cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Respiratory viruses in pediatric emergency department patients and their family members.

Background Respiratory viral infections account for a substantial fraction of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits. We examined the epidemiological patterns of seven common respiratory viruses in children presenting to EDs with influenza-like illness (ILI). Additionally, we examined the co-occurrence of viral infections in the accompanying adults and risk factors associated with the acquisition of these viruses. Methods Nasopharyngeal swab were collected from children seeking medical care for ILI and their accompanying adults (Total N = 1315). Study sites included New York Presbyterian, Bellevue, and Tisch hospitals in New York City. PCR using a respiratory viral panel was conducted, and data on symptoms and medical history were collected. Results Respiratory viruses were detected in 399 children (62.25%) and 118 (17.5%) accompanying adults. The most frequent pathogen detected was human rhinovirus (HRV) (28.81%). Co-infection rates were 14.79% in children and 8.47% in adults. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza infections occurred more often in younger children. Influenza and HRV occurred more often in older children. Influenza and coronavirus were mostly isolated in winter and spring, RSV in fall and winter and HRV in fall and spring. Children with HRV were more likely to have history of asthma. Adults with the same virus as their child often accompanied ≤ 2-year-old-positive children and were more likely to be symptomatic compared to adults with different viruses. Conclusions Respiratory viruses, while presenting the same suite of symptoms, possess distinct seasonal cycles and affect individuals differently based on a number of identifiable factors, including age and history of asthma.
Neural Underpinnings of Social Contextual Influences on Adolescent Risk-Taking

Adolescence is a developmental period often characterized by heightened risk-taking and increased sensitivity to socially salient stimuli. In this report, we discuss how the developing brain serves as both a link between and a susceptibility factor for, social contextual factors and risk-taking in adolescence. Neural activity in regions related to affective processing, cognitive control, and social cognition, which continue to develop across the adolescent years, shapes the relationship between adolescents’ social environment and their risk-taking. Examining neural patterns of adolescent brain development enriches our understanding of how adolescents’ complex social environment modulates their risk-taking behavior, which may have implications for adolescents’ current and future substance use.
Western Colonialism and World Society in National Education Systems: Global Trends in the Use of High-Stakes Exams at Early Ages, 1960 to 2010:

National high-stakes exams are a fundamental structural feature of education systems around the world. Despite their importance in shaping educational stratification, little is known about the soci...
The relationship between depression, anxiety, and pain interference with therapy referral and utilization among patients with hand conditions.

Abstract Introduction Patients with upper extremity conditions may also experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain that limit functional recovery. Purpose of the Study This study examined the impact of mental health and pain symptoms on referral rates to therapy and utilization of therapy services to achieve functional recovery among patients with common hand conditions. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of patients from one orthopedic center. Methods Data extraction provided demographics, the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision diagnoses, therapy referral, therapy visit counts, treatment goal attainment, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression, Anxiety, and Pain Interference scores. The chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression analyses assessed associations between baseline PROMIS depression, anxiety, and pain interference to therapy referral, the number of therapy visits, and goal attainment. Results Forty-nine percent (172/351) of patients were referred to hand therapy. There was no relationship between three baseline PROMIS scores based on physician referral (t-test P values .32-.67) and no association between PROMIS scores and therapy utilization or goal attainment (Pearson correlation (r): 0.002 to 0.020, P > .05). Referral to therapy was most strongly associated with having a traumatic condition (P Conclusions Patients' baseline level of depressive symptoms and anxiety do not predict referrals to hand therapy by orthopedic hand surgeons. There is some indication that patients with increased depressive symptoms, anxiety, and pain interference require more therapy with fewer achieving all goals, suggesting that mental health status may affect response to therapy. Therapists may address mental health needs in treatment plans. Future studies should examine if nonreferred patients with depressive symptoms achieve maximal functional recovery.
Crop yield and economics of cropping systems involving different rotations, tillage, and cover crops

Diversified cropping systems integrated with winter cover crops (CCs) and no-till (NT) systems can provide substantial soil conservation benefits in the midwestern Corn Belt of the United States, but there is uncertainty on how these practices affect producer profits. This study compared crop yield and economic performance from cropping systems that featured three crop rotations: corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.; two-year), corn–soybean–oat (Avena sativa L.; three-year), and corn–soybean–oat–winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.; four-year); two tillage systems: NT and conventional-till (CT); and two cover cropping managements: CC and no-cover crop. Tillage and rotation treatments were established in 1991 whereas cover cropping was introduced in 2013, so data from 2014 through 2018 were used for the yield and economic comparisons. Over the study period, the NT system reduced the corn yield across all rotations but increased the soybean yield under two-year rotation as compared to the CT system. Hence, both tillage systems were economically equivalent, whereby the NT system improved benefit-cost ratio as compared to the CT system. In our study, while CC in its short term did not contribute to yield and overall economic benefits, we observed highest gross revenue and second-best net returns from two-year CC plots under the NT system as compared to all other cropping systems. When compared to two-year rotations, diverse crop rotations (three- and four-year) increased the corn and soybean yields and associated profits yet compromised overall profitability due to the lower profits of small grains. It is important to identify other profitable crops that are beneficial for soils and the environment to diversify the corn–soybean rotations.
The Hydrofoil with Finite Cavity in a Solid-Wall Channel

