This protein was shown by peptide mapping and immunological criteria to be identical to the prominent CaM-PK III substrate previously identified in a number of mammalian cells and tissues (Palfrey, H. C. (1983) FEBS Lett. 157, 183-190; Nairn, A.C., Bhagat, B., and Palfrey, H.C. (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82, 7939-7943). Stimulation of 32P-labeled serum-deprived fibroblasts with serum, individual growth factors (bradykinin, vasopressin, and epidermal growth factor), or Ca2+ ionophores resulted in a rapid 2- to 10-fold increase in the phosphorylation of Mr 100,000 as determined by immunoprecipitation using polyclonal antibodies. With serum or individual growth factors, the effect peaked at 0.5-1 min then declined back to base line within 5 min. Time course studies showed that the phosphorylation state of Mr 100,000 closely paralleled but lagged slightly behind the Ca2+ transient (measured with fura-2). Thus, dephosphorylation of Mr 100,000 must follow shortly after Ca2+ levels begin to decline. The effects of serum, bradykinin, and vasopressin on both the rise in intracellular Ca2+ and the phosphorylation of Mr 100,000 were independent of external Ca2+, whereas the effects of epidermal growth factor and A23187 required external Ca2+. Phosphorylation of Mr 100,000 in intact cells took place on threonine residues, a major portion occurring in the same major phosphopeptide found in the protein labeled in vitro. These results show that mitogenic activation of human fibroblasts leads to the binding of Ca2+ to CaM and the subsequent activation of CaM-dependent processes.
Accumulation of Cytotoxic CD16+ NK Cells in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Lymph Nodes Associated with In Situ Differentiation and Functional Anergy

ABSTRACT Recent evidence suggests that even in treated infections, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) replication may continue in lymph nodes (LN), serving as a potential virus reservoir. Here we investigated the effects of lentivirus infection on natural killer (NK) cell frequencies, phenotypes, and functions in naive and acutely or chronically SIVmac239-infected rhesus macaques. Compared to that in naive animals, we observed a 3-fold-greater frequency of cytotoxic CD16 + CD56 − NK cells in LN of chronically infected macaques. However, NK cells did not appear to be trafficking to LN, as homing markers CD62L and CCR7 did not increase on circulating NK cells during infection. LN NK cells demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity in acute infection, with 2-fold increases in perforin expression and 3-fold increases in CD107a expression following mitogen stimulation. Lysis of K562 cells by LN NK cells from acutely infected animals was greater than lysis by preinfection samples from the same animals. LN NK cells from chronically infected animals lysed K562 cells more efficiently than LN NK cells from uninfected animals, but importantly, surrogate markers of cytotoxicity in infected macaques were disproportionately greater than ex vivo killing. Furthermore, Tim-3, an indicator of activation and/or exhaustion, was upregulated 3-fold on LN NK cells in chronically infected animals. Collectively, these data suggest that LN NK cells are skewed toward a cytotoxic phenotype during SIV infection but may become dysfunctional and exhausted in chronic disease. IMPORTANCE The accumulation of CD16 + CD56 − NK cells in the SIV-infected lymph node without changes in NK homing to the LN could suggest that these cells are differentiating in situ . Surprisingly, this increase in frequency of the cytotoxic subset of NK cells is not accompanied by an increase of similar magnitude in the cytolytic function of LN lymphocytes. This functional modulation, together with the higher Tim-3 expression observed on LN NK cells isolated from chronically infected animals than on those from naive macaques, is indicative of an exhausted phenotype. This exhaustion could contribute to the robust replication of HIV and SIV in the LN during acute and chronic stages of infection, allowing the survival of infected cells and maintenance of a viral reservoir.
The Linear Theory of Elasticity