The asymmetrical fully cavitating linearized flow about an arbitrarily shaped slender hydrofoil placed anywhere in a solid-wall channel is considered as a doubly connected region problem. The method of solution involves conformal mapping and a generalization of the Plemelj formulas to doubly periodic functions. The velocity field is expressed in terms of Jacobis theta functions with the nome q of these functions related directly to the cavity-length/channel-width ratio. Explicit results are obtained for a fully cavitating flat plate at small angles of attack in a midchannel position. For small q, simple wall effect correction terms are obtained for the cavity length and the lift coefficient as a function of cavitation number. These correction terms are correct up to and including third order in q and require no quadratures. For large values of the cavity-length/channel-width ratio (q close to unity) the asymptotic choked flow solution is used to compute the blockage cavitation number and the lift coefficient for the choked flow.
A Comprehensive Substance Abuse Counselor Education Program: From Specialty Certificate to Ph.D.

Abstract East Carolina University has one of the few comprehensive substance abuse counselor education (SACE) programs in the nation that offers an undergraduate, master's, and doctoral level of preparation in substance abuse counseling. This article describes the evolution of this SACE from its beginning in 1972 to its current status. This comprehensive program can serve as a model for substance abuse counselor educators developing SACE programs at other universities.
A possible role for ribonuclease in the regulation of protein synthesis in normal and hypophysectomized rats.

Abstract Postmitochondrial supernatant fractions derived from livers of hypophysectomized rats were found to contain twice the level of total ("active" + "latent") alkaline RNase found in similar preparations from normal animals. Polysomes isolated from both sources often had similar optical density profiles, and both supported amino acid incorporation in vitro to about the same extent. Occasionally, however, polysomes obtained from hypophysectomized rats were of a smaller size class distribution than preparations from normal animals, and these preparations exhibited a correspondingly decreased capacity to support cell-free protein synthesis. This breakdown of polysomes was associated with an increase in the "active" RNase content of the corresponding postmitochondrial supernatant fraction. It is suggested that the apparent translational defect, reported by others, of polysomes isolated from livers of hypophysectomized rats may result from the effect of RNase upon polysomes during isolation and subsequent incubation. The elevated RNase levels of postmitochondrial supernatant fractions obtained from hypophysectomized animals were reduced to normal levels by intraperitoneal injection of bovine growth hormone, and optical density profiles and protein-synthesizing capacity of polysomes obtained from growth hormone-treated hypophysectomized rats were comparable to those of normal preparations.
On clinicians' professional difficulties.

A clinician's life is rewarding but difficult. The rewards are easy to see and are enjoyed by nearly all of us. Being a physician is, after all, a service profession, a helping profession. Being of service is inherently rewarding, all the more so because we clinicians are called in when the stakes are high, when life and limb are on the line, when pain or loss or incapacity threatens harm. Our part is sometimes decisively important in the lives of those we serve. This extraordinary service is, to be sure, extraordinarily rewarding.
Projection Pursuit-A Brief Introduction†

Projection pursuit was conceived as a method for finding ‘interesting’ one- or two-dimensional projections of multivariate data revealing unanticipated structure such as clusters, skewness, or presence of outliers. The initial idea of exploring high-dimensional data using low-dimensional marginals was later extended into a general paradigm for modeling multivariate data that has been applied to density estimation, regression, and classification. Keywords: Visualization; cluster analysis; density estimation; principal component analysis
The Accuracy of Econometric Software

Generally speaking, econometric textbooks convey the impression that all econometric software functions equally well all of the time. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The literature documents numerous errors in econometric software and, yet, textbook writers remain silent on this point. Textbook writers convey the impression that one need only use an econometric software package, any econometric software package, to perform the calculations presented in the text. They never mention that different packages can give different answers to the same problem. Why not? The only logical conclusion is that they do not regard the topic of econometric software accuracy as pertinent to econometrics. Many developers take the same approach: they offer nothing other than their most solemn assurance that their software is accurate. A few software developers offer tangible proof of the accuracy of some of their procedures, but such developers are a distinct minority. This chapter takes the position that the above-mentioned textbook writers and most software developers are wrong: it is not safe to assume that econometric software is accurate (McCullough, 2000a). This topic is important even for the economist who will never write any code, so that he may guard against using inaccurate software. The literature does not contain many examples of inaccurate software for one primary reason: many software failures appear ‘reasonable’ and the user does not know that he has encountered an incorrect answer. Only an attempt to replicate the results would uncover
THINGS PLANNERS BELIEVE IN, AND THINGS THEY DENY