Linear elasticity is one of the more successful theories of mathematical physics. Its pragmatic success in describing the small deformations of many materials is uncontested. The origins of the three-dimensional theory go back to the beginning of the 19th century and the derivation of the basic equations by Cauchy, Navier, and Poisson. The theoretical development of the subject continued at a brisk pace until the early 20th century with the work of Beltrami, Betti, Boussinesq, Kelvin, Kirchhoff, Lame, Saint-Venant, Somigliana, Stokes, and others. These authors established the basic theorems of the theory, namely compatibility, reciprocity, and uniqueness, and deduced important general solutions of the underlying field equations. In the 20th century the emphasis shifted to the solution of boundary-value problems, and the theory itself remained relatively dormant until the middle of the century when new results appeared concerning, among other things, Saint-Venant’s principle, stress functions, variational principles, and uniqueness.
Function of basonuclin in increasing transcription of the ribosomal RNA genes during mouse oogenesis

Active protein synthesis during early oogenesis requires accelerated transcription of ribosomal RNA genes (rDNAs). In response to this demand, rDNAs are amplified more than 1000-fold early in Xenopus oogenesis. Here, we report evidence that rDNA is not amplified in mouse oocytes, but these cells may instead employ the zinc-finger protein basonuclin, a putative rDNA transcription factor, to enhance rRNA synthesis. This conclusion is based on observations that basonuclin is localized in the nucleolus in the mouse oocyte early in its growth phase, when rRNA transcription is highly active; and that the binding sites of basonuclin zinc fingers on the human and mouse rDNA promoters are homologous. In a co-transfection assay, basonuclin can elevate transcription from an rDNA promoter, and its zinc-finger domain can inhibit RNA polymerase I transcription, as detected by a run-on assay, in growing mouse oocytes.
Commentary: Foundations in performance

In this article, I outline the principal conceptions of performance that have guided language-oriented work on performance, where they come from, and how they relate to or diverge from one another. I consider first the undeveloped potential for performance-oriented work in variationist sociolinguistics, and then turn to performance as virtuosic display, as developed principally in linguistic anthropology, performance as theatricality, with special attention to the analysis of the interaction order, and cultural performance as a marked, heightened event that affords a richly reflexive vantage point on culture. I conclude with a discussion of mediated performance and the productiveness of the concept of remediation in bridging the gap between co-present performance and mediated performance.
Exploring the potential energy surface for the H2 + H → H + H2 reaction with ab initio and density functional theory methods

Abstract The energy reaction profile for the hydrogen radical hydrogen abstraction from a hydrogen molecule is a simple chemical transformation. Although it is not a very computationally demanding reaction, it is known to be very difficult to model. We have demonstrated that many ab initio methods, as well as the majority of density functional theory (DFT) methods, are not capable of reproducing experimental results even when relatively large basis sets were used. Based on the results of many ab initio and DFT studies, it was demonstrated that G2 ab initio and HFB DFT methods were capable of reproducing the experimental activation barrier for the H 2 + H → H + H 2 reaction.
Theory of magnetographic printing

The magnetic force of attraction between a recording surface and magnetic particles (the "developer" or "toner") is analyzed. The recording medium is assumed to be magnetically hard, the toner particles to be magnetically soft. The distribution of recording magnetization is taken to be periodic in the interior of an image area and uniform in an image free area. The toner particles are assumed to be part magnetic, part nonmagnetic material. In most of the calculations it is assumed that the magnetic susceptibility of the toner particles is small compared to unity. In the interior of an image area the force density has primarily a component perpendicular to the recording plane. This component decreases exponentially with distance from the recording plane, if the distribution of magnetization is sinusoidal. Near the edge of an image area the force density also has a tangential component, but this is generally smaller than the normal component. For toner particles with similar internal structure the force per unit mass always decreases with increasing particle size. Considered as a function of recording wavelength (at constant particle size) it shows a maximum at a wavelength comparable to the particle diameter.The force acting on a small particle ( \simeq 10\mu m) in the immediate vicinity of the recording surface can be several hundred times the force of gravity. The implications of these results in regard to color printing are discussed.
Integrating Solutions: Examining The Collection Management Process Using OCLC’s FirstSearch Electronic Collections Online Service