The paper examines the economic theory of consumer behavior from the Modern Psychoanalytic point of view with a metaphor of (transport) planning as a backdrop. It is claimed that the utility maximization principle of economic theory, no matter how broadly interpreted, does not envelop the motivation of human behavior and that the economic explanation of the aims of human behavior, which disregards the "dark side" of man, will result in narrowly conceived plans and policies. The application of economic theory, and other social sciences, to public policy has led to disjointedness of data collection, method of analysis, and planning and implementation. This, combined with a tautological behavioral theory, has made the current planning and public policy procedures self-verifying, and issues an invitation for a new theoretical approach which is comprehensive, does not ignore complexity and the large "error term", and appreciates the unity of data collection, method of investigation, and process of implementation. It is argued that unsatisfactory performance of the transport system, large errors inherent in data and models, the inability of extant transportation planning and policy to address key issues successfully, the environmental problem, and the value of the individual all call for new kinds of skills from the planners and policy makers. Freud's dualistic formulation of instinctual drives -- the life and death instincts -- is used as the new framework of explanation. This theory is seen to offer a convincing, more realistic and deeper understanding of the forces motivating human behavior, and one which is more in accordance with observable facts. If applied, the theory will lead to significantly different planning processes and to a profoundly different approach to public policy.
Catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles to prim., sec. and tert. amines over supported mono- and bimetallic catalysts

Abstract The selectivity of nitrile hydrogenation to prim., sec. and tert. amines is dominantly controlled by the transition metal, similar selectivities are observed in gas phase flow and liquid phase batch runs. All amines are formed during one residence at the catalyst surface. Isotopic labeling in acetonitrile hydrogenation and co-hydrogenation of acetonitrile and butyronitrile show that the hydrogen atoms in the amine groups of the product are not provided by H ads at the metal surface, but by the methyl group of other acetonitrile molecules. It is concluded that N-bonded surface complexes are likely intermediates for the formation of prim., sec. and tert. amines
Configurational assignments in 168Ho and comparison with 166Ho.

Comparison of the six states recently observed in $^{168}\mathrm{Ho}$ with the states in $^{166}\mathrm{Ho}$ suggests configurational assignments for all six states. The validity of these assignments is strengthened by the allowed unhindered beta decay of $^{168}\mathrm{Dy}$ to the two ${1}^{+}$ states in $^{168}\mathrm{Ho}$ and by microscopic theoretical calculations of the quasiparticle structure of the corresponding states in $^{166}\mathrm{Ho}$ and $^{168}\mathrm{Ho}$.
Improved reliable 1-hop broadcast in mobile ad hoc networks

Among Many fundamental communication primitives in mobile ad hoc networks, 1-hop broadcast plays an important role in which a message from the source node is delivered to all nodes within the source node's transmission range. Despite the importance of it, 1-hop broadcast is not easy to accomplish due to collisions in wireless networks known as Hidden Terminal problem. This paper presents a MAC protocol that guarantees 1-hop broadcast with efficiency by allowing as many simultaneous executions of the communication as possible without collisions. The proposed algorithm utilizes control packets that prevent data packet collisions, and at the same time, make the simultaneous communications possible to improve the network throughput. Simulation results support the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in terms of less collisions and higher transmission success ratio than existing protocols.
Treatment of Brain Metastasis

Metastatic brain tumors present major management problem in patients with cancer. The incidence of brain metastases is increasing with the increase in our ability to control with surgery or radiotherapy, disease at the primary site, and with chemotherapy, systemic extracranial disease. In the 1970s, approximately 18% of patients dying of cancer were found at autopsy to have brain metastases (Posner 1977). In a national survey of US hospitals on patients admitted during 1973 to 1974, nearly equal numbers of patients were diagnosed as having primary and metastatic brain tumors (Walker et al. 1985). Several years later, it has been estimated that 30% of patients with metastatic tumors develop brain metastases (Cairncross and Posner 1983). The incidence of primary malignant brain tumors is increasing, however the incidence of brain metastases is increasing at a higher rate. At the present time, the ratio of metastatic to primary brain tumor is nearly 6:1 (Laws and Thapar 1993). It has been estimated that from 100,000 to 170,000 new patients with metastatic disease are diagnosed per year in the United States (Patchell et al. 1990; Posner 1992; Laws and Thapar 1993).
Significance of the Third-Nearest-Neighbor Divalent Cation K + Vacancy Pairs in KCl