Electronic journals have evolved in the past 7 years from “first-generation” systems, characterized by small numbers of journals delivered through proprietary systems, to “second-generation” services, characterized by Web-based services that deliver hundreds of journals in standard data formats. These new systems challenge existing paper-based collection management practices and also point to the need for “third-generation” electronic journal services that will support the broad-scale adoption of electronic journals in the library community. This paper describes the impact that second- and third-generation electronic journal services may have on emerging electronic serials collection management practices, using OCLC’s new electronic journals service, Electronic Collections Online as an example.
Opinions of training methods used in the hospitality industry: a call for review.

Abstract Training methods and tools used to enhance or communicate training subject matter can greatly affect the effectiveness of training programs. Those methods and tools that are traditional in nature such as lecture-to-group, on-the-job, and video taped training programs have been used by the hospitality industry for many years. It has been suggested that using these methods and tools are not as effective for some positions and particular subjects are more innovative training technologies. This article presents the opinions of training directors at the corporate level and trainers at the property level of current training methods and tools currently used. Those interviewed also discuss their opinions of training technologies and whether the organization they represent has plans for its use. The results indicate that there are differences in opinion of current training program effectiveness and what should be done to improve it between those training executives at the corporate level and those trainers at the property level. Also shared are opinions as to improving training program planning, implementation, overall management, and tools to enhance training presentation. The appendix provides examples of several strategies being used in the industry at present.
The influence of simple aromatics on benzene clastogenicity.

Abstract The micronucleus test was performed in male ICR Swiss mice following modification of benzene metabolism by co-administration of aniline, pyridine or napythalene, or by prior injection of α-naphthoflavone. HPLC profiles of urinary metabolites were compared to the effects of these compounds on clastogenicity. Pyridine inhibited both benzene clastogenicity and its metabolism. Aniline and naphthalene increase the clastogenicity and slightly altered the metabolism of benzene. α-Naphthoflavone inhibited benzene increase the metabolism of benzene but noly 3-methylcholanthrene increases benzene clastogenicity, specific P450 isozymes may be responsible for different biological effects benzene, and alterations in these effects might be caused by a shift from the isozyme to another.
Comparative genomics reveals expansion of the FLC region in the genus Arabidopsis

Mechanisms of genome evolution are poorly understood although recent genome sequencing is providing the tools to begin to illuminate such mechanisms. Using high-resolution molecular cytogenetic tools, we examined the structural evolution of 790 kb surrounding the evolutionarily important FLC locus of Arabidopsis thaliana in three of its relatives, Arabidopsis halleri, Arabidopsis neglecta and Arabidopsis arenosa. Sequenced BACs from A. thaliana were used as heterologous probes across these species and genome expansion was found in all three species relative to A. thaliana, ranging from 16 to 27%. Expansion was seen along the length of the entire region but molecular analyses revealed no characteristic pattern of either intra- or intergenic expansion among these species. Mapping of BACs on DNA fibers from A. thaliana revealed one possible error, ~14 kb missing from the reported sequence, indicating that for comparative studies it is important to confirm the reference sequence to which comparison will be made.
Intentional Exposure to Loud Music: The Second MTV.com Survey Reveals an Opportunity to Educate