The identification of the third-nearest-neighbor monoclinic (${C}_{s}$) site comprised of a ${\mathrm{Sm}}^{2+}$-${\mathrm{K}}^{+}$ vacancy pair with the vacancy at the (2,1,1) lattice point in KCl has been made through a high-resolution Zeeman anisotropy fluorescence spectroscopic investigation of several prominent transitions between the $^{5}D$ and $^{7}F$ multiplets. The establishment of the dominant presence of the ${C}_{s}$ site in $\mathrm{KCl}:{M}^{2+}$, which constitutes an important feature of the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of the ${M}^{2+}\ensuremath{-}{K}^{+}$ vacancy pairs, is of fundamental importance in the understanding of numerous phenomena in polar crystals.
Protective effects of including whole grains in the diet

Grains are the staples for many people's diet, and some countries recommend eating more foods made with whole grain. There is no specific recommendation in the UK, but there is robust evidence to support eating three servings of whole grains daily. Established and emerging evidence shows that whole grains can help to prevent some chronic diseases. This article discusses the evidence and provides advice on how health professionals can encourage patients to eat more whole grains.
EFFECTS OF A SUBSIDIARY TASK ON SHORT‐TERM MEMORY

If there is a limited-capacity mechanism in STM then introducing a concurrent subsidiary task should adversely affect recall. Two experiments on free recall were conducted with card sorting as the subsidiary task. In the first experiment subjects dealt cards into one pile, into two piles by colour, or into four piles by suit while lists of common English words were being read. Subjects sorted cards only during presentation of the lists. As the subsidiary task became more demanding the number of words correctly recalled decreased. In the second experiment sorting by suit was combined with free recall, and the payoffs (relative importance of the two tasks) were varied. Performance on both the recall and the card sorting tasks deteriorated as the other task was stressed. Differences in recall could not easily be attributed to differences in original learning, and the results suggested that the subsidiary task interfered with rehearsal and/or decreased total presentation time for free recall.
A Pyrrole‐Imidazole Polyamide Motif for Recognition of Eleven Base Pair Sequences in the Minor Groove of DNA

A new upper limit of binding site size is defined for the 2:1 overlapped polyamide:DNA motif. Eight-ring polyamides composed of four-ring subunits containing pyrrole (Py) and imidazole (Im) amino acids linked by a central beta-alanine (beta) spacer (''4-beta-4 ligands'') were designed for recognition of eleven base pair sequences as antiparallel dimer (4-beta-4)(2) DNA complexes in the minor groove. The DNA binding properties of three polyamides, ImPyPyPy-beta-PyPyPyPy-beta-Dp, ImImPyPy-beta-PyPyPyPy-beta-Dp, and ImImImPy-beta-PyPyPyPy-beta-Dp, were analyzed by footprinting experiments on DNA fragments containing the respective match sites 5'-AGTAATTTACT-3', 5'-AGGTATTACCT-3' (Dp = dimethylaminopropylamide). Quantitative footprint titrations reveal that each polyamide binds its respective target site with subnanomolar affinity and 7-fold to over 30-fold specificity over double-base-pair mismatch sites. A 20-fold decrease in binding affinity is observed for placement of a side-by-side beta-beta pairing opposite G•C/C•G relative to placement opposite a A•T/T•A base pair. The use of side-by-side antiparallel beta-alanine residues as an A•T/T•A-specific DNA binding element provides a new pairing rule for polyamide design. Expanding the DNA binding site size targeted by pyrrole-imidazole polyamides represents an important step in the development of cell-permeable synthetic ligands for the control of gene-specific regulation.
IR Thermography and High Speed Imaging of Cerium Nitrate Precursor Droplets Heated by Monochromatic Irradiation

An experimental setup using radiative heating has been used to understand the thermophysical phenomena and chemical transformations inside acoustically levitated cerium nitrate precursor droplets. IR imaging in conjunction with high speed imaging shows presence of four distinct phases of heating. The droplet initially undergoes pure vaporization followed by surface precipitation. This results in a gelatinous phase due to precipitation of cerium nitrate which eventually goes though chemical transformation and forms a porous precipitate. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) of the final precipitate revealed the presence of trapped gases in the form of bubbles. TEM also showed the presence of nano-ceria crystalline structures at 70°C. The current study also looks into the effect of different heating power on the process. At higher power each phase is sustained for smaller duration and higher maximum temperature. At all laser power, TEM showed the formation of nanoceria. In addition, the porosity of the final precipitate increased with power.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Signal processing of ultrasonic tomographic data

We process a set of data measured with a prototype ultrasonic scanner developed by the Norwegian company Norwave Development AS, Oslo, Norway in collaboration with the American company A.J. Devaney Associates, Boston, Massachusetts. In particular, we apply signal processing algorithms, recently developed by the authors to locate known test objects in a fluid background. Possible applications of the research include locating and identifying cancerous tumors in human tissue. These and other avenues for future research are discussed in the paper.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Assimilationism and Pluralism as Cultural Tools

Most scholarship on assimilationism and pluralism either scientifically assesses their validity as theories or ideologically makes claims about their propriety. Missing is inquiry into how assimilationism and pluralism are not merely about society (as outcomes or ideals) but are used in society, sometimes as “antithetical master-frames.” I therefore do two things here: In Part I, I recast assimilationism and pluralism in terms of two dimensions of concern to people: morality (is assimilating or retaining the right thing to do?) and inclusiveness (which groups are candidates for assimilation or retention?). In Part II, I analyze the use of assimilationist and pluralist frames in three social movements—gay, Deaf Culture, and white separatist.
Late-Glacial and Holocene Record of Lake Levels of Mathews Pond and Whitehead Lake, Northern Maine, USA

Paleohydrology studies at Mathews Pond and Whitehead Lake in northern Maine revealed synchronous changes in lake levels from about 12,000 14C yrs BP to the present. We analyzed gross sediment structure, organic and carbonate content, mineral grain size, and macrofossils of six cores from each of the two lakes, and obtained 72 radiocarbon dates. Interpretation of this paleo-environmental data suggests that the late-glacial and Younger Dryas climate was dry, and lake levels were low. Early Holocene lake levels were considerably higher but declined for an interval from about 8000 to 7200 14C yrs BP. Sediment of both lakes contains evidence of a dry period at ∼7400 14C yrs BP (8200 cal yr). Lake levels of both sites declined abruptly about 4800 14C yrs BP and remained low until 3000 14C yrs BP. Modern lake levels were achieved only within the past 600 years. The west-to-east, time-transgressive nature of lake-level changes from several sites across northeastern North America suggests periodic changes in atmospheric circulation patterns as a driving force behind observed moisture balance changes.
Determination of absolute configuration of chiral hemicage metal complexes using time-dependent density functional theory.

Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) is applied to the UV−vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra of a series of transition metals (M = Ru, Zn, Fe) complexed with an enantiopure hemicage ligand, (−)-(5R,5‘R,5‘ ‘R,7R,7‘R,7‘ ‘R,8S,8‘S,8‘ ‘S)-8,8‘,8‘ ‘-[(2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-benzenetriyl)tris(methylene)]tris[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-6,6-dimethyl-3-(2-pyridinyl)-5,7-methanoisoquinoline (1). The electronic spectra of the Ru and Fe complexes contain two regions, one featuring low-energy 1MLCT transitions and the other higher energy 1LC transitions; the Zn analog possesses only the 1LC transitions due to its filled 3d shell. TD-DFT is able to identify correctly these transitions in the spectra, as well as to reproduce experimental spectra accurately, with regard to both the transition energies and the relative intensities of the different transitions. Additionally, it is possible to use TD-DFT to assign the absolute configuration at the metal center with high confidence by matching the experim...
S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase degradation by the 26 S proteasome is accelerated by substrate-mediated transamination.

The short-lived enzyme S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase uses a covalently bound pyruvoyl cofactor to catalyze the formation of decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine, which then donates an aminopropyl group for polyamine biosynthesis. Here we demonstrate that S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase is ubiquitinated and degraded by the 26 S proteasome in vivo, a process that is accelerated by inactivation of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase by substrate-mediated transamination of its pyruvoyl cofactor. Proteasome inhibition in COS-7 cells prevents the degradation of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase antigen; however, even brief inhibition of the 26 S proteasome caused substantial losses of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase activity despite accumulation of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase antigen. Levels of the enzyme's substrate (S-adenosylmethionine) increased rapidly after 26 S proteasome inhibition, and this increase in substrate level is consistent with the observed loss of activity arising from an increased rate of inactivation by substrate-mediated transamination. Evidence is also presented that this substrate-mediated transamination accelerates normal degradation of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase, as the rate of degradation of the enzyme was increased in the presence of AbeAdo (5′-([(Z)-4-amino-2-butenyl]methylamino]-5′-deoxyadenosine) (a substrate analogue that transaminates the enzyme); conversely, when the intracellular substrate level was reduced by methionine deprivation, the rate of degradation of the enzyme was decreased. Ubiquitination of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase is demonstrated by isolation of His-tagged AdoMetDC (S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase) from COS-7 cells co-transfected with hemagglutinin-tagged ubiquitin and showing bands that were immunoreactive to both anti-AdoMetDC antibody and anti-hemagglutinin antibody. This is the first study to demonstrate that AdoMetDC is ubiquitinated and degraded by the 26 S proteasome, and substrate-mediated acceleration of degradation is a unique finding.
Nicotine Decreases Attentional Bias to Negative-Affect-Related Stroop Words Among Smokers