Objectives Music-induced hearing loss (MIHL), an unconsciously self-inflicted public health concern, could evolve into an epidemic because of the appeal of loud music. After media attention about a previous hearing-loss survey with Music Television (MTV.com), we hypothesized that a repeat survey could compare awareness and behavior trends. Study design We incorporated the 2002 survey into the new 73-question instrument presented to random visitors on the MTV.com website in 2007. A P t and z- tests. Results A total of 2500 completed surveys were analyzed. Hearing loss was considered a problem by 32% of respondents compared with other health issues such as drug/alcohol use (62%). However, nearly half of the respondents admitted experiencing symptoms such as tinnitus or hearing loss after loud music exposure. Health care providers were the least likely source of MIHL awareness despite the respondents favoring provider education for hearing protection behavior modification. Conclusion Most respondents still could not recall learning about prevention of potential hearing loss, although the media has become the most informative source. Most respondents indicated that they would adopt protective ear behavior if made aware of hearing loss risk, especially if informed by health care professionals, revealing an educational opportunity.
Operational mapping of the DWH deep subsurface dispersed oil

Mapping of the deep dispersed oil feature from the blowout of the MC252 wellhead was organized by the subsurface mapping unit within the Unified Area Command starting in early August, 2010. The operational process employed and the challenge presented by the response situation are reviewed. Colored dissolved organic matter fluorescence, used to establish existence of the subsurface oil prior to this time, had largely fallen below background levels for the sensors by this time. Dissolved oxygen (DO), deficits in which were assumed to be related to consumption of oil by microbes, was the only routinely observed variable in vertical profiles that displayed a persistent and obvious anomaly. The DO anomaly was therefore used to identify the presence and magnitude of the dispersed oil impact. An adaptive sampling plan employing daily review of DO profiles to provide vessel guidance was established and permitted a coarse mapping of the feature within 4 weeks. The DO anomaly extended from the wellhead to the WSW for more than 350 km, bounded to the north by the upper slope (approximately 1000 m isobath), with a cross-slope extent of 60-100 km, and was also present to the ENE of the wellhead out to 60 km.
Testing the simplified decision model of telework: a quasi-experimental study

Virtual organizations that serve customers via the Internet or online service networks have been growing at an incredible rate. These organizations do not require customers to come to the organization's physical location in order to do business. However, many more traditional organizations, even those that support virtual clientele, seem resistant to the use of virtual work arrangements. For organizations to become truly “virtual” they need to move to alternative work arrangements including to telework.This study explores the resistance to remote work in relation to the decision of employees to telework. Earlier studies by the authors [4-6] have shown that four factors significantly influence the intent of employees to engage in telework. These factors, which together make up the Simplified Decision Model (SDM) are Perceived Legitimacy, Perceived Behavioral Control, Work Social Structure and Commute Distance. This study attempted to confirm the SDM by surveying 407 subjects who were employed in a wide range of organizations in the greater New York City area. Four treatment groups were used to compare how each of the four factors affected Behavioral Intent to telework.Strong confirmation for the relationship described by SDM was found, but the manipulation of factors in the model proved unsuccessful. Methods to better manipulate precursors to Behavioral Intent are discussed.
Smart Grid Charger for Electric Vehicles Using Existing Cellular Networks and SMS Text Messages

Charging large numbers of Plug-in Electric Vehicles may result in overloading sections of the electric power grid at certain times of the day. Smart grid technologies can be used to delay charging or regulate charging rates, enabling the existing power system to handle the increased load without having to increase peak power capacity of feeders or add generation. A key component of the Smart Grid is its communication system. We discuss the use of the GSM network and SMS text messages as an option for SmartGrid communication and present a system that provides the ISO control of thousands of mobile PEV chargers using a simple SMS text message interface.
What's new in hormone replacement therapy: focus on transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone.

The original conclusions of the Women's Health Initiative study have been questioned as a result of the availability of age-stratified data. Initial concerns regarding the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in association with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been replaced with concerns regarding thromboembolic disease, encompassing venous thromboembolism (VTE), particularly in younger postmenopausal women, and stroke, particularly in older women. The original publication of the study results led to a dramatic decrease in the use of oral HRT; however, the use of transdermal HRT has increased over recent years. Guidelines from the North American Menopause Society, the Endocrine Society, the International Menopause Society, and specific guidelines from the European Menopause and Andropause Society for the management of menopausal women with a personal or family history of VTE all contain positive statements regarding both transdermal estradiol and micronized progesterone. Unlike oral estr...
What Does Integration of Science and Mathematics Really Mean