The present study examined the hypothesis that nicotine is associated with reduced attentional bias to affective and smoking-related stimuli in a modified Stroop task. A total of 56 habitual smokers were each tested on 4 days with 14 mg nicotine patches and placebo patches, counterbalanced, as a within-subjects factor in a double-blind design. A modified Stroop using negative-affect words, smoking words, color words, and neutral words was presented via computer in blocked format. As predicted, nicotine, relative to placebo, was associated with decreased attentional bias to negative words. Nicotine speeded performance during smoking-word and color-word blocks to the same degree as during neutral words and thus appeared to also have a nonspecific performance-enhancing effect. In an exploratory analysis, nicotine-attention effects occurred only in the initial presentation of pairs of blocked word pages. Nicotine also was associated with improved mood. The results are discussed in terms of affect-attention and smoking literatures.
Assessment of the integration of cumulative case-based quizzes in two pharmacotherapy courses: An exploratory study

Abstract Objective To evaluate student perceptions of the benefit of integration of cumulative, case-based quizzes. Additionally, this study discusses whether the integration of cumulative, case-based quizzes enhances student retention and aids in the development of improved critical thinking skills. Methods Current second- and third-year pharmacy student were administered six to seven cumulative, case-based quizzes, as an integrated component of both the Cardiovascular and Special Topics Pharmacotherapy courses. Current pharmacy students completed online pre- and post-course surveys that included questions assessing the student's perceived benefit of the quizzes and demographic information. Final exam grades and final course grades of students who completed the two pharmacotherapy courses this year were compared to final exam and final course grades of students who completed the courses the prior year. Performances on higher-level Bloom's taxonomy questions on the final exams were also compared to those of students from the prior year in order to evaluate whether critical thinking skills improved. Results A total of 97 students completed the pre- and post-course surveys. There was a statistically significant difference in student perception regarding the potential benefits of case-based quizzes in the two pharmacotherapy courses ( p Conclusion Students in both pharmacotherapy courses perceived cumulative case-based quizzes as beneficial. Students believed cumulative case-based quizzes aided in their learning and retention of the course material and will improve their clinical skills as future pharmacists.
The associations of race, cigarette smoking, and smoking cessation to measures of the immune system in middle-aged men.

To estimate the association between the immunologic responses of the cell-mediated and humoral systems and race or tobacco smoking, we used data from the Vietnam Experience Study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control. That study, done from 1985 to 1986, was based on a random sample of 4462 male, Vietnam-era, U.S. veterans. Racial groups were white, black, Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian. We used linear regression to evaluate how (i) the race of the subjects, (ii) the number of pack-years of cigarettes the subjects smoked, and (iii) the smoking cessation of certain subjects were associated with their relative and absolute T, B, CD4, and CD8 lymphocyte counts and immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, and IgG levels. The results indicated that immune status was associated with race and smoking history and that, generally, the associations remained after adjustment for covariates. For example, the average IgA level and absolute CD8 lymphocyte count for blacks were, respectively, 19 and 16% higher than those for whites. On the other hand, smokers had lower immunoglobulin levels and relative CD8 cell counts and higher counts for other lymphocytes of the cell-mediated system than nonsmokers. For example, the average absolute B count of heavy smokers was 37% higher than that of nonsmokers. The pattern after cigarette smoking cessation was consistent with a reversible effect of smoking and a return toward immune levels of nonsmokers.
Tissue Effects after Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy using Cyberknife for Patients with Abdominal Malignancies

Abstract Aims To report the tissue effects of treatment with single fraction stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) using Cyberknife on malignant tumours of the abdomen and adjacent normal organs. Materials and methods The data from four autopsies with unresectable pancreatic carcinoma and one lymph node excision from a case of recurrent neuroblastoma were reviewed for radiation-related tissue effects within the primary cancer and the normal organs within the radiation field. Results Cases of unresectable pancreatic carcinoma consistently showed radiation-induced changes in both the primary tumour and the adjacent, non-malignant colorectal tissue. An additional case of lymph nodes exposed to stereotactic radiation showed typical radiation-related changes, including lymphocyte depletion and capsular fibrosis. Conclusions A myriad of radiation-related tissue effects are seen after SBRT with Cyberknife. The changes parallel those reported after conventionally fractionated radiotherapy and suggest that the pathophysiological mechanisms of radiation-induced normal tissue damage are similar for biologically equivalent single and fractionated doses of radiotherapy.
Pathways for dimer string growth during Si deposition on Si(100)−2 × 1☆

Abstract We use the Stillinger-Weber potential to calculate the energy barriers for a large number of atomic jumps on the Si(100)−2 × 1 surface. These calculations take into account the reconstruction of the surface and the effect of the atoms occupying the neighboring sites. We isolate the set of jumps through which the adsorbed Si atoms aggregate to form the string-like islands observed experimentally.
Conficker and beyond: a large-scale empirical study