In this era of curriculum reconstruction, considerable attention is being focused on curriculum integration. The integration of science and mathematics continues to be interpreted in different ways. In this article, five different meanings of integration of science and mathematics–discipline specific, content specific, process, methodological and thematic–are investigated along with instructional implications of these different approaches to integration.
Investigation of crack propagation in ceramic/conductive epoxy/glass systems

The primary objective of this combined experimental and analytical study was to investigate the mechanical behavior of glass/conductive adhesive/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ systems with a surface notch, measure the properties of the system at various temperatures, implement these temperature dependent properties into a nonlinear finite element framework, and predict the initiation and growth of cracking. The three major tasks of this work include: (a) testing of fracture strength of the systems at three different temperatures, including the determination of thermal crack initiation and growth, (b) determination of basic thermal-mechanical properties of adhesive, glass, and Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, respectively, and (c) identification of appropriate quantities to predict damage modes, including initiation and growth, at different temperatures and comparing the data with experiments. The major conclusions are as follows: (a) realistic nonlinear material properties are essential input for correct nonlinear finite element modeling, (b) J-integral can be applied to predict the crack initiation and growth for the material system considered, (c) either bulk glass material or the adhesive/glass interface may fail depending on the applied temperature and notch length, and (d) curved crack growth path inside the glass can be predicted by fracture mechanics. >
The Use of Social Networking Websites Among SART-member Clinics

role of aneuploidy in these patients’ losses. The newer 24 chromosome technologies, such as microarray or PCR-based comprehensive chromosomal screening (CCS), can more accurately diagnose aneuploidy, providing more insight and the potential to improve live birth rates and reduce loss rates. OBJECTIVE(S): To describe the outcomes using a validated SNPbased CCS in patients with a history of at least two prior spontaneous losses. MATERIALS AND METHOD(S): This is a non-controlled study of patients at a single center using a validated technology for CCS (microarray and PCR). Patients with at least two prior losses received a standard RPL workup and thosewith an identifiable cause for RPLwere excluded. Descriptive statistics and ANOVAwere employed. RESULT(S): To date, 106 women with RPL have undergone CCS cycles. Of those with an embryo transfer, 83.3% (70/84) had a positive pregnancy test; 12.2% had no euploid blastocysts to transfer. There were 14 losses (20% of pregnancies), 8 of which were clinical losses. The ongoing pregnancy rate per ET is 66.7% and per cycle is 56.0%. The patients’ average age at the time of oocyte retrieval was 36.9. Patients had an average of 2.9 prior losses and 0.6 prior deliveries. There were an average of 17.8 oocytes retrieved, 6.3 blastocysts evaluated, 3.7 euploid blasts and 1.5 embryos transferred. The implantation rate was 61.8%. There is a 20.8% ongoing twin rate. There was a significant increase in the rate of aneuploidy with increasing age (P 42. CONCLUSION(S): Women with a history of RPL, many of whom also have an infertility diagnosis, have an excellent ongoing pregnancy rate with the transfer of euploid embryos. The prevalence of aneuploidy amongst RPL patients is elevated compared to their age-controlled peers. Even with the transfer of euploid embryos, a loss rate of 20% was observed. While this is less than expected with spontaneous pregnancies, these data suggest that a significant proportion of recurrent losses are caused by factors other than aneuploidy. FINANCIAL SUPPORT: None
Geldanamycin disrupts platelet-membrane structure, leading to membrane permeabilization and inhibition of platelet aggregation