Conficker [26] is the most recent widespread, well-known worm/bot. According to several reports [16, 28], it has infected about 7 million to 15 million hosts and the victims are still increasing even now. In this paper, we analyze Conficker infections at a large scale, including about 25 millions victims, and study various interesting aspects about this state-of-the-art malware. By analyzing Conficker, we intend to understand current and new trends in malware propagation, which could be very helpful in predicting future malware trends and providing insights for future malware defense. We observe that Conficker has some very different victim distribution patterns compared to many previous generation worms/botnets, suggesting that new malware spreading models and defense strategies are likely needed. Furthermore, we intend to determine how well a reputation-based blacklisting approach can perform when faced with new malware threats such as Conficker. We cross-check several DNS blacklists and IP/AS reputation data from Dshield [6] and FIRE [7], and our evaluation shows that unlike a previous study [18] which shows that a blacklist-based approach can detect most bots, these reputation-based approaches did relatively poorly for Conficker. This raised the question, how can we improve and complement existing reputation-based techniques to prepare for future malware defense? Finally, we look into some insights for defenders. We show that neighborhood watch is a surprisingly effective approach in the Conficker case. This suggests that security alert sharing/correlation (particularly among neighborhood networks) could be a promising approach and play a more important role for future malware defense.
Properties of Polyvinylidene Difluoride−Carbon Nanotube Blends

Single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotube blends with polyvinylidene difluoride (and its copolymers) have been characterized. The nanotubes are observed to form a well-dispersed, structurally random nanophase within the fluoropolymer matrix. X-ray analysis coupled with differential scanning calorimetry suggests that the nanophase alters crystal formation within the polymer. For most loadings and nanotube types, the piezoelectric β-polymorph is significantly enhanced over other crystal phases. Solution-cast composite thin films exhibit enhancements in both the pyroelectric response and mechanical transduction over pure polymer. This is interpreted as resulting from the change in crystallinity.
The FDA Warning on Antidepressants and Suicidality — Why the Controversy?

Since the 2004 FDA decision to require a boxed warning on antidepressants regarding the risk of suicidality in children and adolescents, people who feared adverse consequences of that decision have found support for their view in various seriously flawed studies.
Metallic thin film growth on vicinal Cu substrates

In this study we have investigated the heteroepitaxial growth of nickel and silver on vicinal copper substrates. Nickel was deposited onto a (211) substrate. The low lattice mismatch between copper and nickel of 2.5% enables epitaxial bidimensional growth in the substrate's orientation, where the strain can be accommodated in the overlaying film. On the contrary, copper and silver have a much larger mismatch of about 13% which usually cannot be accommodated in the film. In general, Ag is known to form alloys or to induce faceting on a stepped Cu surfaces. Here, silver was deposited onto a Cu(311) facet covered with a monatomic layer of NaCl. For the first time we show that Ag can be grown as ultrathin film in the substrates's orientation on a stepped surface using NaCl as a novel surfactant material.
Collection and Transmission of Accounting Information Across Cultural Borders: The Case of US MNEs in Jordan

Abstract This paper examines some of the problems facing host country nationals as they work to comply with the US parent company 's costing, accounting, and reporting mandates. The study contributes to our understanding of international accounting in three ways. First, it focuses on intra-firm rather than international coordination and control issues. Second, it provides numerous applied examples from inside business how cross-cultural misunderstandings can adversely affect firm performance. Third, it approaches issues from the perspective of the foreign (in this case Middle Eastern) accountant, controller or manager rather than from the more frequently studied perspective of the US parent. Presumably, a better understanding of the day to day problems facing off-shore foreign managers will help home-office employees work more effectively with their overseas counterparts.
Leadership essentials: facilitation skills for improving group effectiveness

Excellent facilitation skills are a leadership essential for today's IT professional. Increasingly, as organizations have downsized or eliminated layers of management to cut costs, teams are being utilized and given the decision-making responsibility previously reserved for middle management. A competent facilitator can help groups collaborate and effectively meet the challenges of today's work environment. An increase in a facilitator's competence can result in higher levels of group productivity and organizational efficiency. Understanding facilitation, facilitator roles and types, and basic facilitation techniques, methods, and tools will help leaders ensure that the challenges of today's work environment are met with success. Moreover, effectively facilitating team meetings and developing strategies to capitalize on group conflict will help leaders maximize group productivity. Finally, leaders that develop an understanding of the current facilitation body of knowledge will be able to assess and evaluate the facilitation skills and training needs required of themselves and their teams.
VTOL in-ground effect flows for closely spaced jets

Results of a series of in ground effect twin jet tests are presented along with flow models for closely spaced jets to help predict pressure and upwash forces on simulated aircraft surfaces. The isolated twin jet tests revealed unstable fountains over a range of spacings and jet heights, regions of below ambient pressure on the ground, and negative pressure differential in the upwash flow field. A separate computer code was developed for vertically oriented, incompressible jets. This model more accurately reflects fountain behavior without fully formed wall jets, and adequately predicts ground isobars, upwash dynamic pressure decay, and fountain lift force variation with height above ground.
Microfilament bundles in antheridial nuclei of Achlya ambisexualis E 87.