Geldanamycin (GA), a benzoquinoid ansamycin antibiotic, has been used as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and an anti-tumour agent and is known to bind to heat-shock protein 90. In the present study on human platelets we have found that GA inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP, thrombin and the thrombin-receptor-activating peptide and caused platelet plasma-membrane damage, detected by leakage of adenine nucleotides as well as serotonin. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that platelet exposure to GA led to the formation of holes or fenestrations in the platelet plasma membrane, confirming GA's ability to initiate membrane damage. In addition, GA itself caused both the dephosphorylation and phosphorylation of proteins in resting platelets and prevented agonist-induced phosphorylation of pleckstrin, the 20-kDa myosin light chain and other proteins. Another ansamycin, herbimycin A, also inhibited platelet aggregation, but caused minimal membrane permeabilization, as detected by (3)H release from platelets labelled previously with [(3)H]adenine, and much less membrane damage, revealed by SEM. Overall, GA is able to disrupt membrane structure and inhibit platelet aggregation, an ability which may be linked to alterations in the activity of protein kinases and phosphatases.
Real-time high-velocity resolution color Doppler OCT

Color Doppler optical coherence tomography (CDOCT), also called Optical Doppler Tomography) is a noninvasive optical imaging technique, which allows for micron-scale physiological flow mapping simultaneous with morphological OCT imaging. Current systems for real-time endoscopic optical coherence tomography (EOCT) would be enhanced by the capability to visualize sub-surface blood flow for applications in early cancer diagnosis and the management of bleeding ulcers. Unfortunately, previous implementations of CDOCT have either been sufficiently computationally expensive (employing Fourier or Hilbert transform techniques) to rule out real-time imaging of flow, or have been restricted to imaging of excessively high flow velocities when used in real time. We have developed a novel Doppler OCT signal-processing strategy capable of imaging physiological flow rates in real time. This strategy employs cross-correlation processing of sequential A-scans in an EOCT image, as opposed to autocorrelation processing as described previously. To measure Doppler shifts in the kHz range using this technique, it was necessary to stabilize the EOCT interferometer center frequency, eliminate parasitic phase noise, and to construct a digital cross correlation unit able to correlate signals of megahertz bandwidth by a fixed lag of up to a few ms. The performance of the color Doppler OCT system was demonstrated in a flow phantom, demonstrating a minimum detectable flow velocity of ~0.8 mm/s at a data acquisition rate of 8 images/second (with 480 A-scans/image) using a handheld probe. Dynamic flow as well as using it freehanded was shown. Flow was also detectable in a phantom in combination with a clinical usable endoscopic probe.
Editor's note regarding AWS career development resource materials.

002-9610/06/$ – see front matter © 2006 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserv oi:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2006.05.009 rticles with the purpose of providing practical guidance for esidents and junior surgical faculty in the development and dvancement of career goals. I am pleased to announce the eginning of this series and hope these informal summaions of useful information offered by well-established acdemic surgeons will be well-received by the readership of he American Journal of Surgery.
Evidence from sedimentation velocity for dissociation equilibrium in hemerythrin.

Abstract Methemerythrin dissociates on dilution as shown in the ultracentrifuge with a scanner attachment. This is direct evidence for an equilibrium between the octameric protein and its subunits. Thiocyanate, which is bound to the iron of the protein, appears to increase the degree of dissociation. This behavior provides an explanation of cooperative interactions in methemerythrin.
A Method for Calculating the Dynamics of Rotating Flexible Structures, Part 1: Derivation

The problem of calculating the vibrations of rotating structures has challenged analysts since it was observed that the use of traditional modal approaches may incorrectly lead to the prediction of infinite deformation when rotation rates exceed the first natural frequency. Much recently published work on beams has shown that such predictions are artifacts of incorporating incomplete kinematics into the analysis, but only simple structures such as individual beams and plates are addressed. The authors present a new approach to analyzing rotating flexible structures that applies to the rotation of general linear (unjointed) structures, using a system of nonlinearly coupled deformation modes. This technique, tentatively named a Method of Quadratic Components, utilizes a nonlinear configuration space in which all kinematic constraints are satisfied up to second order.