This is the first report of intranuclear microfilaments within gametangial nuclei of oomycetous fungi. Longitudinal sections of four to six microfilaments were frequently observed in meiotic antheridial nuclei of Achlya ambisexualis. Each microfilament measured approximately 7–10 nm in diameter. Spindle tubules (25 nm in diameter) were also observed within some of the nuclei possessing microfilaments.
Response assertiveness in human-computer dialogues

This paper describes an attempt to determine expectations in human-computer dialogue through an experiment in which human subjects predict the responses of another human or a computer to natural language input. The experiment consists of a questionnaire based on discourse patterns that exhibit slight differences in their syntactic structures, and which, as a consequence, represent distinct levels of linguistic meaning. The specific speech acts defined by these levels: directives, assertions, requests, etc., are used as a basis of categorization for a series of multiple choice questions and answers which are designed to measure a subject's relative predispositions toward human and computer speakers. Results of the test are compared to intuitive expectations and then analysed in terms of potential application to a natural language processing system.
High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of pentaerythritol in plasma

Abstract A sensitive analysis of pentaerythritol in plasma has been devised, based on the formation or its tetra- p -methoxybenzoate derivative and high-performance liquid chromatography employing an ultraviolet photometric detector. The method permits analysis of pentaerythritol in the ppm range.
A Practical and Inexpensive Synthesis of the Taxol C-13 Side Chain; N-Benzoyl-(2R,3S)-3-Phenylisoserine

Abstract In an effort towards the development of a facile synthesis of N-benzoyl-(2R,3S)-3-phenylisoserine (3), an important subunit of taxol known as the “taxol C-13 side chain”, which can easily be handled in large scale production as well as meet industrial safety requirements, we present here an efficient and inexpensive synthesis of the taxol side chain via a classical resolution technique. This synthesis represents the most practical preparation of the taxol side chain developed to date.
Agricultural and NAMA reform under Doha: implications for Asia-Pacific economies

The authors are grateful for funding from the UK’s Department for International Development.
Design of fire test furnaces

Information concerning the power or fuel input into fire test furnaces or other furnaces operating under variable state conditions has been developed. The power or fuel consumption of fire test furnaces depends considerably on the thermal properties of the test specimen, as is indicated by data reported here.
DIHYDROXYACETONE PHOSPHATE ACYLTRANSFERASE

In this article the properties, assay, distribution, subcellular localization, deficiency in congenital peroxisomal disorders, purification and physiological functions of dihydroxyacetone phosphate acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.42) are reviewed.
Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage and fetal death: are they predictable?

OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence of massive fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) associated with fetal death and to test the hypothesis that FMH is more likely to occur in those with risk factors for FMH. STUDY DESIGN: All cases of fetal death of infants weighing >500 gm between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 1994 were reviewed for evidence of massive FMH (≥2% fetal cells in the maternal circulation as measured by the Betke-Kleihauer test). Women with risk factors were compared with those without risk factors with respect to the occurrence of massive FMH. RESULTS: The prevalence of massive FMH was 14 of 319 (4.4%) cases, occurring in 4 of 102 (3.9%) of those with risk factors and 10 of 217 (4.6%) of patients without risk factors (p = 0.78). Otherwise unexplained fetal death was associated with massive FMH in 5 of 141 (3.5%). Major fetal anomalies were present in 5 of 14 (35.7%) cases of massive FMH. CONCLUSION: Clinical risk factors do not predict an increased likelihood of massive FMH. Massive FMH is associated with fetal anomalies. Betke-Kleihauer testing should be performed in all cases of fetal death, including those with anomalies regardless of the presence or absence of risk factors for FMH.
Equilibration times, compound selectivity, and stability of diffusion samplers for collection of ground-water VOC concentrations

Abstract Vapor-filled polyethylene diffusion samplers (typically used to locate discharge zones of volatile organic compound contaminated ground water beneath streams and lakes) and water-filled polyethylene diffusion bag samplers (typically used to obtain volatile organic compound concentrations in ground-water at wells) were tested to determine compound selectivity, equilibration times, and sample stability. The aqueous concentrations of several volatile organic compounds obtained from within water-filled diffusion samplers closely matched concentrations in ambient water outside the samplers. An exception was methyl-tert-butyl ether, which was detectable, but not reliably quantifiable using the diffusion samplers. The samplers equilibrated to a variety of volatile organic compounds within 24 h for vapor-filled passive diffusion vial samplers and within 48 h for water-filled passive diffusion bag samplers. Under field conditions, however, a longer equilibration time may be required to account for environmental disturbances caused by sampler deployment. An equilibrium period for both vapor- and water-filled diffusion samplers of approximately 2 weeks probably is adequate for most investigations in sandy formations. Longer times may be required for diffusion-sampler equilibration in poorly permeable sediment. The vapor-filled samplers should be capped and water from the diffusion bag samplers should be transferred to sampling vials immediately upon recovery to avoid volatilization losses of the gasses.